Choose your courses and plan your schedule

Normal course load

Full-time students are expected to register for the equivalent of 30 credits in the Fall and Winter terms, normally 15 credits per term. 

Most courses are 3-credit courses offered in one term. Refer to Academic Calendar 11.0 – Course Numbering and Credit Values. 

If you intend to carry a normal course load you should register for 10 courses in total - five courses (15 credits) in the fall term, and five courses (15 credits) in the winter term. 

Every degree program requires completion of 120 credits in total:

15 credits per term X 2 terms = 30 credits per year
30 credits per year X 4 years = 120 credits

Nine credits per term is the minimum course load required to be considered a full-time student. Registration in three to six credits per term is considered part-time enrollment. 

Keep in mind, in addition to the regular class (lecture), a number of courses also involve a mandatory lab or tutorial component. Labs/tutorials do not count as separate courses or credits in your registration. 

Reduced course load

Here are some things to consider as you determine the number of courses you will take in a term:

• If you have a University scholarship you are most likely required to enroll in 15 credits per term (Fall and Winter) in order to meet criteria for renewal in the following year. This is the case even if you enter with transfer credits / advanced standing.
• Other types of funding agencies normally have a course load requirement (e.g. Government Student Loans). Check directly with your funding agency if you have questions about this.
• There is a course load requirement to qualify for Dean's List standing.
• International students considering a part-time load should consult with the International Student Advisor (intadvisor@mta.ca) to discuss immigration implications.
• International students who speak English as an additional language may wish to consult with the International Student Advisor (intadvisor@mta.ca) to discuss course load recommendations.
• Students with disabilities may wish to consult with the Meighen Centre for a course load recommendation.
• Taking fewer courses may help to reduce stress, maintain or improve mental health, and ease the transition to university. It can also allow more study time for each course to improve grades.
• Consider other commitments you may have such as co-curricular involvement, volunteer or paid work, or family commitments. Varsity athletes sometimes take a reduced course load in season.
• Think about what makes sense for you and find a balance that works. Everybody has a different learning experience, and you have options. Plan for what will meet your needs.
• Keep in mind, if you take less than 15 credits per term plan how you will 'make up' for the missed credits (spring/summer courses, overloading, returning for an additional year of study).

Questions? Email advisor@mta.ca.

Course overload

The permission of the appropriate Academic Dean is required for registration above 18 credits per term. To access the permission request form, go through Self-Service.

• Students with first-year standing are not permitted to register for more than 15 credits per term. Under exceptional circumstances first-year students may be permitted to overload in the Winter term if they achieve a TGPA of at least 3.5 in the Fall term.
• Students with second- or third-year standing who are in Good Standing may register for up to 18 credits per term, provided they have attained a TGPA of at least 2.0 in the previous Fall or Winter term. Students in Good Standing who do not meet this requirement must have permission from the appropriate Academic Dean in order to register for overload credits.
• Students with fourth-year standing who are in Good Standing may register for up to 18 credits per term. Students who are not in Good Standing must have permission from the appropriate Academic Dean in order to register for overload credits.

Questions? Email regoffice@mta.ca.

Many courses require skill levels and/or knowledge of material covered in other courses to ensure that a student has the background necessary to complete the course successfully. Most courses at the 2000 level and above require prerequisites (or prereqs for short). Some 1000 level courses also have prerequisites (typically those offered in the Winter term). 

A prerequisite course is one that must be successfully completed before you begin a second course.

You may register for courses that have prerequisites in the winter term provided that you are registered for the prerequisite course in the fall (or have successfully completed it in a previous term).

A grade of C- or better must be obtained in order to use a course to fill a prerequisite.

A corequisite is a course which must be taken at the same time as another course.

A prerequisite states the requirement that must be completed or waived before registration in a course is permitted. This requirement may consist of one or both of the following:

• having a certain registration / enrollment status (i.e. you must be enrolled in a particular program or have a specified year-standing).
• having earned credit for a course or combination of courses. Students must obtain a grade of at least C- in each course used to fulfill this requirement.  

Keep in mind, year-standing is determined by the number of credits completed as defined in Academic Calendar Regulation 10.3.4. Any courses with a passing grade will be counted towards the credits used to determine year-standing.

When reading prerequisites, note that semi-colons (;) indicate items in a list. The list indicates that a student must complete all items unless there is an ‘or’ following the semi-colon. 

Most prerequisites will end with ‘; or permission of the Department’. This indicates that students may register in the course if the prerequisites are waived by the department head, program director, or in some cases the course instructor. Written permission to waive a prerequisite and register in a course must be sent to reghelp@mta.ca.

