undergraduate programs

SFU Science offers a tremendous diversity of undergraduate programs that let you gain a broader understanding of your world, learn about fascinating discoveries in science, and prepare for a rewarding career. 

Did you know you can take your first-year courses at the Surrey campus? The Surrey campus might be closer to home, plus it offers priority registration and smaller class sizes - which means you can get to know your professors and new classmates better. And, like at the Burnaby campus, you'll experience a supportive student community and hands-on labs with our award-winning researchers and instructors.

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Academic Programs

Actuarial Science

Actuaries use quantitative tools to solve real-world problems that involve uncertainty. They are trusted advisors with sharp technical skills who combine their knowledge of business, economics, communication, statistics and data science to help businesses and governments make decisions about the risks they take. A degree in actuarial science will give you fundamental training in these subjects and plenty of opportunities for hands-on experience. It will also get you closer to a professional designation as a qualified actuary.

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Environmental Chemistry (minor only)

If you want to study the chemical sciences that create our world environments, then you can become an environmental chemist. Study general and organic chemistry, and the chemistry of water and atmosphere.

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Applied Mathematics

This program focuses on applying quantitative and computational methods to the physical, life and social sciences. You'll gain a base in mathematical theory, and go on to develop your programming and computing skills to create models in science and technology.

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Environmental Toxicology (minor only)

If you want to research and monitor how toxins such as chemical pesticides affect our environments, then you can become an environmental toxicologist. Study organic chemistry, cellular biology and physics. This program is offered by the Department of Biological Sciences.

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Applied Physics

Learn how to use physics to solve career-oriented problems. This program deals with practical applications of physics concepts, and combines physics and math with other disciplines like computer science, engineering and chemistry.

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General Science double minor program

The General Science Double Minor Degree Program allow students the flexibility to focus on at least two areas while attaining a broad, solid foundation in all the Sciences. This degree requires at least one minor from within the Faculty of Science, specific lower division Science coursework, and general upper division Science coursework, as well as standard university breadth and unit requirements, and a second minor from either within Science or from any other faculty at the university.

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Behavioural Neuroscience

The only program of its kind in British Columbia, this is a joint program between the Faculty of Science and the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. You will learn about physiology and psychology in courses ranging from biology, kinesiology and psychology. 

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Kinesiology

Kinesiology provides students with an extensive understanding of human structure and function and their relation to health and movement. Students may choose from the general program or complete the optional concentration in Active Health and Rehabilitation.

The general program offers students the greatest flexibility in tailoring their undergraduate degree to future career paths. The Active Health & Rehabilitation concentration encompasses health and wellness promotion, fitness appraisal, counseling and programming in addition to clinical kinesiology and exercise rehabilitation. Our Kinesiology major, honours, and concentration programs are accredited with the Canadian Council of University Physical Education and Kinesiology Administrators (CCUPEKA), and recognized by the British Columbia Association of Kinesiologists (BCAK).

Course work in both areas will emphasize physiology, anatomy, fitness and health assessment, practical experience in the development of fitness & wellness programs, occupational ergonomics, nutrition, study of the physiological responses to acute & chronic work and exercise, and theories, models and intervention strategies in health behaviour & promotion.   

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Biological Physics

Biological Physics uses quantitative skills to answer questions in molecular biology. With a foundation in physical sciences and modern biology, this program prepares you for careers in applied research in biophysics, quantitative biology and biotechnology.

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Mathematical Physics

Mathematical Physics is an Honours programs that integrates physics and mathematics to explain how the universe works, giving you skills to solve problems in research, teaching and management. You'll gain a strong foundation for careers or graduate work in physics, applied math and science or engineering.

You can start this program at the Surrey campus.

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Biological Sciences

Explore the diversity of life on earth from a molecular, organismal and ecosystem perspective. You may focus on two streams; Cells, Molecules and Physiology or  Ecology, Evolution and Conservation, or build a broad Biological degree that spans the life sciences. 

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Mathematics

Mathematics is a science of pattern and order, which focuses on quantity, arrangement, and form. This program emphasizes skills including abstraction, critical thinking, logical analysis, and problem solving. Students in this program gain a firm foundation in pure mathematics, and may choose from 4 major concentrations. Flexible options allow students to tailor the program to their interests and future career goals.

You can start this program at the Surrey campus. 

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Biomedical Physiology

Biomedical Physiology focuses on the structure, function, and regulation of the body from the molecular to the behavioural level and how these processes change with alterations in an individual’s health or in response to adaptation to physiological challenges, e.g. exercise, environmental challenges, diseases, aging. 

Courses emphasize experiential learning in physiology and anatomy, electrophysiology, biochemistry, molecular biology, neurophysiology of disease, molecular and cellular cardiology, and human energy metabolism.

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Mathematics Operations Research (Surrey)

Operations Research is about solving industrial problems. It does this by combining mathematical methods with the latest computing software to make better decisions for the industry. You'll solve real-world problems in this interdisciplinary program, with courses from mathematics and computer science to business and economics. Students will have the opportunity to pursue studies in areas such as business, economics, actuarial science and resource management. You can start this program at the Surrey campus.

