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The steps on this page will guide you as you plan your first-year course selection as a U1 Bachelor of Science student. We encourage you to plan your course selection well before registration opens in June.

1. Selecting your program(s)
2. Get advice
3. Course and credit load
4. Suggested electives
5. Finalizing your course selection
6. Registration

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1. Selecting your program(s)

Warning: Even if you're in U1, you may not have completed all the Foundation Program requirements! Make sure you have by using the Foundation program planner!

B.Sc. students are admitted to a program group (such as the Physical, Earth, Math & Computer Science group). You can choose any program from within the group to which you were admitted. As a U1 student, you must choose a program at the time of registration.

When you register for your first year courses, you will choose (i.e. declare) your intended program(s) of study from within your admitted program group.

Choosing your program means selecting:

• The program structure that best suits your academic interests (Liberal, Major, Honours or Joint Programs)
• The specific program(s) you wish to pursue within the chosen structure (for example: Biology, Environment, Physics, etc...). Note: students may only choose from the list of programs within the Program Group to which they were admitted.

Consult Faculty of Science Programs for details on the 4 program structures and specific programs available in each.

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2. Get advice

Students selecting a program should choose an area that fits their general academic interests and background. The Bachelor's degree is intended to serve as a general preliminary step in the pursuit of major career goals. As a Science graduate, you will be prepared to pursue careers in a variety of fields that will make use of your specialist knowledge - you may find yourself applying to graduate schools, preparing for medical or dental school applications or considering careers in a wide range of occupations. The flexibility of the degree will serve you well after graduation, but having so many choices can feel daunting. This is why we recommend you put some time and research into identifying your strengths and interests and discovering what options you are most interested in pursuing.

�鶹��ý��վ offers many resources through Career Planning Services, from tools that allow you to explore careers by Major or by Industry, obtain information on job market trends, or complete a Self-assessment (which is the first and the most important step in choosing an occupation or major and planning your career.

Students who are still unsure about their program choice may wish to discuss degree planning ideas with:

• Academic advisors (degree advisors and program advisors)
• Instructors and teaching assistants
• Career advisor
• Mentors
• Family
• Friends

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3. Course and credit load

The normal course load is 15 credits (4-5 courses) per term for a total of approximately 30 credits (8-10 courses) per year. As such, you should be planning to take 4-5 courses in the Fall term and 4-5 courses in the Winter term. When registration opens in May, you will register for both terms.

Some basic science courses are worth 4 credits - this means that taking 4 courses can still add up to 30 or more credits for the year. You may wish to take only 4 courses in order to avoid being overloaded. If this is the first time you are studying in English, we strongly encourage you to consider taking only 4 courses during your first term.

The credit rating of a course reflects the number of weekly contact hours. In general, a three-credit course indicates three hours of lectures per week for one term. Laboratory contact hours usually count for fewer credits. Credits also reflect the amount of effort required of the student and generally assume two hours of personal study for each contact hour. A typical semester full load is 15 credits, although 12 credits or more is considered full time.

Course and credit load regulations (as outlined in the , formerly eCalendar) are as follows:

• 12 credits per term to maintain full-time status, eligibility for student visas, loans and bursaries;
• Up to 14 credits (4 courses) maximum per term for students in probationary standing;
• Up to 17 credits per term for students in satisfactory standing;
• 27 graded (non-S/U) credits per academic year (both the fall and winter terms) to be considered for renewal of entrance scholarships or for in-course �鶹��ý��վ scholarships or awards, including Dean's Honour List; at least 27 graded credits that fulfill the degree requirements to be considered for faculty scholarships; 30 graded credits per year to maintain Canada scholarships;
• Maximum allowed credits is up to 17 credits per term for students whose standing is Satisfactory or Interim Satisfactory.
• Students whose CGPA is 3.5 or higher and who wish to take a course overload of up to a maximum of 19 credits are required to fill out an and are strongly urged to consult their advisor. Allow several working days for the processing of your request. Note: Students in their first semester are not allowed to request a credit overload.

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4. Suggested electives

You may choose electives from the courses listed below, once the required and complementary courses have been selected as part of the B.Sc. foundation program.

Note: Courses that are not being offered in the current year are not listed in Class Schedule on Minerva. Also, you should consult timetable information via Minerva for changes in course offerings or times and for the locations of the courses. Reminder: all courses have limited enrolment.

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5. Finalizing your course selection

Once you have made your program choice and consulted with academic advisors (as needed), you will select your first year courses according to program requirements outlined in the eCalendar (see the Programs of Study table on the Faculty Program page). It is also recommended that you consult the guidance and information provided on the websites of the department(s) offering your program(s) of choice.

Most courses chosen in the first year at �鶹��ý��վ will be at the 200 level, with the exception of language courses, where the appropriate level will be determined by a placement test administered by the department offering the course. The first digit of the course number normally denotes the course level.

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6. Registration

Consult the Registration page for tips and instructions on how to register for courses online (using Minerva).