University Sciences Diploma
About the University Sciences Diploma
Science is at the core of innovation in today’s modern world. In the University Sciences Diploma program, curiosity and critical thinking are nurtured and encouraged. You’ll learn to apply practical knowledge to the world around you through observation and experimentation. Your scientific aspirations will come to life in this program as you question, experiment and hypothesize your way through a range of disciplines.
As a University Sciences student, you’ll conduct scientific research right here in central Alberta, explore current and relevant scientific topics and perform modern experiments in our labs. This program emphasizes contemporary concepts and practical scientific skills applicable to both field and laboratory settings. With an initial specialization in Biological Sciences, you will explore topics ranging from the level of molecules and cells to that of organisms, communities and populations.
This program opens the doors to various pathways in biological sciences. You will have the opportunity for transition into the final two years of a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences degree. You will also have the option for admission to professional schools requiring a minimum of two years of undergraduate studies, and for entry into the workforce in biology-related fields.
Work-integrated Learning
Work-integrated learning opportunities will depend on the area of focus you choose. Learn more about the many types of experiential learning opportunities available at Red Deer Polytechnic through the Career Education and Experience Development Centre.
Further Study
The University Sciences Diploma provides numerous transfer pathways. An advisor can help you select the right course to continue in one of the following University Transfer programs, or to pursue another path.
Students have the ability to transfer to a multitude of institutions after one or two years of study at Red Deer Polytechnic. For institutions within Alberta, transfer agreements exist, and students can see how RDP courses transfer to specific universities using the Transfer Alberta website.
For students looking to transfer outside of Alberta, there are many possibilities. While no formal transfer agreements exist outside of Alberta, the Bachelor of Science program is quite versatile and easily transferable.
University Transfer: Bachelor of Science in Agriculture
The Red Deer Polytechnic program is a modified first year of study that provides credit for the first year of Bachelor of Science in Agriculture focusing on transfer to the University of Alberta. It is strongly recommended that you apply for transfer after one year of study at RDP.
Graduates in this field play an important role in discussing and solving ecological problems. This involvement is found in many areas of the work force such as inspectors, administrators or researchers with provincial and federal government, industrial and commercial industries or as self-employed farmers and ranchers.
University Transfer: Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry
RDP offers one year of study towards a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry. There is a broad range of science courses in the program, allowing for easy transfer to other programs. These include Chemistry, various Biology programs, and some pre-professional programs.
Graduates in this field can become technologists in pure and applied research and clinical biochemistry in government or hospital laboratories. You can also work in industrial laboratories in areas such as food technology and the drug industry as a researcher, analytical control or developmental worker.
University Transfer: Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences
Red Deer Polytechnic offers two years of study towards the RDP Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences or the option to transfer to a university to complete the final two years of study.
University Transfer: Bachelor of Science in Chemistry
RDP offers a one-year transfer program designed to help you get started working towards a general science degree in Chemistry.
Graduates from the field may become Chemists that conduct research to develop new or improved materials, compounds and substances. You can work in a wide variety of industries, including chemical, petrochemical, pharmaceutical, mineral, metal, pulp and paper, manufacturing, utilities, health, education and government.
University Transfer: Bachelor of Science in Environmental and Conservation Science
RDP offers a one-year transfer program designed to help you get started working towards a degree in Environmental and Conservation Sciences.
Bachelor of Science in Environmental and Conservation Sciences is for students interested in environmental and conservation issues. Graduates have a strong background in both the basic and applied sciences. You are able to evaluate effects of human land use on plant, soil, water, animal, and human resources and to assess and facilitate conservation, reclamation, and remediation measures for natural and damaged ecosystems. You are not only reactive but also agents for positive, responsible stewardship and change.
The program produces graduates who are capable decision makers on issues of environmental concern in government or industry. You are employed in a range of environmental jobs.
University Transfer: Bachelor of Science in General Science
RDP offers a modified one-year transfer program designed to help students get started working towards a degree in General Science.
University Transfer: Bachelor of Science in Human Ecology
RDP offers a modified one-year transfer program designed to help students get started working towards a degree in Human Ecology.
Graduates in this field find careers in clothing and textiles as designers, museum conservation and curators, fashion business managers and many more.
University Transfer: Bachelor of Science in Mathematics/Statistics
RDP offers a one-year transfer program designed to help students get started working towards a degree in Mathematics or Statistics.
Graduates find careers in many fields such as business, government, teaching and private consulting.
University Transfer: Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Food Science
RDP offers one year of study toward Bachelor of Science Nutrition and Food Sciences.
Nutrition and Food Science involves applying basic sciences (Chemistry, Biology, Biochemistry, and Microbiology) to the processing, preservation, and distribution of food. Graduates will find work in all aspects of the food handling industry.
University Transfer: Bachelor of Science in Physics
RDP offers a one-year transfer program designed to help students get started working towards a degree in Physics.
Graduates find careers as Condensed Matter Physicists, Industrial and Applied Physicists, Atomic and Molecular Physicists, Geophysicists, Particle Physicists, Medical Physicists, Mathematical Physicists, Astronomers, Meteorologists and Optical Physicists.
Physicists are involved in the development of such products as the CANDU reactor and the computer-aided Magnetic Resonance Imaging (M.R.I.) technology. Some physicists provide weather-forecasting services, monitor the environment, and teach physics.
University Transfer: Bachelor of Science in Physiology
RDP offers one-year of studies toward Honors BSc Physiology at University of Alberta.
Graduates find careers as Research Assistants in Government Biological Laboratories, Pharmaceutical Laboratories, Clinical Investigation and Medical Research Units in Hospitals. This program can also prepare you for a career in medicine.
