Science
Faculty of Science

Bachelor of Science degree

The UFV Bachelor of Science (BSc) is a program of academic study for students pursuing educational or career goals in the natural sciences. The program requirements encourage a breadth of intellectual and academic experience, and at the same time, recognize the importance of concentrated study in a specific field or discipline. The BSc may serve as an educational goal in itself, as qualification for those who wish to pursue advanced degrees at other educational institutions, or as a qualification for employment.

The BSc consists of a minimum of 120 credits. To receive a Bachelor of Science degree, students must, at a minimum, complete the requirements for at least one of a science honours, science major, or double science minor, in addition to the general BSc requirements.

Program length

With appropriate planning, the Bachelor of Science requirements can be completed in four years of full-time study. Because upper-level courses are offered on a limited basis, students should seek the help of the science advisor to plan their coursework in advance, in order to complete their degree in a timely manner. The choice of which courses are to be offered each year will be made with reference to the needs of students who have declared their BSc major. Students may also request a letter of permission to take courses from other institutions that have been approved by the head of the appropriate UFV department. Students staying for a longer period may wish to pursue the Co-operative Education option. All graduation requirements must be completed within 10 years of initial entry to the program.

Honours

Honours are offered in:
• Biology
• Physics
• Physical Geography

Majors

Majors are offered in:
• Biology
• Chemistry
• Mathematics
• Physical Geography
• Physics 

Minors

Minors are offered in:
• Biology
• Chemistry
• Computing Science
• Mathematics
• Mathematics (Statistics option)
• Physical Geography
• Physics

Double minor

A double minor degree is available. Students choose two minors from:
• Biology
• Chemistry
• Computing Science
• Mathematics or Mathematics (Statistics option)
• Physical Geography
• Physics

The double minor BSc degree is designed to accommodate the following combinations:
• Biology/Chemistry
• Chemistry/Physics
• Chemistry/Computing Science
• Mathematics/Computing Science
• Physics/Computing Science
• Physics/Mathematics or Mathematics (Statistics option)

Combinations in biology, chemistry, computing science, physical geography, physics, and math other than those listed above are permitted. However, when course requirements and prerequisites for such combinations are considered, students may find that it will take longer to complete the degree.

Declaration of honours, major, double minor, or a major and a minor

Bachelor of Science students are required to formally declare a major/minor by the time they have completed 60 credits or they may be removed from the program. Students who are undecided should consult with the science advisor regarding their options.

Science major or Science double minor with an Arts major, Arts extended minor, Arts minor, Business minor, CIS minor, or Kinesiology minor

A student completing the requirements for a major in biology, chemistry, mathematics, physical geography, or physics, or a double minor in biology, chemistry, mathematics, physical geography, physics, or computing science may combine the science major or science double minor with any arts major, arts extended minor or minor, computer information systems minor, kinesiology minor, or any business minor. The combination(s) of mathematics major with an arts minor, mathematics major or minor, or minor in mathematics/statistics are excluded. When a major, extended minor, or minor outside the science faculty is completed, the transcript will specify both the science major and the applicable arts major, arts extended minor or minor, business minor, computer information systems minor, or kinesiology minor.

Science minor with a non-science minor

A non-science minor (including the kinesiology and computer information systems minors) cannot be used as one of the two science minors to complete a double minor BSc.

Note: Students who wish to combine a double minor with a non-science minor or major may need to complete more than 120 credits in order to complete the degree.

Co-operative Education option

The Co-operative Education option provides science students with the opportunity to acquire paid, career-related work experience in conjunction with their studies in the Bachelor of Science and Associate of Science degree programs.

Bachelor of Science degree students should successfully complete the equivalent of 25 second-year credits from courses listed in the Associate of Science degree or the Bachelor of Science degree in order to receive a Co-operative Education designation. To be competitive in Co-op placements, you should select a program of science studies that will prepare you to compete successfully in the current science employment market. Key skills and knowledge include:

• clear and precise oral, written, and computer communication skills, using the English language.
• an understanding of current management practices.
• problem-solving skills, including the ability to analyze and evaluate a problem, and present a final argument.
• an awareness of the social impact of technology.

See the Co-operative Education section for more details.

Entrance requirements

Option 1: High school (for students with high school graduation only)
(For students entering in September 2010 or January 2011)

1. B.C. secondary school graduation or equivalent.

2. Compliance with the UFV English Language Proficiency policy. For details on how this requirement may be met, see English language policy 340.29.

