Integrated Science (BSc)
A one-year program to kick-start your Bachelor of Science. Explore biology, chemistry, earth sciences and more in a hands-on, research-focused first year that helps you discover your interests and build a strong foundation for any science degree.
Why choose this program?
Join a tight-knit community of motivated peers and fast-track your scientific journey. Dalhousie's Integrated Science Program (DISP) explores the natural world through a collaborative, multidisciplinary lens, giving you the clarity and confidence to choose your ideal specialization.
Instead of learning in isolation, you will study how biology, chemistry, physics, math, and psychology intersect. This immersive first-year experience seamlessly prepares you to enter any major or combination of majors within the Faculty of Science. You will transition into your second year with a massive competitive edge, backed by a broad scientific background and advanced critical thinking skills.
From day one, DISP takes you beyond the textbook through intensive lab work, field trips, and coding. You won't just study existing science—you will actively design experiments, analyze complex data, and present original research. These high-level research skills instantly set you apart, making you a prime candidate for coveted summer research awards, laboratory volunteering, and co-op placements early in your degree.
Careers
Your Bachelor of Science degree prepares you for careers in the fields of biology, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, environmental science, governmental or non-profit organizations, finance, and research.
What you will learn
In this science-focused and challenging first-year program, you'll be part of a small group of keen science students learning from a core group of faculty members.
You will study Biology, Chemistry, Earth Science, Calculus, Psychology, Ethics in Science, Scientific Writing, and Statistics, exploring some of the connections among the subjects. You will get lots of hands-on experience, in the laboratory and on field trips, and while conducting an independent research project.
- Integrated Science Writing and Research
- Integrated Science Communications and Research
- Integrated Introductory Biology I & II
- Integrated Introductory Psychology I & II
- Integrated Introductory Statistics
- Integrated Introductory Geology I
After your first year, you will be well-prepared to select a science major in your second year, and to later pursue an honours degree or co-op program.
You will have opportunities through the year to learn about the different programs and to hear from upper year students who did Integrated Science in their first year.
Strong supports
While the program is challenging, the DISP learning community supports the transition from high school to university. This program also offers you an extensive support network that includes Integrated science peers/classmates, a mentor network, your DISP teaching team, and research project supervisors.
Customize your degree
The following program options are offered by Dalhousie University’s Faculty of Science. Connect with an academic advisor after you start your studies to explore options such as:
- Bachelor of Science (for degrees only)
- Bachelor of Science with Major
- Bachelor of Science with Honours
- Double Major degree in Science
You'll study a broader range of science disciplines than is possible by taking regular BSc classes. Finish your first year with more first-year pre-requisites than regular BSc students, giving you more options for your second year and beyond.
Admission requirements
Minimum admission requirements
To be considered for admission to this program, you must meet minimum academic criteria:
- Completion of secondary school (Grade 12)
- Achievement of the minimum average for your program of choice.
- Completion of Grade 12 English (or equivalent course).
Admission to many Dalhousie programs is competitive. This means that meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.
Program-specific admission requirements
Satisfy requirements for Bachelor of Science:
- Academic English 12
- Pre-calculus Math 12
- At least one grade 12 science course
Minimum grades:
- Two additional academic subjects
- Academic English 75%
- Pre-Calculus Mathematics 80%
- Overall average 80%
This program may employ a competitive average for admission purposes; meeting minimum posted requirements does not guarantee admission.
To apply to the DISP program:
Under Program Selection on your application, select 'Bachelor of Science' or 'Medical Sciences'.
For the question 'Are you interested in applying to the Dalhousie Integrated Science Program (DISP)?' check off YES for the Dalhousie Integrated Science Program.
You can also apply to Integrated Science King's Undeclared Bachelor of Science at the University of King's College.
Need Pre-Calculus, Chemistry, Physics, or another admission requirement? Our online, self-paced UPrep courses can help you earn the prerequisite you need, upgrade your marks, and build confidence before starting your degree at Dal. Explore UPrep courses.
