Welcome to the Bachelor of Arts
with a Major in Aquatic Resources!

First-year course selection for the Bachelor of Arts with a Major in Aquatic Resources is very easy. There are some required courses, and you have a variety of choice in the selection of your two elective arts subjects.

Required First Year Courses:

•  Look to the future when selecting these courses. Upper-level courses in which you have the most interest should dictate your choice of introductory-level course.
• If you intend an Economics major, you will need only one of the above introductory subjects.
• If you intend the Public Policy and Social Research major, you will need two of these subjects: (1) Political Science and (2) one of Anthropology and Sociology. You need take only one in first year, but will be required to take the other in a future year.

Elective Arts Subject
Your remaining 6 credits will be in another arts subject. You may choose a second subject from the above three (anthropology, political science, sociology), or from any of the other subjects in the Faculty of Arts listed below. Click on each to learn more.

• When building your course schedule, begin with required courses that are offered in only one timeblock, and schedule other courses around those.

• The BA degree requires the completion of “pairs”. (A “pair” is 12 credits in one subject – see the Glossary of Terms for a full definition). If you like your elective subject this year, you can take an additional 6 credits in that subject over the remaining years of your program and complete one of your pairs that way.

   Step 3 - Build Your Course Schedule  

Welcome to the Bachelor of Arts in Human Kinetics!

First-year course selection for the Bachelor of Arts in Human Kinetics offers a lot of options. There are few required courses, and you have a variety of choice in the selection of your arts and elective subjects.

First-Year Course Pattern
      HKIN 115 – 3 credits - first term
      HKIN 105 – 3 credits - see below
      Arts courses – 12 credits (6 credits in each of 2 arts subjects)
      Arts and/or Science courses – 12 credits (6 credits in each of 2 subjects)

HKIN 115 – Principles of Human Movement is a required 3-credit course offered in first term.

HKIN 105 – Activities
Your other 3 credits of required HKIN courses are 3 separate 1-credit activities (sometimes called skills). The course numbers for these activities are HKIN 105, followed by a letter designation that specifies the particular activity. For example, HKIN 105A is Soccer; HKIN 105DD is Indoor Soccer; HKIN 105M is Gymnastics; HKIN 105GG is Golf.

Each of these activities is offered over one-third of the year, rather than over the normal half-year (or term). The activities are offered as Fall (September – November), Winter (November – February) and Spring (February – April).

Normally, you will register in one Fall activity, one Winter activity and one Spring activity.

There are also HKIN 205 courses in a few activities. You must have completed the HKIN 105 course in that activity prior to registration in the 205. For example, HKIN 105V is Hockey I and HKIN 205V is Hockey II. You cannot register for 205V without having completed 105V. First-year students normally do not register in HKIN 205 courses, but if you were to take a 105 Fall activity and wanted to take the 205 counterpart in Winter or Spring, you could do so.

As there are many activities in each of the three “HKIN activity trimesters”, you should choose your activities after all other courses have been scheduled. More about this later.

 
Arts and Elective Courses
The above required HKIN courses for first year total 6 credits. That leaves you with 24 credits to choose from other subjects.

You will normally choose introductory courses (6 credits each) in four different subjects. You will need to choose at least two of your subjects from the arts. Most students in this program choose all four subjects from the arts, but you do have the choice of sciences for one or two of your subjects, if you wish.

When choosing your arts subjects, you should choose subjects in which you think you may be interested in taking additional courses in future years, and this is why: for your degree, you will be required to complete a minor (24 credits) in one arts subject and a “pair” in a second arts subject. (A “pair” is 12 credits in one subject; for full definition, please see the “Glossary of Terms”.)

If you already have a good idea of which two subjects these will be, that’s great. Make sure you take introductory courses in each of them. Then choose two more subjects of interest, either from the arts, or from the sciences, or one from each.

If you are like many students, and are as yet unsure which arts subjects will engage your attention and interest, don’t worry. You don’t have to make that decision this year. Explore the available options and choose courses that sound interesting to you. The good news is that even if you find yourself uninterested in further study in any of the subjects you take this year, all of the courses can still be used in your degree pattern, and you can choose two new arts subjects next year as a possible minor and pair.

It’s reassuring to know that there are no “wrong” choices, and that you can explore your arts options risk-free! You may decide to choose subjects that are familiar to you, but don’t hesitate to be adventurous and try something new.

If you are considering applying to B.Ed. programs after completion of your Human Kinetics degree, see Question 5 at the end of this document for more specific recommendations regarding course choice.

 
Arts and Science Subjects
Below are the lists of arts and science subjects available to you. As you begin to explore your subject options, note that many first-year courses are full-year, 6-credit courses. Some departments, however, do have two 3-credit courses (one each term) that together provide 6 credits of introductory study in that subject.

Please note that the subjects displayed in the following tables are also links to their respective pages on this website.  If first year, 100-level courses are offered in a particular subject, their course descriptions are displayed at the bottom of the applicable subject page.

* Mathematics, Statistics & Computer Science is a department in the Faculty of Science, but for purposes of pairs and minors in the BA HKIN program, courses in this department are considered as arts courses.

Notes re Science Courses

• Although BA Human Kinetics students are permitted to take science courses, some of the science subjects are more realistic options than others.
• If you are interested in Earth Sciences, the introductory courses are definitely open to you, and you are very welcome to take them. Note that the introductory Earth Sciences courses do not have labs.
• Physics is also an option, depending upon availability, and there are usually seats available for non-science students. (Note that in addition to the "normal" introductory physics courses, the department offers two first-year astronomy courses, PHYS 171 and 172, that were developed for non-science students.)
• Biology and Chemistry, however, are restricted to science students until all have registered. Only then will any available seats be considered for other students. If you are interested in one of these two subjects, contact the relevant department chair to inquire whether there is any realistic possibility for registration this year and if so, what you should do to be eligible for any possible remaining seats in the course. In the meantime, be sure to choose and register in a different course, in case you are not able to get a seat in the science course you want.

Things to Remember

• Though the following tips may sound a little confusing at the moment, they will become clearer to you as you move along the process, and actually begin to build your schedule. You can always refer back to this page later.
• When building your course schedule, be sure to begin with your required HKIN 115 course, as it is offered in only one timeblock. (This reference to timeblocks will also become clearer as you navigate through this website.) You will also have to register for an associated lab time, and there are several afternoon timeblocks from which to choose.
• You should then schedule your arts courses (and science electives, if you’ve so chosen), leaving the choice of your three activities (HKIN 105 courses) to the end. Begin with arts and science courses that are offered at only one time, and schedule other courses around those.
• The various HKIN activities are offered in six different timeblocks: A, B, C, D, K and L. After you’ve scheduled your other courses, you will have at least one or two of these blocks available to you, and most likely more. You will need to look for activities that fit into your open timeblocks.
• When scheduling your activities, note that your Fall activity cannot conflict with any first-term courses, and your Spring activity cannot conflict with any second-term courses. Your Winter activity, however, bridges both terms, so has to be scheduled even more carefully, to avoid time conflicts with courses in both terms.
• Your required HKIN 115 course is offered in D block in first term, so you will not be able to choose Fall or Winter skills that are offered in D1/D2/D3 (“D block”).

Questions You Might Have
1. I am interested in Development Studies. Why is it not listed in the Arts Subjects above?
The introductory courses for Development Studies are second-year courses and students are required to have completed 24 credits of university study prior to registration in those courses. Click on the Development Studies subject link on the “Academic Subjects” page to explore this option. If you are interested in these courses, you can look forward to taking them in second year or later. 

2. What if I am interested in taking a course in a subject that is not mentioned above?
The other subjects offered at StFX are in our other professional or applied programs: Aquatic Resources; Business Administration; Information Systems; Engineering; Human Nutrition; Nursing. (Human Kinetics also falls into this category.)  These courses are not considered arts or science courses, so cannot be used to fulfill minors or pair requirements, or as “arts/science” or approved electives. Courses in these departments are normally restricted to students in these programs (with the exception of a couple of courses in Human Nutrition). If you are interested in taking a course from one of these programs, you will need to contact the relevant department chair, but rarely is such permission granted.

Should you be permitted to take any of these courses in the future, you will be permitted a maximum of 6 credits, and will have to use those credits in the “open elective” slot in your degree pattern. You are strongly advised not to consider doing so until later in your program. If you still want to explore the option of taking courses from these departments in first year, you should speak with the Human Kinetics chair or an academic advisor to discuss the implications to your overall program.

3. The Academic Calendar refers to “Subject A” and “Subject B”. What do these mean?
Subject A is your minor, in which you will have to complete a total of 24 credits over the duration of your degree. Subject B is your pair subject.

4. What if I am interested in an honours degree?
Course selection is no different for first year. You may wish to check table 4.1.5 in the Academic Calendar for grade and average requirements, so that you are aware of the grades you will need for admission to this program at the end of second year.

5. I want to do a Bachelor of Education degree after I complete my Human Kinetics degree. Are there any particular courses that I should be taking?
This answer will be given in the context of the StFX B.Ed. program. You should understand that each university to which you might want to apply could have slightly different admission requirements, and you should do some research on each university in which you might be interested. Overall, the admission requirements will be similar in many ways, but there will definitely be differences, and you’ll want to try to incorporate those different requirements into your HKIN degree.

