University Sciences Diploma

Credential

Diploma

Duration

2 Years

Location

-Main Campus

The Program

The University Sciences Diploma at Red Deer Polytechnic is a two-year diploma program emphasizing contemporary concepts and practical scientific skills applicable to both field and laboratory settings. With an initial specialization in Biological Sciences, students registered in this program will explore topics ranging from the level of molecules and cells to that of organisms, communities, and populations. The University Science Diploma will prepare graduates for transition into the final two years of a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biological Sciences, for admission to professional schools requiring a minimum of two years of undergraduate studies, and for entry into the workforce in biology-related fields.

Program Outcomes

1. Demonstrate competency in analytical methods.

2. Identify one's own strengths and weaknesses in relation to areas of study and future growth.

3. Develop basic scientific research projects using appropriate research methods and ethics.

4. Communicate scientific knowledge clearly and succinctly through oral, visual, and written formats to diverse audiences.

5. Demonstrate collaborative, independent, and inclusive attitudes and practices integrating multidisciplinary perspectives and approaches.

6. Demonstrate professional conduct in all aspects of individual and team-based work.

7. Describe creative solutions to problems that impact society by drawing from scientific theories.

8. Explain natural principles and phenomena using knowledge from the biological sciences, physical sciences, mathematics, humanities, and social sciences.

9. Recognize the place of Indigenous knowledge and perspectives in scientific study.

Program Content

Year One

Course Number	Title	Academic Credits
BIOL 217	Introduction to Cell Biology	3
BIOL 218	Evolution and Biological Diversity	3
CHEM 211	General Chemistry I	3
CHEM 212	General Chemistry II	3
ENGL 219	Essay Composition and Critical Reading	3
MATH 202	Introduction Calculus I	3
PHYS 205	Introductory Physics I	3
STAT 251	Introductory Statistics	3
XXX	Humanities Elective	3
XXX	Social Science Elective	3

Year 2

Course Number	Title	Academic Credits
BIOC 393	Fundamentals of Biochemistry	3
CHEM 351	Organic Chemistry I	3
SCIE 301	Contemporary Issues in Science	3
XXX	Indigenous Studies Elective	3
XXX	Wellness Elective	3
Five (5) of:
BIOL 317	Molecular Genetics and Heredity	3
BIOL 318	Principles of Ecology	3
BIOL 301	Molecular Cell Biology	3
BIOL 352	Animal Physiology	3
BIOL 360	Principles of Microbiology	3
BIOL 351	Anatomy of Vertebrates	3
BIOL 370	Molecular Genetics	3

Transfer Features

The current ACAT articulation agreements will remain in place, providing our students the option to transfer out from RDP after one year of studies or after completion of the diploma program.

Program Cost Estimates

Admission Requirements

The proposed program of study will use the same courses as the first two years of the Bachelor of Science degree in Biological Sciences. As such, the admission requirements for the two programs are identical. Students applying to the program must have a minimum average of 60% with no mark below 50% in Biology 30, Chemistry 30, ELA 30-1, and Mathematics 30-1.

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

Other Requirements

For international students requiring academic upgrading or missing equivalencies to the required courses, an alternative pathway will allow them to take necessary courses to satisfy the admission requirements while still completing the program within two years.

Graduation Requirements

General requirements:

60 course credits
minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 with a grade of at least "D" in each course
students must meet RDP residency requirements

Specific credit requirements:

45 course credits in Science:

7 junior level courses (BIOL 217, BIOL 218, CHEM 211, CHEM 212, MATH 202, PHYS 205, STAT 251)
3 senior level courses (BIOC 393, CHEM 351, SCIE 301)
5 senior level BIOL courses

3 course credits in a Wellness Studies elective

3 course credits in an Indigenous Studies elective

9 course credits in Arts and Humanities:

ENGL 219
Humanities elective
Social Science elective

Note: Humanities electives can be selected from university-level courses in the following: Classics, English, History, Philosophy, specific Fine Arts (Acting, Creative Art, Drama, Music or Visual Art) or General Humanities.

Related Careers

The proposed diploma program will prepare graduates for several distinct paths. Following the completion of their diploma, students will be able to complete their studies in an undergraduate Bachelor of Science program, pursue admission into a professional program, or enter directly into the workforce. The biological sciences are integral to a variety of disciplines and lead to diverse career paths. As such, graduates with a University Science diploma program may pursue entry-level employment in numerous sectors: health, energy, agriculture, forestry, industry, and education.

The proposed diploma program may appeal to learners seeking an additional post-secondary credential. For example, secondary school teachers may be interested in this diploma to increase the courses they are able to instruct while employees in a variety of sectors may see a benefit to increasing their scientific knowledge.

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