Med Sci 1 FAQs

What courses are required for Medical Science 1?

5.0 courses and Medical Sciences 1000Y (full year non-credit course):

Note: The Admission Requirements for the following basic medical science modules require specific 1000-level courses from the picklists above:

What are the progression requirements for Medical Science 2?

students in Med Sci 1 may progress to Med Sci 2 by satisfying the conditions laid out in the Academic Calendar before September of Med Sci 2. The conditions are as follows:

  • Achieve a minimum grade of 50% in any course(s) taken during Medical Sciences First Entry (including summer sessions);
  • Achieve a PASS in Medical Sciences 1000Y (non-credit course);
  • Achieve a mark of at least 50% in 1.0 1000-level course(s) from either Category A or B; and
  • Achieve a mark of at least 60% in the first attempt at each of the half courses listed above in Biology, Chemistry, and mathematics (i.e., courses in Applied Mathematics, Calculus, Mathematics)
  • Achieve a mark of at least 60% in the first attempt at each of the half courses listed above in Physics or Computer Science. Students may defer the completion of these two 0.5 requirements to the Fall/Winter of Medical Sciences 2.

How many courses do I need to take in Medical Science 1 to progress to Medical Science 2?

Progression to Year 2 Med Sci requires successful completion of a minimum of 4.0 courses before September of Med Sci 2, with the minimum grades required in each course (see above). These include your Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics and 1.0 Category A/B course(s). The full listing of courses and progression requirements are listed in the Academic Calendar here.

Is there a minimum number of courses I need to take during the Fall/Winter of Med Sci 1?

While there is no minimum course load requirement during the fall/winter, a typical full time course load is 5.0 courses. If you wish to reduce your course load you may do so, though we encourage you to connect with Academic Advising to discuss which courses you choose to delay/drop, and review the full progression requirements to Med Sci 2. We would also encourage you to look at the admission requirements to any graduate or professional programs you may be applying to later, as some may require or prefer a 5.0 course load. Reducing your course load may also have financial implications, and you should connect with the registrar’s office if you have any questions about your tuition or eligibility for obtaining/maintaining any financial assistance/scholarships.

I'm considering reducing my Fall/Winter course load in Med Sci 1, which courses should I prioritize completing?

This really depends on how many courses you plan to take and what your summer availability is to complete any remaining requirements prior to September. We would strongly recommend prioritizing completion of your 1.0 Biology and 1.0 Chemistry, as these courses are prerequisites for many second year courses. We would then recommend completion of your 1.0 math requirement, as this too is a prerequisite for Bio/Stats 2244A/B. If math is the course you want to drop/delay or you did not have the prerequisites to take Calc 1000A, we would recommend connecting with Science Academic Advising to discuss your plans. Your 1.0 Category A or B course(s) can be delayed until the summer, though they must be completed prior to September of Med Sci 2. Physics 1201A and Physics 1202B/CS 1026A/B would be the recommended courses to delay as they can be taken either in the summer or in year 2 (unless you are interested in Medical Biophysics). When in doubt, reach out!

Can I progress to Med Sci 2 with a mark between 50-59% in one of my first-year biology/chemistry/math/physics half courses? Can I still apply to Year 3 BMSc?

No, you need to achieve 60% in each half course on the first attempt to progress to Med Sci 2 but don't panic! You can continue to Year 2 Science, repeat the course you obtained less than 60% in and shadow the Med Sci 2 second-year course requirements and apply to Year 3 BMSc via the competitive pool . Please note the following:

  • Depending on the module you wish to apply to and the course you obtained less than 60% in, you may be able to take all of the 2000-level Admission Requirements for your desired BMSc module while upgrading your first-year course in second year.
  • Note: You can progress with a 50-59% in your elective course, the 60% requirement is only on the 4.0 required courses.

Can I progress to Med Sci 2 if I fail a course (<50%) in first year?

No, if you fail any course in Med Sci 1 you cannot progress to Med Sci 2. You can still apply through the competitive pool for Year 3 BMSc and will need to repeat the failed course.

I was admitted to Med Sci 2 but failed (<50%) a summer course, am I still eligible?

