Frequently Asked Questions

What courses am I required to take to meet my degree requirements?

Please visit the Academic Calendar for a breakdown of the degree requirements for the Life Sciences program. Be sure to take note of the differing requirements for major and specialization students.

How should I deal with a lower-than-expected grade?

Take a few deep breaths and remain calm. You have the capacity to improve in the future.

Contact your Teaching Assistant or Professor to get feedback on where you can improve.

Make a plan to incorporate your feedback into future assessments.

If questions arise in future, do not hesitate to contact your Teaching Team.

How can I improve my grades?

Contact your Teaching Assistant or Professor to get feedback on how you can improve on future assessments.

Consider booking an appointment with a Learning Strategist through Student Academic Success Services

Utilize the online, self-help resources offered by Student Academic Success Services if there is a specific area of academic performance you wish to improve.

How do I appeal a grade?

If you would like a formal review of an instructor’s decision on coursework, please visit the the Arts and Science Appeals page to make an academic appeal.

What electives are beneficial and interesting for Life Sciences students?

Many Life Sciences students have chosen to take:

Interdisciplinary courses (IDIS course code)
Global and population health courses (GLPH course code)
Health studies courses (HLTH course code)
Psychology courses (PSYC course code)
Any course that sounds interesting to them!

What does the modular framework mean?

With the modular framework, Life Sciences Honours students have the following options for their degree:

Note: Life Sciences and Biochemistry Honours degree plan students in a 120‑unit program are not required to complete a minor.

What sub-plans exist in a Life Sciences specialization plan?

Biomedical Discovery (BMDS-O) (36.0 units)
Biomedical Sciences (BMSS-O) (27.0 units)
Cancer Research (CANC-O) (36.0 units)
Cardiorespiratory Science (CRSS-O) (36.0 units)
Drug Discovery and Human Toxicology (DDHT-O) (36.0 units)
Neuroscience (NSCI-O) (36.0 units)

Visit the Academic Calendar for the content of each sub-plan

What academic resources are available through Queen’s for me to access?

Queen’s offers a variety of academic support resources to help you succeed throughout your degree.

Academic Advising: Academic Advisors can help you understand degree requirements, course planning, plan selection, academic standing, graduation requirements, and any academic challenges you may encounter during your studies. Advisors can also connect you with additional campus supports if needed!

Student Academic Success Services (SASS): SASS provides free support for academic skills, learning strategies, and writing. Whether you're adjusting to university coursework, preparing for exams, managing your time, or working on a major assignment, SASS can help you develop the skills needed for academic success. Students can access one-on-one appointments, workshops, online resources, and writing support throughout their time at Queen's.

Arts and Science Undergraduate Society (ASUS) peer tutoring: ASUS Peer Tutoring (APT) connects students with qualified peer tutors through a centralized directory. Tutors must have earned at least an A- in the course they tutor and are verified before joining the program. For questions, students can contact the ASUS Services Commissioner: services@asus.queensu.ca services@asus.queensu.ca

What’s the difference between Major and Specialization?

The Life Sciences Major Plan offers greater flexibility, with fewer required core courses and more elective options. Students may also choose to pursue a double major, a minor, or even two minors alongside their degree. This flexibility allows students to tailor their academic experience to their individual interests, including law, business, kinesiology, public health, and many other subject areas within the Faculty of Arts and Science.

The Life Sciences Specialization Plan provides a more focused and in-depth study of life sciences, with additional upper-year core courses and laboratory experience. It is often recommended for students interested in research, graduate studies, or careers that involve significant hands-on scientific training.

Both plans provide a strong foundation in life sciences and can support a variety of career paths. The best choice depends on your academic interests and future goals.

Every year, the DSC hosts a Major vs. Spec info night in early March - keep an eye out for the details of this event on our Instagram!

What is the Academic Progress Report?

The Academic Progress Report is a helpful tool that provides an overview of the requirements you have completed so far for your degree plan. You can learn more about it under the “Course Selection SOLUS Tutorials” section here.

There is space in a course, why can’t I register?

Seats are likely reserved for students who require them for their degree plans. Add yourself to the waitlist if possible. When these reserves are lifted, students will be enrolled from the waitlist as space permits.

Please note that many online courses will have reserves for online students until the first day of classes in the term the course is offered.

Can you explain how waitlists work?

SOLUS has a waitlist process so that you can be placed in a course that is full in the event that a spot becomes available. You can add yourself to a waitlist prior to open enrolment.

If space becomes available during open enrolment, you will be automatically enrolled in the course from the waitlist (provided that you meet the prerequisites and have space in your schedule). Waitlists are only available for single-term courses.

Will I be automatically enrolled in my core courses?

First-year Life Sciences and Biochemistry students will be enrolled in their core courses by the Program Office.
Second-year Life Sciences students will be enrolled in their core courses by the Program Office.
Third-year Life Sciences student will not be enrolled in their core courses by the Program Office.
Fourth-year Life Sciences students will be enrolled in some fourth-year courses based on their Advanced Course Selection survey requests, including confirmed research courses.

**Please note that students with financial holds on their accounts cannot be pre-enrolled in any courses**

What should I do if I am missing a prerequisite?

Prerequisite overrides are granted at the discretion of the instructor and cannot be approved by the Program Office. Please contact the instructor before your enrolment appointment.

If you receive permission from the instructor, please include a copy of their email granting permission, along with your 8-digit student number, in your email to the Program Office (lifesci@queensu.ca) so that permission can be added for you to self-enrol in the course.

