Program Information
Western’s Integrated Science program offers students both breadth across the sciences and depth in one particular area of science. Students in the program enroll in Integrated Science courses for breadth, as well as courses in one of nine chosen disciplines for depth.
Graduates of the program will receive an Honours Specialization in Integrated Science with [insert name of discipline here]. The nine disciplines from which students can choose are: Astrophysics, Biology, Chemistry, Earth Sciences, Environmental Science, Genetics, Mathematical and Statistical Sciences, Physics, Synthetic Biology.
Each one of these disciplines, when combined with Integrated Science, forms a module. To learn more about all of our Faculty of Science modules see Modules at a Glance.
Year by Year Breakdown
Starting immediately in first-year, WISc students learn together, grow together, and solve big problems together.
Our flagship course, Integrated Science 1001X, replaces the set of Science courses normally taken in second-semester instead addressing four interdisciplinary questions: How did Earth evolve? What is energy? What is life? How does my smartphone work?
Year 1
Starting immediately in their first year, Integrated Science students are introduced to a wider range of disciplines than are most students. In addition to the core subjects of biology, chemistry, chemistry, and physics, students expand their breadth through their exposure to astronomy, computer science, earth sciences, and statistics.
| Fall Term | Winter Term |
| Integrated Science 1000Z | Integrated Science 1000Z (continued) |
| Biology 1001A (recommended) | Integrated Science 1001X |
| Calculus 1000A or 1500A | Category A or B elective (required) |
| Chemistry 1301A | |
| Physics 1201A or 1501A | |
| Category A or B elective (required) |
Year 2
In their second year, students are introduced to interdisciplinary thinking through exposure to fields such as environmental science & sustainability, data analysis, scientific modelling, and the philosophy of science. It is also in the second year when students start to build their discipline-specific expertise by taking courses in one of the nine possible areas of concentration.
| Fall Term | Winter Term |
| Integrated Science 2001F | Integrated Science 2002B |
| Courses in area of concentration | Philosophy 2320G |
| Electives* | Courses in area of concentration |
| Electives* |
* Depending on the area of concentration, there may not be room available
every term or year for electives.
Year 3
In third year, students have opportunities to engage with local community organizations and companies, and are exposed the techniques and tools of project management. Students who participate in the Science Internship Program will leave for year at the end of third year and return in their fifth year to complete year 4 of the program.
| Fall Term | Winter Term |
| Integrated Science 3002A | Integrated Science 3001G |
| Courses in area of concentration | Science 3377B |
| Electives* | Courses in area of concentration |
| Electives* |
* Depending on the area of concentration, there may not be room available
every term or year for electives.
Year 4
Capping off the program in fourth year are opportunities for students to refine their mentoring and leadership skills through interactions with new first-year students. Students in their fourth year will also conduct an independent research project (experimental or theoretical) under the supervision of a faculty member.
| Fall Term | Winter Term |
| Integrated Science 4001Y | Integrated Science 4001Y (continued) |
| Integrated Science 4999E | Integrated Science 4999E (continued) |
| Courses in area of concentration | Courses in area of concentration |
| Electives* | Electives* |
* Depending on the area of concentration, there may not be room available
every term or year for electives.
Did you Know?
Students in the Integrated Science program are eligible to participate in the Science Internship Program to gain valuable, paid experience prior to graduating. Integrated Science students have held placements in organizations such as Environment & Climate Change Canada, IPG Photonics, Sanofi Pasteur, McCormick Canada, Spartan Bioscience, Vivavi Solutions (formerly JDS Uniphase), and the Ontario Ministry of Transportation.
