The information on this page, in conjunction with the eCalendar links provided, will help you plan your first year course selection as a Foundation Program student in the Bachelor of Science.
On this page:
B.Sc. Foundation program requirements
General recommendations to guide your course selection
Program-specific recommendations to guide your course selection
Preparing for medical school applications
Taking courses outside the faculties of Arts and Science
Foundation program ("Freshman year") Interest Groups (FIGs)
Postponing a Foundation program ("Freshman year") course
Important Notes:
All B.Sc. students must fulfill the Foundation Program requirements in order to graduate.Ìý These requirements can be fulfilled either by taking the required courses during your studies at Â鶹AV (ideally in your first year), by passing a Â鶹AV placement exam, or by receiving exemptions based on your pre-Â鶹AV coursework.
- Courses taken to fulfill program requirementsÌýmust be passed with a grade of “C†or better.
- Required courses must not be taken under theÌýSatisfactory/Unsatisfactory grade mode.
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Foundation Program Planner
Download and complete your Foundation Program Planner!Ìý
B.Sc. Foundation program requirements
Students who need 97-120 credits to complete their degree requirements will normally start in the Foundation program (formerly Freshman year).Ìý In your first year, you will select your courses based on the Foundation program requirements:
Students normally complete 30 credits, which must include at least 7 courses, to be selected as outlined in the Foundation program description in the eCalendar:
eCalendar: B.Sc. Foundation program requirements
Though you will not declare your program(s) (Major/Minor/Honours/Liberal) in your fist year, you are encouraged to reflect on your academic orientation so that your first year course selection will prepare you for the programs that interest you. You may wish to consult with Program advisors to gain a better understanding of the programs you are considering declaring.
Some programs require specific Foundation program courses as prerequisites - please ensure that you consult the the program-specific recommendations below.
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Course and credit load
The normal course load is 15 credits (4-5 courses) per term for a total of approximately 30 credits (8-10 courses) per year.
Some basic science courses are worth 4 credits - this means that taking 4 courses can still add up to 30 or more credits for the year.Ìý You may wish to take only 4 courses in order to avoid being overloaded. If this is the first time you are studying in English, we strongly recommend that you take only 4 courses during your first term.
The credit rating of a course reflects the number of weekly contact hours. In general, a three-credit course indicates three hours of lectures per week for one term. Laboratory contact hours usually count for fewer credits. Credits also reflect the amount of effort required of the student and generally assume two hours of personal study for each contact hour. A typical semester full load is 15 credits, although 12 credits or more is considered full time.
Keep the following regulations in mind:
- 12 credits per term to maintain full-time status, eligibility for student visas, loans and bursaries;
- Up to 14 credits (4 courses) maximum per term for students in probationary standing;
- Up to 17 credits per term for students in satisfactory standing;
- 27 graded (non-S/U) credits per academic year (both the fall and winter terms) to be considered for renewal of entrance scholarships or for in-course Â鶹AV scholarships or awards, including Dean's Honour List; at least 27 graded credits that fulfill the degree requirements to be considered for faculty scholarships; 30 graded credits per year to maintain Canada scholarships;
- Maximum allowed credits is up to 17 credits per term for students whose standing is Satisfactory or Interim Satisfactory.
- Students whose CGPA is 3.5 or higher and who wish to take a course overload of up to a maximum of 19 credits are required to fill out an and are strongly urged to consult their advisor. Allow several working days for the processing of your request. Note: Students in their first semester are not allowed to request a credit overload.
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General recommendations to guide your course selection
Biology courses
Biological, Biomedical & Life Sciences
It is recommended that you complete both BIOL 111 Principles: Organismal Biology and BIOL 112 Cell and Molecular Biology in your Foundation program. However, the crucial course is BIOL 112, as it is the prerequisite for higher level courses in the Biological, Biomedical & Life Sciences programs.
Physical, Earth, Math & Computer Sciences
If you intend to pursue a departmental program in the physical sciences you do not need to take BIOL 111 or BIOL 112.
Psychology
If you plan to pursue a program in psychology, you should complete BIOL 112 Cell and Molecular Biology and PSYC 100 Introduction to Psychology in your Foundation program. As our psychology program is quite science oriented, knowledge of the concepts covered in BIOL 112 will help you in subsequent psychology courses.
Chemistry courses
It is recommended that you complete both CHEM 110 General Chemistry 1 and CHEM 120 General Chemistry 2 in your Foundation program because these courses are prerequisites for CHEM 212 Intro Organic Chemistry 1 . These courses are prerequisites for higher level courses in both Biological, Biomedical & Life Sciences, as well as in Physical, Earth, Math & Computer Sciences.
