Program Overview

General Arts and Science – Science and Engineering Preparation – Ontario Tech University

Overview

Designed for individuals interested in science and engineering programs at Ontario Tech University, this eight-month program strengthens the foundational science, math, and communications skills needed in the post-secondary environment. Students will refine essential academic skills and develop foundational knowledge in the areas of science, mathematics, and communication, which are necessary for admission into future post-secondary programs. Some General Arts and Science courses may also be transferable to other post-secondary programs. This pathway has the added benefit of helping students become better acquainted with post-secondary life, workload, and expectations.

Intakes and Availability

• Date: September 2025
• Domestic Availability: Open
• International Availability: Open

Admission Requirements

• Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or Mature Student Status
• Grade 12 English (C or U)

Are you missing admission requirements? We are here to help.

• Durham College (DC) offers pre-admission assessment testing to mature domestic applicants to meet admission requirements in English and/or math.
• Domestic applicants that are 19 years of age or older as of the start date of their program, and who do not have the required program credit(s) i.e., Grade 12 English and/or Grade 12 math are eligible to take an admissions assessment test.
• Learn more about how to book Pre-Admission Assessment Testing here.
• DC also offers Academic Upgrading. Courses are FREE and designed to help you meet the admissions requirements for this program. Available to individuals 18+, these courses are offered on-campus at DC. Boost your qualifications with:
  • Grade 12 Math (MAP4C equivalent)
  • Grade 12 English (ENG4C equivalent)
  • Grade 11 Biology (SBI3C equivalent)
  • Grade 12 Chemistry (SCH4C equivalent)

Tuition

• Year one domestic: $2,722 (CAD)
• Year one international: $15,309 (CAD)

Semester 1 Courses

• Biology I (BIOL 1301)
• Chemistry I (CHEM 1301)
• Communication Foundations (COMM 1100)
• Pre-Calculus (MATH 1319)
• Physics I (PHYS 1302)
• Foundations for Academic Success (PREP 1100)

Career Options

As a graduate, you can pursue employment opportunities or further your studies in another diploma, advanced diploma, or degree program.

Program Details

This pathway is specifically designed for individuals interested in pursuing science and engineering programs at Ontario Tech University. Students will have opportunities to refine their science, mathematics, and communications competencies as well as sharpen academic skillsets – foundational capabilities that are necessary for future academic success in various science and engineering-related fields. Some General Arts and Science courses may also be transferable to other post-secondary programs.

During this two-semester program, students will complete 13 courses, including Preparing for Academic Success, Communications, Computers, Chemistry, Biology, Physics, and Math.

Program Learning Outcomes

1. Design ongoing strategies and plans for personal, academic, and career development.
2. Acquire specific academic skills which are needed for success in a future program of studies.
3. Develop, through general knowledge gained in a wide range of subjects, insight into both self and society.
4. Extend flexibility and clarity of both thought and expression in order to increase communications competence to a level required by business and industry.
5. Understand and utilize critical thinking processes and problem-solving techniques
6. Examine and evaluate various aspects of our changing society to assist in developing a sense of personal and social responsibility as a citizen in society.

Courses

Semester 1

• Biology I (BIOL 1301)
• Chemistry I (CHEM 1301)
• Communication Foundations (COMM 1100)
• Pre-Calculus (MATH 1319)
• Physics I (PHYS 1302)
• Foundations for Academic Success (PREP 1100)

Semester 2

• Biology II (BIOL 2301)
• Chemistry II (CHEM 2301)
• Technical Writing Strategies (COMM 2735)
• Computers for Science and Engineering (COMP 2410)
• Calculus (MATH 2404)
• Vectors (MATH 2405)
• Physics II (PHYS 2300)

Course Delivery

• Hybrid: Part of the course is delivered online, remotely, and part is in-person on campus within a classroom, lab, shop, or studio.

Costs

• The fees below are estimates only based on information available at the time of publication, and do not include the cost of textbooks. There may be additional costs; however, not all courses require textbooks.

General Arts and Science - Science and Engineering Preparation - Ontario Tech University Year 1 Costs

• Semester 1:
  • Tuition: $1,361.02
  • Program Fee: $0
  • Ancillary Fee: $493.77
  • DCSA Ancillary Fee: $430
  • Total: $2,284.79
• Semester 2:
  • Tuition: $1,361.02
  • Program Fee: $0
  • Ancillary Fee: $493.77
  • DCSA Ancillary Fee: $120
  • Total: $1,974.79

Program Transfer, Degree Completion, and Additional Credentials

Qualified graduates can apply to various science and engineering programs at Ontario Tech and may also be eligible to apply their academic credits towards further study through Durham College’s partnerships with many Canadian and international colleges and universities.

Tech Requirements

To help students have the best remote learning experience possible, Durham College’s IT Services department has identified technology recommendations for each program based on course needs and software requirements. While not required, students may want to consider these suggestions if they are purchasing a computer or laptop for the upcoming academic year.

• Processor: i3
• RAM: 4GB
• Storage: 256GB SSD
• Operating System: Microsoft Windows 10 Professional or Education x64 SP1
• Internet Browser: Google Chrome (newest version) or Firefox (newest version)
• Network Adapter: 802.11ac 2.4/5 GHz wireless adapter
• Camera: Webcam/built-in camera
• Internet connection