At StFX, as at other universities, there are two basic streams of study in the B.Ed. program: elementary and secondary. The full explanation of these programs is found in the Academic Calendar, section 6. If you are interested in the B.Ed. program, you are strongly advised to read that section and to attend information sessions offered by the Faculty of Education (normally in October). The earlier you make yourself aware of the requirements for that program, the easier it will be to tailor your HKIN degree to fulfill the necessary requirements. The Faculty of Education loves to see first-year students attend those sessions!

Following is a summary of section 6.1.3 and 6.1.4, with information as it pertains directly to courses offered at StFX.

For the elementary stream, there are five basic requirements:
(i) 9 credits of social studies from any one or any combination of the following disciplines: history, economics, political science, anthropology, sociology and/or philosophy. The introductory courses in any of these subjects will fulfill 6 of these 9 credits.
(ii) 6 credits of mathematics. The most common choice is MATH 100. The alternative would be 6 credits of calculus (MATH 111 and 112) or 3 credits of calculus (MATH 111) and 3 credits of statistics (STAT 201) or business math (MATH 205).
(iii) 6 credits of English. Either ENGL 100 or ENGL 110 would work for this requirement.
(iv) 6 credits of science. Your required second-year BIOL 251 and 252 will fulfill this requirement.
(v) Developmental psychology. You will need to take PSYC 100 before being permitted to take PSYC 260, which is the StFX Developmental Psychology course.

So if you’re interested in the elementary stream of the B.Ed., it would be wise for you to take 6 credits of English, 6 credits of “social studies” (as defined above), PSYC 100 and either MATH 100 or MATH 111/112. If you have difficulty registering for MATH 100, do not be concerned. That course is often taken by students in second-year and above, so sometimes there is little availability for first-year students. You can always take that course in a future year.

For the secondary stream, there are two basic requirements:
(i) “Major Subject Field”: A minimum of 30 credits of university coursework in one discipline of a subject taught in Nova Scotia secondary schools. For you, this will be “Physical Education”, and your 54 credits of HKIN courses will more than satisfy this requirement.
(ii) “Minor Subject Field”: A minimum of 18 credits of university coursework in one discipline of a second subject taught in Nova Scotia secondary schools. Allowable subject fields are English; French; Social Studies (all 18 credits must be in one of the related disciplines: economics, history, political science, sociology or anthropology); Diverse Cultures (sociology or anthropology; see the Faculty of Education for more information on this subject field); mathematics; science (all 18 credits must be in one of the related disciplines: biology, chemistry, earth sciences or physics); Gaelic; Fine Arts (studio art or music); Family Studies (which is not possible within the framework of the HKIN degrees).

If you’re interested in the secondary stream of the B.Ed., you should think about which of the “Minor Subject Field” options you would want to choose. As a student in the BA in Human Kinetics, the science options are not open to you, but the others are. You should be sure to take an introductory course in that subject this year. If you’re uncertain, that’s okay. Take introductory courses in as many of the allowable subjects as you may be considering. Ultimately, the minor you choose for your BA HKIN degree will be your “Minor Subject Field” in a B.Ed. program.

  Step 3 - Build Your Course Schedule  

Welcome to the Bachelor of Arts with Major!

First-year course selection for the Bachelor of Arts offers a lot of options. Whether you know exactly what you want to study in first year, or you are looking for ideas and want to explore new subjects, the BA program can accommodate you.

There are no required courses for the Bachelor of Arts degree program. However, there is a basic first-year course pattern to consider, and there are a few things to remember when choosing your courses. The good news is that there are no “wrong” choices. Whatever you choose to study this year, the courses will be usable in your degree program.

As you consider your course options, note that many of the first-year courses in the Faculty of Arts are full-year, 6-credit courses. Some departments, however, do have two 3-credit courses (one each term) that together provide 6 credits of introductory study in that subject.

Most students choose to carry a full course load, which is a total of 30 credits. This means that students are registered in 5 courses each term. Should you wish to register in a reduced course load (fewer than 30 credits), you may certainly do so, but you should arrange to speak with an academic advisor to ensure that you are aware of the implications of doing so.

Things to Remember

• The BA degree requires a major and a minor. These are the two subjects in which you will concentrate much of your studies over the next four years.
• If you are beginning your first year with a clear idea of your intended major and minor, be sure to include a course in each of those subjects.
• If you are debating among three or four subjects as possible majors and/or minors, be sure to include a course in each subject you are considering.
• If you are one of the many who do not yet know which subjects will be of most interest to them, explore the options and choose courses that sound interesting to you. Remember that there are no “wrong” choices. In fact, some students do not find their true interest until second year, and that is still fine.
• Whether you know what you want to study, or are still searching for your passion, seriously consider exploring at least one or two subjects that are new to you. The BA program, especially in first year, is a perfect opportunity for trying something new. You never know what unexpected treasure of learning you might discover in a class.

Basic First-Year Course Pattern

Please note that the subjects displayed in the following tables are also links to their respective pages on this website.  If first year, 100-level courses are offered in a particular subject, their course descriptions are displayed at the bottom of the applicable subject page.

In your course selection, you should be sure to include courses from the two basic subject groupings below. Group I is comprised of the humanities and mathematics, statistics and computer science. Group II is comprised of the social sciences and modern languages.

* Mathematics, Statistics & Computer Science is a department in the Faculty of Science, but for purposes of BA students, courses in this department are considered as arts courses.

The following discussion about course selection is based on a student choosing to register in the full course load of 30 credits.

You should choose at least one subject from Group I and at least one subject from Group II. In addition, you should choose a third subject from either Group I or Group II. Each of the subjects in these two groups can be majors in the Bachelor of Arts degree program, so it is wise to ensure that at least three of these are included in your first-year course selection.

Besides the above three choices, you will choose two additional subjects. Your remaining two subjects can be from the selection in Groups I and II, and that is the choice that many students will make. However, you can also choose from a few other areas of study.
 

It is highly advisable that at least one of your remaining two courses be an arts subject, chosen from Group I, Group II, or the “Additional Arts Subjects” list above.

Your final course can be from any of the subjects presented above, but some of the science subjects are less available options for first-year BA students as the courses sometimes have no available seats after first-year science students have registered.

If you are interested in Earth Sciences, the introductory courses are definitely open to you, and you are very welcome to take them. (Note that the introductory Earth Sciences courses do not have labs.)  Physics is also an option, depending upon availability, and there are usually seats available for non-science students.  (Note that in addition to the "normal" introductory physics courses, the department offers two first-year astronomy courses developed for non-science students.)

Biology and Chemistry, however, are restricted to science students until all have registered. Only then will any available seats be considered for BA students. If you are interested in one of these subjects, contact the relevant department chair to inquire whether there is any realistic possibility for registration this year and if so, what you should do to be eligible for any possible remaining seats in the course. In the meantime, be sure to choose and register in a different course, in case you are not able to get a seat in the science course you want.

Summary of 5 Courses for First Year 

1. Group I subject
2. Group II subject
3. Group I or Group II subject (different subject from 1 and 2 above)
4. Arts subject – from Group I, Group II or “Additional Arts Subjects” list
5. Another subject!
    

Questions You Might Have

1. I am interested in Development Studies. Why is that subject not listed in the allowable first-year subjects?
   The introductory courses for Development Studies are second-year courses and students are required to have completed 24 credits of university study prior to registration in those courses. Click on the Development Studies subject link on the "Academic Subjects" page for suggestions of first-year courses you may want to consider if you plan to do a Development Studies major or minor.
    
2. What if I am interested in taking a course in a subject that is not mentioned above?
   The other subjects offered at StFX are in our professional or applied programs: Aquatic Resources; Business Administration; Information Systems; Engineering; Human Kinetics; Human Nutrition; Nursing. Courses in these departments are normally restricted to students in these programs. If you are interested in taking a course in one of these programs, you will need to contact the relevant department chair, but rarely is such permission granted. Check the relevant link on the "Academic Subjects" page for further information, and possible exceptions.
    
3. What is the Humanities Colloquium?
   The Humanities Colloquium is an opportunity for first-year Bachelor of Arts students to study Western Civilization with an interdisciplinary focus on the great books. It offers ENGL 100 (Introductory Survey of Literature in English), HIST 100 (Western Civilization) and PHIL 100 (Introductory Philosophy) in an integrated, chronologically coordinated way. If you have an interest in these courses, investigate the option of this unique enhanced learning experience here.
    
4. What if I am interested in an honours or an advanced major degree?
   Course selection is no different for first year. You may wish to check table 4.1.5 in your Academic Calendar for grade and average requirements, so that you are aware of the grades you will need for admission to these programs at the end of second year.

  Step 3 - Build Your Course Schedule  

Welcome to the Bachelor of
Business Administration!

First-year course selection for the Bachelor of Business Administration is very easy. There are some required courses, and you have a variety of choice in the selection of your two elective subjects from the arts and sciences.

 First-Year Course Pattern
BSAD 101 – Introduction to Business – 3 credits (first term)
BSAD 102 – Business Decision-Making – 3 credits (second term)
ECON 101 – Introductory Microeconomics – 3 credits (first term)
ECON 102 – Introductory Macroeconomics – 3 credits (second term)
INFO 101 – Introduction to Information Systems I – 3 credits (first term)
INFO 102 – Introduction to Information Systems II – 3 credits (second term)
Arts course(s) – 6 credits in one subject (full year)
Arts or Science course(s) – 6 credits in one subject (full year)

Required Courses
Six of the courses in your program are 3-credit courses that are offered either in first term or in second term, as outlined above. These Business Administration (BSAD), Economics (ECON) and Information Systems (INFO) courses are required courses for all programs in the Bachelor of Business Administration. 

