Welcome
We’re delighted that you selected MSVU as your University! We look forward to helping you select your first-year courses and supporting you throughout your academic journey!
This guide contains important information about MSVU programs, recommended first-year course selection for all undergraduate degree programs, a list of courses open to first-year students, a glossary of terms, and a frequently asked questions section.
If you have questions about course selection and registration, academic advisors are available to assist you. Email advising@msvu.ca to connect with an academic advisor or book an online appointment at www.msvu.ca/advising
It is our hope that this guide and our web resource will help you feel as prepared as possible to begin classes in the fall and excited about the opportunities that await you.
Programs at-a-glance
Bachelor of Arts (BA) & Bachelor of Science (BSc)
Major Programs: 20 Units (4 years) – A major is required for students enrolled in a 20-unit BA or BSc. Students will gain in-depth knowledge in one single discipline, by completing 8-10 units in their chosen major.
Combined Major Programs: 20 Units (4 years)- A combined major is an option for students enrolled in a 20 unit BA or BSc. Students will gain an in-depth knowledge of two disciplines, by completing 6-8 units in two disciplines.
Honours Programs: 20 units (4 years) – Available for students who wish to study a single discipline in depth, usually with post-graduate study as a goal. Honours include 10-12 units in the chosen discipline including an Honours thesis.
General Studies: 15 units (3 years) – This program offers a broad background in the humanities, sciences and social sciences. Students will select a concentration of 4 units.
Group A (Science & Math)
- Applied Human Nutrition**
- Applied Statistics***
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Computer Science
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Psychology
Group B (Social Sciences)
- Canadian Studies
- Communications
- Economics
- Family Studies & Gerontology
- Political studies
- Psychology
- Sociology/ Anthropology
- Women’s Studies
Group C (Humanities)
- Chinese
- Cultural Studies
- English
- French
- History
- Library
- Philosophy
- Religious Studies
- Spanish
- Writing
* All BA and BSc programs require at least 1.0 unit in groups A, B and C. Psychology can count toward group A or B, but not both.
** Those listed in the science minor in the Early Advising Academic Calendar
*** See Math in the Early Advising Academic Calendar
Professional Programs
Professional programs are degrees focused on a specific career or career path. Units vary depending on the program: 20-23 units (4+ years)
Degrees available in:
- Applied Human Nutrition
- Business Administration
- Child and Youth Study
- Public Relations
- Tourism & Hospitality Management
Certificates and Diplomas
- Certificate in Accounting
- Certificate in Business Administration
- Certificate in Nonprofit Leadership
- Certificate in Marketing
- Certificate in Proficiency in French
- Certificate in Tourism and Hospitality Management
- Diploma in Business Administration
- Diploma in Tourism and Hospitality Management
Majors, Minors and Honours options may be available in your program of choice. Please consult the Academic Calendar for specific details.
Program Planning Sheets by Program
Applied Human Nutrition
Fall Courses
-NUTR 1102 and NUTR 102L (Lab) – Introduction to Foods: Plant Origin
-NUTR 1010 – Introduction to the Profession
-CHEM 1011 and CHEM 111L (Lab) – General Chemistry 1
-Arts or Science Elective
-BUSI, ECON, THMT Elective
Winter Courses
-NUTR 1106 – Introduction to Nutrition
-NUTR 1103 and NUTR 103L (Lab) – Introduction to Foods: Animal Origin
-CHEM 1012 and CHEM 112L (Lab) – General Chemistry 2
-Arts or Science Elective
-Arts or Science Elective
* Note: Transfer students must take NUTR 1106 in the Fall to be able to take NUTR 2211 – Intermediate Nutrition in the Winter
Bachelor of Arts
Fall Courses
-Group A Course (Science/Math)
-Group B Course (Social Science)
-Group C Course (Humanities)
-Introductory course for the subject in which you might declare a major or concentration
-Arts, Science, or Professional Elective
Winter Courses
-Group A Course (Science or Math)
-Group B Course (Social Science)
-Group C Course (Humanities)
-Introductory course for the subject in which you might declare a major or concentration
-Arts, Science, or Professional Elective
*Note: Students intending to major in Psychology should take PSYC 1110 and PSYC 1120 in their first year. You should take MATH 2208 and Math 2209 in either your first year or second year (the prerequisite for Math 2208 is grade XI or XII Academic Math or equivalent, or MATH 0027 with a grade of “C” or higher. MATH 0027 can be taken in the Fall or Winter semester of your first year if required.