Mathematics courses (Calculus)
The Department of Mathematics and Statistics currently offers 3 calculus streams, one for students with no previous background in calculus and two for students with a high school background in calculus: the regular stream and the accelerated stream.
Calculus streams
Courses | Target students |
---|---|
MATH 139 Calculus 1 with Precalculus (4 cr)
and MATH 141 Calculus 2 (4 cr) Ìý |
For students with no high school calculus or who do not have a full course of high school calculus (3 hours of lectures and a 2-hour compulsory tutorial). Ìý |
MATH 140 Calculus 1 (3 cr)
and MATH 141 Calculus 2 (4 cr) |
For students with a full course of high school calculus (MATH 140 has 3 hours of lectures and a 1-hour compulsory tutorial; MATH 141 has 3 hours of lectures and a 2-hour compulsory tutorial). |
MATH 150 Calculus A (4 cr)
and MATH 151 Calculus B (4 cr) |
For students with a full course of high school calculus and who enjoyed it and did well in all their high school science courses (minimum of A- in high school calculus) (3 hours of lectures and a 2-hour compulsory tutorial). |
Both the MATH 139 and 141 and the MATH 140 and 141 streams cover Calculus I and Calculus II, whereas the MATH 150 and 151 stream covers Calculus I, II and III (this stream is a possible option for students planning to enter a program for which Calculus III [MATH 222] is compulsory). The MATH 139 and MATH 141 stream or the MATH 140 and MATH 141 stream are both suitable prerequisites for Calculus III.
Note
Advanced Standing: If you have been granted advanced standing (credit and exemption) for Calculus I or Alpha (either MATH 139 or 140), you have the option of registering for MATH 141 in either the fall or winter term. You may also choose the MATH 150 and 151 stream.
Physics courses
There are two streams of physics:
Courses | Target students |
---|---|
PHYS 101 Intro Physics - Mechanics and PHYS 102 Intro Physics-Electromagnetism |
For students with no high school physics or who are weak in physics. This stream is adequate preparation for the biological science programs but not for the physical science programs. |
PHYS 131 Mechanics and Waves and PHYS 142 Electromagnetism & Optics |
For students with high school physics and a solid background in mathematics. Note that calculus is required as a corequisite. This stream provides very good preparation for the biological or physical sciences programs. |
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Program-specific recommendations to guide your course selections
Students interested in the following programs are advised to select their Foundation program courses in accordance with recommendations outlined below:
Anatomy and Cell Biology, Biology, Biochemistry, Microbiology & Immunology, Physiology and Pharmacology
BIOL 112 Cell and Molecular Biology
CHEM 110 General Chemistry 1
CHEM 120 General Chemistry 2
Two calculus courses*
Two physics courses**
- For Joint Majors in Physiology and Math or Physiology and Physics, Biology and Math or Quantitative Biology, students should select PHYS 131 and 142 instead of PHYS 101 and 102. They should also add MATH 133.
- To leave open the option of Biology, Environment, Geography, Earth System Sciences or Earth and Planetary Sciences, students should also take BIOL 111 Principles: Organismal Biology .
- To leave open the option of a Physical, Earth, Math & Planetary Science, such as Atmospheric and Oceanic sciences, Chemistry or Physics, students should choose the PHYS 131/PHYS 142 stream of physics.**
- Students who wish to leave open the option of a Computer Science major or joint major degree, or who wish a solid introduction to programming, should consider taking COMP 202 in their Foundation program.
Chemistry
BIOL 112 Cell and Molecular Biology
CHEM 110 General Chemistry 1
CHEM 120 General Chemistry 2
PHYS 131 Mechanics and Waves
PHYS 142 Electromagnetism & Optics
MATH 133 Linear Algebra and Geometry
Two calculus courses*
Computer Science and Software Engineering
COMP 202 Foundations of Programming
MATH 133 Linear Algebra and Geometry
Two calculus courses*
Plus at least 3 of BIOL/CHEM/PHYS**
- Students who do not take COMP 202 in the Foundation program may still follow these majors, but might have to start with COMP 202 in the U1 year.
- Students interested in the cognitive science minor may also want to take PSYC 100 Introduction to Psychology.
- Students interested in Joint Physics and Computer Science programs must take PHYS 131 Mechanics and Waves and PHYS 142 Electromagnetism & Optics.
