2024-2025 Faculty of Science Viewbook

Faculty of Science

You don’t have to choose between an exceptional student life and a stellar science education.

Expect excellence. Experience more. And experiment with what you love. At Western Science.

WHY WESTERN SCIENCE? 04

Strong Academic Reputation With World-Class Faculty

Join the best at one of Canada’s top science faculties for academic excellence and research innovation. We are here to give you the support you need to excel and graduate with credentials that carry weight in the world.

Unique Program Offerings

Looking for something beyond the typical degree? Take an interdisciplinary approach with programs like integrated science and data science. In these programs, you will tackle complex problems, gain practical experience and have a competitive edge when you graduate.

Flexible Degree Options

Explore what you love with the freedom of not having to decide your path on day one. Our flexible, modular degrees evolve with you as you figure out where your passions truly lie. It’s never too late to create your own customized degree.

Experiential Learning

Discover science pathways you didn’t know existed and kick-start your career with an internship; participate in real, applied research that impacts the world around you; or take your studies out into the field. Regardless of what you choose, Western Science provides you with transformational experiences that go beyond the classroom.

Enriching Social Opportunities

You don’t have to sacrifice the student life you’ve been waiting for to get a high-quality university science education. Build your new community of connections and friendships by joining one of Western’s 180 student clubs, playing for a varsity or intramural sports team, or expressing your musical talent in a music ensemble.

YOUR FUTURE STARTS HERE 06

Science

OUAC Code: ES

Mandatory

– English (ENG4U)

– Calculus and Vectors (MCV4U)

Plus Two From

– Advanced Functions (MHF4U

– Biology (SBI4U)

– Chemistry (SCH4U)

– Computer Science (ISC4U)

– Earth and Space Science (SES4U)

– Mathematics of Data Management (MDM4U)

– Physics (SPH4U)

Basic Medical Sciences

OUAC Code: ESM

Mandatory

– English (ENG4U)

– Calculus and Vectors (MCV4U)

– Biology (SBI4U)

– Chemistry (SCH4U)

Recommended

– Physics (SPH4U)

Computer Science

OUAC Code: ECS

Mandatory

– English, (ENG4U)

– Calculus and Vectors (MCV4U)

– Advanced Functions (MHF4U)

Plus One From

– Biology (SBI4U)

– Chemistry (SCH4U)

– Computer Science (ISC4U)

– Earth and Space Science (SES4U)

– Mathematics of Data Management (MDM4U)

– Physics (SPH4U)

NOTES:

First-year biology and chemistry courses require Grade 12 Biology (SBI4U) and Grade 12 Chemistry (SCH4U), respectively.

For admission into integrated science, Grade 12 Chemistry is also mandatory.

Learn more at uwo.ca/sci/admission

Year 1

General Science

All first-year science students take courses that are prerequisites for a module, along with electives they choose.

CHOOSE YOUR OWN ADVENTURE

Thousands of Module Combinations

A module is a collection of courses in a specialized area. Western has four types of modules: Honours Specialization, Specialization, Major and Minor. This modular system offers you flexibility - not only can you move from one module into another, but you can also complete

two modules at the same time (e.g. double major). This means you can learn about two distinctly different areas of science or combine a module in Science with one from another faculty such as Arts & Humanities or Social Science. The options are limitless!

Year 2

Select Module

In year two, students enter a module and take more specialized courses.

Stay or Switch

In year three, students continue in their module; or can change their area of study*.

Year3

Year4

Graduate or Intern

In year four, students complete their module, often with unique capstone experiences; or go on an 8 to 16-month paid internship (apply in year three).

Unlimited Career Options

Year5 Optional

Graduate

Students who chose to do an internship or dual-degree program will complete their studies in their module.

*Students who are interested in switching their module are advised to ensure they will meet the new module requirements for graduation by reviewing the Academic Calendar or visiting Academic Counselling.

A Western Science undergraduate degree will prepare you for a range of careers and future pathways. This includes industry specific careers, graduate school and professional programs such as medicine, law, business and teacher’s college.

Computer Science

Western’s Department of Computer Science is active in both traditional areas of the discipline and emerging areas, like artificial intelligence, computer vision and computational neuroscience. As a student in the undergraduate program, you will be taught by internationally recognized faculty who will guide you as you explore the theoretical aspects of computer science and learn about in-demand applications including game design, cyber security, robotics and pattern recognition. Design and build software, go deep into databases and cloud computing, and learn strategies to tackle tough computer science problems. You already know that with a Western computer science degree there will be no shortage of career opportunities when you graduate.

Modules

Computer Science

Bioinformatics

Game Development*

Information Systems

Software Engineering*

*Available as a minor only. Cannot be completed alone as a degree.

