What is interdisciplinary science?
The Interdisciplinary Science and Practice program (ISAP) is unique as it offers you the opportunity to explore and combine different science disciplines and perspectives. The ISAP program provides unique learning experiences that will emphasize science communication skills, integration of knowledge from many different fields, and the application of data analytics. You will develop skills that are increasingly needed in the workplace such as integrating different types of knowledge, working with various stakeholder groups, and navigating the interface between science and policy.
What can I do with an ISAP degree?
The Workplace
The ISAP degree program provides students with a broad based science education combined with practical skills like science communication, knowledge translation and data analyses. Graduates of the program will be well qualified to work for federal and provincial government, cities and municipalities, NGO’s and other agencies, as well as in industry and research.
Graduate Studies
Many Carleton Honours students pursue graduate studies either in Canada or abroad. Our undergraduate programs are excellent preparation for master’s and doctoral programs. If you think you may be interested in pursuing advanced studies, be sure to investigate programs early in order to ensure you have the relevant requirements.
Professional Programs
Many professional programs, including teaching, medicine, business, and law encourage well-rounded applicants from a variety of backgrounds to apply. An Honours Bachelor of Science degree provides a strong foundation for such training.
What science can I specialize in?
In the ISAP program, you can take an Honours Bachelor of Science (BSc Honours) in Interdisciplinary Science and Practice, which is normally completed in four years of full-time study, or over a longer period if you choose part-time studies. You can also opt to transfer into a BSc General, which is typically completed in three years. You will pursue at least one field of science – taking at least eight courses in that field – and we encourage students who remain in the Honours program to select a second area of study as well, either another area of science or a non-science field. These two areas fit into the degree, leaving plenty of room for additional study in areas of interest. The following programs in science offer minors that ISAP students will choose from, Biochemistry, Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Earth Sciences: Earth Resources and Processes, Food Science, Physical Geography, Geomatics, Mathematics, Neuroscience and Mental Health, Physics and Statistics.
Is co-op available in ISAP?
Yes, please see the co-op website for more information. https://carleton.ca/co-op/
What are “capstone” projects?
Capstone projects differ from other courses in several respects. They are full credit courses, offered in fall to winter, (September to April) or spring and summer, (May to August). The purpose of a thesis is to make a contribution to the existing body of knowledge in the field of your science area of focus i.e. from your minor program or in an area of interdisciplinary science. It is different from an essay that you would write for a course that summarizes published research. There are no required lectures, seminars, textbooks, tests, etc. Instead, the course consists of an ongoing series of meetings between you and your honours thesis supervisor, during which you talk about each phase of your project. For ISAP 4906, 4907, 4908, this would include selecting a topic, designing your study, carrying out experiments, collecting your data, analysing your data, and writing up your results, all while spending several hours a week in the lab or field. You will produce a written thesis. You will also produce a poster that you will present at the Undergraduate Research Day in April.
The ISAP program has three course options for which students can look to complete a capstone course. Please refer to the undergraduate calendar to view the ISAP courses. https://calendar.carleton.ca/undergrad/courses/ISAP/
Will ISAP prepare me to go to medical or veterinary school, if I so choose?
Students from the Interdisciplinary Science and Practice program may be eligible to apply to professional programs upon completion of their undergraduate degree. Programs such as medical or veterinary, will have specific requirements and prerequisites required for admission. ISAP students are responsible for understanding those admission requirements, if they wish to apply following undergraduate studies.
What is the intended size of each cohort?
The intended size of the ISAP core courses is approximately 20 students.
Is there an honours component to this program?
Yes, Carleton’s Interdisciplinary Science and Practice program is available as a four-year Honours Bachelor of Science degree program, (20 credits) or a three-year Bachelor of Science degree, (15 credits).