Current Students

The Bachelor of Arts & Sciences (BAS) degree program at the University of Guelph is only as good as the students that are enrolled in it, which makes the BAS program one of the most unique and fantastic programs available on campus. The students, alongside the faculty and staff, have a huge impact on the quality of this constantly developing program. These inquisitive, inspiring and innovative students come from a broad range of backgrounds with many interests and skills. Each year we are lucky enough to continue the tradition of welcoming in a whole new year of ambitious and capable first year students. Throughout their time on campus, BAS students continue to push the bounds of the program by exploring new combinations with their arts and science minors, creating new and interesting independent research projects and delivering a high level of scholastic achievement in the core Arts & Science courses. In one word, they are fantASCI!

Course Selection

First Year Course selection

(Upper year course selection information is below)

To see the complete structure of the Bachelor of Arts & Sciences program, please refer to the BAS Degree Structure chart

Most first year students select five courses (2.50 credits) for their first semester. Your course selection will be influenced by the minors you plan to pursue. Generally most first semesters in the BAS will look like this:


		Example:
*ASCI1000**		ASCI*1000
Science Course		BIOL*1090
Science Course		CHEM*1040
Arts Course		THST*1000
Social Science Course		PSYC*1100

All first semester BAS students must select ASCI*1000 Society and Science I: Historical Perspectives. Schedule this lecture first with any corresponding seminar.
Select two (2) science courses. The 2 courses you will pick will be determined by what science minor you are considering to pursue. Select two (2) science courses. Use the following chart to help you choose which science courses to register for:

If you choose this BAS Science Minor	then the BAS Science Core Requirements would be:
Agriculture	BIOL1090, BIOL1070, [ (CHEM1040, CHEM1050) or (MATH1080, STAT2040) ]
Biochemistry	BIOL1090, BIOL1080, CHEM1040, CHEM1050
Biology	BIOL1090, BIOL1070, [ (CHEM1040, CHEM1050) or (MATH1080, STAT2040) ]
Biotechnology	BIOL1090, BIOL1080, CHEM1040, CHEM1050
Chemistry	CHEM1040, CHEM1050, MATH1200, MATH1210
Computing & Information Science	CIS1500, CIS1910, STAT2040, STAT2050
Ecology	BIOL1090, BIOL 1070, STAT2040, (MATH1080 or MATH*1200)
Functional Foods & Nutraceuticals	BIOL1090, BIOL1080, CHEM1040, CHEM1050
GIS & Environmental Analysis	GEOG1300, (MATH1080 or MATH1200), STAT2040, (1 of BIOL1070, BIOL1080 or BIOL*1090) ]
Mathematics	MATH1200, MATH1210, STAT2040, STAT2050
Mathematical Sciences	MATH1200, MATH1210, STAT2040, STAT2050
Microbiology	BIOL1090, BIOL1080 [ (CHEM1040, CHEM1050) or [STAT2040, (MATH1080 or MATH*1200) ] ]
Molecular Biology & Genetics	BIOL1090, BIOL1080, CHEM1040, CHEM1050
Neuroscience	BIOL1090, BIOL1080, CHEM1040, CHEM1050
Nutrition & Nutraceutical Sciences	BIOL1090, BIOL1080, CHEM1040, CHEM1050
Plant Sciences	BIOL1090, BIOL1070, CHEM1040, CHEM1050
Physics	PHYS1000, PHYS1010, MATH1200, MATH1210
Psychology: Brain & Cognition	MATH1080, STAT2040, [ (CHEM1040, CHEM1050) or (2 of BIOL1070, BIOL1080 or BIOL*1090) ]
Statistics	MATH1200, MATH1210, STAT2040, STAT2050
Zoology	BIOL1090, BIOL1070, [ (CHEM1040, CHEM1050) or [STAT2040, (MATH1080 or MATH*1200) ] ]

If you are unsure what science minor you are interested in pursuing, you can still use the chart to see what science courses are most common across the science minors you may be interested in. Please note, in order for a course to count towards your science core requirements, it must be listed in this chart. BAS students are restricted from taking BIOM*2000, BOT*1200, MGB*1000 and BIOL*1500 because they are science courses intended for arts/social science students with little or no background in the sciences.

