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Faculty of Science
UNB Fredericton

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Undergraduate programs

BSc programs

The Faculty of Science at the University of New Brunswick Fredericton Campus consists of five departments (Biology, Chemistry, Earth Sciences, Mathematics and Statistics, and Physics) that, together with departments from the Faculty of Arts, offer a wide variety of undergraduate BSc programs. Most of these programs can be taken with a co-op option.

“Physics is the most fundamental natural science, It examines basic concepts such as energy, force, and spacetime, and all that derives from these, such as mass, charge, matter and its motion. More broadly, it is the general analysis of nature, conducted in order to understand how the world and universe behave.

Physicists want to really understand how the world works and the applied physics degrees focuses on developments that depend on that understanding. The applied physics program incorporates practical physics courses (for example with applications in the energy and the electronics sectors), and allows room for electives in other Faculties such as Engineering and Computer Science.”

Possible career paths in physics

  • research and development
  • meteorology
  • marine science
  • industrial science
  • education and academia

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Biology is the study of living things and it deals with everything from the earliest evolution to the environmental protection of our world. It examines the physical and biological processes that affect the life and death of genes, cells, individuals, populations, species and ecosystems.

Possible career paths in biology

  • health professions
  • research and education
  • conservation
  • zoos, parks and aquariums
  • government

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The interdepartmental Biology-Chemistry Program combines courses from biology, chemistry, mathematics, and physics, as well as electives from other disciplines. The Pre-Health Profession stream is recommended for students who may enter a professional health program upon graduation (i.e. medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, optometry, veterinary medicine, etc.). The Comprehensive stream is recommended for students who may consider graduate studies or careers in the biochemistry, molecular biology, or pharmaceutical sectors.

Possible career paths in biology-chemistry

  • health professions
  • biochemist
  • pharmaceuticals
  • government

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Biology is a quantitative discipline and mathematics underpins all sub disciplines in biology. Students with a strong quantitative background are better positioned for graduate research. Areas in which mathematics and statistics are used extensively include all areas of ecology and evolution, bioinformatics, genomics, biochemistry, molecular biology, and systems biology.

Possible career paths in biology-mathematics/statistics

  • health professions
  • bioinformatics
  • biochemist
  • genomics
  • government

Learn more


Physical principles constrain the evolution and diversity of life. Current areas where physics features most prominently in biology include ecosystem ecology and global change biology, interactions of organisms with their physical environment, studies of metabolism and energy flux, and the physical principles of biological systems. Methodological applications such as isotope biology, and imaging also rely heavily on physical principles.

Possible career paths in biology-physics

  • health professions
  • bioinformatics
  • biomechanics
  • environmental sector
  • government

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Does the brain and its impact on behaviour and mental processes interest you? If so, our new and exciting Biology-Psychology Program might be what you are looking for!

Through this program, students will learn about the biological and psychological bases of brain-behaviour relationships by taking courses from both departments as part of a four-year Bachelor of Science (BSc).

Students will also learn about the diverse research approaches used in both departments through a variety of experiential learning activities, including hands-on laboratories, basic/independent research projects, specialized seminar courses, small discussion groups, and research theses (through the fourth-year Honours Program) in the areas of behavioural neuroscience, cell physiology, cognitive neuroscience/psychology, and neurobiology.

Possible career paths in biology-psychology 

The Biology-Psychology Program prepares students for future training, higher degrees, and careers in a wide range of scientific and health-related disciplines. This includes graduate studies in the neurosciences, biomedical sciences, and similar fields; medical school and other health-oriented professional programs; and employment opportunities in academic, institutional, government, and industry settings. 

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Chemistry is the study of the properties of the fundamental building blocks of matter, ranging in size from single hydrogen atoms to complex aggregates of biologically important species.

Chemists prepare new compounds and study their composition and structure. This activity, coupled with studies of the way in which chemical reactions occur, allows theories on chemical bonding and reaction to be formulated.

Possible career paths in chemistry

  • medicine
  • pharmaceuticals
  • genetics
  • product research
  • environmental protection

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This interdepartmental program provides a solid core of courses in both chemistry and physics. A BSc in this joint program would allow students to continue studies at the graduate level in either physics or physical chemistry.

Possible career paths in chemistry-physics

  • health professions
  • education and academia
  • government

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Earth sciences deal with the Earth: its interior make-up and surficial features (e.g., oceans, continents, glaciers, lakes), its formative and destructive processes, its age, and its history.

