Build your path to health, science, and discovery
The Arts and Sciences diploma program with a specialization in Biological, Life, and Health Sciences includes 60 credits of university-transferable coursework, with a minimum of 24 credits focused on the specialization.
You’ll complete three required courses and have the flexibility to chart your path of study through a variety of electives across disciplines.
Your course of study will look like this:
Required courses (6 credits)
- ENGL 2550: Introduction to Composition
- INST 1000: Indigenous Studies I
Electives (54 credits)
- Science and Math (choose 2)
- Social Sciences (choose 2)
- Humanities (choose 2)
- Wellness (choose 1)
- Advanced courses (choose 7)
- Additional electives of your choice from any of the above disciplines (choose 4)
Note: You cannot use the same course to meet two different elective requirements. For example, one course cannot fulfill both a Social Sciences and a Humanities requirement, even if it appears in the course list under both disciplines.
Specialization
When you apply to the Arts and Sciences diploma program, you'll choose your specialization and work with an advisor to make sure your electives meet the specialization requirements. A minimum of 24 credits (8 courses) must come from the Biological, Life, and Health Sciences specialization area. Eligible subject areas include:
- Biology: Cell biology, genetics, ecology, microbiology, plant biology
- Chemistry: General and organic chemistry fundamentals
- Health and wellness: Health education, Indigenous health perspectives
- Psychology: Human development, aging, sexuality, mental health
- Research and analysis: Research methods, statistics
Some courses in your specialization can also satisfy core program requirements. For instance, Introduction to Cell Biology (BIOL 1007) may count toward both the specialization and a Science and Math elective requirement.
Ready to plan your courses
Use the course planner below to create a personalized plan that aligns with your interests and goals.
Don’t forget: Some courses have prerequisites or co-requisites. Read the course descriptions carefully to keep your plan on track.
Need help? Arts and Sciences Diploma program advisors are here to support you!
Choose your path
Here is a handy course selection guide that you can use to plan your program of study for your diploma. Select the required number of electives from each discipline, for a total of 20 courses. At least 8 of the courses you choose must qualify for the Biological, Life, and Health Sciences specialization.
Science and Math
Select two courses
- Introduction to Cell Biology (BIOL 1007)
- Organisms in their Environment (BIOL 1008)
- Medical Microbiology for Healthcare (BIOL 1024)
- Introduction to Chemistry (CHEM 1001)
- Introduction to Chemistry II (CHEM 1002)
- Introduction to Computing (CMPT 1011)
- Introduction to Machine Learning and Data Science (CMPT 1500)
- Introduction to Artificial Intelligence (CMPT 1510)
- Introduction to Earth Sciences (EASC 1002)
- Calculus I (MATH 1001)
- Calculus II (MATH 1002)
- Linear Algebra I (MATH 1205)
- Statistics I (STAT 1151)
Humanities
Select two courses
- Introduction to Anthropology (ANTH 1000)
- Introduction to Art History (ARTH 1002)
- Introduction to Literary Analysis (ENGL 1011)
- Introduction to Indigenous Literature and Storytelling (ENGL 1039)
- Scientific and Technical Writing (ENGL 2510)
- Indigenous Art Studies (INST 1260)
- Knowledge and Reality (PHIL 1002)
- Gender Identities, Sexualities, and the Law (WMST 1104)
- Women's and Gender Studies (WMST 2010)
Social Sciences
Select two courses
- Microeconomics (BUSD 1002)
- Macroeconomics (BUSD 1008)
- Health Education: Individual Health and Wellness (HEED 1000)
- Introduction to the Criminal Justice System (JUST 1101)
- Diversity and Criminal Justice in Canada (JUST 1102)
- An Introduction to Government and Politics (POLS 1000)
- Canadian Politics: Institutions and Issues (POLS 1010)
- Introduction to Psychology I (PSYC 1040)
- Introduction to Psychology II (PSYC 1050)
- Introduction to the Study of Society (SOCI 1000)
- Gender Identities, Sexualities, and the Law (WMST 1104)
- Women's and Gender Studies (WMST 2010)
Wellness
Select one course
Advanced courses
Select seven courses
- Fundamentals of Plant Biology (BIOL 2005)
- Principles of Genetics (BIOL 2007)
- Ecology (BIOL 2008)
- Organic Chemistry (CHEM 2061)
- Comparative Literature and Popular Culture (CLTR 2228)
- Algorithms (CMPT 2021)
- Database Management Systems (CMPT 2091)
- Technology Ethics and Society (CMPT 2110)
- Data Preparation Analytics (CMPT 2400)
- Media, Technology, and Society (COMM 2004)
- Communications History (COMM 2005)
- Critical Media Studies (COMM 2006)
- Indigenous Studies II (INST 2000)
- Indigenous Theory and Thought (INST 2003)
- Indigenous Social Policy and the Law (INST 2220)
- Global Indigenous Issues (INST 2500)
- Residential Schools in Canada (INST 2800)
- Philosophy of Technology and Computing (PHIL 2065)
- Developmental Psychology: Human Life Span (PSYC 2010)
- Human Sexuality (PSYC 2100)
- Introduction to Research Methods in Psychology (PSYC 2120)
- Psychology of Aging (PSYC 2353)
- Abnormal Psychology- Psychiatric Disorders and Interventions (PSYC 2450)
- Criminology (SOCI 2025)
- Introduction to Social Research Methods (SOCI 2150)
- Sociology of Death and Dying (SOCI 2373)
Additional electives
Select three courses
Your Arts and Sciences path
Fill out the form below or and we'll send you a copy of the courses you selected. An academic advisor will be in touch with you within the next week to help you finalize your schedule and answer any questions you may have.
If you have any immediate concerns or need assistance before then, please don't hesitate to reach out to artsandsciences@norquest.ca
Confirmation of course selection for Arts and Sciences diploma
Thank you for submitting your course selection for the Arts and Sciences Diploma program at NorQuest college. Below is a list of the courses you have selected:
If you have any questions, or would like to take the next step to arrange your schedule, please don't hesitate to reach out to artsandsciences@norquest.ca
We are excited to welcome you to NorQuest!
Social Sciences
Choose two courses