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Science – Regulations Governing Undergraduate Degree Requirements

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The Credit System

The Faculty of Science operates under a credit system in which a prescribed number of credits, intended to reflect total workload, is associated with each course offered by the University. One lecture hour per week per term is defined as one academic credit as is one laboratory session per week per term. Excepting some courses offered by the Faculty of Education, the number of credits in each course is indicated by the number which follows the four-digit course number.

Year of Study Equivalents

When it is necessary to equate credits earned with year level, the following guidelines are used:

  • fewer than 24 credits earned - study level one;
  • more than or equal to 24 and fewer than 54 credits earned - study level two;
  • more than or equal to 54 and fewer than 84 credits earned - study level three;
  • more than or equal to 84 credits earned - study level four (with the exception that bachelor programs never go beyond study level three, regardless of the number of credits earned).

Residence Requirement

In order to qualify for a York University degree in any bachelor or Honours program, a student must have successfully completed a minimum of 30 credits at York University and at least half (50 per cent) of the requirements in each major/minor.

Time Limit

There is no time limit for completion of degree requirements in the Faculty of Science. Students taking a normal full-time load of approximately 30 credits per fall/winter session can expect to complete a bachelor degree in three fall/winter sessions or an Honours degree in four fall/winter sessions. A limited number of courses are also available during the summer session; a maximum of 15 credits can be taken in that session.

Although there is no minimum number of credits in which a student must enrol in any session, students who do not enrol in any courses in a fall/winter session must formally apply to have their files reactivated before resuming their studies in a subsequent session (refer to Reactivation in the Faculty of Science Advising, Enrolment, Registration, Graduation and Other Administrative Procedures section).

Since the curriculum is constantly evolving through the introduction of new course requirements and/or prerequisites, students are strongly advised to complete their degree requirements in a reasonable time period.

Course Credit Exclusions

The University offers some courses in which at least part of the content is similar to that presented in other courses. To ensure that credit is not granted more than once for similar content, the Faculty of Science designates such courses as course credit exclusions. The exclusion(s) for a particular course are listed in the course description.

If a student in the Faculty of Science enrols in and successfully completes two courses which are designated as exclusions of each other, credit is given for only one. Both courses appear on the student's official York University transcript.

A course (or combination of courses) designated as an exclusion for another course may be substituted for the latter (for the purposes of satisfying prerequisite and/or degree requirements) only with Faculty/department/division/program approval. Information regarding approved substitute courses may be found in the program of study requirements in the Faculty of Science Programs of Study section, in the prerequisite requirements listed for courses in this publication or in the departmental supplementary calendars.

Non-Science Requirement

The non-science requirement provides a broad perspective on current scholarship and the diversity of human experience. These courses are also expected to enhance students' critical skills in reading, writing and thinking, and contribute to their preparation for post-university life.

Requirements for BSc, Honours BSc, BSc (Tech), iBSc Candidates

All degree candidates in the above programs must complete a minimum of 12 credits from two different areas of study, including at least three credits from each area, subject to the restrictions noted below.

For the purposes of this regulation “different area” means offered by different academic units such as divisions, departments or Faculties.

Non-science course areas

Subject to the restrictions listed below, courses in the following areas may be taken in the Faculties of Glendon or Liberal Arts and Professional Studies:

  • anthropology
  • classical studies*
  • english
  • french studies*
  • geography**
  • history
  • humanities (courses not cross-listed with STS)
  • languages, literature and linguistics*
  • modes of reasoning
  • philosophy
  • political science
  • social science (courses not cross-listed with STS)
  • sociology
  • women’s studies***

The following economics courses offered by the Faculty of Liberal Arts and Professional Studies may be taken to satisfy this requirement:

The following courses offered by the Faculty of Environmental Studies may be taken to satisfy this requirement:

The following courses offered by the Faculty of Fine Arts may be taken to satisfy this requirement:

Restrictions (for BASc, BSc, Honours BSc, BSc (Tech), iBSc Candidates)

  1. Courses which are cross-listed as SC courses or which are eligible for SC credit cannot count towards this requirement.
  2. Courses whose major focus is increased facility in the use of a language cannot count towards this requirement. Such courses are offered in the areas marked with an * above.
  3. Quantitative courses focusing on techniques of mathematics or statistics cannot count towards this requirement.
  4. **Geography courses cannot be used to satisfy the requirement for students majoring in geography.
  5. ***Excluding women’s studies courses which are cross-listed with natural science courses.
  6. Humanities and social science courses cross-listed with science and technology studies (STS) courses cannot count towards this requirement.

