Bachelor of Science, General
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 Biological Sciences (BioSc), Computing and Information Systems (CIS), or Applied Mathematics (AMath). 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 students to excel in the science-based world of today and meet the increasing technological demands of the future.
Graduates 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. Students 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 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
| 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
| 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
| 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
Additional program regulations
- Athabasca University may grant transfer credit for individual Computer Science courses that were completed more than 5 years ago if proof of currency in the field is provided in the form of a current resumé and letter(s) of employment from the supervisor/employer/human resources. The letter should be written on company letterhead, and the content must include the supervisor's signature, the position title, date of hire, and a breakdown of the duties that highlight the relevancy of the education. Other evidence may be accepted if the letter and the resumé cannot be supplied. Visit the Transfer Credit Services section of the Calendar for more information regarding transfer credit towards the BSc program.
- Students holding a computing-related diploma from an approved college or technical institute that is more than 5 years old may be admitted to the BSc PD program if proof of currency in the field is provided in the form of a current resumé and letter(s) of employment from the supervisor/employer/human resources. The letter should be written on company letterhead, and the content must include the supervisor's signature, the position title, date of hire, and breakdown of the duties that highlight the relevancy of the education. Other evidence may be accepted if the letter and the resumé cannot be supplied.
- If the following courses are over 10 years old: BIOL 325, BIOL 341, BIOL 401, BIOL 480, CHEM 301, and NUTR 406; Athabasca University may grant transfer credit if proof of currency in the field is provided in the form of a current resumé and letter(s) of employment from the supervisor/employer/human resources. The letter should be written on company letterhead, and the content must include the supervisor's signature, the position title, date of hire, and a breakdown of the duties that highlight the relevancy of the education. Other evidence may be accepted if the letter and the resumé cannot be supplied.
- An individual course can only be used to fulfill one requirement in the program. For example, no course can be used to complete the specific requirements of both the major and the minor. Also, a course that fulfills the BSc program general requirements cannot be used to satisfy the specific requirements of either the major or the minor.
- Preparatory (100 level) courses cannot be used to fulfill the requirements of the Post Diploma program.
Updated February 24, 2026 by Office of the Registrar