Popular Courses

Artificial Intelligence

Computer Graphics I

Databases

Game Programming

Human-Computer Interaction

Machine Learning and Data Sciences

Networking

WHO HIRES COMPUTER SCIENCE GRADUATES?

Aerospace Industry (e.g. Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Airbus)

Big Tech (e.g. Google, Facebook, Amazon)

Telecommunications (e.g. Rogers, Bell, Telus)

Video Game Developers (e.g. Big Blue Bubble, EA, Digital Extremes)

Mathematics School of Mathematical and

Statistical Sciences

Mathematics is the one universal language, having its origins in the study of numbers and shapes, and the need to understand the physical world around us. It is a necessary tool in the physical sciences and engineering, but also in diverse areas such as economics, biology and information technology. As a student in the mathematics program at Western, you will develop your computational skills and learn to analyze and describe complex patterns using this powerful language. Graduates with expertise in mathematics find careers in diverse areas that demand logical thinking, problem-solving and data analysis.

Modules

Applied Mathematics

Mathematical and Statistical Sciences

Mathematics

Popular Courses

Elementary Number Theory

Introduction to Computer Algebra

Introduction to Cryptography

Introduction to Game Theory

Introduction to Neural Networks

Mathematical Structures

Guarantee your spot in teacher’s college at Western with an undergraduate mathematics degree from Western Science.

The Faculty of Education at Western has guaranteed admission to qualified candidates from Western’s mathematics, actuarial science, financial modelling, data science, and statistics programs.

Who Hires

Mathematics

Graduates?

Banking and Finance (e.g. Royal Bank of Canada, TD, Manulife)

Big Tech (e.g. Google, Facebook, Amazon)

Education (e.g. Elementary and Secondary)

Government

Insurance (e.g. Canada Life, Intact, Sun Life, Desjardins)

Telecommunications (e.g. Rogers, Bell, Telus)

Statistical and Actuarial Sciences

How do you go about making the best decision when given a dataset? Statistics is the science of extracting meaningful information from data and being able to evaluate the level of uncertainty in a given conclusion. From designing experiments evaluating the effectiveness of a new drug to predicting stock market prices

Modules

Actuarial Science

Applied Financial Modelling*

Applied Statistics

Financial Modelling

Statistics

*Available as a minor only. Cannot be completed alone as a degree.

of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences

School

and modelling life insurance and pension plans, the teaching and research carried out by the Department of Statistical and Actuarial Sciences have many real-world applications. All modules combine application, technical skills and theory to prepare graduates for careers in a diversity of sectors.

Popular Courses

Corporate Finance

Financial Modelling

Generalized Linear Models

Mathematics of Finance

Statistical Programming

Survival Analysis

WHO HIRES STATISTICAL AND ACTUARIAL SCIENCES GRADUATES?

Banking and Finance (e.g. Royal Bank of Canada, TD, Manulife)

Big Tech (e.g. Google, Facebook, Amazon)

Insurance Companies (e.g. Canada Life, Intact, Sun Life, Desjardins)

WHO HIRES CHEMISTRY GRADUATES?

Alternative Energy Companies (e.g. Johnson Matthey)

Food Production Companies (e.g. Parmalat, McCormick, Labatt Breweries)

Law Enforcement (e.g. Ontario Provincial Police, RCMP)

Materials Manufacturing (e.g. 3M, BASF, DuPont)

Pharmaceutical Industry (e.g. Sanofi Pasteur, Amgen, Apotex)

Chemistry

Known as the central science, chemistry is the study of atoms, molecules and materials and their interactions. Chemistry is fundamentally interdisciplinary with strong ties to engineering, physics and biology, as well as medicine. Regardless of the branch of chemistry you might be interested in (e.g. organic, physical, computational) understanding chemistry requires hands-on learning. Chemistry undergraduates at Western spend over 600 hours in the lab, which translates into graduates being competent at a range of cutting-edge tools and techniques. Because chemistry is so foundational to a range of industries, career opportunities for graduates are very strong.

Modules

Advanced Chemistry*

Biochemistry and Chemistry

Chemistry

*Available as a minor only. Cannot be completed alone as a degree.

Popular Courses

Medicinal Chemistry

Polymer Chemistry

Modern Chemical Synthesis

Radiation and Nuclear Systems Chemistry

Quantum Chemistry and Spectroscopy

Transition Metals and Catalysis

WHO HIRES PHYSICS AND ASTRONOMY GRADUATES?

