Interdisciplinary Science
Why limit yourself? Interdisciplinary Science is based more on breadth than on the depth of coverage found in most Science programs.
The program is based more on breadth than on the depth of coverage found in a traditional Bachelor of Science degree. This is the most flexible science degree program at Laurentian and students tailor it to suit their particular career goals. It is geared to students who want to obtain a science related degree but who do not necessarily intend to become working scientists. Students are advised to round out the interdisciplinary science degree by specializing in one area to ensure a well-balanced education.
Download a copy of the Course List below:
For students enrolled prior to Fall 2023 (PDF)
For students enrolled in or after Fall 2023 (PDF)
Academic Advisor
Dr. Scott Fairgrieve
Telephone: 705-675-1151, 4209
Email: sfairgrieve@laurentian.ca
Office: F322A
Program Language and Delivery Method Notes:
- The 4-year program is taught primarily in English, however, some courses may be available in French. It is taught on campus only.
- The 3-year program is taught in English and is offered online in a Remote Asynchronous format.
Program Highlights:
- The three-year and four-year programs lead to a Bachelor of Science (Interdisciplinary)
- Take a combination of courses in biology, chemistry, computer science, geology, mathematics and physics.
- You can also take courses in ethics, philosophy, religious studies, environment, law, ethics, psychology, and languages.
Ontario High School Applicants
Program Prerequisites:
- 1 grade 12 English U/M course; 5 other grade 12 U/M courses
- A minimum overall average of 70% in the 6 best grade 12 U/M courses
Additional information for applicants who have completed Advanced Placement courses.
Additional information for applicants who have completed the International Baccalaureate.
Applicants from outside an Ontario High School
Canadian High School Applicants from outside Ontario
Canadian Applicants
If you are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, you must complete your application through the Ontario Universities Application Center (OUAC).
For detailed instructions on the application process, see the How to Apply: Canadian Undergraduate Applicants page.
Apply Now as a Domestic Applicant
International Applicants
If you’re an international applicant, you must fill out the International Application Form.
For detailed instructions on the application process, see the How to Apply: International Students page.
Apply Now as an International Applicant
The degree options listed below are for the upcoming academic year, not the current academic year. If you are a current student looking for which courses to take in order to complete your degree options from a previous academic year's curriculum, please consult with an academic advisor.
Interdisciplinary Science (4-year)
Bachelor of Science (Interdisciplinary) 4 year
The Program comprises a minimum of 72 credits in at least 3 different science subjects. The main science subjects are defined as a sequence of courses with the code BIOL, CHMI, COSC, ENSC, GEOL, MATH or PHYS. Details are:
a) 54 credits from two main science subjects (minimum of 18 credits each). Each one of these two science subjects consists of 6 credits at the 1000 level, plus a minimum of 12 credits at the 2000, 3000 or 4000 level. See “Other regulations” for exceptions.
b) 18 credits of other science courses, broken down as:
6 credits from one of BIOL, CHMI, COSC, ENSC, GEOL, MATH, PHYS, other than science subjects chosen in a);
12 credits from any of the science subjects listed above.
Note that a minimum of 3 credits in each of MATH and COSC is required.
- Students who do not have U-level credits in “Advanced Functions” or “Calculus and Vectors” should take MATH 1912.
- Note that only a limited number of ENSC and PHYS credits are available; please consult with the program coordinator for guidance if you select either of these two subjects as a main science subject.
c) SCOM 4006E Presenting and Communicating Research
d) 6 credits from List A*:
ENGL 1540E Academic Reading and Writing for Native English Speakers
ENGL 1550E Academic Reading and Writing for Non-Native English Speakers
FREN 1050F Beginner level: Oral and written communications in French as a second language
Communication orale et écrite en Français langue seconde : niveau débutant
FREN 1060F Intermediate-advanced level: Mastering oral and written expression in French as a second language
Perfectionnement de l'expression orale et écrite en intermédiaire-avancé
FREN 1505F Oral and written French supported by technology
Le français oral et écrit appuyé par la technologie
LANG 1005F Grammaire appliquée à la rédaction
*Or 6 credits of other equivalent language courses approved by the coordinator.
e) 6 credits from List B*:
HIST 3906E History of Science and Technology to 1700
HIST 3907E History of Science and Technology Since 1700
ENGR 4117E Engineering, Technology and Society
*Or 6 credits of other equivalent science and society themed courses approved by the coordinator.
f) 33 credits of electives
Note that, among these elective credits, students can choose a research project or thesis course in their 4th year if they want to prepare themselves for graduate studies. Students planning graduate studies will have to carefully plan their selection of courses and discuss with academic advisors as this may not be possible in every field. The following courses are available, provided that they have the course prerequisites and they can find a co-supervisor: COSC 4235, COSC 4086, GEOL 4005 and NATS 4005/NATS 4106.