- Students interested in Joint Major in Computer Science and Biology must take BIOL 112 Cell and Molecular Biology.
- Students with High School calculus and who are interested in the Joint Honours Mathematics and Computer Science program are strongly advised to consider taking the more challenging calculus sequence MATH 150 Calculus A and MATH 151 Calculus B.
- Students who have not taken all of Biology, Chemistry and Physics at the grade 12 level should include any missing subjects in their Foundation program.
Earth & Planetary Sciences
CHEM 110 General Chemistry 1
CHEM 120 General Chemistry 2
PHYS 131 Mechanics and Waves
PHYS 142 Electromagnetism & Optics
ESYS 104 The Earth System
Two calculus courses*
- Students are also strongly encouraged to include BIOL 111 Principles:Organismal Biology in their program.
- Students who have not taken all of Biology, Chemistry and Physics at the grade 12 level should include any missing subjects in their Foundation program.
Earth Systems Science
BIOL 111 Principles:Organismal Biology
CHEM 110 General Chemistry 1
PHYS 131 Mechanics and Waves
PHYS 142 Electromagnetism & Optics
Two calculus courses*
Plus at least 1 of:
CHEM 120 General Chemistry 2
MATH 133 Linear Algebra and Geometry
ESYS 104 The Earth System
Environment
BIOL 111 Principles:Organismal Biology
CHEM 110 General Chemistry 1
CHEM 120 General Chemistry 2
Two calculus courses*
Two physics courses**
- Students considering the Atmospheric Environment and Air Quality Domain, the Environmetrics Domain, the Water Environments and Ecosystems Domains, or who are interested in environmental modeling, should also take MATH 133 Linear Algebra and Geometry.
- Students considering the Biodiversity and Conservation Domain, the Ecological Determinants of Health Domains, the Food Production and Environment Domain, the Renewable Resource Management Domain, or the Water Environments and Ecosystems Domains should also take BIOL 112 Cell and Molecular Biology.
- Students interested in Environment should take ESYS 104 The Earth System . They are advised NOT to take the ENVR 200-level courses until their U1 year.
Geography
Calculus 1*
Calculus 2*
And/or MATH 133 Linear Algebra and Geometry
PHYS 101/131**
CHEM 110 General Chemistry 1
BIOL 111 Principles: Organismal Biology
At least two of:
ESYS 104 The Earth System
CHEM 120 General Chemistry 2
PHYS 102/142**
Calculus 2*
And/or MATH 133 Linear Algebra and Geometry
- Students with strong science backgrounds should consider enrolling in GEOG 203 Environmental Systems in their first year.
Mathematics and Statistics
MATH 133 Linear Algebra and Geometry
Two calculus courses*
Plus any 4 courses to fulfill the Foundation program requirements.
- Students with high school calculus and who are intending on taking an Honours programs in Mathematics, a Joint Honours program in Mathematics and another discipline, or an Honours program in Physics are strongly advised to consider taking the more challenging calculus sequence MATH 150 Calculus A and MATH 151 Calculus B .
- Students interested in a joint Mathematics and Computer Science program should include COMP 202 Foundations of Programming in the Foundation program.
- Students interested in the joint Physiology and Mathematics programs should include BIOL 112 Cell and Molecular Biology , CHEM 110 General Chemistry 1 , CHEM 120 General Chemistry 2 , and two physics courses** in the Foundation program.
- Students interested in a Physics minor should take PHYS 131 Mechanics and Waves and PHYS 142 Electromagnetism & Optics in the Foundation program.
- Students who have not taken all of Biology, Chemistry and Physics at the grade 12 level should include any missing subjects in their Foundation program.
Neuroscience
Students interested in Neuroscience must apply for an Intra-Faculty Transfer after a minimum one-year of study at Â鶹AV. Transfers are competitive and meeting the minimum transfer requirements does not guarantee acceptance.Ìý For full details on Degree Transfers, consult the Undergraduate Handbook, Degree Transfer section.
BIOL 112 Cell and Molecular Biology
CHEM 110 General Chemistry 1
CHEM 120 General Chemistry 2
Two calculus courses*
Two physics courses**
MATH 133 Linear Algebra and Geometry (recommended, not required).
- Students interested in Neuroscience should choose a Foundation program that leaves some options open as this program has limited enrolment.
- Students with additional space in their schedule might also take PSYC 100 Introduction to Psychology, COMP 202 Foundations of Programing and/or MATH 203 Principles of Statistics 1.
