General Science, Bachelor of

Program Information
Credential: 
Bachelor's Degree
Duration: 

2 years at RDC - 2 years at most universities

Delivery: 
Main Campus
Program Cost Estimates: 
Program Cost Estimates

Contact Information

Contact Name: 
Dr. Nancy Brown
Contact Title: 
Associate Dean
Contact Phone: 
403.342.3400 OR 1.888.732.4630
Contact Email: 
inquire@rdc.ab.ca
University Transfer Program

One-Year or Two-Year University Transfer Program:

For the most current university program and transfer information, see the Planning Guides in Academic Advising.

The Program

The Bachelor of Science (BSc) General program gives you a broad education in more than one branch of study. Students either complete two majors or one major and one minor. Majors are chosen from ten science subject areas.

If you enroll in the General program and intend to transfer to a BSc Specialization or Honors program in the Faculty of Science at University of Alberta (U of A), carefully follow the requirements for the latter program when selecting your courses (consult an Academic Advisor). This applies to all students intending to transfer to the Universities of Calgary (U of C) or Lethbridge (U of L) which do not offer a BSc General program.

Transfer Features

This program transfers to BSc General at the U of A and also allows for subsequent transfer to University of Alberta BSc Specialization and Honours programs if admission requirements are met for those programs. It also allows for transfer to University of Calgary BSc Honours and majors programs, majors in the University of Lethbridge BSc program, and majors in Royal Roads University BSc Environment and Sustainability programs.

Note: There are some major/minor combinations which have required courses (usually in the second year) that are not offered at RDC. Students taking these combinations can either take other (transferable) courses during a second year or can transfer after their first year at RDC.

Requirements
Admission Requirements: 

Related Link: Admission requirements for specific programs will often refer to Alberta Grade 12 course groups. Visit the Admissions page for detailed group descriptions.

1. Minimum average of 60% with no mark below 50% in:

  • ELA 30-1
  • Mathematics 30-1
  • Two of Biology 30, Chemistry 30, Mathematics 31, Physics 30
  • Subject from Group A, B, or C

OR

2. Mature Student

You must be 19 years of age or older, out of high school for at least one full year before the program starts, and have a minimum average of 60% with no mark below 50% in:

  • ELA 30-1
  • Mathematics 30-1
  • Two of Biology 30, Chemistry 30, Mathematics 31, Physics 30

Note: Applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate English language proficiency in addition to the program admission requirements.

Graduation Requirements: 

You must pass 20 term university transfer courses or a minimum of 60 credit hours, and achieve a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.00 to receive a Diploma in University Transfer Studies.

Program Content

The following content provides a basic understanding of General Science programs but does not contain specific details regarding specific course requirements. This information is current at the time of publication but may change as the universities change their requirements.  While the below schedule is complimentary to the majority of concentrations included within the University of Alberta’s BSc General program, as well as the University of Lethbridge’s General Science and University of Calgary’s BSc Natural Science programs, it is recommended you contact an academic advisor regarding your chosen major/university.

Suggested Pattern Year 1

  • BIOL 217/BIOL 218 (6 credits)
  • CHEM 211/CHEM 212 (6 credits)
  • MATH 202 or MATH 203 STAT 251 or Option (6 credits)
  • ENGL 219/ENGL 220  (6 credits)
  • Two non-science options (6 credits)

Suggested Pattern Year 2

Please contact the artscienceinfo [at] rdc [dot] ab [dot] ca (Advisors in the School of Arts and Sciences), or refer to the Academic Advising Planning Guides.