Notes:

  1. Courses taken in fulfilment of this requirement may not be taken on a pass/fail basis (refer to Pass/Fail Grading Option in the Faculty of Science Regulations Governing Examinations and Academic Standards section).
  2. Students may not take for credit any more than three humanities/social science foundations courses (27 credits).
  3. Non-science courses are normally taken at the 1000 or 2000 level, but higher-level courses are acceptable, subject only to prerequisites and course access specifications for enrolment.
  4. Permission may be granted by the Office of Science Academic Services, on an individual basis, for a student to take a course outside the areas and Faculties listed above in fulfilment of the requirement subject to the course fulfilling the Faculty of Science breadth and critical skills requirements, the student having the appropriate prerequisites and the course access specifications permitting enrolment. A student who is in doubt regarding whether or not any specific course will fulfill the requirement should consult the Office of Science Academic Services.

General Regulations

Bachelor of Arts (BA)

In order to graduate with a bachelor of arts:

a) All students are required to observe the regulations of the University. Unless otherwise stated, any changes in regulations become effective as announced. This policy is not meant to disadvantage students as they proceed through their studies, including those who have completed a number of courses. It is intended to ensure that their preparation for courses is appropriate and current. Students should consult closely with departments and the Faculty through the advising process.

b) It is the student's responsibility to enrol in only those courses for which the student has successfully completed all designated prerequisites and to take concurrently all specified corequisites not already completed successfully. See also prerequisites/corequisites under Advising in the Faculty of Science Advising, Enrolment, Registration, Graduation and Other Administrative Procedures section.

c) Satisfy the general education requirement:

  • a total of 24 credits from the following areas: humanities, modes of reasoning, natural science, social science. Of these 24 credits, students must complete the following:
  • minimum requirements: at least six credits from humanities, natural science and social science (with no more than nine credits in each counting towards this requirement ).

Note: students may complete a maximum of three nine-credit foundations courses for degree credit. Students who need to complete more than three foundations courses in order to fulfill program (major or minor) course requirements may do so with permission of the relevant program coordinator or undergraduate director.

d) Present a total of at least 90 passed credits of which:

  • a minimum of 30 must be earned in one major subject area,
  • a minimum of 12 credits in the major must be at the 3000 or higher level,
  • a minimum of 18 are elective credits,
  • a minimum of 18 credits overall must be at the 3000 or higher level.

e) Satisfy the Senate academic standards for bachelor programs - refer to Academic Standards for Bachelor and Honours Programs in the Faculty of Science Regulations Governing Examinations and Academic Standards section.

f) Satisfy the program of study requirements specified in the Faculty of Science Programs of Study section for the bachelor program declared.

Bachelor of Science (BSc)

In order to graduate with a bachelor of science, a student must complete the following:

a) All students are required to observe the regulations of the University. Unless otherwise stated, any changes in regulations become effective as announced. This policy is not meant to disadvantage students as they proceed through their studies, including those who have completed a number of courses. It is intended to ensure that their preparation for courses is appropriate and current. Students should consult closely with departments and the Faculty through the advising process.

b) It is the student's responsibility to enrol in only those courses for which the student has successfully completed all designated prerequisites and to take concurrently all specified corequisites not already completed successfully. See also prerequisites/corequisites under Advising in the Faculty of Science Advising, Enrolment, Registration, Graduation and Other Administrative Procedures section.

c) Satisfy the general education requirement, 27 credits in total, as follows:

Note:  If the major is one of biology, chemistry or physics, then another six credits is required from courses with laboratories.

d) Satisfy science breadth: 24 credits, including at least 3 credits at the 2000 level or higher, in science disciplines outside the major. Current science disciplines are: biology, biochemistry, biophysics, chemistry, computer science, earth and atmospheric science, geography, kinesiology and health science, mathematics and statistics, physics and astronomy, psychology, science and technology studies. Note: the following will not count towards this requirement: SC/BIOL 1500 3.00, SC/CHEM 1500 4.00, SC/PHYS 1510 4.00. These 24 credits may include science credits in the general education requirement that are not in the major, and science credits required by the major that are not in the major discipline.

e) Present a total of at least 90 passed credits of which:

  • a minimum of 30 must be earned in one major science subject area, including a minimum of 12 major credits at the 3000 or higher level;
  • a minimum of 18 must be earned in courses at the 3000 level or higher.

f) Satisfy the Senate academic standards for bachelor programs - refer to Academic Standards for Bachelor and Honours Programs in the Faculty of Science Regulations Governing Examinations and Academic Standards section.

g) Satisfy the program of study requirements specified in the Faculty of Science Programs of Study section for the bachelor program declared.

