Welcome to Science Advising

Time conflicts, reserved seats, missing prerequisites, or waitlists can happen. View information about common registration errors or connect with an advisor for help.

For independent research courses, please visit here for more information.

For all other courses, please email the Undergraduate Science Center with your full name, UCID, Course Name and Course Code to request consent at science.advising@ucalgary.ca 

15 units (typically 5 courses) per term. You can take up to 18 units, but a heavier load can affect performance. Full-time status is 9+ units in Fall/Winter and 6+ units in Spring/Summer. Most courses are 3-units, but some yearlong courses are 6-units.

Welcome to UCalgary! After you’ve been admitted, here’s what to do next:

• Submit the Exchange Course Request Form to let us know which Science courses you’d like to take.
• Need help with registration? Connect with our Science International team at sciinternational@ucalgary.ca—they’re here to guide you through the process.

Use this step-by-step guide to enrol for Independent Research Courses that require consent of Department.

If you’ve already completed the lab portion of a course at UCalgary with 75% or higher within the past two years, you may not need to repeat the lab component. A lab exemption allows you to register in the B99 section of the course that does not include the lab.

Eligible courses include:
BIOL 211, BIOL 213, BIOL 311, BIOL 313, BCEM 393, CHEM 201, CHEM 203, CHEM 311, CHEM 315, CHEM 351, CHEM 353, CHEM 373, CHEM 431, CHEM 433, CHEM 453, CHEM 471.

How to apply:
Submit the Lab Exemption Form by the Friday before the add/drop deadline. If approved, you’ll receive an email with next steps for enrollment.

Need to retake a class? Here’s how it works:

• First repeat: Register as usual—no extra steps.
• Second repeat (third attempt): You’ll need permission before the term starts. Third attempts are considered for students who require a course for progression in their current program. Third attempts are final attempts at the course. To determine if a third attempt is appropriate, please follow these steps:

1. Speak with your faculty advisors to discuss your request, your academic plan, and the overall situation. If you are a Science student, book an appointment with the Undergraduate Science Centre advisors. If you are not a Science student, contact your home faculty advisors - if the course is required for your degree progression, they should post an advising note on your file and guide you through the process of submitting your request.
2. If a third attempt is required, you will receive an invitation to submit a formal request for a third attempt.  In this request, please include a proposed study plan where you explain in detail why you were not successful in the previous attempts, and what you will do differently to be successful in this final attempt.
3. If your request is approved, enrollment permission is posted, and you can proceed to register in the course.
4. The deadline to request a third attempt is the Friday before the start of classes in every term. Requests submitted after the start of classes for the same term will not be approved.

How to search for all open classes at the same time:

• Log into your Student Centre (my.ucalgary.ca)
• Click ‘Search for Classes’, located beside the button for Schedule Builder
• Fill in the following and click ‘Search’
  • Subject:  Leave blank
  • Course number:  Greater than or equal to 300 or 350; Less than or equal to 300
  • Course Career:  Undergraduate Programs
  • Show Open Classes Only:  Make sure this is checked off
  • Course Component: Lecture: Leave blank to include courses with open labs but closed lectures
  • Campus: University of Calgary
  • Location:   Main UofC Campus

If two required courses overlap in timing, you may be able to register with special approval. Here’s what to do:

1. Meet with a Program Advisor to confirm you’re eligible and get the Time Conflict form.
2. Get consent from both instructors by signing the form.
3. Submit the form to the USC Advising Office. Once approved, registration permission will be posted within 2–3 business days, and you can self-register.

If you miss an exam, quiz, or assignment due to illness or other reasons, please review your course outline for what steps you should take. For example, some instructors will direct students to complete the following form when a course interruption occurs.

Learn more about what to do and supports available when course interruptions occur.

Students can withdraw from up to 30 units total during their degree. Here’s what you need to know about course withdrawals:

• Before the drop deadline: You can drop the course with no record on your transcript and receive a tuition refund.
• After the drop deadline: You can withdraw, but a “W” will appear on your transcript and tuition won’t be refunded.
• Guide on how to drop a course

You’re allowed one withdrawal per course. If you need to withdraw from the same course a second time, you’ll need to submit a request form before the withdrawal deadline. 

If you’re approaching or exceeding the 30 unit limit of course withdrawals, please complete this form and schedule an appointment with Science Advising.

If unexpected, uncontrollable circumstances affect your academic performance, you may request an EW through the Office of the Registrar. Learn more about EW.

