Science and Financial Management

The best of both worlds

Science fuels breakthroughs, but without financial strategies, even the best ideas can stay stuck in the lab. Science and Financial Management (ScFM) lets you explore the scientific fields that excite you while learning how to make it happen. You won't just spark change, you'll learn how to fund, scale and bring ideas to life. Whether it's helping biotech startups bring life-saving treatments to market or securing funding for the next renewable energy solution, ScFM bridges the gap between scientific innovations and the strategies that drive global solutions forward.

This innovative program is a joint initiative between the School of Accounting and Finance and the Faculty of Science.

Courses

In ScFM, you’ll gain a strong foundation in accounting, finance and business decision-making while developing skills in analytical thinking, problem-solving and collaboration. Through your courses and hands-on experiences, you’ll learn how to apply these skills in scientific contexts, preparing you to translate discoveries into market-ready solutions. Technology and AI are woven throughout, giving you the tools to work with data and make smarter, evidence-based decisions.

You’ll also specialize in two areas. First, choose a science focus such as Biotechnology, Earth and Water Science, or Physics of Systems and Energy. Then, pair it with a business path like Professional Accountant (CPA bound), Financial Markets (CFA bound), or Business Analytics.

Sample first-year courses:

Fall term

Analytical Methods for Business 1

Foundations for Financial Reporting

Intro Cell Biology

Winter term

Intro to Global Capital Markets 

Foundations for Management Accounting

Genetics

The business side of science

See how combining scientific knowledge with accounting and finance can help you drive change, tackle global challenges and build a career that matters.

Biotechnology

Biotech sparks breakthroughs like life-saving medicine, sustainable materials and resilient crops, but bringing scientific innovation to life takes more than science. With accounting and finance, plus an understanding of the science behind innovation, you can fund research, navigate regulations and bring ideas to market responsibly.

Earth and Water Science

Our planet depends on natural systems like the water cycle, climate and ecosystems to stay balanced and healthy. With knowledge of these systems and strong skills in accounting and finance, you can fund clean water projects, support green policies and build sustainable strategies that protect the environment for the future.

Physics of Systems and Energy

Explore how energy moves through systems, from power grids to the human body. It powers progress in aerospace, healthcare and tech. With accounting and finance and a strong understanding of the science of physics, you can support startups, manage funding and help scale breakthrough technologies that make a lasting difference.

Co-op: Experience that pays

With a 100% co-op success rate, you’ll bridge the gap between lab and boardroom by taking on roles like financial analyst at a biotech firm, accounting assistant at a startup or corporate finance intern in healthcare. Your combined science and financial management expertise prepares you for diverse careers in both fields, alongside traditional accounting and finance roles within the Big Four firms and top organizations.

Community

In ScFM, you’re part of a unique and inclusive community that mixes science, accounting and finance. Connect with peers, faculty members, staff and mentors from both the Faculty of Science and SAF. Through clubs and events, you’ll collaborate across disciplines and gain the skills to solve problems no one else can.