Physics
CHEM 110 General Chemistry 1
CHEM 120 General Chemistry 2
PHYS 131 Mechanics and Waves
PHYS 142 Electromagnetism & Optics
MATH 133 Linear Algebra and Geometry
Two calculus courses*
- Students who would like to leave their options open for a biological/life sciences major, or who might choose the Joint Physiology and Physics program should choose BIOL 112 Cell and Molecular Biology. BIOL 112 is a prerequisite for PHYS 319 Introduction to Biophysics.
- Students interested in a Joint Physics and Computer Science program, and who do not have a strong background in programming, should consider taking COMP 202 Foundations of Programming in their Foundation program.
- Students with high school calculus and who are intending on taking an Honours program in Physics are strongly advised to consider taking the more challenging calculus sequence MATH 150 Calculus A and MATH 151 Calculus B .
Psychology
PSYC 100 Introduction to Psychology
1st calculus courses*
2nd calculus courses*
And/or MATH 133 Linear Algebra and Geometry
CHEM 110 General Chemistry 1
BIOL 112 Cell and Molecular Biology
Plus at least one more from BIOL/CHEM/PHYS
- Students interested in the cognitive science minor should take COMP 202 Foundations of Programming in their Foundation program.
- Students who have not taken all of Biology, Chemistry and Physics at the grade 12 level should include any missing subjects in their Foundation program.
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*Choosing your calculus courses: Consult "General recommendations to guide your course selection" section on "Mathematics courses (Calculus)" for guidance on how to select your MATH courses.
**Choosing your physics courses: Consult "General recommendations to guide your course selection" section on "Physics courses" for guidance on how to select your PHYS courses.
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Suggested electives
You may choose electives from the courses listed below, once the required and complementary courses have been selected as part of the B.Sc. foundation program.
Note: Courses that are not being offered in the current year are not listed in Class Schedule on Minerva. Also, you should consult timetable information via Minerva for changes in course offerings or times and for the locations of the courses. Reminder: all courses have limited enrolment.
Math and science courses
Note: Some of the courses listed below are not suitable in the first term as they require university level prerequisites. Please check the Calendar course entries for further information about appropriate background, or the Program advisor (from specific departments), before registering.
Note: Some of the courses below are also listed under the list of approved Foundation program Science courses for the B.Sc. Foundation program.
Note: Science courses numbered 18X (e.g. EPSC 182) are considered general interest courses, and are not part of any program. These courses have no prerequisites.
Note: First Year Seminar courses (EPSC 199, PSYT 199) are designed to provide a closer interaction with professors and better working relations with peers than is available in large introductory courses. These seminars endeavour to teach the latest scholarly developments and expose participants to advanced research methods. Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis. The maximum number of students in any seminar is 25, although some are limited to even fewer than that.
Courses
Program | Suggested electives |
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Atmospheric & Oceanic Science |
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Biology |
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Chemistry |
CHEM 217
Course not available
CHEM 223
Course not available
CHEM 243
Course not available
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Computer Science |
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Earth & Planetary Sciences |
|
Faculty of Science |
|
Geography |
|
Mathematics and Statistics |
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Physics |
|
Psychology |
|
Psychiatry |
|
Social sciences
Note: If you intend to follow a psychology program, you should not register in SOCI-216 (Social Psychology). PSYC 215 Social Psychology is more appropriate. Credit will not be given for both courses.
Courses
Program | Suggested electives |
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Anthropology |
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Canadian Studies |
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Economics |
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Gender, Sexual, and Feminist Studies |
|
Geography |
GEOG 199
Course not available
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History |
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Indigenous Studies |
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Linguistics |
|
Political Science |
POLI 232
Course not available
|
Sociology |
SOCI 219
Course not available
|
Humanities
Note: Some of the courses listed below are not suitable for first term as they require university level prerequisites. Please check the Calendar course entries for further information about appropriate background before registering.
Courses
Program | Suggested electives |
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Art History |
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Canadian Studies |
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Catholic Studies |
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Classics |
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Communication Studies |
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East Asian Studies |
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English |
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French Language & Literature |
FREN 199
Course not available
|
German Studies |
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Hispanic Studies |
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Italian Studies |
ITAL 361
Course not available
|
Jewish Studies |
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Music |
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Philosophy |
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Religious Studies |
RELG 256
Course not available
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Russian & Slavic Studies |
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Languages
Note: You may wish to take a language course this year. The following regulations regarding language courses apply to students in the Foundation program.
- No more than one 6-credit or 9-credit language course at an elementary level may be taken in the first year.
