Students can choose between 2 profiles in the Science Program: Health and Life Sciences and Pure and Applied Science. For each of these profiles, there is a corresponding Enriched option for students who wish to get involved in Science outside the classroom with additional learning opportunities.

All Science students, regardless of profile, take a total of 15 Science courses including 13 compulsory Science courses: 2 in biology, 2 in chemistry, 4 in mathematics, 3 in physics, 1 computer programming course and 1 multidisciplinary project. The differences between the profiles are in the sequence of Science courses and the selection of the two Science option courses and Integrative Project, which can either be taken as a package or chosen individually.

Students in Health and Life Sciences are guaranteed priority access to courses that are prerequisites for acceptance into medicine at university. Pure and Applied Sciences students may also take these medicine prerequisite courses if there is space.

Students within the Science Program must complete 1 Computer Science course, whereas students in the Science, Computer Science and Mathematics Program must complete 4 Computer Science courses.
While graduates of Health and Life Sciences and Pure and Applied Sciences (Enriched versions included) receive a diploma in Science, graduates of the new program receive a diploma in Science, Computer Science and Mathematics.

All profiles within the Science Program lead to a DEC in Science and thus to all science and engineering programs at university. Deciding between Health and Life Sciences and Pure and Applied, or deciding between regular and Enriched Science makes no difference when applying to university. They are great choices for students who are yet undecided about their future plans.

Science, Computer Science and Mathematics is a separate two-year pre-university program for those who already know they intend to study in one of these three areas at university. It does not include the prerequisites for students wishing to pursue medical professional university programs. It is the student’s responsibility to verify admission requirements directly with the university or program of interest.

Dawson calculates an overall average based on Secondary IV final and Secondary V midterm grades. For prerequisite courses, the Admissions Office looks at Secondary V midterms. If you are selected, you are sent a conditional offer of admission. In July, final grades are received from the Ministry of Education and reviewed to ensure you have obtained your high school diploma and maintained appropriate grades in prerequisite courses.

Admission to all Science profiles is very competitive. The number of students that Dawson can accept into the Science Program is limited, and admission averages change from year to year depending on the size and strength of the applicant pool.

Many students whose mother tongue is not English choose Dawson and find it an enriching experience. Dawson has numerous support services to ensure that you can improve your English and succeed in your courses. In particular, the Academic Skills Centre offers: Peer English Tutors, English Fluency Groups, individual consultations with a professional and help preparing for the English Exit Exam.

No. Being in Enriched Science does not disadvantage students when it comes to the R-Score.