Other regulations:
- A science subject in Environmental Science (ENSC) consists of ENSC 1406 and ENVI 1507, plus the remainder in ENSC courses at 2000, 3000 or 4000 level or other environmentally relevant courses approved by the coordinator.
- A science subject in Mathematics consists of MATH 1036/37, 1056/57 plus the remainder at the 2000, 3000 or 4000 level. The course STAT 2246 Statistics for Scientists may count towards a MATH science subject.
- Students must take at least 30 science credits at the 3000 or 4000 level. A minimum of 24 of these credits must be in the two main declared science subjects chosen in a).
- Students must have a minimum of 9 credits at the 4000 level, including LIBS 4006 or SCOM 4006, or both.
- A student cannot take more than 48 credits in any one of BIOL, CHMI, COSC, ENSC, GEOL, MATH, or PHYS excluding the above mentioned research project or thesis.
- Students may take a maximum of 48 credits at the first-year level.
- Students must have a GPA of 3.5 in each science subject, and 3.5 overall for them to graduate.
Interdisciplinary Science (3 year) (ALSO OFFERED ONLINE*)
Bachelor of Science (Interdisciplinary) 3 year
The Program comprises a minimum of 54 credits in at least 3 different science subjects. The main science subjects are defined as a sequence of courses with the code BIOL, CHMI, COSC, FOID*, GEOL, MATH or PHYS. Details are:
*See "Other Regulations" for details.
a) 36 credits from two main science subjects (minimum of 18 credits each). Each one of these two science subjects consists of 6 credits at the 1000 level, plus a minimum of 12 credits at the 2000, 3000 or 4000 level. See “Other regulations” for exceptions.
b) 18 credits of other science courses, broken down as:
6 credits from one of BIOL, CHMI, COSC, FOID, GEOL, MATH, PHYS, other than science subjects chosen in a);
12 credits from any of the science subjects listed above.
Note that a minimum of 3 credits in each of MATH and COSC is required.
- Students who do not have U-level credits in “Advanced Functions” or “Calculus and Vectors” should take MATH 1912.
- Note that only a limited number of PHYS credits are available; please consult with the program coordinator for guidance if you select PHYS as one of your main science subjects.
c) 6 credits in ENGL or FREN 1000 level courses*:
*Or 6 credits of otehr equivalent language courses approved by the coordinator.
d) 6 credits from*:
HIST 3906E History of Science and Technology to 1700
HIST 3907E History of Science and Technology Since 1700
ENGR 4117E Engineering, Technology and Society
*Or 6 credits of other equivalent science and society themed courses approved by the coordinator.
e) 24 credits of electives
*Online option offering main sujects only in Biology, Chemistry, Forensic Identification, Geology and Physics
Other regulations:
- Students selecting the Forensic Identification (FOID) stream may only choose 18 credits from the following courses
(these courses are only offered online):
FOID 1006E Introduction of Scientific Inquiry and Crime Scene Investigation
FOID 2006E Forensic Biology: Biological Concepts and Body Fluids
FOID 2016E Introduction to DNA
FOID 2206E Detection, Development and Photography of Fingerprint Evidence
FOID 2216E Forensic Aspects of Firearm and Tool Mark Evidence
FOID 3006E Concepts in Human Decomposition
FOID 3016E Forensic Applications of DNA
FOID 3036E Fire Scene Investigation
- A science subject in Mathematics consists of MATH 1036/37, 1056/57 plus the remainder at the 2000, 3000 or 4000 level. The course STAT 2246 Statistics for Scientists may count towards a MATH science subject.
- Students must take at least 3 science credits at the 3000 or 4000 level from one of the two main science subjects selected in a) above.
- Students may not take more than 48 credits at the first-year level.
- Students must have an overall GPA of at least 3.5.
First-year courses
Students must take 6 credits from 3 of the science disciplines below (for a total of 18 credits in 3 science disciplines), plus up to 12 credits of electives. *Note that students are required to take a minimum of 3 credits of Math and 3 credits of Computer Science.
On-campus: BIOL, CHMI, GEOL, and PHYS courses require labs.
Alternate BIOL, CHMI, COSC, GEOL, and PHYS courses are available to students who do not have high school prerequisites or to those taking the online degree. Consult the coordinator.