Just wondering if you are permitted to take 6 courses in first semester and than 4 in second semester as a second year Life Science student rather than 5 and 5?

Yes im pretty sure you can, don't see why not.

Pretty sure you need a 7.0 to do this.

7.0 SA of last review period.

your first term is going to be really busy.. why not 4 in term1 then 6 in term2? I always perform much better in 2nd term, hmm..maybe because there is reading week..best time to catch up =P

ps. overloading also takes time away from ..say volunteering and other club commitments

Are you guys sure this is overloading? It is still 30 units. I know someone who did this last year and didn't need a 7.0 SA and didn't have to get permission as far as I am aware. I know a lot of people who have taken 4 and 6 just because of what term courses were offered, so it is definitely possible if you are willing to put in a bit more effort one semester.

You can't. I couldn't because I don't have a 7.0 And it says it somewhere on the calendar...I'd look for it, but I'm studying.

If you're in 4th year, you don't need a 7.0 average to overload. You can take up to 36 units in order to graduate in time, regardless of your CA or SA. (At least that's what it is for Commerce)