BMSc: Admission Requirements and Criteria
The admission requirements and criteria have been developed to aid in the selection of the 450 students into each of Years 2 and 3 of the BMSc Program. Minimum marks in first-year courses (Biology, Chemistry, Math, Physics) are "admission requirements" and must be achieved. Admission criteria have been established as additional tools in the selection process and some may be relaxed if the target number of 450 students is not reached. Once deemed eligible for the BMSc Program, admission into Double Major and Specialization (except Pathology and Toxicology) modules is not limited or competitive. However, some Majors and Specializations contain courses that require either a minimum mark in a pre-requisite course or a minimum average in the previous year and students who do not achieve these minimum marks and/or averages are not permitted to register/continue in the module. Admission into Honors Specialization modules is competitive due to the limited number of spaces available in labs and Year 4 research projects. The number of students admitted to each Honors Specialization module in Years 2 and 3 is reflective of the available spaces in Year 4. As a result, students requesting registration in these modules undergo a two-stage adjudication process. Students must first be deemed eligible for the BMSc Program. In the second stage, students are ranked using marks in selected courses and then assigned to the available spaces in the Honors Specialization modules. When there are more eligible students than spaces, the average of the last student assigned to the module determines the cutoff average for that module for that year. Applying to Year 2 Applying to Year 3 Applying to Year 4 Admission to Year 2 of the BMSc Program (printable version) Normally the route into Year 2 of the BMSc Program is through the Biological and Medical Sciences first entry program (Faculty of Science). Students may, however, apply for entry into Year 2 of the BMSc Program from any first-year program provided they satisfy the admission requirements and admission criteria. Students satisfying ALL admission requirements and criteria will be accepted into Year 2 of the BMSc Program. Admission Requirements: Successful completion of 5.0 courses in first year, including the following 3.0 principal courses: (exception: modules in Medical Biophysics - See Year 1 Courses) *1.0 course: Biology 1001A and 1002B, or the former Biology 1222 or 1223. 1.0 course: Chemistry 1100A/B and 1200B, or the former Chemistry 1020, 1050, or 023. 1.0 course from:** Calculus 1000A/B or 1100A/B, Calculus 1301A/B or 1501A/B, Mathematics 1600A/B or the former Linear Algebra 1600A/B, Mathematics 1225A/B, 1228A/B, 1229A/B, Statistical Sciences 1024A/B, Applied Mathematics 1201A/B or the former Calculus 1201A/B, Applied Mathematics 1413, or the former Mathematics 030. Biology 1201A with a mark of at least 70% may be used in place of Biology 1001A, and Biology 1202B with a mark of at least 70% may be used in place of Biology 1002B. The following must be completed by the end of second year: 0.5 course from:* Physics 1028A/B, 1301A/B or 1501A/B. 0.5 course from: Physics 1029A/B, 1302A/B or 1502A/B. or the former Physics 1020; Physics 1024. It is recommended that the two half courses in Physics be taken in the Fall and Winter terms of the same academic year. Minimum marks required for entry into Honors Specializations, Specialzations or Double Majors in the BMSc Program: 60% in each of the 3.0 first-year principal courses (marks in half courses are not averaged – a minimum mark of 60% must be achieved in each half course) 60% in the first-year physics course (marks in half courses are not averaged – a minimum mark of 60% must be achieved in each half course) Admission Criteria: achievement of a minimum average of 78.0% in the 3.0 first-year principal courses completion of the 3.0 first-year principal courses by the end of Year 1 (April 30th) completion of a full load of 5.0 courses in Year 1 (September to April) achievement of a passing grade in each option NOTE: During the adjudication period in May, students meeting ALL admission requirements and criteria will be admitted into Year 2 of the BMSc Program and assigned to modules based on their Intent to Register choices and the availability of space in the Honors Specialization modules. If the target of 450 students is not met, additional students will be considered with: an average less than 78% in the 3.0 first-year principal courses (to a minimum average of 75.0%) the completion of a principal course(s) during the summer (mark must be available before September 1) fewer than 5.0 courses Students will not be admitted to Year 2 of the BMSc Program if: the first year contains a failed course the average in the 3.0 first-year principal courses is less than 75.0% all 3.0 first-year principal course will not be completed by September 1 See “Acceptance to Honors Specialization Modules in the BMSc Program” for information about the maximum capacity of the HSP modules within the BMSc Program and whether or not each module reached its capacity as the Year 2 classes progress through the BMSc Program. **************** Admission to Year 3 of the BMSc Program (printable version) Students may apply for admission to Year 3 of the BMSc Program from any second-year module/degree provided they satisfy the admission requirements and criteria. Students who are registered in Year 2 of the BMSc Program are not guaranteed progression into the BMSc Program in Year 3 as they too must meet the minimum marks requirements and the admission criteria. Students satisfying ALL admission requirements and criteria will be accepted into Year 3 of the BMSc Program. Admission Requirements: Minimum marks are required in the following courses: the