Arts/Science Elective Requirements
You will choose 6 credits in each of two subjects from the arts and sciences. Most BBA students choose two arts subjects. You may choose one arts subject and one science subject if you wish, but please see “Notes re Science Courses” below for restrictions on science options. 

Note that many first-year courses in the arts and sciences are full-year, 6-credit courses. Some departments, however, do have two 3-credit courses (one each term) that together provide 6 credits of introductory study in that subject.

Please note that the subjects displayed in the following tables are also links to their respective pages on this website.  If first year, 100-level courses are offered in a particular subject, their course descriptions are displayed at the bottom of the applicable subject page.  

*Mathematics, Statistics & Computer Science is a department in the Faculty of Science, but for purposes of pairs and electives in the BBA program, courses in this department are considered as arts courses.

Things to Remember

• When making your elective choices for this year, explore your options! You may decide to choose courses in subjects that are familiar to you, but don’t hesitate to be adventurous and try something new.
• As you’re making your choices, it is advisable to choose subjects that appeal to you, and in which you think you might be interested in taking an additional course or two in the future. The BBA degree requires the completion of 36 credits of arts/science electives over the course of the program. 24 of these credits must be completed as two 12-credit “pairs”. (A “pair” is 12 credits in one subject – see the Glossary of Terms for a full definition.) If you really like both of your elective subjects this year, you can take an additional 6 credits in each subject over the remaining years of your program and complete your two pairs that way.
• At least one of your two pairs must be in an arts subject.
• If you find, by year-end, that you are not interested in taking additional courses in either of your first-year elective subjects, don’t worry. You won’t have to. Arts and science courses taken in first year, and not subsequently paired, can be used to satisfy the other arts/science electives for your program.
• Whether you ultimately decide to pair both, only one, or neither of the elective courses that you choose for this year, be reassured that those courses will be usable in your BBA program. You can choose your arts/science electives this year risk-free!

Notes re Science Courses

• Although BBA students are permitted to take science courses, some of the science subjects are more likely options than others.
• If you are interested in Earth Sciences, ESC I 171 and 172 are available to you. Note that these two Earth Sciences courses do not have labs.
• Physics 100 and 120 are allowable science options for you. The department also offers two first-year astronomy courses, PHYS 171 and 172, which were developed for non-science students. You are welcome to take these astronomy courses as arts/science electives, but they cannot be used as part of a pair because upper-year physics courses require either PHYS 100 or 120 as a prerequisite.
• Biology and chemistry are restricted to science students until they have all registered. Only then will any available seats be considered for other students. If you are interested in one of these two subjects, contact the relevant department chair to request to be added to a waiting list. In the meantime, be sure to choose and register in a different course, in case you are not able to get a seat in the science course you want.

Questions You Might Have
1. I am interested in Development Studies. Why is that subject not listed in the allowable first-year subjects?
The introductory courses for Development Studies are second-year courses and students are required to have completed 24 credits of university study prior to registration in those courses. Click on the Development Studies subject link on the “Academic Subjects” page to explore this option. If you are interested in these courses, you can look forward to taking them in second year or later. Development Studies courses may be used as arts electives, or as a pair subject.

2. I would like to take more Economics courses after first year. Will I be permitted to do an Economics pair?
The introductory Economics courses, ECON 101 and 102, are required first-year courses and part of your degree requirements, so cannot also be used as part of an Economics pair. However, if you were to take an additional 12 credits of Economics over the remaining three years of your program, you could complete an Economics pair in that way. If you plan a Finance major in the BBA, note that you will be required to use ECON 201 and 202 as BSAD required courses, so you would need 12 credits above 101, 102, 201 and 202 in order to complete an Economics pair.

3. What if I am interested in taking a course in a subject that is not mentioned above?
The other subjects offered at StFX are in our Faculty of Science professional or applied programs: Aquatic Resources; Engineering; Human Kinetics; Human Nutrition; Nursing. Courses in these departments are normally restricted to students in these programs. If you are interested in taking a course in one of these subjects, you will need to contact the relevant department chair, but rarely is such permission granted. Check the relevant link on the “Academic Subjects” page for further information, and possible exceptions.

These courses are not considered arts or science courses, so cannot be used to fulfill your pair requirements or your “arts/science elective” requirements. The BBA program does include 6 credits of open electives, which may include courses in these subjects if you’re granted permission to take them. This option is still available later in your program. You should concentrate on arts/science courses for your electives this year.

4. Do I have to take any science electives in my BBA program?
You are not required to take any science courses. Both of your pairs and all of your arts/science electives may be in arts subjects. Science courses serve as additional options for you.

5. I know that I can complete a minor in the BBA. How does that work?
A minor is an option in the BBA, though it is not a requirement. A minor is 24 credits in one subject, beyond any required courses in your program. Your minor would be composed of one of your pairs, plus 12 additional credits in that same subject, for a total of 24 credits. You may complete a minor only in an arts or science subject, and not in a subject from any of the professional or applied programs.  Be sure to make yourself aware of any specific requirements as outlined by the relevant department. (See the appropriate department section of the Academic Calendar for information on such requirements.) Any department that does not specify requirements for its minor will allow any 24 credits to fulfill that designation.

  Step 3 - Build Your Course Schedule  

Welcome to the Bachelor of Information Systems!

First-year course selection for the Bachelor of Information Systems is very easy. There are some required courses, and you have a variety of choice in the selection of your two elective subjects from the arts and sciences.

First-Year Course Pattern
BSAD 101 – Introduction to Business – 3 credits (first term)
BSAD 102 – Business Decision-Making – 3 credits (second term)
ECON 101 – Introductory Microeconomics – 3 credits (first term)
ECON 102 – Introductory Macroeconomics – 3 credits (second term)
INFO 101 – Introduction to Information Systems I – 3 credits (first term)
INFO 102 – Introduction to Information Systems II – 3 credits (second term)
Arts course(s) – 6 credits in one subject (full year)
Arts or Science course(s) – 6 credits in one subject (full year)

Required Courses
Six of the courses in your program are 3-credit courses that are offered either in first term or in second term, as outlined above. These BSAD (Business Administration), ECON (Economics) and INFO (Information Systems) courses are required courses for all programs in the Bachelor of Information Systems.

Arts/Science Elective Requirements
You will choose 6 credits in each of two subjects from the arts and sciences. Most BIS students choose two arts subjects. You may choose one arts subject and one science subject if you wish, but please see “Notes re Science Courses” below for restrictions on science options. 

Note that many first-year courses in the arts and sciences are full-year, 6-credit courses. Some departments, however, do have two 3-credit courses (one each term) that together provide 6 credits of introductory study in that subject.

Please note that the subjects displayed in the following tables are also links to their respective pages on this website.  If first year, 100-level courses are offered in a particular subject, their course descriptions are displayed at the bottom of the applicable subject page.  

*Mathematics, Statistics & Computer Science is a department in the Faculty of Science, but for purposes of pairs and electives in the BBA program, courses in this department are considered as arts courses.

Things to Remember

• When making your elective choices for this year, explore your options! You may decide to choose courses in subjects that are familiar to you, but don’t hesitate to be adventurous and try something new.
• As you’re making your choices, it is advisable to choose subjects that appeal to you, and in which you think you might be interested in taking an additional course or two in the future. The BIS degree requires the completion of 30 credits of arts/science electives over the course of the program. 24 of these credits must be completed as two 12-credit “pairs”. (A “pair” is 12 credits in one subject – see the Glossary of Terms for a full definition.) If you really like both of your elective subjects this year, you can take an additional 6 credits in each subject over the remaining years of your program and complete your two pairs that way.
• At least one of your two pairs must be in an arts subject.
• If you find, by year-end, that you are interested in taking additional courses in only one of your first-year elective subjects, don’t worry. The other arts or science course taken in first year, and not subsequently paired, can be used to satisfy the other arts/science electives for your program.  (If you are not interested in pairing either of your first-year subjects, arrange to speak with the department chair or an academic advisor for possible options for your program.)
• BIS students are not permitted to take Computer Science courses as arts/science electives.

Notes re Science Courses

• Although BIS students are permitted to take science courses, some of the science subjects are more likely options than others.
• If you are interested in Earth Sciences, ESC I 171 and 172 are available to you. Note that these two Earth Sciences courses do not have labs.
• Physics 100 and 120 are allowable science options for you. The department also offers two first-year astronomy courses, PHYS 171 and 172, which were developed for non-science students. You are welcome to take these astronomy courses as arts/science electives, but they cannot be used as part of a pair because upper-year physics courses require either PHYS 100 or 120 as a prerequisite.
• Biology and chemistry are restricted to science students until they have all registered. Only then will any available seats be considered for other students. If you are interested in one of these two subjects, contact the relevant department chair to request to be added to a waiting list. In the meantime, be sure to choose and register in a different course, in case you are not able to get a seat in the science course you want.

Questions You Might Have
1. I am interested in Development Studies. Why is that subject not listed in the allowable first-year subjects?
The introductory courses for Development Studies are second-year courses and students are required to have completed 24 credits of university study prior to registration in those courses. Click on the Development Studies subject link on the “Academic Subjects” page to explore this option. If you are interested in these courses, you can look forward to taking them in second year or later. Development Studies courses may be used as arts electives, or as a pair subject.

