Science @ Surrey

Why start your Science degree at SFU Surrey?

Imagine starting your first year with a shorter commute to an award-winning, urban campus in Surrey. SFU Surrey offers smaller class sizes and priority course registration – which means you can get to know your new classmates and professors a lot faster and better. And, just like at the Burnaby campus, you’ll experience a supportive student community, fun social events and activities, and hands-on labs with our world-class instructors.

Start your SFU Science journey

Still need to accept your offer of admission? Accepted but wondering what to do next? SFU’s New Undergraduates website has you covered.

Learn more

Change your program to Surrey

If you've been admitted to SFU and want to switch to the Surrey campus, email your full name and student number to Surrey Science Advisor Nadia Williams.

Find Science at Surrey courses

Our Science at Surrey program includes lectures, labs and tutorials that cover your first year – and maybe parts of your second or third year, too.

Learn more

Discover Sci-Space at Burnaby campus

If you’re in the AQ on Burnaby campus, make sure to drop by Sci-Space! It’s a place where undergraduate Science students can socialize, study and unwind.

Learn more

FAQs

What does it mean to be a Surrey Science student? 

It means that you have a designation on your student account that indicates Surrey as your main campus. Being a Surrey Science student gives you priority enrollment status, during the first week of enrollment, for Faculty of Science courses that are offered at the Surrey campus. And, depending on your unit and course load, you might also be eligible for an SFU Surrey Parks & Recreation Membership.

I HAVEN’T APPLIED TO SFU YET, BUT I WANT TO START MY FIRST YEAR AT SFU SURREY. WHAT SHOULD I DO ON MY APPLICATION?

When you apply online at ApplyBC, after you choose “Science” as your Faculty there will be a list of program options to choose from ending in “Surrey” (for example, choose a specific program like BSC Data Science – Surrey or pick BSC Undeclared – Surrey if you’re not sure about your major yet). Selecting any program ending with “Surrey” will designate you to the Surrey campus for your first year.

I HAVE ALREADY ACCEPTED MY APPLICATION TO SFU. HOW DO I CHANGE MY MAIN CAMPUS TO SURREY AND START MY FIRST YEAR THERE?

If you've been admitted to SFU and want to switch to the Surrey campus, email your full name and student number to Surrey Science Advisor Nadia Williams.

Can I take classes at the Burnaby campus or at the Vancouver campus if I'm a Surrey Science student?

Yes, all students are eligible to take classes at any of SFU's three campuses.

What are the advantages of taking science courses in Surrey?

Class sizes tend to be significantly smaller in Surrey courses as opposed to those offered in Burnaby. This can facilitate greater access to professors and TAs (teaching assistants), and allow you to build a close-knit community faster. Then, when you transfer to the Burnaby campus, you’ll already have a group of friends with whom you can potentially take classes, study, and hang out!

How do the class sizes at the Surrey campus compare to those at the Burnaby campus?

At the Burnaby campus, class sizes for introductory (e.g. 100-level) courses can be around 500 students, but at the Surrey campus they're typically between 50 and 200 students. For Science, they average about 80 students. You might also have a class in our new, award-winning lecture theatre, SFU Surrey on University Drive (SRYE), which seats up to 400 – but your class won’t be that big!

WHAT PROGRAMS ARE OFFERED IN THE FACULTY OF SCIENCE?

SFU Science has a variety of academic programs, certificates and diplomas to choose from in a tremendously diverse number of subject areas. 

What Faculty of Science courses are offered at the Surrey campus?

The list of science courses currently offered at the Surrey campus can be found here.

WHAT COURSES SHOULD I TAKE FOR MY FIRST YEAR AT THE SURREY CAMPUS?

Check out our recommended first year courses. They’re different depending on your approved or intended program, or if you’re undecided/exploratory. Prior to enrolling in your first Fall term, book a meeting with the Surrey Science Advisor to discuss your goals and course requirements.

What happens after I complete my 100-level courses at Surrey?

Most Surrey Science students can complete at least two terms (e.g. all of first year, and maybe one or more terms) exclusively at Surrey—depending on your program, your course load, and if you complete some of your elective courses at Surrey. Because a number of second and third-year Math courses are offered at Surrey, some programs like Mathematics, Applied Mathematics, Mathematics and Computing Science (MACM), and Operations Research, can complete most of their second year at SFU Surrey, too.

If you choose to, you can take first year courses at the Burnaby campus as well as at Surrey - whatever works for your schedule and preferences! Don’t forget to plan for one hour travel time between all campuses! And, once you've completed all the courses you want at Surrey, you can simply start enrolling in courses on the Burnaby campus. You don't have to formally transfer to the Burnaby campus.

For additional FAQs, please see the General Science Advising FAQs page and the departmental FAQs page for your intended/declared program.

Have Questions?

NADIA WILLIAMS, SURREY SCIENCE ADVISOR AND RECRUITER

Science_advisor@sfu.ca (preferred)
778.782.7486

Advising webpage

Contact Nadia if:

  • You're a Surrey Science student,
  • An Undeclared Science student over 60 units,
  • In or interested in the General Science Double Minor program,
  • Or a transfer student from another SFU Faculty

Claire Wilson, Science Recruiter

science_recruiter@sfu.ca
778.782.3720 

Contact Claire if:

  •  You're a prospective SFU student.