Academic Calendars - Program

Natural Science

(Natural Science)

Faculty of Science

Location:218 Bethune College, Tel.: 416-736-5021
Website:natsci.info.yorku.ca
Director of the Division:J. Clark
Undergraduate Program Director:R. Metcalfe
Professors:M. De Robertis, Physics and Astronomy
Associate Professors:M.H. Armour, Science and Technology Studies; J. Elwick, Science and Technology Studies; E. Hamm, Science and Technology Studies; D. Lungu, Science and Technology Studies; R. Metcalfe, Science and Technology Studies; V. Pavri, Science and Technology Studies; A. Mills, Biology; G. Monette, Mathematics and Statistics; N. Richardson, Kinesiology and Health Science;
Assistant Professors:S. Domenikos, Science and Technology Studies; J. Lazenby, Science and Technology Studies; R. Marushia, Science and Technology Studies; C. Rozins, Science and Technology Studies; E. Hyde, Physics and Astronomy; A. Muzzin, Physics and Astronomy; B. Schwarz, Biology

Faculty of Science Courses in Natural Science

The natural science courses are designed, as part of the BA and iBA general education program, to acquaint those students not intending to be professionally concerned with science with the outlook, methods and some of the achievements of science. The individual courses offered approach this objective by selecting a particular area, problem or aspect of science in which the operations of the scientific enterprise can be studied in some detail. In an increasingly technologically-oriented world, it is very important that all students have some familiarity with science to enable them to make more information choices and decisions that relate to themselves and society as a whole.

The courses may be broadly classified into four areas, within which and between some overlap occurs, resulting in course credit exclusions as noted. However, in certain circumstances, such exclusions are petitionable. Courses may have laboratory or tutorial sessions associated with them. The three categories are as follows:

a) History and philosophy of science and technology: SC/NATS 1505 3.00, SC/NATS 1510 3.00, SC/NATS 1700 6.00, SC/NATS 1730 6.00, SC/NATS 1745 6.00, SC/NATS 1760 6.00, SC/NATS 1765 6.00, SC/NATS 1775 6.00, SC/NATS 1920 6.00;

b) Life science: SC/NATS 1550 3.00, SC/NATS 1560 3.00, SC/NATS 1565 3.00, SC/NATS 1610 6.00, SC/NATS 1650 6.00, SC/NATS 1660 6.00, SC/NATS 1670 6.00, SC/NATS 1675 6.00, SC/NATS 1680 6.00, SC/NATS 1690 6.00, SC/NATS 1850 6.00, SC/NATS 1860 6.00, SC/NATS 1940 6.00;

c) Physical science: SC/NATS 1500 3.00, SC/NATS 1515 3.00, SC/NATS 1520 3.00, SC/NATS 1525 3.00, SC/NATS 1530 3.00, SC/NATS 1540 3.00, SC/NATS 1570 3.00, SC/NATS 1575 3.00, SC/NATS 1580 3.00, SC/NATS 1585 3.00, SC/NATS 1710 6.00, SC/NATS 1720 6.00, SC/NATS 1740 6.00, SC/NATS 1750 6.00, SC/NATS 1780 6.00, SC/NATS 1790 6.00, SC/NATS 1810 6.00, SC/NATS 1820 6.00, SC/NATS 1830 6.00, SC/NATS 1840 6.00, SC/NATS 1870 6.00, SC/NATS 1880 6.00, SC/NATS 1910 6.00, SC/NATS 1930 6.00, SC/NATS 1945 6.00.

The natural science courses are intended primarily for non-science majors. Courses in biology, chemistry, earth and atmospheric science, physics and astronomy and other science disciplines are described elsewhere in this section of the Undergraduate Calendar.

Grading procedure. Grades will be assigned in the manner described by the Faculty of Science in the Faculty of Science Regulations Governing Examinations and Academic Standards section of this publication.

Natural Science is offered by the Glendon Campus and the Faculty of Science.

  • Advising, Enrolment, Registration, Graduation and Other Administrative Procedures
  • General Information
  • Regulations Governing Examinations and Academic Standards
  • Regulations Governing Undergraduate Degree Requirements
  • Undergraduate Degree and Certificate Programs

Advising, Enrolment, Registration, Graduation and Other Administrative Procedures

Student Responsibility

Every effort is made in the Faculty of Science to ensure that each student receives academic advice and sufficient information to guide in course selection and program choice. Within this context, the student is solely responsible for the following:

  • ensuring that the courses chosen in consultation with an adviser meet all program (refer to the Faculty of Science Programs of Study section) and degree (refer to the Faculty of Science Regulations Governing Undergraduate Degree Requirements section of the Faculty Rules) requirements for graduation;
  • ensuring that course prerequisites are satisfied and that chosen courses are not exclusions of other courses already taken;
  • verifying the accuracy of registration records, including all course changes;
  • fulfilling the requirements and being aware of academic progress in all registered courses;
  • noting and abiding by the sessional deadline dates published on the Current Students webpage each year, especially course add and drop deadline dates.

Advising

Before each academic session begins, every student can meet with an adviser to discuss program and degree requirements. However, it is the responsibility of all students to familiarize themselves with both the requirements of their individual programs of study (refer to the Faculty of Science Programs of Study section) and the regulations governing their degree requirements (refer to the Faculty of Science Regulations Governing Undergraduate Degree Requirements section of the Faculty Rules).

In preparation for enrolment, and at the advising appointment, the following should be considered:

  • Choice of subject area(s). Every student must choose one or two subject area(s) according to personal interests and career goals.
  • Choice of program. All students who have completed 24 or more credits must choose a program (bachelor, Specialized Honours, Honours Major, Honours Double Major or Honours Major/Minor) in accordance with Faculty of Science regulations, including minimum grade point average requirements for Honours programs. See Faculty of Science Regulations Governing Undergraduate Degree Requirements, Faculty of Science Regulations Governing Examinations and Academic Standards (Designation of Honours or Bachelor Program section), and the program of study requirements in the Faculty of Science Programs of Study section.
  • Faculty of Science degree requirements and regulations. Refer to the Faculty of Science Regulations Governing Undergraduate Degree Requirements section of the Faculty Rules.

Course selection at the 1000 level. The 1000-level (entry-level) of all programs is multidisciplinary. Course requirements are outlined under the program of study requirements for each subject area in the Faculty of Science Programs of Study section. Besides ensuring that students are well prepared for more advanced study in the subject areas of their choice these requirements ensure that students achieve an adequate and appropriate breadth in science, help students to develop basic computational, mathematical and laboratory skills, and also an appreciation of the humanities and social sciences. Most introductory courses carry prerequisites, normally at the 12U level. Unless stated otherwise in the program of study requirements Honours Double Major candidates and Honours Major/Minor candidates are expected to complete all 1000-level requirements for both majors and/or minor, excepting course credit exclusions.

  • Since the normal yearly full-time credit load is 30 credits, it may not be possible for the student to complete all the 1000-level requirements for any degree program in year one. It is important to complete in year one those courses that are prerequisites for required 2000- level courses or that are introductory to the major or minor subject area. It is advisable to complete as many of the other required 1000-level courses as possible in year one to avoid timetable conflicts in later years. In some circumstances, equivalent courses approved in writing by the major program(s) may be substituted for the courses listed.
  • Course selection above the 1000 level. Complete details of the course requirements for all subject areas and programs are found in the Faculty of Science Programs of Study section. Degree checklists for all programs/subject areas are available from the Office of Science Academic Services.
  • Prerequisites/corequisites. Most courses in the Faculty of Science have prerequisite and/or corequisite requirements. These may be specific courses (indicating specific required background knowledge) or they may be general prerequisites (indicating a required level of maturity in university studies in the subject area or overall). As indicated in the Faculty of Science Regulations Governing Undergraduate Degree Requirements section of the Faculty Rules, it is the student's responsibility to enrol in only those courses for which the student has successfully completed all designated prerequisites and to take concurrently all specified corequisites not already completed successfully. Students who lack the stated prerequisites but have reason to believe they can succeed in a course must obtain written permission from department concerned (consult the departmental undergraduate office regarding the procedure to be followed) before enrolling.
  • Course credit exclusions. Students should avoid enrolling in any two courses which are designated as course credit exclusions of one another, since credit will be given for only one. For more information regarding course credit exclusions, refer to Course Credit Exclusions in the Faculty of Science Regulations Governing Undergraduate Degree Requirements section.
  • Scheduling. All information regarding courses to be offered in each session, times, places etc. is found on the York Courses website (w2prod.sis.yorku.ca/Apps/WebObjects/cdm).

