General Studies - Associate of Science Degree
Program Overview
Get freedom of choice with your general associate of science degree. The world of science is diverse and expansive, touching almost every industry in today’s global economy, meaning you will be at the top of the list for high-demand and well-paying careers. You will not have to decide on a specialty right away, but you will open the doors of possibility and have plenty of career options, plus be prepped for further education. Choose this program if you love figuring out how things work and want to give yourself time to decide on the future path that is right for you.
Designed to give you a balanced variety of courses, you will have your pick of biology and chemistry classes, including lab sessions. In addition, your associate degree lets you explore other subject areas like English Studies 12, mathematics and general arts.
Upon successful completion of an Associate of Science program, learners will be able to:
- explain terms, concepts, and theories of introductory-level science.
- read, write, and communicate effectively and creatively across academic disciplines.
- demonstrate developing critical, creative thinking, and problem solving skills.
- follow laboratory guidelines, processes, and protocols.
- demonstrate developing research skills.
- apply developing quantitative reasoning skills.
- apply the scientific method.
- use current and emerging technology.
- demonstrate collaborative skills in a multi-cultural environment.
- conduct themselves in a professional and ethical manner in an academic environment.
Admission Requirements
In addition to meeting the general admission requirements to Selkirk College, applicants to the University Arts and Sciences program must meet the following requirements to be considered fully qualified:
- Minimum grade of 67% in Math 12 or Pre-Calc 12
- Minimum grade of 60% in English 12 or English 12 First Peoples or equivalent. Students who do not meet this requirement must write the Language Proficiency Index (LPI) test and achieve a minimum of level 4 to attain equivalency.
- Students whose first language is not English must fulfill the College’s English language proficiency requirement. See Policy 8611: Admissions.
- Mature students must meet the English 12 requirement.
- Students who lack the admission requirements may still gain admission to the program by taking a combination of Academic upgrading and university courses during the first year. This mode of entry may extend the length of their program.
All Associate of Science students are required to complete:
- Six semester courses in science at the 100-level or higher.
- Six semester courses in second-year science in two or more subject areas.
- Of the above, at least one course must be a lab science. Geology courses and Geography 130 and 232 are considered lab sciences.
- Two semester courses in math. At least one math course must be in calculus. Students may choose statistics for the second math course.
- Two semester courses in first-year English.
- Two semester courses in Arts other than first-year English.
- Two semester courses in Arts, Sciences, or other areas.*
- Students must achieve a GPA of 2.0.
* Each course must transfer for three or more credits to at least one of SFU, UBC (Vancouver or Okanagan), UNBC or UVIC. See the BC Online Transfer guide at www.bc.transferguide.ca.
Courses
BIOL104 - Biology I
BIOL 104: Biology I is a course designed for those students who require first year Majors biology in their program of study or who wish to go on to further study in biology. The course includes cell biology, biochemistry, and an examination of the processes of life in the plant and animal body. A strong emphasis is placed on the development of critical thinking skills through problem solving, a scientific research proposal, and laboratory analysis.
CHEM110 - Fundamentals Of Chemistry I
CHEM 110 Fundamentals of Chemistry is an introductory general chemistry course leading into science or engineering programs for students who have taken CHEM 11 (or equivalent) or who need improvement to their chemistry background. It provides an extensive review of the fundamentals of chemical nomenclature, reactions and stoichiometry involving solids, gases and solutions. Current theories for atomic and molecular structure are introduced. The course ends with an investigation of intermolecular forces in liquids and solids. The lab portion of this course is the same as CHEM 122.
CHEM122 - General Chemistry I
CHEM 122 General Chemistry I is an introductory general chemistry course leading into science or engineering programs for students who have a solid chemistry background, including Chemistry 12 or equivalent. After a short review of fundamental chemistry, classical and quantum mechanical concepts are used to discuss atomic and molecular structure. The course ends with an investigation of intermolecular forces in liquids and solids. The lab work stresses scientific observations and measurements using chemical syntheses and quantitative analyses.
Pre-calculus Math 12 (Principles of Math 12) or Math 51 or MATH 62/63 is recommended.
ENGL110 - College Composition
ENGL 110: College Composition is about thinking and writing. You will learn how to develop and express informed opinions on issues that matter. You will also learn about research, editing, and expository and persuasive academic writing forms.