2. I would like to take more Economics courses after first year. Will I be permitted to do an Economics pair?
The introductory Economics courses, ECON 101 and 102, are required first-year courses and part of your degree requirements, so cannot also be used as part of an Economics pair. However, if you were to take an additional 12 credits of Economics over the remaining three years of your program, you could complete an Economics pair in that way.

3. What if I am interested in taking a course in a subject that is not mentioned above?
The other subjects offered at StFX are in our Faculty of Science professional or applied programs: Aquatic Resources; Engineering; Human Kinetics; Human Nutrition; Nursing. Courses in these departments are normally restricted to students in these programs. If you are interested in taking a course in one of these subjects, you will need to contact the relevant department chair, but rarely is such permission granted. Check the relevant link on the “Academic Subjects” page for further information, and possible exceptions.

These courses are not considered arts or science courses, so cannot be used to fulfill your pair requirements or your “arts/science elective” requirements. The BIS program does include 6 credits of open electives (only 3 credits for students doing an honours in enterprise systems), which may include courses in these subjects if you’re granted permission to take them. This option is still available later in your program. You should concentrate on arts/science courses for your electives this year.

4. Do I have to take any science electives in my BIS program?
You are not required to take any science courses. Both of your pairs and all of your arts/science electives may be in arts subjects. Science courses serve as additional options for you.

5. Can I do a minor in my BIS program?
The BIS program does not provide the option of a minor.

  Step 3 - Build Your Course Schedule  

Welcome to the Bachelor of Science
with a Major in Aquatic Resources!

First-year course selection for the Bachelor of Science with a Major in Aquatic Resources is very easy. Most of your courses are required, and you have the choice of one additional science subject.

Six of the courses in your program are 3-credit courses, and are offered either in first term or in second term.

First-Term Courses
ECON 101 – Introductory Microeconomics
ESCI 171 – Understanding the Earth I
MATH 111 – Calculus I

Second-Term Courses
BIOL 112 – Diversity of Life
ECON 102 – Introductory Macroeconomics
MATH 112 – Calculus II

Your remaining required course is a full-year, 6-credit course:
AQUA 100 – Introduction to Aquatic Resources I: Natural Science Applications

Elective Science Requirement
In addition to the above required courses, which total 24 credits, you will choose a course in one other science subject.

If you intend a major in biology or Earth sciences, CHEM 100, a 6-credit, full-year course, is recommended. This course is required for each of these two majors, so it is advisable to take it in first year.

If you intend a major in Mathematics, Statistics and Computer Science, you may choose an introductory course in chemistry (CHEM 100 or 120) or in physics (PHYS 100 or 120). Normally, students in mathematics will choose CHEM 120 or PHYS 120. The choice is yours.

 
Something to Remember
When building your course schedule, be sure to begin with required courses that are offered in only one timeblock, and schedule other courses around those.

  
Question You Might Have
What if there is another course that I want to take first year, rather than my science elective?
It is recommended that students follow the normal course pattern, in order to ensure an easier progression through the remaining years of the program. Courses in first year will be prerequisites to courses in subsequent years. Taking courses “out of order” can result in difficulties in future years. However, you may contact the program coordinator or the program assistant for individual advising questions such as these. There may be adjustments that are possible with your particular program plan.

  Step 3 - Build Your Course Schedule  

Welcome to the Bachelor of Science
in Human Kinetics!

First-year course selection for the Bachelor of Science in Human Kinetics offers a few options. The first decision that you have to make is which stream of the degree you want to follow. There is a basic pattern that applies to all three streams, but some have more specific requirements than others. Let’s start with an overview of the first-year course load, and the similarities across streams in the BSC HKIN degree.

First-Year Course Pattern (regardless of the stream you follow):

      HKIN 115 – 3 credits
      HKIN 105 – 3 credits
      Science courses – 12 credits (6 credits in each of 2 science subjects)
      Arts courses – 12 credits (6 credits in each of 2 arts subjects)

HKIN 115 – Principles of Human Movement is a required 3-credit course offered in first term.

HKIN 105 – Activities
Your other 3 credits of required HKIN courses are 3 separate 1-credit activities (sometimes called skills). The course numbers for these activities are HKIN 105, followed by a letter designation that specifies the particular activity. For example, HKIN 105A is Soccer; HKIN 105DD is Indoor Soccer; HKIN 105M is Gymnastics; HKIN 105GG is Golf.

Each of these activities is offered over one-third of the year, rather than over the normal half-year (or term). The activities are offered as Fall (September – November), Winter (November – February) and Spring (February – April).

Normally, you will register in one Fall activity, one Winter activity and one Spring activity.

There are also HKIN 205 courses in a few activities. You must have completed the HKIN 105 course in that activity prior to registration in the 205. For example, HKIN 105V is Hockey I and HKIN 205V is Hockey II. You cannot register for 205V without having completed 105V. First-year students normally do not register in HKIN 205 courses, but if you were to take a 105 Fall activity and wanted to take the 205 counterpart in Winter or Spring, you could do so.

As there are many activities in each of the three “HKIN activity trimesters”, you should choose your activities after all other courses have been scheduled. More about this later.

 
Choose Your Stream
At this point, you need to think about your particular stream. There are three options to consider, and they relate to the minor you want to complete within your degree.

1. Health Sciences is a minor intended for students who are considering further study in any of the health sciences fields (for example, med school, dentistry, physiotherapy). The “minor” is not in one subject, as is the norm for a minor, but is rather a set of courses that allows students to take the myriad of courses recommended and required for admission to various health sciences programs. This minor is composed of specific biology, chemistry and physics courses.
2. The minor in Nutrition requires several specific science courses, in addition to the human nutrition courses, and students need to ensure that they take those foundational science courses in first year to be properly prepared for other required courses in subsequent years.
3. Students may complete a minor in any one science (biology, chemistry, earth sciences, physics) or in mathematics, statistics or computer science.

If you’re unsure which stream to choose, you would be advised to choose the stream that is most specific from among the ones you are considering. The good news is that students often do change their minds about their streams, and they’re fine. There is enough flexibility within the first year to allow students to make changes in second year, and sometimes even beyond. To make your path smoothest, however, choose the most restrictive stream in which you’re interested, and you’ll be fine.

Health Sciences Minor
This is the most restrictive stream. Course choice for this stream is the easiest, however, because you have a choice in only two of your requirements. You will take…

BIOL 111 – Introductory Cell Biology (first term, 3 credits)
BIOL 112 – Diversity of Life (second term, 3 credits)
CHEM 100 – General Chemistry (full year, 6 credits)

ENGL 100 – Introductory Survey of Literature in English (6 credits)
      or
ENGL 110 – Literature in English: Genres, Media and Forms (6 credits)

PSYC 100 – Introduction to Psychology (6 credits)
      or
SOCI 100 – Introduction to Sociology (6 credits)

If you are contemplating a physiotherapy program after completion of your HKIN degree, you should choose PSYC 100 rather than SOCI 100, as introductory psychology is a required course for admission to that program at Dalhousie University.

Nutrition Minor
Course choice for this stream has required science courses, but you have a variety of choice in the selection of your two elective arts subjects. Your science courses are the same as those for the Health Sciences minor:

BIOL 111 – Introductory Cell Biology (first term, 3 credits)
BIOL 112 – Diversity of Life (second term, 3 credits)
CHEM 100 – General Chemistry (full year, 6 credits)

Your options for arts subjects are listed below, and apply both to the nutrition minor stream, and to the next stream, in which students complete a minor in one science subject.

Minor in One Science, or in Mathematics, Statistics or Computer Science
Course choice for this stream is dependent on your intended minor. Most students choose to minor in biology, but any one of the sciences is an allowable option, as is any subject from the Department of Mathematics, Statistics and Computer Science.

• Biology minors will choose BIOL 111 and 112, and CHEM 100, the same combination of science courses in the other two streams.
• Chemistry minors will choose CHEM 120, and 6 credits of introductory course(s) in one of the other sciences. PHYS 100 or 120 is a good companion course, but is not required.
• Earth Sciences minors will choose ESCI 171 and 172, and 6 credits of introductory course(s) in one of the other sciences. CHEM 100 or 120 is highly recommended as the second science, as some upper-year ESCI courses require chemistry as a prerequisite.
• Physics minors will choose PHYS 120, and MATH 111 and 112 (calculus). In this instance, the calculus courses serve as the second science.
• Mathematics or Statistics minors will choose MATH 111 and 112, and 6 credits of introductory course(s) in one of the other sciences (but not computer science). Statistics minors require these calculus courses as prerequisites for the statistics courses, the first of which is at the 200-level. MATH 111 and 112 will count as 6 credits of the statistics minor.
• Computer Science minors will choose CSCI 161 and 162, and 6 credits of introductory course(s) in one of the other sciences (but not mathematics).

As with the nutrition minor, you have a variety of choice in the selection of your two elective arts subjects.

Arts Requirements
The normal first-year course pattern requires you to take courses in two different arts subjects. If you are following the Health Sciences Minor stream, your options are limited, as outlined above. If you are following either of the other two streams, you may choose courses from any two of the subjects below.

Please note that the subjects displayed in the following table are also links to their respective pages on this website.  If first year, 100-level courses are offered in a particular subject, their course descriptions are displayed at the bottom of the applicable subject page.

