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2008-2009 UNDERGRADUATE CALENDAR

<Faculty of Science and Engineering

I. Undergraduate Degree and Certificate Programs


Undergraduate Degree Programs

Honours Bachelor of Applied Science (Honours BASc) program, which requires at least four years of full-time study and at least 120 credits, and involves study in one of four engineering streams: computer engineering, engineering physics, geomatics engineering or space engineering.

Honours Bachelor of Arts (Honours BA) program which requires at least four years of full-time study and at least 120 credits:

  • Specialized Honours with one declared major in digital media.

Honours Bachelor of Science (Honours BSc) programs, which are usually completed in four years of full-time study, require at least 120 credits and may involve varying degrees of concentration in one or two declared subject areas:

  • Specialized Honours with one declared major in applied mathematics, biochemistry, biology, biophysics, chemistry, computational mathematics, computer science, computer security, earth and atmospheric science, environmental science, geography, international dual degree - mathematics and statistics, mathematics, mathematics for education, physics and astronomy, science and technology studies, or statistics;
  • Honours Major with one declared major in applied mathematics, biology, chemistry, computer science, mathematics, mathematics for education or physics and astronomy;
  • Honours Double Major (intra-Faculty) with declared science majors in two of applied mathematics, biology, chemistry, computer science, earth and atmospheric science, geography (in combination with earth and atmospheric science only), mathematics, mathematics for education, physics and astronomy, science and technology studies, statistics; (Note: some combinations may require more than 120 credits.)
  • Honours Double Major (Science/Arts inter-Faculty) with a declared science major in applied mathematics, earth and atmospheric science, mathematics, mathematics for education, physics and astronomy, science and technology studies or statistics; and a declared arts major in one of anthropology, children's studies, classical studies, classics, cognitive science, creative writing, criminology, East Asian studies, economics, English, French studies, German studies, health and society, Hellenic studies, history, humanities, international development studies, Italian studies, Jewish studies, labour studies, law and society, linguistics, philosophy, political science, professional writing, religious studies, Russian, Russian studies, sociology, Spanish, urban studies, women's studies; (Note: choice of majors is subject to timetabling constraints. Some combinations may require more than 120 credits.)
  • Honours Double Major (Science/Atkinson inter-Faculty) with a declared science major in applied mathematics, earth and atmospheric science, mathematics, mathematics for education, physics and astronomy, science and technology studies or statistics; and a declared major in the Atkinson Faculty of Liberal and Professional Studies in one of Canadian studies, culture and expression, English, history, humanities, race, ethnicity, and indigeneity, religious studies, women's studies. Note: In addition, students in applied mathematics, mathematics, mathematics for education or statistics may combine their major with a second major in information technology.
  • Honours Double Major (Science/Health inter-Faculty) with a declared science major in applied mathematics, biology, chemistry, computer science, earth and atmospheric science, mathematics, mathematics for education, physics and astronomy, science and technology studies, or statistics; and a declared Health major in health studies, kinesiology and health science or psychology.
  • Honours Major/Minor (intra-Faculty) with a declared science major in one of applied mathematics, biology (including the biomedical science stream), chemistry, computer science, earth and atmospheric science, geography, mathematics, mathematics for education, physics and astronomy, science and technology studies, statistics; and a declared science minor in one of applied mathematics, biology, chemistry, computer science, earth and atmospheric science, geography, mathematics, mathematics for education, physics and astronomy, science and technology studies, statistics; (Note: major/minor combinations with the major and minor in the same subject area are not permitted.)
  • Honours Major/Minor (Science/Arts inter-Faculty) with a declared science major in one of applied mathematics, biology, chemistry, earth and atmospheric science, mathematics, mathematics for education, physics and astronomy, science and technology studies, statistics; and a declared arts minor in one of African studies, anthropology, children's studies, classical studies, classics, creative writing, East Asian studies, economics, English, European studies, French studies, German studies, health and society, Hellenic studies, history, humanities, international development studies, Italian culture, Italian studies, Jewish studies, labour studies, Latin American and Caribbean studies, linguistics, philosophy, political science, Portuguese studies, religious studies, Russian, Russian studies, sexuality studies, social and political thought, sociology, South Asian studies, Spanish, urban studies, women's studies; (Note: choice of major and minor is subject to timetabling constraints.)
  • Honours Major/Minor (Science/Atkinson inter-Faculty) with a declared science major in one of applied mathematics, biology, chemistry, earth and atmospheric science, mathematics, mathematics for education, physics and astronomy, science and technology studies or statistics; and a declared minor in the Atkinson Faculty of Liberal and Professional Studies in one of Canadian studies, culture and expression, English, history, humanities, race, ethnicity, and indigeneity, religious studies, sexuality studies, women's studies. Note: In addition, students in applied mathematics, mathematics, mathematics for education or statistics may combine their major with a minor in information technology.
  • Honours Major/Minor (Science/Environmental Studies inter-Faculty) with a declared science major in one of applied mathematics, biology, chemistry, earth and atmospheric science, mathematics, mathematics for education, physics and astronomy, science and technology studies, statistics; and a declared minor in environmental studies;
  • Honours Major/Minor (Science/Fine Arts inter-Faculty) with a declared science major in one of applied mathematics, biology, chemistry, computer science, earth and atmospheric science, mathematics, mathematics for education, physics and astronomy, science and technology studies, statistics; and a declared fine arts minor in one of dance, film and video, fine arts cultural studies, music, theatre, visual arts; (Note: choice of major and minor is subject to timetabling constraints.)
  • Honours Major/Minor (Science/Health) with a declared science major in one of applied mathematics, biology, chemistry, computer science, earth and atmospheric science, geography, mathematics, mathematics for education, physics and astronomy, science and technology studies, or statistics and a declared health minor in health informatics, health management, health policy, health studies, kinesiology and health science or psychology.
  • Honours Science with no declared major, for the student who wishes to enrol in a broader range of courses at the 3000 and 4000 levels than can normally be undertaken in Specialized Honours, Honours Double Major or Honours Major/Minor programs.