- You are permitted to take two language courses in the Foundation program provided that they are at different levels, e.g., Elementary French and Intermediate German. You may not take two introductory-level language courses.
- A 6-credit language course given in one term is permitted - this is equivalent to two courses both in the number of credits as well as the workload.
- The 12-credit intensive language courses are designed to accelerate three-year students and are normally not suitable for Foundation program students.
Placement tests: All language courses have limited enrolment and, as such, may require a departmental approval (issued by the department offering the course). Consult the Â鶹AV Calendar and/or the class schedule for information about placement tests or departmental approval (if necessary). Please note that placement tests for French as a second language will be held during the week prior to the beginning of classes in September. Please click here for dates and times.
Language courses
Program | Suggested electives |
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Classics |
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East Asian Studies |
|
English as a Second Language |
CESL 300
Course not available
CESL 400
Course not available
CESL 500
Course not available
|
French Language & Literature |
FREN 199
Course not available
|
French as a Second Language |
FRSL 216
Course not available
|
German Studies |
|
Hispanic Studies |
|
Islamic Studies |
ISLA 521D1
Course not available
ISLA 522
Course not available
ISLA 532D1
Course not available
ISLA 533D1
Course not available
ISLA 541D1
Course not available
ISLA 542D1
Course not available
ISLA 551D1
Course not available
ISLA 552D1
Course not available
|
Italian Studies |
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Jewish Studies |
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Religious Studies |
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Russian & Slavic Studies |
|
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Preparing for medical school applications
If you wish to leave open the option of applying to medical school, you can pursue any of the Science majors (not just the biological or life science ones). Medical schools are looking for a diverse applicant pool and ALL Science programs provide ample room to include medical school prerequisite courses. Most students perform best when they select a major in which they are interested and engaged. Choosing the appropriate major can also leave many options open, not just medical school.
You should review the prerequisite courses required for the medical schools you are considering so you can plan to complete all of the required basic science courses during your undergraduate degree. However, not all such courses need to be completed in your first year. For your first year, you are encouraged to focus on selecting courses that fulfill your Foundation program requirements while preparing you for the program(s) you intend to pursue during your time at Â鶹AV.
In addition, you should be aware of other constraints on your undergraduate studies imposed by medical school admissions. For example, some medical schools will not allow courses to be taken under the S/U option, and some medical schools require a minimum credit and/or course load per term. Medical schools vary in their prerequisite requirements but in general it is recommended that interested students complete both one full year of biology and one full year of chemistry during their Foundation program. Specific admission requirements for all Canadian medical schools can be found at the (under Publications).
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Taking courses outside the faculties of Arts and Science
You may choose courses outside the Faculties of Arts and of Science as elective credits, up to a maximum of 6 credits during the Foundation program (3 credits per term). Please consult the list of approved and restricted courses and your Faculty advisor in order to determine which courses are permitted for credit.
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Foundation Interest Groups (FIGs)
What are FIGs?
- A FIG comprises approximately 25Ìýnewly admitted B.Sc. and B.A. & Sc. students.
- Only newly admitted U0 students can register for a FIG on Minerva.
- FIGs are led by a member of the SOUSA officeÌýand an upper-year student.
- The FIGs meets for one hour, normally once every two weeks, during the fall semester only.
- FIGS 196 is a non-credit activity, does not cost anything, and does not appear on your Â鶹AV transcript.
What are the advantages of attending a FIG?
- Interact in an informal setting with advisors, guest speakers and other students.
- Explore topics not normally discussed in the regular classroom setting, ranging from careers in Science to the structure of universities.
- Introduce discussion topics of special interest to you.
- Be better informed regarding programs and research opportunities.
What topics might be discussed in a FIG?
- Choosing your programs: myths and facts
- Exchanges and travel opportunities
- Research opportunities
- How to study more effectively and time management
- Professional schools
- Careers in Science (and related fields)
- Part time jobs/volunteer work
- Internships and field studies
- Extracurricular activities on campus
How to register for a FIG
Register for one of the sections of FIGS 196 on Minerva.
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Postponing a required Foundation program course
If it is necessary to postpone one of your Foundation program courses, depending on your intended program, it may be possible to take the course at Â鶹AV during the summer session. Also, it may be helpful to know that you are permitted to take summer courses at another university and have the credits and exemption(s) transferred to your Â鶹AV degree. Please consult Study Away for more information regarding study away permission/approval for summer courses and the course equivalency system for more information regarding exemptions from Â鶹AV courses.