* Human Kinetics students interested in languages should take only one language course in first year. See question 3 at the end of this document for further explanation.

Take the opportunity to explore subjects that are new to you as you contemplate your options for arts courses. Note that many of the first-year courses in the Faculty of Arts are full-year, 6-credit courses. Some departments, however, do have two 3-credit courses (one each term) that together provide 6 credits of introductory study in that subject.

When you choose your arts subjects, remember that you will ultimately be required to complete a total of 12 credits in one arts subject as part of your degree requirements. This requirement is called a “pair”. (For the full definition of a “pair”, please see the “Glossary of Terms”.) You may decide, as most students do, to complete your pair in one of the arts subjects that you take in first year. To accomplish this, you will complete a second 6 credits in that subject, normally in second year.

However, if you find at year-end that you are not interested in taking more courses in either of the arts subjects you took in first year, you will not be required to do so. You will be able to try a new arts subject in second year, and take the second 6 credits of that subject in third or fourth year to complete your pair requirement.

So you can explore your first-year arts options risk-free! Take courses that you know you’ll really like, or be adventurous and try something new!

If you are considering applying to B.Ed. programs after completion of your Human Kinetics degree, see Question 6 at the end of this document for more specific recommendations regarding course choice.

Things to Remember

• Though the following tips may sound a little confusing at the moment, they will become clearer to you as you move along the process, and actually begin to build your schedule. You can always refer back to this page later.
• When building your course schedule, be sure to begin with your required HKIN 115 course, as it is offered in only one timeblock. (This reference to timeblocks will also become clearer as you navigate through this website.) You will also have to register for an associated lab time, and there are several afternoon timeblocks from which to choose.
• You should then schedule your science courses and labs, as there are fewer timeblock options available for those than for most of the arts courses. When choosing lab times, you should try to avoid morning labs, as those will result in time conflicts with many of the activities courses.
• You should next schedule your arts courses. Begin with courses that are offered at only one time, and schedule other courses around those. If you have to make adjustments to your science courses because a desired arts course is offered at only one time and it conflicts with a science course, then do so. Work back and forth among courses until you can fit everything into your schedule with no time conflicts. If there is no way to fit all of your desired courses into your schedule, you may need to change your choice of one or both arts courses. Your science courses are of most importance to your program, so be sure to get those scheduled as your top priority.
• The various HKIN activities are offered in six different timeblocks: A, B, C, D, K and L. After you’ve scheduled your other courses, you will have at least one or two of these blocks available to you, and most likely more. You will need to look for activities that fit into your open timeblocks.
• When scheduling your activities, note that your Fall activity cannot conflict with any first-term courses, and your Spring activity cannot conflict with any second-term courses. Your Winter activity, however, bridges both terms, so has to be scheduled even more carefully, to avoid time conflicts with courses in both terms.
• Your required HKIN 115 course is offered in D block in first term, so you will not be able to choose Fall or Winter skills that are offered in D1/D2/D3 (“D block”).

Questions You Might Have
1. I am interested in Development Studies. Why is it not listed in the Arts Subjects above?
The introductory courses for Development Studies are second-year courses and students are required to have completed 24 credits of university study prior to registration in those courses. Click on the Development Studies subject link on the “Academic Subjects” page to explore this option. If you are interested in these courses, you can look forward to taking them in second year or later.

2. What if I am interested in taking a course in a subject that is not mentioned above?
The other subjects offered at StFX are in our other professional or applied programs: Aquatic Resources; Business Administration; Information Systems; Engineering; Human Nutrition; Nursing. (Human Kinetics also falls into this category.)  These courses are not considered arts or science courses, so cannot be used to fulfill any of your first-year requirements.

Courses in these departments are normally restricted to students in these programs (with the exception of a couple of courses in Human Nutrition). If you are interested in taking a course from one of these programs in a future year, you will need to contact the relevant department chair, but rarely is such permission granted. Should you be permitted to take any of these courses in the future, you will be permitted a maximum of 6 credits, and will have to use those credits in the “open elective” slot in your degree pattern.

3. The Academic Calendar refers to “Arts X”, “Arts Y”, “Science A” and “Science B”. What do these mean?
“Science A” and “Science B” are terms that are normally used only in the stream in which a student does a minor in one science or math subject. Science A is your minor, in which you will have to complete a total of 24 credits over the duration of your degree. Science B is your second science, in which you are required to complete 6 credits. That requirement will normally be met by the end of first year.

“Arts X” and “Arts Y” are terms used in all Bachelor of Science in Human Kinetics streams. As mentioned above, you are required to complete a “pair” in one arts subject. This is your Arts X. In addition, you are required to complete 6 credits in a second arts subject. This is your Arts Y. At the end of first year, one of your arts subjects will be usable as your Arts Y, and that requirement will be complete.

Arts X and Y must be from different departments. Therefore, you may not do Arts X in one language and Arts Y in a second language (because all French, German and Spanish courses are offered by the Department of Modern Languages). That is why it is not advisable for first-year students in your program to take two different language courses. (As an exception to this, a Celtic language course or a Latin course, CLAS 110, may be taken in addition to one of the three languages offered by Modern Languages because Celtic courses and Classical Studies courses are offered by different departments.)

4. What if I am interested in an honours degree?
Course selection is no different for first year. You may wish to check table 7.1.5 in the Academic Calendar for grade and average requirements, so that you are aware of the grades you will need for admission to this program at the end of second year.

5. Is it true that I can complete a Bachelor of Science in Human Nutrition in one year after completing my Bachelor of Science in Human Kinetics with the Nutrition Minor stream?
Yes. With careful course planning, you most certainly can. The Human Kinetics and the Human Nutrition sections of the Academic Calendar each outline the courses needed to complete these two degrees in five years. You may also want to meet with the Human Kinetics department chair or with an academic advisor if you have questions.

If you think you might be interested in this option, you should choose one of your arts courses from the humanities (Art, Catholic Studies, Celtic Studies, Classical Studies, English, French, German, History, Music, Philosophy, Religious Studies, Spanish) and one from the social sciences (Anthropology, Economics, Political Science, Psychology, Sociology, Women’s and Gender Studies) this year. The BSc in Human Nutrition requires at least 6 credits in one humanities subject and at least 6 credits in one social sciences subject, so this would ensure that your arts courses are in line with the arts requirements for the Human Nutrition degree.

6. I want to do a Bachelor of Education degree after I complete my Human Kinetics degree. Are there any particular courses that I should be taking?
This answer will be given in the context of the StFX B.Ed. program. You should understand that each university to which you might want to apply could have slightly different admission requirements, and you should do some research on each university in which you might be interested. Overall, the admission requirements will be similar in many ways, but there will definitely be differences, and you’ll want to try to incorporate those different requirements into your HKIN degree.

At StFX, as at other universities, there are two basic streams of study in the B.Ed. program: elementary and secondary. The full explanation of these programs is found in the Academic Calendar, section 6. If you are interested in the B.Ed. program, you are strongly advised to read that section and to attend information sessions offered by the Faculty of Education (normally in October). The earlier you make yourself aware of the requirements for that program, the easier it will be to tailor your HKIN degree to fulfill the necessary requirements. The Faculty of Education loves to see first-year students attend those sessions!

Following is a summary of section 6.1.3 and 6.1.4, with information as it pertains directly to courses offered at StFX.

For the elementary stream, there are five basic requirements:
(i) 9 credits of social studies from any one or any combination of the following disciplines: history, economics, political science, anthropology, sociology and/or philosophy. The introductory courses in any of these subjects will fulfill 6 of these 9 credits.
(ii) 6 credits of mathematics. The most common choice is MATH 100. The alternative would be 6 credits of calculus (MATH 111 and 112) or 3 credits of calculus (MATH 111) and 3 credits of statistics (STAT 201) or business math (MATH 205).
(iii) 6 credits of English. Either ENGL 100 or ENGL 110 would work for this requirement.
(iv) 6 credits of science. You will have plenty of science courses completed by the end of your degree.
(v) Developmental psychology. You will need to take PSYC 100 before being permitted to take PSYC 260, which is the StFX Developmental Psychology course.

So if you’re interested in the elementary stream of the B.Ed., it would be wise for you to take two of the following three arts options this year: 6 credits of English; 6 credits of “social studies” (as defined above); PSYC 100 (a 6-credit course). If you are intending a minor in mathematics, statistics or physics in your human kinetics degree, you will be taking your math requirement this year, as well. You can take any remaining requirements in later years.

For the secondary stream, there are two basic requirements:
(i) “Major Subject Field”: A minimum of 30 credits of university coursework in one discipline of a subject taught in Nova Scotia secondary schools. For you, this will be “Physical Education”, and your 54 credits of HKIN courses will more than satisfy this requirement.
(ii) “Minor Subject Field”: A minimum of 18 credits of university coursework in one discipline of a second subject taught in Nova Scotia secondary schools. Allowable subject fields are English; French; Social Studies (all 18 credits must be in one of the related disciplines: economics, history, political science, sociology or anthropology); Diverse Cultures (sociology or anthropology; see the Faculty of Education for more information on this subject field); mathematics; science (all 18 credits must be in one of the related disciplines: biology, chemistry, earth sciences or physics); Gaelic; Fine Arts (studio art or music); Family Studies (which is not possible within the framework of the HKIN degrees).

