> Kwantlen Polytechnic University > Calendar 2010-11 > Programs & Entrance Requirements > Associate of Science Degree

Associate of Science Degree

See the Sciences Overview section for entrance requirements and further details.

Description

The Associate of Science degree consists of two years of university course work where students are able to complete their lower division program requirements for a Bachelor of Science degree if they course plan effectively. Holders of an Associate Degree receive full transfer of all courses counting towards that degree, even if the receiving institution may not have an articulation in place with any specific course counted by the sending institution towards an Associate Degree. While universities traditionally allow transfer based on GPA cutoffs, some receiving institutions grant a GPA advantage to Associate of Science holders.

The general requirements for the Associate of Science are specified by provincial legislation. To qualify for an Associate of Science, students must complete 20 courses at the first and second year level. A minimum overall GPA of 2.0 is required, with a minimum passing grade (D or better) in each course counting towards the Associate of Science.

General information on the requirements for the Associate of Science degree, and how universities receive them, can be found on the BCCAT site at www.bctransferguide.ca/associate

Specific information on course requirements for a Bachelor of Science Degree, and the majors and minors available, should be verified in the Calendars for:

UBC at www.science.ubc.ca
SFU at www.sfu.ca/science
UVic at web.uvic.ca/sciweb
UNBC at www.unbc.caundergraduate/degrees/index.html
Royal Roads University at www.royalroads.ca
   and by referencing
Kwantlen's Educational Advising website at http://www.kwantlen.ca/advising or by speaking to an Educational Advisor at Kwantlen or at the university where you intend to complete your degree.

Kwantlen currently offers several pathways for an Associate of Science Degree:

1. Associate of Science in Biology
2. Associate of Science in Chemistry
3. Associate of Science in General Sciences
4. Associate of Science in Geography
5. Associate of Science in Mathematics
6. Associate of Science in Physics
7. Associate of Science in Psychology (under construction)
8. Additionally, there are three articulated pathways under the heading of General Science:
    a.) For students wishing a program change to third year of Kwantlen’s BBA in Entrepreneurial Leadership
    b.) For science students wishing to complete a degree in Environmental Science at Royal Roads University.     
        This provides direct entry to third year of their Environmental Science and Environmental Management Degrees.
    c.) For science students transferring to the Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science at UNBC.

A list of required Kwantlen courses specific to each of UBC, SFU, UVic and UNBC can be found on Kwantlen's Science website at www.kwantlen.ca/science/associate.html. As science and mathematics requirements vary from one university to another, for a major in biology, chemistry, geography, mathematics, physics, or psychology, this website offers course requirements per university.

Students planning to complete a Bachelor of Science should verify the transfer status at each university when organizing their course profile to ensure they meet the entrance requirements as well as be aware of the specific program requirements. Research has demonstrated that students transferring with an Associate Degree perform better at the receiving institution than students transferring at an earlier completion level, and are at least at par with those students who were solely resident at that degree granting receiving institution.

FRAMEWORK FOR THE ASSOCIATE OF SCIENCE DEGREE

The provincial requirement for an Associate of Science is composed of 60 credits total based on 3 credits per course, and assuming a Bachelor of Science contains 120 credits. In reality, a Bachelor of Science may involve more than that because some courses may have more than 3 credits. It is therefore easier to list the requirements in terms of courses rather than credits, where a four year Bachelor of Science commonly requires 40 courses and an Associate of Science would be half that, or 20 courses.

1. English Requirements

2. Mathematics Requirements
The Associate of Science requires six credits of university level mathematics, which shall include three credits in Calculus. Institutions have the discretion to set higher standards, including not recognizing MATH 1112.

CAUTION: Most Science degrees require both Calculus I and Calculus II, which would be:    

3. First Year Science Requirements

Any six science courses from among the following:   

CAUTION: At least one must be a lab science course, which excludes CPSC courses.
*NOTE: Institutions have the discretion to not recognize CHEM 1105, MATH 1112 or PHYS 1100.

4. Second Year Science Requirements

Any six science courses taken in a minimum of two different subject areas from among the following:

5. Additional Course Requirements

* NOTE: Arts implies any Arts subject area not noted in the science categories above, and includes all geography courses not specified in the science categories above, i.e. GEOG 1160, 1185, 2110, 2120, 2140, and 2190.

Students lacking the appropriate prerequisites will likely require more than two years to complete the Associate of Science. Since the Associate of Science represents completion of one half of a Bachelor of Science, as long as the right courses are taken at Kwantlen, students should ideally be able to complete their Bachelor of Science in a further two years at the receiving University.

ASSOCIATE OF SCIENCE SPECIALIZATIONS



1.ASSOCIATE OF SCIENCE (A.Sc.) IN BIOLOGY

CAUTION: It is strongly recommended that you see an Educational Advisor for individual course planning for your specific program goals.

