Bachelor of Science (Post Diploma)
(4 years—120 credits)

The Bachelor of Science (Post Diploma) program (BSc PD) allows students presenting a two- or three-year science- or computing-related diploma who wish to pursue a university degree to further their career and/or academic studies.

Graduates of the BSc PD program will have gained the technical, analytical, and critical thinking skills to be able to further their education. The BSc PD program also allows students to transfer their undergraduate degree towards medicine, dentistry, and veterinary programs at other Canadian and international institutions. Students intending to go on to graduate studies should contact the institution they would like to attend to ensure all entrance requirements are met.

The Faculty of Science and Technology offers two routes within the post diploma:

1. Major and minor route: For students in this route, those holding a two- or three-year science or computing-related diploma from an accredited college or technical institute may receive a minimum of a block of 30 credits. Depending on the content of the diploma, up to a maximum of 60 credits may be transferred toward the BSc PD program.
2. Without a major or minor route: For students in this route, those holding a two- or three-year science or computing-related diploma from an accredited college or technical institute may receive a minimum of a block of 30 credits, students may also receive a block of 30 plus individual transfer credit up to a maximum of 60. Some diplomas may qualify for a block of 60 credits depending on the content of the diploma.

Note: Please refer to the required timelines in Additional Regulations at the bottom of this page. If your diploma is outside the time limits, please submit proof of currency as soon as possible. Not providing this documentation will hold up the evaluation process.

Majors and Minors

Students have the option to select a major, or a major and a minor, at the time of enrolment in the BSc PD program. A student may also decide to graduate with a BSc PD in general science without a specific area of focus. BSc majors are available in:

• Applied Mathematics
• Computing and Information Systems
• Human Science

Students may also select from the following minors:

• Applied Mathematics
• Computing
• Information Systems
• Human Science
• Biology
• Geoscience
• Physical Sciences
• Learning Technology
• Architecture
• Game Programming
• Game Design and Development
• Web Development
• Information Systems Management
• Psychology
• Finance Management
• Business Administration

It is highly recommended that students consult an AU program advisor before changing majors or minors.

Program Plans

Our online program plans assist students in selecting the courses needed to fulfill their program requirements. Counselling Services offers an assessment website, Mapping Your Future. Athabasca University has also developed program learning outcomes that describe the career options that may be available to you upon graduating.

Program Requirements

Students complete the program regulations in effect at the time of their enrolment.

BSc PD Program Requirements for the 30-Credit Block Admission
Total credits in the program		120
Approved college or technical diploma receives * (Depending on the courses taken in the diploma, the student may receive additional credits not exceeding a total of 60 credits.)		30*
Minimum Credits Required
Senior credits (300 or 400 level)		45
Science credits		60
	In the major (if selected)	45
	In the major through Athabasca University	15
	In the minor (if selected)	24
	In the minor through Athabasca University	9
	Senior Science credits (300 and 400 level)	36
	Senior Science credits at 400 level	12
Residency requirement. A minimum of 30 credits must be obtained through Athabasca University.		30
Graduation with Distinction or Great Distinction. At least 24 credits must be obtained through Athabasca University in order to be considered.		24
Maximum Credits Allowed
At the preparatory (100) level		0
In any one Science discipline		72
Senior project credits (495/496 courses)		12
Maximum Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) credits		30
Core Course Requirements
MATH 215	Introduction to Statistics or	(3)
MATH 216	Computer-Oriented Approach to Statistics
MATH 265*	Introduction to Calculus I * (When selecting the CIS major or a computing-related minor MATH 265 may be replaced with MATH 270.)	(3)
COMP 200*	Introduction to Computing and Information Systems * (COMP 200 is required for students selecting the CIS major or a computer-related minor.) or	(3)
COMP 210	Introduction to Information Systems and Computer Applications
SCIE 326	Scientific Reasoning	(3)
SCIE 480	Research Methods in Science or	(3)
COMP 494*	Research Methods *COMP 494 is required for students in the CIS major.
PHIL 333	Professional Ethics or	(3)
PHIL 371	Ethics, Science, Technology, and the Environment
ENGL 255	Introductory Composition (see below)	(3)

BSc PD Program Requirements for the 60-Credit Block Admission
Total credits in the program		120
Approved college or technical diploma receives		60
Minimum Credits Required
Senior credits (300 or 400 level)		45
Science credits		51
	Senior Science credits (300 and 400 level)	42
	Senior Science credits at 400 level	12
Residency requirement. A minimum of 30 credits must be obtained through Athabasca University.		30
Graduation with Distinction or Great Distinction. At least 24 credits must be obtained through Athabasca University in order to be considered.		24
Maximum Credits Allowed
At the preparatory (100) level		0
Senior project credits (495/496 courses)		12
Maximum Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) credits		30
Core Course Requirements
MATH 215	Introduction to Statistics or	(3)
MATH 216	Computer-Oriented Approach to Statistics
MATH 265	Introduction to Calculus I or	(3)
MATH 270	Linear Algebra
SCIE 326	Scientific Reasoning	(3)
SCIE 480	Research Methods in Science or	(3)
COMP 494	Research Methods
PHIL 333	Professional Ethics or	(3)
PHIL 371	Ethics, Science, Technology, and the Environment
ENGL 255	Introductory Composition (see below)	(3)

*English Writing Skills Requirement

Students are strongly encouraged to register in ENGL 255 early in their program. Students will be exempted** from the English Writing Skills Requirement (ENGL 255) if they have met one of the following criteria:

• have a grade of B- (70 per cent) or better in an Athabasca University English course above the preparatory (100) level;
  
  or
• receive credit for an English course in which a grade of B- or better was achieved.

** Note: The exemption must be replaced with a 3-credit course in any discipline at the junior/senior (200 to 400) level.

Additional Program Regulations

1. Athabasca University may grant transfer credit for individual Computer Science courses that were completed more than 5 years ago and/or Science courses that are over 10 years old if proof of currency in the field is provided in the form of a current resumé and letter(s) of employment. Other evidence may be accepted if the letter and the resumé cannot be supplied. Visit the Transfer Credit Services section of the Calendar for more information regarding transfer credit towards the BSc program.
2. Students holding a computing-related diploma from an approved college or technical institute that is more than 5 years old may gain admission to the BSc PD program if a current resumé and letter from their supervisor/employer provide evidence of currency in the field since the diploma was awarded.
3. Students holding a science-related diploma from an approved college or technical institute that is more than 10 years old may gain admission from the BSc PD program if a current resumé and letter from their supervisor/employer provide evidence of currency in the field since the diploma was awarded.
4. An individual course can only be used to fulfill one requirement in the program. For example, no course can be used to complete the specific requirements of both the major and the minor. Also, a course that fulfills the BSc program general requirements cannot be used to satisfy the specific requirements of either the major or the minor.
5. Preparatory (100 level) courses cannot be used to fulfill the requirements of the Post Diploma program.