Space and Aerospace Industries (e.g. Canadian Space Agency, MDA, Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Airbus)

Big Tech (e.g. Google, Facebook, Amazon)

Hospitals and Medical Research and Development (e.g. Toronto General Hospital, Charles River Laboratories, Syneos Health)

Manufacturing (e.g. General Dynamics, Diamond Aircraft)

Banking and Finance (e.g. Royal Bank of Canada, TD, Manulife)

Government (e.g. Ministry of Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change Canada)

Physics and Astronomy

At scales from the angstrom to the light year, the interdisciplinary research programs of the Department of Physics and Astronomy investigate how matter, forces and energy interact and shape objects and environments. From developing new techniques in medical imaging to analyzing data from the James Webb Space Telescope, the research of the department

Modules

Advanced Physics*

Astrophysics

Conceptual Astronomy*

Medical Physics

Physics

Physics of Materials*

Scientific Computing and Numerical Methods

*Available as a minor only. Cannot be completed alone as a degree.

is at the forefront of discovery. Undergraduates are important contributors to this journey of discovery as they develop their problem-solving and critical thinking skills. Graduates go on to a wide range of careers both in basic science and in applied areas such as medicine (e.g. medical imaging) and environmental science (e.g. atmospheric science, climate change).

Popular Courses

Astrophysics of Interstellar Space

Oscillations and Waves

Radiological Physics

Search for Life in the Universe

Understanding Earth’s Atmosphere

Quantum Mechanics

Biology

The Department of Biology pursues fundamental knowledge about the living world. With research programs studying single genes, the dynamics of organism development, responses of both plants and animals to climate change, through to population dynamics and the ecology of insects, birds and fishes, the department covers the breadth of modern biology. At the same time, the department is dedicated to using innovative teaching strategies to engage undergraduates in its 78 different course offerings. As a student in a biology module, you will experience a wealth of experiential learning opportunities including a range of field experiences and capstone thesis projects. The undergraduate biology experience at Western will prepare you for a diverse range of career opportunities.

Modules

Animal Behaviour

Biodiversity and Conservation

Biology

Ecosystem Health

Genetics

Genetics and Biochemistry

Synthetic Biology

Popular Courses

Animal Diversity: Ancestral

Vertebrates to Jellyfish

DNA: Genome Organization, Mutagenesis and Repair

Evolution of Plants

Global Change Biology

Physiology of Animal Migration

Principles of Human Genetics

WHO HIRES BIOLOGY GRADUATES?

Biotechnology Companies (e.g. Novo Nordisk, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Moderna)

Food Production Companies (e.g. Parmalat, McCormick, Labatt Breweries)

Government (e.g. Ministry of Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change Canada)

Pharmaceutical Industry (e.g. Sanofi Pasteur, Amgen, Apotex)

Publishing Companies (e.g. Thomson Reuters, McGraw Hill, SAGE Publishing)

Basic Medical Sciences

The Bachelor of Medical Sciences (BMSc) program is offered jointly by the Faculty of Science and the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry. The program focuses on the application of science to the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of human disease. In years one and two, you will learn the fundamentals of biology, chemistry, physics and mathematics by taking courses offered by the Faculty of Science. It is in year three when you will transition into the BMSc program and immerse yourself in the many facets of human health and disease through courses offered by the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry. You have the choice to keep your education broad (e.g. interdisciplinary medical sciences) or focus more on one discipline (e.g. biochemistry, epidemiology). Either way, the program is excellent preparation for medical or dental school, graduate training or a wide array of other health care related careers.

Modules

Biochemistry

Epidemiology and Biostatistics

Interdisciplinary Medical Sciences

Medical Bioinformatics

Medical Biophysics

Medical Cell Biology

Microbiology and Immunology

Neuroscience (BSc degree)

One Health

Pathology

Physiology and Pharmacology

Popular Courses

Cadaveric Anatomy

Human Pharmacology and Therapeutic Principles

Medical Imaging

Translation in Cancer

Biology

Microbiology and Immunology

Neurobiology of Mental

Illness

WHO HIRES BASIC MEDICAL SCIENCES GRADUATES?

Biotechnology Companies (e.g. Novo Nordisk, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Moderna)

Health Care, Health Services or Public Health (e.g. Public Health Agency of Canada)

Medical Research and Development (e.g. Charles River Laboratories, ICON, Syneos Health)

Pharmaceutical Industry (e.g. Sanofi Pasteur, Amgen, Apotex)

Many graduates of the basic medical sciences program go on to pursue professional programs such as medicine, dentistry, nursing and optometry.

WHO HIRES EARTH SCIENCES GRADUATES?

