The Faculty combines excellence in research with an intimate teaching environment in which opportunities for experiential lab-based learning abound. Our mission is to offer the highest quality undergraduate and graduate education in the basic and applied sciences informed and strengthened by research within the international scientific community.

Programs offered span a wide range of basic and applied areas within the broad fields of mathematics, physics, chemistry and biology. In addition, students are encouraged to explore science in both its contemporary and historical societal context through a vibrant science and technology studies program and through the broad range of intellectual, academic and cultural opportunities available at a large and diverse University.

BSc, BA, and iBSc degrees are offered at the Honours and bachelor's level. The requirements for completing degree programs are described in detail in this calendar.

Student Responsibility

Every effort is made in the Faculty of Science to ensure that each student receives academic advice and sufficient information to guide in course selection and program choice. Within this context, the student is solely responsible for the following:

• ensuring that the courses chosen in consultation with an adviser meet all program (refer to the Faculty of Science Programs of Study section) and degree (refer to the Faculty of Science Regulations Governing Undergraduate Degree Requirements section of the Faculty Rules) requirements for graduation;
• ensuring that course prerequisites are satisfied and that chosen courses are not exclusions of other courses already taken;
• verifying the accuracy of registration records, including all course changes;
• fulfilling the requirements and being aware of academic progress in all registered courses;
• noting and abiding by the sessional deadline dates published on the Current Students webpage each year, especially course add and drop deadline dates.

Changes in Program/Subject Area(s)

Candidates may change their degree programs and/or subject area(s) from the time of their advising sessions in the spring until the tenth class day of the fall term, provided their standing, prescription of studies and timetable arrangements permit the proposed changes, and provided they are supported in writing by the academic advisers concerned. All program and subject area changes must be effected through the Registrar’s Office by submitting a Program Change Request available on the Program Change Web page at myacademicrecord.students.yorku.ca/program-change. Transfer credit assessments must be reviewed after any change in program/subject area.

Course Changes

Course changes are permitted, but only for limited periods of time, and in accordance with the sessional dates in the enrolment guides. Written permission of the course instructor(s) may be required. Students should consult their advisers regarding the effect course changes may have on the fulfillment of program and degree requirements, but it is the responsibility of the student alone to recognize the consequences of course changes on academic progress. Students are responsible for verifying their enrolment during each academic session.

Letters of Permission

A student wishing to take a course at an external accredited institution for credit towards a degree program in the Faculty of Science is required to obtain a letter of permission from York University prior to taking the course.

Request forms, and detailed information and instructions, for letters of permission are available online on the Letters of Permission web page at registrar.yorku.ca/enrol/lop.

Graduation

Students should apply to graduate in the calendar year in which they expect to qualify for the degree, irrespective of whether or not they plan to attend the graduation ceremony. A student registered in an Honours program may apply to graduate with a bachelor degree, provided bachelor program requirements are met. The application to graduate can be found on the Apply to Graduate Web page at yorku.ca/convocation/.

Grading System

Refer to Grades and Grading Schemes within the Academic Information section of this publication.

Note that percentages are not part of the official grading scheme and are only to be used as guidelines. The letter-grade system is the fundamental system of assessment of performance in undergraduate programs at York University. Note also that grades submitted by an instructor are subject to review by the teaching unit in which the course is offered and by the Faculty Council through its Committee on Examinations and Academic Standards. Grades appear on grade reports and transcripts as soon as they are submitted to the Registrar’s Office and are not official until they have been reviewed and approved. Final course grades may be adjusted to conform to program or Faculty grades-distribution profiles.

Repeated Courses

Students may repeat a passed or failed course twice for academic degree or certificate credit, for a maximum of three (3) attempts at a course. Students should note that course availability and space considerations may preclude the possibility of repeating a course in the session they choose.

Credit towards your degree will only be counted once for repeated courses taken at York or elsewhere. All repeated passed or failed attempts are subject to the University's Policy on Repeating Passed or Failed Courses For Academic Credit.

