Faculty of Science Indigenous Pathway Program
About the program
The Faculty of Science Indigenous Pathway program is open to students who meet the admission average to the undergraduate program of their choice in the Faculty of Science, but who are missing one or more prerequisite courses for admission to the major. In the Indigenous Pathway program, you can complete one or more foundation courses, while getting individualized academic and cultural support. Once the foundation courses are completed, you will be guaranteed admission to the Faculty of Science degree program of your choice.
If you would like to seek additional options, the University of Calgary offers excellent academic programs, and provides a welcome and supportive learning environment for First Nations, Métis, and Inuit students through the Writing Symbols Lodge. This includes the Indigenous Student Access Program (ISAP), a one-year introductory transition to the University of Calgary degree programs.
Pathways to UCalgary Science
The Indigenous Admissions Process was implemented by the University of Calgary to ensure equitable access for Indigenous learners. It provides additional pathways to gaining admission to the University of Calgary.
If you have self-identified as Indigenous (First Nations, Métis, or Inuit) on your application form, you will automatically receive consideration for all Indigenous admissions pathways, if needed.
- First Nations/Status Indian
- First Nations/Non-Status Indian
- Métis
- Inuit
Students who do not meet the admission requirements can be considered for admission to a Bridging program. Students are admitted to a Bridging program within the Faculty and progress directly to their program after completion of required courses. Pathways are individualized to each student.
All applicants will be asked to provide a personal statement in the format of the student’s choice (oral, written, video etc.) that outlines their educational goals and how their past education, cultural knowledge, life and work experiences will enable them to succeed in university studies.
To be eligible for the Science Pathway program, students must have completed the following courses:
- English Language Arts 30-1, English Language Arts 30-2, English Language Arts 20-1 or English Language Arts 20-2
- Mathematics 30-1, Mathematics 20-1 or Mathematics 20-2
- One of: Biology 30, Biology 20, Chemistry 30, Chemistry 20, Physics 30, or Physics 20
Please submit your application, even if your high school average, or GPA, may be below our current averages. We encourage and welcome all applications, to ensure equitable access for Indigenous learners. We commit to review applicants in an equitable and inclusive manner, where all students feel valued, respected, and supported.
We’ll send you an admission package that contains all the details of your admission offer. You’ll need to accept or decline your admission offer in your Student Centre (my.ucalgary.ca) and pay your admission deposit by the specified deadline.
If you’re granted admission under an Indigenous admissions pathway, you will be asked to submit documentation to verify your Indigenous identity before registering for classes.
Please see below for recognized documentation for verifying Indigenous identity. Documents can be uploaded to your Student Centre (my.ucalgary.ca) or faxed to 403.220.0762.
How to apply
Check Program requirements
You'll need to meet the competitive admissions grades for the program you are interested in, as outlined in the Admissions Requirements.
Check Indigenous Admission Requirements
You'll need to meet the admission requirements for Indigenous Admissions. See section A.5.6.2 Admission Requirements.
Meet with an advisor
You'll need to connect with a Faculty of Science Undergraduate Program Advisor to discuss your educational background, academic goals, post-secondary funding, course options, and available support services.
FAQs
Most students complete their foundation courses in their first term.
You will be able to take foundation course(s) in conjunction with other 200-level courses, which ensures that you maintain full-time student status.
BIOL 212 Biological Ways of Thinking
An exploration course that is designed to build up knowledge and bridge gaps in biology to prepare students for further study in biology and to meet the biology requirements for their program of study. This course parallels elements from high school biology and introductory university biology with Indigenous Ways of Knowing.
Course Hours:
3 units; (3-1).
Prerequisite(s):
BIOL 20 and admission to an Indigenous Pathway program
Notes:
Not included in the Field of Biology
MATH 212 Mathematical Ways of Thinking
A mathematical exploration course focused on investigating fundamental mathematical concepts and their applications. The course is designed to prepare students for further study in mathematics and to meet the mathematical requirements for their program of study. Learners will build conceptual understanding together with technical skill in applying the ideas covered in the course to solve problems. This course pairs elements from high school mathematics and introductory university mathematics with Indigenous Ways of Knowing.
Course Hours:
3 units; (3-1).
Prerequisite(s):
MATH 20-1 or MATH 30-2 and admission to an Indigenous Pathway program
Notes:
Not included in the Field of Mathematics
CHEM 212 Chemical Ways of Thinking
An exploration course that is designed to build up knowledge and bridge gaps in chemistry to prepare students for further study in chemistry and to meet the chemistry requirements for their program of study. This course parallels elements from high school chemistry and introductory university chemistry with Indigenous Ways of Knowing.
Course Hours:
3 units; (3-1).
Prerequisite(s):
CHEM 20 and admission to an Indigenous Pathway program
Notes:
Not included in the Field of Chemistry
ENGL 212: Critical Writing and Indigenous Literatures
An examination of how literature as a cultural practice responds to and reflects its social context through an analysis of the works of Indigenous writers. Focuses on critical writing and reading skills, alongside the importance of story-telling and oral tradition in Indigenous cultural traditions.
Course Hours: 3 units; (3-0)
Prerequisites:
Admission to a Faculty Indigenous Pathway Program
- Need support with your application? Connect with our Indigenous student recruitment team by phone (1.403.210.7211) or email (indigenous.recruiter@ucalgary.ca) if you have questions about the application and admission process, our programs, or Indigenous support on campus.
- Students in the Indigenous Pathway program will be required to meet or talk on the phone with a Faculty of Science Undergraduate Program Advisor to discuss their educational background, their academic goals, post-secondary funding, course options, and available support services.
- Students will also meet with the Writing Symbols Lodge for academic, personal, and cultural support.
- Additional academic and career support is also available through the Student Success Centre and Career Services.
Please refer to the Indigenous admissions process documents section on the Indigenous Admissions Process page for details specific to your situation.
The Faculty of Science provides an opportunity for those who identify as Indigenous (First Nations, Métis, or Inuit) to be admitted under the Indigenous Admission Process and/or the Indigenous Admission Supplementary Process. Prospective Indigenous students who have not completed all high school courses normally required for admission (see Admission requirements here) will be considered for admission to the Faculty of Science Indigenous Pathway when they apply.