International Bachelor of Science (iBSc) programs, which require at least four years of full-time study, at least 120 credits, and one or two exchange terms abroad as a full-time student at an institution with which York has a formal exchange agreement:

  • Specialized Honours, with one declared major in biology;
  • Honours Major with one declared major in computer science.

Bachelor of Science (BSc) programs, which are usually completed in three years of full-time study, require at least 90 credits and usually involve limited concentration in only one declared subject area:

  • Bachelor with one declared major in applied mathematics, biology, chemistry, computer science, earth and atmospheric science, geography, international dual degree - mathematics and statistics, mathematics, physics and astronomy, science and technology studies, or statistics;
  • Bachelor with no declared major for the student who wishes to enrol in a broader range of courses at the 3000 and 4000 levels than can normally be undertaken in BSc programs;
  • Students may choose to major in a specific subject when they enter the University, or they may wait until they have completed up to 24 credits. At this point, students must choose a major, but subsequent changes are possible. In selecting courses, students who are undecided should try to take introductory courses in a number of potential major subjects. This will allow them to proceed in their subject of choice without the possibility of a delay. Some departments will not permit undecided majors to enrol in their courses.

Bachelor of Science in Technology (BSc (Tech). Bachelor in applied biotechnology, offered jointly with Seneca College.

Joint Study Programs

Science and Arts

The Faculty of Science and Engineering and the Faculty of Arts jointly offer Honours Double Major and Honours Major/Minor programs where the major is from one Faculty and the second major or the minor from the other Faculty.

A student in the Faculty of Science and Engineering who has completed 24 credits in a BSc Honours program and satisfies the Faculty of Science and Engineering academic standards to proceed in Honours may combine the study of a science major and an arts major or minor in a BSc Honours Double Major or Honours Major/Minor program. Corresponding programs involving an arts major and a science major or minor lead to BA Honours Double Major or Honours Major/Minor degrees in the Faculty of Arts. All Honours programs require a minimum of 120 credits which can normally be completed in four years of full-time study.

For a list of possible subject combinations for the BSc Honours degree programs, see Undergraduate Degree Programs above. For details of the science major and minor requirements in specific subject areas, see the Faculty of Science and Engineering Programs of Study section of this calendar. For details of the arts major and minor requirements in specific subject areas, and for the requirements for BA Honours programs, see the Faculty of Arts Programs of Study section of this calendar.

Science and Atkinson

The Faculty of Science and Engineering and the Atkinson Faculty of Liberal and Professional Studies jointly offer Honours Double Major and Honours Major/Minor programs where the major is from one Faculty and the second major or the minor from the other Faculty.

