A Bachelor of Science (BSc) Majors, Minors and Transfer program student in the lab

Bachelor of Science (BSc), Honours, Majors, Minors, and Transfer

Bachelor Degree

Transfer Program


  • Program Length 
    4 Years
  • Credential 
    Bachelor Degree
  • Location Offered 
    Nanaimo

Are you naturally curious about life’s greatest mysteries? Come learn the core critical thinking and statistical skills you need to turn your desire for answers into a meaningful career in science with Vancouver Island University’s Bachelor of Science (BSc) program.

This hands-on and student-focused program covers a range of science disciplines preparing students for graduate and professional studies at major universities or careers in medicine, research, education, resource management, the tech industry, and more. The BSc degree is offered as a Major or Minor. An Honours Bachelor of Science degree is also available.

As a student in the Sciences at VIU, you will work closely with professors in small classes and participate in experiential learning in the classroom, the lab and the field to develop the skills you need to make significant contributions to society in the form of scientific discoveries, advancements and breakthroughs.

The Bachelor of Science (BSc) Program

Students select at least one Honours, Major, or two Minors (a Double Minor) from the disciplines listed above. Entrance into an Honours program varies between departments; students should consult with a B.Sc. Advisor or Department Chair for more information.

Science Honours, Major, or Double–Minor with any Non-Science Minor

Students completing the requirements for a B.Sc. Honours, Major, or a Double–Minor may combine the Science Honours, Major, or Double–Minor with any Non-Science Minor. A list of available Arts Minors can be found on the Bachelor of Arts page.

Note: A Non-Science Minor cannot be used with a single Science Minor to complete the B.Sc. degree.

General Description

VIU’s Science degrees build on a strong record of undergraduate education, dating back to 1969. Graduates of VIU have gone on to graduate schools and professional schools at major universities, while others have used their degree to enter successful careers.

A degree in the sciences is both valuable in itself and as a foundation for a wide variety of careers. The science degrees at VIU provide a sound preparation for both employment and further education. Students who may be interested in graduate studies may need to write a Graduate Record Exam (GRE) and may need to complete courses that are considered options for their B.Sc. Students are advised to consult graduate school calendars for specific entrance requirements and to discuss their plans for graduate study with their degree advisor.

Degree Planning

At the end of first year or after completing a minimum of 24 credits, students need to declare their educational goals in consultation with a B.Sc. Advisor. Declaration of educational goals will indicate the student's plan to satisfy the requirements for the degree, including the options (Majors/Minors) they intend to pursue. Educational goals can be adjusted later to reflect changed student intent or curriculum offerings.

Institutional B.Sc. Degree Requirements

To be granted a VIU B.Sc. degree, students must meet the following requirements:

Total Requirement

Students must complete a minimum of 120 credits chosen from courses that (a) are numbered 100 or higher; and (b) do not have a “T” or a “G” after the course number. In addition, each 4-credit first year course taken will increase the total requirement by one additional credit.

Note 1: Courses consisting primarily of field work, co-op placement, or preceptorship/internship are not normally eligible for selection within this category.

Note 2: Students who completed “T” courses should consult with the B.Sc. Degree Advisor in the relevant department regarding the applicability of these courses.

Note 3: When selecting electives to meet departmental requirements for Degrees and Minors, please see descriptions for each program.

Undergraduate Degree English Requirements

All students in undergraduate degree programs at VIU are required to complete 6 credits of first–year English composition and literature courses.

Lower-Level Mathematics Requirement

Students completing a B.Sc. Honours, Major, or a B.Sc. Double Minor must complete either MATH 121/122, or 100/101. Note: Students may not obtain credit towards the B.Sc. degree for MATH 151 or MATH 152.

Lower-Level Sciences Requirement

Students completing a B.Sc. Honours, Major, or a B.Sc. Double Minor must complete a minimum of 6 credits from each of three science disciplines. None of MATH 100, 101, 121, or MATH 122 may be used to meet this requirement. Computer Science Majors or Minors may take 6 credits of Business in lieu of six credits from one science discipline. Students completing a B.Sc. Minor in Psychology or Geography shall be deemed to have met the requirement of taking six credits from one science discipline. Students should consult the B.Sc. Degree Advisor to confirm how to meet this requirement for their chosen degree.

Note: Statistics Courses: Only one of the following introductory statistics courses may be taken for credit towards the VIU B.Sc. degree: MATH 181, MATH 211, MATH 254, PSYC 300A, HSD 425.

Non-Science Elective Requirement

In addition to fulfillment of the Degree English Requirement, students completing a B.Sc. Honours, Major, or a B.Sc. Double Minor must complete a minimum of 6 credits  from non-science courses that (a) are numbered 100 or higher, and (b) do not have a “T” or a “G” after the course number. The following courses may not be counted to meet this requirement, although they may be counted as general electives:

Note: Students completing a B.Sc. degree with a Minor in a Non-Science discipline shall be deemed to have met the Non–Science Elective Requirement.

Upper-Level Requirement

A minimum of 42 VIU credits in courses numbered 300 or higher, with a minimum 2.0 ("C") grade point average calculated on all upper-level courses attempted or completed. If such a course has been repeated, grades from all attempts will be included in the calculation.

