Calendar
  • Athabasca University
  • Calendar
  • Undergraduate Calendar
  • Program regulations
  • Degrees
  • Bachelor of Science, General

Bachelor of Science, General

Regulations effective Sep. 1, 2023.

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:

  • Applied Mathematics
  • Computing and Information Systems
  • Human Science

  • Applied Mathematics Minor
  • Architecture Minor
  • Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Minor
  • Biology Minor
  • Business Administration Minor
  • Computing Minor
  • Finance Management Minor
  • Game Design and Development Minor
  • Game Programming Minor
  • Geoscience Minor
  • Human Science Minor
  • Information Systems Minor
  • Information Systems Management Minor
  • Learning Technology Minor
  • Physical Sciences Minor
  • Psychology Minor
  • Web Development Minor

Program requirements

Students complete the program regulations in effect at the time of their enrolment.

Students are strongly encouraged to register in ENGL 255 early in their program. Students will be exempted* from the English Writing Skills Requirement (ENGL 255) who have met one of the following criteria:

  • have a grade of B- (70 per cent) or better in an Athabasca University English course above the preparatory (100) level;
    or
  • received credit for an English course in which a grade of B- or better was achieved.

*Note: the exemption must be replaced with a 3-credit course in any discipline at the junior/senior (200 to 400) level.

Students who hold a recognized first degree and who wish to obtain an AU undergraduate degree in a different subject area, will be enrolled under the second undergraduate degree regulations. These students may transfer in up to 50 per cent (60 credits) into the four-year degree program, based on course work in the first degree that is applicable. Preparatory (100 level) credits cannot be used to fulfill the requirements of a second undergraduate degree.

For student in the BSc program wishing to combine two majors, all requirements of both majors must be fulfilled. The choice of major may restrict course selection or require the completion of more than 120 credits. Those considering a double major should consult an AU program advisor for assistance.

Program structure


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

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

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

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)

 


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

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

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

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)
Information effective Sep. 1, 2023 to Dec. 31, 2023.

Updated July 25, 2024 by Office of the Registrar (calendar@athabascau.ca)

https://www.athabascau.ca/calendar/ 12a93caf0a2a5543024b5666f3596b01