New Student Registration: Bachelor of Science with Major

If you have been admitted to the BSc with Major in Applied Forensic Psychology, you will be pre-registered in PSYC 101 (1st term), 102 (2nd term), and 110 (1st term).  You will choose 6 credits of introductory courses in any one or two of the other sciences:  biology, chemistry, climate and environment, data science, Earth and environmental sciences, or physics.  (Note that data science has only one 3-credit intro course.)  Because your program has 9 credits of intro courses rather than the standard 6 credits, your first-year course pattern will be a little different from most.  You will choose 3 credits fewer from one of the arts or science categories outlined above.

Psychology Courses

You will choose BIOL 111 and 112, and CHEM 101 and 102 (or CHEM 121 and 122).   Options for a third science are climate and environment, computer science, data science, Earth and environmental sciences, or physics.  Data science has only one 3-credit intro course; if you choose this as a third science, you will need to choose another arts or science course to fill out your first-year schedule.  (Economics and psychology are additional options as science courses, but are normally used by science students as arts subjects.  If you would like to choose one of these as a science option, you should confer with an academic advisor to ensure that you understand how that discipline can be used as a science subject in your program.  Note also that students are permitted only to use one or the other of these two "arts" subjects, and not both, as "Science B or C"; see "Questions" section below for further discussion of "Science B" and "Science C".)

Biology Courses

CHEM 121 and 122 are recommended; if you are unsure of your degree path, however, CHEM 101 and 102 are acceptable options. Physics (101 and 102, or 121 and 122) is a good option for your second science, as these intro courses are required for chemistry majors and must be completed before the end of second year.  However, if you would prefer to take biology, climate and environment, computer science, data science, or Earth and environmental sciences in first year, and take PHYS 101 and 102 (or 121 and 122) in second year instead, you may do so.  (Note that data science has only one 3-credit intro course; if you choose this as a third science, you will choose another arts or science course to fill out your first-year schedule.)  For students who wish to complete a chemistry program with a concentration in biochemistry, BIOL 111 and 112 should also be completed within the first two years, so would be good choices for first year.  Students who plan to pursue an honours degree in chemistry, with a biochemistry concentration, should consider taking the 18 credits of lab-based intro CHEM, intro PHYS, and intro BIOL in first year.  (Economics and psychology are additional options as science courses, but are normally used by science students as arts subjects.  If you would like to choose one of these as a science option, you should confer with an academic advisor to ensure that you understand how that discipline can be used as a science subject in your program.  Note also that students are permitted only to use one or the other of these two "arts" subjects, and not both, as "Science B or C"; see "Questions" section below for further discussion of "Science B" and "Science C".)

Chemistry Courses

You will choose CSCI 161 and 162.  The other primary science subject for computer science students is math and you are already taking MATH 106 and 107 as part of your first-year course pattern.  You will choose 6 credits of introductory courses in any one or two of the other sciences:  biology, chemistry, climate and environment, data science, Earth and environmental sciences, or physics.  Note that data science has only one 3-credit intro course; if you choose this as one of your sciences, you will choose another 3 credits of arts or science to fill out your first-year schedule.  (Economics and psychology are additional options as science courses, but are normally used by science students as arts subjects.  If you would like to choose one of these as a science option, you should confer with an academic advisor to ensure that you understand how that discipline can be used as a science subject in your program.  Note also that students are permitted only to use one or the other of these two "arts" subjects, and not both, as "Science B or C"; see "Questions" section below for further discussion of "Science B" and "Science C".)