If you’re interested in the secondary stream of the B.Ed., you should think about which of the “Minor Subject Field” options you would want to choose. As a student in the BSc in Human Kinetics, you would need to choose mathematics or one of the sciences. Ultimately, the minor you choose for your BA HKIN degree will be your “Minor Subject Field” in a B.Ed. program. You will be following the “minor in one science or mathematics” stream if you intend to pursue an education degree.

  Step 3 - Build Your Course Schedule  

Welcome to the Bachelor of Science
in Human Nutrition!

First-year course selection for the Bachelor of Science in Human Nutrition is very easy. There are some required courses, and you have a variety of choice in the selection of your two elective arts subjects.

Four of the courses in your program are 3-credit courses, and are offered either in first term or in second term.

First-Term Courses
BIOL 111 – Introductory Cell Biology
HNU 161 – Food and Nutrition for Health in Society

Second-Term Courses
HNU 145 – Introduction to Foods
HNU 235 – Communications

Your remaining required course is a full-year, 6-credit course:
CHEM 100 – General Chemistry

Arts Requirements
In addition to the above required courses, which total 18 credits, you will choose courses in two arts subjects. One of these subjects should be from the humanities and the other should be from the social sciences. Your degree will require you to have at least 6 credits in one humanities subject and at least 6 credits in one social sciences subject, so it would be wise to register in appropriate courses to fulfill those requirements in first year. Your chosen 12 credits of arts will complete your 30 credits for the year.

Please note that the subjects displayed in the following table are also links to their respective pages on this website.  If first year, 100-level courses are offered in a particular subject, their course descriptions are displayed at the bottom of the applicable subject page.

*Development Studies is not an available option for first-year students. Those who are interested in this subject should explore this option and can look forward to taking such courses in third and/or fourth year.

Take the opportunity to explore subjects that are new to you as you contemplate your options for arts courses. Note that many of the first-year courses in the Faculty of Arts are full-year, 6-credit courses. Some departments, however, do have two 3-credit courses (one each term) that together provide 6 credits of introductory study in that subject.

When you choose your arts subjects, remember that you will ultimately be required to complete a total of 12 credits in one arts subject (either a humanities or a social sciences subject) as part of your degree requirements. This requirement is called a “pair”. (For the full definition of a “pair”, please see the “Glossary of Terms”.) You may decide, as most students do, to complete your pair in one of the arts subjects that you take in first year. To accomplish this, you will complete a second 6 credits in that subject, normally in third year, or in fourth year if you prefer.

However, if you find at year-end that you are not interested in taking more courses in either of the arts subjects you took in first year, you will not be required to do so. You will be able to try a new arts subject in third year, and take the second 6 credits of that subject in fourth year to complete your pair requirement.

So you can explore your first-year arts options risk-free! Take courses that you know you’ll really like, or be adventurous and try something new!

Things to Remember

• When building your course schedule, be sure to begin with required courses that are offered in only one timeblock, and schedule other courses around those.
• When scheduling your arts courses, try to avoid the F block so that you can leave it free for Human Nutrition seminars that are held in that block throughout the year. (This reference to “F block” will become clearer as you navigate through this website and begin to build your course schedule.)

Question You Might Have
What if I want to take two humanities or two social sciences subjects this year?
It is certainly your prerogative to do so. Your overall degree pattern includes 9 – 15 credits of open electives (depending upon your choice of the regular or the honours program), so you could use one of your arts subjects this year as an open elective in your degree. However, you would need to remember to take 6 credits in an arts subject from the other category before the end of your program. You would do this in third or fourth year.

  Step 3 - Build Your Course Schedule  

Welcome to the Bachelor of Science in Nursing!

First-year course selection for the Bachelor of Science in Nursing is very simple. Every course is required, and there are no choices to be made. To make the process even easier, your first-year course registration will be done for you, so there is no registration process with which you must be concerned.

Five of the courses in your program are 3-credit courses, and are offered either in first term or in second term. A sixth course, offered in second term, is a non-credit required course that includes a two-week clinical practicum in May or June.

First-Term Courses
BIOL 105 – Introductory Cell and Molecular Biology
NURS 105 – Introduction to Professional Nursing
NURS 126 – Introduction to Clinical Nursing Skills

Second-Term Courses
BIOL 115 – Microbes in Human Biology
NURS 115 – Health Promotion and Learning
NURS 127 – Introduction to Therapeutic Interpersonal Skills                                                 & Clinical Practice (non-credit)

The remaining three courses in your program are 6-credit courses offered over the full academic year.

Full-Year Courses
CHEM 150 – Fundamentals of General and Biological Chemistry
PSYC 100 – Introduction to Psychology
PHIL 100 – Introductory Philosophy
      or RELS 120 – Religion, Spirituality, and Health
You require only one of PHIL 100 and RELS 120. Your registration will indicate the particular course to which you have been randomly assigned.

In total, you will be taking 6 courses each term.

 Other Important Information

During the month of July, you will receive a comprehensive information package from the School of Nursing. This package will include a short program overview, a number of forms that you must complete (immunization forms, First Aid certificate, WHMIS, etc.), and details on a mandatory Nursing Orientation Session scheduled for your first week in September. 

Finally...feel free to browse through the "Academic Subjects" pages.  They will provide more information about the courses in which you will be registered in the coming year.  Also, though you will not be required to choose electives for your program until your third year, you can explore some of those options now!

  Step 3 - Build Your Course Schedule  

Welcome to the Bachelor of Science!

First-year course selection for the Bachelor of Science offers a lot of options. Whether you know exactly what you want to study in first year, or you are looking for ideas and want to explore new subjects, the BSc program can accommodate you.

There are only two required courses for the Bachelor of Science degree programs. All students must complete MATH 111 and 112 (Calculus I and II). Beyond that, there is a basic first-year course pattern to consider, and there are a few things to remember when choosing your courses, but you have a lot of options from which to choose.

When choosing courses, remember that most science courses have accompanying labs. These labs are required components of the courses, and take up additional time in your course schedule. First-year Earth Sciences courses are exceptions; ESCI 171 and 172 do not have labs.

Note that many first-year courses in the sciences and the arts are full-year, 6-credit courses. Some departments, however, do have two 3-credit courses (one each term) that together provide 6 credits of introductory study in that subject.

First-Year Course Patterns
In first-year BSc, there are two basic course patterns from which students will choose.

Option 1 is the most common pattern. Your 30 credits will look like this:
      MATH 111 – Calculus I – 3 credits (first term)
      MATH 112 – Calculus II – 3 credits (second term)
      Science courses – 12 credits (6 credits in each of two science subjects)
      Arts courses – 12 credits (6 credits in each of two arts subjects)

Option 2 will result in your 30 credits looking like this:
      MATH 111 – Calculus I – 3 credits (first term)
      MATH 112 – Calculus II – 3 credits (second term)
      Science courses – 18 credits (6 credits in each of three science subjects)
      Arts course(s) – 6 credits in one arts subject

With the three sciences in Option 2, you may have either two or three laboratory courses. If Earth Sciences is one of your chosen science subjects, for example, you will have only two lab courses this year. If you choose biology, chemistry and physics, you will have three lab courses. Three lab courses in first year should be attempted only by those students with a superior high school record (recommended minimum average of 85).

 
Science Courses
Your choice of science courses will depend upon your intended major. If you are as yet unsure what that will be, choose courses that will allow you the flexibility to choose among your options at a later date. For a full list of science subjects, and links to the relevant subject pages, see below.