Bachelor of Business Administration
Fall Courses
-BUSI 1112 – Introduction to Business Administration
-BUSI 2321 – Introduction to Accounting 1
-ECON 1101 – Introduction to Microeconomics
-BUSI/THMT 2202 – Communication and Self Management Skills
-Arts or Science Elective (Group A, B, or C)
Winter Courses
-BUSI 2230 – Principles of Marketing
-BUSI 2322 – Introduction to Accounting 2 (if planning to major in Accounting) or BUSI 2214 (for non-Accounting majors)
-ECON 1102 – Introduction to Macroeconomics
-Humanities Elective (Group C)
-Arts or Science Elective (Group A, B, or C)
Diploma in Business Administration
Fall Courses
-BUSI 1112 – Introduction to Business Administration
-BUSI 2321 – Introduction to Accounting 1
-ECON 1101 – Introduction to Microeconomics
-BUSI 2230 – Principles of Marketing
-BUSI 2214 – Organizational Behaviour: Individuals in Organizations
Winter Courses
-BUSI 2231 – Applied Marketing
-BUSI or THMT Elective
-ECON 1102 – Introduction to Macroeconomics
-BUSI 2215 – Organizational Behaviour, Groups, Structure, and Culture
-Arts or Science Elective (Group A, B, or C)
Bachelor of Child and Youth Study
Fall Courses
-Take two of: CHYS 1110 – Introduction to Child and Youth Study, 1120-Essentials of Child and Youth Care Practice, and 1130-Theroetical Frameworks in Child and Youth Study
-PSYC 1110 – Introduction to Psychology as a Natural Science
-MATH 2208 and MATH 208L (Lab) – Introduction to Statistics 1 or an Arts or Science Elective selected from the list below
-Arts or Science Elective*
Winter Courses
-Take one of: CHYS 1110-Introduction to Child and Youth Study, 1120-Essentials of Child and Youth Care Practice, and 1130-Theoretical Frameworks in Child and Youth Study (whichever course you did not take in Fall)
-PSYC 1120 – Introduction to Psychology as a Social Science
-MATH 2209 and MATH 209L (Lab) – Introduction to Statistics 2 or an Arts or Science Elective selected from the list below
-Arts or Science Elective*
-Arts or Science Elective*
*CHYS students may choose from the following elective options: BIOL 1114, WRIT 1120, ENGL at the 1000 level, HIST at the 1000 or 2000 level, NUTR 2240, SOAN 1502 or any of the courses open to first year students listed below.
Bachelor of Arts, Communication Major
Fall Courses
-COMM 1015 – Introduction to Communication Technology
-PBRL/COMM 2013 – Communication: Theory and Practice
-Arts or Science Elective (Groups A, B, & C)
-Elective
-Elective
Winter Courses
-PBRL/COMM 2211 – Introduction to Public Speaking
-LIBR 2100 – Library Research
-Arts or Science Elective (Groups A, B, & C)
-Elective
-Elective
Bachelor of Public Relations
Fall Courses
-PBRL 1010 – Foundations of Public Relations
-PBRL 2012 – Public Relations Writing: Theory and Practice
-PBRL/COMM 2013 – Communication: Theory and Practice
-BUSI 1112 – Introduction to Business Administration
-Elective
Winter Courses
-COMM 2025 – Introduction to Social Media
-PBRL/COMM 2211 – Introduction to Public Speaking
-Elective
-Elective
-Elective
Bachelor of Science
Students majoring in Biology should take BIOL 1152 and BIOL 152L (Lab) – Introduction to Biology 1 in the Fall and BIOL 1153 and BIOL 153L(Lab) – Introduction to Biology 2 in the Winter. They should also take MATH 1113 – Calculus 1 in the Fall. If you have not taken precalculus in high school, you may need to register for MATH 1102 – Precalculus 1 – in the Fall and MATH 1103 – Precalculus 2 in the Winter. A Math placement test is required before beginning the Fall semester.