If you aren’t sure why you don’t meet a prerequisite or need clarification on how to interpret a course prerequisite, reach out directly to the department head or program director, program advisor, course instructor, or an academic advisor (advisor@mta.ca).

Here are some examples from the Academic Calendar to help you understand what course prerequisites mean: 

Prereq: CHEM 2211; or permission of the Department
This text explains that the prerequisite for the course is CHEM 2211. Students must complete CHEM 2211 with a grade of C- or higher before taking this course. 

Prereq: Second-year standing; or permission of the Program Director 
This text explains that the prerequisite for the course is second-year standing. Students must complete 24 credits before taking this course. These credits do not need to be completed with a grade of C- or higher. 

Prereq: Second-year standing; BIOC 1001; or permission of the Department
This text explains that the prerequisite for the course is both second-year standing, and BIOC 1001. Students must complete a minimum of 24 credits including BIOC 1001 before taking this course. A grade of C- or higher must be earned on BIOC 1001. 

Prereq: 3 credits from VMCS 1201, 1301; or second-year standing; or permission of the Department
This text explains that the prerequisite for the course may be filled in one of two ways. The first way includes an option. To take this course, students may complete either VMCS 1201 or VMCS 1301 (with a grade of C- or higher) OR students may complete 24 credits to achieve second-year standing. 

Prereq: PHYS 1551; MATH 1121; or permission of the Department 
This text explains that the prerequisite for the course is both PHYS 1551 and MATH 1121. Students must complete both PHYS 1551 and MATH 1121 with a grade of C- or higher before taking this course. 

Prereq: 3 credits from Humanities 1600 Series; or permission of the Department
This text explains that the prerequisite for the course is any course from the Humanities 1600 series. This is a series of courses in Classical Studies, History, Philosophy, and Religious Studies coded CLAS 16XX, HIST 16XX, PHIL 16XX, or RELG 16XX. One course from the series must be completed with a grade of C- or higher.

Prereq: 3 credits from CANA 1001, 1011, INDG 1001; or permission of the Program Director
This text explains that the prerequisite for the course is one course chosen from either CANA 1001 or CANA 1011 or INDG 1001. Students must complete one course from the list with a grade of C- or higher before taking this course. 

Prereq: 3 credits from BIOL 1001, 1501; 3 credits from MATH 1111, 1151, 1311; or permission of the Department
This text explains that there is a series of course requirements, but within these there are options. The prerequisite for the course is one of either BIOL 1001 or BIOL 1501, AND one of either MATH 1111, MATH 1151, or MATH 1311. Students must complete one of the BIOL courses listed and one of the MATH courses listed with a grade of C- or higher on both before taking this course. 

Prereq: 6 credits from CLAS, LATI, GREK; or Permission of the Department
This text explains that the prerequisite for the course is six credits from any courses in Classics, Latin or Greek. The courses can be from any level, and any combination of subjects. It may be completed through taking two 3-credit courses, or one 6-credit course. The course(s) must be completed with a grade of C- or higher before taking this course. 

Any student may register for a course without prerequisites. First-year students, keep in mind that there may be additional winter term courses available to you if you fill a prerequisite in the fall.

• Courses without prerequisites Fall 2025 (pdf)
• Courses without prerequisites Winter 2026 (pdf)

If you would like to take a French course, and have not already done so at Mount Allison, you must complete the French placement test to help us place you in the appropriate course. You will not be able to register for a French course until you receive written permission from the department.

The French placement test is available on Moodle > Placement tests.

If you experience any difficulties logging into Moodle please email helpdesk@mta.ca or phone (506) 364-2473.

Once your test has been assessed you will receive an e-mail notifying you of course placement.

To register for your French course(s), send an e-mail to reghelp@mta.ca indicating clearly the section of the course you wish to register for. The registration helpdesk personnel will verify your name against the French placement list and register you in the appropriate course and section.

Should you have any questions or comments about the assessment, please feel free to contact the Department of Modern Languages and Literatures at mll@mta.ca.

If you have experience with the Spanish or German languages and don’t believe the introductory courses would be appropriate to your skill level, you may write the placement assessments.

Placement tests are available in Moodle > Placement tests.

For students wanting to register for  MATH 1151.

The Math Assessment Test is used to determine your present mathematics ability.

Any student may proceed to register for MATH 1151 but will have to write the assessment test in person during the first week of classes, during the scheduled Lab time. Students are required to pass the Math Assessment Test in order to remain registered in MATH 1151.

If you don’t pass the test, you may take Functions (Math 1011) instead of calculus in the fall term (you can then proceed with MATH 1151 in the winter term).

To help prepare for the test:

The Department has provided a practice test and free online self-guided course. Both of these, as well as more information about the test, are available on the Math Assessment Test page.

