Science Innovation Class (SCIE 4701/4702) 

Course Description

Applied Innovation in Science is a Dalhousie University capstone class for undergraduate students. This course introduces the process and mindsets around innovation and commercialization of science and technology.  

This full-year course, which spans both the fall and winter semesters, is taught in an experiential learning format. Teams work to develop and pitch a viable business model for a scientific solution to a real-world problem. Lectures, case studies, and guest presentations complement the course.  

Benefits of Taking the Course 

SCIE 4701/4702 is a course that provides a "deep dive" into the process of innovative entrepreneurship, as well as guided mentorship intended to prepare successful and committed teams to move on to the next steps, such as the SURGE Residency Program. It can also serve as a gateway for students to get involved in local startups, or even launch your own!

This course is also one of the components of the Certificate in Neurotechnology Innovation.

Requirements

Registration for the course is by permission of the instructor.  There are no specific prerequisite classes; however, it is encouraged that students have completed at least three full years (90 credit hours) of university study. Students are also encouraged to participate in SURGE events or other entrepreneurial experiences. 

Previous Class Project Focuses

2022/2023 Cohort:

  • Food box for international cuisine

  • Workshops for sports teams on concussions

  • Hospital waste disposal

2021/2022 Cohort:

  • A task app aimed at people with ADHD

  • Digitizing IPPs in public school

  • A platform for scientists to share their research in a more tangible way

  • Blockchain

  • An app for aphasia therapy

2020/2021 Cohort:

  • An app to make walking home at night safer

  • Mentorship program

  • Adjustable and customizable dog harness

2019/2020 Cohort:

  • Bioinformatics

  • Student Mental Health

  • Academic Advising

  • Science Communication

January 2019 Cohort:

  • Autism Spectrum Disorder

  • Health Care Accessibility for Rural Communities

Comments from Previous Students

“Aaron was a great prof for this class and made it very engaging. Bringing in a variety of speakers really helped me get a better understanding of what innovation and entrepreneurship looks like in the real world.”

— Student from 2019/2020 class

“I enjoyed the discussion session and how deconstructed they were. It encouraged inclusivity and the sharing of diverse opinions.”

— Student from 2018/2019 class

“Aaron helped guide us though a lot of really interesting material, as well as helped to continually improve and question our assumptions on how we thought our startup would work.”

— Student from 2018/2019 class

“Engaging conversations, innovative ways of learning topics, options to attend guest seminars through
SURGE.”

— Student from 2019/2020 class