Conservation (e.g. The Nature Conservancy of Canada, Green Communities Canada)

Energy Sector (e.g. Shell, Chevron, General Electric)

Government (e.g. Ministry of Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change Canada)

Mining and Exploration (e.g. Teck Resources, Kirkland Lake Gold)

Earth Sciences

The Department of Earth Sciences is focused on understanding the interplay of the physical, chemical and biological processes that explain the Earth’s composition and dynamic character. As home to the environmental science program, the department also aims to better understand the natural and human-driven changes to climate and the Earth’s resources (minerals, fossil fuels, soils, water and arable land). As an undergraduate student in Earth sciences, you will learn from a varied set of courses that cover the fundamentals of geology through to modern sustainability practices. A range of field experiences will allow you to learn firsthand at locations around the globe.

Modules

Environmental Science

Geology

Geology and Biology

Geophysics

Planetary Science and Space Exploration*

*Available as a minor only. Cannot be completed alone as a degree.

Popular Courses

Catastrophic Events in Earth History Earth Rocks!

Environmental Science and Sustainability

Professional Registration

Environmental Geoscience

Geology

Geophysics

Geomicrobiology

Life on Planet Earth

Natural Science of Environmental Problems

Paleobiology and Paleoecology

Integrated Science

Whether it’s climate change, renewable energy or antibiotic resistance, today’s most pressing problems are fundamentally interdisciplinary. The Western Integrated Science (WISc) program combines the focused coursework of a traditional honours degree with an innovative and diverse set of integrated science courses that explore the interdisciplinary nature of science. The ability to address

Integrated Science Modules

Astrophysics

Biology

Chemistry

Computer Science

Earth Sciences

Environmental Science

Genetics

Mathematical & Statistical Sciences

Physics

Synthetic Biology

An Interdisciplinary Program

today’s challenges requires that you have both discipline specific expertise and a broader perspective, allowing you to work and communicate well with scientists from other disciplines. The small-class environment and collaborative structure of WISc will refine your critical thinking, problem-solving, teamwork and leadership skills, while learning the fundamentals of a broad range of science disciplines.

Popular Courses

Evolution of the Scientific Process

Exploring Science

Sustainability and the Environment

Science in Your Community

Peer Mentoring and Leadership

Who Hires Integrated Science Graduates?

Graduates of the WISc program are employable in a wide range of industries and professions. The module you choose to specialize your integrated science degree in will best dictate your potential career trajectory.

Admission

On the website of the Ontario Universities’ Application Centre, apply to Science (code ES). For your “Subject of Major Interest,” choose Western Integrated Science (WISc). Prospective students need to also complete the WISc supplemental application.

In addition to the general admission requirements for Science, students who are applying to WISc also require Grade 12 Chemistry (SCH4U or equivalent).

WHO HIRES DATA SCIENCE GRADUATES?

Banking and Finance (e.g. Royal Bank of Canada, TD, Manulife)

Big Tech (e.g. Google, Facebook, Amazon)

Insurance Companies (e.g. Canada Life, Intact, Sun Life, Desjardins)

Telecommunications (e.g. Rogers, Bell, Telus)

Data Science

An Interdisciplinary Program

We live in a data-driven world where numbers are seemingly everywhere. Making sense of vast amounts of information and figuring out what is important, however, can be particularly challenging. As a student in the data science program, you will learn the diverse array of tools and techniques used to collect, analyze and model different kinds of information. Data science is inherently interdisciplinary, with the two dominant disciplines being computer science and statistical science. And when it comes to jobs, it should come as no surprise that graduates are highly employable, as data scientist was ranked as the #1 job in 2021 by Career Cast.

Popular Courses

Artificial Intelligence

Data Structures and Algorithms

Discrete Structures for Computing

Introduction to Machine Learning

Software Project Management

Software Tools and Systems Programming

STUDENT LIFE AT WESTERN

Science Students’ Council

Be an advocate for all students in the Faculty of Science by getting involved in Science Students’ Council. This group of 64 individuals serve as the student voice within the faculty and work to improve the undergraduate experience. It is a great leadership opportunity that also allows you to connect with your science peers, make a difference for students and create lasting memories.

Science Clubs

Further explore your interest in a particular science field and make lasting connections with peers in your program by joining one of 21 department clubs. Get academic support, participate in events and connect with professors. Or take it a step further and get leadership experience by taking on an executive role.

Residence Living Learning Floors

Take advantage of this effective, high-impact residence perk and live on a themed residence floor with other students in your faculty. This allows you to form connections with peers in your classes, create study groups and have upper-year mentors who have firsthand experience with your classes and assignments. Medway-Sydenham Hall houses the science floor, Ontario Hall houses the integrated science floor, and Elgin Hall houses the medical sciences floor.