What is the A-Term?
The A-Term is a two-week intensive course period at the beginning of the fall term (normally the last two weeks of August). During this session, students may complete an entire 3-credit course or an intensive portion of a fall term course that continues through to December.

Are A-Term courses part of the spring/summer term or the fall term?
A-Term courses are part of the fall term.

Are additional tuition and fees charged for A-Term courses?
Tuition for A-Term courses are factored into fall term fees. Some A-Term courses may incur additional fees and expenses (travel, accommodations, etc.)

How many A-Term courses can I register for?
You can register for a maximum of one 3-credit A-Term course each academic year.

What is the registration deadline for A-Term courses?
Please consult the Academic dates and deadlines page for the deadline to register for specific A-Term courses. Late registrations will not be considered.

What is the withdrawal deadline for A-Term courses?
Please consult the Academic dates and deadlines page for the deadline to withdraw without academic penalty from specific A-Term courses.

Do I have to participate in the A-Term?
No, registration in an A-Term course is optional. You will not have to complete an A-Term course to satisfy mandatory degree or program requirements.

If I take one A-Term course, and 6 credits in the fall term, will I still be considered full-time?
No, in addition to an A-Term course you must be registered for at least 9 credits in the regular fall term to be considered a full-time student.

If I take an A-Term course, do I still have to register for 15 credits in the fall term to have a full course load?
No. Your A-Term course counts towards your fall registration. If you register for an additional 12 credits in the fall term, this will be considered a full course load.

How will an A-Term course impact my course load requirements for scholarship renewal? If I meet all other criteria, will I still be eligible for renewal if I take one A-Term course as part of my required course load?
Yes, an A-Term course counts as 3-credits in your fall registration towards your course load requirements for scholarship renewal.  

I am not eligible to overload. Can I still take one A-Term course and 15 credits in the fall term without special permission?
No, this would require approval of a Dean. Registration in an A-Term course, and 12 additional credits in the Fall term would be considered a full course load.

How will taking an A-Term course affect my eligibility as a varsity athlete?
You should discuss this with your coach and the Athletics staff. The course would be registered as a fall term course, but your practice schedule may impact your ability to participate in the A-Term.

I am an international student. If I take one A-Term course, and 6 credits in the fall term, will I still be considered a full-time student for immigration purposes? How many hours can I work off-campus if I take one A-Term course, and 6 credits in the fall term?
Yes, international students registered in 3-credits in the A-Term and 6 credits in the regular fall term will be considered full-time for immigration purposes, and reporting to IRCC. In this case, international students are still limited to working 20 hours per week off-campus.

How will registration in an A-Term course appear on my academic transcript?
An A-Term course will appear as a fall term course on your transcript and will not be distinguishable from regular fall term registrations.

When are grades available for A-term courses?
Grades will be available at the end of the fall term.

How will I know if a course is scheduled for the A-Term?
A-Term courses will be designated by the specific section codes P and Q (e.g. SUBJ-X991-P) on the timetable and in the course registration system. We will also publish an annual list of A-Term course offerings.

Do all A-Term courses require me to be on campus?
Not necessarily. Because there are no other course conflicts, this session allows for courses to happen anywhere. Some courses may involve travel or learning experiences away from campus.

Will any A-Term courses be offered in an unscheduled online-only format?
A-Term courses can be offered in any format.

Students interested in taking an A-Term course should email the course instructor for permission to register, and more information about the course format and requirements.

CENL/INDG-1101-P
Indigenous Community Assets
Prereq: Permission of the course instructor
This course explores Indigenous community strengths as the starting point to authentic community building. This course explores asset based community development principles and practices and embed an experiential learning component that will require students to be active participants within First Nation communities. [Note 1: This course is cross-listed  and may therefore count as three credits in either CENL or INDG.] (Format: Experiential) (Exclusion: CENL/INDG 1991 Indigenous Community Assets)

Course instructor: Sacha DeWolfe (sdewolfe@mta.ca)

Start Date: Monday August 24
End Date: Friday August 28
Registration Deadline: Sunday, August 13
Withdrawal Deadline: Tuesday, August 25

ARTH 3991 (3 CR)
Film Noir
Prereq: ARTH/MUSE 2101 (or FINH 2101); ARTH/MUSE 2111 (or FINH 2111); or permission of the Department
This course examines the cinematic genre of film noir. It will consider films ranging from the
genre's classic cycle of the 1940s and 50s to the “neo-noir” revival of the 1970s and beyond.
Topics will include noir's literary roots in hard-boiled detective fiction, its cinematic and
aesthetic antecedents in German Expressionism, its social and political preoccupations, and its
pervasive and enduring legacy in art and media. Questions about genre, visual style, narrative
form, sexuality, gender, and race will inform readings and discussions. Close textual analysis of
individual films will be supplemented with critical, theoretical, and historical readings. (Exclusion: SCRN 3991 Film Noir)