A student must be declared eligible to proceed in a degree or certificate program in order to be eligible to repeat a course. That is to say, when a student fails to achieve sufficient standing to proceed in a degree or certificate program, or when they are required to withdraw, they would not be eligible to repeat a course or courses.

Academic Standing Requirements for Specialized Honours Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience Degree Program

Transfer Requirement

For BSc students who wish to transfer into the Neuroscience program. Students will be considered on a case-by-case basis if space permits and if they meet the following requirements: (1) completed NRSC 1001 or have the permission of the program coordinator to take the course in the upcoming year, (2) earned at least 24 science credits at York with an overall cumulative GPA of 7.00 (B+) or better, and (3) completed BIOL 1000, BIOL 1001, and PSYC 1010 with a minimum grade of 4.00 (C). Once the requirements are completed, students should submit a MyProgram request for Change in Major by June 1st for review. Permission to transfer should be provided by July.

Re-entry Requirement

For BSc students who were admitted into the Neuroscience program, but did not make the Qualifying requirements. Student can apply for re-entry if the student has achieved (1) an overall cumulative GPA of 7.00 (B+) or better on at least 24 science credits at York, and have (2) completed NRSC 1001, and (3) have completed BIOL 1000, BIOL 1001, and PSYC 1010 with a minimum grade of 4.0 (C). Once the requirements are completed, students should submit a MyProgram request for Change in Major by June 1st for review. Permission to transfer should be provided by July.

Designation of Honours or Bachelor Program

Automatic Honours designation. Students are automatically considered to be in an Honours program provided they achieve and maintain the minimum grade requirements for Honours described under the Academic Standards for Bachelor and Honours Programs section above.

Automatic bachelor designation. Students are automatically considered to be in a bachelor program if they fail to achieve or maintain the minimum grade requirements for Honours described under the Academic Standards for Bachelor and Honours Programs section above.

Option to graduate with a bachelor program. Students registered for an Honours degree may opt to graduate with a bachelor degree if they fulfill bachelor program requirements. Refer to Graduation in the Faculty of Science Advising, Enrolment, Registration, Graduation and Other Administrative Procedures section of the Faculty Rules for details.

Deferred Examinations / Aegrotat Standing

A student may request aegrotat standing, permission to write deferred examinations (in respect of final examinations only) or permission to submit a final assignment after the Faculty’s deadline for submission of term work, on the grounds of sickness or misfortune. There is no provision for rewriting a final examination to improve a grade.

It is the responsibility of the student to ensure that full documentation (medical or other) is provided in support of requests for deferred standing or aegrotat standing. A request submitted on the grounds of illness must include the attending physician’s statement form completed by the petitioner’s physician. Appropriate forms and guidelines are available from the Deferred Standing webpage at myacademicrecord.students.yorku.ca/deferred-standing.

Deferred standing agreement. In the Faculty of Science, deferred standing may be arranged with the course director by means of a form called a deferred standing agreement (DSA). The DSA form and supporting documentation must normally be submitted within one week following a missed examination or the last day to submit course work.

Deferred standing petition. A petition for deferred standing may be submitted if the course director indicates on the DSA form a refusal to approve deferred standing. The petition application, together with other written evidence to be taken into consideration, must normally be submitted to the Registrar’s Office within one week following a missed examination or the last day to submit coursework.

Aegrotat standing petition. In exceptional circumstances, a petition for aegrotat standing may be submitted in cases where a student cannot be expected to complete coursework. If granted, the phrase AEG (“aegrotat standing” from the Latin for “she/he is ill”) is substituted for the grade on the transcript. Aegrotat standing is seldom granted in respect of final examinations; instead, the student may be granted permission to write deferred examination(s).