To view the requirements for each science minor, you can find a complete listing of all available science programs in the Bachelor of Science Degree Program section of the Current Course Calendar under section X (10), Degree Programs.

Select two (2) arts or social science courses (preferably one Arts and one Social Science):

ARTS Subject Areas:

ARTH Art History
CHIN Mandarin
CLAS Classical Studies
ENGL English
EURO European Studies
FREN French Studies
GERM German Studies
GREK Greek
HISP Hispanic studies
HIST History
ITAL Italian Studies
LAT Latin
LING Linguistics
MUSC Music
PHIL Philosophy
THST Theatre Studies

SOCIAL SCIENCE Subject Areas:

ANTH Anthropology
ECON Economics
GEOG Geography
POLS Political Science
PSYC Psychology
SOC Sociology
UNIV First Year Seminars**

** All first year students should strongly consider taking a UNIV*1200 First Year Seminar course in their first year. These unique seminars are only available to first year students and are taught by many interesting and engaging staff and faculty from across campus, including the President and other University of Guelph administration. With restricted enrollment in each seminar (approx. 18 students), these courses give students a chance to engage and participate in a terrific academic experience in a small classroom setting, exploring and studying unique and interdisciplinary topics. More information on these courses can be found here.

To view the requirements for each arts and social science minor, you can find a complete listing of all available arts and social science programs in the Bachelor of Arts Degree Program section of the current Undergraduate Calendar under section X (10), Degree Programs.

Descriptions for all University of Guelph courses can be found online in the Current Undergraduate Calendar in section XII (12).

BAS Course Selection info for incoming 1st year students!

The STREAM (Special Edition - Course Selection)

Upper Year Course Selection

Using the BAS Degree Structure chart you can see how your 20.00 credits required to graduate are laid out for you. In order to graduate from with a Bachelor of Arts & Sciences degree you will need to fulfill:

ASCI Courses (3.00 credits)

The ASCI core requirements are clearly outlined for you in the degree structure. All BAS students are required to take ASCI*1000, ASCI*1010 and ASCI*2000. After that, you can choose which one of the three 3000-level courses and which two of the 4000-level ASCI courses you want to take.

Science Core (2.00 credits)

As the degree structure point out, you need to complete 2.00 credits from the courses listed, however which 2.00 credits will depend on the science minor you plan on pursuing. Please keep in mind that the science core is required to give you a balanced background across the sciences, so while it is related to your minor, the courses may not be listed as requirements for your specific minor. BAS Science Core chart

Arts & Social Sciences Core (2.00 credits)

All students are required to take 2.00 credits in the arts and social sciences. Specifically, you are required to take 1.00 credits in two different areas of the arts and 1.00 credits in two different areas of the social sciences. While some of these courses may count towards your chosen arts/social science minor, similar to the science core, the arts/social science core is designed to give you a balanced experience in the arts and social sciences.

Arts/Social Science Minor (5.00 credits minimum) **

To view the requirements for each arts and social science minor, you can find a complete listing of all available arts and social science programs in the Bachelor of Arts Degree Program section of YOUR Undergraduate Calendar under section X (10), Degree Programs. (Your undergraduate calendar is normally determined by the year you entered university.)

*PLEASE NOTE*

1) In order to declare a minor in CJPP, you must achieve a 70% in 6 of the core courses listed in the undergraduate calendar.

2) Requirements in the BADM and MKMT minors have recently changed. For more information on those, please refer here.

Science Minor (5.00 credits minimum) **

To view the requirements for each science minor, you can find a complete listing of all available science programs in the Bachelor of Science Degree Program section of YOUR Course Calendar under section X (10), Degree Programs. (Your undergraduate calendar is normally determined by the year you entered university.)