ARTH 3991 (3 CR)
Fiber Art
Prereq: ARTH/MUSE 2101 (or FINH 2101); ARTH/MUSE 2111 (or FINH 2111); or permission of the Department
This course explores the importance of fibre art, from urban artisan guilds to stereotypes of a feminine, passive domestic hobby to knitted hats and banners that play a key role in contemporary protests.  Students will engage with the ways fibre art has been used to explore gender and queer identities, bring communities together and encourage social change.  Additionally, this course will explore the tense and subversive relationship that fibre art has with art histories; in challenging art historical taxonomies and hierarchies, as well as the canonical thinking of a singular artistic genius, fibre art serves as an important case study in the limitations of canonical approaches to art.  (Format:  Lecture 3 hours)

BIOL 3991 (3 CR)
Plants and Pollinators
Prereq: BIOL 2101; BIOL 2301; or permission of the Department
This course investigates the ecological value of commercial wildflower seed mixes, applying ecological and evolutionary theory to applied questions about native versus invasive plants, supporting wild pollinators, and public engagement in conservation. The course takes an experiential approach and works in close cooperation with a community partner, requiring students to engage in a group research project and in producing work of value to the community. (Format: Integrated lecture and laboratory 3h)

BIOL 3991 (3 CR)
PhytoBiotechnology
Prereq: BIOL 2301; or permission of the Department
PhytoBiotechnology introduces students to the applied potential of cyanobacteria and algae. The course explores the practical and industrial applications of algae in biotechnology, environmental management, aquaculture, and related sectors. Topics include micro- and macroalgal cultivation, growth optimization, pigment and metabolite production, and the use of algae in sustainable technologies. Emphasis is placed on integrating scientific theory with real-world applications through laboratory work and field activities. By the end of the course, students will understand the ecological and biotechnological significance of cyanobacteria and micro- and macroalgae and will gain foundational skills relevant to laboratory research, environmental assessment, and applied phycology and biotechnology. (Format: Lecture and laboratory)

BIOL 4991 (3 CR)  
Adapting to the Anthropocene 
Prereq: BIOL 3811; or permission of the Department 
This course examines the ecological and evolutionary resiliency of life when faced with the threat of in increasingly anthropogenic world. In particular, the course focuses our attention to the field of urban evolutionary biology and invasion science to examine how wild, free-living populations are able to overcome the challenges that are brought on by rapid ecological and environmental change. This course combines lectures with student-led discussions of recent and seminal literature, as well as assignments that motivate students to imagine what the biodiversity of a future world might look like. The course covers themes that span the breadth of behaviour, ecology, evolution, morphology, and physiology, as well as how these facets interrelate. (Format: Lecture 3 Hours)

COMM 3991 (3 CR)
Sustainable Finance
Contact Department for information

COMP 1991 (3 CR)
Computing for Data Science
This course provides an introduction to computing for data science and the fundamentals of programming for data-driven inquiry. Topics include: designing computational solutions for analyzing and manipulating tabular and structured data; developing algorithms and implementing them as modular programs; ensuring program correctness; and the effective use of variables, loops, conditionals, functions, and essential data structures in the context of data science applications. Additional topics include Boolean logic, numeric and string data, table operations, data filtering and joining, testing, exception handling, and basic error analysis. [Note 1: University preparatory level course in Mathematics is required.] (Format: Lecture 3 hours, Lab 1.5 hours) (Exclusion: MATH 1311, COMP 1611; COMP 1631; COMP 1711; COMP 1731; any COMP course at the 2000 level or higher)

ENGL 2991 (3 CR)
Contemporary Popular Fiction: Sexuality, Smut, and Social Media
Prereq: ENGL 1201; or permission of the Department
Prereq: 6 credits from ENGL at the 2000 level; or permission of the Department
In this course, we will examine contemporary mainstream novels that are often relegated to the margins of academic discourse or deemed unworthy of critical consideration, despite their immense popularity.  Topics of discussion will include high- versus low-brow literature, genre discrimination, representation, and sexuality. Authors of discussion may include Madeline Miller, Danica Nava (Chickasaw Nation), Amal El-Mohtar, Caro Claire Burke, and Kate Beaton. 

ENGL 3951 (3 CR)
You Are the Universe: Literature, Nature, and Self 
Prereq: 6 credits from ENGL at the 2000 level; or permission of the Department We are all made of stardust—you, me, animals, plants, and every other living organism. How does this knowledge affect how we relate to and treat one another and the natural world? This course explores this question and others through a range of fiction, poetry, criticism, literary non-fiction, music, and film from the eighteenth century to the present.

