Mount Saint Vincent University is renowned for its innovative programs: one of the newest is the four-year Bachelor of Science (Science Communication). An exciting addition to professional studies, the program capitalizes on the Mount’s strengths in the areas of communication studies and science to fill a gap in Canada’s need for well-qualified science communicators who can work with government departments, school districts, university researchers, non-profit agencies, private sector companies and media outlets to name a few.
The Bachelor of Science (Science Communication) also prepares graduates for further study in medicine, dentistry, law, health promotion, health administration, environmental science, public relations, communication and journalism.
Science communicators form the bridge between science and the work of scientists, and the larger public. Science communication includes all of those processes and practices by which science becomes part of our larger culture.
James Hoggan, environmental author and Chair of the David Suzuki Foundation, says this about this new program: “I sincerely believe that top employers in industry, public relations and potentially in the media, will be scrambling to employ your graduates.”
Who should consider this program?
1. High school students who excel in science and also have passionate interest in writing, English or media.
2. First or second-year science students who are looking for a way to put their science studies into practice but who may not be interested in focusing strictly on science.
3. Students who are interested in further education in areas listed above.
What will you learn?
You will become literate in broad areas of science while focusing in your choice of chemistry, biology or psychology. By the time you graduate you will understand how science works and be able to keep abreast of new developments in science and technology. In addition, you will understand communication and mass media theory and how public opinion develops.
With an appreciation of the importance of science in everyday life and society at large, you will also learn to think critically, solve problems, make dynamic public presentations, write lucidly for a variety of audiences, creatively use the new technologies for communication, and plan and implement communication campaigns.
What are the entrance requirements?
1. Applicants from high school must have the following: Academic Grade XII including grade 11 & 12 academic mathematics and a minimum of two sciences at the Grade XI level and chemistry and one other science at the Grade XII level. (Students who lack the mathematics or chemistry requirement may be admitted conditionally and must be prepared to acquire the prerequisites either through summer school, elective or non-credit work in the first year of the program.)
2. Successful applicants with previous university credits may be granted advanced standing based on an individual assessment.
Enrolment in this program is limited and selection is based on suitable academic background and achievement.
What courses will I have to take?
• Communication studies coursework (7 units)
• Core science courses (providing breadth for all students) (4 units)
• Science focus (providing depth in either biology, chemistry or psychology) (4 units)
• Other requirements (5 units)
o Internship or major project (1 unit)
o Probability & statistics (1 unit)
o Research methods (0.5 unit)
o Ethics (0.5 unit)
o History of science (0.5 unit)
o Electives (1.5 units)
How can I get further information for application?
For further information, please call (902) 457-6490 or email us at msvu.ca.