A student in the Faculty of Science and Engineering who has completed 24 credits in a BSc Honours program and satisfies the Faculty of Science and Engineering academic standards to proceed in Honours may combine the study of a science major and an Atkinson major or minor in a BSc Honours Double Major or Honours Major/Minor program. Corresponding programs involving an Atkinson major and a science major or minor lead to BA Honours Double Major or Honours Major/Minor degrees in the Atkinson Faculty of Liberal and Professional Studies. All Honours programs require a minimum of 120 credits which can normally be completed in four years of full-time study.

For a list of possible subject combinations for the BSc Honours degree programs, see Undergraduate Degree Programs above. For details of the science major and minor requirements in specific subject areas, see the Faculty of Science and Engineering Programs of Study section of this calendar. For details of the Atkinson major and minor requirements in specific subject areas, and for the requirements for BA Honours programs, see the Atkinson Faculty of Liberal and Professional Studies Programs of Study section of this calendar.

Science and Education

A student wishing to obtain the professional certification required to teach in Ontario schools may take both teacher training and an undergraduate academic program concurrently. This does not shorten the time required to gain the qualification but provides a better chance for the student to relate theory and practice and to have more opportunity to gain practical experience than is possible in a one-year program.

A student in the Faculty of Science and Engineering who is presently enrolled in first year (at least 24 credits) or has a minimum of 36 credits remaining in the BSc, BSc Honours, or BA Honours with an overall standing of at least 5.00 (C+) may apply to coregister in the Faculty of Education. A coregistered student normally takes one and a half or two full courses in the Faculty of Education in an academic year concurrent with courses for the BSc, BSc Honours or BA Honours. The specific study program of each student is subject to the approval of both Faculties.

Upon successful completion of the course requirements for the degree in the Faculty of Science and Engineering, and of the required education courses, a coregistered student is awarded a BSc, BSc Honours or BA Honours and a BEd.

Science and Environmental Studies

The Faculty of Science and Engineering and the Faculty of Environmental Studies jointly offer Honours Major/Minor programs where the major is from one Faculty and the minor from the other Faculty.

A student in the Faculty of Science and Engineering who has completed 24 credits in a BSc Honours program and satisfies the Faculty of Science and Engineering academic standards to proceed in Honours may combine the study of a science major and an environmental studies minor in a BSc Honours Major/Minor degree program. A corresponding program including a major in environmental studies and a science minor leads to a BES Honours Major/Minor degree in the Faculty of Environmental Studies. Both programs require a minimum of 120 credits which can normally be completed in four years of full-time study.

For a list of possible science majors for the BSc Honours degree program, see the Undergraduate Degree Programs section above. For details of the science major and minor requirements in specific subject areas, see the Faculty of Science and Engineering Programs of Study section of this calendar. For details of the requirements for a minor in environmental studies within the BSc Honours degree program, and for the requirements for BES Honours programs, see the Faculty of Environmental Studies Degree Requirements section of this calendar.

Science and Fine Arts

The Faculty of Science and Engineering and the Faculty of Fine Arts jointly offer Honours Major/Minor programs where the major is from one Faculty and the minor is from the other Faculty.

A student in the Faculty of Science and Engineering who has completed 24 credits in a BSc Honours program and satisfies the Faculty of Science and Engineering academic standards to proceed in Honours may combine the study of a science major and a fine arts minor in a BSc Honours Major/Minor degree program. A corresponding program including a fine arts major and a science minor leads to a BA or BFA Honours Major/Minor degree in the Faculty of Fine Arts. All Honours programs require a minimum of 120 credits which can normally be completed in four years of full-time study.

For a list of possible subject combinations for the BSc Honours degree program, see the Undergraduate Degree Programs section above. For details of the science major and minor requirements in specific subject areas, see the Faculty of Science and Engineering Programs of Study section of this calendar. For details of the fine arts minor and major requirements in specific subject areas, and for the requirements for Fine Arts BA Honours and BFA Honours degree programs, see the Faculty of Fine Arts Degree Requirements and Programs of Study sections of this calendar.

Science and Health

The Faculty of Science and Engineering and the Faculty of Health jointly offer Honours Double Major and Honours Major/Minor programs where the major is from one Faculty and the second major or the minor from the other Faculty.

A student in the Faculty of Science and Engineering who has completed 24 credits in a BSc Honours program and satisfies the Faculty of Science and Engineering academic standards to proceed in Honours may combine the study of a science major and a health major or minor in a BSc Honours Double Major or Honours Major/Minor program. All Honours programs require a minimum of 120 credits which can normally be completed in four years of full-time study.