Students majoring in Chemistry should take CHEM 1011 and CHEM 111L (Lab) – General Chemistry 1 – and CHEM 1012 and CHEM 112L (Lab) – General Chemistry 2 – and MATH 1113 – Calculus 1 – in the Fall and MATH 1114 – Calculus 2 – in the Winter. It is also advisable to take PHYS 1101 and PHYS 101L (Lab) – General Physics 1 – in the Fall and PHYS 1102 and PHYS 102L (Lab) – General Physics 2 – in the Winter. If you have not taken precalculus in high school, you may need to register for MATH 1102 – Precalculus 1 – in the Fall and MATH 1103 – Precalculus 2 in the Winter. A Math placement test is required before beginning the Fall semester. If you do not place in MATH 1113 – Calculus 1 – you should hold off on taking PHYS 1101 and 1102 until you place in Calculus.
Students majoring in Mathematics should register for MATH 1102 – Precalculus 1 – or MATH 1113 – Calculus 1 – in Fall and MATH 1103 – Precalculus 2 – or MATH 1114 – Calculus 2 – in Winter. A Math placement test is required before beginning the Fall semester. The placement test usually happens during Orientation Week. Also recommended for the first year are MATH 2208 and MATH 208L (Lab) – Introduction to Statistics 1 and CMPS 1155 – Introduction to Computer Programming.
Students majoring in Psychology should take PSYC 1110 and PSYC 1120 in their first year. You should take MATH 2208 and Math 2209 in either your first year or second year.
Fall Courses
-Group A
-Group A
-Group A
-Elective from Group A, B, or C
-Elective from Group A, B, or C or Professional Elective
Winter Courses
-Group A
-Group A
-Group A
-Elective from Group A, B, or C
-Elective from Group A, B, or C or Professional Elective
Bachelor of Tourism and Hospitality Management (Same course selection for Diploma in THMT)
Fall Courses
-THMT 1101 – Introduction to Tourism and Hospitality Management
-THMT 1116 and THMT 116L (Lab) – Introduction to Food Service Management
-THMT 1201 – Health and Safety Regulations in Tourism Management
-BUSI 2321 – Introduction to Accounting
-THMT/BUSI 2202 – Communication and Self Management Skills
Winter Courses
-BUSI 1112 – Introduction to Business Administration
-BUSI 2214 – Organizational Behaviour: Individuals in Organizations
-THMT 2216 and THMT 216L (Lab) – Planning and Management of Food Service Operations
-BUSI 2230 – Principles of Marketing
-COMM 2211 – Public Speaking
Courses open to first year students
Important Notes:
- Courses marked with an asterisk (*) have a prerequisite (either first semester or concurrent), or require permission of the instructor. Check the 2021-2022 Undergraduate Academic Calendar for further information.
- 1.0 unit courses will begin in the fall semester and will continue through the winter semester. If you choose a 1.0 unit course, remember that you will be in the course for the entire academic year, September to April. 0.5 unit courses run for one semester.