Reappraisal of Final Grades

Students may, with sufficient academic grounds, request that a final grade in a course be reappraised. Students are normally expected to first contact the course director to discuss the grade received and to request that their tangible work be reviewed. Further information may be obtained from the department/division offering the course. Students applying to have a grade reappraised in a Faculty of Science course should note the following:

• requests for reappraisal must be filed with the unit offering the course within 21 calendar days of the release of the final grade in the course;
• students may request the review of specific pieces of work, or the overall course grade. Normally, however, only written work can be reassessed;
• when a student asks for reappraisal, an original grade may be raised, lowered or confirmed;
• students wishing to request the reappraisal of a final grade should fill out the appropriate form available from the department/division offering the course and submit it to the same office;
• the decision of the department/division may be appealed to the Faculty of Science Executive and Planning Committee only on grounds of procedural irregularity or new evidence.

Warnings and Sanctions (BA)

Academic Warning

Students whose cumulative overall grade point average falls below 4.00 (C) at the end of any session or who enter the Faculty with a grade point average equivalent to less than 4.00 (C) receive an academic warning.

Academic Warning Conditions

Students on academic warning must achieve a cumulative grade point average of at least 4.00 within the next 24 credits taken, or earn a sessional grade point average of at least 5.00 in the session in which that 24th credit is taken and in each subsequent session until the cumulative grade point average reaches 4.00, or be required to withdraw. Students whose cumulative grade point average on at least 24 York credits is below 2.50 will be required to withdraw for 12 months.

Failure to Meet Academic Warning Conditions

BA and iBA students on academic warning who fail to meet the academic warning conditions must withdraw for 12 months.

Required Withdrawal

Students whose academic record shows marked weakness may be required to withdraw from their studies for twelve months, during which they are encouraged to identify and remedy any problems which may have contributed materially to their failure to perform up to their potential, and to reflect on their reasons for pursuing a university education. The following regulations apply to required withdrawal:

• Grade point average below 2.50: students whose cumulative grade point average on at least 24 credits is below 2.50 must withdraw for 12 months.
• Students whose grade point average is below 4.00 and equal to or greater than 2.50: students who have received an academic warning for a cumulative grade point average below 4.00 must satisfy the academic warning conditions as specified above or be required to withdraw for 12 months.

Reactivation After Required Withdrawal

Students who have been required to withdraw may apply for reactivation after the requisite period of absence by submitting a request at the Reactivation Web page at registrar.yorku.ca/enrol/reactivate. Students who return to their studies after such a required withdrawal (as well as those who have been allowed to continue their studies by virtue of a petition to the Petitions Committee) receive a debarment warning.

Debarment Warning

Students who have been required to withdraw in the Faculty of Science, or the equivalent in another Faculty at York University or elsewhere, receive a debarment warning upon continuing their studies in the Faculty.

Debarment Warning Conditions

Students on debarment warning must achieve a cumulative grade point average of at least 4.00 within the next 24 credits taken or earn a sessional grade point average of at least 5.00 in the session in which the 24th credit is taken and in each subsequent session until the cumulative average reaches 4.00, and must then maintain this average. Students who do not fulfil these conditions will be debarred from the University.

Debarment

Students who have been debarred may be re-admitted in some subsequent session only if they give convincing evidence that they can profit from university work. Applications for re-admission are not normally entertained in less than two years from the date of debarment. Applications must be submitted to the Admissions Office (futurestudents.yorku.ca). Students who are re-admitted (as well as those who have been allowed to continue their studies by virtue of a petition) receive an academic probation.

Academic Probation

Students who have been debarred and who subsequently resume their studies in the Faculty whether by petitioning to continue without interruption or by applying for readmission, receive an academic probation. Students on academic probation must meet the debarment warning conditions outlined above; otherwise, they will be debarred.

Academic Honesty

Refer to the York University Senate regulations regarding academic honesty in the University Policies and Regulations section. For further information contact the Office of Science Academic Services.

Note: students cannot drop any courses in which they have been penalized for a breach of academic honesty.

Appeals Procedures

Appeals by students and/or faculty members against rulings of the Petitions Committee and/or the Committee on Examinations and Academic Standards of the Faculty of Science (with the exception of appeals on academic honesty rulings - see below) must be filed in writing with the secretary of the appeals panel of the Executive and Planning Committee, 349 Lumbers Building, within 15 calendar days of the date of notification of the decision.