Earth scientists research natural hazards, such as landslides, earthquakes, floods and volcanic eruptions. They investigate groundwater, river and coastal erosion or flooding, sea- and lake-level rise and fall, and climate change. They discover and aid the environmentally responsible development of metallic minerals, salts, clay, sand, gravel and petroleum resources. Urban and land-use planning, and efforts to clean up our environment, require a sound knowledge of earth-science processes.

Possible career paths

  • resource exploration and development industries
  • energy (including renewables & storage) industries
  • site assessment & remediation
  • engineering, legal, and environmental organizations
  • government, education, and academia

To manage and sign-off on geoscience work for the above careers, students should take a program option that allows for professional registration after graduation.

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Combining courses in earth sciences and physics (commonly termed geophysics) develops a student's ability to use quantitative methods for the analysis and monitoring of physical processes and physical properties of the solid Earth; its gravitational and magnetic fields; its internal structure and composition; its groundwater systems; and its surrounding atmospheric and space environment.

Possible career paths in earth sciences and physics

  • resources and energy (including renewables & storage)
  • environmental impact assessment and site remediation
  • water management
  • oceanography
  • environmental geophysics

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Studying economics provides students with the structures, information and problem-solving skills to advance their understanding of our economy and society. Economics forces are pervasive in our lives, from the decisions we make as households to those made by government, non-governmental institutions and firms.

Possible career paths

  • banking and finance
  • accounting
  • government and academia

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Engineering Physics is a joint program between the Faculties of Engineering (Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering) and Science (Physics Department). The program, unique in Canada, is developed based on the national and regional industry demands and the expertise of UNB. While studying here you will receive a solid foundation of theoretical and applied science skills to prepare you for almost any career in the growing modern technology industry.

In the Engineering Physics program, you will choose between two streams of study: Space Systems Engineering or Optical Engineering. Some examples of topics include satellite and payload design, fiber-optic and radio communication systems, laser physics, and photonic devices.

Completing this program will prepare you for careers in industry or to pursue post-graduate degrees in Engineering or Physics.

Possible career paths

  • Space Systems Engineer/Scientist
  • Aerospace & Defense Engineer/Scientist
  • Optical Systems Engineer/Scientist
  • Communications Engineer
  • Electro-optic/Photonic Engineer/Scientist
  • Science & Energy Policy Writer
  • Patent Agent/Analyst

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The environmental geosciences provide students who have both earth science and either environmental or interdisciplinary interests with a background to pursue careers or graduate studies in environmentally related geoscience fields.

Students with interdisciplinary interests in earth sciences and chemistry can examine the chemistry of everything from surface and ground waters to magmas and rocks, and address environmental concerns relating to the extraction of mineral and energy resources.

Students with interests in earth sciences and biology can explore interactions between the biosphere and the environment; history and evolution of life on Earth; and use fossil tracers to reconstruct geological, environmental and climatic events.

Possible career paths in environmental geosciences

  • resources and energy (including renewables & storage)
  • environmental impact assessment and site remediation
  • water and waste treatment
  • oceanography, environmental geophysics
To manage and sign-off on geoscience work for the above careers, students should take a program option that allows for professional registration after graduation.

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The new Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science degree program provides students with a theoretical and experiential grounding in scientific principles pertaining to the earth’s environmental system.

As the program progresses, students advance to consider environmental issues from broader ethical, economic and social viewpoints while developing their own scientific interests with a more specific collection of required and elective courses.

These advanced science courses are tailored for students to graduate with a concentration in one of six areas:

  • Biological responses to the environment (biology focus)
  • Chemical environmental perspectives (chemistry focus)
  • Environmetrics (mathematics & statistics focus)
  • Responsible resource recovery (Earth sciences focus)
  • Sun-Earth interaction (physics focus)
  • Water-Earth interaction (Earth sciences focus)

Possible career paths in the environmental sciences

  • government and education
  • conservation and non-profits
  • meteorology and climatology
  • water and waste treatment
  • site mitigation and remediation
According to the non-profit organization ECO Canada, there will be over 57,000 net environmental job openings available in the natural and applied science fields between 2020 and 2029.

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Are you fascinated by the whole world—everything from biology to chemistry to physics—but don't want to be limited to just one area of study? Do you want a background in science that will lead to other professional programs?

