The first year experience
Your first year as a Dal Science student is an exciting time. You’ll write your first mid-terms and exams, complete your first labs, and join new communities along the way. Starting off on the right foot is an important part of beginning your undergraduate experience. We’re here to support you as you begin this academic journey.
Faculty of Science First Year Interest Groups (FIGS)
First-Year Interest Groups (FIGs) are open to any new student in the Faculty of Science who is entering as a first-year undeclared BSc student.
In these free, non-credit FIGs, you’ll meet other first-year students with similar interests. You’ll have the opportunity to explore those interests, and future academic and career options, with senior peers and experts—all in a small group setting. Each FIG has a maximum enrollment of 25 students.
You can sign up for a FIG when you register for your courses! Here are a few things to keep in mind when registering:
- FIGs are listed in the academic timetable under their own subject area (First Year Interest Groups - Sci), rather than under a department's listings.
- Make sure the FIG time slot doesn't conflict with any of your other courses.
- Click the sections below to learn more about the FIGs available in Fall 2024 and Winter 2025 and find one that fits your schedule.
Have a question about signing up for a FIG? Contact Dr. Kerrianne Ryan, FIGs coordinator.
Overview: Psychology and Human Behaviour is a group for first-year science students with interests in psychology, the brain, human behaviour, and mental health.
Eligibility: Restricted to Faculty of Science students (Undeclared Science, Integrated Science, Medical Science, King’s Foundation Year) who have fewer than 16 credit hours.
Time: Friday, 12:35 to 1:25 p.m.
Course Reference Number (CRN): 11363
Overview: Neuroscience and the Brain is a group for first-year science students who are coming to Dal to learn about how the brain works and why that matters.
Eligibility: Restricted to Faculty of Science students (Undeclared Science, Integrated Science, Medical Science, King’s Foundation Year) who have fewer than 16 credit hours.
Time: Friday, 11:35 a.m. to 12:25 p.m.
Course Reference Number (CRN): 11364
Overview: Health and Medicine is a group for first-year science students who are coming to Dal to learn about human biology, physiology and/or disease and are interested in pursuing a career in medicine, medical research, or another health profession.
Eligibility: Restricted to Faculty of Science students (Undeclared Science, Integrated Science, Medical Science, King’s Foundation Year) who have fewer than 16 credit hours.
Time: Friday, 2:35 to 3:25 p.m.
Course Reference Number (CRN): 11365
Overview: Oceans is a group for first-year science students who are coming to Dal to learn more about oceans and ocean life, including marine conservation, climate change, ocean research, and the living organisms found in ocean environments.
Eligibility: Restricted to Faculty of Science students (Undeclared Science, Integrated Science, Medical Science, King’s Foundation Year) who have fewer than 16 credit hours.
Time: Friday, 1:35 to 2:25 p.m.
Course Reference Number (CRN): 11366
Overview: Logic and Problem Solving is a group for first-year students with an interest in mathematics, statistics or related areas of study such as economics or physics.
Eligibility: Restricted to Faculty of Science (Undeclared Science, Integrated Science, Medical Science, King’s Foundation Year) or Computer Science students who have fewer than 16 credit hours.
Time: Thursday, 1:05 to 1:55 p.m.
Course Reference Number (CRN): 11368
Overview: Our goal is to affirm and support historically excluded and underrepresented students in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). If you have the passion for science but you are bewildered by the many unwritten rules of science, we can help!
Eligibility: BSc or BSc (Medical Sciences) students with fewer than 30 credit hours.
Time: Friday, 10:05 to 11:25 a.m.
Course Reference Number (CRN): 14288
Overview: This is a not-for-credit course for first-year students starting their BSc program on the Truro campus. The class meets weekly. You will learn about future academic opportunities available in a BSc program, including research, honours, and co-op.
Eligibility: Restricted to Faculty of Science students who have fewer than 30 credit hours and are starting their BSc program on the Truro campus.
Time: Thursday, 2:35 to 3:25 p.m.
Course Reference Number (CRN): 11369
Overview: This is a not-for-credit course for first-year students starting their BSc program on the Truro campus. You will learn about future academic opportunities available in a BSc program, including research, honours, and co-op.
Eligibility: Restricted to Faculty of Science students who have fewer than 30 credit hours and are starting their BSc program on the Truro campus.
Time: Friday, 8:35 to 9:25 a.m.
Course Reference Number (CRN): 21247