Bachelor of Science, General
Athabasca University's Faculty of Science and Technology (FST) Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree allows students to take the general program or select a major in Human Science, Computing and Information Systems, or Applied Mathematics. A selection of minors is also offered for students to enhance their knowledge on a specific area of study. Given the importance of science and technology, this degree will prepare student to excel in the science-based world of today and meet the increasing technological demands of the future.
Graduate of the BSc program will have gained the technical, analytical, and critical thinking skills to be able to further their education. The four-year BSc is transferable towards medicine, dentistry, and veterinary programs at other Canadian and international institutions. Student intending to go onto graduate studies should contact the institution they would like to attend to ensure all entrance requirements are met.
Planning your program
Online program plans assist students in selecting the courses needed to fulfill their program requirements.
AU has also developed program learning outcomes that describe the career options that may be available to you upon graduating.
Majors and minors
Students have the choice to enrol in a BSc General (without a specific area of focus), to select a major, or to select a major and a minor, at the time of enrolment in the BSc program. It is highly recommended that students consult an AU program advisor before changing majors or minors. BSc majors and minors are available in:
Program requirements
Students complete the program regulations in effect at the time of their enrolment.
Program structure
| Total credits in the program | 120 |
| Residency requirement. A minimum of 30 credits must be obtained through Athabasca University | 30 |
| Graduation with Distinction or Great Distinction. At least 24 credits must be obtained through Athabasca University in order to be considered. | 24 |
Minimum credits required
| Senior (300 or 400) level | 72 | |
| Science credits | 72 | |
| In the major (if selected) | 45 | |
| In the major through Athabasca University | 15 | |
| In the minor (if selected) | 24 | |
| In the minor through Athabasca University | 9 | |
| Senior Science credits (300 and 400 level) | 45 | |
| Senior Science credits at 400 level | 15 | |
| Social Science credits | 6 | |
Maximum credits allowed
| In any one Science discipline | 75 |
| Senior project credits (495/496) | 12 |
| At the preparatory (100) level | 6 |
| Maximum Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) credits | 30 |
Core course requirements
| MATH 215 – Introduction to Statistics | (3) |
| or | |
| MATH 216 – Computer-oriented Approach to Statistics | |
| MATH 265 – Introduction to Calculus I* | (3) |
| *(When selecting the CIS major or a computing-related minor, MATH 265 may be replaced with MATH 270.) | |
| COMP 200 – Introduction to Computing and Information Systems** | (3) |
| or | |
| COMP 210 – Introduction to Information Systems and Computer Applications | |
| **(COMP 200 is required for students selecting the CIS major or a computing-related minor.) | |
| SCIE 326 – Scientific Reasoning | (3) |
| SCIE 480 – Research Methods in Science | (3) |
| or | |
| COMP 494 – Research Methods*** | |
| ***COMP 494 is required for students in the CIS major. | |
| PHIL 333 – Professional Ethics | (3) |
| or | |
| PHIL 371 – Ethics, Science, Technology, and the Environment | |
| ENGL 255 – Introductory Composition (see English writing skills requirement) | (3) |
Additional program regulations
- Athabasca University may grant transfer credit for individual Computer Science courses that were completed more than 5 years ago if proof of currency in the field is provided in the form of a current resumé and letter(s) of employment from the supervisor/employer/human resources. The letter should be written on company letterhead, and the content must include the supervisor's signature, the position title, date of hire, and a breakdown of the duties that highlight the relevancy of the education. Other evidence may be accepted if the letter and the resumé cannot be supplied. Visit the Transfer Credit Services section of the Calendar for more information regarding transfer credit towards the BSc program.
- Students holding a computing-related diploma from an approved college or technical institute that is more than 5 years old may be admitted to the BSc PD program if proof of currency in the field is provided in the form of a current resumé and letter(s) of employment from the supervisor/employer/human resources. The letter should be written on company letterhead, and the content must include the supervisor's signature, the position title, date of hire, and breakdown of the duties that highlight the relevancy of the education. Other evidence may be accepted if the letter and the resumé cannot be supplied.
- If the following courses are over 10 years old: BIOL 325, BIOL 341, BIOL 401, BIOL 480, CHEM 301, and NUTR 406; Athabasca University may grant transfer credit if proof of currency in the field is provided in the form of a current resumé and letter(s) of employment from the supervisor/employer/human resources. The letter should be written on company letterhead, and the content must include the supervisor's signature, the position title, date of hire, and a breakdown of the duties that highlight the relevancy of the education. Other evidence may be accepted if the letter and the resumé cannot be supplied.
- An individual course can only be used to fulfill one requirement in the program. For example, no course can be used to complete the specific requirements of both the major and the minor. Also, a course that fulfills the BSc program general requirements cannot be used to satisfy the specific requirements of either the major or the minor.
- Preparatory (100 level) courses cannot be used to fulfill the requirements of the Post Diploma program.
Updated July 25, 2024 by Office of the Registrar (calendar@athabascau.ca)