Community Connections

You don’t have to wait until September to connect with your future classmates. Community Connections is a free, intense, on-campus summer experience. Come for the day, or stay overnight in a Western residence, and get a head start on learning about the Western community.

Mentorship Program

The Leadership & Academic Mentorship Program (LAMP), through Western’s Student Experience office, provides first-year students with an upper-year student mentor from their faculty or program. Build a connection with someone who has been through it all as they provide academic and social support to help you successfully transition to university life.

Western Science is a place that delivers everything a world-class university has to offer, including an exceptional student experience.

Academic Counselling

Navigating university life can be challenging. There are so many decisions to make that can impact your future. Our Academic Counsellors are here to support your introduction to university and your academic journey in many ways – from discussing your academic pathway and goals, accommodating for missed coursework, and ensuring you have everything you need to graduate on time.

Department Counsellors

If you are looking for advice on your specific module, our Department Counsellors are there to sit down and guide you through the process. With expert knowledge of their departments, they are an excellent resource to assist with course selection.

The Math-Physics Accelerator

Many first-year students struggle with their mathematics and physics courses. The MathPhysics Accelerator offers free, one-on-one help for students. Graduate student Teaching Assistants will help you excel in your studies.

Learning Development & Success

If you need help coping with the demands of university, the Learning Development & Success team, through Western’s Student Experience office, is here for you. They will help you identify strengths, develop skills for success, and help you find the best ways to alleviate stress and anxiety toward learning.

Scholarships

Numerous scholarships and awards are established and funded to ensure the success of our students.

One such scholarship is the RBC Scholarship in Data Science.

SUPPORTING YOUR ACADEMIC SUCCESS

I believe my internship experience made my application stand out from typical volunteering and club activities. Most importantly, however, it was the professional skills and maturity I gained during that year that helped me grow into a good candidate.”

Spotlight:

Miya Wang, BMSc ‘21

16-month internship as a Junior Product Developer at Dr. Oetker Canada Ltd.

When it came time for Miya to apply to medical school, the application cycle was very competitive; having a great GPA wasn’t enough. Her experience through the Science Internship Program helped her medical school application stand out. Miya is now a medical student at the University of British Columbia.

PREPARING YOU FOR YOUR FUTURE 34

Internships

Get practical, career-related experience while getting paid with the Science Internship Program. During an 8, 12 or 16-month period after third year, you will work for an organization as part of a team, working on real projects that matter.

Career Support

Be ready to enter the workforce upon graduation with career planning assistance from the Science Careers and Professional Experience team. In addition to helping you answer important questions to decide the best path for you, they provide access to job fairs and information sessions, networking opportunities, as well as resume and interview preparation.

Experiential Learning

Round out your lectures with realworld experience. There are countless opportunities over the course of your undergraduate experience for high-impact learning opportunities.

Summer Research: Explore your interests and develop technical skills by working in a lab for the summer, mentored by world-class researchers and their graduate students

Whether it is exploring a field you might be interested in or solidifying your passion and getting a head start on experience, an internship will teach you important skills that will develop your resume and help it stand out!

Capstone Projects: Finish your final year with your own research project to explore an area of interest

Lab Courses: Use experimentation to bring lecture material to life in one of many lab courses offered

Field Courses: Travel, explore and do research locally or internationally while getting credit for it

International Learning

Opportunities: Go abroad to further your skills with exchanges and study abroad programs, summer research, internships or volunteer opportunities

Community Engaged Learning: Collaborate with a community partner to use your learnings to improve their business operations

WHICH LIFE SCIENCE PROGRAM IS BEST FOR YOU?

Biology

Faculty of Science

The Bachelor of Science (BSc) program in biology offers modules that allow for the study of life at different levels of biological organisation - from how organisms interact with each other and the environment at the level of the ecosystem through to the study of individual genes.

Medical Sciences

Faculty of Science and Schulich

School of Medicine & Dentistry

The Bachelor of Medical Sciences (BMSc) program offers modules that explore the molecular, cellular and systemic organisation of the human body and the biological mechanisms it uses to adapt to environmental changes and disease.

Health Sciences

Faculty of Health Sciences

The Bachelor of Health Sciences (BHSc) program focuses on the interdisciplinary study of health and wellness in an ever-changing society, in addition to domestic and international health systems. Students in Health Sciences can study health promotion, health and aging, rehabilitation science and more.

Each of Western’s life science programs has its own focus, but each one can prepare you for graduate school or professional programs such as medicine, dentistry, education, and occupational and physical therapy.

Big enough to offer everything campus life should, small enough so you still feel the love.

Discover the care and connection that comes standard in a Western Science education.