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

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

  • 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

VIU’s Bachelor of Science degree, with a wide selection of Honours, Majors, and Minors options, builds on a strong record of science 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 directly enter successful careers.

An undergraduate science education helps students develop skills in creative thinking and problem-solving with mathematical and scientific awareness; lab techniques and safety; data collection and analysis; communication, leadership, and teamwork. Given its range and flexibility, the VIU BSc degree provides a sound preparation for both employment and further education.

To be granted a VIU BSc degree, students must meet the following requirements.

Total Credit Requirement

Students must complete a minimum of 120 credits chosen from courses numbered 100-499. In addition,

  • each 4- or 5-credit first year course taken will increase the total requirement by 1 or 2 additional credits, respectively; and,
  • co-requisite laboratory course credits will be added to the total requirement.

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 have completed courses with a “T” after the course number (i.e. 100T) should consult with their Degree Advisor regarding the applicability of these courses.

Requirement for Honours, Majors and Minors

There are many options available within the Bachelor of Science Program. Students must complete all requirements for either an Honours, Major, or Double Minor degree option, each of which have unique requirements.

Advisors are available to help students explore and consider their options. Students should consult with one of the BSc Degree Advisors to discuss their plan to satisfy the degree requirements.

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 BSc must complete either MATH 121/122, or 100/101.

Note: Students may not apply credit for MATH 151 or MATH 152 towards the BSc degree.

Lower-Level Sciences Requirement

Students completing a BSc must complete a minimum of 6 credits from each of three science disciplines. Students should consult the BSc Degree Advisor to confirm how to meet this requirement for their chosen degree.

  • None of MATH 100, 101, 121, or MATH 122 may be used to meet this requirement.
  • Only one of the following introductory statistics courses may be taken for credit towards the BSc degree: MATH 181, MATH 211, MATH 254, PSYC 300A, HSD 425.
  • Computer Science Honours, Majors or Minors students may take 6 credits of Business in lieu of six credits from one science discipline.
  • Students completing a BSc Minor in Psychology or Geography shall be deemed to have met the requirement of taking six credits from one science discipline.

Non-Science Elective Requirement

In addition to fulfillment of the Degree English Requirement, students completing a BSc must complete a minimum of 6 credits from non-science courses within their total credit requirement. The following courses may not be counted to meet this requirement, although they may be counted as general electives:

Upper-Level Requirement

A minimum of 42 VIU credits in courses numbered 300-499, 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, the highest grade obtained will be included in the calculation.

Residency Requirement

A minimum of 60 credits must be taken at VIU to meet the residency requirement.

Honours Programs

Honours programs have all the requirements for a Major, plus an additional 12 specified credits (minimum) in the discipline which are normally taken in lieu of electives. These additional credits often include a graduating essay or major project (where such courses and projects are not already required for the Major).

Senior Project

A senior project is required for certain Majors and all Honours; students are strongly encouraged 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.

Students are required to complete either an Honours, Major, or Double Minor degree option (selected from the disciplines listed below), each of which have unique requirements.  Admission to BSc does not guarantee enrolment in specific courses within a major, minor or honours.  Some majors have additional admission requirements and require a specific application for admission.

Notes on Admission

  • Students who do not meet the mathematics requirement should consult Advising on how to upgrade while working towards the BSc.
  • Other high school science courses are often required to meet individual course prerequisites.

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 $163.14 per credit)

4,894.20

Student Activity fee (4% of tuition)

195.77

Student Services fee (30 credits x $7.21 per credit)

216.30

VIU Students' Union fee (8 months x $26.59 per month)

212.72

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

7,283.99
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 $23.43 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 $10870.72 per semester)

21,741.44

Ancillary Fee (2 semesters x $463.40 per semester)

926.80

VIU Students' Union fee (8 months x $26.59 per month)

212.72

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

24,645.96
Notes

Tuition in the above table is based on $776.48 per credit, up to a maximum of $10,870.72 per semester for 15 credits; $776.48 per credit beyond 15 credits. Ancillary Fees in the above table are based on $33.10 per credit, up to a maximum of $463.40 per semester for 15 credits; $33.10 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 $23.43 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, April 3, 2023

Domestic (Canadian)

Program Start Date Accepting Applications Location
Application Fee
$44.27
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