Please note that instructors cannot override waitlists or reserve seats.

How do I determine my level of standing?

Your level of standing is determined by the number of passed units completed:

0.0–23.9 units: Level 1
24.0–47.9 units: Level 2
48.0–83.9 units: Level 3
84.0 units and above: Level 4

How do I register for an online section of a course?

To view online sections of a course, ensure that you are filtering your search results in SOLUS to the “Undergraduate Online” course career.

Are syllabi available to view?

Course details can be found on each course page.

You can also check for syllabi from previous years in the SyllabusBank

I can’t find the course I want to take in SOLUS. What should I do?

Be sure to check both the “Undergraduate” and “Undergraduate Online” career options in SOLUS to ensure that you are seeing all courses offered this year. Uncheck the “Show open classes only” box to see whether a class is full and if a waitlist is available.

Some courses are only offered in one term, so be sure to check both the Fall and Winter offerings.

Some courses are not offered every year. If a course appears in the Academic Calendar but is not listed in SOLUS under either career option, it is not being offered this year.

How do I request transfer credits for my high school IB, AP, GCE, or CEGEP courses?

Students entering their first year at Queen’s who have previously completed high school courses that may be eligible for transfer credit will typically be assessed automatically, provided that the appropriate transcripts or scores were submitted in July. Transfer credits should appear on transcripts by the end of the summer.

More information on transfer credits can be found here.

I need help with course registration. What should I do?

You can find more information in the “Student Registration Guide”

If you need further assistance navigating SOLUS, please contact solus@queensu.ca.

Where should I look for extracurricular opportunities?

Find an AMS Club that peaks your interest and become a member.
Sign up for an Intramural team with friends or floormates. You can also sign up as a free agent and join teams looking for additional players!!
Watch the Life Sciences Department Student Council’s Instagram for executive and council member opportunities
Volunteer or work with the Arts and Science Undergraduate Society (ASUS)
The Queen’s Athletics & Recreation Center (ARC) offers many fitness classes for students to get involved and stay active.

How does the Life Sciences DSC provide extracurricular opportunities for students?

The Life Sciences DSC hires executive members in May, and Social and Prospective Student Facilitator committee members in early fall semester.

The Life Sciences Department Student Council creates Intramural teams exclusively for Life Sciences students every semester.

Keep an eye on the DSC Intagram for ways to get involved!

How can I meet other students in the Life Sciences program?

Attend events held by the Life Sciences DSC, including yoga classes, fundraisers, and our annual Life Sciences Formal held in late February/Early March. Details on all upcoming events can be found here.

How can I meet other students outside of the Life Sciences Program?

The Arts and Science Undergraduate Society (ASUS) represents students in the whole Faculty of Arts and Science. ASUS holds several events throughout the year with the goal of bringing students across our large faculty together. Stay tuned for upcoming events here.
Additionally, you can sign up for many clubs/extracurriculars through the AMS or the ARC where you can meet students from all faculties & programs!
Talk to your classmates, especially in your first and second year classes and electives

All information regarding research projects can be found on the Research Projects tab of this website.

Where can I find available research positions?

Look at faculty websites such as the Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences and read about professors’ research.
Make a list of those that interest you.
Search Omni on the Queen’s Library website to read more about their publications.
Send respectful and personalized emails to the professors whose research interests you and inquire about research positions in their lab.
Don’t be discouraged! This process can be difficult and take time.

What is a LISC 594/595 project?

Life Sciences Major students who wish to complete fewer than 12.0 units of research may complete an Independent Study (LISC 594/595) with approval by the Director of Life Sciences. These projects can be in any research area directly related to the Life Sciences (e.g. Cancer, Public Health Sciences, Microbiology, Neuroscience, Pathology, Pharmacology, Physiology, Reproductive Development etc.)

594 projects are worth 3.0 units and last one semester
595 projects are worth 6.0 units and last two semesters.
The expectation is that approximately 10 hours per week is spent on the research project.

What is a 598/599 project?

The 598/599 (formerly 499) projects are offered by the Life Sciences program for SSP and Major students. These are worth 12.0 units and last for two semesters. The expectation is that 20 hours per week is spent on the research project (e.g. in-lab, writing, reading, etc.).

These projects must fall within one of the following research areas: BCHM, BMED, CANC, EPID, GLPH, IDIS, MICR, NSCI, PATH, PHAR, PHGY, or REPD.

What is a DISC 598/599 project?

DISC 598/599 (Discovery Lab Research Projects) are team-based research courses completed over two semesters (12.0 units). Unlike an independent research project, students work in small groups under the supervision of a faculty member to design and carry out a research project while gaining hands-on experience in scientific research, teamwork, and problem-solving.

Learn more about the application process here

How do I find a supervisor for my research project?

If you are interested in doing a research project, there are many different ways to find a supervisor!

Talk to your professors after class; if they have a research lab, you can ask about their lab, what kind of research they do, and ask if they are taking on new students. Always send a formal email as well to communicate your interest.

Look at faculty websites such as the Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences and read about professors’ research to find labs that you may be interested in.

Talk to your Teaching Assistants or upper year classmates to ask about their research and the labs they are working/studying in.

How do I discover what areas of research I am interested in?

Pay attention to the different subjects that are taught in second year courses like cardiovascular sciences and reproduction in physiology, and microbiology.

Use option courses to explore multiple course fields and find your interest.

What courses can help prepare me for research?

Students may find the following courses helpful in preparing for future research opportunities:

Statistics courses - 200 level or above
MICR 290
LISC 391

Academics