Dean's Message

Welcome to Kwantlen's Division of Science, Mathematics and Applied Sciences website

Since 1981 Kwantlen’s Division of Science, Mathematics and Applied Sciences has offered preparatory and foundational science and mathematics to thousands of students, the majority of whom have gone on to complete baccalaureate degrees in Science or Engineering, gained entry into medicine or other areas of health science, or used their learning experience to advance their studies in another field at UBC, SFU, UVic or elsewhere. SFU research consistently reports that students who transfer to complete their degree perform at least as well as students who enter directly to the degree-granting university. UBC studies comment that transfer students are more engaged in their studies than direct entries; they are more likely to ask questions and participate in discussion; they are more satisfied with the courses they pick, and they generally work harder in them. I think it clearly demonstrates that the B.C. transfer system is working, and speaks highly of the dedicated group of faculty, laboratory instructors and lab technicians here at Kwantlen.

In 2008 we officially became a university – a polytechnic university, in fact. We are therefore revising our mission for the Division of Science, Mathematics and Applied Sciences, and are presently constructing baccalaureate degrees in the sciences, health science and sustainability science. We will continue our role as a transfer institution for students wishing to complete their Bachelor of Science elsewhere, and indeed, we do not wish to replicate at this time in our history degrees offered by UBC or SFU. We hope, however, that many of our students as well as students elsewhere will acknowledge the advantages Kwantlen has to offer, with small class sizes and enthusiastic faculty, and choose to enroll in our new degrees.

As a polytechnic university, our degree programs will intentionally have a career focus in addition to providing the rigour of academic and practical learning demanded of a science degree. All degrees in science at Kwantlen will posses as underlying principles an applied focus; an ethics and social responsibility element; an entrepreneurial base; ample provision of problem solving, analytical and employability skills; and a research component. A Bachelor of Science: Major in Applied Psychology has been granted internal approval and awaits Ministry approval. It is hoped that the package of degrees will commence September 2010.

I firmly believe that our degrees will serve market niches that are in growing demand for graduates, and that our successes and experiences as a transfer institution have prepared us well for our transition as a degree-granting university within the sciences.

Our two-year co-op Environmental Protection Technology program provides a valuable alternative in the sciences for students who are concerned about our environment, and seek a shorter educational pathway to a practical career that helps preserve our fragile planet. Pathways exist for these graduates to add two more years to baccalaureate degrees and beyond.

I encourage you to check out the programs offered through our School of Horticulture, with their increased focus on sustainability in pest management, landscaping, turf management, green roof technology, urban-rural interfacing, and organic gardening. The School’s Institute for Sustainable Horticulture (ISH), their leading-edge research arm, is the result of a partnership of academia with the province’s local communities and horticultural industries to explore higher levels of sustainability and environmental responsibility in horticulture, silviculture, forestry, and urban landscape practices.

You have everything to gain in coming to Kwantlen to begin your educational and career venture, and if you put the required effort into your studies and seek help from faculty, lab staff, educational advisors and counselors as and when you need it, you will succeed.

Brian G. Carr, Ph.D.
Dean of Science and Horticulture

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