Computer Science Courses

You will choose DSCI 101.  There is only one 3-credit intro course in data science; you will choose another arts or science course to fill out your first-year schedule.  The other primary science subject for data science students is math and you are already taking MATH 106 and 107 as part of your first-year course pattern.  You will choose 6 credits of introductory courses in any one or two of the other sciences:  biology, chemistry, climate and environment, computer science, Earth and environmental sciences, or physics.  (Economics and psychology are additional options as science courses, but are normally used by science students as arts subjects.  If you would like to choose one of these as a science option, you should confer with an academic advisor to ensure that you understand how that discipline can be used as a science subject in your program.  Note also that students are permitted only to use one or the other of these two "arts" subjects, and not both, as "Science B or C"; see "Questions" section below for further discussion of "Science B" and "Science C".)

You will choose EESC 171 or 173; EESC 172; CHEM 101/102 or CHEM 121/122.  (CLEN 102 may be used as a substitute for EESC 172 with permission of the department chair.)  If you wish to take a third science, biology or physics would be good options.  Earth and environmental sciences programs require 6 credits from BIOL 111, 112, PHYS 101, 102, 121, 122, so taking 6 credits from this group would fulfill that requirement.  (Students may choose 6 credits from BIOL, 6 credits from PHYS, or 3 credits from each discipline.  This requirement can also be completed in a future year.)  Other options for a third science are climate and environment, computer science, or data science.  Note that data science has only one 3-credit intro course; if you choose this as a third science, you will choose another arts or science course to fill out your first-year schedule.  (Economics and psychology are additional options as science courses, but are normally used by science students as arts subjects.  If you would like to choose one of these as a science option, you should confer with an academic advisor to ensure that you understand how that discipline can be used as a science subject in your program.  Note also that students are permitted only to use one or the other of these two "arts" subjects, and not both, as "Science B or C"; see "Questions" section below for further discussion of "Science B" and "Science C".)

Earth & Environmental Sciences Courses

You will choose ECON 101 and 102, and 6 credits of introductory courses in any one or two of the other sciences:  biology, chemistry, climate and environment, computer science, data science, Earth and environmental sciences, or physics.  Note that data science has only one 3-credit intro course; if you choose this as one of your sciences, you will choose another 3 credits of arts or science to fill out your first-year schedule.

Economics Courses

You are already taking MATH 106 and 107, which are the foundational courses for students intending mathematics as their major field of study. If you plan to do an honours in mathematics, you will eventually need to take one of CSCI 161 or DSCI 204; if CSCI 161 will be your choice, you may wish to take that this year.  You will choose 6 credits of introductory courses from two or three of the science options:  biology, chemistry, climate and environment, computer science, data science, Earth and environmental sciences, and physics.  Note that data science has only one 3-credit intro course; if you choose this as one of your sciences, you will choose another arts or science course to fill out your first-year schedule.  (Economics and psychology are additional options as science courses, but are normally used by science students as arts subjects.  If you would like to choose one of these as a science option, you should confer with an academic advisor to ensure that you understand how that discipline can be used as a science subject in your program.  Note also that students are permitted only to use one or the other of these two "arts" subjects, and not both, as "Science B or C"; see "Questions" section below for further discussion of "Science B" and "Science C".)

Mathematics Courses

You will choose PHYS 121 and 122.  The other primary science subject for physics students is math and you are already taking MATH 106 and 107 as part of your first-year course pattern.  Your remaining science would normally be computer science (CSCI 161 and 162) or chemistry (CHEM 121 and 122).  Your program will require both CHEM 121 and CSCI 161, but also requires 6 credits in a third science (besides physics and mathematics), so taking the two CSCI or the two CHEM courses this year will fulfill that 6-credit requirement.  The second of those requirements (CHEM 121 or CSCI 161) can be taken in a later year, or you can choose to take both this year.  (Only 3 credits - one course - is required in each of CHEM and CSCI, but you are welcome to take 6 credits in each, if you wish.)  Other science options for this year are biology, climate and environment, data science, and Earth and environmental sciences.  Note that data science has only one 3-credit intro course; if you choose this as one of your sciences, you will choose another 3 credits of arts or science to fill out your first-year schedule.  (Economics and psychology are additional options as science courses, but are normally used by science students as arts subjects.  If you would like to choose one of these as a science option, you should confer with an academic advisor to ensure that you understand how that discipline can be used as a science subject in your program.  Note also that students are permitted only to use one or the other of these two "arts" subjects, and not both, as "Science B or C"; see "Questions" section below for further discussion of "Science B" and "Science C".)

