CA.SFU.FAS.UCC/Papers:2002-8A

Applied Sciences One

R. D. Cameron, Associate Dean of Applied Sciences

Revision A - December 20, 2002

A General Introduction to Applied Sciences

Significant numbers of SFU applicants appear to be interested in general admission to Applied Sciences without necessarily committing themselves to any particular major program. In Fall 2002, for example, 45 new SFU students were drawn from the pool of applicants to the General Studies program in Applied Sciences. Only 2 of these applicants were admitted to Applied Sciences, while 22 were admitted to Arts and 21 to Science. Admission GPAs for FAS were in the mid 90% range.

Rather than turning high-GPA general studies applicants away, it may make sense to accept them into a program of first year studies that offers coursework in each of the Schools. Provided that the admission GPA is at least as high as that of other Applied Sciences programs, the applicants so selected are likely to represent a good source of potential recruits for any of our programs.

The following calendar revision to the General Studies Program under Faculty of Applied Sciences describes the proposed program.

Current WordingProposed Wording

This is a nonspecialist bachelor's degree program that offers students a broad education with an applied orientation. This program may be satisfied either through the general applied sciences option or through the double minor option.

Applied Sciences One

Applied Sciences One is a challenging program of first year study for those who are interested in the applied sciences. It includes courses relevant to the study of communication, computing science, engineering science and kinesiology.

Applied Sciences One consists of two semesters of coursework based on the following models. Students may vary these models and make substitutions in consultation with the program advisor.

Recommended First Semester Coursework

CMNS 110-3 Introduction to Communication Studies
CMPT 101-4 Introduction to Computer Programming
ENSC 150-3 Introduction to Computer Design
KIN 142-3 Introduction to Kinesiology
MATH 151-3 Calculus I

Recommended Second Semester Coursework

CMNS 130-3 Explorations in Mass Communication
or REM 100-3 Global Change
ENGL 199-3 University Writing
MACM 101-3 Discrete Mathematics I
MATH 152-3 Calculus II
and one of
BISC 101-4 General Biology
CHEM 121-4 General Chemistry and Laboratory I
PHYS 120-3 Modern Physics and Mechanics

Upon completion of Applied Science One, it is expected that most students will choose to apply to one of the major programs offered by Schools within the Faculty of Applied Sciences. Students may also wish to pursue a major-minor combination involving two Schools.

Alternatively, students may continue on with the general studies program leading to the Bachelor of General Studies (Applied Sciences). Course planning for second and subsequent years should be carried out in consultation with the program advisor.

General Studies Degree Program

This is a nonspecialist bachelor's degree program that offers students a broad education with an applied orientation. This program may be satisfied either through the general applied sciences option or through the double minor option.