*PLEASE NOTE*

1) More specific information about the BIOL minor can be found here.

2) Significant changes have taken place in the College of Biological Science courses, including BIOL, MBC, MCB, and MICR courses. More information can be found here.

Elective Courses (3.00 credits) **

Elective courses can come from any discipline/department on campus. Some students use electives to explore opportunities outside of their minors. Others use them to gain more experience in one or both of their minors. Electives are also perfect to use when a student chooses to complete a semester abroad or on exchange.

** Please note, the number of credits for the different minors available in this program will vary, which in turn may change the number of elective credits required.

How you go about completing this degree is completely up to you. Most students prefer to take a balanced approach taking the required ASCI course each semester plus 2 arts/social sciences and 2 sciences. Again, this is completely up to you. If you would prefer to complete one minor before the other or pick up more electives, you can certainly do so.

After your first year, using the degree structure chart, you can figure out what requirements you have yet to complete. The STREAM (Special Edition - Course Selection)

Academic Advising

Bachelor of Arts and Sciences Program
Program Counselling Office
128 MacKinnon
(519) 824-4120, ext 56385
bas@uoguelph.ca

Responsibility for developing educational plans and setting goals rests with the student. Academic advisors contribute to this process by identifying alternatives, exploring likely outcomes, and referring students to appropriate resources.

Program Counsellors have particular expertise in degree program requirements and regulations, as well as the specializations and their fit within the degree program.

Program Counsellors (by degree program)
Why / when would I contact my program counsellor?

Faculty Advisors have particular expertise in the program specialization (major, minor, area of concentration, area of emphasis) and its fit within the degree program.

Faculty Advisors (by specialization)
Why / when would I contact my faculty advisor?

University defined roles and responsibilities for students, faculty advisors, and program counsellors are outlined in Section VII--Academic Advising of the current Undergraduate Calendar.

Arts & Sciences (ASCI) Course Descriptions and Course Outlines

ASCI*1000 Society and Science I: Historical Perspectives F (3-0) [0.50]
This course explores historically the complex interrelations between science and society. It focuses on the ways in which science has both shaped, and been shaped by, its larger social and cultural contexts.

Restriction(s): HIST*1250. Registration in the Bachelor of Arts and Sciences degree program.

ASCI*1010 Society and Science II: Current Issues W (3-0) [0.50]
This interdisciplinary course examines scientific and technological activities in modern society, including a number of current controversies. Case studies and debates will be used to examine the multiplicity of impacts and reactions to these activities.
Prerequisite(s): ASCI*1000

Restriction(s): Registration in the Bachelor of Arts and Sciences degree program.

ASCI*2000 Modes of Inquiry and Communication Across Disciplines F (3-0) [0.50]
This course considers the process of inquiry and quest for knowledge in the natural and applied sciences, and the social sciences and humanities as they are constituted as disciplines within the modern university. The course will consider the social forces that shape inquiry, including funding for research, and consider the communication of findings, both inside and outside the academy.

Prerequisite(s): ASCI*1000
Restriction(s): Registration in the Bachelor of Arts and Sciences degree program.

ASCI*3000 Arts and Sciences Community Project F (3-0) [0.50]
This course integrates the curricular, co-curricular and cross-disciplinary strands of the Arts and Sciences program through continued academic study and its application, modification, and critique in a community context. Students will conduct research and seminars on a selected topic while simultaneously completing a placement in a community agency appropriate to that topic. (See the BAS program website for topics.)

Prerequisite(s): ASCI*2000
Restriction(s): Registration in the Bachelor of Arts and Sciences degree program.

ASCI*3100 Case Studies in Arts and Sciences Research W (3-0) [0.50]
This variable-content course introduces students to case studies in the integration of academic knowledge and practices with social movements, investigating the ways in which cultural, social, and scientific endeavours meet to work on real-world problems. The course may contain both historical and current case studies.

