- Welcome to Carleton and your Bachelor of Science degree program
- Your Faculty
- Your Degree Program
- First-year Seminar
- For Further Program Information
- Your major discipline
Welcome to Carleton and your Bachelor of Science degree program
First Year Course Selection Guide. Please read this degree guide prior to registering.
- Bachelor of Science students, find your first year courses here.
Your Faculty
All Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Computer Science, and Bachelor of Mathematics students belong to the Faculty of Science, which in turn consists of:
- Institute of Biochemistry
- Department of Biology
- Department of Chemistry
- School of Computer Science
- Department of Earth Sciences
- Institute of Environmental Science
- Department of Geography and Environmental Studies
- Department of Health Sciences
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Science and Practice
- School of Mathematics and Statistics
- Department of Neuroscience
- Department of Physics
- Department of Psychology
Your Degree Program
The BSc Honours degree (20 credits) can be done in a single discipline or as a Combined Honours degree in two disciplines. Honours degrees have as their capstone a major research project, completed in the final year of study and typically presented at our annual Research Day. The BSc Major degree – offered in Biology, Biochemistry, Earth Sciences, Environmental Science, Neuroscience and Mental Health, and Physics – is a four-year, 20 credit program that does not include an honours project. A three-year degree (15 credits) is also offered in Biology, Chemistry, Earth Sciences, Physics, and Neuroscience and Mental Health.
First-year Seminar
A First-Year Seminar in Science (NSCI 1000) is recommended for many new BSc students since it is an excellent introduction to the study of science at the university level. The goal is to learn from faculty scientists in a wide variety of fields. You will research topics to be presented by invited speakers, discuss new perspectives and debate current issues in a small group context. With a small class setting, you will also be able to get specific advice related to your studies and learn about the full range of career opportunities leading from a university science program.
If you choose not to enroll in the First-Year Seminar you can select approved elective courses outside the Faculty of Science and the Faculty of Engineering and Design in its place.
For Further Program Information
For information and advice about programs and courses you should consult the undergraduate advisor for each program. They are available to help you decide on your courses and to advise you with regards to questions about your individual career planning. It is always a good idea to consult the advisor rather than guessing or making assumptions about what you should take. For a full list of advisors for the Faculty of Science, go to the Academic Advising Centre website.
Your major discipline
Have you chosen a major field of study? If you have, there will be mandatory courses in your chosen field. See the Bachelor of Science course selection brochure to determine what courses are mandatory in your first year. If you have not yet chosen a major, register in the courses outlined for “Major Not Declared” students in the same brochure.
The advantage in being a having chosen a major is that you are part of a department, institute or school, have an academic advisor, and can join a student society so it is a good idea to choose your major as soon as possible. For more information on how to decide on a major, visit the Academic Advising Centre’s webpage or speak with a departmental advisor.
Even if you declare a major you can still select a wide range of courses. And if you change your mind about what major you want to follow, it is a simple process to apply for a new major later on.