Students who need 97–120 credits (four years) to complete their degree requirements must register in the Science Freshman/Foundation Year program, which is designed to provide the basic science foundation for their subsequent three-year liberal, major, or honours program. For a detailed description of the Science Freshman/Foundation Year program, consult Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) - Freshman/Foundation Year (30 credits) and, importantly, the Accepted Student website for Science students.

Students who have completed the Diploma of College Studies, Advanced Placement exams, Advanced Levels, the International Baccalaureate, the French Baccalaureate, or McGill placement examinations may receive exemption and/or credit for all or part of the basic science courses in biology, chemistry, mathematics, and physics. Similarly, students who have completed courses at other universities or colleges may receive exemptions and/or credits. Consult mcgill.ca/transfercredit/prospective for more information.