1. English Requirements:

 2. Mathematics Requirements:
    Two university level mathematics courses to include at least one Calculus course.

NOTE: Transfer institutions have the discretion to set higher standards, including not recognizing MATH 1112.

CAUTION: Most Science degrees require both Calculus I and Calculus II which would be:
MATH 1120 and 1220
        or
MATH 1130 and 1230


First Year Science Requirements:

  NOTE: Institutions have the discretion to not recognize CHEM 1105, MATH 1112 or PHYS 1100.
**UBC allows GEOG 1110, 1120, or GEOL 1210 as a substitute for PHYS 1220.

Second Year Science  Requirements:
Six second year science courses to include:

a.) Four second year BIOL courses chosen from:
    BIOL 2320, 2321, 2322, 2330, 2421
            and
    CHEM 2320 and 2420

b.) Two additional second year science courses chosen from:

NOTE: Students pursuing a degree in Biochemistry at UBC are required to take BIOL 2321, BIOL 2421, CHEM 2310, CHEM 2315, CHEM 2321, and BIOL 2421. MATH 2321 is also required. In addition, taking BIOL 2320 precludes having to take BIOL 334 at UBC.

NOTE:Students pursuing Molecular Biology or Biochemistry at SFU are required to take BIOL 2320, BIOL 2321, BIOL 2421, CHEM 2315, CHEM 2320 and CHEM 2420. One of MATH 3421 or MATH 2335 is also required.

Additional Course Requirements:
Any two courses in Arts*, not counting English and
Any other two university transferable courses. 

NOTE: *Arts implies any Arts subject area not noted in the science categories above, and includes all geography courses not specified in the science categories above, i.e., GEOG 1160, 2185, 2110, 2120, 2140, and 2190.

Students lacking the appropriate prerequisites will likely require more than two years to complete the Associate of Science. Since the Associate of Science represents completion of one-half of a Bachelor of Science, as long as the right courses are taken at Kwantlen, students should ideally be able to complete their Bachelor of Science in a further two years at the receiving University. 


 2. ASSOCIATE OF SCIENCE (A.Sc.) IN CHEMISTRY

CAUTION: It is strongly recommended that you see an Educational Advisor for individual course planning for your specific program goals.

 English Requirements:

 Mathematics Requirements:
    Two university level mathematics courses to include at least one Calculus course.

NOTE: Transfer institutions have the discretion to set higher standards, including not recognizing MATH 1112.

CAUTION: Most Science degrees require both Calculus I and Calculus II which would be:
   MATH 1120 and 1220
        or
   MATH 1130 and 1230


First Year Science Requirements:

Three more first year science courses from the following:

NOTE:*Institutions have the discretion to not recognize CHEM 1105, MATH 1112 or PHYS 1100.


Second Year Science Requirements:

Six second year science courses from at least two disciplines which must include:

a)     Four second year Chemistry courses:
CHEM 2311 or 2310, 2315, 2320, 2420

b)    Two more second year science courses chosen from:

NOTE:Students pursuing a degree in Biochemistry at UBC are required to take BIOL 2321, BIOL 2421, CHEM 2310, CHEM 2315, CHEM 2321, and BIOL 2421.

Additional Course Requirements:
Any two courses in Arts*, not counting English and
Any other two university transferable courses. 

NOTE: *Arts implies any Arts subject area not noted in the science categories above, and includes all geography courses not specified in the science categories above, i.e., GEOG 1160, 2185, 2110, 2120, 2140, and 2190.

Students lacking the appropriate prerequisites will likely require more than two years to complete the Associate of Science. Since the Associate of Science represents completion of one-half of a Bachelor of Science, as long as the right courses are taken at Kwantlen, students should ideally be able to complete their Bachelor of Science in a further two years at the receiving University

 3. ASSOCIATE OF SCIENCE (A.Sc.) IN GENERAL SCIENCE 

The Associate of Science in General Science is tailored for students who are uncertain of (or are unconcerned about) the major they wish to complete, or wish to follow an articulated pathway to a specific degree at a specific institution (see #8, A.B & C below). For those uncertain, students should be careful in selecting this option because while it is recognized as half way to completing a Bachelor of Science degree, it does not necessarily reflect all lower level courses required for a specified field of science (biology, chemistry, geography, mathematics, physics, psychology) they may choose to pursue later. Generally, Year 1 is common at all universities, but variations could begin as early as Year 2. It is therefore advisable that you verify the course requirements for Year 1 and Year 2 with an Educational Advisor or with the university at which you wish to complete your Bachelor of Science degree (referred to as the receiving university). For your convenience, a list of required lower level courses by BC universities can be found under the heading “suggested options” at Kwantlen’s Science website: http://kwantlen.ca/science/associate.html. Care is taken to keep this list current, but it is always wise to verify accuracy.