Changes in Program/Subject Area(s)

Candidates may change their degree programs and/or subject area(s) from the time of their advising sessions in the spring until the tenth class day of the fall term, provided their standing, prescription of studies and timetable arrangements permit the proposed changes, and provided they are supported in writing by the academic advisers concerned. All program and subject area changes must be effected through the Registrar’s Office by submitting a Program Change Request available on the Program Change Web page at myacademicrecord.students.yorku.ca/program-change. Transfer credit assessments must be reviewed after any change in program/subject area.

Enrolment

Students enrol in courses through the Web enrolment system. Information on how to use the system is provided on the Enrolment and Registration Guide Web page at registrar.yorku.ca/enrol/guide.

A maximum of 33 credits during a fall/winter session and 15 credits during a summer session may be taken at York University and/or at another institution.

Course Changes

Course changes are permitted, but only for limited periods of time, and in accordance with the sessional dates in the enrolment guides. Written permission of the course instructor(s) may be required. Students should consult their advisers regarding the effect course changes may have on the fulfillment of program and degree requirements, but it is the responsibility of the student alone to recognize the consequences of course changes on academic progress. Students are responsible for verifying their enrolment during each academic session.

Transfer Credit

Transfer credit towards a York University degree may be granted for courses taken at other accredited postsecondary institutions prior to registration at York University. Transfer credit assessments for the Faculty of Science are specific to the program and subject area(s) in which the student plans to enrol at York University. If the student does not enrol in the program(s) and subject area(s) specified on the admission application or, subsequent to first registration, changes subject area(s) and/or program(s), the transfer credit must be reassessed.

Letters of Permission

A student wishing to take a course at an external accredited institution for credit towards a degree program in the Faculty of Science is required to obtain a letter of permission from York University prior to taking the course.

Request forms, and detailed information and instructions, for letters of permission are available online on the Letters of Permission web page at registrar.yorku.ca/enrol/lop.

Reactivation

A student who has been absent from the University for one or more session(s) must apply to be reactivated to the Registrar’s Office (available online at registrar.yorku.ca/enrol/reactivate).

Note: this does not apply to students who have been debarred from York University or to students who have taken postsecondary courses at another institution during their absence from York University; all such students must apply, through the Admissions Office, to be re-admitted to York University.

Graduation

Students should apply to graduate in the calendar year in which they expect to qualify for the degree, irrespective of whether or not they plan to attend the graduation ceremony. A student registered in an Honours program may apply to graduate with a bachelor degree, provided bachelor program requirements are met. The application to graduate can be found on the Apply to Graduate Web page at yorku.ca/convocation/.

Degree Reclassification

A student who has completed a York University bachelor degree in the Faculty of Science may continue, after graduation, in a Specialized Honours program in the same subject area or in an Honours Double Major or Honours Major/Minor program including the same subject area, provided the grade point average is that required for the Honours program.

A student who wishes to pursue a second degree in a different field of study must apply to the Admissions Office for admission as a second degree candidate.

General Information

The Faculty combines excellence in research with an intimate teaching environment in which opportunities for experiential lab-based learning abound. Our mission is to offer the highest quality undergraduate and graduate education in the basic and applied sciences informed and strengthened by research within the international scientific community.

Programs offered span a wide range of basic and applied areas within the broad fields of mathematics, physics, chemistry and biology. In addition, students are encouraged to explore science in both its contemporary and historical societal context through a vibrant science and technology studies program and through the broad range of intellectual, academic and cultural opportunities available at a large and diverse University.

BSc, BA, and iBSc degrees are offered at the Honours and bachelor's level. The requirements for completing degree programs are described in detail in this calendar.

Regulations Governing Examinations and Academic Standards

Grading System

Refer to Grades and Grading Schemes within the Academic Information section of this publication.

Note that percentages are not part of the official grading scheme and are only to be used as guidelines. The letter-grade system is the fundamental system of assessment of performance in undergraduate programs at York University. Note also that grades submitted by an instructor are subject to review by the teaching unit in which the course is offered and by the Faculty Council through its Committee on Examinations and Academic Standards. Grades appear on grade reports and transcripts as soon as they are submitted to the Registrar’s Office and are not official until they have been reviewed and approved. Final course grades may be adjusted to conform to program or Faculty grades-distribution profiles.

Pass/Fail Grading Option

A pass/fail grading option is available to Faculty of Science students under the following conditions:

  1. the student is in good standing (i.e., not under academic or debarment warning);
  2. the student has successfully completed at least 24 credits before they apply to take a course under this option;
  3. courses that may not be taken on a pass/fail basis include those in the major and minor subject area(s), those taken to satisfy general education, science breadth, or certificate requirements (refer to the Regulations Governing Undergraduate Degree Requirements section), required 1000-level science courses, and non-major courses required to satisfy program requirements;
  4. a maximum of 12 (passed) credits may be counted towards an Honours program and a maximum of six (passed) credits from pass/fail graded courses may be counted towards a bachelor program;
  5. the grade obtained in a pass/fail graded course is not included in grade point average calculation;
  6. the option must be exercised within the first two weeks (10 class days) of the term, with the approval of the course director on a form available from the Pass/Fail Option web page at myacademicrecord.students.yorku.ca/pass-fail-option which must be returned to Registrarial Services by this deadline;
  7. the student may change the designation of a course from pass/fail back to the letter-grade system until the last day for withdrawal without academic penalty with formal notification, including the student’s and course director’s signatures, to be received by the Registrar’s Office by this deadline.

Repeated Courses

Students may repeat a passed or failed course twice for academic degree or certificate credit, for a maximum of three (3) attempts at a course. Students should note that course availability and space considerations may preclude the possibility of repeating a course in the session they choose.

Credit towards your degree will only be counted once for repeated courses taken at York or elsewhere. All repeated passed or failed attempts are subject to the University's Policy on Repeating Passed or Failed Courses For Academic Credit.

A student must be declared eligible to proceed in a degree or certificate program in order to be eligible to repeat a course. That is to say, when a student fails to achieve sufficient standing to proceed in a degree or certificate program, or when they are required to withdraw, they would not be eligible to repeat a course or courses.

Academic Standards for Bachelor and Honours Programs

Bachelor Programs

To graduate in a bachelor program. A minimum overall grade point average of 4.00 (C) is required in order to be eligible to graduate in an undergraduate bachelor program.

Students in a bachelor program who have passed 90 credits in accordance with Faculty and program requirements, but whose cumulative overall grade point average is below 4.00 (C), may attempt to raise their average by taking up to 12 additional credits, to a maximum of 102 credits. These courses must be above the 1000 level and must be taken at York University. Regulations on equivalent and excluded courses apply.

Honours Programs

Honours students are classified by year according to the number of credits they have obtained (see below):

YearCredits
1Fewer than 24
2Fewer than 54
3Fewer than 84
4At least 84

Subject to the selection criteria of the major departments, students will be registered in the Honours program who, upon completion of each academic session, have a cumulative average as follows:

YearCumulative Overall Average
14.00
24.25
34.80
45.00

Students who have taken 84 credits, and who wish to proceed in an Honours program must have a cumulative grade point average of 5.00 overall.

To graduate in an Honours program requires successful completion of all Faculty requirements and departmental required courses and a minimum cumulative credit-weighted grade point average of 5.00 (C+) over all courses completed, subject to the exception.

Note: some programs may require a higher standard – consult the program of study requirements in the Faculty of Science Programs of Study section.

Academic Standing Requirements for Visiting Students

Individuals who wish to enrol in undergraduate credit courses, but who do not intend to complete a degree or a certificate may be admitted to York as a visiting student (refer to the Admissions section for more information). There are three categories of visiting students:

  1. those who hold an undergraduate degree (three-year bachelor’s degree minimum) from an accredited university/university-level institution;
  2. those who do not hold an undergraduate degree but wish to enrol in York courses to fulfill the academic, upgrading or professional development requirements of a professional designation;
  3. those who are currently attending another recognized university and wish to take York courses on a letter of permission issued by their home institution.

Grade Point Average (GPA) Requirement

Students in categories a) and b) whose overall cumulative grade point average (OCGPA) falls below 4.00 on at least 24 credits attempted will not be allowed to enrol in any subsequent session as visiting students. Students who are not permitted to re-enrol must apply for re-admission through the Admissions Office.

Note: repeated course legislation does not apply to visiting students but only to academic degrees and certificates. Therefore, all courses attempted or taken will count in the OCGPA.

Credit Limits

Students in category b) who have maintained on OCGPA of 4.00 throughout their studies and who have completed 30 credits will not be allowed to enrol in subsequent sessions and must either reactivate to proceed as visiting students or may choose to apply for admission to a degree or certificate program.

Designation of Honours or Bachelor Program

Automatic Honours designation. Students are automatically considered to be in an Honours program provided they achieve and maintain the minimum grade requirements for Honours described under the Academic Standards for Bachelor and Honours Programs section above.

Automatic bachelor designation. Students are automatically considered to be in a bachelor program if they fail to achieve or maintain the minimum grade requirements for Honours described under the Academic Standards for Bachelor and Honours Programs section above.