first-year Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics and Physics courses (minimum mark of 60% in each course) a minimum average in first-year Biology, Chemistry and Mathematics is NOT required the modular courses listed in the Honors Specialization, Major or Specialization Admission Criteria: achievement of a minimum average of 78.0% in the best 3.0 foundation courses (see below) achievement of a minimum mark of 60% in every foundation course taken foundation courses attempted only once completion of a minimum of 3.0 foundation courses by the end of Year 2 (April 30th) completion of the 4.0 first-year Biology, Chemistry, Math and Physics courses by the end of Year 2 (April 30th) completion of a full load of 5.0 courses in Year 2 (September to April) achievement of a passing grade in each option in Year 2 The following are "foundation" courses for the BMSc Program (except modules in Medical Biophysics): Biochemistry 2280A Biology 2581B Biology 2382B Biology 2290F/G Chemistry 2213A/B (or Chemistry 2273A) Chemistry 2223B (or Chemistry 2283G) or any 2000-level Chemistry half course Biology 2244A/B or Statistical Sciences 2244A/B or the former Statistical Sciences 2122A/B Chemistry 2211A/B, 2214A/B, 2374A or 2384B may be used as alternative foundation courses for students requesting the Honors Specialization in Biochemistry or the Honors Specialization in Clinical Biochemistry. Chemistry 2271A, 2281G, 2374A, 2374B and 2272F may be used as alternative foundation courses for students requesting the Honors Specialization in Chemical Biology. Physics 2101A/B, 2102A/B, 2128A/B, 2129A/B, Medical Biophysics 2128A/B, 2129A/B, Calculus 2302A, 2303B, 2502A, 2503B may be used as alternative foundation courses for students requesting the Honors Specialization in Medical Biophysics (Medical Science Concentration) or a Major in Medical Biophysics. NOTE: During the adjudication period in May, students meeting ALL admission requirements and criteria will be admitted into Year 3 of the BMSc Program and assigned to modules based on their Intent to Register choices and the availability of space in the Honors Specialization modules. If the target of 450 students is not met, additional students will be considered with: an average less than 78% in the best 3.0 foundation courses (to a minimum average of 75.0%) the completion of a foundation course(s) during the summer (mark must be available before September 1) the completion of a first-year principal course (Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics) during the summer (mark must be available before September 1) the completion of only 2.5 foundation courses (completion of 2.0 foundation courses will be considered on an individual basis and only for exceptional circumstances) a repeated foundation course(s) to a maximum of 1.0 repeated course, provided marks are available by September 1 the average of the two course attempts will be used in the calculation of the admission average NOTE: Students wishing to take a modular course on a Letter of Permission at Athabasca University must speak with an academic counsellor in the Dean's Office, Faculty of Science fewer than 5.0 courses Students will not be admitted to Year 3 of the BMSc Program if: the second year contains a failed course the average in the best 3.0 foundation courses is less than 75.0% the mark in any foundation course is less than 60% any of the first-year Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics or Physics courses will not be completed by September 1 See “Acceptance to Honors Specialization modules in the BMSc Program” for information about the maximum capacity of the HSP modules within the BMSc Program and whether or not each module reached its capacity as the Year 2 classes progress through the BMSc Program. ************** Admission to Year 4 of the BMSc Program (printable version) Only those students who have been admitted to Year 3 of the BMSc Program may progress to Year 4 of the BMSc Program. There is not a limited number of spaces in either the Specializations (with the exception of Pathology and Toxicology) or Double Majors in Year 4 of the BMSc Program. However, each Honors Specialization module offered within the BMSc Program has a limited number of spaces in Year 4 and preference will be given, based on the following criteria: completion of the first-year principal courses with a minimum mark of 60% in each (full or half) course completion of a full load of courses (5.0) in Year 3 completion of the “Foundation Courses” and the “Additional Modular Courses” as outlined in the “Weighted Averages Chart” for the Honors Specialization requested, with a mark of at least 60% in each of these courses (NOTE: some Honors Specializations require marks higher than 60% in some of these courses) achievement of a weighted average of at least 75%, as calculated for the Honors Specialization requested achievement of a passing grade in each option preference for foundation courses and additional modular courses completed only once NOTE:** When the number of students applying for a particular Honors Specialization is greater than the number of available spaces in Year 4, departments rank students based on a weighted average during the adjudication period (May). Departments work their way down the rankings, starting at the highest weighted average, until the spaces in the Honors Specialization are filled. The weighted average of the last student admitted to the Honors Specialization will be considered to be the cutoff average for entry into that Honors Specialization. See “Acceptance to Honors Specialization modules in the BMSc Program” for information about the maximum capacity of the HSP modules within the BMSc Program and whether or not each module reached its capacity as the Year 2 classes progress through the BMSc Program.