Prerequisite(s): ASCI*2000
Restriction(s): Registration in the Bachelor of Arts and Sciences degree program.

ASCI*3200 Issues in Public Health S (3-0) [0.50]
This course examines the practice of public health in Canada, and throughout the world, with an emphasis on the impact of social and political forces on matters relating to public health. As well, the course considers strategies for the delivery of initiatives to safeguard the health of the public. (Offered in Distance Education only.)

Prerequisite(s): 8.50 credits

S12-ASCI 3200 SDE (6 week offering)
S13-ASCI 3200 DE *coming*

ASCI*3700 Independent Studies in Arts/Sciences S,F,W (3-0) [0.50]
This course offers an opportunity for individual students to pursue unique curricular opportunities when they arise and are approved as appropriate to BAS students (e.g., independent reading and/or research under a faculty member's supervision in a research lab or program; a course taken while studying on exchange or abroad; a course developed in conjunction with experiential learning situations, etc.). See the BAS website for learning contracts and other requirements that must be completed well in advance to permit registration for independent studies.

Prerequisite(s): A minimum of 9.00 credits.
Restriction(s): Registration in the Bachelor of Arts and Sciences degree program.
Instructor consent required.

Please look below in the “Independent Studies in Arts/Sciences” section for more information about this course.

ASCI*4000 Arts and Sciences Honours Seminar F (3-0) [0.50]
This senior-level integrating course builds on the principles learned in ASCI*2000, and requires research into an area of investigation relevant to the interdisciplinary focus of the program. Students will examine a topic from multiple theoretical and disciplinary perspectives, explore appropriate methodological approaches, prepare working bibliographies and annotations, and report on research. Students who take ASCI*4010 will build on work completed in ASCI*4000. **Course discontinued after Fall 2011

Prerequisite(s): 12.00 credits including ASCI*2000
Restriction(s): Registration in the Bachelor of Arts and Sciences degree program.

ASCI*4010 Arts and Sciences Honours Research Seminar W (3-0) [1.00]
Under faculty supervision students will plan, develop, peer-edit and complete a major paper on a research topic developed in ASCI*4000 or revised therefrom. Designed to function as a senior-level writing seminar, this course is particularly recommended to students who plan to pursue graduate study and who have a cumulative average of at least 75%. **Course revised and changed to 1.00 credit value in Winter 2013

Prerequisite(s): 12.00 credits, including (1 of ASCI*3000, ASCI*3100, ASCI*3200, ASCI*3700); cumulative average of 75%
Restriction(s): Registration in the Bachelor of Arts and Sciences degree program.

ASCI*4020 Topics in Arts and Sciences Research F,W (3-0) [0.50]
This variable-content course provides a senior-level seminar experience in the conduct, presentation, and writing of research relevant to the interdisciplinary core of the Bachelor of Arts and Sciences degree program. (See the BAS website for topics.)

Prerequisite(s): 12.00 credits including ASCI*2000
Restriction(s): Registration in the Bachelor of Arts and Sciences degree program.

ASCI*4030 Topics in Arts and Sciences Research F,W (3-0) [0.50]
This variable-content course provides a senior-level seminar experience in the conduct, presentation, and writing of research relevant to the interdisciplinary core of the Bachelor of Arts and Sciences degree program. (See the BAS website for topics.)

Prerequisite(s): 12.00 credits including ASCI*2000
Restriction(s): Registration in the Bachelor of Arts and Sciences degree program.

ASCI*4020 and ASCI*4030 vary every semester depending on what faculty are teaching them. These are unique opportunities for students to work with professors from all across campus. Here are some samples of past Topics in Arts and Sciences Research:

ASCI*4700 Independent Studies in Arts/Sciences S,F,W (3-0) [0.50]
This course offers an opportunity for individual students to pursue unique curricular opportunities when they arise and are approved as appropriate to BAS students (e.g., independent reading and/or research under a faculty member's supervision in a research lab or program; a course taken while studying on exchange or abroad; a course developed in conjunction with experiential learning situations, etc.) See the BAS website for learning contracts and other requirements that must be completed well in advance to permit registration for independent studies.