Bachelor of Arts Honours (Honours BA)

In order to graduate with the bachelor of arts Honours, a student must complete the following:

a) All students are required to observe the regulations of the University. Unless otherwise stated, any changes in regulations become effective as announced. This policy is not meant to disadvantage students as they proceed through their studies, including those who have completed a number of courses. It is intended to ensure that their preparation for courses is appropriate and current. Students should consult closely with departments and the Faculty through the advising process.

b) It is the student's responsibility to enrol in only those courses for which the student has successfully completed all designated prerequisites and to take concurrently all specified corequisites not already completed successfully. See also prerequisites/corequisites under Advising in the Faculty of Science Advising, Enrolment, Registration, Graduation and Other Administrative Procedures section.

c) Satisfy the general education requirement:

  • a total of 24 credits from the following areas: humanities, modes of reasoning, natural science, social science. Of these 24 credits, students must complete the following minimum requirements:
  • at least six credits from humanities, natural science and social science (with no more than nine credits in each counting towards this requirement).

Note: students may complete a maximum of three nine-credit foundations courses for degree credit. Students who need to complete more than three foundations courses in order to fulfill program (major or minor) course requirements may do so with permission of the relevant program coordinator or undergraduate director.

d) Present a total of at least 120 passed credits of which:

  • a minimum of 54 credits must be earned in the major subject area (Specialized Honours programs); a minimum of 42 credits in (each of) the major subject area(s) (Honours Major, Honours Double Major and Honours Major/Minor programs), of which a minimum of 12 credits are the 4000 level; a minimum of 30 credits must be earned in a minor subject area, at least six credits of which must normally be at the 4000 level,
  • a minimum of 36 credits must be at the 3000 or 4000 level, at least 18 credits of which must be at the 4000 level,
  • students in the Specialized Honours BA or Honours BA must complete 18 elective credits;

e) Satisfy the Faculty and Senate academic standards for Honours programs - refer to Academic Standards for Bachelor and Honours Programs in the Faculty of Science Regulations Governing Examinations and Academic Standards section;

f) Satisfy the program of study requirements specified in the Faculty of Science Programs of Study section for the declared Honours program and major and minor subject area(s).

Bachelor of Science Honours (Honours BSc)

In order to graduate with the bachelor of science Honours, a student must complete the following:

a) All students are required to observe the regulations of the University. Unless otherwise stated, any changes in regulations become effective as announced. This policy is not meant to disadvantage students as they proceed through their studies, including those who have completed a number of courses. It is intended to ensure that their preparation for courses is appropriate and current. Students should consult closely with departments and the Faculty through the advising process.

b) It is the student's responsibility to enrol in only those courses for which the student has successfully completed all designated prerequisites and to take concurrently all specified corequisites not already completed successfully. See also prerequisites/corequisites under Advising in the Faculty of Science Advising, Enrolment, Registration, Graduation and Other Administrative Procedures section.

c) Satisfy the general education requirement,  27 credits in total, as follows:

  • 12 credits in non-science disciplines (see Non-Science Requirement section of this calendar);
  • six credits in mathematics at the 1000 level (excluding SC/MATH 1510 6.00, SC/MATH 1515 3.00, SC/MATH 1520 3.00);
  • three credits in computer science at the 1000 level;
  • Foundational science requirement, six credits from courses with laboratories at the 1000 level in any of the following areas: biology, chemistry and physics (excluding SC/BIOL 1500 3.00, SC/CHEM 1500 4.00, SC/PHYS 1510 4.00). Note:  If the major is one of biology, chemistry or physics, then another six credits is required from courses with laboratories.

d) Satisfy Science breadth: 24 credits, including at least 3 credits at the 2000 level or higher, in science disciplines outside the major. Current science disciplines are: biology, biochemistry, biophysics, chemistry, computer science, earth and atmospheric science, geography, kinesiology and health science, mathematics and statistics, physics and astronomy, psychology, science and technology studies.