Applied Human Nutrition
NUTR 1010* – 0.5 units – Introduction to the Profession (prerequisite: Admission to BSc AHN)
NUTR 1102* – 0.5 units – Foods I (lab required) (prerequisite: Grade XII Chemistry or CHEM 1005)
NUTR 1103* – 0.5 units – Foods II (lab required) (prerequisite: Grade XII Chemistry or CHEM 1005)
NUTR 1106* – 0.5 units – Introduction to Nutrition (prerequisite: Grade XII Biology)
NUTR 2240 – 0.5 units – Nutrition, Health and Safety for the Developing Child and Adolescent
NUTR 2326 – 0.5 units – Global Nutrition
Biology
BIOL 1114 – 0.5 units – Human Reproduction, Growth & Maturation (not a credit towards a major in Biology)
BIOL 1152 – 0.5 units – Introductory Biology I (BIOL 152L lab required)
BIOL 1153* 0.5 Introductory Biology II (BIOL 153L lab required) (prerequisite: BIOL 1152)
Business
BUSI 1112 – 0.5 units – Introduction to Business Administration
BUSI 2011 – 0.5 units – Introduction to Entrepreneurship
BUSI 2012 – 0.5 units – Work and Career in the Modern Global Environment
BUSI 2060 – 0.5 units – Personal Finance
BUSI/THMT 2202 – 0.5 units – Communications Management
BUSI 2214 – 0.5 units – Organizational Behaviour: Individuals in Organizations
BUSI 2215 – 0.5 units – Organizational Behaviour: Groups, Structure and Culture
BUSI 2225 – 0.5 units – Introduction to Information Systems in Organizations (prerequisite: BUSI 1112)
BUSI 2321 – 0.5 units – Introductory Accounting I
BUSI 2322* – 0.5 units – Introductory Accounting II (prerequisite: BUSI 2321)
BUSI 2230 – 0.5 units – Principles of Marketing
BUSI 2250 – 0.5 units – Business Ethics
BUSI 2259 – 0.5 units – Legal Aspects of Business
BUSI 2430 – 0.5 units – Social Media for Tourism (prerequisite: BUSI 2230)
BUSI 2601 – 0.5 units – Introduction to the Nonprofit Sector
Canadian Studies
CANA/POLS 1001 – 0.5 units – Government, Law, and Leaders
CANA/POLS 1002 – 0.5 units – State, Democracy, and Change in the Global Era
CANA/POLS 1102 – 0.5 units – Citizenship, Identity, and Diversity in Canada
CANA/POLS 2201 – 0.5 units – Law, Government, and Politics in Canada
CANA/POLS 2202 – 0.5 units – People, Power, and Politics in Canada
CANA/CULS 2211 – 0.5 units – Canadian Popular Culture
CANA/CULS 2301 – 0.5 units – Black Culture in Canada
Chemistry
CHEM 1003 – 0.5 units – Chemistry of Everyday Life
CHEM 1005* – 0.5 units – Chemical Concepts (lab/tutorial required) (prerequisite: Grade XI or XII academic Math or Math 0027 with a grade of C or higher)
CHEM 1011* – 0.5 units – General Chemistry I (lab required) (prerequisite: Grade XII Chemistry and Grade XI and XII academic Math)
CHEM 1012* – 0.5 units – General Chemistry II (lab required) (prerequisite: CHEM 1011)
Child & Youth Study
CHYS 1110 – 0.5 units – Introduction to Child and Youth Care
CHYS 1120 – 0.5 units – Essentials of Child and Youth Care Practice (open only to students enrolled in the BA (CYS) degree)
CHYS 1130 – 0.5 units – Theoretical Frameworks in Child and Youth Study
Communication Studies/Public Relations
COMM 1015 – 0.5 units – Introduction to Communication Technology
COMM/PBRL 2013 – 0.5 units – Communication: Theory and Practice
COMM 2016 – 0.5 units – Audiovisual Communications
COMM 2025 – 0.5 units – Introduction to Social Media (prerequisite: 0.5 unit of COMM or PBRL)
COMM 2101 – 0.5 units – Relational Communication
COMM/PBRL 2211 – 0.5 units – Introduction to Public Speaking
PBRL 1010** – 0.5 units – Foundations of Public Relations
PBRL 2012** – 0.5 units – Writing: Theory & Practice
**Available only to Bachelor of Public Relations students
Computer Science
CMPS/INTE 1024 – 0.5 units – Information Technology Fundamentals
CMPS 1155* – 0.5 units – Introduction to Computer Programming I (prerequisite: Grade XI or XII academic math)