Prerequisite(s): A minimum of 14.00 credits.
Restriction(s): Registration in the Bachelor of Arts and Sciences degree program.
Instructor consent required.

ASCI*4710 Independent Studies in Arts/Sciences S,F,W (3-0) [0.50]
This course continues work undertaken in ASCI*4700, and will normally be planned in concert with planning for ASCI*4700. This course offers an opportunity for individual students to pursue unique curricular opportunities when they arise and are approved as appropriate to BAS students. See the BAS website for learning contracts and other requirements that must be completed well in advance to permit registration for independent studies.
Prerequisite(s): ASCI*4700

Restriction(s): Registration in the Bachelor of Arts and Sciences degree program.
Instructor consent required.

Please look below in the “Independent Studies in Arts/Sciences” section for more information about this course.

Independent Studies in Arts & Sciences

The Independent Study opportunities in the Bachelor of Arts & Sciences degree are unique opportunities where students are able to create their own university courses tailored to their specific interests. Working with a faculty advisor of their choice (and in some cases, more than one), students will design their own course that combines both the arts/social sciences and science.
These courses may be used to combine work or volunteer experience with academic course work OR as regular reading or special topics courses.
All work/study courses will involve a writing component. For possible course requirements, please read on below.
The student must find a University of Guelph faculty member who is willing to act as the course supervisor. Discussions with the supervisor about the work/study project should begin in the semester before the student plans to register in the course.
These courses require the submission of a Learning Contract completed by both the faculty and the student involved. The contract will outline course work requirements, due dates, and assignment weights. Prepare three copies of the Learning Contract form – one for the Program Counselling Office, one for the professor and one for the student.
Part of the Learning Contract also requires that the student submit a complete course outline of the proposed course, outlining the details of the course.
Students planning to travel abroad must complete a Pre-departure Orientation Session run by the Centre for International Programs. These programs are now mandatory for any student traveling internationally as part of a University of Guelph activity. Registration in one of these courses will not be approved until the Pre-departure Orientation Session is completed.
All paperwork (ie. Learning Contract, Course outline) and preparations for the Independent Study must be completed and approved by the end of the Add Period of the semester the student plans to take the course.

Suggestions for possible course requirements for the Learning Contract:

Work/Experience Option

Final report or research paper, proposal, report from placement supervisor, journal, logbook or work/research, notes on readings, annotated bibliography, outline of paper and references, book review, formal presentation, background research on organization, document prepared as part of work experience. (All work/study courses must include a writing component)

Reading/Special Topics Option

Research paper, notes on readings, discussions/meetings with supervisor, annotated bibliography, outline of paper and references, proposal, book review, oral review, formal presentation

Suggestions for possible course Evaluations for the Learning Contract:

Example 1

ASCI*3700 as a volunteer placement

proposal – 10%
report about organization – 10%
volunteer handbook (created for placement) – 30%
learning journal – 20%
final report analyzing experience – 30%

Example 2

ASCI*4700

proposal with annotated bibliography – 20%
oral review of readings – 20%
outline of paper – 20%
final research paper – 40%