BMSc: Admission Requirements and Criteria

The admission requirements and criteria have been developed to aid in the selection of the 450 students into each of Years 2 and 3 of the BMSc Program. Minimum marks in first-year courses (Biology, Chemistry, Math, Physics) are "admission requirements" and must be achieved. Admission criteria have been established as additional tools in the selection process and some may be relaxed if the target number of 450 students is not reached.

Once deemed eligible for the BMSc Program, admission into Double Major and Specialization (except Pathology and Toxicology) modules is not limited or competitive. However, some Majors and Specializations contain courses that require either a minimum mark in a pre-requisite course or a minimum average in the previous year and students who do not achieve these minimum marks and/or averages are not permitted to register/continue in the module.

Admission into Honors Specialization modules is competitive due to the limited number of spaces available in labs and Year 4 research projects. The number of students admitted to each Honors Specialization module in Years 2 and 3 is reflective of the available spaces in Year 4. As a result, students requesting registration in these modules undergo a two-stage adjudication process. Students must first be deemed eligible for the BMSc Program. In the second stage, students are ranked using marks in selected courses and then assigned to the available spaces in the Honors Specialization modules. When there are more eligible students than spaces, the average of the last student assigned to the module determines the cutoff average for that module for that year.

Applying to Year 2
Applying to Year 3
Applying to Year 4

Admission to Year 2 of the BMSc Program

(printable version)

Normally the route into Year 2 of the BMSc Program is through the Biological and Medical Sciences first entry program (Faculty of Science). Students may, however, apply for entry into Year 2 of the BMSc Program from any first-year program provided they satisfy the admission requirements and admission criteria. Students satisfying ALL admission requirements and criteria will be accepted into Year 2 of the BMSc Program.