3. Completion of the prerequisite for MATH 111 (Principles of Math 12, with a grade of B or better or equivalent). See MATH 111 course listing for other prerequisite options.

4. Two Grade 12 science courses with a minimum grade of C+. Grade 12 sciences are: Biology 12, Chemistry 12, Geography 12, and Physics 12.

Attendance at a Bachelor of Science information session or personal interview with the science advisor is recommended, but not mandatory.

Option 1: High school (for students with high school graduation only)
(For students entering in September 2011)

1. BC secondary school graduation or equivalent.

2. Compliance with the UFV English Language Proficiency policy. For details on how this requirement may be met, see English language policy 340.29.

3. Principles of Math 12 with a minimum grade of B, or equivalent.

4. One course, chosen from the following, with a minimum grade of C+: Biology 12, Chemistry 12, Geography 12, or Physics 12.

Attendance at a Bachelor of Science information session or personal interview with the science advisor is recommended, but not mandatory.

Option 2: University entrance (for students who have attended some post-secondary school)

1. Completion of nine university-level credits, or completion of BC secondary school graduation or equivalent.

2. Compliance with the UFV English Language Proficiency policy. For details on how this requirement may be met, see English language policy 340.29.

3. A minimum GPA of 2.0 in all university courses attempted.

4. One of: (Principles of Math 12 or MATH 094/095, with a minimum grade of B average) or (MATH 110 with a minimum grade of C+) or (MATH 111 with a minimum grade of C).

5. One course, chosen from the following disciplines, with a minimum grade of C+:
• Biology: Biology 12, BIO 093, or BIO 111
• Chemistry: Chemistry 12, CHEM 093, CHEM 110, or CHEM 113
• Geography: Geography 12
• Physics: Physics 12, PHYS 093, PHYS 100, PHYS 101, PHYS 105, or PHYS 111

Attendance at a Bachelor of Science information session or personal interview with the science advisor is recommended, but not mandatory.

Students who do not meet these requirements might consider the Science Studies program path.

Transfer from other institutions

Students who have completed university-level courses at other post-secondary institutions can apply for the BSc at UFV. A maximum of 90 credits may be transferred to UFV for the degree. However, not all courses may be applicable to specific science programs. Please check with the UFV science advisor or a UFV educational advisor. Applicants with significantly more than 90 credits might consider completing their studies at their original institution. (See ‘Visiting Students’ section on this page.)

Most of the lower-level courses (100- and 200-level) offered as part of the BSc program are transferable to all B.C. universities and university colleges. Students enrolling in UFV upper-level courses with the intention of completing a degree at another institution should consult that institution for information regarding transferability of these courses.

When to apply

Applications are accepted for entrance to the Fall and Winter semesters. For application deadlines, see Specific intake application process.

How to apply

1. Submit the application fee along with your UFV application for admission form to the Admissions and Records (A&R) office. Application forms are available from any A&R or Student Services office. You can also print an application form from our website at www.ufv.ca/ar, or you can apply directly through the internet at www.pas.bc.ca.

Additional documents required for a complete application:
• For high school students, a final official transcript (if you have graduated). For students currently in Grade 12, interim grades are required by March 30, with final grades due August 3.
• For university students, official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions you have attended (other than UFV) showing grade/course achievement as per entrance requirements. To be considered official, transcripts must be sent directly to UFV from the originating institution; see the Transfer Credit section for details.

2. Proof of completion of prerequisites is required for registration. It is essential that you submit an official high school transcript at least two weeks before you register.

You will be advised of an admission decision and, if accepted, will be provided with registration information. A deposit is required when you register (see the Fees and Other Costs section). This money will be applied toward your tuition fees. Final payment of all course fees is due the end of the second week of classes.

Basis for admission decision

2. Applicants who qualify will be offered seats in order (from highest to lowest) of one of the following:
• For high school entrance, an admission GPA calculated based on the best two grades in Grade 12 sciences (best single grade for September 2011), and Mathematics 12 or equivalent.
• For university entrance, a cumulative GPA based on all university credits attempted.

3. Application date and time will be used to break ties when students have the same GPA

4. Students who do not meet the minimum standard will be admitted to the Science Studies program path.

Fees and additional costs

See the Fees and Other Costs section. Books and additional supplies cost $80 to $100 per course.

Location

First-year courses can be completed at either the Abbotsford or Chilliwack campus. Currently, all courses beyond first year are only offered at the Abbotsford campus.