Visit our Grade Reappraisals and Appeals webpage to view the steps and procedures for the following requests:

• Reappraisal of Graded Term Work
• Reappraisal of Final Grades
• Grade reappraisal appeal

The University of Calgary offers a flexible grade option, Credit Granted (CG) to support breadth of learning and student wellness. The Flexible Grade Option (CG) lets you count a course toward your degree without affecting your GPA. All Science courses are eligible, but there is a maximum of 9 units (3 regular courses) that will count towards your degree. 

You need a minimum grade of C– to request a CG. Learn more. 

Explore our Program Guides for detailed pathways, and view our Course Outlines to learn what each course covers and the skills you’ll gain.

Admission requirements and timelines vary widely, so it’s important to research your target programs in advance. Connect directly with the institution and faculty offering your desired program to understand prerequisites, application steps, and deadlines.

If you’re ready to switch majors, add a minor, or apply for Honours, submit a Change of Program Request request through your Student Centre.

Application window: October 1 – February 1 for admission in the following Fall term for majors and competitive minors. You can add a non-competitive minor or embedded certificate at any time by scheduling a meeting with Science Advising. View more information and how to apply.

• For change of program competitive averages, see transfer admission requirements on Future Students webpages (select University Transfer Student)
  • Fewer than 12 units completed → assessed using high school grades
  • 12+ units completed → must meet transfer GPA (based on most recent 30 units)
• If you are completing a Change of Program request you may only select one program. If, however, you change your mind prior to the deadline, you can go back into your Student Centre and complete a new application. By doing this, you cancel your previous application.
• Applying for a combined degree or double major does not provide you with a second choice, but requests admission into two programs. Please note that you must be accepted into both degrees to be in a combined degree.

Tip: Use the Academic Requirements Report and “What-If” tool to see how your current courses fit into the new program. If your enrollment time arrives before you get a decision, register for courses in your current program to keep reserved seats—you can adjust later if admitted.

Thinking about a big change like a combined degree or Honours? Book a Science Advising appointment to talk through your options and timelines.

• Single Major: The most common option—120 units (about 40 courses) leading to one degree.
• Double Major: Also 120 units, but you’ll complete two majors under the same degree type (e.g., BSc + BSc). You’ll receive one parchment listing both majors.
• Combined Degree: Want two different degrees? A combined degree requires 150 units (about 50 courses) and results in two parchments. View approved combinations.
• Honours Program: For students who want to complete a research thesis during their degree with a faculty supervisor. Requires at least 30 units completed and a GPA of 3.30 or higher. View more information.
• Second Degree (After-Degree): You can pursue a second undergraduate degree in a different field. Up to 60 units of transfer credit may apply.
• Minors and Embedded Certificates: Add depth or breadth to your degree. Minors require at least 30 units; some are competitive. Certificates can be added to most degrees. See details here and here.
• Concentrations: Some majors allow you to focus on a specific area within your discipline (e.g., Biological Sciences with a concentration in Biotechnology). Check the Program Guides for details.
• Co-op Designation: Gain paid work experience while completing your degree. Learn more. 

Your academic progress is reviewed every year after the Winter term to make sure you’re on track. You will need to have completed at least 18 units in the past year to be eligible for academic review. Here’s what that means for you:

• Good Standing: GPA of 2.00 or higher since your last review.
• Academic Probation: GPA between 1.70 and 1.99, with no probation in the past five years. This is a warning to improve your grades—you’ll still be able to continue your studies.
• Required to Withdraw: GPA below 1.70, or below 2.00 with recent probation history. If this happens, you may be eligible for the Academic Turnaround Program (ATP), which gives you a chance to keep studying with extra support and a reduced course load (max 9 units Fall/Winter, 3 units Spring/Summer). If you’re placed on probation or ATP, please connect with a Science advisor. We’ll help you make a plan to succeed.
• “D” Grade: A “D” grade is considered a passing grade for most courses. However, in order for a course to be used as a prerequisite, a grade of “C-“ or higher must be obtained. Students in the Faculty of Science are allowed a maximum of 6 units (1 full-course equivalents) of D or D+ grades in their major field, and a total of 18 units (3 full-course equivalents) of “D” or “D+” grades in their entire program.

Please note “D” grades can have an impact on your overall GPA, and thus affect your Academic Review.

Learn more. 