ENGL 4991 (3 CR) 
Punk Rock and Post Punk
In this course, we will attempt to explore and interpret the origin, nature, and impact of punk rock and post-punk music of the late 1970s and early 1980s. While our primary texts will be drawn from the huge number of recordings made in those years, we will also examine the impact of these cultural movements in other spheres, fashion, film, graphic design, and so on. Our primary goal will be to understand the significance of these forms of cultural production in their original cultural contexts, but we will also consider their ongoing influence in subsequent periods, including the present.

FREN 3991 (3 CR)      
Enfance postcoloniale 
Prereq: FREN 2601; or permission of the Department
Contact Department for information

GENS 3991 (3 CR)
Beaches: Hazards & Management
Prereq: GENS 2101; GENS 2431; or permission of the Department
This course is an introduction to beaches. Beaches are an important driver of tourism, a valued recreational resource, and habitat for various animals. They can also present a variety of hazards to users. The course starts with an overview of the physical processes that create and shape beaches. Various hazards are then covered, from rip currents to tsunamis. The course concludes with consideration of beach management approaches and practices, including consideration of the accelerating impacts from climate change. [Note 1: This course is cross-listed with GENV 3991 Beaches: Hazards & Management and may therefore count as three credits in either discipline.] (Format: Lecture/Laboratory 3 Hours) 

GENV 3991 (3 CR)
Beaches: Hazards & Management
Prereq: GENS 2101; GENS 2431; or permission of the Department
This course is an introduction to beaches. Beaches are an important driver of tourism, a valued recreational resource, and habitat for various animals. They can also present a variety of hazards to users. The course starts with an overview of the physical processes that create and shape beaches. Various hazards are then covered, from rip currents to tsunamis. The course concludes with consideration of beach management approaches and practices, including consideration of the accelerating impacts from climate change. [Note 1: This course is cross-listed with GENS 3991 Beaches: Hazards & Management and may therefore count as three credits in either discipline.] (Format: Lecture/Laboratory 3 Hours) 

HIST 3991 (3 CR)
Themes in European History
Prereq: 6 credits from HIST at the 1/2000 level; or permission of the Department
Contact Department for information

INDG 3991 (3 CR)      
Waiopsgwa'taqan – Beadwork
Prereq: INDG 1001; Third-year standing; or permission of the Department
Indigenous beadwork is a traditional and contemporary art form and an emerging 
Indigenous research methodology. This course will explore the cultural importance of beadwork as a form of knowledge system that is grounded in relationships and community. Together with examining a range of critical perspectives relevant to beadwork, students will learn various beading techniques and complete projects ranging from basic to intermediate designs that incorporate both commercial and natural materials. Through the experiential process of beading, students will acquire a deeper understanding of its significance to health and well-being while exploring future trends and innovations. 

INDG 3991 (3 CR)      
Indigeneity and Representation
This course examines Indigeneity through the lens of representation and lived experience. It explores how Indigenous peoples have been portrayed in colonial, academic, and cultural contexts, and contrasts these representations with the complexity and diversity of Indigenous realities today. The course focuses on how identity is constructed, circulated, and contested, and how Indigenous communities engage with questions of history, sovereignty, and belonging.

MUSC 3991 (3 CR)     
Music and Sound for Video Games
Contact Department for information

PHIL 3991 (3 CR)     
Land and the Enlightenment
Prereq: 3 credits from PHIL; 3 credits from PHIL at the 2000 level; or permission of the Department
Contact Department for information

PHIL 4211 (3 CR)    
Constructions of Self
Prereq: Permission of the Department

POLS 4991 (3 CR)    
Women in the History of Political Thought
This course explores how women and writings about women contributed to the development of central ideas in the history of political thought, including ideas about equality, freedom, ambition, progress, and authority.

PSYC 3991 (3 CR)    
Developing Changemakers: The Psychology of Agency in Action
Prereq: Third-year standing; PSYC 1001; PSYC 1011; 6 credits from PSYC at the 2000 level; or permission of the Department This lecture course focuses on agency: the sense that we control our own thoughts, emotions, and actions. The course examines psychological approaches to how we can make change in the world and in our own lives.

