Incoming Direct-Entry Students | Office of the Associate Dean | Life Sciences & Biochemistry

Welcome first-year direct entry Life Sciences and Biochemistry Students!

Remember, as a direct-entry student, you have already secured your place in the program. In first year, students in Life Sciences and Biochemistry share the same core and option courses, giving you flexibility to explore both areas. At the end of first year, you will choose to continue in either the Life Sciences or Biochemistry program

We encourage you to attend the Life Sciences and Biochemistry specific First-Year Foundations (FYF) webinar on July 14th, 2026 @ 5:00pm (ET) via Zoom. You can register for this webinar here.

Key Registration Dates:

Note: all times are Eastern Time

July 13th: Login to your student centre on SOLUS to view your enrolment appointment date and time. Begin loading classes in your SOLUS shopping cart.
July 14th: First Year Foundations: Life Sciences and Biochemistry webinar @ 5pm ET
July 20th - July 29th: Enrol in your first year Life Sciences and Biochemistry option and elective courses.
July 28th - Program specific restrictions on 1st year classes will change at 12:00 (noon) to allow any 1st year ASC student into 1st year classes. These classes will remain closed to upper year students until July 29.
July 28th: All enrolment appointments end at 11:30pm
July 29th: Registration pause day
July 30th - August 2nd: Second opportunity to enrol in courses is open
August 2nd: Second enrolment appointments end at 11:59pm
August 3rd - August 16th: Registration hiatus
August 17th: Open enrolment period begins at 12am
September 8th: Classes begin
September 21st: Last day to add fall and full-year classes

CLICK HERE FOR IMPORTANT DATES AND INFORMATION

First Year Core Courses:

You will be enrolled by the Faculty of Arts and Sciences team in your first year core courses prior to your registration enrolment time.

BIOL 102/3.0 (fall term),
CHEM 112/6.0 (full year) Must be taken during your first year of studies
MATH 130/3.0 (fall term),
BIOL 103/3.0 (winter term)
CISC 151/3.0 (winter term)
PHYS 115/3.0 (fall term) Can be taken in first year OR you can choose to enrol in this course as an upper year student later in your degree.

In addition, you will have the choice of enrolling in either BCHM 102/3.0 or PATH 120/3.0 option courses for your plan (you must enrol yourself in one of these two courses).

BCHM 102/3.0 course description

PATH 120/3.0 course description

Electives for First Year Students:

In terms of electives, the University-wide academic calendar provides a list of all courses under search courses. You will have room in your schedule for either one 6.0-unit elective or two 3.0-unit electives.

Electives can be courses in various subjects, including but not limited to Art, Languages, Film, Gender Studies, Health Studies, History, Environmental Sciences, Psychology, and Religion. Your electives may be selected from any subject area listed in the approved Faculty of Arts and Science course list, as long as they “fit” with your schedule.

Other Helpful Information

Faculty of Arts and Science Registration Information Guide. The Faculty Office will provide additional information for you about registration and your first-year timetable.

Registrar's Office Student Registration Guide

The Life Sciences and Biochemistry Honours plan information is outlined here

Questions?

Contact office by email lifesci@queensu.ca using your Queen’s email and include your student number.