Program regulations

Students admitted to the BSc degree should seek advice from the science advisor. Bachelor of Science students are required to declare a major/minor by the completion of 60 credits or they may be removed from the program. Students who are undecided should consult with the science advisor or an educational advisor regarding their options.

Course audit

Students may register as audit students or change to audit status only during the first three weeks of the semester. Instructor’s permission is required. In order for an audit to be entered on a student’s transcript the student must have attended at least 80% of the course otherwise an NC (fail) grade will be assigned. Audited courses are not acceptable for meeting requirements for the BSc degree.

Course challenge

Course challenge is a method by which a student may obtain credit for course material learned elsewhere (i.e., outside UFV). A maximum of 90 university-level credits may be obtained by the combined mechanism of course challenge and transfer credit. For further information, see the regulations for course challenge.

Course withdrawal

Refer to this section for details.

Courses at other institutions

UFV BSc students who wish to take academic work at other institutions for credit toward the UFV BSc degree must obtain permission in advance from the UFV science advisor. A request for Letter of Permission form may be obtained from the UFV Admissions and Records office. When approval has been granted, the Admissions and Records office will issue a Letter of Permission to the student. (Also see ‘Visiting Students’ section on this page.)

A maximum of 90 transfer and/or course challenge credits may be applied to the BSc. All requirements for the BSc must be met.

Standing required for continuance

All students at UFV are expected to maintain acceptable standards of scholarship. Specifically, they are expected to maintain a minimum 2.0 cumulative grade point average (CGPA). In addition, a CGPA of 2.0 must be maintained in the upper-level minors or majors when they are considered separately.

Academic warning (probation)

A student who has a GPA lower than 2.0 will be placed on academic warning for the next semester. A student on academic warning may not register in a course overload. Students who do not achieve a semester GPA of at least 2.0 while they are on academic warning will be required to withdraw from the program.

A student on academic warning who achieves a single semester GPA of at least 2.0 will continue on academic warning until the minimum CGPA of 2.0 is achieved on a continuing basis.

Course repetition

Students may not register for a course more than twice. No more than five course duplications will be permitted on courses which apply to the BSc. Students with more than five course duplications will be required to withdraw from the program. Where a course has been repeated, only the higher grade is counted in the GPA calculation.

Required to withdraw

Students who have been required to withdraw from the BSc program may have the opportunity to continue as Science Studies students, but may not register for any upper-level courses which are BSc requirements.

Appeals for readmission

A student who is required to withdraw from the program must submit an appeal for readmission if he/she wishes to resume studies in the program.

In general, students who have been required to withdraw will be advised to complete a further nine credits of academic work or to repeat a similar amount of academic work taken previously in order to demonstrate their academic abilities. Appeals must be received at least three months before the start of the semester applied for. Re-admission is not automatic.

Standing on readmission

If readmitted, students will be placed on Academic Warning again, subject to the conditions for academic warning as described above.

Graduation

It is the student’s responsibility to ensure that all program requirements are met. This should be done by regular consultation with the UFV science advisor.

All degree candidates must be approved by the UFV Science Curriculum and Advisory committee. Request to Graduate forms are available from Admissions and Records. Students must submit a Request for Graduation form to the Admissions and Records office on or before April 1 with program requirements met by April 30.

General BSc requirements

To be eligible for the BSc a student must satisfy the following general requirements:

1. 120 applicable university-level credits, with a minimum GPA of 2.0. At least 30 of these university-level credits must be completed at UFV.

2. 44 university upper-level credits (credits obtained from courses numbered 300 and above) with a GPA of 2.0. In addition, a GPA of 2.0 is required in the upper-level credits in each major or minor subject. At least 50% of the upper-level credits in each major or minor subject must be completed at UFV.

3. MATH 111 and 112

4. At least one of the following pairs:
    • BIO 111 and 112
    • CHEM 113 and 114
    • PHYS 111 and 112 

5. At least one computing science course selected from the following:
    • COMP 125
    • COMP 150
    • COMP 152
    • COMP 155
    • or any COMP 200-level course or higher with a programming emphasis

6. Two courses selected from the following:
    • any ENGL courses numbered 105 or above
    • CMNS 155
    • any CMNS course numbered 235 or above

7. Discipline requirements for at least one of a science honours, science major, or double science minor. See above for available honours, majors, and minors.

Note: Students who wish to complete a major and a minor may need to complete more than 120 credits to complete their degree.