Appeals against rulings of the petitions committee and/or the committee on examinations and academic standing will be heard by a panel of two faculty members of the executive and planning committee and one student member selected from student members of the Faculty council. In the rare event that a decision of a panel of the executive and planning committee, or of the Senate Appeals Committee, requires a completely new (de novo) hearing, the matter will be heard by a panel of three faculty members of the executive and planning committee and one student member selected from student members of the Faculty council. These panels will be constituted, as required, from available members, by the secretary of the appeals panel.

Members shall disqualify themselves if they are involved as a party or witness in the case, or believe that they could not be impartial. Where members disqualify themselves, alternate members will replace them.

Appeals are heard only on the following grounds:

1. new evidence, i.e. evidence that, through no fault of the appellant, could not reasonably have been presented at an earlier level (as a guide, events or performance subsequent to the decisions of the petitions committee and/or the committee on examinations and academic standing are not to be construed as new evidence);
2. evidence of procedural irregularity in the previous consideration of the case by the petitions committee and/or the committee on examinations and academic standing. This may be understood to include actions taken by the Faculty of Science, its officers, committees or members with respect to the case which would violate or nullify any of the following:
   • normal and written procedures of the Faculty;
   • recognized custom of the Faculty;
   • the principles of natural justice and fairness.

Students and faculty members have the right to represent themselves at appeal hearings to hear and answer allegations and to present their arguments. Appeal hearings are not open to anyone not directly involved in the case being considered. The committee's decision is taken in camera.

All appeal decisions are reported in writing to the students and the faculty members concerned, the Office of Science Academic Services, the home Faculty and the Registrar’s Office.

Further appeals may be made to the Senate Appeals Committee. Enquiries about these appeals, and the grounds upon which they may be filed, should be directed to the Senate Secretariat, 1050 Kaneff Tower.

Appeals on academic honesty rulings are also made directly to the Senate Appeals Committee. Appeals are heard only on the same grounds as cited above.

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.

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.

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.

General Regulations

Bachelor of Arts (BA)

In order to graduate with a bachelor of arts:

1. 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.
2. 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 of the Faculty Rules.
3. Satisfy the general education requirement, 24 credits in total, as follows:
   • a minimum of six credits from natural science (NATS) (with no more than nine credits counting towards this requirement),
   • a minimum of six credits from the humanities category from the Faculty of Science Bachelor of Arts approved list of general education courses (with no more than nine credits counting towards this requirement),
   • a minimum of six credits from the social science category from the Faculty of Science Bachelor of Arts approved list of general education courses (with no more than nine credits counting towards this requirement).

   Note: The approved list Faculty of Science Bachelor of Arts general education courses is posted on the York Courses Website.

4. 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.
5. 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 of the Faculty Rules.
6. 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:

1. 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.
2. 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 of the Faculty Rules.
3. 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 are required from courses with laboratories.
4. 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, environmental biology, geography, kinesiology and health science, mathematical biology, 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/MATH 1510 6.00, SC/MATH 1515 3.00, SC/MATH 1520 3.00, 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.
5. 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.
6. 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 of the Faculty Rules.
7. 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:

1. 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.
2. 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 of the Faculty Rules.
3. Satisfy the general education requirement, 24 credits in total, as follows:
   • a minimum of six credits from natural science (NATS) (with no more than nine credits counting towards this requirement);
   • a minimum of six credits from the humanities category from the Faculty of Science Bachelor of Arts approved list of general education courses (with no more than nine credits counting towards this requirement);
   • a minimum of six credits from the social science category from the Faculty of Science Bachelor of Arts approved list of general education courses (with no more than nine credits counting towards this requirement).

   Note: The approved list Faculty of Science Bachelor of Arts general education courses is posted on the York Course Website.

