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.
Summer 2024 drop-in sessions and orientation events
Are you a first-year student starting an undergraduate program in the Faculty of Science in September 2024? Join one of our virtual summer drop-in sessions to ask questions and learn about how to get involved in the Dal Science community, find out about different supports available to students, chat with the Dean of Science, and more.
As well, during the first week of classes in September, we will hold a welcome celebration for first-year students with pizza, swag, and outdoor games! Find out more and register below.
Dal Science Summer Drop-in Series: Student Life and Getting Involved
Date: Thursday, August 1
Time: 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. ADT
Format: Virtual
Description: Join representatives from the Faculty of Science, the Dalhousie Science Society, and First Year Interest Groups to explore how you can become an active part of the Dal Science community. Bring your questions and get tips on getting involved and making connections.
Dal Science Summer Drop-in Series: First-Year Science Labs
Date: Thursday, August 8
Time: 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. ADT
Format: Virtual
Description: Join the Faculty of Science and your future lab instructors in this virtual drop-in session to learn about what to expect in first year science labs. Bring your questions and connect with the Dal science community!
Dal Science Summer Drop-in Series: Student Supports at Dalhousie
Date: Thursday, August 15
Time: 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. ADT
Format: Virtual
Description: Join the Faculty of Science and a variety of advisors from different student support resources and services for a virtual drop-in info session. Learn how they can help your academic and personal journey and help you build community.
Dal Science Summer Drop-in Series: Chats with the Dean
Date: Monday, August 26
Time: 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. ADT
Format: Virtual
Description: Meet the Dean of the Faculty of Science, Dr. Chuck Macdonald, in today’s virtual drop-in session! Bring any questions you might have about science programs, research opportunities, or your science journey.
Dal Science First-year Student Welcome Celebration
Date: Wednesday, September 4
Time: 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. ADT
Location: Wallace McCain Learning Commons
Description: The Faculty of Science and the Dalhousie Science Society want to welcome first-year students to the Dal Science community! Come for the free pizza, swag and lawn games, and stay for the helpful information you'll receive about how to get involved as a first-year student!
Faculty of Science First Year Interest Groups (FIGS)
First-Year Interest Groups (FIGs) are open to any new student in the Faculty of Science who is entering as a first-year undeclared BSc student.
In these FIGs, you’ll meet other first-year students with similar interests, and you’ll have the opportunity to explore those interests, and future academic and career options, with senior peers and with experts—all in a small group setting.
You can sign up for a FIG when you register for your courses! You must first register for the appropriate co-requisite course(s) that are connected to the FIG you're interested in. As well, make sure the FIG time slot doesn't conflict with any of your other courses.
Find out more about the FIGS available in Fall 2024 and Winter 2025:
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.
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.
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.
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.
Overview: Logic and Problem Solving is a group for first-year students with an interest in mathematics, statistics or related areas of study such as economics or physics.
Eligibility: Restricted to Faculty of Science (Undeclared Science, Integrated Science, Medical Science, King’s Foundation Year) or Computer Science students who have fewer than 16 credit hours.
Overview: Our goal is to affirm and support historically excluded and underrepresented students in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). If you have the passion for science but you are bewildered by the many unwritten rules of science, we can help!
Eligibility: BSc or BSc (Medical Sciences) students with fewer than 30 credit hours.
Overview: This is a not-for-credit course for first-year students starting their BSc program on the Truro campus. The class meets weekly. You will learn about future academic opportunities available in a BSc program, including research, honours, and co-op.
Eligibility: Restricted to Faculty of Science students who have fewer than 30 credit hours and are starting their BSc program on the Truro campus.
Overview: This is a not-for-credit course for first-year students starting their BSc program on the Truro campus. You will learn about future academic opportunities available in a BSc program, including research, honours, and co-op.
Eligibility: Restricted to Faculty of Science students who have fewer than 30 credit hours and are starting their BSc program on the Truro campus.