Option to graduate with a bachelor program. Students registered for an Honours degree may opt to graduate with a bachelor degree if they fulfill bachelor program requirements. Refer to Graduation in the Faculty of Science Advising, Enrolment, Registration, Graduation and Other Administrative Procedures section of the Faculty Rules for details.

Examinations

Students must maintain a standard of work in their courses of instruction satisfactory to the departments or divisions concerned, and must attend the required tests and examinations, unless prevented by illness or by some other special circumstance.

Identification is required when writing tests and final examinations. Generally this will be the YU-card with a photo or the YU-card without a photo plus a photo-bearing form of identification such as a driver’s licence or passport. Chief invigilators control the conduct of tests and examinations, including such measures as:

  1. the seating of students;
  2. whether or not questions are permitted;
  3. when students may leave the examination hall;
  4. collection of examination answer sheets/booklets.

Unauthorized aids may not be taken into the examination halls.

A student observed deriving assistance from any unauthorized source is subject to the procedures and penalties defined under the Senate regulations regarding academic honesty (refer to the University Policies and Regulations section).

Examination booklets, used and unused, must be submitted intact, with no insertions and no pages removed. All students must remain seated at the conclusion of the examination period until examination papers have been collected. Final examination answer sheets/booklets become the property of the teaching unit. Students have the right to review their graded tests and examinations once the grades have been published by the Registrar’s Office.

Deferred Examinations / Aegrotat Standing

A student may request aegrotat standing, permission to write deferred examinations (in respect of final examinations only) or permission to submit a final assignment after the Faculty’s deadline for submission of term work, on the grounds of sickness or misfortune. There is no provision for rewriting a final examination to improve a grade.

It is the responsibility of the student to ensure that full documentation (medical or other) is provided in support of requests for deferred standing or aegrotat standing. A request submitted on the grounds of illness must include the attending physician’s statement form completed by the petitioner’s physician. Appropriate forms and guidelines are available from the Deferred Standing webpage at myacademicrecord.students.yorku.ca/deferred-standing.

Deferred standing agreement. In the Faculty of Science, deferred standing may be arranged with the course director by means of a form called a deferred standing agreement (DSA). The DSA form and supporting documentation must normally be submitted within one week following a missed examination or the last day to submit course work.

Deferred standing petition. A petition for deferred standing may be submitted if the course director indicates on the DSA form a refusal to approve deferred standing. The petition application, together with other written evidence to be taken into consideration, must normally be submitted to the Registrar’s Office within one week following a missed examination or the last day to submit coursework.

Aegrotat standing petition. In exceptional circumstances, a petition for aegrotat standing may be submitted in cases where a student cannot be expected to complete coursework. If granted, the phrase AEG (“aegrotat standing” from the Latin for “she/he is ill”) is substituted for the grade on the transcript. Aegrotat standing is seldom granted in respect of final examinations; instead, the student may be granted permission to write deferred examination(s).

Term Work

All final grades, including those assigned after deferred examinations, are calculated in a way which assigns a specific weighting to the term work done in addition to the final (or deferred) examination. The weighting is set by the course director and must be announced and available in writing within the first two weeks of classes. If possible, information about assignments, marking schemes and evaluation should be made known to students at or before the first class meeting. A previously announced marking scheme for a course may be changed by the course director with the consent of students enrolled in the course; the new marking scheme must also be distributed in written form.

Prior to the final date to withdraw from a course without receiving a grade, graded feedback worth at least 15 per cent of the final grade for fall, winter or summer term and 30 per cent for 'full year' courses offered in the fall/winter session must be received by students in all courses (excepting the following: those senior undergraduate courses, such as honours theses, where course work consists of a single piece of work, practicum courses, ungraded courses, courses in Faculties where the drop date occurs within the first three weeks of classes, courses which run on a compressed schedule). Students who, in the absence of recognized extenuating circumstances, fail to complete such course work cannot use the lack of feedback as grounds for withdrawal.

No examinations or tests collectively worth more than 20 per cent of the final grade in a course will be given during the final 14 calendar days of classes in a term. The exceptions to the rule are classes which regularly meet Friday evenings or on Saturday and/or Sunday at any time, and courses offered on a compressed schedule.

All tests in a given section of a course must be given during the class or tutorial times listed in the lecture schedule for that section of the course. The only exception is the scheduling of common tests administered to multiple-section courses; in such cases students with a conflict must be given reasonable accommodation.

Term work in any course may not be submitted later than the first day of the final examination period for the course. Earlier final dates for the submission of term work may be set at the discretion of the department/division concerned.

The student is responsible for ensuring that all written term work is received by the instructor concerned.

Reappraisal of Final Grades

Students may, with sufficient academic grounds, request that a final grade in a course be reappraised. Students are normally expected to first contact the course director to discuss the grade received and to request that their tangible work be reviewed. Further information may be obtained from the department/division offering the course. Students applying to have a grade reappraised in a Faculty of Science course should note the following:

  • requests for reappraisal must be filed with the unit offering the course within 21 calendar days of the release of the final grade in the course;
  • students may request the review of specific pieces of work, or the overall course grade. Normally, however, only written work can be reassessed;
  • when a student asks for reappraisal, an original grade may be raised, lowered or confirmed;
  • students wishing to request the reappraisal of a final grade should fill out the appropriate form available from the department/division offering the course and submit it to the same office;
  • the decision of the department/division may be appealed to the Faculty of Science Executive and Planning Committee only on grounds of procedural irregularity or new evidence.

Recognition of Excellence

Dean’s Honour Roll

The annual Dean’s Honour Roll recognizes academic excellence by assigning the notation "Member of Dean’s Honour Roll" to the grade report and transcript of a student who achieves a sessional credit-weighted grade point average of 7.50 or higher on a minimum of 24 credits, or, in the final year of study, a minimum of 18 credits.

Students coregistered in the Faculty of Education, who are registered in a minimum of 24 credits overall (of which at least 18 credits are for the bachelor or Honours degree in the Faculty of Science) and who achieve a sessional credit-weighted grade point average of 7.50 or higher on their credits for the bachelor or Honours in the Faculty of Science, are also eligible to be on the Faculty of Science Dean’s Honour Roll.

First-Class Degrees

The Faculty of Science rewards exceptional students by designating their degrees "first class" or "first class with distinction".

First-class standing is normally awarded to students whose cumulative overall credit-weighted grade point average is 7.50 or higher.

With distinction is normally added to the first class degree of students whose cumulative overall credit-weighted grade point average is 8.00 (A) or higher.

Warnings and Sanctions (BA)

Academic Warning

Students whose cumulative overall grade point average falls below 4.00 (C) at the end of any session or who enter the Faculty with a grade point average equivalent to less than 4.00 (C) receive an academic warning.

Academic Warning Conditions

Students on academic warning must achieve a cumulative grade point average of at least 4.00 within the next 24 credits taken, or earn a sessional grade point average of at least 5.00 in the session in which that 24th credit is taken and in each subsequent session until the cumulative grade point average reaches 4.00, or be required to withdraw. Students whose cumulative grade point average on at least 24 York credits is below 2.50 will be required to withdraw for 12 months.

Failure to Meet Academic Warning Conditions

BA and iBA students on academic warning who fail to meet the academic warning conditions must withdraw for 12 months.

Required Withdrawal

Students whose academic record shows marked weakness may be required to withdraw from their studies for twelve months, during which they are encouraged to identify and remedy any problems which may have contributed materially to their failure to perform up to their potential, and to reflect on their reasons for pursuing a university education. The following regulations apply to required withdrawal:

  • Grade point average below 2.50: students whose cumulative grade point average on at least 24 credits is below 2.50 must withdraw for 12 months.
  • Students whose grade point average is below 4.00 and equal to or greater than 2.50: students who have received an academic warning for a cumulative grade point average below 4.00 must satisfy the academic warning conditions as specified above or be required to withdraw for 12 months.

Reactivation After Required Withdrawal

Students who have been required to withdraw may apply for reactivation after the requisite period of absence by submitting a request at the Reactivation Web page at registrar.yorku.ca/enrol/reactivate. Students who return to their studies after such a required withdrawal (as well as those who have been allowed to continue their studies by virtue of a petition to the Petitions Committee) receive a debarment warning.

Debarment Warning

Students who have been required to withdraw in the Faculty of Science, or the equivalent in another Faculty at York University or elsewhere, receive a debarment warning upon continuing their studies in the Faculty.

Debarment Warning Conditions

Students on debarment warning must achieve a cumulative grade point average of at least 4.00 within the next 24 credits taken or earn a sessional grade point average of at least 5.00 in the session in which the 24th credit is taken and in each subsequent session until the cumulative average reaches 4.00, and must then maintain this average. Students who do not fulfil these conditions will be debarred from the University.