SCRN 2991 (3 CR)
Filmmaking
(Exclusion: SCRN 3991 Introduction to Filmmaking)
Contact Department for information

SPAN 4991 (3 CR)      
Words and World in Revolution
Prereq: 6 credits from SPAN at the 3000 level; or permission of the Department
Contact Department for information

VMCS 3991 (3 CR)
Gulliver’s Afterlives
Prereq: 3 credits from VMCS 1201, 1301; or permission of the Department
In 2026 we celebrate the 300th anniversary of Gulliver's Travels, one of the most beloved literary classics in the world, a text that has endured the test of time and cultural changes. To celebrate this momentous occasion, this course focuses on the afterlives of Gulliver's Travels. Jonathan Swift's fictional travelogue has inspired a fascinating array of afterlives, ranging from the conventional (e.g. oil paintings and book illustrations), to the loosely connected (Max Fleischer’s 1939 technicolour Gulliver’s Travels, recently restored for BluRay, and Lauren Chater’s 2020 historical novel giving voice and agency to a midwife and herbalist whose presence in the source-text is minimal), to the transgressive (a fumetto: Milo Manara’s 1996 Gullivera; and American sailors from the Yokosuka Naval Base in Japan dressing up as Gulliver and parading in the Gulliver-Kannonzaki Festival), and to the playful (the giant Gulliver figure tied to the ground in Turia Gardens located in Valencia, Spain, with stairs, ramps, and ropes for children to climb up and down, as well as fast slides). Students will study the original text and its adaptation in a range of media across geographic borders and in various timeframes with the objective of collaborating in the curation of a virtual exhibition dedicated to these afterlives.

VMCS 4991 (3 CR)       
Experiential Learning in VMCS
Prereq: 3 credits from VMCS 1201, 1301; or permission of the Department
Contact Department for information

VMCS 4993F/W (3 CR)      
Capstone in VMCS
Prereq: 3 credits from VMCS 1201, 1301; or permission of the Department
Contact Department for information
 

ARTH 4991 (3 CR)        
Art & the Anthropocene
Prereq:  ARTH/MUSE 2101; ARTH/MUSE 2111; 3 credits of 3000 level Art History/MUSE courses; or permission of the Department.
This course explores contemporary art in the context of the Anthropocene, a term used to describe the planetary effects of human activity.  Treating the Anthropocene as both a condition and a contested concept, the course examines how artists engage ecological crisis, material systems, and uneven histories of environmental impact, making these dynamics visible, tangible, and open to critique.  (Format:  Lecture 3 hours)

BIOC 3991 (3 CR)  
Metalloproteins
Prereq: CHEM 2311; CHEM 3111; BIOC 2001; or permission from the department 
This course will cover fundamental concepts of metalloprotein structure and function, with a particular focus on how metalloprotein function can be explained via an understanding of the structure and bonding of transition metal coordination compounds. [Note 1: This course is cross-listed with CHEM 3991 Metalloproteins and may therefore count as three credits in either discipline.]

BIOL 3991 (3 CR)  
Omics in Microbiology 
Prereq: BIOL 2201; BIOL 2701; BIOL 2811; or permission of the Department 
This course explores how omics—genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics— transform our understanding of the microbial world. Designed for students interested in modern microbiology techniques and bioinformatics, it provides both theoretical knowledge and practical skills for using omics in research. Students will engage in a variety of hands-on exercises and interactive discussions to process and interpret real omics datasets, and to learn how omics approaches inform our understanding of microbial functions, interactions, and ecological roles.

BIOL 4991 (3 CR)
Advanced Human Physiology 
Prereq: BIOL 3211; or permission of the Department 
This course integrates the fundamental systems of human physiology and applies them to complex human physiological questions. Students will learn in-depth anatomy and physiology and will use problem-based learning to study the relationships between systems. Students will complete independent research on areas of clinical physiology with a focus on integrating multiple physiological systems to understand the process of homeostasis from a wholistic view. (Format: Integrated lecture and laboratory 3 Hours)

CHEM 3991 (3 CR)  
Metalloproteins
Prereq: CHEM 2311; CHEM 3111; BIOC 2001; or permission from the department This course will cover fundamental concepts of metalloprotein structure and function, with a particular focus on how metalloprotein function can be explained via an understanding of the structure and bonding of transition metal coordination compounds. [Note 1: This course is cross-listed with BIOC 3991 Metalloproteins and may therefore count as three credits in either discipline.]

CLAS 3991 (3 CR)        
Greek and Roman Slavery
Prereq: 6 credits from CLAS, LATI, GREK; or Permission of the Department

Contact Department for information

CLAS 3991 (3 CR)      
Roman Dress and Adornment
Prereq: 6 credits from CLAS, LATI, GREK; or Permission of the Department
Contact Department for information

COMM 3991 (3 CR)        
Behavioral Finance
Contact Department for information

COMM 3991 (3 CR)        
FinTech
Contact Department for information

DATA 1991 (3 CR)        
Statistics for Data Science
Contact Department for information

DRAM 4991 (3 CR)       
Queer Joy
[Note 1: This course is cross-listed with SCRN 4991 Queer Joy and may therefore count as three credits in either discipline.]
Contact Department for information

ENGL 3991 (3 CR)  
Literature & Animals
This course will function as an introduction to the field of literary animal studies by engaging with classic novels that incorporate animals either centrally or peripherally. We will explore how subjects like genre, nationality, class, race, and gender intersect with the portrayal of animals in literature and what these renderings reveal about human culture. Assignments may include a comparative research essay, a media engagement assignment, and a creative final project. 