PAST/CURRENT INDEPENDENT STUDIES

Analysis of Plant Trait Variation along a Pollution Gradient in Forests surrounding Sudbury, Ontario (Dr. Anand)
Are patents an appropriate way to reward innovation? (Dr. Keates)
Balancing the Risks and Opportunities of Introduced Species (Comparative study between New Zealand and Canada) (Dr. Newman)
Behavioural Neuroscience Investigation into the Mechanism of Cannabidiol (Dr. Parker)
Combining the Disciplines of Nutrition and Neuroscience: The Effect of Niacin Deficiency on Social Learning (Dr. Choleris)
Communication in Veterinary Medicine (pre-recorded Veterinarian-client interactions) (Dr. Coe)
Conventional Medical Treatment vs. Effect of Hippotherapy on Mentally and Physically Disabled Individuals (Dr. Thomason)
Create a medium in which to communicate interdisciplinary issues (ENVB/BIOL) issues to general public (Dr. Boecker)
Deconstructing the Role of Traditional Midwives in Rural Guatemala (Dr. Humphries)
Determinants of Wages Using Econometric Methods (Dr. Plesca)
Do Food Residues and Pesticides have the Potential to Pose Health Risks in Humans and Animals, specifically, Cancer in Humans (Dr. Ritter)
Effects of US Controversies in Stem Cell Research on Novel Therapies for Skeletal Defects in Space Travel (Dr. Boermans)
Enviro-advocacy groups in Canada and Australia (analyze, interview, audio-visual learning modules, local/int'l politial contexts, best practices toolbox (Dr. Mahone)
Equine Behavior, Communication and Training (Dr. Duncan)
Examination of public/professional opinion surrounding the use of gene-based information in population disease risk assessment and prediction (President Summerlee)
Explore the theoretical and methodological gaps and opportunities between the natural and social sciences (anthropological, social, economic, legal and political perspective with the Hoopa Valley Tribe and the Khomani San) (Dr. Sylvain)
Focused learning in the field of Forest Science with specific emphasis on agroforestry as an international development tool (Dr. Gordon)
Gender & Environment Issues = Women's Environmental Activism (Dr. Havorka)
History & Harmonic Analysis of 5 piano works; Neurosciences of Musical Perception (Dr. Harley)
Impact & Benefits of Western Medicine in non-Westernized Countries (Dr. Johnson)
Investigation of Paleopathological (injury/disease) Manifestations in Skeletal Remains in Medieval Populations (Dr. Finnis)
Legislative environmental rights encoded in the Environmental bill of rights (EBR) to increase the accessibility of the Environmental Registry for all Ontarians (Dr. Lintner)
A literature review analyzing the influence of changing perceptions of life sciences (and methodology) in the 19th century on the methodology of writing of French writer Emile Zola (Dr. Irvine)
Migrant Labour in Canada in the age of NAFTA (Dr. McCook)
Nutrition & Oral Health (Dr. Duncan)
The Phonograph & Mixer as a Virtuosic Musical Instrument: A musical investigation into the evolving art of scratching records with expression (Dr. Francis)
Resource Guide for pregnant women and their partners, with the premise of growing and raising healthy children in a North American society (Dr. Turner)
Scientific and social understanding of the bubonic plague epidemic of the 14th century in Europe (Dr. Abraham)
Test the hypothese that communities that are most in need of consultation on environmentally significant projects have the least access to online public participation mechanisms offered by Ontario ministries under the Environmental Bill of Rights (Dr. Lintner)
"WDG in Motion" community partnership to improve physical health (Dr. Sheeshka)

For a complete list of all Independent Study Faculty Advisors, click here.

Program Transfer

Transferring into the Bachelor of Arts & Sciences from another degree program here at the University of Guelph

Go through the information provided under “Future Students” in the BAS website
Meet with the Bachelor of Arts & Sciences Program Counsellor to go over program requirements and admission requirements into the program.
Follow the online application process to transfer into the Bachelor of Arts & Sciences.

Transferring into another degree program at the University of Guelph from the Bachelor of Arts & Sciences program

Research program requirements in the program that you are interested in transferring into.
Meet with the Program Counsellor of the program that you would like to transfer into to go over program requirements and admission requirements into the program.
Follow the online application process to complete the internal transfer into the new program

If you are transferring to or from another degree program at another institution (other than the University of Guelph), please contact admission@registrar.uoguelph.ca for information about transfer credits and admission processes.