Physics Courses

You will choose PSYC 101 and 102, and 6 credits of introductory courses in any one or two of the other sciences:  biology, chemistry, climate and environment, computer science, data science, Earth and environmental sciences, or physics.  Note that data science has only one 3-credit intro course; if you choose this as one of your sciences, you will choose another 3 credits of arts or science to fill out your first-year schedule.

Psychology Courses

1. I am interested in taking 6 credits of English in first year, but there is only one 3-credit course available at the 100-level.  Are there other English courses that I can take this year?
If you choose ENGL 111 in the first term, you can also choose any 200-level English course that is offered in the second semester, subject to availability. However, second-term 200-level English courses may be full before first-year registration opens, so this option may not be a possibility for you.

2. What if I am interested in taking a course in a subject that is not mentioned above?
The other subjects offered at StFX are in our professional or applied science programs: Aquatic Resources; Business Administration; Engineering; Health; Human Kinetics; Human Nutrition; Nursing.  Most courses in these departments are restricted to students in these programs (with the exception of Aquatic Resources).  If you are interested in taking courses from one of these programs you will need to contact the relevant department chair to request an override (other than for Aquatic Resources courses).  Override permission for BSAD, ENGR, and HNU courses will normally be granted if seats are available after their own degree students have registered.  Override permission for HLTH and NURS courses will not be granted.  Override permission for first-year HKIN courses is rarely an option; most courses fill completely with first-year HKIN students, and some of those first-year courses are never options for non-HKIN students (HKIN 115, 161, 162, and skills courses).  Such courses can be used only as science or open electives in the BSc (with the exception of Human Nutrition courses that can fulfill the requirements for an optional Food and Nutrition minor).

AQUA 101 and 102 are open to students in all programs.  These courses can be used as science or open electives in the BSc programs.  If you are interested in exploring the option of the BSc in Aquatic Resources program, you should contact the Aquatic Resources coordinator or program manager, and should plan to take these courses in first year.

BSAD 111 and 112 are available to non-business students, but only if there are seats available after registration has concluded for first-year BBA students.  These courses are only usable as open electives in the BSc program.  If you are planning the BSc with Major in a Science with Business Administration, however, you could consider taking these courses in first year, though most students in that program take them in second year.  You will need to request a program override if you wish to be considered for registration into these courses.

HNU 142 is a required course for the BSc in Human Nutrition program.  If seats are available after first-year human nutrition registration, you could choose to take this course.  If you are considering a minor in Food and Nutrition, this would be a good course choice for you in first year, though you can do this course in second year and still complete this minor.

3. The Academic Calendar refers to “Science A”, “Science B” and “Science C”. What do these mean?
“Science A” is your major (or honours) subject. It is your primary area of study.

“Science B” is a second science in which you will need to complete a total of 12 credits (with 6 credits above the 100-level). Normally, you will take 6 credits of 100-level “Science B” courses in your first year. (For students planning a joint major or joint honours degree, Science B is the secondary subject of study.  For students planning an optional minor in a science subject, Science B is that subject.)

“Science C” is a third science in which you will need to complete a total of 6 credits.

One of your three required science subjects (Science A, Science B, Science C) must be from the department of Mathematics and Statistics, and must include MATH 106 and 107. (Students who do not major in mathematics will require Science B or Science C to be mathematics.)

4. Can I do a minor in my Bachelor of Science degree?
The BSc programs (with major or honours) do allow an optional minor.  Students may opt to do a minor in a science subject or in an arts subject.  Minors are not available in Business Administration or in the professional / applied sciences subjects of Aquatic Resources, Engineering, Health, Human Kinetics, or Nursing.