Biology: You will choose BIOL 111 and 112 (3 credits each) and CHEM 100 (full-year, 6-credit course). If you want a third science, you may choose from physics, Earth sciences or computer science. If you intend an honours degree in biology, note that PHYS 100 or 120 (normally 100) will be required at some point in your program, though not necessarily in first year.
Chemistry: You will choose CHEM 120. PHYS 120 is the best option for your second science, as it is a required course, and must be completed before the end of second year.
Computer Science: You will choose CSCI 161 and 162, and 6 credits of introductory course(s) in any one of the other sciences. (It should be noted that for purposes of your program, MATH, STAT and CSCI are all from one department, so are not considered to be separate sciences. This fact becomes more important in later years, as you plan your program. Your overall degree pattern will ultimately require two different science subjects from outside the department of mathematics, statistics and computer science.)
Earth Sciences: You will choose ESCI 171 and 172 and either CHEM 100 or 120. (If you are intending the geochemistry concentration, CHEM 120 is strongly recommended.) It is recommended that you take a third science. If you intend the environmental Earth science concentration, you should take either PHYS 100 or 120 (120 strongly recommended). If you plan the geoscience concentration, PHYS 100 or 120, or BIOL 111 and 112, are the options from which you should choose.
Environmental Sciences: If you are intending the biology concentration or the chemistry concentration, you will choose BIOL 111 and 112; ESC I 171 and 172; CHEM 100 or 120 (100 for biology; 120 for chemistry). If you are intending the biogeochemistry concentration or the climate and water concentration, you will choose CHEM 100 or 120; ESCI 171 and 172; PHYS 100 or 120 (120 is required for the climate and water concentration). This program is very prescribed. In order to complete all requirements within four years, you will need to take the three sciences in first year.
Mathematics: You are already taking MATH 111 and 112, which are the foundational courses for students intending mathematics as the major subject of study. For your two sciences this year, you may choose from biology, chemistry, Earth sciences or physics. You may also choose computer science, in place of one of these two sciences, or as a third science. You will eventually need to take CSCI 161, as it is a required course for all programs in the department; CSCI 162 is also recommended, and is indeed required for honours students in mathematics. So you may wish to take these courses this year. (It should be noted that for purposes of your program, MATH, STAT and CSCI are all from one department, so are not considered to be separate sciences. This fact becomes more important in later years, as you plan your program. Your overall degree pattern will ultimately require two different science subjects from outside the department of mathematics, statistics and computer science.)
Physics: You will choose PHYS 120. Your second science should be CHEM 100 or 120 (normally 120). The other primary science subject for physics students is math. As you are already taking MATH 111 and 112 as part of your first-year course pattern, you will likely opt to take two arts courses rather than a third science, though you are permitted to take a third science if you wish, within the recommendations of “Option 2” above.
Psychology: You will choose PSYC 100 and BIOL 111 and 112. If you choose to take a third science, CHEM 100 or 120 (normally 100) is the standard choice. (Students who intend an advanced major or honours program in psychology will be required to take one of these introductory chemistry courses. The major program in psychology does not require chemistry.) Note: Psychology is considered a science only for students whose major subject is psychology. For all other students, psychology is an arts subject.
Statistics: You are already taking MATH 111 and 112, which are the foundational courses for students intending statistics as the major subject of study. Statistics majors require these calculus courses as prerequisites for the statistics courses, the first of which is at the 200-level. (MATH 111 and 112 will count as 6 credits of the statistics major.) For your two sciences this year, you may choose from biology, chemistry, Earth sciences or physics. You may also choose computer science, in place of one of these two sciences, or as a third science. You will eventually need to take CSCI 161, as it is a required course for all programs in the department; CSCI 162 is also recommended, and is indeed required for honours students in mathematics. So you may wish to take these courses this year. (It should be noted that for purposes of your program, MATH, STAT and CSCI are all from one department, so are not considered to be separate sciences. This fact becomes more important in later years, as you plan your program. Your overall degree pattern will ultimately require two different science subjects from outside the department of mathematics, statistics and computer science.)

Arts Courses
If you are taking two arts courses this year, as most students do, you should choose one subject from the humanities and one subject from the social sciences. The major program will require at least one subject from each category, so it would be wise to register in one of each in first year. 

Please note that the subjects displayed in the following table are also links to their respective pages on this website.  If first year, 100-level courses are offered in a particular subject, their course descriptions are displayed at the bottom of the applicable subject page.

*Development Studies is not an available option for first-year students. Those who are interested in this subject should explore this option and can look forward to taking such courses in a later year.
**Psychology is a social sciences arts subject for all students except those who choose to major in psychology, for whom it is considered a science.

When making your arts choices for this year, explore your options! You may decide to choose courses in subjects that are familiar to you, but don’t hesitate to be adventurous and try something new.

It is advisable to choose subjects that appeal to you, and in which you think you might be interested in taking an additional course or two in the future. The BSc with Major degree requires the completion of two 12-credit “pairs”, one in a humanities subject and one in a social sciences subject. (A “pair” is 12 credits in one arts subject – see the Glossary of Terms for a full definition.) If you really like both of your arts subjects this year, you can take an additional 6 credits in each subject over the remaining years of your program and complete your two pairs that way.

However, if you find at year-end that you are not interested in taking additional courses in one or both of your first-year arts subjects, don’t worry. You won’t have to. The courses will still be usable in your BSc degree pattern, and you can try new subjects the following year. (Note that advanced major and honours programs require only one pair, but do require 6 credits in a second arts subject. So regardless of the particular program you plan for your BSc, you will need to complete courses in two different arts subjects.)

Whether you ultimately decide to pair both, only one, or neither of the arts subjects that you choose for this year, be reassured that those courses will be usable in your BSc program. You can choose your arts courses this year risk-free!

Questions You Might Have
1. What if I am interested in taking a course in a subject that is not mentioned above?
The other subjects offered at StFX are in our professional or applied programs: Aquatic Resources; Business Administration; Information Systems; Engineering; Human Kinetics; Human Nutrition; Nursing. Courses in these departments are normally restricted to students in these programs. If you are interested in taking a course in one of these programs, you will need to contact the relevant department chair, but rarely is such permission granted. Check the relevant link on the “Academic Subjects” page for further information, and possible exceptions.

2. What if I want to take two humanities or two social sciences subjects this year?
It is certainly your prerogative to do so, and those courses could both be used in your BSc degree. However, if you were to choose the major degree pattern (rather than the advanced major or honours), you would need to remember to take 12 credits in an arts subject from the other category over the remaining years of your program.

3. The Academic Calendar refers to “Science A”, “Science B” and “Science C”. What do these mean?
“Science A” is your major (or advanced major or honours) subject. It is your primary area of study.

“Science B” is a second science in which you will need to complete a total of 12 credits (with 6 credits above the 100-level). Normally, you will take 6 credits of 100-level “Science B” courses in your first year. (For students planning a joint advanced major or joint honours degree, Science B is the secondary subject of study.)

“Science C” is a third science in which you will need to complete a total of 6 credits.

One of your three required science subjects (Science A, Science B, Science C) must be from the department of Mathematics, Statistics and Computer Science, and must include MATH 111 and 112. (Students who do not major in mathematics, statistics or computer science will require Science B or Science C to be mathematics.)

4. The Academic Calendar refers to “Arts X”, “Arts Y” and “Arts Z”. What do these mean?
In the Major program, “Arts X” is the humanities pair and “Arts Y” is the social sciences pair. “Arts Z” is 6 credits in a third arts subject, and may be from either category of arts subjects.

In the Advanced Major and Honours programs, “Arts X” is a pair (and may be either a humanities pair or a social sciences pair) and “Arts Y” is 6 credits in a second arts subject (from either category).

Arts X, Y and Z must be from different departments. For example, you may not do Arts X in French and Arts Z in German (because all French, German and Spanish courses are offered by the Department of Modern Languages). For this reason, it is not advisable for first-year students in your program to take two different language courses. (As an exception to this, a Celtic language course or a Latin course, CLAS 110, may be taken in addition to one of the three languages offered by Modern Languages because Celtic courses and Classical Studies courses are offered by different departments. However, because all of these subjects are humanities, it is advisable not to take two of them in first year.)

5. What if I am interested in an honours or an advanced major degree?
Course selection is no different for first year. You may wish to check table 7.1.5 in your Academic Calendar for grade and average requirements, so that you are aware of the grades you will need for admission to these programs at the end of second year.

6. Can I do a minor in my Bachelor of Science degree?
The BSc degree programs do not provide the option of a minor.

  Step 3 - Build Your Course Schedule  

Welcome to the Diploma in Engineering!

First-year course selection for the Diploma in Engineering is very simple, as every course is required, and there are no electives from which you need to choose.

Full-Year Courses
CHEM 120 – Principles of Chemistry
PHYS 120 – General Physics

The other eight courses in your program are 3-credit courses, and are offered either in first term or in second term.

First-Term Courses
ENGR 121 – Calculus I for Engineers
ENGR 123 – Linear Algebra for Engineers
ENGR 131 – Engineering Graphics and Fundamentals
ENGR 132 – Engineering Design and Communications I

Second-Term Courses
ENGR 122 – Calculus II for Engineers
ENGR 126 – Biology with Engineering Applications
ENGR 136 – Statics
ENGR 144 – Computer Programming for Engineers

In total, you will be taking 6 courses each term, all of which have labs.

Things to Remember

• Although you have no course choices to make this year, some of your courses will have two labs from which you can choose. It will be your choice which of the two lab times you choose for each course, as long as seats remain available in both. However, if one lab is full, you will need to choose the other. In any case, be assured that all students accepted into the diploma program will be guaranteed a seat in all required courses and all required labs.
• When building your course schedule, be sure to begin with the required courses and the labs for which there is only one lab time, and schedule the remaining labs around those.

Question You Might Have

What if I want to complete my diploma over three years, rather than two years?
It is certainly your prerogative to complete your program in this way.  You should meet with the department chair or with an academic advisor to discuss your program plan.  At the very least, you should ensure that you choose CHEM 120, PHYS 120 and ENGR 121, 122 and 136 for your first year.  Additional course choices will depend upon the number of credits you wish to take in first year, and your overall diploma completion plan.

  Step 3 - Build Your Course Schedule  

Welcome to the Bachelor of Arts in Music (Jazz Studies) and the Diploma in Jazz Studies!

First-year course selection for the Bachelor of Arts in Music (Jazz Studies) and the Diploma in Jazz Studies is identical, and very simple. Most of the courses are required music courses, and there is only one elective course that you will need to choose.

Three of the courses in your program are 3-credit courses that are offered either in first term or in second term.

First-Term Courses
MUSI 101 – Structure of Music I
MUSI 117 – History of Popular Music

Second-Term Course
MUSI 103 – Jazz Theory I

Your remaining required courses are offered over the full year, either as 6-credit courses (MUSI 160 and 190) or as a 3-credit course (one of MUSI 106 and 107).

Full-Year Courses
MUSI 106 – Vocal Ensemble I
      or MUSI 107 – Instrumental Ensembles I
MUSI 160 – Jazz History
MUSI 190 – Applied Performance I

 
Arts/Science Requirement
In addition to the above required courses, which total 24 credits, you will choose 6 credits in an arts or science subject.