ENGL 3991 (3 CR)        
Special Topics
Contact Department for information

ENGL 4921 (3 CR)      
Graphic Women
Prereq: Third-year standing; permission of the Department. Preference is given to students pursuing a course-based Honours 
This senior seminar examines a range of graphic novels by women, focusing on female experience. Authors studied include Marjane Satrapi, Lynda Barry, Alison Bechdel, Rutu Modan, Ebony Flowers, and Kate Beaton. (Format: Seminar 3 Hours)

FGST 1991 (3 CR)      
Introduction to Feminist Action
This course provides an introduction to feminist action and feminist thought for those planning to major or minor in Feminist and Gender Studies. It is designed for students with prior experience in (and enthusiasm for!) feminism. The course provides an overview of feminist social movements with a focus on anti-colonial, anti-racist, and trans inclusive feminisms. Course topics include interlocking oppressions and the emergence of the concept of intersectionality; dismantling the gender binary; lessons from Indigenous-Black solidarity movements; sex, sexuality, and consent. The course uses a range of texts and materials, with a focus on creative and artistic engagement. (Exclusion: FGST 1001)

FINA 3991 (3 CR)      
Repeatable
Prereq: FINA 1921; FINA 1931; 12 credits of 2000 level studio courses; 6 credits of 3000 level studios; or permission of the Department 
This course focuses on making unique images, objects, or installations using the techniques and practices of repeatable images and objects. Participants utilize printmaking techniques and three-dimensional multiples to complete singular art projects. The course emphasizes technical exploration and critical discussion in the development of new artworks. Experience in print media is recommended.

FINA 3991 (3 CR)      
Painting in the Expanded Field
Prereq: FINA 1921; FINA 1931; 12 credits of 2000 level studio courses; 6 credits of 3000 level studios; or permission of the Department 
This course examines the idea of “Painting in the Expanded Field”, an idea that relates to the production of painting in relationship to constructed or existing three-dimensional spaces and materiality. Students experiment with colour and process-based methods, non-traditional means of painting, found materials, alternative colour sources, installation, and textile/fibre-based practices.

FINA 3991 (3 CR)        
Performance: On Site
Prereq: FINA 1921; FINA 1931; 12 credits of 2000 level studio courses; 6 credits of 3000 level studios; or permission of the Department 
This course explores performance art practices, through individual and group actions in a studio context. Engaging performance art in technical, critical, and theoretical ways, the course investigates the diverse possibilities of performance art and its direct relationship to (time-based) digital technologies. Exploring performance as a distinct discipline and tool, students expand the use of performance in an intricate way, primarily using their voices, their bodies, and immediate digital platforms.

FINA 3991 (3 CR)        
The Photograph as Object
Pre-req: FINA 1921; FINA 1931; 12 credits from FINA at the 2000 level; 6 credits from FINA at the 3000 level; or permission of the Department 
This course explores alternative and historic processes that focus on the materiality of photography and the image’s objecthood. The course will focus on the development of students’ technical, conceptual, and critical skills in relation to reconsidering the potential of an image with a move towards making not taking photographs. Experience in photography is recommended. (Format: Studio 6 hours)

FREN 2991 (3 CR)        
Decolonial francophone cultures
Prereq: FREN 1711; or permission of the Department
Contact Department for information

GERM 3401 (3 CR)      
German Protest Literature
Prereqs: GERM 2011; or permission of the Department 
This course addresses the writing and relevance of protest literature in German-speaking Europe in the period from 1789-1989. It will examine the political motivation and context underlying the production of dissent literature and the effect this discourse had on the reading public. In addition to engaging with various genres of literature (plays, poems and essays) through which protest is voiced, film screenings will also be a seminal part of the course. These screenings will take place outside of normal class time. At the end of the course students should be able to place the literature and films of the period in their proper socio-political context while also understanding their role as popular critical forces. Students will also be able to formulate cogent and informed arguments about the significance of protest literature and film discourses in Germanophone culture between 1789 and 1989. (Format: Lecture 3 hours)

HIST 1991 (3 CR)
Introductory European History
Contact Department for information

HIST 2991 (3 CR)
Transnational History
Contact Department for information

MUSC 3991 (3 CR) 
Musicals of Stephen Sondheim 
Prereq: Second-year standing; or permission of the Instructor 
This course explores the musicals of theatre icon Stephen Sondheim, tracing precursors and influences on his works as well as in-depth analysis of his musicals. The course uses musical, textural, and theatrical analytical techniques to situate these works within the modern musical theatre context.

