SIS Open Courses

In this course, students learn and practice the basics of effective written, visual and oral science communication. They create written reports and summaries, graphics and data visualizations, short talks and other communications on a range of scientific topics. They also engage with the growing field of science communication research.

Lecture (two hours), tutorials (two hours); one term

Prerequisite(s): Registration in Level II or above
Antirequisite(s): ISCI 1A24 A/B

This course may be offered in-person or online. Students are encouraged to check scheduling information and the course outline to confirm the course offering details.

In this course, students apply principles of inclusive science communication to engage diverse audiences with science and its applications. Students explore different audiences, purposes and venues for science communication, critique poor science communication, and create text and visuals that inform and inspire.

Lectures (two hours), virtual tutorials (two hours); one term

Prerequisite(s): ISCI 1A24A/B or LIFESCI 2AA3 or SCICOMM 2A03 and registration in Level III or above
Cross-list(s): LIFESCI 3P03

Life Sciences students interested in this offering should refer to LIFESCI 3P03.

In this course, students practice communicating science in different formats for varied professional audiences, such as other scientists, clinicians, investors, regulatory bodies and policymakers. They also critically analyze how professional science communication can influence public perceptions of science.

Lectures (two hours), virtual tutorials (one hour); one term

Prerequisite(s): LIFESCI 2AA3 or SCICOMM 2A03 and registration in Level III or above of an Honours program
Antirequisite(s): ISCI 2A18A/B
Cross-list(s): LIFESCI 3PP3

Life Sciences students interested in this offering should refer to LIFESCI 3PP3.

Interdisciplinary Sciences Field Camp

An interdisciplinary field camp experience to introduce students to field investigations, equipment and methodologies used by a range of professionals including ecologists, earth and environmental scientists. Most of this course occurs outside the regular academic term, usually within the two weeks following the end of term in April or within the two weeks preceding the start of term in September.

Spring 2026 EXPLORE 3IS3: Iceland Field Camp Presentation (Information session)

Spring 2026 Application form: EXPLORE 3IS3 Iceland Field Trip

(Application deadline Friday Dec 5, 23:59 pm)

EXPLORE-3IS3 course outline

Students enrolling in this course must pay both the incidental fees as prescribed by the School of Interdisciplinary Science (SIS) and the regular tuition fees. Students intending to enrol in this course must submit an application by December 5th, 2025.

Prerequisite(s): Registration in Level II or above of an Honours Program in the Faculty of Science or Arts & Science program; and permission of the instructor
Co-requisite(s): Credit or registration in EXPLORE 3IS0
Antirequisite(s): ISCI 3IS3, SCIENCE 3IS3

EXPLORE 3IS3 may be repeated, if on a different topic.
Enrolment is limited.

Designed to prepare students for their university careers through the introduction to the people, academic programs, resources and attitudes needed during their undergraduate studies. Course content is taught through in-class sessions and mini-projects and will focus on investigating science through research to explore the opportunities and experiences available to students in the Faculty of Science.

Lecture (two hours), tutorial (three hours); one term

Prerequisite(s): Registration in one of Chemical and Physical Sciences Gateway, Environmental and Earth Sciences Gateway, Life Sciences Gateway, or Mathematics and Statistics Gateway