The first year experience
Your first year as a Dal Science student is an exciting time. You’ll write your first mid-terms and exams, complete your first labs, and join new communities along the way. Starting off on the right foot is an important part of beginning your undergraduate experience. We’re here to support you as you begin this academic journey.
Faculty of Science First Year Interest Groups (FIGS)
First-Year Interest Groups in Science (FIGs) are open to any new student in the Faculty of Science who is entering as a first-year undeclared BSc student.
In these free, non-credit FIGS, you’ll meet other first-year students with similar interests. You’ll have the opportunity to explore those interests, and future academic and career options, with senior peers and experts—all in a small group setting. Each FIG has a maximum enrollment of 25 students.
You can sign up for a FIG when you register for your courses! Here are a few things to keep in mind when registering:
- FIGs are listed in the academic timetable under their own subject area (First Year Interest Groups - Sci), rather than under a department's listings.
- Make sure the FIG time slot doesn't conflict with any of your other courses.
- Click the sections below to learn more about the FIGs available in Fall 2026 and Winter 2027 and find one that fits your schedule.
Have a question about signing up for a FIG? Contact Dr. Kerrianne Ryan, FIGs coordinator, and watch a video introduction to FIGs from Dr. Ryan.
Overview: Psychology and Human Behaviour is a group for first-year science students with interests in psychology, the brain, human behaviour, and mental health.
Eligibility: Restricted to Faculty of Science students (Undeclared Science, Integrated Science, Medical Science, King’s Foundation Year) who have fewer than 16 credit hours.
Time: Friday, 12:35 to 1:25 p.m.
Course Reference Number (CRN): 11219
Overview: Neuroscience and the Brain is a group for first-year science students who are coming to Dal to learn about how the brain works and why that matters.
Eligibility: Restricted to Faculty of Science students (Undeclared Science, Integrated Science, Medical Science, King’s Foundation Year) who have fewer than 16 credit hours.
Time: Friday, 11:35 a.m. to 12:25 p.m.
Course Reference Number (CRN): 11220
Overview: Health and Medicine is a group for first-year science students who are coming to Dal to learn about human biology, physiology and/or disease and are interested in pursuing a career in medicine, medical research, or another health profession.
Eligibility: Restricted to Faculty of Science students (Undeclared Science, Integrated Science, Medical Science, King’s Foundation Year) who have fewer than 16 credit hours.
Time: Friday, 2:35 to 3:25 p.m.
Course Reference Number (CRN): 11221
Overview: Oceans is a group for first-year science students who are coming to Dal to learn more about oceans and ocean life, including marine conservation, climate change, ocean research, and the living organisms found in ocean environments.
Eligibility: Restricted to Faculty of Science students (Undeclared Science, Integrated Science, Medical Science, King’s Foundation Year) who have fewer than 16 credit hours.
Time: Friday, 1:35 to 2:25 p.m.
Course Reference Number (CRN): 11222
Overview: Climate Change and Biodiversity is a group for first-year science students who are coming to Dal to learn more about environmental science, climate change, species conservation, and efforts to explore and address these wicked problems.
Eligibility: For first-year students enrolled in the Faculty of Science as Undeclared Science majors or as BSc students in the College of Sustainability.
Time: Friday, 11:35 am to 12:25 pm
Course Reference Number (CRN): 11223
Overview: You are coming to Dalhousie with the ambition to learn how to change and make the world a better place. You can start by trying to understand decisions made by you or others that affect your day-to-day life. Economics is a big part of nearly everything you do! This group will explore how "big ideas" from economics relate to real-life examples you have directly experienced or encountered in the media.
Eligibility: Restricted to Faculty of Science (Undeclared Science, Integrated Science, Medical Science, King’s Foundation Year) students or Bachelor of Arts students planning to pursue a science program (Economics or Psychology) who have fewer than 16 credit hours.
Time: Thursday, 1:05 - 1:55 p.m.
Course Reference Number (CRN): 11224
Overview: If are interested in pursuing Pharmacy as a career, or would like to learn more about the Pharmacy program, course selection, admissions, and more. In this FIGS, you will meet first-year students with similar interests, have the opportunity to hear from current Pharmacy students, Pharmacy advisors, members of the admissions team, local pharmacists, and more.
Eligibility: For first year students enrolled in the Faculty of Science (Bachelor of Science (BSc) and Medical Sciences (BScMS)). FIGS courses are zero credit hours, but will appear as a PASS on the academic transcript if completed.
Time: Friday, 11:35 a.m. to 12:25 p.m.
Course Reference Number (CRN): 11225
Overview: This First Year Interest Group in Science (FIGS) is for students enrolled in the Medical Sciences program.
Eligibility: Restricted to students in the BScMS Medical Sciences program with fewer than 16 credit hours
Time: Friday, 1:35 to 2:25 p.m.
Course Reference Number (CRN): 11226
Overview: Our goal is to affirm and support historically excluded and underrepresented students in STEM. If you have the passion for science but you are bewildered by the many unwritten rules of science, we can help! Are you wondering how to plan your STEM degree? Are you interested in becoming part of a more inclusive science community? Are you uncertain about how to access all the tools you can use to succeed in STEM? Do you want to know where to find support? We will help you with these and other challenges. We will work as a group to address these topics and learn how to support each other’s success. There will be group work, hands-on activities, and guest speakers. This is a fall-term learning module offered as part of the Dalhousie Science Scholars and Leaders Program.
Eligibility: BSc or BSc (Medical Sciences) students with fewer than 30 credit hours.
Time: Friday, 1:05 to 2:25 p.m.
Course Reference Number (CRN): 11227
Overview: This course is a continuation of Science for Everyone I from the fall term. The goal is to affirm and support historically excluded and underrepresented students in STEM. If you have the passion for science but you are bewildered by the many unwritten rules of science, we can help! Are you wondering how to plan your STEM degree? Are you interested in becoming part of a more inclusive science community? Are you uncertain about how to access all the tools you can use to succeed in STEM? Do you want to know where to find support? We will help you with these and other challenges. We will work as a group to address these topics and learn how to support each other’s success. There will be group work, hands-on activities, and guest speakers. This is a winter-term learning module offered as part of the Dalhousie Science Scholars and Leaders Program.
Eligibility: First-year students who have registered for Science for Everyone I or have instructor permission
Time: Friday, 1:05 to 2:25 p.m.
Course Reference Number (CRN): 21194
Overview: This is a not-for-credit course for first year students starting their Science (BSc) program on the Truro campus. The class meets weekly throughout the fall semester. In this FIG, you will meet other first year students and will start to explore your interests, and academic goals. FIGS are a great way to gain unique access and exposure to experts, professors, labs and facilities during your first year in science. The one-hour meetings will consist of discussions, activities and short excursions, and brief information sessions, where you will learn about science-related academic and extra-curricular opportunities.
Eligibility: Restricted to Faculty of Science students who have fewer than 30 credit hours and are starting their BSc program on the Truro campus.
Time: Wednesday, 3:35 to 4:25 p.m.
Course Reference Number (CRN): 11228
Overview: This is a not-for-credit course for first year students starting their BSc program on the Truro campus. The class meets weekly throughout the winter semester. You will learn about future academic opportunities available in a BSc program, including research, honours, and co-op. You will explore the various Science Majors and get help choosing the best fit for you. The meetings will consist of discussions, activities and an opportunity for a one-day visit to the Halifax campus.
Eligibility: Restricted to Faculty of Science students who have fewer than 30 credit hours and are starting their BSc program on the Truro campus.
Time: Tuesday, 2:35 to 3:25 p.m.
Course Reference Number (CRN): 21195