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Chemical Physics

Chemical Physics focuses on areas where chemistry and physics come together, like experimental measurement and theoretical calculations of atoms and molecules. You'll gain an in-depth understanding of chemistry and can go on to a career or graduate school in chemistry or physics.

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Chemistry

Chemistry is the study of matter's physical properties and transformations. You'll study in a program known for cutting edge chemical and multidisciplinary research, and you'll gain the necessary scientific foundation for studies and careers in related fields.

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Chemistry and Molecular Biology & Biochemistry (joint major)

This Joint Major program is offered by the Department of Chemistry and the Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry.  Incorporating the principles of the physical sciences to understand the operation of living systems is one of the next frontiers in Science, particularly with applications to society. 

You can start this program at the Surrey campus.

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Chemistry and Earth Sciences Geology (Joint Major)

If you would like to study environmental geoscience and geology with an understanding of the physical sciences, this Joint Major program may be for you.

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Data Science

This program teaches various analytical methods in business and industry, focusing on technological solutions. You'll take courses from Statistics, Computing Science, Math, and Business, honing your problem solving skills to be able to make evidence-based decisions from data.

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Earth Sciences

Earth scientists study all aspects of the our planet. Choose from two streams; Environmental Geoscience and Geology. The Environmental Geoscience stream centres on environment, water, Earth surface processes and engineering geoscience. In the Geology stream, coursework emphasises mineralogy, petrology, structural geology and resource geology. This program has a strong emphasis on field-based experiential learning. You will visit numerous local geological environments, ranging from glaciers to volcanoes, and active river systems to important mineral deposits.

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Mathematics and Computing Science (Joint degree)

If you want to explore the ways in which math skills and computing skills make both disciplines stronger, then you will be interested in this program. Study mathematical modeling, computing with calculus, and cryptography.

Mathematics and Computing Science is a joint major program offered by the Faculty of Applied Sciences and the Faculty of Science.

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Molecular Biology and Biochemistry

Explore how life works at the most basic level, from a biochemical, cellular and molecular perspective. You’ll gain a broad and rigorous foundation in the Life Sciences. A flexible upper division means that you can focus on your own areas of interest for your future career, or build your program to meet your needs for medical, dental, or veterinary school.

You can start this program at the Surrey campus. 

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Molecular Biology and Biochemistry and Business Administration (joint degree)

This program offers in-depth combined training that is pertinent to development and administration in emergent biotechnology enterprises. Molecular biology and biochemistry form the scientific and technological underpinnings of today’s burgeoning biotechnology field while business teaches fundamentals of economics, management, marketing, investment and business law.

This Joint Major program is offered by the Beedie School of Business and the Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry.

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Molecular biology and biochemistry and computing science (joint degree)

If you want to explore the connections between computing and molecular biology and biochemistry and between computation and the health sciences, then you will be interested in this program. You will explore the complex relationship between technology and the human body.

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Nuclear Science (minor only)

If you want to combine the extensive knowledge of chemists and physicists, then you can become a nuclear scientist. Study advanced chemistry, radiochemistry, nucleosynthesis and quantum mechanics. This is a Minor program only.

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Physics

Physics is the study of how the universe works and why it works that way, with a focus on  understanding matter, energy, and the interactions between the two. You may choose between concentrations in biology, chemistry and mathematics. You can start this program at the Surrey campus. 

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Statistics

Statisticians analyze data using mathematical and computational tools to glean meaningful insights into scientific problems. You'll learn the fundamentals of probability theory, statistical computing, and statistical communication. A statistics degree prepares you for a future in a world where organizations and institutions need to make sense of vast amounts of data.

You can start this program at the Surrey campus.

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Certificates and Diplomas

Certificate in Earth Sciences

This program provides both part-time and full-time students with the opportunity to understand the fundamentals of Earth Sciences without necessarily specializing in Earth Sciences.

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Certificate in Genomics

Based in the department of Molecular Biology & Biochemistry, the Certificate in Genomics provides excellent preparation for medical and other professional and graduate degree programs. It also provides training for a growing number of technical positions in genome sequencing centres and related laboratories, especially for students taking advantage of lab work experience through ISS, volunteering or co-op.

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Professional Kinesiology Certificate

This certificate represents a coordinated program of study on a full or part-time basis in the settings in which kinesiologists typically find employment. The program provides in-depth knowledge in the functions and adaptations of the healthy human body at rest and during physical exertion, and practical skills for assessing and prescribing exercise to enhance health, fitness, performance, or rehabilitation.
 
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Certificate in Occupational Ergonomics

This certificate gives Kinesiology majors in the Active Health and Rehabilitation concentration the skills required to gain a competitive edge in industry, whether as an Ergonomist, Corporate Wellness Consultant or Active Rehabilitation Professional. The academic background, skills and practical experience offered within the Occupational Ergonomics Certificate are designed to facilitate application to become a Canadian Certified Professional Ergonomist.

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Post-Baccalaureate Diploma in Biological Sciences

This program is available in various biological science areas for students who have already completed a degree (usually) in science, and who wish to upgrade their academic credentials. Students should consult with the Biological Sciences program advisor regarding course selection and program approval.

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Post-Baccalaureate Diploma in Kinesiology

This diploma program is for students who already hold a bachelor of science (BSc) degree, or equivalent.

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