Debarment

Students who have been debarred may be re-admitted in some subsequent session only if they give convincing evidence that they can profit from university work. Applications for re-admission are not normally entertained in less than two years from the date of debarment. Applications must be submitted to the Admissions Office (futurestudents.yorku.ca). Students who are re-admitted (as well as those who have been allowed to continue their studies by virtue of a petition) receive an academic probation.

Academic Probation

Students who have been debarred and who subsequently resume their studies in the Faculty whether by petitioning to continue without interruption or by applying for readmission, receive an academic probation. Students on academic probation must meet the debarment warning conditions outlined above; otherwise, they will be debarred.

Warnings and Sanctions (BSc, iBSc)

Note: the following applies to students admitted to the Faculty for Fall 2013 and subsequent sessions. Students admitted before Fall 2013 should consult the York Undergraduate Programs Calendar of the year in which they were admitted for information regarding warnings and sanctions which apply to them.

Academic Warning

Students whose cumulative overall grade point average falls below 4.00 (C) at the end of any session, or who enter the Faculty with a grade point average equivalent to less than 4.00 (C) on the York scale receive an Academic Warning.

Academic Warning Conditions

Students on Academic Warning must achieve a cumulative overall grade point average of at least 4.00 within the next 24 credits taken, or earn a sessional grade point average of at least 5 in the session in which that 24th credit is completed and in each subsequent session until the cumulative grade point average reaches 4, or be required to withdraw.

Required to Withdraw

Students whose academic record shows marked weakness may be required to withdraw from their studies for one year, during which they are encouraged to identify and remedy any problems which may have contributed materially to their failure to perform to their potential, and to reflect on their reasons for pursuing a university education. The following regulations apply to Required Withdrawals:

  • Grade Point Average Below 2.5: Students whose cumulative grade point average on at least 24 York credits is below 2.5 must withdraw for 12 months.
  • Failure to satisfy Academic Warning conditions: Students who fail to meet the Academic Warning Conditions above will be required to withdraw.

Petition to Continue Without Interruption

Students who have been required to withdraw may submit a petition to their home Faculty Petitions Committee requesting permission to continue their studies without interruption. Students granted such a petition will be allowed to continue their studies on Debarment Warning.

Reactivation after Required Withdrawal

Students who have been required to withdraw must apply for reactivation after the requisite period of absence by submitting a reactivation request to the Registrar’s Office. Students who return to their studies after a Required Withdrawal (as well as those who have been allowed to continue their studies by virtue of a petition to the Committee on Petitions) receive a Debarment Warning.

Debarment Warning

Students who have been required to withdraw receive a Debarment Warning upon continuing their studies in the University.

Debarment Warning Conditions

Students on Debarment Warning must achieve a cumulative overall grade point average of at least 4.00 within the next 24 credits taken or earn a sessional grade point average of at least 5 in the session in which that 24th credit is completed and in each subsequent session until the cumulative grade point average reaches 4, and must then maintain this average in order to continue.

Debarment

Students who fail to meet the Debarment Warning Conditions outlined above will be Debarred from the University. Debarment, the minimum period for which is normally two years, means that the student is no longer a student at York University.

Petition to Continue Without Interruption

Students who have been Debarred may submit a petition to their home Faculty Petitions Committee requesting permission to continue their studies without interruption. Students granted such a petition will be allowed to continue their studies on Academic Probation.

Reapplying after Debarment

Students who have been Debarred and who wish to resume their studies must apply for admission through the Admissions Office, and must provide persuasive evidence that they are ready and able to complete a degree program. Students who are readmitted (as well as those who have been allowed to continue their studies by virtue of a petition to the Petitions Committee) continue on Academic Probation.

Academic Probation

Students who have been Debarred and who subsequently resume their studies at the University, whether by petitioning to continue without interruption or by reapplying for admission, continue on Academic Probation. Students on Academic Probation must meet the Debarment Warning Conditions outlined above; otherwise, they will be Debarred again.

Academic Honesty

Refer to the York University Senate regulations regarding academic honesty in the University Policies and Regulations section. For further information contact the Office of Science Academic Services.

Note: students cannot drop any courses in which they have been penalized for a breach of academic honesty.

Petitions

Students may petition on reasonable grounds, in writing, any Faculty of Science regulation. In some instances, circumstances affecting a student’s performance in initial University course work will be accepted as grounds for petition. All enquiries about regulations and petition procedures should be addressed to the Registrar’s Office. For information regarding petitions for deferred examinations, refer to Deferred Examinations in this section of the calendar. Petition forms must be submitted to Registrarial Services.

Normally petitions for late withdrawal from a course will only be considered if they are submitted within 30 days of the last day of classes of the relevant course. Such petitions may be considered for a period of up to one year if they are based on special circumstances.

Appeals Procedures

Appeals by students and/or faculty members against rulings of the Petitions Committee and/or the Committee on Examinations and Academic Standards of the Faculty of Science (with the exception of appeals on academic honesty rulings - see below) must be filed in writing with the secretary of the appeals panel of the Executive and Planning Committee, 349 Lumbers Building, within 15 calendar days of the date of notification of the decision.

Appeals against rulings of the petitions committee and/or the committee on examinations and academic standing will be heard by a panel of two faculty members of the executive and planning committee and one student member selected from student members of the Faculty council. In the rare event that a decision of a panel of the executive and planning committee, or of the Senate Appeals Committee, requires a completely new (de novo) hearing, the matter will be heard by a panel of three faculty members of the executive and planning committee and one student member selected from student members of the Faculty council. These panels will be constituted, as required, from available members, by the secretary of the appeals panel.

Members shall disqualify themselves if they are involved as a party or witness in the case, or believe that they could not be impartial. Where members disqualify themselves, alternate members will replace them.

Appeals are heard only on the following grounds:

  1. new evidence, i.e. evidence that, through no fault of the appellant, could not reasonably have been presented at an earlier level (as a guide, events or performance subsequent to the decisions of the petitions committee and/or the committee on examinations and academic standing are not to be construed as new evidence);
  2. evidence of procedural irregularity in the previous consideration of the case by the petitions committee and/or the committee on examinations and academic standing. This may be understood to include actions taken by the Faculty of Science, its officers, committees or members with respect to the case which would violate or nullify any of the following:
    • normal and written procedures of the Faculty;
    • recognized custom of the Faculty;
    • the principles of natural justice and fairness.

Students and faculty members have the right to represent themselves at appeal hearings to hear and answer allegations and to present their arguments. Appeal hearings are not open to anyone not directly involved in the case being considered. The committee's decision is taken in camera.

All appeal decisions are reported in writing to the students and the faculty members concerned, the Office of Science Academic Services, the home Faculty and the Registrar’s Office.

Further appeals may be made to the Senate Appeals Committee. Enquiries about these appeals, and the grounds upon which they may be filed, should be directed to the Senate Secretariat, 1050 Kaneff Tower.

Appeals on academic honesty rulings are also made directly to the Senate Appeals Committee. Appeals are heard only on the same grounds as cited above.

Regulations Governing Undergraduate Degree Requirements

The Credit System

The Faculty of Science operates under a credit system in which a prescribed number of credits, intended to reflect total workload, is associated with each course offered by the University. One lecture hour per week per term is defined as one academic credit as is one laboratory session per week per term. Excepting some courses offered by the Faculty of Education, the number of credits in each course is indicated by the number which follows the four-digit course number.

Year of Study Equivalents

When it is necessary to equate credits earned with year level, the following guidelines are used:

  • fewer than 24 credits earned - study level one;
  • more than or equal to 24 and fewer than 54 credits earned - study level two;
  • more than or equal to 54 and fewer than 84 credits earned - study level three;
  • more than or equal to 84 credits earned - study level four (with the exception that bachelor programs never go beyond study level three, regardless of the number of credits earned).

Residence Requirement

In order to qualify for a York University degree in any bachelor or Honours program, a student must have successfully completed a minimum of 30 credits at York University and at least half (50 per cent) of the requirements in each major/minor.

Time Limit

There is no time limit for completion of degree requirements in the Faculty of Science. Students taking a normal full-time load of approximately 30 credits per fall/winter session can expect to complete a bachelor degree in three fall/winter sessions or an Honours degree in four fall/winter sessions. A limited number of courses are also available during the summer session; a maximum of 15 credits can be taken in that session.

Although there is no minimum number of credits in which a student must enrol in any session, students who do not enrol in any courses in a fall/winter session must formally apply to have their files reactivated before resuming their studies in a subsequent session (refer to Reactivation in the Faculty of Science Advising, Enrolment, Registration, Graduation and Other Administrative Procedures section of the Faculty Rules).

Since the curriculum is constantly evolving through the introduction of new course requirements and/or prerequisites, students are strongly advised to complete their degree requirements in a reasonable time period.