Residency Requirement

A minimum of 60 credits must be taken at VIU. In exceptional circumstances, with written approval of the relevant Dean, this minimum may be reduced by up to 15 credits.

Upper-Level Exchange Agreements

VIU has exchange agreements with some universities that allow up to a year of upper-level work to be completed at the partner institution. Check with Degree Advisors in individual departments for details.

Senior Project

A senior project is required for certain Majors and all Honours; students are expected to plan their senior project during third year and to schedule its completion prior to the end of their fourth year. Each senior project will have a designated project supervisor, who will assist the student to identify the resources required to complete the project successfully.

Updated 
Wednesday, February 17, 2021

Notes on Admission

  • Students who do not meet the mathematics requirement should consult Advising on how to upgrade while working towards the B.Sc.
  • Other high school science courses may be required for the different Majors and Minors.
  • In their first two years, students should choose courses with their intended degree and/or Major/Minor in mind.

Domestic Fees | International Fees

Domestic Fees

Tuition and Other Mandatory Student Fees

When applying to the program, applicants will be charged a non-refundable application fee.

When applying to graduate, students will be charged a non-refundable graduation and alumni fee.

Some courses have additional fees to pay for extraordinary class–related expenses.

Fees for One Year

Amount

Tuition (30 credits x $159.94 per credit)

4,798.20

Student Activity fee (4% of tuition)

191.93

Student Services fee (30 credits x $7.07 per credit)

212.10

VIU Students' Union fee (8 months x $24.88 per month)

199.04

Health and Dental Plan fee ($265.00 per year)

265.00

Approximate cost for books and supplies for one year (Note: Books and supply costs vary depending on course load and course type.)

1,500.00

Total

7,166.27
Notes

*  The above table is based on ten 3-credit courses taken over two semesters. For programs that require 4-credit courses, students should adjust the fee totals accordingly.

The VIUSU Health and Dental Plan fee is assessed for all students enrolled in 6 credits or more per term, or in Trades/Vocational programs of 5 months or longer.

Science and Technology courses with a compulsory lab have a lab fee of $22.97 per course.

All fees are subject to change without prior notice and are expected to increase by 2% each year on April 1.

International Fees

Tuition and Other Mandatory Student Fees

When applying to the program, applicants will be charged a non-refundable application fee.

When applying to graduate, students will be charged a non-refundable graduation and alumni fee.

Some courses have additional fees to pay for extraordinary class–related expenses.

Fees for One Year

Amount

Tuition (2 semesters x $9613.50 per semester)

19,227.00

Ancillary Fee (2 semesters x $426.07 per semester)

852.14

VIU Students' Union fee (8 months x $24.88 per month)

199.04

Health and Dental Plan fee ($265.00 per year)

265.00

Approximate cost for books and supplies for one year (Note: Books and supply costs vary depending on course load and course type.)

1,500.00

Total

22,043.18
Notes

Tuition in the above table is based on a maximum of 15 credits at $739.50 per credit, up to a maximum of $9,613.50 per semester for 12-15 credits; $739.50 per credit beyond 15 credits. Ancillary Fees in the above table are based on a maximum of 15 credits at $32.77 per credit, up to a maximum of $426.07 per semester for 12-15 credits; $32.77 per credit beyond 15 credits.

The VIUSU Health and Dental Plan fee is assessed for all students enrolled in 6 credits or more per term, or in Trades/Vocational programs of 5 months or longer.

Science and Technology courses with a compulsory lab have a lab fee of $22.97 per course.

All fees are subject to change without prior notice and are expected to increase by 2% each year on April 1.

Updated
Monday, August 1, 2022

Domestic (Canadian)

Program Start Date Accepting Applications Location
Anticipated intake for someone applying today
Sep 5, 2023
Application Fee
$43.40
Accepting Late Applications
Yes
Testing Required
No
Admissions Assistant

Name: Erica Ellenchuk
Phone: 250.746.3512
Email: Erica.Ellenchuk@viu.ca

Comments

Questions about becoming a student can be directed to the Office of Future Students at 250 740-6672 or email Connect@viu.ca.

International

Program Start Date Accepting Applications Location
Anticipated intake for someone applying today
Sep 5, 2023
Accepting International Applications
Yes
Application Fee
$150.00
Accepting Late Applications
Yes
Testing Required
No
International Admissions Officer Contact

Name: Yuzo Ishida
Email: Study@viu.ca

Comments

For prospective international applicants, please send your inquires to World VIU at WorldVIU@viu.ca.

Further information on this program can be found on the Department website.


Previous versions of this program can be found in the Program Archive.

Jill Campbell

 “I was able to spend a summer at Bamfield Marine Science Centre taking marine ecology courses. This was an incredible way to learn, with lots of field time. As well, each course had an independent research project component which allowed me to experience what research and experimentation is actually like. I'm continuously surprised at the number of opportunities that are out there! A bit of effort, research, and networking can uncover so many amazing volunteer, work, and research positions which may ultimately result in some amazing jobs.”


Jill is studying Biology in the Bachelor of Science program