Admission Requirements:
Successful completion of 5.0 courses in first year, including the following 3.0 principal courses: (exception: modules in Medical Biophysics - See Year 1 Courses)

1.0 course*: Biology 1001A and 1002B, or the former Biology 1222 or 1223.
1.0 course: Chemistry 1100A/B and 1200B, or the former Chemistry 1020, 1050, or 023.
1.0 course from: Calculus 1000A/B or 1100A/B, Calculus 1301A/B or 1501A/B, Mathematics 1600A/B or the former Linear Algebra 1600A/B, Mathematics 1225A/B, 1228A/B, 1229A/B, Statistical Sciences 1024A/B, Applied Mathematics 1201A/B or the former Calculus 1201A/B, Applied Mathematics 1413, or the former Mathematics 030.

*Biology 1201A with a mark of at least 70% may be used in place of Biology 1001A, and Biology 1202B with a mark of at least 70% may be used in place of Biology 1002B.

The following must be completed by the end of second year:

0.5 course from: Physics 1028A/B, 1301A/B or 1501A/B.
0.5 course from: Physics 1029A/B, 1302A/B or 1502A/B.
or the former Physics 1020; Physics 1024.

It is recommended that the two half courses in Physics be taken in the Fall and Winter terms of the same academic year.

Minimum marks required for entry into Honors Specializations, Specialzations or Double Majors in the BMSc Program:

60% in each of the 3.0 first-year principal courses (marks in half courses are not averaged – a minimum mark of 60% must be achieved in each half course)
60% in the first-year physics course (marks in half courses are not averaged – a minimum mark of 60% must be achieved in each half course)

Admission Criteria:

achievement of a minimum average of 78.0% in the 3.0 first-year principal courses
completion of the 3.0 first-year principal courses by the end of Year 1 (April 30th)
completion of a full load of 5.0 courses in Year 1 (September to April)
achievement of a passing grade in each option

NOTE:
During the adjudication period in May, students meeting ALL admission requirements and criteria will be admitted into Year 2 of the BMSc Program and assigned to modules based on their Intent to Register choices and the availability of space in the Honors Specialization modules. If the target of 450 students is not met, additional students will be considered with:

an average less than 78% in the 3.0 first-year principal courses (to a minimum average of 75.0%)
the completion of a principal course(s) during the summer (mark must be available before September 1)
fewer than 5.0 courses

Students will not be admitted to Year 2 of the BMSc Program if:

the first year contains a failed course
the average in the 3.0 first-year principal courses is less than 75.0%
all 3.0 first-year principal course will not be completed by September 1

See “Acceptance to Honors Specialization Modules in the BMSc Program” for information about the maximum capacity of the HSP modules within the BMSc Program and whether or not each module reached its capacity as the Year 2 classes progress through the BMSc Program.

******************

Admission to Year 3 of the BMSc Program

(printable version)

Students may apply for admission to Year 3 of the BMSc Program from any second-year module/degree provided they satisfy the admission requirements and criteria. Students who are registered in Year 2 of the BMSc Program are not guaranteed progression into the BMSc Program in Year 3 as they too must meet the minimum marks requirements and the admission criteria. Students satisfying ALL admission requirements and criteria will be accepted into Year 3 of the BMSc Program.

Admission Requirements:
Minimum marks are required in the following courses:

the first-year Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics and Physics courses (minimum mark of 60% in each course)
a minimum average in first-year Biology, Chemistry and Mathematics is NOT required
the modular courses listed in the Honors Specialization, Major or Specialization

Admission Criteria:

achievement of a minimum average of 78.0% in the best 3.0 foundation courses (see below)
achievement of a minimum mark of 60% in every foundation course taken
foundation courses attempted only once
completion of a minimum of 3.0 foundation courses by the end of Year 2 (April 30th)
completion of the 4.0 first-year Biology, Chemistry, Math and Physics courses by the end of Year 2 (April 30th)
completion of a full load of 5.0 courses in Year 2 (September to April)
achievement of a passing grade in each option in Year 2

The following are "foundation" courses for the BMSc Program (except modules in Medical Biophysics):

Biochemistry 2280A
Biology 2581B
Biology 2382B
Biology 2290F/G
Chemistry 2213A/B (or Chemistry 2273A)
Chemistry 2223B (or Chemistry 2283G) or any 2000-level Chemistry half course
Biology 2244A/B or Statistical Sciences 2244A/B or the former Statistical Sciences 2122A/B

Chemistry 2211A/B, 2214A/B, 2374A or 2384B may be used as alternative foundation courses for students requesting the Honors Specialization in Biochemistry or the Honors Specialization in Clinical Biochemistry.

