The objective of Integrated Sciences (IS) is to provide a strong science education with an interdisciplinary component. The program offers flexibility in course selection to independently motivated students who have cross-disciplinary interests. IS may be appropriate preparation for many professional degree programs (e.g., in Health Sciences, Education, Law, Journalism, M.B.A. programs), as well as for graduate programs. Admission to graduate studies in certain fields may require additional qualifying studies. The Honours option is recommended for excellent students considering graduate studies. These students are advised to consult the appropriate graduate advisor in the department they plan to attend and plan their program accordingly.
Integrated Sciences provides:
- an opportunity for students to design their own interdisciplinary course of study;
- a degree proposal and consultation process which encourages students to develop their educational goals under an advisor's guidance; and
- Integration (ISCI) courses to guide students in developing a wider perspective of scientific concepts which cross disciplinary boundaries. These courses are intended to develop a broad appreciation of the links between disciplines and their impact on society. The focus of these courses will be on student-initiated learning to reinforce skills in information gathering, and analysis and presentation in written, oral and visual forms.
For detailed information about the program see Integrated Sciences.
Admission
Students will be admitted to the major program prior to entering second year and continue in the major program or transfer to the honours program in third year on the following basis.
Second-Year Integrated Sciences Admission Requirements:
- Fulfillment of the Faculty of Science requirements for promotion to second-year standing.
Third-Year Admission/Continuation Requirements:
- Fulfillment of the Faculty of Science requirements for promotion to third-year standing.
- A Degree Proposal that has been approved by IS.
- Satisfactory past academic performance and successful completion of the key prerequisites.
Additionally, students applying to the honours program must meet the minimum Faculty of Science honours program requirements.
Degree Proposal
Students must use the online Degree Proposal. Students must find an IS mentor (see IS website for a list of IS advisors) who guides them during the development of their goals, course proposal and rationale, and approves their Degree Proposal. Students may submit a Degree Proposal at any time during the year, but are encouraged to consult with their IS advisor and submit the appropriate components of their Degree Proposal well in advance of the commencement of registration for third year.
Students develop their own curriculum based on an overarching theme of integrating scientific disciplines of their choice. Normally, the proposed courses will contain a cluster of credits of 300- or 400-level courses bridging the scientific disciplines that the student wishes to integrate. Inclusion of several 400-level courses in a program is essential, since a good standing in these may influence the opportunities a student may have after graduation. Continuation or admission into third year of the major or honours program commits the student to complete a specified list of upper-level science courses. Any change in the original list of courses requires approval of IS. To change their course list, students must have approval from their IS advisor and the IS administration. Students should consult the IS website concerning the regulations for course changes.
While IS will strive to accommodate as many students as possible, some enrolment restrictions may apply. Students whose programs are uniquely suited to the integrative, flexible character of the program, but would not be easily accommodated by departmentally based programs within the Faculty will have priority. In addition, evidence of student independence, responsibility and past academic performance will be considered.
Please see Integrated Sciences for information on the Degree Proposal process.
Graduation Requirements
For the IS degree options, the Faculty's Graduation Requirements apply. The required credits in the disciplines and the Integration (ISCI) courses fulfill part of the minimum upper-level credit requirement.
Elective credits together with required courses must fulfill the Faculty of Science’s:
a) Foundational Requirement;
b) Laboratory Science Requirement;
c) Science Breadth Requirement;
d) Science and Arts Requirements;
e) Upper-level Requirement;
f) General Degree Requirements.
Major (1682): Integrated Sciences (INSC)
- Completion of a minimum of 33 credits of approved 300- or 400-level science courses in the areas of integration, with at least 9 credits in each area. There must be at least 6 credits numbered at the 400-level, and when possible there should be at least one 400-level course in each discipline. No more than 6 credits of directed studies can be counted in the integration.
- Completion of 7 ISCI credits, including the 1-credit seminar course ISCI_V 300 or ISCI_V 400. ISCI_V 448 directed studies projects do not count toward this ISCI requirement.
- Approved programs are developed in consultation with IS advisors and must be approved by an advisor and IS. See the Curriculum Requirements for details.
Honours (001511): Integrated Sciences
- Completion of a minimum of 42 credits of approved 300- or 400-level science courses in the areas of integration, with at least 12 credits in each area. There must be at least 12 credits numbered at the 400-level, and when possible there should be at least one 400-level course in each discipline.
- Completion of 7 ISCI credits, including the 1-credit seminar course ISCI_V 300 or ISCI_V 400. ISCI_V 448 directed studies projects do not count toward this ISCI requirement.
- Completion of a 6-credit Honours thesis (449 course) in a subject related to one or more of the disciplines.
- Approved programs are developed in consultation with IS advisors and must satisfy the Faculty of Science requirements for honours programs.
- Students must maintain a minimum sessional average of at least 68% prior to third-year standing and at least 75% subsequent to third-year standing. See Curriculum Requirements and Degree Requirements for details.
Options
Options within IS include the following:
- Directed studies. IS encourages directed study experiences for major and honours students (courses numbered 448 in IS or Science departments). Space is usually limited and IS advisors will assist students wishing to apply to science departments for directed study. Directed studies credits will not count toward the required credits of ISCI Courses.
- Minors. Students may, with the approval of their IS advisor and a senior faculty advisor, undertake an optional minor program in Arts or in Commerce in conjunction with a major or honours program in Integrated Sciences.
Co-operative Education Program
Co-operative Education is a process of education which integrates academic study with related and supervised work experience in co-operating employer organizations. An optional Co-operative Education Program is available for major and honours students in Integrated Sciences.
The Program is intended to help prepare interested and qualified students for research careers in industry, university, or government settings with 16 months of work placement (i.e. four work terms) in at least two different research areas supervised by scientists in industrial, academic, or governmental positions. Faculty advisors also visit students at their place of work and provide advice on technical reports required of all students in the program.
To be eligible, students must be in Integrated Sciences with at least high second-class standing, and they must have completed at least one semester in this program, which includes having taken at least one Integrated Sciences core course (ISCI). Admission is by application to the Science Co-op Office in conjunction with the application to Integrated Sciences, or in April prior to fourth year (transfer students may be considered later). Selection of students will be based on academic performance and general suitability to the work environment as determined by resume and interview. The total enrolment will be subjected to the availability of appropriate work placements and faculty advisors.
The work placements are arranged by mutual agreement between students and employing organizations. Participating students register for ISCI_V 398, 399, 498, or 499 as appropriate, and pay the Cooperative Education Program fee per course.
Graduation in the Co-operative Education Program for Integrated Sciences requires a student to complete all of ISCI_V 398, 399, 498, and 499, in addition to the normal academic requirements. Students can decide the timing of their work placements upon consultation with the Co-op office and with their academic advisor in IS.
Two examples of standard schedules are:
- ISCI_V 398 in Winter Session (Term Two) of third year, ISCI_V 399 in Summer Session following third year, ISCI_V 498 in Summer Session following fourth year, ISCI_V 499 in Winter Session (Term One) of fifth year.
- ISCI_V 398 in Summer Session following third year, ISCI_V 399 in Winter Session (Term One) of fourth year, ISCI_V 498 in Winter Session (Term Two) of fourth year, ISCI_V 499 in Summer Session following fourth year. Students will have each satisfactorily completed course noted on their academic record.
Detailed information on the program may be obtained from the Coordinator for Integrated Sciences or from the Co-operative Education Program.