Health and Life Sciences (BCompSc)

Why study Health and Life Sciences?

In our modern age of big data and data analytics, computer science is essential to unlocking the mysteries of human health and disease. Using the techniques and tools of high performance computing, machine learning and artificial intelligence, computer scientists and programmers have a crucial role to play in the rapidly expanding field of biomedical and health informatics.

The BCompSc in Health and Life Sciences will place you at the rich intersection of computer science and biology, providing a solid foundation in computer science while giving you the additional knowledge and skills to pursue a career or further studies in the health and life sciences. Our state-of-the-art labs for high-performance computing, networks and artificial intelligence will give you experience with the equipment you’ll use in the field. You’ll also:

• Develop algorithms for processing, visualizing and understanding biological and health data
• Design software for the health and life sciences sector
• Explore emerging software and hardware technologies in the context of health and life sciences
• Learn about molecular and cell biology, genomics and biological data sciences

Students who are more interested in studying these issues with a foundation in biology may wish to consider the BSc in Systems and Information Biology.

Minimum cut-off averages and course requirements for admission

• Quebec CEGEP: 27 overall, 26 math, 25 science
  • Natural Science DEC or
  • DEC intégré en sciences, lettres et arts or
  • Linear Algebra; Calculus 1 & 2; Mechanics, Electricity and Magnetism; Waves, Optics and Modern Physics; General Chemistry; Chemistry of Solutions and General Biology
  • Additional information for CEGEP applicants
• High school: A- overall, A- in math, B+ in science
  • One math from Pre-Calculus, Calculus, or equivalent
  • Two sciences (from Biology, Chemistry or Physics)
  • Canadian curricula course requirements
  • Accepted international qualifications
  • ACT or SAT is not required
  • AP exams are not required but may qualify you for advanced standing
• International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma: 33 overall, 5 HL or 6 SL math and 5 physics
  • one math (Applications and Interpretations HL, Analysis and Approaches HL or Analysis and Approaches SL)
  • one science (Physics, Chemistry or Biology, either SL or HL)
  • one of the math or science courses must be completed at the HL level
• International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme (CP): 5.5/7 overall, 5 HL or 6 SL math and 5 physics
  • one math (Applications and Interpretations HL, Analysis and Approaches HL or Analysis and Approaches SL)
  • one science (Physics, Chemistry or Biology, either SL or HL)
  • one of the math or science courses must be completed at the HL level
  • Additional Career-related Programme (CP) course requirements
• Baccalauréat français: 15 overall, 15 in math, 14 in science
  • Première: Spécialité mathématiques and Spécialité physique-chimie
  • Terminale: Spécialité mathématiques (also accepted, Spécialité Physique-Chimie and Mathématiques Complémentaires)
  • Additional information for Baccalauréat français applicants
• British system of education (GCE):
  • A-levels: At least two A-level exams AB, A in math, B in physics or
  • AS-levels: At least 4 AS-level exams with equivalent results or
  • BTEC: Level 3 Diploma or Extended Diploma in a related subject area with equivalent results
  • Students without math or science A-levels may be admissible based on AS-level or iGCSE/GCSE/O-Level exam results. Students should include all their exam results from iGCSE (or equivalent) onwards to support their application.
  • Additional information for British System of Education (GCE) applicants
• University transfers (internal): 3.0 overall, 3.0 in math and science, 2.3 in courses offered by the Gina Cody School of Engineering and Computer Science
  • At least two of the following (or equivalent): MATH 203, 204, 205
• University transfers (external): A- overall, A- math, B+ science
  • Courses in the disciplines of Calculus, Linear Algebra, Biology, Chemistry and Physics
  • Applicants who do not meet the minimum entry requirements are encouraged to apply and may still be considered for admission, provided they have completed the majority of the prerequisite courses. Transfer credits may be considered on a course-by-course basis.

Minimum cut-off averages should be used as indicators. The cut-off data may change depending on the applicant pool. Applicants who meet the stated minimum requirements are not guaranteed admission to these programs.

After your degree

The BCompSc in Health and Life Sciences will prepare you for a career in biotechnology, as well as for additional graduate training in computer science and health-related disciplines, such as:

• Bioinformatics
• Medical research
• Pharmacology