Associate of Science

The Associate of Science degree is a provincial credential offered by many institutions in the BC Transfer System. The associate degree provides an educational experience that prepares students for life as an educated person, and lays a solid foundation for further study. Areas of specialization include: 

• Biology
• Chemistry
• Computer Science
• Mathematics & Statistics

The associate degree curriculum consists of two years of university-level study in a variety of academic areas. Students are required to complete a broad range of course offerings balanced with in-depth study in specific disciplines. Since many students will continue their studies, the requirements are sufficiently flexible to enable students to complete the required prerequisites for upper-level course work in their intended major. Students will be exposed to a program of study that seeks to develop:

• an interest in and curiosity about the world around them
• an understanding of the global context in which they live and work
• an appreciation of intellectual thought and human creativity
• an openness to a variety of viewpoints
• a capacity for and interest in self-directed life-long learning
• an acceptance of the social responsibilities that come with the benefits of advanced learning.

In addition, the program of study should develop and improve those skills essential for academic success at an advanced intellectual level. They include but are not limited to:

• advanced reading comprehension
• effective written and oral communications
• mathematical and scientific reasoning
• computer and technological literacy
• research and evaluative skills
• analysis, synthesis, and integration of knowledge
• critical thinking and problem solving
• application of theoretical understanding to practice
• working collaboratively.