Course Credit Exclusions

The University offers some courses in which at least part of the content is similar to that presented in other courses. To ensure that credit is not granted more than once for similar content, the Faculty of Science designates such courses as course credit exclusions. The exclusion(s) for a particular course are listed in the course description.

If a student in the Faculty of Science enrols in and successfully completes two courses which are designated as exclusions of each other, credit is given for only one. Both courses appear on the student's official York University transcript.

A course (or combination of courses) designated as an exclusion for another course may be substituted for the latter (for the purposes of satisfying prerequisite and/or degree requirements) only with Faculty/department/division/program approval. Information regarding approved substitute courses may be found in the program of study requirements in the Faculty of Science Programs of Study section, in the prerequisite requirements listed for courses in this publication or in the departmental supplementary calendars.

Non-Science Requirement

The non-science requirement provides a broad perspective on current scholarship and the diversity of human experience. These courses are also expected to enhance students' critical skills in reading, writing and thinking, and contribute to their preparation for post-university life.

Requirements for BSc, Honours BSc, iBSc Candidates

All degree candidates in the above programs must complete a minimum of 12 credits from two different areas of study, including at least three credits from each area, subject to the restrictions noted below.

For the purposes of this regulation “different area” means offered by different academic units such as divisions, departments or Faculties.

Non-science course areas

Subject to the restrictions listed below, courses in the following areas may be taken in the Faculties of Glendon or Liberal Arts and Professional Studies:

  • anthropology
  • classical studies*
  • english
  • french studies*
  • gender and women’s studies***
  • history
  • humanities (courses not cross-listed with with science and technology studies (STS))
  • languages, literature and linguistics*
  • modes of reasoning
  • philosophy
  • political science
  • social science (courses not cross-listed with with science and technology studies (STS))
  • sociology

In addition, the following courses offered by the Faculty of Liberal Arts and Professional Studies may be taken to satisfy this requirement:

  • AP/ARB 2700 6.00;
  • AP/CH 2200 6.00;
  • AP/CLTR 1953 6.00;
  • AP/ECON 1000 3.00, AP/ECON 1010 3.00, AP/ECON 1900 3.00;
  • AP/ESL 1000 9.00, AP/ESL 1010 3.00, AP/ESL 1450 6.00;
  • AP/GEOG 1000 6.00**, AP/GEOG 1410 6.00**, AP/GEOG 2060 3.00**;
  • AP/HND 2700 6.00;
  • AP/IT 2751 9.00;
  • AP/JP 2700 6.00;
  • AP/LING 1000 6.00, AP/LING 2400 6.00, AP/LING 2410 3.00, AP/LING 2430 3.00, AP/LING 2450 3.00;
  • AP/MODR 1730 6.00, AP/MODR 1760 6.00, AP/MODR 1770 6.00.

The following courses offered by the Faculty of Environmental Studies may be taken to satisfy this requirement:

  • ES/ENVS 1000 6.00, ES/ENVS 2100 6.00, ES/ENVS 2150 3.00.

The following courses offered by the School of the Arts, Media, Performance and Design may be taken to satisfy this requirement:

  • FA/DANC 1340 3.00; FA/DANC 2340 3.00;
  • FA/FACS 1900 6.00;
  • FA/FILM 1401 6.00; FA/FILM 1701 3.00; FA/FILM 2401 6.00;
  • FA/MUSI 1500 6.00; FA/MUSI 1510 3.00; FA/MUSI 1520 6.00; FA/MUSI 1530 6.00; FA/MUSI 1540 6.00; FA/MUSI 1550 6.00; FA/MUSI 2520 6.00;
  • FA/THEA 1500 6.00;
  • FA/VISA 2110 6.00; FA/VISA 2620 6.00.
Restrictions (for BSc, Honours BSc, iBSc Candidates)
  1. Courses which are cross-listed as SC courses or which are eligible for SC credit cannot count towards this requirement.
  2. Courses whose major focus is increased facility in the use of a language cannot count towards this requirement. Such courses are offered in the areas marked with an * above.
  3. Quantitative courses focusing on techniques of mathematics or statistics cannot count towards this requirement.
  4. **Geography courses cannot be used to satisfy the requirement for students majoring in geography.
  5. ***Excluding gender and women’s studies courses which are cross-listed with natural science courses.
  6. Humanities and social science courses cross-listed with science and technology studies (STS) courses or which are listed as Course Credit Exclusions (CCEs) cannot count towards this requirement.
Notes:
  1. Courses taken in fulfilment of this requirement may not be taken on a pass/fail basis (refer to Pass/Fail Grading Option in the Faculty of Science Regulations Governing Examinations and Academic Standards section of the Faculty Rules).
  2. Students may not take for credit any more than three humanities/social science foundations courses (27 credits).
  3. Non-science courses are normally taken at the 1000 or 2000 level, but higher-level courses are acceptable, subject only to prerequisites and course access specifications for enrolment.
  4. Permission may be granted by the Office of Science Academic Services, on an individual basis, for a student to take a course outside the areas and Faculties listed above in fulfilment of the requirement subject to the course fulfilling the Faculty of Science breadth and critical skills requirements, the student having the appropriate prerequisites and the course access specifications permitting enrolment. A student who is in doubt regarding whether or not any specific course will fulfill the requirement should consult the Office of Science Academic Services.

General Regulations

Bachelor of Arts (BA)

In order to graduate with a bachelor of arts:

  1. All students are required to observe the regulations of the University. Unless otherwise stated, any changes in regulations become effective as announced. This policy is not meant to disadvantage students as they proceed through their studies, including those who have completed a number of courses. It is intended to ensure that their preparation for courses is appropriate and current. Students should consult closely with departments and the Faculty through the advising process.
  2. It is the student's responsibility to enrol in only those courses for which the student has successfully completed all designated prerequisites and to take concurrently all specified corequisites not already completed successfully. See also prerequisites/corequisites under Advising in the Faculty of Science Advising, Enrolment, Registration, Graduation and Other Administrative Procedures section of the Faculty Rules.
  3. Satisfy the general education requirement, 24 credits in total, as follows:
    • a minimum of six credits from natural science (NATS) (with no more than nine credits counting towards this requirement),
    • a minimum of six credits from the humanities category from the Faculty of Science Bachelor of Arts approved list of general education courses (with no more than nine credits counting towards this requirement),
    • a minimum of six credits from the social science category from the Faculty of Science Bachelor of Arts approved list of general education courses (with no more than nine credits counting towards this requirement).

    Note: The approved list Faculty of Science Bachelor of Arts general education courses is posted on the York Courses Website.

  4. Present a total of at least 90 passed credits of which:
    • a minimum of 30 must be earned in one major subject area,
    • a minimum of 12 credits in the major must be at the 3000 or higher level,
    • a minimum of 18 are elective credits,
    • a minimum of 18 credits overall must be at the 3000 or higher level.
  5. Satisfy the Senate academic standards for bachelor programs - refer to Academic Standards for Bachelor and Honours Programs in the Faculty of Science Regulations Governing Examinations and Academic Standards section of the Faculty Rules.
  6. Satisfy the program of study requirements specified in the Faculty of Science Programs of Study section for the bachelor program declared.

Bachelor of Science (BSc)

In order to graduate with a bachelor of science, a student must complete the following:

  1. All students are required to observe the regulations of the University. Unless otherwise stated, any changes in regulations become effective as announced. This policy is not meant to disadvantage students as they proceed through their studies, including those who have completed a number of courses. It is intended to ensure that their preparation for courses is appropriate and current. Students should consult closely with departments and the Faculty through the advising process.
  2. It is the student's responsibility to enrol in only those courses for which the student has successfully completed all designated prerequisites and to take concurrently all specified corequisites not already completed successfully. See also prerequisites/corequisites under Advising in the Faculty of Science Advising, Enrolment, Registration, Graduation and Other Administrative Procedures section of the Faculty Rules.
  3. Satisfy the general education requirement, 27 credits in total, as follows:
    • 12 credits in non-science disciplines (see Non-Science Requirement section of this calendar);
    • six credits in mathematics at the 1000 level (excluding SC/MATH 1510 6.00, SC/MATH 1515 3.00, SC/MATH 1520 3.00);
    • three credits in computer science at the 1000 level;
    • Foundational science requirement, six credits from courses with laboratories at the 1000 level in any of the following areas: biology, chemistry and physics (excluding SC/BIOL 1500 3.00, SC/CHEM 1500 4.00, SC/PHYS 1510 4.00). Note: If the major is one of biology, chemistry or physics, then another six credits are required from courses with laboratories.
  4. Satisfy science breadth: 24 credits, including at least 3 credits at the 2000 level or higher, in science disciplines outside the major. Current science disciplines are: biology, biochemistry, biophysics, chemistry, computer science, earth and atmospheric science, environmental biology, geography, kinesiology and health science, mathematical biology, mathematics and statistics, physics and astronomy, psychology, science and technology studies. Note: the following will not count towards this requirement: SC/BIOL 1500 3.00, SC/CHEM 1500 4.00, SC/MATH 1510 6.00, SC/MATH 1515 3.00, SC/MATH 1520 3.00, SC/PHYS 1510 4.00. These 24 credits may include science credits in the general education requirement that are not in the major, and science credits required by the major that are not in the major discipline.
  5. Present a total of at least 90 passed credits of which:
    • a minimum of 30 must be earned in one major science subject area, including a minimum of 12 major credits at the 3000 or higher level;
    • a minimum of 18 must be earned in courses at the 3000 level or higher.
  6. Satisfy the Senate academic standards for bachelor programs - refer to Academic Standards for Bachelor and Honours Programs in the Faculty of Science Regulations Governing Examinations and Academic Standards section of the Faculty Rules.
  7. Satisfy the program of study requirements specified in the Faculty of Science Programs of Study section for the bachelor program declared.