Note: the following will not count towards this requirement: SC/BIOL 1500 3.00, SC/CHEM 1500 4.00, SC/PHYS 1510 4.00. These 24 credits may include science credits in the general education requirement that are not in the major, and science credits required by the major that are not in the major discipline.

e) Present a total of at least 120 passed credits of which:

  • a minimum of 54 must be earned in the major science subject area (Specialized Honours BSc programs); a minimum of 42 in (each of) the major subject area(s) (Honours Major BSc, Honours Double Major BSc and Honours Major/Minor BSc programs); programs); of the total major credits, a minimum of 18 credits must be at the 3000 or higher level, including at least 12 credits at the 4000 level;  a minimum of 30 in the minor subject area (Honours Major/Minor BSc ) normally including at least six credits at the 4000 level;
  • a minimum of 42 must be earned in courses at the 3000 or higher level. This includes the 18 credits in the major as listed above.

f) Satisfy the Faculty and Senate academic standards for Honours programs - refer to Academic Standards for Bachelor and Honours Programs in the Faculty of Science Regulations Governing Examinations and Academic Standards section.

g) Satisfy the program of study requirements specified in the Faculty of Science Programs of Study section for the declared Honours program and major and minor subject area(s).

International Bachelor of Science Honours (Honours iBSc)

In order to graduate with the international bachelor of science Honours, a student must complete the following:

a) All students are required to observe the regulations of the University. Unless otherwise stated, any changes in regulations become effective as announced. This policy is not meant to disadvantage students as they proceed through their studies, including those who have completed a number of courses. It is intended to ensure that their preparation for courses is appropriate and current. Students should consult closely with departments and the Faculty through the advising process.

b) It is the student's responsibility to enrol in only those courses for which the student has successfully completed all designated prerequisites and to take concurrently all specified corequisites not already completed successfully. See also prerequisites/corequisites under Advising in the Faculty of Science Advising, Enrolment, Registration, Graduation and Other Administrative Procedures section.

c) Satisfy the general education requirement, 27 credits in total, as follows:

  • 12 credits in non-science disciplines (see Non-Science Requirement section of this calendar);
  • six credits in mathematics at the 1000 level (excluding SC/MATH 1510 6.00, SC/MATH 1515 3.00, SC/MATH 1520 3.00);
  • three credits in computer science at the 1000 level;
  • foundational science requirement, six credits from courses with laboratories at the 1000 level in any of the following areas: biology, chemistry and physics (excluding SC/BIOL 1500 3.00, SC/CHEM 1500 4.00, SC/PHYS 1510 4.00).
    Note: if the major is one of biology, chemistry or physics, then another six credits is required from courses with laboratories.

d) Satisfy science breadth: 24 credits, including at least 3 credits at the 2000 level or higher, in science disciplines outside the major. Current science disciplines are: biology, biochemistry, biophysics, chemistry, computer science, earth and atmospheric science, geography, kinesiology and health science, mathematics and statistics, physics and astronomy, psychology, science and technology studies. Note: the following will not count towards this requirement: SC/BIOL 1500 3.00, SC/CHEM 1500 4.00, SC/PHYS 1510 4.00. These 24 credits may include science credits in the general education requirement that are not in the major, and science credits required by the major that are not in the major discipline.

e) Present a total of at least 120 passed credits of which:

  • a minimum of 54 must be earned in the major science subject area (Specialized Honours iBSc program); a minimum of 42 in the major subject area (Honours Major iBSc program), of which a minimum of 18 major credits must be at the 3000 or higher level, including at least 12 credits at the 4000 level;
  • a minimum of 42 must be earned in courses at the 3000 or higher level;
  • 30 required credits outside the science major, consisting of:
    • a minimum of 12 credits of language study in one of the languages offered at York University,
    • a minimum of 12 credits of non-science international content courses (refer to the program requirements in the Faculty of Science Programs of Study section). These courses may be used toward the non-Science credits required as part of the general education,
    • an additional six credits of language study or non-science international component courses for a total of 30 credits.

f) Satisfy the Faculty and Senate academic standards for Honours programs - refer to Academic Standards for Bachelor and Honours Programs in the Faculty of Science Regulations Governing Examinations and Academic Standards section.

g) Satisfy the program of study requirements specified in the Faculty of Science Programs of Study section.

h) Have one or two exchange terms abroad as a full-time student at an institution with which York has a formal exchange agreement.