4. 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;
5. 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 of the Faculty Rules;
6. 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:

1. 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.
2. 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 of the Faculty Rules.
3. 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 are required from courses with laboratories.
4. 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, environmental biology, earth and atmospheric science, geography, kinesiology and health science, mathematical biology, 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/MATH 1510 6.00, SC/MATH 1515 3.00, SC/MATH 1520 3.00, 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.
5. 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.
6. 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 of the Faculty Rules.
7. 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:

1. 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.
2. 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 of the Faculty Rules.
3. 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 are required from courses with laboratories.
4. 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, environmental biology, earth and atmospheric science, geography, kinesiology and health science, mathematical biology, 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/MATH 1510 6.00, SC/MATH 1515 3.00, SC/MATH 1520 3.00, 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.
5. 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.
6. 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 of the Faculty Rules.
7. Satisfy the program of study requirements specified in the Faculty of Science Programs of Study section.
8. Have one or two exchange terms abroad as a full-time student at an institution with which York has a formal exchange agreement.

Students may choose to major in a specific subject when they enter the University or they may wait until they have completed up to 24 credits. At this point, students must choose a major, but subsequent changes are possible. In selecting courses, students who are undecided should try to take introductory courses in a number of potential major subjects. This will allow them to proceed in their subject of choice without the possibility of a delay. Some departments will not permit undecided majors to enrol in their courses.

Bachelor of Arts Degree Programs

Honours Bachelor of Arts (Honours BA) programs require at least four years of full-time study and at least 120 credits. Honours programs may be: Specialised Honours; Honours Major, which may be combined with a second Honours Major or with an Honours Minor; and Honours Minor, which must be combined with an Honours Major.

Bachelor of Arts (BA) programs are usually completed in three years of full-time study, require at least 90 credits and usually involve limited concentration in only one declared subject area.

Programs offered are:

• Specialized Honours with a declared major in one of actuarial science, applied mathematics, mathematics, mathematics for education, or statistics.
• Honours Major with a declared major in one of actuarial science, applied mathematics, mathematics, mathematics for education, science and technology studies, or statistics.
• Honours Double Major (intra-Faculty) with a declared major in one of applied mathematics, mathematics, mathematics for education, science and technology studies, or statistics and a second major in one of applied mathematics, mathematics, mathematics for education, physics and astronomy, science and technology studies, or statistics.
• Honours Double Major (Science/Environmental Studies inter-Faculty) with a declared major in one of applied mathematics, mathematics, science and technology studies, or statistics and a second major in environmental studies.
• Honours Double Major (Science/Arts, Media, Performance and Design inter-Faculty) with a declared major in one of applied mathematics, mathematics, science and technology studies, or statistics and a second major in one of dance, film, music, theatre, or visual arts.
• Honours Double Major (Science/Health inter-Faculty) with a declared major in one of applied mathematics, mathematics, mathematics for education, science and technology studies, or statistics and a second major in one of health studies, kinesiology and health science, or psychology.
• Honours Double Major (Science/Lassonde School of Engineering inter-Faculty) with a declared major in one of applied mathematics, mathematics, mathematics for education, science and technology studies, or statistics and a second major in one of computer science or earth and atmospheric science.
• Honours Double Major (Science/Liberal Arts and Professional Studies inter-Faculty) with a declared major in one of applied mathematics, mathematics, mathematics for education, science and technology studies, or statistics and a second major in one of African studies (mathematics, science and technology studies, or statistics only), anthropology, Canadian studies, children’s studies, classical studies, classics, cognitive science, communication studies, creative writing, criminology, culture and expression, disaster and emergency management, East Asian studies, economics, English, European studies (mathematics, science and technology studies, or statistics only), French studies, gender and women’s studies, geography, German studies, health and society, Hellenic studies, history, humanities, human rights and equity studies, information technology, interdisciplinary social science, international development studies, Italian culture, Italian studies, Jewish studies, Latin American and Caribbean Studies (mathematics, science and technology studies, or statistics only), law and society, linguistics, multicultural and indigenous studies, philosophy, political science, professional writing, , religious studies, sexuality studies, sociology, South Asian studies (mathematics and statistics only), Spanish, United States studies, urban studies, work and labour studies.
• Honours Major/Minor (intra-Faculty) with a declared major in one of applied mathematics, mathematics, mathematics for education, science and technology studies, or statistics and a minor in one of applied mathematics, biology, chemistry, mathematics, mathematics for education, physics and astronomy, science and technology studies, or statistics.
• Honours Major/Minor (Science/Environmental Studies inter-Faculty) with a declared major in one of applied mathematics, mathematics, mathematics for education, science and technology studies, or statistics and a minor in environmental studies.
• Honours Major/Minor (Science/Arts, Media, Performance and Design inter-Faculty) with a declared major in one of applied mathematics, mathematics, mathematics for education, science and technology studies, or statistics and a minor in one of dance, film, computational arts and technology, music, theatre, or visual arts.
• Honours Major/Minor (Science/Health inter-Faculty) with a declared major in one of applied mathematics, mathematics, mathematics for education, science and technology studies, or statistics and a minor in one of global health, health informatics, health management, health policy, kinesiology and health science, or psychology.
• Honours Major/Minor (Science/Lassonde School of Engineering) with a declared major in one of applied mathematics, mathematics, mathematics for education, science and technology studies, or statistics and a minor in one of computer science or earth and atmospheric science.
• Honours Major/Minor (Science/Liberal Arts and Professional Studies inter-Faculty) with a declared major in one of applied mathematics, mathematics, mathematics for education, science and technology studies, or statistics and a minor in one of African studies, anthropology, business, Canadian studies, children’s studies, classical studies, classics, creative writing, culture and expression, disaster and emergency management, East Asian studies, economics, English, European studies, French studies, gender and women’s studies, geography, German studies, health and society, Hellenic studies, history, humanities, human rights and equity studies, information technology, international development studies, Italian culture, Italian studies, Japanese studies, Jewish studies, Latin American and Caribbean studies, linguistics, marketing, medical anthropology, multicultural and indigenous studies, philosophy, political science, Portuguese and Luso-Brazilian studies, professional writing, public administration, religious studies, sexuality studies, sociology, South Asian studies, Spanish, United States studies, urban studies, or work and labour studies.
• Bachelor with a declared major in one of applied mathematics, or science and technology studies.