CAUTION: It is strongly recommended that you see an Educational Advisor for individual course planning for your specific program goals.

English Requirements:

Mathematics Requirements:
    Two university level mathematics courses to include at least one Calculus course.

NOTE: *Transfer institutions have the discretion to set higher standards, including not recognizing MATH 1112.

CAUTION: Most Science degrees require both Calculus I and Calculus II which would be:
   MATH 1120 and 1220
        or
   MATH 1130 and 1230


4. ASSOCIATE OF SCIENCE (A.Sc.) IN GEOGRAPHY 

The Associate of Science in Geography is tailored for students seeking a Bachelor of Science in Geography.

CAUTION: It is strongly recommended that you see an Educational Advisor for individual course planning for your specific program goals.

English Requirements:
  • ENGL 1100
        and
  • One additional first year ENGL course

Mathematics Requirements:
    Two university level mathematics courses to include at least one Calculus course.

NOTE: *Transfer institutions have the discretion to set higher standards, including not recognizing MATH 1112.

CAUTION: Most Science degrees require both Calculus I and Calculus II which would be:
   MATH 1120 and 1220
        or
   MATH 1130 and 1230

First Year Science Requirements:

Six first year science courses which must include:

a.) CHEM 1110 and CHEM 1210
    GEOG 1110 and GEOG 1120

b.) Two more first year science courses chosen from:

NOTE:*Institutions have the discretion to not recognize CHEM 1105, MATH 1112 or PHYS 1100

c.) Two more second year science courses chosen from:

Second Year Science Requirements

Six second year science courses from at least two disciplines which must include:

a.) GEOG 2310 and GEOG 2320
b.) Two of GEOG 2330, 2340, 2390, or 2400
c.) Two more second year science courses chosen from:

 Additonal Course Requirements:

NOTE: *Arts implies any Arts subject area not noted in the science categories above, and includes all geography courses not specified in the science categories above, i.e., GEOG 1160, 2185, 2110, 2120, 2140, and 2190.

Students lacking the appropriate prerequisites will likely require more than two years to complete the Associate of Science. Since the Associate of Science represents completion of one half of a Bachelor of Science, as long as the right courses are taken at Kwantlen, students should ideally be able to complete their Bachelor of Science in a further two years at the receiving University.

5. ASSOCIATE OF SCIENCE (A.Sc.) IN MATHEMATICS 

 CAUTION: It is strongly recommended that you see an Educational Advisor for individual course planning for your specific program goals.

English Requirements:
  • ENGL 1100
        and
  • One additional first year ENGL course

Mathematics Requirements:
    Two university level mathematics courses to include at least one Calculus course.

NOTE: *Transfer institutions have the discretion to set higher standards, including not recognizing MATH 1112.

CAUTION: Most Science degrees require both Calculus I and Calculus II which would be:
   MATH 1120 and 1220
        or
   MATH 1130 and 1230

First Year Science Requirements: 

Six first year science courses to include:

a.) CPSC 1103 and CPSC 1204
b.) Four more first year science courses chosen from:

NOTE:*Institutions have the discretion to not recognize CHEM 1105, MATH 1112 or PHYS 1100

NOTE: At least one must be a lab science course, which excludes BPSC courses.

Second Year Science Requirements:
Six second year science courses from at least two disciplines to include:

a.) Four second year Math courses chosen from:

   MATH 2232, 2315, 2321, 2331, 2335, 3322, 3421

b.) Two additional second year science courses chosen from:


Additonal Course Requirements:

NOTE: *Arts implies any Arts subject area not noted in the science categories above, and includes all geography courses not specified in the science categories above, i.e., GEOG 1160, 2185, 2110, 2120, 2140, and 2190.

Students lacking the appropriate prerequisites will likely require more than two years to complete the Associate of Science. Since the Associate of Science represents completion of one half of a Bachelor of Science, as long as the right courses are taken at Kwantlen, students should ideally be able to complete their Bachelor of Science in a further two years at the receiving University.

6. ASSOCIATE OF SCIENCE (A.Sc.) IN PHYSICS

CAUTION: It is strongly recommended that you see an Educational Advisor for individual course planning for your specific program goals.

English Requirements:
  • ENGL 1100
        and
  • One additional first year ENGL course

Mathematics Requirements:
    Two university level mathematics courses to include at least one Calculus course.

NOTE: *Transfer institutions have the discretion to set higher standards, including not recognizing MATH 1112.

CAUTION: Most Science degrees require both Calculus I and Calculus II which would be:
   MATH 1120 and 1220
        or
   MATH 1130 and 1230

First Year Science Requirements:

NOTE:*Institutions have the discretion to not recognize CHEM 1105, MATH 1112 or PHYS 1100  

Second Year Science Requirements:

Six second year science courses which must include:

a.) PHYS 2330 and PHYS 2424 and

b.) Two second year math courses from:

c.) Two additional second year science courses chosen from:

Additonal Course Requirements:

NOTE: *Arts implies any Arts subject area not noted in the science categories above, and includes all geography courses not specified in the science categories above, i.e., GEOG 1160, 2185, 2110, 2120, 2140, and 2190.