CMPS/INTE 1161* – 0.5 units – Introduction to Media Computing (prerequisite: Grade XI or XII academic math)
CMPS 2255 – 0.5 units – Introduction to Computer Programming II (prerequisite: CMPS 1155)
Cultural Studies
CULS 1101 – 0.5 units – Cultural Studies: An Introduction
CULS 2201 – 0.5 units – Cultural Studies: Critical Debates
CULS 2202 – 0.5 units – Music and Culture
CULS 2203 – 0.5 units – History of Rock and Roll
CULS 2207 – 0.5 units – Drama in Cultural Context
CULS/CANA 2211 – 0.5 units – Canadian Popular Culture
CULS 2293 – 0.5 units – Understanding Movies
CULS 2294 – 0.5 units – Film Genres
CULS 2297 – 0.5 units – Animated Film
CULS 2301 – 0.5 units – Black Culture in Canada
CULS/POLS 2246 – 0.5 units – Image and Power
Economics
ECON 1101* – 0.5 units – Introduction to Microeconomics (prerequisite: Grade XII academic math)
ECON 1102* – 0.5 units – Introduction to Macroeconomics (prerequisite: ECON 1101)
English
WRIT 1120 – 0.5 units – Writing Theory and Practice
ENGL 1155 – 1.0 unit – Introduction to Literature: Gender and Form
ENGL 1170 – 0.5 units – Introduction to Literature: Reading Literature
ENGL 1171 – 0.5 units – Introduction to Literature: Historical Perspectives
NOTE: Students may not take both ENGL 1155 (1.0 u) & ENGL 1170/1171 for credit. ENGL 1170 should be taken before ENGL 1171. WRIT 1120 cannot be used toward the major or minor in English.
Family Studies
FSGN 1100 – 0.5 units – Introduction to Family Studies
FSGN/PHIL 2202 – 0.5 units – The Roots of Peace and Conflict
FSGN 2212 – 0.5 units – Perspectives on Parent-Child Relations Across the Life Course
FSGN 2312 – 0.5 units – Resilient Families
FSGN 2315 – 0.5 units – Program Planning in Family Life Education
Gerontology
FSGN 1101 – 0.5 units – Introduction to Gerontology
FSGN 2100 – 0.5 units – Healthy Aging
History
HIST 1102 – 0.5 units – The West and the World: From Middle Ages to the Enlightenment
HIST 1103 – 0.5 units – The West and the World: From the French Revolution to the Modern Day
HIST 1121 – 0.5 units – Canoes and Colonialism: Canada to Confederation
HIST 1122 – 0.5 units – Consolidation and Conflict: Canada from Confederation
HIST 2200 – 0.5 units – History of Greece
HIST 2207 – 0.5 units – History of European Women from the Eighteenth Century to the Modern Day
HIST 2208 – 0.5 units – From Optimism to Destruction: Europe 1890-1933
HIST 2209 – 0.5 units – Catastrophe and Rebirth, Europe 1933-1989
HIST/POLS 2219 – 0.5 units – Canadian Foreign Policy
HIST 2230 – 0.5 units – History of the Atlantic Colonies Before Confederation
HIST 2231 – 0.5 units – History of the Atlantic Colonies Since Confederation
HIST 2237 – 0.5 units – American Religious History
HIST 2251 – 0.5 units – Plagues and Peoples
HIST 2255 – 0.5 units – History of Food from Gatherers to Gourmands
HIST 2261 – 0.5 units – A History of Pirates
HIST 2265 – 0.5 units – An Introduction to African Civilization
HIST 2300 – 0.5 units – A History of Ancient Egypt
HIST 2391 – 0.5 units – History of Education in Canada
HIST 2225 – 0.5 units – Canadian Environmental History
Information Technology
INTE/CMPS 1024 – 0.5 units – Information Technology Fundamentals
INTE 1161 – 0.5 units – Intro to Media Computing (prerequisite: Grade XI or XII academic math)
INTE 2011 – 0.5 units – Introduction to Project Management
INTE 2295 – 0.5 units – Digital Media Management (prerequisite: CMPS 1024)
Library
LIBR 2100 – 0.5 units – Introduction to Research in the Information Age
Mathematics
Students must take the Math placement test in order to take Pre-calculus (MATH 1102) or Calculus (MATH 1113). Students may register for either of these courses before taking the placement test; however, if students do not complete the placement test satisfactorily by the end of the first week of term they may be required to withdraw from the course.