MATH100 - Calculus I
MATH 100: Calculus I is a course designed to provide students with the background in calculus needed for further studies. This course includes a review of functions and graphs; limits; the derivative of algebraic, trigonometric, exponential and logarithmic functions; applications of the derivative including related rates, maxima, minima, velocity and acceleration; the definite integral; an introduction to elementary differential equations; and applications of integration including velocity, acceleration, areas, and growth and decay problems.
PHYS102 - Basic Physics I
Physics 102: Basic Physics 1 is an algebra-based survey of mechanics. Course material includes basic concepts of vectors, particle kinematics and dynamics, energy, momentum, circular and rotational motion, thermal properties of matter, vibrations and sound, and fluids.
PHYS104 - Fundamental Physics I
Physics 104: Fundamental Physics I is a calculus based overview of the fundamentals of classical mechanics. This course is suitable for those interested in further study in the physical sciences and in engineering. Classical mechanics describes the physical phenomena occurring in the real world around us. We study linear and rotational motion of objects, and then consider how forces cause motion, using Newton's laws. We next use conservation of energy and conservation of momentum to describe the motion of objects. Finally we investigate heat transfer and simple harmonic motion. These topics form a basis for future physical science and engineering courses.
BIOL106 - Biology II
BIOL 106: Biology II. Along with BIOL 104 (Biology I), this course provides an overview of the study of living things. Biology 106 presents topics in population, community and ecosystem ecology, and classical and molecular genetics. Evolution provides a unifying theme for the course. A strong emphasis is placed on the development of critical thinking skills through problem solving, case studies and laboratory investigation.
CHEM125 - Foundations Of Chemistry II
CHEM 125 Fundamentals of Chemistry II is the continuation for either CHEM 110 or CHEM 122. The course consists of two major units: physical chemistry and organic chemistry. The study of physical chemistry begins with an investigation of reaction rates (kinetics), followed by the principles of equilibria applied to pure substances and aqueous solutions, and an introduction to the laws of thermodynamics. The second major unit is a survey of the field of organic chemistry; topics include the physical and chemical properties of alkanes and alkenes, stereochemistry, and addition, substitution, and elimination reactions. The laboratory work involves the measurement of physical and chemical properties as well as chemical syntheses.
ENGL111 - Introduction To Literature
ENGL 111: Introduction to Literature is about living more intensely. Rather than providing answers, literature prompts us to ask better questions of ourselves and each other. Drama, poetry, short stories, and novels will guide us in discussion, reflection, and writing about literature.
MATH101 - Calculus II
MATH 101: Calculus II is a sequel to Math 100 for students who wish to major in science, math or engineering and includes the definite integral, applications of the definite integral to volume, arc length and surface area of revolution; inverse trig functions; techniques of integration; improper integrals; parametric equations and polar coordinates; linear first order differential equations; and an introduction to infinite series; convergence and power series; Taylor Polynomials.
Note: Pre-requisites may be waived with the permission of the instructor.
PHYS103 - Basic Physics II
PHYS 103 Basic Physics II is an algebra-based survey of the basics of electromagnetism and modern physics. This course is suitable for those pursuing studies in the life sciences or others who do not plan to pursue careers in the physical sciences or engineering. We first study electrostatics of particles. This leads into electric circuits involving resistors and capacitors. Next we look at magnetism. Finally we investigate topics applicable to life sciences, such as electromagnetic waves, sound, and nuclear physics. The lab component of the course is an opportunity to reinforce concepts and content from the course, and to develop experimental method and reporting results.
PHYS105 - Fundamental Physics II
Physics 105 is a calculus-based survey of the basics of electromagnetism. This course is suitable for those interested in further study in the physical sciences and in engineering. Electricity and magnetism form the basis for all modern electrical devices we utilize today and design for the future. We first study electrostatics of particles and simple objects. Then we investigate circuits involving electrical devices such as resistors, capacitors, and inductors. We next study how electricity and magnetism interact with each other both in circuits and in waves. Finally we look at modern subjects in physics such as semiconductors or nuclear physics. These topics form a basis for future physical science and engineering courses.
The following is a suggested selection of courses. Students are advised to meet with a Selkirk College counsellor to discuss course options.
Take:
three (3) 200-level Science electives
one (1) 100-level Arts elective
one (1) 100- or 200-level General elective
See the UAS table of available courses.
The following is a suggested selection of courses. Students are advised to meet with a Selkirk College counsellor to discuss course options.
Take:
three (3) 200-level Science electives
one (1) 100-level Arts elective
one (1) 100- or 200-level General elective
See the UAS table of available courses.
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