Students lacking the appropriate prerequisites will likely require more than two years to complete the Associate of Science. Since the Associate of Science represents completion of one half of a Bachelor of Science, as long as the right courses are taken at Kwantlen, students should ideally be able to complete their Bachelor of Science in a further two years at the receiving University.      
 

7. ASSOCIATE OF SCIENCE (A.Sc.) IN PSYCHOLOGY

Currently under development.


8. ASSOCIATE OF SCIENCE (A.Sc.) – ARTICULATED OPTIONS

Aside from the areas of specialization expressed in #1-8 above, three other options have been articulated within the Associate of Science in General Science.

A. Pathway to Third Year of a Bachelor of Business Administration in Entrepreneurial Leadership at Kwantlen Polytechnic University

This pathway allows students with an Associate of Science degree to apply to enter directly into the third year of Kwantlen’s BBA in Entrepreneurial Leadership. This four-year package provides a solid foundation in science while pursuing a degree in Business at Kwantlen Polytechnic University. A degree with this focus can be very beneficial in business or industry involving the manufacture and sale of scientific and technology products, or for working in industries involved heavily with health research (e.g., pharmaceutical companies, hospitals, biological corporations).

CONTENT
English Requirements:
  • ENGL 1100
        and
  • One additional first year ENGL course

Mathematics Requirements:

*MATH 1112 or either combinations of MATH 1120/1220 or MATH 1130/1230 also qualify, but at least one of the two mathematics courses must be a first year Calculus. Please be aware of mathematics prerequisites (including grades) required for science courses chosen in Years 1 and 2.

Year 1 Science

  Year 2 Science

Six second year BIOL, CHEM, MATH or PHYS courses chosen over at least two of these disciplines

Other Courses

In addition, a minimum overall GPA of at least 2.7 is required, with a minimum of C grade in any course, for direct admission to Year 3 of the BBA. A minimum grade of C+ is required in MATH 1115 (or ACCT 1230) and ACCT 2293.

B. Pathway to Third Year of a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science or Environmental Management at Royal Roads University.

Science students with an Associate of Science degree can apply to enter directly into the third year of a B.Sc. in Environmental Science or Environmental Management at Royal Roads University.

CONTENT

ENGL 1100 and one other first year ENGL
MATH 11301and  MATH 11152 and 
    1MATH 1120 also qualifies    
    2MATH 1230 or MATH 1220 also qualify
    

First Year Science Requirements:

  • BIOL 1110 and BIOL 1210
  • CHEM 1110 and CHEM 1210
  • PHYS 1101 or PHYS 1120
  • One of CPSC 1100, ENVI 1121 or GEOG 1120

Year 2 Science

Other Courses

C. Pathway to Third Year of a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science at UNBC

 Science students with an Associate of Science degree can apply to enter directly into the third year of a B.Sc. in Environmental Science at UNBC.

CONTENT

Year 1 Science

Year 2 Science

  • BIOL 2322 and BIOL 2330
  • CHEM 2320
  • GEOG 2320 and GEOG 2330
  • One of BIOL 2321, CHEM 2310 (or 2311), CHEM 2315 or CHEM 2420

NOTE: Kwantlen BIOL 2321 + BIOL 2421 transfer as UNBC BIOL 311 + CHEM 204, but BIOL 311 is not a requirement for this pathway

Other Courses

GEOG 1101, GEOG 1110, GEOG 1120, and GEOG 2395

SFU PARTNERSHIP

The Science Faculties at SFU and Kwantlen have signed a Dual Enrolment Pathway Partnership wherein science students at one institution can access courses at the other institution towards completion of their degree. The courses must be unavailable at the home institution either because they are not offered that semester or because there are no vacant seats remaining. The contact point for Kwantlen students is Kwantlen’s Enrolment and Registrar Services Office at any campus, while SFU students will require a letter of permission from the Office of the Dean of Science at SFU. Students will pay tuition at the rate charged by the institution where the course is taken. Kwantlen students must be in good academic standing and enrolled in an Associate of Science program.

SFU guarantees course transfer credits and admission to finish a Bachelor of Science to any Kwantlen science student who has taken a SFU course via the Dual Enrolment Pathway Partnership, and who has since completed a Kwantlen Associate of Science degree (with a 2.0 cumulative GPA or better).

Graduation

Upon successful completion of the program, students are eligible to receive an Associate of Science Degree in the subject area chosen.

For students electing to seek employment at the Associate of Science level, rather than completing a Bachelor of Science, the Associate degree attests that they have received a strong science education at the foundation level.

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