Note that many first-year arts and science courses are full-year, 6-credit courses. Some departments, however, do have two 3-credit courses (one each term) that together provide 6 credits of introductory study in that subject.

Please note that the subjects displayed in the following tables are also links to their respective pages on this website.  If first year, 100-level courses are offered in a particular subject, their course descriptions are displayed at the bottom of the applicable subject page.

* Mathematics, Statistics & Computer Science is a department in the Faculty of Science, but for purposes of pairs (see definition below) and electives in the music programs, courses in this department are considered as arts courses.

When making your choice, you need to be aware of some important notes regarding the way in which these elective credits will be used in your degree pattern:

• If you intend to apply for the Bachelor of Music (Jazz Studies) with Honours program, you will need to complete 24 credits of arts/science electives in your overall program. 12 of these credits must be in one subject (called a “pair” – see the Glossary of Terms for a full definition); the other 12 credits must be a pair in a second subject. Therefore, you should be sure to choose a subject this year in which you are fairly confident you will be interested, as you will need to take an additional 6 credits of that subject in the future.
• If you intend to follow any of the other degree programs in music, you will have a little more flexibility, but will still need to complete three pairs, each in a different subject. As with the point above, you should choose a subject in which you are fairly sure you will be interested in taking more credits in the future. You will most likely be using this year’s elective as 6 credits of a 12-credit pair. However, your degree pattern does have an additional 6 credits of electives, besides the three pairs. If you take an arts or science elective this year, and find at year-end that you are not interested in taking more courses in that subject, you will not be required to do so. You will be able to use those credits to fulfill your “additional 6 credits of electives.” You will then be able to begin fulfilling your pair requirements in second year by taking a different subject.
• If you have been accepted to the Diploma in Jazz Studies, you may take any arts or science elective that is open to first-year students. There is no pair requirement in the diploma program.
• Most students choose a subject from the arts, but a science subject is an allowable option for you. If you choose a science, however, be aware that only one of your pairs may be in a science subject. All other required pairs, which you will complete over the remaining three years of your program, must be in arts subjects.

Notes Regarding Science Courses

• Although music students are permitted to take science courses, some of the science subjects are more realistic options than others.
• If you are interested in Earth Sciences, the introductory courses are definitely open to you, and you are very welcome to take them. (Note that the introductory Earth Sciences courses do not have labs.)
• Physics is also an option, depending upon availability, and there are usually seats available for non-science students. (Note that in addition to the "normal" introductory physics courses, the department offers two first-year astronomy courses, PHYS 171 and 172, that were developed for non-science students. These courses cannot be used as part of a pair, so are not recommended for first-year music students. In the music programs, they can be used as arts/science electives only; if you are interested in these courses, it is recommended that you take them in a later year, after your pairs have been established. These courses are not options for you if you intend the Bachelor of Music (Jazz Studies) with Honours degree.) Students interested in completing a physics pair should take PHYS 100 or 120.
• Biology and chemistry, however, are restricted to science students until all have registered. Only then will any available seats be considered for other students. If you are interested in one of these two subjects, contact the relevant department chair to inquire whether there is any realistic possibility for registration this year and if so, what you should do to be eligible for any possible remaining seats in the course. In the meantime, be sure to choose and register in a different course, in case you are not able to get a seat in the science course you want.

Things to Remember

• Take the opportunity to explore subjects that are new to you as you contemplate your options for your arts/science elective subject. You do need to choose carefully, as discussed above, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t be adventurous and try something new!
• Though the following tips may sound a little confusing at the moment, they will become clearer to you as you move along the process, and actually begin to build your schedule. You can always refer back to this page later.
• When building your course schedule, be sure to begin with your required music courses, which are offered in only one timeblock, and schedule your elective course(s) around those. (This reference to “timeblock” will also become clearer as you navigate through this website.)
• If you are a vocalist, and therefore taking MUSI 106, be sure to register for section 11 (not section 12). Section 11 is for students in the music program; section 12 is for non-music students.
• When scheduling your elective subject, you will need to avoid choosing a course that meets between 3:45 and 5:00, Monday through Thursday. This translates to blocks HJ/JH and T1/T2. All music students need to leave these blocks open for “Combo Time” (when combo rehearsals are held) and for improvisation classes and master classes with visiting artists.
• In addition to the above timeblocks, which all music students must leave free, you will need to avoid other blocks, depending upon your instrument. Rhythm section players (guitar, piano, bass and drums) must avoid F2 and M2 blocks, as the Rhythm Section Master Class meets weekly on Wednesdays from 12:45 – 2:00. In addition, drum students must avoid courses on Wednesdays from 7:00 – 9:00 pm in the fall term (impacting on blocks S2, N3 and N7) and on Mondays from 6:00 – 8:00 pm in the winter term (which impacts on blocks V1, S1, N1 and N5). These are the times of the Percussion Ensemble rehearsals.
• Vocalists must avoid scheduling courses between 9:45 and 11:00 on Tuesday mornings, as this time is reserved for Vocal master class. This translates to block LA (or A2 and L1 blocks).

Other Important Information

• All students should plan to be on campus a few days before the beginning of the fall term in order to get settled; to meet with their respective studio teachers to schedule lessons; and to take ensemble placement auditions.
• There will be a General Music Department Meeting scheduled during the first week. This will inform students about departmental policies and practices. The time and place of the meeting will be posted in Gilmora Hall – the Music Building – during the first week of the term. All students are to attend.
• The time and place of ensemble placement auditions will be posted in Gilmora Hall. These auditions include reading, improvisation, and repertoire components. All students must audition for their placement in ensembles.

Questions You Might Have
1. I am interested in Development Studies. Why is that subject not listed in the allowable first-year subjects?
The introductory courses for Development Studies are second-year courses and students are required to have completed 24 credits of university study prior to registration in those courses.  Development Studies courses may be used as arts electives, or as a pair subject.

2. What if I am interested in taking a course in a subject that is not mentioned above?
The other subjects offered at StFX are in our professional or applied programs: Aquatic Resources; Business Administration; Information Systems; Engineering; Human Kinetics; Human Nutrition; Nursing. These courses are not considered arts or science courses, so cannot be used to fulfill your pair requirements or your “arts/science elective” requirements.

  Step 3 - Build Your Course Schedule  

Not all courses listed in the StFX Academic Calendar will be offered in Full Academic Year 2012-2013
The timetable, including room assignments, is finalized only after registration closes. There may be room changes or course additions or deletions.

AX(Annex), BB (Bruce Brown), CA (Camden), GM(Gilmora), IM (Immaculata Hall), MA (Marguerite), CO(Coady), MSB (Mount St. Bernard), NH (Nicholson Hall), OC (Oland Centre), PS (Physical Science Complex), SCHW(Schwartz School). Courses with the section listed as .66 will be offered by distance; .77 by distance nursing and .88 in New Glasgow.

View the Timetable Blocks
 

View a Sample Timetable

View the 2012-2013 Human Kinetics Activities (Skills) Schedule

The December 2012 Examination Schedule will be posted here on Friday, 5 October 2012.

Click here to view a typical course timetable sample page.

Click here to view the timeblock worksheets for building your class schedule.

Click here to  view the 2012-2013 Calendar of Events.

Click here to view the 2013-2014 Calendar of Events.

View the 2013-2014 Academic Calendar.

Select the appropriate link below to view current and previous Academic Calendars:

2012-2013 Academic Calendar

2011-2012 Academic Calendar

2010-2011 Academic Calendar

2009-2010 Academic Calendar

2008-2009 Academic Calendar

2007-2008 Academic Calendar

2006-2007 Academic Calendar

2005-2006 Academic Calendar

2004-2005 Academic Calendar

2003-2004 Academic Calendar

For information contained in Academic Calendars prior to 2003-2004, please contact the Office of the Registrar.

Academic Subjects

Note:  If first year, 100-level courses are offered in a particular subject, their course descriptions are displayed at the bottom of that subject's webpage.

Arts

Anthropology
Art
Canadian Studies
Catholic Studies
Celtic Studies
Classical Studies
Development Studies
Economics
English
French
German
History
Interdisciplinary Studies
Music
Philosophy
Political Science
Psychology
Religious Studies
Sociology
Spanish
Women's & Gender Studies

Science

Biology
Chemistry
Computer Science
Earth Sciences
Environmental Sciences
Mathematics
Physics
Statistics

Professional/Applied

Aquatic Resources
Business Administration
Engineering
Human Kinetics
Human Nutrition
Information Systems
Nursing

Not all courses listed in the StFX Academic Calendar will be offered in Full Academic Year 2012-2013
The timetable, including room assignments, is finalized only after registration closes. There may be room changes or course additions or deletions.

AX(Annex), BB (Bruce Brown), CA (Camden), GM(Gilmora), IM (Immaculata Hall), MA (Marguerite), CO(Coady), MSB (Mount St. Bernard), NH (Nicholson Hall), OC (Oland Centre), PS (Physical Science Complex), SCHW(Schwartz School). Courses with the section listed as .66 will be offered by distance; .77 by distance nursing and .88 in New Glasgow.

View the Timetable Blocks
 

View a Sample Timetable

View the 2012-2013 Human Kinetics Activities (Skills) Schedule

The December 2012 Examination Schedule will be posted here on Friday, 5 October 2012.

Click here to view a typical course timetable sample page.

Click here to view the timeblock worksheets for building your class schedule.

» Degree Codes

» Program Codes