The General Science Degree option offers broader exposure to more sciences and the program can be customized to meet your interests by concentrating on two areas of science while taking many electives.

Possible career paths in general science

  • education
  • scientific and technical writing
  • health sciences

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This program is designed for those students who are looking for some specialization in earth sciences or environmental geosciences, but who upon graduation are not planning for professional registration and a geoscience career in industry or government.

Possible career paths

  • geotourism and museum curatorship
  • conservation and non-profits
  • education
  • journalism

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Explore the mysteries of number theory, the geometry of curved spaces, areas with important applications in data security, computer design and cosmology.

Mathematics and statistics are at the core of many modern technological advances, from improvements in computers and electronics to better understanding the physical world around us.

For ages, mathematicians and statisticians have made invisible and unsung contributions to advancements in science and technology. In recent years, the contributions have become more numerous, and more visible in the workforce. More and more jobs require direct use of mathematics, and an increasing number of job titles are reflecting this.

Possible career paths in mathematics

  • astronomy
  • epidemiology
  • insurance/actuarial science
  • demography
  • professional sports management

Learn more


The combination of mathematics, statistics and economics is a natural one as students will see practical applications of mathematics and statistics in their economics courses and the rigorous techniques from mathematics will aid students in their problem-solving skills.

Possible career paths in mathematics/statistics-economics

  • banking and finance
  • insurance/actuarial science
  • government

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Both the Major and Honours versions of this option are demanding programs intended for strong students.

Possible career paths in mathematics/physics

  • research and development
  • meteorology and climatology
  • education and academia

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The Medicinal Chemistry Honours program is recommended for students pursuing graduate studies leading to careers in the health professions or the pharmaceutical industry.

Possible career paths in medicinal chemistry

  • health professions
  • biochemist
  • pharmaceuticals

Learn more


Physics is the most fundamental natural science, It examines basic concepts such as energy, force, and spacetime, and all that derives from these, such as mass, charge, matter and its motion. More broadly, it is the general analysis of nature, conducted in order to understand how the world and universe behave.

Physicists want to really understand how the world works, in every detail and at the deepest level. Physicists study questions facing today’s science and technology and are at the forefront of solutions for instrumentation, measurement techniques, and model development in many areas.

Possible career paths in physics

  • product research and development
  • meteorology
  • education and academia
  • computing
  • health sciences
  • education and academia

Learn more


Psychology specializes in the study of human (sometimes animal) behaviour, both normal and abnormal. It is the study of individual processes and relationships in a wide variety of contexts. Psychology courses are among the most popular ones for undergraduates.

Areas of research range widely and include human sexuality, depression, feminist perspectives, autism, women's studies, problem gambling, gender and laterality, pain assessment and management, infant and adolescent development, cultural psychology, self-concept and identity, bilingualism and cognitive neuroscience.

Possible career paths in psychology

  • psychologist
  • performance coach
  • mental health, medicine, social work and counselling
  • research
  • public relations and marketing

Learn more


Explore the mysteries of number theory, the geometry of curved spaces, areas with important applications in data security, computer design and cosmology.

Statistics and mathematics are at the core of many modern technological advances, from improvements in computers and electronics to better understanding the physical world around us.

For ages, mathematicians and statisticians have made invisible and unsung contributions to advancements in science and technology. In recent years, the contributions have become more numerous, and more visible in the workforce. More and more jobs require direct use of mathematics, and an increasing number of job titles are reflecting this.

Possible career paths in statistics

  • epidemiology
  • insurance/actuarial science
  • demography
  • government
  • professional sports management

Learn more


Joint programs

Arts and Science/Science and Computer Science (BA/BSc, BAS, BCS/BSc)

Pursue a joint degree in arts or computer science to earn an additional bachelor's degree and broaden your career opportunities.

Medical Laboratory Science

The degree of Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science (BMLS) is offered in partnership with the New Brunswick Community College in Saint John (NBCC-SJ). Enrolment is limited and based on availability of seats in the Medical Laboratory Technology (MLT) program at NBCC-SJ. Approval from the Dean of Science or the program director is required.

Science Early Admission Program

Our Science Early Admission Program is a unique pilot opportunity for high achieving students to enrol in the Bachelor of Science program after completing Grade 11. Enrolment is limited to students attending Fredericton High, Leo Hayes or Oromocto High.