Bachelor of Arts Honours (Honours BA)

In order to graduate with the bachelor of arts Honours, a student must complete the following:

  1. All students are required to observe the regulations of the University. Unless otherwise stated, any changes in regulations become effective as announced. This policy is not meant to disadvantage students as they proceed through their studies, including those who have completed a number of courses. It is intended to ensure that their preparation for courses is appropriate and current. Students should consult closely with departments and the Faculty through the advising process.
  2. It is the student’s responsibility to enrol in only those courses for which the student has successfully completed all designated prerequisites and to take concurrently all specified corequisites not already completed successfully. See also prerequisites/corequisites under Advising in the Faculty of Science Advising, Enrolment, Registration, Graduation and Other Administrative Procedures section of the Faculty Rules.
  3. Satisfy the general education requirement, 24 credits in total, as follows:
    • a minimum of six credits from natural science (NATS) (with no more than nine credits counting towards this requirement);
    • a minimum of six credits from the humanities category from the Faculty of Science Bachelor of Arts approved list of general education courses (with no more than nine credits counting towards this requirement);
    • a minimum of six credits from the social science category from the Faculty of Science Bachelor of Arts approved list of general education courses (with no more than nine credits counting towards this requirement).

    Note: The approved list Faculty of Science Bachelor of Arts general education courses is posted on the York Course Website.

  4. Present a total of at least 120 passed credits of which:
    • a minimum of 54 credits must be earned in the major subject area (Specialized Honours programs); a minimum of 42 credits in (each of) the major subject area(s) (Honours Major, Honours Double Major and Honours Major/Minor programs), of which a minimum of 12 credits are the 4000 level; a minimum of 30 credits must be earned in a minor subject area, at least six credits of which must normally be at the 4000 level,
    • a minimum of 36 credits must be at the 3000 or 4000 level, at least 18 credits of which must be at the 4000 level,
    • students in the Specialized Honours BA or Honours BA must complete 18 elective credits;
  5. Satisfy the Faculty and Senate academic standards for Honours programs - refer to Academic Standards for Bachelor and Honours Programs in the Faculty of Science Regulations Governing Examinations and Academic Standards section of the Faculty Rules;
  6. Satisfy the program of study requirements specified in the Faculty of Science Programs of Study section for the declared Honours program and major and minor subject area(s).

Bachelor of Science Honours (Honours BSc)

In order to graduate with the bachelor of science Honours, a student must complete the following:

  1. All students are required to observe the regulations of the University. Unless otherwise stated, any changes in regulations become effective as announced. This policy is not meant to disadvantage students as they proceed through their studies, including those who have completed a number of courses. It is intended to ensure that their preparation for courses is appropriate and current. Students should consult closely with departments and the Faculty through the advising process.
  2. It is the student’s responsibility to enrol in only those courses for which the student has successfully completed all designated prerequisites and to take concurrently all specified corequisites not already completed successfully. See also prerequisites/corequisites under Advising in the Faculty of Science Advising, Enrolment, Registration, Graduation and Other Administrative Procedures section of the Faculty Rules.
  3. Satisfy the general education requirement, 27 credits in total, as follows:
    • 12 credits in non-science disciplines (see Non-Science Requirement section of this calendar);
    • six credits in mathematics at the 1000 level (excluding SC/MATH 1510 6.00, SC/MATH 1515 3.00, SC/MATH 1520 3.00);
    • three credits in computer science at the 1000 level;
    • Foundational science requirement, six credits from courses with laboratories at the 1000 level in any of the following areas: biology, chemistry and physics (excluding SC/BIOL 1500 3.00, SC/CHEM 1500 4.00, SC/PHYS 1510 4.00). Note: If the major is one of biology, chemistry or physics, then another six credits are required from courses with laboratories.
  4. Satisfy Science breadth: 24 credits, including at least 3 credits at the 2000 level or higher, in science disciplines outside the major. Current science disciplines are: biology, biochemistry, biophysics, chemistry, computer science, environmental biology, earth and atmospheric science, geography, kinesiology and health science, mathematical biology, mathematics and statistics, physics and astronomy, psychology, science and technology studies. Note: the following will not count towards this requirement: SC/BIOL 1500 3.00, SC/CHEM 1500 4.00, SC/MATH 1510 6.00, SC/MATH 1515 3.00, SC/MATH 1520 3.00, SC/PHYS 1510 4.00. These 24 credits may include science credits in the general education requirement that are not in the major, and science credits required by the major that are not in the major discipline.
  5. Present a total of at least 120 passed credits of which:
    • a minimum of 54 must be earned in the major science subject area (Specialized Honours BSc programs); a minimum of 42 in (each of) the major subject area(s) (Honours Major BSc, Honours Double Major BSc and Honours Major/Minor BSc programs); programs); of the total major credits, a minimum of 18 credits must be at the 3000 or higher level, including at least 12 credits at the 4000 level; a minimum of 30 in the minor subject area (Honours Major/Minor BSc ) normally including at least six credits at the 4000 level;
    • a minimum of 42 must be earned in courses at the 3000 or higher level. This includes the 18 credits in the major as listed above.
  6. Satisfy the Faculty and Senate academic standards for Honours programs - refer to Academic Standards for Bachelor and Honours Programs in the Faculty of Science Regulations Governing Examinations and Academic Standards section of the Faculty Rules.
  7. Satisfy the program of study requirements specified in the Faculty of Science Programs of Study section for the declared Honours program and major and minor subject area(s).

International Bachelor of Science Honours (Honours iBSc)

In order to graduate with the international bachelor of science Honours, a student must complete the following:

  1. All students are required to observe the regulations of the University. Unless otherwise stated, any changes in regulations become effective as announced. This policy is not meant to disadvantage students as they proceed through their studies, including those who have completed a number of courses. It is intended to ensure that their preparation for courses is appropriate and current. Students should consult closely with departments and the Faculty through the advising process.
  2. It is the student’s responsibility to enrol in only those courses for which the student has successfully completed all designated prerequisites and to take concurrently all specified corequisites not already completed successfully. See also prerequisites/corequisites under Advising in the Faculty of Science Advising, Enrolment, Registration, Graduation and Other Administrative Procedures section of the Faculty Rules.
  3. Satisfy the general education requirement, 27 credits in total, as follows:
    • 12 credits in non-science disciplines (see Non-Science Requirement section of this calendar);
    • six credits in mathematics at the 1000 level (excluding SC/MATH 1510 6.00, SC/MATH 1515 3.00, SC/MATH 1520 3.00);
    • three credits in computer science at the 1000 level;
    • foundational science requirement, six credits from courses with laboratories at the 1000 level in any of the following areas: biology, chemistry and physics (excluding SC/BIOL 1500 3.00, SC/CHEM 1500 4.00, SC/PHYS 1510 4.00). Note: if the major is one of biology, chemistry or physics, then another six credits are required from courses with laboratories.
  4. Satisfy science breadth: 24 credits, including at least 3 credits at the 2000 level or higher, in science disciplines outside the major. Current science disciplines are: biology, biochemistry, biophysics, chemistry, computer science, environmental biology, earth and atmospheric science, geography, kinesiology and health science, mathematical biology, mathematics and statistics, physics and astronomy, psychology, science and technology studies. Note: the following will not count towards this requirement: SC/BIOL 1500 3.00, SC/CHEM 1500 4.00, SC/MATH 1510 6.00, SC/MATH 1515 3.00, SC/MATH 1520 3.00, SC/PHYS 1510 4.00. These 24 credits may include science credits in the general education requirement that are not in the major, and science credits required by the major that are not in the major discipline.
  5. Present a total of at least 120 passed credits of which:
    • a minimum of 54 must be earned in the major science subject area (Specialized Honours iBSc program); a minimum of 42 in the major subject area (Honours Major iBSc program), of which a minimum of 18 major credits must be at the 3000 or higher level, including at least 12 credits at the 4000 level;
    • a minimum of 42 must be earned in courses at the 3000 or higher level;
    • 30 required credits outside the science major, consisting of:
      • a minimum of 12 credits of language study in one of the languages offered at York University,
      • a minimum of 12 credits of non-science international content courses (refer to the program requirements in the Faculty of Science Programs of Study section). These courses may be used toward the non-Science credits required as part of the general education,
      • an additional six credits of language study or non-science international component courses for a total of 30 credits.
  6. Satisfy the Faculty and Senate academic standards for Honours programs - refer to Academic Standards for Bachelor and Honours Programs in the Faculty of Science Regulations Governing Examinations and Academic Standards section of the Faculty Rules.
  7. Satisfy the program of study requirements specified in the Faculty of Science Programs of Study section.
  8. Have one or two exchange terms abroad as a full-time student at an institution with which York has a formal exchange agreement.