MATH 0027 – 0.5 units – Statistics and Math Preparation (non-credit)
MATH 1102 – 0.5 units – Pre-calculus I: Algebraic Functions
MATH 1103* – 0.5 units – Pre-calculus II: Transcendental Functions (prerequisite: MATH1102)
MATH 1113 – 0.5 units – Introductory Calculus I
MATH 1114* 0.5 Introductory Calculus II (prerequisite: MATH 1113)
MATH 2208* – 0.5 units – Introduction to Statistics I (lab required-MATH 208L or MATH 208D) (prerequisite: Grade XI or XII academic Math or Math 0027 with a grade of C or higher)
MATH 2209* – 0.5 units – Introduction to Statistics II (lab required-MATH 209L or MATH 209D) (prerequisite: MATH 2208)
NOTE: Students taking MATH 2208 and MATH 2209 via distance are required to register for a lab offered via distance. The distance labs are identified as MATH 208D and MATH 209D.
Modern Language (Chinese)
CHIN 1101 – 0.5 units – Mandarin Chinese I
CHIN 1102* – 0.5 units – Mandarin Chinese II (prerequisite: CHIN 1101)
CHIN 2288 – 0.5 units – Introduction to Chinese Culture
Modern Languages (French)
Students must take a placement test to determine which course they should take.
FREN 1101 – 0.5 units – Basic Practical French I
FREN 1102 – 0.5 units – Basic Practical French II
FREN 2201 – 0.5 units – Practical French I
FREN 2202 – 0.5 units – Practical French II
FREN 2205 – 0.5 units – Practical French III
FREN 2206 – 0.5 units – Practical French IV
FREN 2214 – 0.5 units – Intermediate Grammar & Composition I
FREN 2215 – 0.5 units – Intermediate Grammar & Composition II
FREN 2253 – 0.5 units – Introduction to French Literature I
FREN 2254 – 0.5 units – Introduction to French Literature II
Modern Languages (Spanish)
SPAN 1101 – 0.5 units – Beginning Spanish I
SPAN 1102* – 0.5 units – Beginning Spanish II (prerequisite: SPAN 1101 or equivalent)
Philosophy
PHIL 1010 – 0.5 units – Introduction to Philosophy
PHIL 2201 – 0.5 units – Knowledge, Truth, and Opinion
PHIL/FSGN 2202 – 0.5 units – The Roots of Peace and Conflict
PHIL 2209 – 0.5 units – Introduction to Ethics
PHIL 2210 – 0.5 units – Theories of Human Nature
PHIL 2212 – 0.5 units – Freedom and Responsibility
PHIL/RELS 2217 – 0.5 units – Reason and Religious Belief
Physics
PHYS 1101* – 0.5 units – General Physics I (lab required) (prerequisite: Math 1103 or high school precalculus Math and placement into MATH 1113)
PHYS 1102* – 0.5 units – General Physics II (prerequisite: PHYS 1101)
PHYS 1120 – 0.5 units – Introduction to Astronomy I: The Sky and Planets (lab required)
PHYS 1130 – 0.5 units – Introduction to Astronomy II: Stars and Galaxies (lab required)
Political Studies
POLS/CANA 1001 – 0.5 units – Government, Law, and Leaders
POLS/CANA 1002 – 0.5 units – State, Democracy, and Change in the Global Era
POLS/CANA 1102 – 0.5 units – Citizenship, Identity, and Diversity in Canada
POLS/CANA 2201 – 0.5 units – Law, Government, and Politics in Canada
POLS/CANA 2202 – 0.5 units – People, Power, and Politics in Canada