If you’ve achieved a GPA of 3.60 or higher over the previous Spring–Winter terms (with at least 24 units completed at UCalgary), you’ll be recognized on the Dean’s List—a great achievement that appears on your transcript.

Learn more.

Need time away? You can take up to three consecutive terms off (including Spring and Summer) without special permission. For example, a student who takes courses in Winter 2025 may take Spring, Summer, and Fall 2025 off without permission. They must enroll in a Winter 2026 course at UCalgary to remain in their degree program.

If you’ll be away for more than 12 months, you’ll need to request a Leave of Absence—book an Advising appointment to start the process. Without approval, you’ll lose your student status and need to reapply for admission.

International Students must meet with ISS to fully understand the possible impacts an LoA can have on your Immigration Status before being approved for an LoA. ISS will put a note on your file and after you meet with them you can request an LoA form from science.advising@ucalgary.ca

After Degree students are those who have been admitted to the Faculty of Science in a degree program but have completed previous degree(s) at the University of Calgary or other eligible post-secondary institutions. Once you are admitted into your program of choice, please contact the Undergraduate Science Centre at science.advising@ucalgary.ca to request an assessment of your previous credits. The assessment will determine which course credit, if any, may apply from your previous degree(s) to your new After Degree program. A maximum of 60 units can be applied from your previous degree.

Want to take a course elsewhere and count it toward your UCalgary degree? Here’s how:

• Request a Letter of Permission (LOP) before registering—no retroactive approvals. You must be in good academic standing and have completed at least 18 units at UCalgary. Up to 60 units can transfer into your degree, with no more than 24 units in your major.
• International students: Connect with Science International (sciinternational@ucalgary.ca) before applying.

It is important to note that attending another institution without a Letter of Permission is grounds for dismissal from the University of Calgary.

How to apply:

1. Check transferability.
2. In Student Centre → “Letter of Permission” → submit course details and pay the $25 fee.
3. Wait for approval before registering in the external course.

After completion:

1.  Send your official transcript to UCalgary Admissions.

Using LOP for prerequisites: Provide proof of registration and completion to Science Advising. You need at least a C– grade, and the course must be finished before the next term starts.

Tip: Plan ahead! Processing can take time, especially near graduation. Make sure all transfer credit is posted before graduation deadlines.

More details.

Dreaming of studying in another country? You can earn credit toward your UCalgary degree while exploring the world!

How it works:

• Apply via the Study Abroad website.
• Once accepted, meet with a Science advisor to confirm your courses will transfer back to your degree. You’ll need detailed and translated course outlines for assessment.

Important tips:

• Plan ahead—course equivalency assessments can take several weeks, especially during busy times.
• Optional courses usually transfer more easily than technical courses, so keep that in mind when choosing classes.
• The maximum transfer credit allowed in your degree is 60 units (including any Letter of Permission courses).

Want to get started? View Study Abroad program details and deadlines.

Graduation isn’t automatic—you need to apply! Submit your application through your Student Central by the posted deadlines. View more information.

 Before you apply:

• Review your Academic Review Report
• confirm you’ve met all requirements.
• Clear any financial or administrative holds.
• Make sure all grades and transfer credits are posted—especially if you’ve taken courses through a Letter of Permission or exchange.

Tip: If you have deferred exams or outstanding transfer credit in your final term, your graduation may be delayed. Plan ahead and ask an advisor if you’re unsure. 

Additional information: Graduation and convocation FAQs.

Graduation Metals are based on academic performance, most awards are based on

• Minimum 3.6 over last 90 units,
• Minimum 3.6 over all science courses taken,
• Minimum load of 24 units per year,
• Minimum 60 units completed at U of C,

Tie Breaker Criteria:

1. Overall GPA

2. Field GPA

3. Number of A+ grades over all 120 units used for degree

Please click on this document to view the Faculty of Science Academic Misconduct Process. 

See details concerning Student Conduct Policy.

Official student letters are available through the Office of the Registrar; types vary by purpose and status, with most issued automatically via MyCreds. Learn more about what's included in each letter, their common uses, and more by clicking on each letter type.

International students who are graduating must contact iss@ucalgary.ca and sciinternational@ucalgary.ca for support with PGWP letter. 

If you need degree verification for professional school applications, please provide the following: William Dobie / science.advising@ucalgary.ca / (403) 220-8600 

Expected timeframe: 1-2 business days after the request is received via email.