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Medical Sciences Degree Planner

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Medical SciencesÌý

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.ÌýComplete 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 Â鶹´«Ã½ and use the Ìý²¹²Ô»å 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 Ìý²¹²Ô»åÌýselectives 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+Ìý

  • See theÌýandÌýselectives page for guidance on 3rd year + course selection
  • MakeÌýsure you're on track with course requirements usingÌýDARSÌý
  • 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 theÌý Ìý²¹²Ô»å selectives pageÌýfor guidance on final year course selectionÌý
  • Check your degree audit to ensure you are on track to graduateÌý
  • Apply to graduate by Dec 1 for spring convocation and July 2 for fall convocationÌý

*Note that not all courses are offered each semester or year. Be sure to keep track of these by consulting the academic calendar.Ìý

*We strongly encourage you to connect withÌýprogram advisorsÌýfor course planning and any other questions related to your program.ÌýÌý

< 30 CREDIT HOURS/FIRST YEAR

  • Build connections by enrolling in a (FIGS) like Health and Medicine, Psychology and Human Behavior, and Neuroscience and the BrainÌý
  • Sign up to beÌý

30-60 CREDIT HOURS/SECOND YEAR

  • Explore the portal to browse through work and volunteer opportunities on and off campusÌý

60-90 CREDIT HOURS/THIRD YEAR+Ìý

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 likeÌýÌýorÌý
  • Attend career prep workshops or apply for graduate or professional programs
  • Don't forget to complete yourÌýCo-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 Â鶹´«Ã½! Meet other like-minded students and participate in fun eventsÌý

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 volunteerÌý
  • Participate in MedSci term workshops, tailored to your year of study
  • 60-90 CREDIT HOURS/THIRD YEAR+Ìý
  • Consider running for a position with the Dal Science Society's Executive or with your student society

90-120 CREDIT HOURS/FINAL YEAR

  • You're about to join over 30,000 other grads all over the world as a Dal Science alumni!Ìý
  • Stay involved with your faculty and department and with our incredible network of alumni

< 30 CREDIT HOURS/FIRST YEAR

  • Familiarize yourself with Â鶹´«Ã½'s many supports and reach out to advisors for guidance
  • Plan out your credits hours by navigatingÌý

30-60 CREDIT HOURS/SECOND YEAR

60-90 CREDIT HOURS/THIRD YEAR+Ìý

90-120 CREDIT HOURS/FINAL YEAR

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 areÌýnot 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.Ìý


Core competencies gained

Discipline-related skills:Ìý

  • A solid background in basic sciences such as biology, chemistry, mathematics, statistics, biochemistry, etc.Ìý Ìý
  • Knowledge of core biomedical disciplines for success in medically-related professional degree programs such as medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, optometry, etc.Ìý
  • 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:Ìý

  • 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.ÌýSome 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*
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