Chemistry 2271A, 2281G, 2374A, 2374B and 2272F may be used as alternative foundation courses for students requesting the Honors Specialization in Chemical Biology.

Physics 2101A/B, 2102A/B, 2128A/B, 2129A/B, Medical Biophysics 2128A/B, 2129A/B, Calculus 2302A, 2303B, 2502A, 2503B may be used as alternative foundation courses for students requesting the Honors Specialization in Medical Biophysics (Medical Science Concentration) or a Major in Medical Biophysics.

NOTE:
During the adjudication period in May, students meeting ALL admission requirements and criteria will be admitted into Year 3 of the BMSc Program and assigned to modules based on their Intent to Register choices and the availability of space in the Honors Specialization modules. If the target of 450 students is not met, additional students will be considered with:

an average less than 78% in the best 3.0 foundation courses (to a minimum average of 75.0%)
the completion of a foundation course(s) during the summer (mark must be available before September 1)
the completion of a first-year principal course (Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics) during the summer (mark must be available before September 1)
the completion of only 2.5 foundation courses (completion of 2.0 foundation courses will be considered on an individual basis and only for exceptional circumstances)
a repeated foundation course(s) to a maximum of 1.0 repeated course, provided marks are available by September 1
- the average of the two course attempts will be used in the calculation of the admission average
- NOTE: Students wishing to take a modular course on a Letter of Permission at Athabasca University must speak with an academic counsellor in the Dean's Office, Faculty of Science
fewer than 5.0 courses

Students will not be admitted to Year 3 of the BMSc Program if:

the second year contains a failed course
the average in the best 3.0 foundation courses is less than 75.0%
the mark in any foundation course is less than 60%
any of the first-year Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics or Physics courses will not be completed by September 1

See “Acceptance to Honors Specialization modules in the BMSc Program” for information about the maximum capacity of the HSP modules within the BMSc Program and whether or not each module reached its capacity as the Year 2 classes progress through the BMSc Program.

******************

Admission to Year 4 of the BMSc Program

(printable version)

Only those students who have been admitted to Year 3 of the BMSc Program may progress to Year 4 of the BMSc Program.

There is not a limited number of spaces in either the Specializations (with the exception of Pathology and Toxicology) or Double Majors in Year 4 of the BMSc Program. However, each Honors Specialization module offered within the BMSc Program has a limited number of spaces in Year 4 and preference will be given, based on the following criteria:

completion of the first-year principal courses with a minimum mark of 60% in each (full or half) course
completion of a full load of courses (5.0) in Year 3
completion of the “Foundation Courses” and the “Additional Modular Courses” as outlined in the “Weighted Averages Chart” for the Honors Specialization requested, with a mark of at least 60% in each of these courses (NOTE: some Honors Specializations require marks higher than 60% in some of these courses)
achievement of a weighted average of at least 75%, as calculated for the Honors Specialization requested
achievement of a passing grade in each option
preference for foundation courses and additional modular courses completed only once

NOTE: When the number of students applying for a particular Honors Specialization is greater than the number of available spaces in Year 4, departments rank students based on a weighted average during the adjudication period (May). Departments work their way down the rankings, starting at the highest weighted average, until the spaces in the Honors Specialization are filled. The weighted average of the last student admitted to the Honors Specialization will be considered to be the cutoff average for entry into that Honors Specialization.