No, if you fail any summer course (even a 2000 level or elective) you are no longer eligible for Med Sci 2 and will be moved to Science. You can still apply through the  competitive pool for Year 3 BMSc.

Note: Please review Year 3 BMSc admission requirements if you choose to take a 2000-level admission requirement in the summer after the first year.

When should I repeat my first year Math/Physics/Chem/Bio course if I failed (<50%)?

Calc 1000A/B: Should be repeated in second term, Calc 1000B. If Calc 1000B is also failed it is strongly recommended you repeat it in the summer after Year 1. 

Math 1600/AM 1201/Calc 1301: Can be repeated in the summer after Year 1 or in Year 2. Completion of your 1.0 math courses is a prerequisite for Bio/Stats 2244A/B which is a 2000-level admission requirement for most BMSc modules.

Biology 1001A and/or Biology 1002B: Should be repeated the summer after Year 1 so you have the prerequisites to take the 2000-level BMSc admission requirements.

Chemistry 1301A and/or Chemistry 1302B: Should be repeated the summer after Year 1 so you have the prerequisites to take the 2000-level BMSc admission requirements.

Physics 1201A: Can be repeated in the summer after Year 1, during Year 2, or even in the summer prior to Year 3 for most modules, however, students interested in Medical Biophysics should repeat physics the summer after their first year.

Physics 1202B and/or CS 1026A/B: Can be repeated in the summer after Year 1, during Year 2, or even in the summer prior to Year 3 for most modules, however, students interested in Medical Biophysics should repeat physics 1202B the summer after their first year.

Note: If it is recommended above to repeat your course in the summer and you are unable to, please contact academic advising to discuss your options.

When should I upgrade Year 1 Math/Physics/Chem/Bio if I received b/w 50-59%?

Biology 1001A and/or Biology 1002B: Should be upgraded the summer after Year 1 so that you have the prerequisite to take the 2000-level admission requirements for Year 3 BMSc or a BSc module.

Math/Chemistry/Physics/Computer Science: Can be upgraded in the summer between Year 1 and 2, in Year 2, or even in the summer prior to Year 3 for most modules. Please review the 2000-level admission requirement courses needed to apply to your desired module as some courses may have a prerequisite grade requirement. You can contact Academic Advising if you are unsure when to repeat one of the above courses.

What first-year math should I take?

Math requirements can be found on the Medical Science First Entry page on the Academic Calendar. You must take either Calculus 1000A or Calculus 1500A along with one of the following 0.5 courses (typically in B term): Applied Math 1201A/B, Calculus 1301A/B, Calculus 1501A/B or Math 1600A/B. Math 1600A may be taken concurrently in first term with Calc 1000A or Calc 1500A.

Note: Please refer to the admission requirements listed on the academic calendar as some modules will list specific math courses you must complete (i.e. Medical Biophysics and Medical Bioinformatics require 1.0 Calculus).

I was admitted to Med Sci 1 without MCV4U, what Math do I take?

If you were admitted without MCV4U you can either take MCV4U over the summer and then follow the guidelines above for your first year math courses, OR you can take Math 0110A in first term. Math 0110A is pre-calculus and can serve as a prerequisite to Calc 1000B which can then be taken in second term. You will then take your remaining 0.5 first year math requirement in the summer or can take Math 1600B concurrently with Calc 1000B.

How do I register for Med Sci 2?

Med Sci 1 students will submit their Intent to Register (ITR) in the spring to continue in their current program (Medical Science First Entry); module selection for BMSc does not occur until Year 3.

Note: The HSP Neuroscience is not part of the BMSc program and does begin in the second year. If HSP Neuroscience is your first choice you will need to indicate so on your ITR in the first year.

I received an AP/IB credit for one of the Med Sci 1 courses, can this count towards my progression to Med Sci 2?

Yes, provided you don't repeat the course at Western, your AP/IB credit can count towards your progression to Med Sci 2. If, however, you choose to repeat the course at Western, you must achieve 60% at Western (50% for a Category A or B breadth requirement) and will lose the AP/IB credit. Please be aware that your AP/IB credit will not appear on your official Western transcript, since it was not taken at Western. If you have questions about what other course(s) to take, or how to include these courses in your requirements, please consult with Academic Advising.