5. What if I am interested in an honours degree?
Course selection is no different for first year. You may wish to check table 7.1.5 in the Academic Calendar for grade and average requirements, so that you are aware of the grades and averages you will need for admission to that program at the end of first or second year.

6. I want to do a Bachelor of Education degree after I complete my Bachelor of Science degree. Are there any particular courses that I should be taking?
This answer will be given in the context of the StFX B.Ed. program. You should understand that each university to which you might want to apply could have slightly different admission requirements, and you should do some research on each university in which you might be interested. Overall, the admission requirements will be similar in many ways, but there will definitely be differences, and you will want to try to incorporate those different requirements into your BSc degree.

Beginning in Fall 2027, StFX will also be offering a 5-year concurrent BSc with B.Ed., from which students can earn both a 3-year Bachelor of Science and a 2-year Bachelor of Education.  More information on this program will soon be available on the Faculty of Education website.  First-year students in 2026-2027 will be permitted to apply to second year of that 5-year program for 2027-2028.  Students interested in this 5-year program would be advised to take ANTH 105, which will be a required course for the 5-year pathway.  (Students who do not take that course in 2026-2027, and who are subsequently accepted to the 5-year program for Fall 2027, will be able to take that course in second year.)

At StFX, as at other universities, there are two basic streams of study in the B.Ed. program: elementary and secondary.  The full explanations of these programs are found in the Academic Calendar, chapter 6. If you are interested in the B.Ed. program, you are strongly advised to read that section and to attend information sessions offered by the Faculty of Education (normally in October). There will also be a fall information session for the 5-year concurrent program. The earlier you make yourself aware of the admission requirements for the B.Ed., the easier it will be to tailor your BA degree to fulfill the necessary requirements. The Faculty of Education loves to see first-year students attend those information sessions!

Following is a summary of section 6.1.3 and 6.1.4, with information as it pertains directly to courses offered at StFX.

For the elementary stream, there are four basic requirements:

(i) 6 credits of social studies from any one or any combination of the following disciplines: history, economics, political science, anthropology, sociology and/or philosophy.  Introductory courses in any of these subjects will fulfill these credits.
(ii) 6 credits of mathematics. Your required MATH 106 and 107 will fulfill this requirement.
(iii) 6 credits of English. ENGL 111 and a 200-level ENGL course will fulfill this requirement.
(iv) 6 credits of science from any one or a combination of the following disciplines:  biology, chemistry, physics, Earth and environmental sciences.  Introductory courses in any of these subjects will fulfill these credits.

So if you’re interested in the elementary stream of the B.Ed., choosing courses from the above list could be beneficial to your goal., though you can take these requirements in any year of study in your BSc.

For the secondary stream, there are two basic requirements:

(i) “Major Subject Field”: A minimum of 30 credits of university coursework in one discipline of a subject field taught in Nova Scotia secondary schools. For you, this will normally be your chosen major in your BSc degree.
(ii) “Minor Subject Field”: A minimum of 18 credits of university coursework in one discipline of a second subject field taught in Nova Scotia secondary schools. This can be a second science, or an option from one of the other allowable subject fields.

Allowable subject fields are English; French; Social Studies (all credits must be in one of the related disciplines: economics, history, political science, or sociology; anthropology can be a minor subject field only); Mathematics; Science (all credits must be in one of the related disciplines: biology, chemistry, Earth and environmental sciences, or physics); Fine Arts (studio art or music); Gaelic; Spanish; Family Studies (which is not normally possible within the framework of the BSc degree); Business (which is not normally possible within the framework of the BA degree). 

If you’re interested in the secondary stream of the B.Ed., you should think about which of the "Major and Minor Subject Field” options you would want to choose. You should be sure to take an introductory course in the relevant subjects this year. If you’re uncertain, that’s okay. Take introductory courses in a couple of the allowable subjects that you may be considering.