International Bachelor of Science Degree Programs

International Bachelor of science (iBSc) programs, which require at least four years of full-time study, at least 120 credits, and one or two exchange terms abroad as a full-time student at an institution with which York has a formal exchange agreement:

• Specialized Honours, with one declared major in biology; Honours Major with one declared major in biology (can include the biomedical stream); Honours Major/Minor with biology as the major (can include the biomedical stream).

Certificate Programs

There are numerous certificate programs offered by York University in various subject areas, allowing recognition of a specialised area of study. Certificate programs are open to all undergraduate students, subject to student eligibility and course availability. The following certificates may be of interest to students taking programs in the Faculty of Science.

Actuarial Science

This certificate is offered by the Department of Mathematics and Statistics of the Faculty of Science. York University students may earn a certificate in Acturial Science concurrently with fulfillment of the requirements for a Bachelors degree. This certificate is also available as a stand alone Certificate for students who already hold a Bachelors degree from an accredited institution, who are admissible according to Faculty and University policies, and whose previous studies satisfy the Certificate's admission requirements. For details of the certificate requirements, including the certificate's admission requirements, refer to the Faculty of Science Programs of Study section.

Certificate in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Remote Sensing

This certificate is offered jointly by the Department of Earth and Space Science and Engineering of the Lassonde School of Engineering, the Department of Geography of the Faculty of Liberal Arts and Professional Studies and the Faculty of Environmental Studies.

The certificate program includes three streams, one offered through each of the three units above. Honours BSc or BSc candidates majoring in environmental science or geography may be particularly interested in this certificate.

For additional information, consult the three units mentioned above.

Certificate in Meteorology

This certificate is offered by the Department of Earth and Space Science and Engineering, Lassonde School of Engineering. The program is open to any student who satisfies the program admission requirements. Entrance to the program requires the candidate to have successfully completed at least 54 approved credits (nine approved full courses) in the areas of physical science and mathematics.

For additional information, consult the Department of Earth and Space Science and Engineering.