For a list of possible subject combinations for the BSc Honours degree program, see the Undergraduate Degree Programs section above. For details of the science major and minor requirements in specific subject areas, see the Faculty of Science and Engineering Programs of Study section of this calendar. For details of the health major and minor requirements in specific subject areas, see the Faculty of Health Degree Requirements and Programs of Study sections of this calendar.

Certificate Programs

York University undergraduate certificate programs are open to all undergraduate students, subject to student eligibility and course availability. The following certificates are offered by departments affiliated with the Faculty of Science and Engineering and can be taken concurrently with a BSc Honours degree program. Several of the certificates can also be taken concurrently with a BSc degree program. Some are open to visiting students. See information below.

Certificate in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Remote Sensing

Registered BSc Honours and BSc candidates, and visiting students, may work towards a Certificate in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Remote Sensing, offered jointly by the Department of Earth and Space Science and Engineering of the Faculty of Science and Engineering, the Department of Geography of the Faculty of Arts, and the Faculty of Environmental Studies. The certificate program includes three streams, one offered through each of the three units above. BSc Honours or BSc candidates majoring in earth and atmospheric science, environmental science or geography can work concurrently towards the certificate and a BSc Honours or BSc degree.

The certificate requirements for BSc and BSc Honours candidates are as follows.

Earth and Atmospheric Science Stream

SC/EATS 1010 3.00; SC/EATS 1011 3.00; SC/GEOG 2420 3.00; SC/EATS 3300 3.00; AS/GEOG 3440 3.00; SC/EATS 4220 3.00; SC/EATS 4400 3.00; three credits (approved by the Department of Earth and Space Science and Engineering) chosen from the following courses: SC/EATS 4230 3.00, ES/ENVS 3011 3.00, SC/GEOG 2130 3.00, AS/GEOG 3140 3.00, SC/GEOG 3421 3.00, AS/GEOG 4240 3.00.

Geography Stream

SC/GEOG 1400 6.00 or AS/GEOG 1410 6.00; SC/GEOG 2420 3.00; SC/GEOG 3180 3.00; AS/GEOG 3440 3.00; SC/GEOG 4340 3.00; AS/GEOG 4440 3.00; three credits (approved by the Department of Geography) chosen from the following courses: SC/EATS 4220 3.00, SC/EATS 4230 3.00, ES/ENVS 3011 3.00, SC/GEOG 2130 3.00, AS/GEOG 3140 3.00, SC/GEOG 3421 3.00, AS/GEOG 4240 3.00.

For the requirements for the environmental studies stream, refer to the environmental studies section of the York Undergraduate Programs Calendar.

To be eligible to receive the certificate, students must achieve a minimum credit-weighted grade point average of 6.00 (B) over the 24 York University credits required for the certificate in one of the three streams. Degree candidates must also achieve and maintain Honours standing in their academic degree program.

For additional information, consult on the three units mentioned above.

Certificate in Meteorology

Registered BSc Honours candidates and visiting students, who are interested in careers in atmospheric science (meteorology) and who satisfy the certificate program admission requirements may work towards a Certificate in Meteorology offered by the Department of Earth and Space Science and Engineering. Normally, a student registered in the atmospheric science stream of the department works concurrently towards a certificate and a BSc Honours degree. However, the program is open to any student who satisfies the program admission requirements. Entrance to the program requires the candidate to have successfully completed at least 54 approved credits (nine approved full courses) in the areas of physical science and mathematics.

The certificate requirements are as follows: SC/EATS 3030 3.00; SC/EATS 3040 3.00; SC/EATS 4050 3.00; SC/EATS 4051 3.00; SC/EATS 4120 3.00; SC/EATS 4140 3.00; 12 credits chosen from the following courses: SC/EATS 3130 3.00, SC/EATS 3280 3.00, SC/EATS 4020 3.00, SC/EATS 4130 3.00, SC/EATS 4150 3.00, SC/EATS 4160 3.00, SC/EATS 4220 3.00, SC/EATS 4230 3.00, SC/EATS 4240 3.00, SC/GEOG 4205 3.00, SC/GEOG 4210 3.00, SC/GEOG 4310 3.00, SC/MATH 4141 3.00, SC/MATH 4142 3.00, SC/PHYS 4120 3.00.

In order to receive the certificate, the student must achieve a minimum credit-weighted grade point average of 4.00 (C) or better over the 30 credits required for the certificate.

For additional information, consult the Department of Earth and Space Science and Engineering.