Undergraduate Degree and Certificate Programs

Students may choose to major in a specific subject when they enter the University or they may wait until they have completed up to 24 credits. At this point, students must choose a major, but subsequent changes are possible. In selecting courses, students who are undecided should try to take introductory courses in a number of potential major subjects. This will allow them to proceed in their subject of choice without the possibility of a delay. Some departments will not permit undecided majors to enrol in their courses.

Bachelor of Arts Degree Programs

Honours Bachelor of Arts (Honours BA) programs require at least four years of full-time study and at least 120 credits. Honours programs may be: Specialised Honours; Honours Major, which may be combined with a second Honours Major or with an Honours Minor; and Honours Minor, which must be combined with an Honours Major.

Bachelor of Arts (BA) programs are usually completed in three years of full-time study, require at least 90 credits and usually involve limited concentration in only one declared subject area.

Programs offered are:

  • Specialized Honours with a declared major in one of actuarial science, applied mathematics, mathematics, mathematics for education, or statistics.
  • Honours Major with a declared major in one of actuarial science, applied mathematics, mathematics, mathematics for education, science and technology studies, or statistics.
  • Honours Double Major (intra-Faculty) with a declared major in one of applied mathematics, mathematics, mathematics for education, science and technology studies, or statistics and a second major in one of applied mathematics, mathematics, mathematics for education, physics and astronomy, science and technology studies, or statistics.
  • Honours Double Major (Science/Environmental Studies inter-Faculty) with a declared major in one of applied mathematics, mathematics, science and technology studies, or statistics and a second major in environmental studies.
  • Honours Double Major (Science/Arts, Media, Performance and Design inter-Faculty) with a declared major in one of applied mathematics, mathematics, science and technology studies, or statistics and a second major in one of dance, film, music, theatre, or visual arts.
  • Honours Double Major (Science/Health inter-Faculty) with a declared major in one of applied mathematics, mathematics, mathematics for education, science and technology studies, or statistics and a second major in one of health studies, kinesiology and health science, or psychology.
  • Honours Double Major (Science/Lassonde School of Engineering inter-Faculty) with a declared major in one of applied mathematics, mathematics, mathematics for education, science and technology studies, or statistics and a second major in one of computer science or earth and atmospheric science.
  • Honours Double Major (Science/Liberal Arts and Professional Studies inter-Faculty) with a declared major in one of applied mathematics, mathematics, mathematics for education, science and technology studies, or statistics and a second major in one of African studies (mathematics, science and technology studies, or statistics only), anthropology, Canadian studies, children’s studies, classical studies, classics, cognitive science, communication studies, creative writing, criminology, culture and expression, disaster and emergency management, East Asian studies, economics, English, European studies (mathematics, science and technology studies, or statistics only), French studies, gender and women’s studies, geography, German studies, health and society, Hellenic studies, history, humanities, human rights and equity studies, information technology, interdisciplinary social science, international development studies, Italian culture, Italian studies, Jewish studies, Latin American and Caribbean Studies (mathematics, science and technology studies, or statistics only), law and society, linguistics, multicultural and indigenous studies, philosophy, political science, professional writing, , religious studies, sexuality studies, sociology, South Asian studies (mathematics and statistics only), Spanish, United States studies, urban studies, work and labour studies.
  • Honours Major/Minor (intra-Faculty) with a declared major in one of applied mathematics, mathematics, mathematics for education, science and technology studies, or statistics and a minor in one of applied mathematics, biology, chemistry, mathematics, mathematics for education, physics and astronomy, science and technology studies, or statistics.
  • Honours Major/Minor (Science/Environmental Studies inter-Faculty) with a declared major in one of applied mathematics, mathematics, mathematics for education, science and technology studies, or statistics and a minor in environmental studies.
  • Honours Major/Minor (Science/Arts, Media, Performance and Design inter-Faculty) with a declared major in one of applied mathematics, mathematics, mathematics for education, science and technology studies, or statistics and a minor in one of dance, film, computational arts and technology, music, theatre, or visual arts.
  • Honours Major/Minor (Science/Health inter-Faculty) with a declared major in one of applied mathematics, mathematics, mathematics for education, science and technology studies, or statistics and a minor in one of global health, health informatics, health management, health policy, kinesiology and health science, or psychology.
  • Honours Major/Minor (Science/Lassonde School of Engineering) with a declared major in one of applied mathematics, mathematics, mathematics for education, science and technology studies, or statistics and a minor in one of computer science or earth and atmospheric science.
  • Honours Major/Minor (Science/Liberal Arts and Professional Studies inter-Faculty) with a declared major in one of applied mathematics, mathematics, mathematics for education, science and technology studies, or statistics and a minor in one of African studies, anthropology, business, Canadian studies, children’s studies, classical studies, classics, creative writing, culture and expression, disaster and emergency management, East Asian studies, economics, English, European studies, French studies, gender and women’s studies, geography, German studies, health and society, Hellenic studies, history, humanities, human rights and equity studies, information technology, international development studies, Italian culture, Italian studies, Japanese studies, Jewish studies, Latin American and Caribbean studies, linguistics, marketing, medical anthropology, multicultural and indigenous studies, philosophy, political science, Portuguese and Luso-Brazilian studies, professional writing, public administration, religious studies, sexuality studies, sociology, South Asian studies, Spanish, United States studies, urban studies, or work and labour studies.
  • Bachelor with a declared major in one of applied mathematics, or science and technology studies.

Bachelor of Science Degree Programs

Honours Bachelor of science (Honours BSc) programs are usually completed in four years of full-time study, require at least 120 credits and may involve varying degrees of concentration in one or two declared subject areas. Honours programs may be: Specialised Honours; Honours Major, which may be combined with a second Honours Major or with an Honours Minor; and Honours Minor, which must be combined with an Honours Major.

Note: some combinations of Double Major or Major/Minor programs may require more than 120 credits. Honours programs may also include a stream which further specialises the program of study within the declared subject.

Bachelor of science (BSc) programs are usually completed in three years of full-time study, require at least 90 credits and usually involve limited concentration in only one declared subject area.

Programs offered are:

  • Specialized Honours with a declared major in one of applied mathematics, biochemistry, biology, biophysics, chemistry, environmental science, geography, international dual degree - mathematics and statistics, mathematical biology, mathematics, mathematics for education, physics and astronomy, science and technology studies, or statistics.
  • Honours Major with a declared major in one of applied mathematics, biochemistry, biology, chemistry, environmental biology, mathematical biology, mathematics, mathematics for education, physics and astronomy, or statistics.
  • Honours Double Major (intra-Faculty) with declared science majors in two of applied mathematics, biochemistry (may not be combined with biology, chemistry or environmental biology), biology, chemistry, environmental biology (may not be combined with biology), mathematical biology, mathematics, mathematics for education, physics and astronomy, science and technology studies, and statistics.
  • Honours Double Major (Science/Health inter-Faculty) with a declared science major in one of applied mathematics, biochemistry, biology, chemistry, environmental biology (with kinesiology and health science or psychology only), mathematical biology, mathematics, mathematics for education, physics and astronomy, science and technology studies, or statistics and a declared health major in one of health studies, kinesiology and health science, or psychology.
  • Honours Double Major (Science/Lassonde inter-Faculty) with a declared science major in applied mathematics, biochemistry, biology, chemistry, environmental biology, geography (in combination with earth and atmospheric science only), mathematics, mathematical biology, mathematics for education, physics and astronomy, science and technology studies, or statistics and a declared Lassonde major in computer science or earth and atmospheric science.
  • Honours Double Major (Science/Liberal Arts and Professional Studies inter-Faculty) with a declared science major in applied mathematics, mathematics, mathematical biology, mathematics for education, physics and astronomy, science and technology studies or statistics and a declared liberal arts and professional studies major in one of anthropology, Canadian studies, children’s studies, classical studies, classics, communication studies, cognitive science, creative writing, criminology, culture and expression, disaster and emergency management, East Asian studies, economics, English, French studies, German studies, health and society, Hellenic studies, history, humanities, human rights and equity studies, international development studies, Italian studies, Jewish studies, labour studies, law and society, linguistics, philosophy, political science, professional writing, race, ethnicity, and indigeneity, religious studies, sexuality studies, social science, sociology, Spanish, urban studies, or women's studies. In addition, students in applied mathematics, mathematics, mathematics for education or statistics may combine their major with a second major in information technology.

