Exchange Program | Office of the Associate Dean | Life Sciences & Biochemistry

As a Life Sciences student, you have the option to go on exchange in third year for either the fall semester, winter semester or both. Queen's has agreements with over 100 universities in more than 30 countries, in which Queen's exchanges students with its partner universities. Many Life Science students have enjoyed and benefited from going on exchange. Your student council also has Exchange Deputies that are also able to assist you in navigating the exchange process. Ask the Life Science Office on how we can connect you to students who have gone on exchange recently (just email lifesci@queensu.ca).

Taking courses abroad

For science courses to be used towards your LISC plan: these courses must be assessed by Queen's professors to count towards your core/option credits. This ensures that you have the necessary background to take upper year courses in your plan. It is the student's responsibility to provide a full course syllabus (please do not send links) to our office (lifesci@queensu.ca) outlining the following:

Course outline
Detailed description of topics covered
Assessment & Evaluation and their weight
Learning Objectives
Learning Outcomes

Electives: typically, they do not need to be assessed prior to exchange but must be assessed following it. Further information about electives is provided at the International Programs Office’s exchange orientation prior to departure. Electives for Life Science students are not assessed through the Life Sciences and Biochemistry Program Office.

How do I get more information about exchange partners?

Email lifesci@queensu.ca or biochem@queensu.ca the following information:
- Name
- Student number
- University you plan to attend
- Term and/or terms you will be away
The Life Sciences and Biochemistry Program office will send you what courses have been previously assessed and their equivalency. This is a good starting point for determining if your approved exchange school has compatible courses that will work for your plan requirements.
The IPO has information on possible elective courses that have been approved for Queen’s equivalency, listed by country and partner exchange university on their website
- http://www.queensu.ca/ipo/outgoing-students/exchange/find-university
If there are other science courses that you are hoping to take on exchange, it is the student’s responsibility to provide a full electronic course outline (please do not just send a link) to our office for review. This information will be added to our data base and will assist other students planning on going on exchange (this year or in future). This should include:
- Course outline
- Detailed description of topics covered
- Assessment & Evaluation and their weight
- Learning Objectives
- Learning Outcomes
Confirm to our office by email all the courses that you plan to take on exchange with your understanding of how they will transfer back.

Upon Return

Only if there are issues and concerns about your fourth year courses after your exchange, please come in and meet with the office staff in the Life Sciences and Biochemistry Program Office.