POLS 2203 – 0.5 units – Introduction to Public Policy and the Public Interest
POLS/PHIL 2210 – 0.5 units – Theories of Human Nature
POLS/HIST 2219 – 0.5 units – Canadian Foreign Policy
POLS/WOMS 2223 – 0.5 units – Women and Politics
POLS 2244 – 0.5 units – Contemporary World Events and Issues
POLS/CULS 2246 – 0.5 units – Image and Power
Psychology
PSYC 1110 – 0.5 units – Introduction to Psychology as a Natural Science
PSYC 1120 – 0.5 units – Introduction to Psychology as a Social Science
PSYC 2206 – 0.5 units – Drugs and Behaviour (prerequisite: PSYC 1110)
PSYC 2213 – 0.5 units – Emotion and Motivation (prerequisite: PSYC 1120)
PSYC/BIOL 2217 – o.5 units – Brain and Behaviour (prerequisite: PSYC 1110 or BIOL 1153)
PSYC 2270 – 0.5 units – Positive Psychology (prerequisite: PSYC 1120)
Religious Studies
RELS 1020 – 0.5 units – Eastern Religious Traditions
RELS 1030 – 0.5 units – Western Religious Traditions
RELS 2201 – 0.5 units – Evil
RELS 2203 – 0.5 units – Love
RELS/PHIL 2217 – 0.5 units – Reason and Religious Belief
RELS/HIST 2237 – 0.5 units – American Religious History
Sociology/Anthropology
SOAN 1502 – 0.5 units – Questioning Society
SOAN 2500 – 0.5 units – Introduction to Social Theory (prerequisite: SOAN 1502)
SOAN 2520 – 0.5 units – Family Marriage & Kinship (prerequisite: SOAN 1502)
SOAN 2531 – 0.5 units – Making a Living (prerequisite: SOAN 1502)
SOAN 2540 – 0.5 units – Power, Inequality, and Social Justice (prerequisite: SOAN 1502)
SOAN 2550 – 0.5 units – Diversity & Identity (prerequisite: SOAN 1502)
SOAN 2570 – 0.5 units – Gender & Society (prerequisite: SOAN 1502)
SOAN 2580 – 0.5 units – Deviance (prerequisite: SOAN 1502)
Tourism & Hospitality Management
THMT 1101 – 0.5 units – Introduction to Tourism and Hospitality
THMT 1116 – 0.5 units – Principles of Food Production and Service (THMT 116L lab required)
THMT 1201 – 0.5 units – Health and Safety Regulations for Tourism
THMT 2201* – 0.5 units – Alternate Forms of Tourism (prerequisite: THMT 1101)
THMT/BUSI 2202 – 0.5 units – Communications Management
THMT 2205 – 0.5 units – Human Geography for Tourism and Business
THMT 2216* – 0.5 units – Planning and Management of Food Service Operations (THMT 216L lab required) (prerequisite: THMT 1201 and either THMT 1116 or NUTR 1103)
THMT 2221 – 0.5 units – Hotel Management
THMT 2244 – 0.5 units – Sustainable Tourism (prerequisite: THMT 1101)
THMT 2301 – 0.5 units – Tour Operations and Management (prerequisite: THMT 1101)
Women’s Studies
WOMS 1110 – 0.5 units – Focus on Women I
WOMS 1112 – 0.5 units – Focus on Women II
WOMS 1114 – 0.5 units – Introduction to Queer Studies
WOMS 2221 – 0.5 units – Women and Health
WOMS/POLS 2223 – 0.5 units – Women and Politics
WOMS 2231 – 0.5 units – Women and Culture
WOMS/SOAN 2570 – 0.5 units – Gender & Society (prerequisite: SOAN 1502)
WOMS 2281 – 0.5 units – Women and Caregiving
Frequently Asked Questions
How will I know which courses to take?