University Transfer: Bachelor of Science in Pre-professional Chiropractic
The Pre-Professional Chiropractic program at Red Deer Polytechnic is essentially the first year of a Bachelor of Science degree. There are many different Chiropractic schools, all with varying entrance requirements. Some schools require specific courses, while others require a certain number of post-secondary years completed.
University Transfer: Bachelor of Science in Pre-professional Dentistry
Pre-Professional Programs at RDP are starting points to help students understand, and work towards, future admission into programs such as the Doctor of Dental Surgery program (DDS) at the University of Alberta.
University Transfer: Bachelor of Science in Pre-professional Medicine
Pre-Professional Programs at RDP are starting points to help students understand, and work towards, future admission into programs such as the Doctor of Medicine (DM).
University Transfer: Bachelor of Science in Pre-professional Optometry
During these first two years of a Bachelor of Science degree, we provide you with a starting point to keep your eyes (and mind) focused on a rewarding career as a Doctor of Optometry. This program is specifically tailored to help you work towards admission at the University of Waterloo, the only Canadian institution to offer this program.
University Transfer: Bachelor of Science in Pre-professional Pharmacy
Pre-Professional Programs at RDC are starting points to help students understand, and work towards, future admission into programs such as the Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) program.
University Transfer: Bachelor of Science in Pre-professional Veterinary Medicine
Pre-Professional Programs at RDP are starting points to help students understand, and work towards, future admission into programs such as the University of Calgary Veterinary Medicine program (UCVM).
Related Careers
The proposed diploma program will prepare graduates for several distinct paths. Following the completion of their diploma, students will be able to complete their studies in an undergraduate Bachelor of Science program, pursue admission into a professional program, or enter directly into the workforce. The biological sciences are integral to a variety of disciplines and lead to diverse career paths. As such, graduates with a University Science diploma program may pursue entry-level employment in numerous sectors: health, energy, agriculture, forestry, industry, and education.
The proposed diploma program may appeal to learners seeking an additional post-secondary credential. For example, secondary school teachers may be interested in this diploma to increase the courses they are able to instruct while employees in a variety of sectors may see a benefit to increasing their scientific knowledge.
Meet the Faculty
At Red Deer Polytechnic we are proud of our faculty members and staff who are experts in their disciplines and subject areas.
Domestic Intakes
Winter 2025 - Open
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Spring 2025 - Open
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Fall 2025 - Open
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International Intakes
Winter 2025 - Closed
- Application window:
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- Registration start date:
- Fee payment deadline:
- First day of classes:
Spring 2025 - Open
- Application window:
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- Registration start date:
- Fee payment deadline:
- First day of classes:
Fall 2025 - Open
- Application window:
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- Registration start date:
- Fee payment deadline:
- First day of classes:
NOTES:
- International students have to pay their tuition deposit to receive their letters of acceptance
- Important dates may change
Program CIP: 26.0101
Admission Requirements
Admission requirements for specific programs will often refer to Alberta Grade 12 course groups. Visit the Admission Requirements page for detailed group descriptions.
International Students: If you are an international student or have completed your high school education outside of Alberta, please refer to our International Course Equivalencies page for information on how your coursework may align with our admission requirements.
Eligibility for admission to the University Sciences Diploma program at Red Deer Polytechnic requires applicants to meet minimum academic requirements. Qualified applicants who meet all minimum requirements will be offered admission on a first-come, first-served basis.
Academic Requirements
The proposed program of study will use the same courses as the first two years of the Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences degree. As such, the admission requirements for the two programs are identical.
Students applying to University Sciences must have a minimum average of 60% with no mark below 50% in:
Biology 30, or equivalent
Chemistry 30, or equivalent
ELA 30-1, or equivalent
Mathematics 30-1, or equivalent
For international students requiring academic upgrading or missing equivalencies to the required courses, an alternative pathway will allow them to take necessary courses to satisfy the admission requirements while still completing the program within two years.
Additional Requirements
English Language Proficiency
Applicants who declare English as first language are exempt from ELP requirements. Applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate English Language Proficiency (ELP) for admission to credit programs by providing official documentation to the Office of the Registrar at international.admissions@rdpolytech.ca or by regular mail, after an online application has been submitted. All ELP tests must have been obtained within two years of the date their program starts. ELP requirements are in addition to the other admission requirements noted above.
Program Cost
These costs are an estimate of tuition based on the recommended course load per year, additional fees apply.
These costs are an estimate of tuition based on the recommended course load per year, additional fees apply.
Financial Aid Options
Student life can be very expensive, and few individuals have enough money to pay up-front for their post-secondary education.
Program Content
View our course guide for additional program and course information.
Program Courses
Graduation Requirements
General requirements:
60 course credits
minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 with a grade of at least "D" in each course
students must meet RDP residency requirements
Specific credit requirements:
45 course credits in Science:
7 junior level courses (BIOL 217, BIOL 218, CHEM 211, CHEM 212, MATH 202, PHYS 205, STAT 251)
3 senior level courses (BIOC 393, CHEM 351, SCIE 301)
5 senior level BIOL courses
3 course credits in a Wellness Studies elective
3 course credits in an Indigenous Studies elective
9 course credits in Arts and Humanities:
ENGL 219
Humanities elective
Social Science elective
Note: Humanities electives can be selected from university-level courses in the following: Classics, English, History, Philosophy, specific Fine Arts (Acting, Creative Art, Drama, Music or Visual Art) or General Humanities.
Continuing and Professional Education
Further your career by advancing your existing skills through flexible courses, micro-credentials and programs.