Medical Sciences
All built directly into one degree, the BSc in Medical Sciences connects the faculties of Science, Medicine, and Arts and Social Sciences to prepare you for post-graduate programs, including entrance exams and interviews, for a number of careers in the biomedical sciences. Complete your undergraduate degree as a major, or consider completing an honours degree and/or earning one or more certificates if certain courses are taken as part of the program.
Your Major Map: Medical Sciences
The Medical Sciences Major Map highlights academic and co-curricular opportunities and provides an overview of how students can customize their degree. Students are encouraged to connect with advising supports at Dalhousie and use the Academic Calendar and Timetable to create their course plan.
< 30 CREDIT HOURS/FIRST YEAR
- Complete required introductory courses in Biology: BIOL 1010/1011 and in other subjects. See the first-year course planner worksheet for more information
- At the end of your first year, you can register for second-year courses
- Medical Sciences is a separate program for which you do not have to declare a major
30-60 CREDIT HOURS/SECOND YEAR
- See the core curriculum map and selectives page for guidance on 2nd-year course selection
- Consider combining your degree with another subject with a double major, minor, or certificate
60-90 CREDIT HOURS/THIRD YEAR+
- See the core curriculum map and selectives page for guidance on 3rd year + course selection
- Make sure you're on track with course requirements using DARS
- Apply for an honours degree ahead of your fourth year if you are considering graduate studies
- Research courses can be completed in any department or faculty, provided the work is health-related
90-120 CREDIT HOURS/FINAL YEAR
- See the core curriculum map and selectives page for guidance on final year course selection
- Check your degree audit to ensure you are on track to graduate
- Apply to graduate by Dec 1 for spring convocation and July 2 for fall convocation
*Note that not all courses are offered each semester or year. Be sure to keep track of these by consulting the academic calendar.
*We strongly encourage you to connect with program advisors for course planning and any other questions related to your program.
< 30 CREDIT HOURS/FIRST YEAR
- Build connections by enrolling in a first-year interest group (FIGS) like Health and Medicine, Psychology and Human Behavior, and Neuroscience and the Brain
- Sign up to be mentored by an upper-year student
30-60 CREDIT HOURS/SECOND YEAR
- Explore the myCareer portal to browse through work and volunteer opportunities on and off campus
60-90 CREDIT HOURS/THIRD YEAR+
- There are 70 Faculty-coordinated summer research awards available each year that you can apply for on a competitive basis
- Other opportunities include science communication internships, science innovation and entrepreneurship through SURGE, and student society leadership roles
90-120 CREDIT HOURS/FINAL YEAR
- Gain teaching and communication skills by applying for a teaching assistant role or working with a science outreach organization like SuperNova or Let's Talk Science
- Attend career prep workshops or apply for graduate or professional programs
- Don't forget to complete your Co-Curricular Record!
< 30 CREDIT HOURS/FIRST YEAR
- Attend the Dal Science Welcome Party
- Attend the Faculty of Science Program Fair for help planning your next steps
- Consider joining MSSDU – Medical Sciences Society of Dalhousie University! Meet other like-minded students and participate in fun events
30-60 CREDIT HOURS/SECOND YEAR
- Reach out to Faculty and researchers in Medicine, Science, Dentistry, Arts and Social Sciences, etc. to inquire about joining a research lab as a volunteer
- Participate in MedSci term workshops, tailored to your year of study
- 60-90 CREDIT HOURS/THIRD YEAR+
- Consider running for a position with the Dal Science Society's Executive or with your student society
90-120 CREDIT HOURS/FINAL YEAR
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< 30 CREDIT HOURS/FIRST YEAR
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30-60 CREDIT HOURS/SECOND YEAR
- Explore career paths and industries that spark your interest by attending an alumni panel discussion
60-90 CREDIT HOURS/THIRD YEAR+
- See which scholarships and prizes might be available to your through the department, on a competitive basis
90-120 CREDIT HOURS/FINAL YEAR
- Time to celebrate your achievements and graduate!
- Connect with the Bissett Student Success Success Centre career supports to get prepared for interviews, and more as your prepare to head out on the job hunt or to apply for graduate school
For any questions about your major, enrolling in a minor or certificate, summer research, or honours, speak with a program advisor!
Where your degree can take you
A BSc in Medical Sciences builds the foundation that medical schools, pharmacy schools, dentistry programs, nursing programs, and many other health-related professional programs across Canada require.
As much as this program prepares you for a post-graduate health-related profession, and writing admission tests such as the MCAT, DAT, OAT, GRE, the skills and knowledge acquired through this program can be applied to, but are not limited to career paths in:
Medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, occupational therapy, veterinary medicine, research, government and regulatory affairs, education, law, non-profit organizations, and consulting among many more.
Core competencies gained
Discipline-related skills:
- A solid background in basic sciences such as biology, chemistry, mathematics, statistics, biochemistry, etc.
- Knowledge of core biomedical disciplines for success in medically-related professional degree programs such as medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, optometry, etc.
- An understanding of the theory and practice of medicine, how our society addresses health problems, and the current ethical dilemmas faced by those in the health field
Transferable skills:
- Academic writing and presentation skills
- Critical thinking, synthesis, and analytical skills
- Communication skills
- Numeracy skills
- Time/project management
- Leadership and teamwork
- Basic statistical analyses
- Research skills
- Laboratory techniques
Possible careers and employment
Medical science Alumni can be employed within a variety of industries and have multiple career path options. These are influenced by the student's elective courses, experiential learning choices and certificates. Some of the options below will typically require additional or graduate-level training*, while some can be pursued following the completion of baccalaureate program only.
- Doctor*
- Dentist*
- Pharmacist*
- Veterinarian*
- Nurse*
- Physiotherapist*
- Researcher*
- Lawyer*
- Optometrist*
- Radiological technician
- Medical claims specialist
- Nuclear medicine technician
- Ultrasound technician
- Medical laboratory technician
- Community health worker
- Social worker*
- Hospital administrator
- Public health administrator
- Government researcher or administrator
- Teacher/professor*