This handbook and the advising sessions will guide you through the steps of choosing your courses. Academic Advisors and faculty will help you stay on track, and are good resources to return to should you have any follow up questions after the event.
Who is my academic advisor?
Today you will be advised by faculty and academic advisors, however once you’ve started taking courses you will generally return to the same advisor each semester. To find out who your advisor is after this event please email advising@msvu.ca
How many courses should I take in each semester?
You can register for a maximum of 5 courses per semester (2.5 units). You can register for fewer courses, although it may take longer to complete your degree requirements.
What is the difference between a full-time student versus a part-time student?
A full-time student must be registered in 3 or more courses per semester for a minimum of 3.0 units per academic year. A part-time student is registered in 1 or 2 courses per semester.
What is MyMount?
MyMount is the Mount’s online student portal where you can register for courses, stay up to date on financial information and fees due, and much more.
How do I get a user ID and password?
Your username and password are automatically assigned and emailed to you. For questions about logging into and navigating your MSVU email, myMount, or other student online services please contact helpdesk@msvu.ca.
Can I take a course at the 2000 level if I am in my first year?
Yes, as long as there is no prerequisite for the course. If there is a prerequisite you must complete it prior to taking an upper year course.
When do I choose my major and minor?
You will need to choose a major and minor by the end of your first full year of study (before you register for your 6th unit of study).
Do I have to choose a major and minor?
No, you may choose to complete a general studies degree which requires one concentration instead of a major and minor.
What is a timetable?
The timetable is the schedule of courses that are offered each semester including the times, days, professor’s name and location of the class. The timetable is not usually available in a printed format, but is available on-line.
What is the Undergraduate Academic Calendar?
It is the document that describes the programs, courses, degree requirements, financial information, scholarship information, etc.
Glossary of Terms
- Advisor: a staff or faculty member who helps you plan your program and select your courses.
- Concentration – Arts and Science: A concentration in Arts and Science consists of four units of study as defined by the department offering the program.
- Concentration – Professional: Several professional degree programs require students to complete a concentration, a minimum of three units of coursework in a specific area within the professional program. See specific degree requirements in the Academic Calendar.
- Full-time student: a student taking three or more units of credit during the regular academic year (September to April).
- Part-time student: a student taking 2.5 or fewer units of credit during the regular academic year (September to April).
- Unit (1.0): a course that runs for the full academic year (September-April)
- Half-unit (0.5): a course that normally runs for one term only (either in the fall or the winter term).
- Credit: same as a unit; technically, the term “credit” is not used at the Mount, but you will often hear the two terms used interchangeably.
- Laboratory (Lab): in addition to class time, some courses have labs. If you register for a course that has a lab you are required to register for the lab.
- Major: a planned selection of courses in a particular subject; usually between 6 and 8 units in a 20 unit combined major degree, or between 8 and 10 units in a 20 unit degree with one major. (Combined majors are only available to BA and BSc students).
- Minor: a secondary area of study within a degree; usually three units of credit.
- Elective: a course or subject not required for your particular program of study.
- Placement test: a test to determine at which course level you should be placed to begin your studies. Placement tests are required for some math courses. It is also recommended for students taking French.
- Prerequisite: a course required before taking another course at a higher or upper level.
- GPA (grade point average): The total of your grade points averaged over the number of units contributing points of 0.0 and greater (basically, the average of your grades).