First Year Program Guide - 2013/2014

First year program outlines

The following outlines were compiled from degree program information on individual department, school or faculty sections in the UVic Calendar. It is suggested that you review their program requirements in the calendar to see how the required/recommended first year courses relate to your overall program.

To browse through the outlines, start by selecting a faculty from the list below. You'll be able to switch between faculties and departments by using the drop-downs to the left.


Program outlines

Faculties with available outlines:

Format for
course listings

The program outlines specify required courses, suggested courses and electives, as well as secondary school prerequisites (if applicable) for most degree programs offered at UVic. Required courses are specified by a course title and number (e.g., CHEM 101 & 102). Unit values may be shown in brackets after the course number. When a pair of courses is shown, the number in brackets represents the combined unit value. Please note that you may have a choice of required courses (e.g., PHYS 110/111 or 102) within a particular area of study, depending on which secondary school course(s) you took as prerequisites. You should choose your electives from the list of courses recommended for first year students, based on your interests.

Course units
& duration

Classes are offered on a sessional basis. Winter Session runs from September through April. It is made up of Fall term (Sept-Dec) and Spring term (Jan-April). A normal full-time course load in Winter Session is 15 units, which is equivalent to five courses per term. Most 3.0 unit courses run across both terms, from September through April, and most 1.5 unit courses run for one term only (Fall or Spring). Students may select full-year, half-year or a combination of full and half-year courses when preparing their course selection. Students may elect to study on a full-time or a part-time basis.

Minimum
course load

Some programs require students to be enrolled in a minimum number of units during the Winter Session. Students should refer to the calendar entries of individual faculties for information. Students should note that Canada Student Loans require enrolment in at least 4.5 units for credit (3 units for students with a permanent disability), excluding duplicate and/or mutually exclusive course work, in each term of the Winter Session.

Frequent
questions

When do I register for courses?

When do I register for courses?

Registration for Winter session begins in late June/early July. You can view your registration access date through My Page.

How do I register for courses?

How do I register for courses?

Follow the online instructions on the Registration 101 site or contact the Registration Help Lines if you're stuck. The help lines are available Monday to Friday 8:30 – 4:30 (Pacific Time). The numbers are 250-721-8142 and 250-721-8143 or you can contact them by e-mail at reghelp@uvic.ca. Students should contact their department if they have prerequisite issues.

What is an elective?

What is an elective?

An elective is a course which is not a specific program requirement, but which is counted towards the minimum units required for a degree. Electives can be chosen from any department or faculty as long as the course is not restricted to a specific program.

What are 1.5 units? 15 units? How many courses should I have?

What are 1.5 units? 15 units? How many courses should I have?

Generally, a full year course is 3.0 units, though a 3.0 unit course may be offered in an intensive format within a single term (e.g. FRAN 180). A term course is usually 1.5 units. An academic session of 15 units is roughly equivalent to 5 courses per term.

When should I register for Second Term Courses (Jan-Apr)?

When should I register for Second Term Courses (Jan-Apr)?

As most courses fill to capacity quickly, it is recommended that you register for first term, second term and full year courses as soon as you are eligible. Note that you are able to register in courses (space permitting) up until September 20 for fall term courses and January 24 for spring term courses.

Do I have to register for labs? Tutorials?

Do I have to register for labs? Tutorials?

If a lab or tutorial section is listed for a course in the timetable, you must register for it at the same time as you register for the lecture section. Lecture sections begin with an ‘A', lab sections begin with a ‘B' and tutorials begin with a ‘T'. If there is more than one section of a lab or tutorial, choose the one which best fits your timetable, unless otherwise specified.

Can I schedule two classes right after each other?

Can I schedule two classes right after each other?

Yes. Even if they are across campus, there are 10 minute breaks between classes. (In other words, a class from 1:30 - 2:30 ends at 2:20).

When will I know my examination timetable?

When will I know my examination timetable?

For December exams a preliminary timetable is posted about mid-October and the final timetable at the end of October. For April exams a preliminary timetable is posted about mid-February and the final timetable at the end of February. Do not make travel/work plans before the final examination timetable is posted. Exam timetables can be found at registrar.uvic.ca.

First year outlines for...