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Integrated Science (BSc)

A one-year program to kick-start your Bachelor of Science.

Program Type
Bachelor
Faculty
Location
Program Start
September
Program Options
Direct-entry from High School

Why choose this program?

Dalhousie’s Integrated Science Program (DISP) is a unique way for science students to begin their BSc, preparing a small cohort of students (maximum 80) to enter any major or combination of majors in the Faculty of Science. You will start your second year with a background in broad range of science subjects, and with lots of hands-on experience, including lab, field, computer and writing skills.

Admission requirements

Minimum admission requirements

To be considered for admission to this program, you must meet minimum academic criteria:

  1. Completion of secondary school (Grade 12)
  2. Achievement of the minimum average for your program of choice.
  3. Completion of Grade 12 English (or equivalent course).

Admission to many Dalhousie programs is competitive. This means that meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.

Program-specific admission requirements

Under Program Selection on the application, select 'Bachelor of Science' or 'Medical Sciences' and for the question 'Are you interested in applying to the Dalhousie Integrated Science Program (DISP)?' check off YES for the Dalhousie Integrated Science Program. 

You can also apply to Integrated Science King's Undeclared Bachelor of Science at the University of King's College.

Financial information

A university education is a significant financial investment. Every student is unique, and so are their financial circumstances. We offer competitive tuition, a robust scholarship and bursary program, and resources and support to help you explore financial options and develop a plan that works for you. 

Program options

Field trips are an integral part of the Integrated Science program, taking students to a variety of local ecosystems, from the rocky intertidal, to coastal sand dunes, to bogs and barren. You will learn field techniques, work in small groups to collect data, identify common organisms, and perhaps most importantly, understand and appreciate the diversity of local ecosystems and landscapes. 
 
In the winter term, as part of a team of two to four students, you will conduct your research project. Each year our students work in over 25 different research labs across campus.


The following Integrated Science program options are offered by Dalhousie University’s Faculty of Science. Connect with an academic advisor after you start your studies to explore options such as:  

  • Bachelor of Science (for degrees only)

  • Bachelor of Science with Major

  • Bachelor of Science with Honours 

  • Double Major degree in Science

What you will learn

Integrated Science provides an enriched science experience emphasizing research and integration across the sciences. You will learn research methods, field and laboratory techniques, teamwork, critical thinking, problem solving, numeric and statistical techniques, planning, organization, and written and oral communication skills. This focus on ‘skills development’ is excellent preparation for academic, research, and co-op work.  

Sample courses may include:

  • Integrated Science I
  • Ethics in Science
  • Concepts in Chemistry: Structure and Reactivity
  • Life Sciences Calculus

In the Integrated Science program, you will receive more hands-on practice and learn more transferable skills. In addition to lectures and readings, you will also learn through laboratory activities, field trips, computer exercises, research projects, and more. While the program is challenging, it can also ease your transition from high school to university. This program also offers you an extensive support network that includes members of work teams and research teams, Integrated Science professors, and Dalhousie research supervisors.

Careers

Your Bachelor of Science prepares you for careers in the fields of biology, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, environmental science, governmental or non-profit organizations, finance, and research. 

Emphasis on scientific research methods and communication skills, along with a broad introduction to the sciences, makes Integrated Science an excellent foundation for an Honours degree, a combined Honours degree, a Major degree or Double Major degree in science. Integrated Science is ideal preparation for interdisciplinary fields, like environmental or ocean sciences, and neuroscience.