Yes and No. Yes, Enriched Science classes explore some topics in more depth and there is a weekly seminar that students have to attend, but No, Enriched Science students are assessed just like regular science students. Enriched Science students write the same final exams as regular science students, so the final assessments are the same and departments make sure that Enriched and regular sections are equitable when it comes to grading. Enriched Science challenges you by enriching your learning experience and by making you part of a close-knit community of science keeners, but it is not harder when it comes to your grades.

Yes and No. Yes, there are more opportunities to engage in science than there are in the regular science program – for example you can more easily compete in competitions or hackathons, each week you will attend a seminar to hear from scientists, engineers and researchers on a variety of cool topics, and there are common free times in your schedule for weekly activities – but No there is nothing the you are required to do that means more work. Activities are voluntary and there is no work associated with the seminars – you just come and listen. Enriched Science is about giving you opportunities to more fully engage with science. It’s not about forcing you to do more.

No. The “R-Score”, which is used by universities to select candidates for admission, is calculated by comparing your grades to the average of all science students, including regular science.  Since lab work and final exams are common with regular science, and because the grade requirements to stay in Enriched are higher, the R-scores of Enriched Science students are usually quite high, and indeed are among the highest in the province.

Enriched Science students need to maintain a load of three science courses per term to remain in the profile. Students also need to maintain a minimum grade of 70% in all science and general education courses. Finally, students must attend the weekly seminars. If any of these requirements are not met, students will be transferred to regular science.

Enriched Science is treated the same way as regular science by universities.  This is why, to calculate the R-Score, your grades would be compared to the grades of all science students.  This is also why we hold common final exams. However, when applying for scholarships or when writing a CV, being in Enriched Science can be advantageous because the profile has a great reputation and it gives you opportunities to engage in the kinds of activities that employers, researchers and academics look for.

You should choose Enriched Science if you want opportunities to enhance your science education at Dawson. For example: If you want to hear from scientists, researchers and engineers about their work in a weekly seminar; if you want to engage in activities like hackathons, competitions and research projects, or; if you just want to learn more about cool things in science, then Enriched Science is for you. Enriched Science also lets you be a part of a smaller, tight-knit group of students – and there are all kinds of benefits from that: First, it’s a little easier to find like-minded students, to form study groups, and to socialize outside of class so it’s more fun to learn, and; Second, the opportunities to enrich your experience through activities with other keen science students means that you are better prepared for university and it means that you’ll have more to put on your cv. In the end, choose Enriched Science if you want a deeper, more engaging and a more stimulating science learning environment.