    In addition, students in applied mathematics, mathematics, mathematical biology, mathematics for education or statistics may combine their major with a second major in information technology.
  • Honours Major/Minor (intra-Faculty) with a declared science major in one of applied mathematics, biochemistry (may not be combined with biology, chemistry or environmental biology), biology (including the biomedical science stream), chemistry, environmental biology (may not be combined with biology), geography, mathematical biology, mathematics, mathematics for education, physics and astronomy, science and technology studies, or statistics and a declared science minor in one of applied mathematics, biology, chemistry, geography, mathematics, mathematics for education, physics and astronomy, science and technology studies, or statistics.

Note: major/minor combinations with the major and minor in the same subject area are not permitted.

  • Honours Major/Minor (Science/Environmental Studies inter-Faculty) with a declared science major in one of applied mathematics, biochemistry, biology (including the biomedical science stream), chemistry, environmental biology, mathematical biology, mathematics, mathematics for education, physics and astronomy, science and technology studies, or statistics and a declared minor in environmental studies.
  • Honours Major/Minor (Science/Arts, Media, Performance and Design inter-Faculty) with a declared science major in one of applied mathematics, biochemistry, biology, chemistry, environmental biology, mathematics, mathematical biology, mathematics for education, physics and astronomy, science and technology studies, or statistics and a declared fine arts minor in one of dance, film, music, theatre, or visual arts.

Note: choice of major and minor is subject to timetabling constraints.

  • Honours Major/Minor (Science/Health inter-Faculty) with a declared science major in one of applied mathematics, biochemistry, biology (including the biomedical science stream), chemistry, environmental biology, geography, mathematics, mathematics for education, mathematical biology, physics and astronomy, science and technology studies, or statistics and a declared health minor in one of health informatics, health management, health policy, kinesiology and health science, or psychology.
  • Honours Major/Minor (Science/Lassonde inter-Faculty) with a declared science major in one of applied mathematics, biochemistry, biology (including the biomedical science stream), chemistry, environmental biology, geography, mathematics, mathematics for education, mathematical biology, physics and astronomy, science and technology studies, or statistics and a declared Lassonde minor in computer science or earth and atmospheric science.
  • Honours Major/Minor (Science/Liberal Arts and Professional Studies inter-Faculty) with a declared science major in one of applied mathematics, biochemistry, biology (including the biomedical science stream), chemistry, environmental biology, mathematical biology, mathematics, mathematics for education, physics and astronomy, science and technology studies, or statistics and a declared liberal arts and professional studies minor in one of African studies, anthropology, business, Canadian studies, children’s studies, classical studies, classics, creative writing, culture and expression, disaster and emergency management, East Asian studies, economics, English, European studies, French studies, German studies, health and society, Hellenic studies, history, humanities, human rights and equity studies, international development studies, Italian culture, Italian studies, Jewish studies, labour studies, Latin American and Caribbean studies, linguistics, philosophy, political science, Portuguese studies, public administration, race, ethnicity, and indigeneity, religious studies, sexuality studies, social and political thought, sociology, South Asian studies, Spanish, urban studies, or women's studies.

Note: in addition, students in applied mathematics, mathematical biology, mathematics, mathematics for education or statistics may combine their major with a minor in information technology.

  • Honours Science with no declared major, for the student who wishes to enrol in a broader range of courses at the 3000 and 4000 levels than can normally be undertaken in other BSc programs.
  • Bachelor with a declared major in one of applied mathematics, biology, chemistry, environmental biology, geography, physics and astronomy, or science and technology studies.
  • Bachelor with no declared major for the student who wishes to enrol in a broader range of courses at the 3000 and 4000 levels than can normally be undertaken in BSc programs.

International Bachelor of Science Degree Programs

International Bachelor of science (iBSc) programs, which require at least four years of full-time study, at least 120 credits, and one or two exchange terms abroad as a full-time student at an institution with which York has a formal exchange agreement:

  • Specialized Honours, with one declared major in biology; Honours Major with one declared major in biology (can include the biomedical stream); Honours Major/Minor with biology as the major (can include the biomedical stream).

Joint Study Programs

Intra-Faculty Double Major and Major/Minor Programs

Most subject areas within the Faculty of Science offer Honours Double Major and Honours Major/Minor programs jointly with another subject area in the Faculty, allowing students to concentrate on two fields of interest. Such programs are open to students who have completed 24 credits in an Honours program and who satisfy the Faculty of Science academic standards to proceed in Honours. All Honours programs require a minimum of 120 credits which can normally be completed in four years of full-time study. For a list of possible subject combinations, refer to the sections above. Some combinations may require more than 120 credits.

Inter-Faculty Honours Double Major and Major/Minor Programs

The Faculty of Science jointly offers Honours Double Major programs and Honours Major/Minor programs with other Faculties at the University, allowing students to combine diverse areas of interest. Such programs are open to students who have completed 24 credits in an Honours program and who satisfy the Faculty of Science academic standards to proceed in Honours. All Honours programs require a minimum of 120 credits which can normally be completed in four years of full-time study. Combined program require careful planning and may take longer than four years, and/or move than 120 credits to complete.

A program involving a first major in the other Faculty and a major or minor in the Faculty of Science lead to an Honours BA, BES, BFA or BSc degree in the other Faculty.

For a list of possible subject combinations, refer to the sections above. For details of the major or minor requirements for each program in the Faculty of Science, refer to the Faculty of Science Programs of Study section. For details of the major or minor requirements in the other Faculty, refer to the Programs of Study section of the appropriate Faculty.

Science and Education

A student wishing to obtain the professional certification required to teach in Ontario schools may take both teacher training and an undergraduate academic program concurrently. This does not shorten the time required to gain the qualification but provides a better chance for the student to relate theory and practice and to have more opportunity to gain practical experience than is possible in a one-year program.

A student in the Faculty of Science who is presently enrolled in first year (at least 24 credits) or has a minimum of 36 credits remaining in the BSc, Honours BSc, BA or Honours BA with an overall standing of at least 5.00 (C+) may apply to coregister in the Faculty of Education. A coregistered student normally takes one and a half or two full courses in the Faculty of Education in an academic year concurrent with courses for the BSc, Honours BSc, BA or Honours BA. The specific study program of each student is subject to the approval of both Faculties.

Upon successful completion of the course requirements for the degree in the Faculty of Science, and of the required education courses, a coregistered student is awarded a BSc, Honours BSc, BA or Honours BA and a BEd.

Certificate Programs

There are numerous certificate programs offered by York University in various subject areas, allowing recognition of a specialised area of study. Certificate programs are open to all undergraduate students, subject to student eligibility and course availability. The following certificates may be of interest to students taking programs in the Faculty of Science.

Actuarial Science

This certificate is offered by the Department of Mathematics and Statistics of the Faculty of Science. York University students may earn a certificate in Acturial Science concurrently with fulfillment of the requirements for a Bachelors degree. This certificate is also available as a stand alone Certificate for students who already hold a Bachelors degree from an accredited institution, who are admissible according to Faculty and University policies, and whose previous studies satisfy the Certificate's admission requirements. For details of the certificate requirements, including the certificate's admission requirements, refer to the Faculty of Science Programs of Study section.

Certificate in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Remote Sensing

This certificate is offered jointly by the Department of Earth and Space Science and Engineering of the Lassonde School of Engineering, the Department of Geography of the Faculty of Liberal Arts and Professional Studies and the Faculty of Environmental Studies.

The certificate program includes three streams, one offered through each of the three units above. Honours BSc or BSc candidates majoring in environmental science or geography may be particularly interested in this certificate.

For additional information, consult the three units mentioned above.

Certificate in Meteorology

This certificate is offered by the Department of Earth and Space Science and Engineering, Lassonde School of Engineering. The program is open to any student who satisfies the program admission requirements. Entrance to the program requires the candidate to have successfully completed at least 54 approved credits (nine approved full courses) in the areas of physical science and mathematics.

For additional information, consult the Department of Earth and Space Science and Engineering.

Dean: R. Wang
Associate Deans: G. Audette, M. Scheid, V. Saridakis
Office of the Dean: 355 Lumbers Building, 416-736-5051
Office of Science Academic Services: 352 Lumbers Building, 416-736-5085