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Other University Programs & Transfer Options

Bachelor of Science – Transfer

General Information

Students may start Bachelor of Science programs at VIU, and then transfer to another university to complete their degrees, in the following disciplines:

Students lacking the necessary prerequisites for first-year Science courses should contact the Advising Centre at 1–888–920–2221 local 6410.

The Program

The Bachelor of Science program is intended to develop conceptual skills, emphasizing an experimental and analytical approach to biological, physical or mathematical systems. It usually involves the introductory study of Biology, Chemistry, Computing Science, Geology, Mathematics, and Physics, plus more advanced study in one or two areas of specialization. Depending both on the number of advanced courses and the achievement level in those courses, the four-year program will lead to an Honours, Major or General B.Sc. degree.

At VIU, students may complete the first few years for all three types of degree in the areas of Biophysics, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Computing Science, Geography, Mathematics, Physiology, and Psychology, perhaps with some restrictions—please see an Advisor for details. For a Science degree in Astronomy, Chemical Physics, Geology, Geophysics, Kinesiology, Mathematical Physics or Physics, students will normally transfer to a university after completing VIU’s first-year Science program.

For students who wish to specialize in two disciplines, a wide variety of Double Honours and Double Major programs is available upon transfer to one of the universities. Admission to professional faculties at universities often requires one or more years of study in the sciences. These faculties include Agriculture, Architecture, Dental Hygiene, Dentistry, Engineering, Forestry, Geography, Geology, Family and Nutritional Sciences, Medicine, Pharmacy, Psychology, Rehabilitation Sciences, and Veterinary Medicine.

For students planning a career in Science Research, the B.Sc. degree is usually followed by a post-graduate degree. The Master of Science (M.Sc.) and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degrees involve both course work at an advanced level and original research in one of the areas of specialization listed above, or in related areas such as Ecology, Fisheries, Meteorology and Oceanography. Some specific Bachelor of Science programs are described below.

The VIU Advantage

The advantage of beginning a Science degree program at VIU is that first and second year class sizes are, on average, one quarter the size compared to university; as a result, instructors are more accessible. All classes are taught by fully qualified instructors, who are dedicated to teaching, and much more attention is given to individual students. This special attention gives VIU graduates a strong advantage when transferring to university.

Admission Requirements

Notes on Admission

  • Most courses have specific prerequisites in high school Biology, Chemistry, Computing Science, English, Mathematics, and Physics.
  • Students who do not meet all course prerequisites may register in a combination of preparatory courses and B.Sc. courses.

Start Date and Application Deadline

Programs start in September and applications are accepted between November 15 and March 31. For further information regarding late applications and contact information check the Program Availability List.

Updated February 29, 2012