MUSE 3991 (3 CR)        
Museum Practices
Prereqs: ARTH 2101 (or FINH 2101); ARTH/MUSE 2111 (or FINH 2111); or permission of the Department 
Students will explore in depth the ‘how’ and ‘why’ of active, embodied dialogue in art museums and galleries.  This course covers the theory and practice of gallery teaching and learning, namely facilitated guided visits, art activities, and other engagement strategies.  Classes will be interactive and hands-on, with significant time devoted to experiential learning and ongoing exchange between students.  
(Exclusion: ARTH 3991 Museum Practices)

PHIL 3991 (3 CR)      
Skeptical Paradoxes
Prereq: 3 credits from PHIL; 3 credits from PHIL at the 2000 level; or permission of the Department
Contact Department for information

PHIL 4891 (3 CR)        
Philosophy of Place
Prereq: Fourth-year standing; 6 credits from ECON at the 3000 level or 6 credits from PHIL at the 3000 level or 6 credits from POLS at the 3000 level; or permission of the PPE Program Convenor
Contact Department for information

PHYS 3991 (3 CR)  
Physics of Flight
Prereq: 3 credits from MATH 1111, MATH 1151; PHYS 1551; or Permission of the Department 
This course examines the physical principles involved in flight, with a particular emphasis on the practical questions facing a pilot such as the conditions for lift, stalling, aerofoil design, aircraft performance and stability during flight. Beginning from a kinetic theory of gasses and working through to the Navier-Stokes relations, this course will also introduce topics and technologies such as UAVs, computational fluid dynamics simulations, and considerations for transonic and supersonic flight.

POLS 3991 (3 CR)  
Soviet & Post-Soviet Politics
Prereq: POLS 1001; 6 credits from POLS at the 2000 level; or permission of the Department
Contact Department for information

PSYC 3991 (3 CR)        
Psychology of Study
Prereq: Third-year standing; PSYC 1001; PSYC 1011; 6 credits from PSYC at the 2000 level; or permission of the Department
Contact Department for information

PSYC 3991 (3 CR)      
Evolution and Human Behaviour
Prereq: Third-year standing; PSYC 1001; PSYC 1011; 6 credits from PSYC at the 2000 level; or permission of the Department
Contact Department for information

PSYC 4991 (3 CR)  
Psychology of Deception
Prereq: Third-year standing; 6 credits from PSYC at the 2000 level; or permission of the Department
Contact Department for information

PSYC 4991 (3 CR)        
Psychology of Narcissism
Prereq: Third-year standing; 6 credits from PSYC at the 2000 level; or permission of the Department
Contact Department for information

PSYC 4991 (3 CR)  
Advanced Topics in Forensic Psychology
Prereq: Third-year standing; 6 credits from PSYC at the 2000 level; or permission of the Department
Contact Department for information

RELG 2991 (3 CR)
Religion and Electronic Dance Music
Contact Department for information

SCRN 4991 (3 CR)  
Queer Joy
Prereq: Fourth-year standing; SCRN 1001; or permission of the Program Director
[Note 1: This course is cross-listed with DRAM 4991 Queer Joy and may therefore count as three credits in either discipline.]
Contact Department for information

VMCS 3991 (3 CR)      
Clothing and Adornment
Prereq: 3 credits from VMCS 1201, 1301; or permission of the Department
Contact Department for information

VMCS 4991 (3 CR)        
Anime
Prereq: 3 credits from VMCS 1201, 1301; or permission of the Department
(Exclusion: VMCS 4991 Anime and Popular Culture; VMCS 4991 Visual Culture of Anime)
Contact Department for information

VMCS 4993F/W (3 CR)      
Capstone in VMCS
Prereq: 3 credits from VMCS 1201, 1301; or permission of the Department
Contact Department for information

ARTH 3991 (3 CR)
Avant-Garde Cinema
Prereq: ARTH 2101 (or FINH 2101); ARTH/MUSE 2111 (or FINH 2111); or permission of the Department
Visually arresting, thematically provocative, formally adventurous, morally perverse – film noir remains one of the most fascinating genres in all of cinema. In this course we will experience just how dark cinema can get by surveying noir films from its classic phase of the 1940s and 50s, as well as from its “neo-noir” period of the 1970s and beyond. We will consider its literary roots in hard-boiled detective fiction, its cinematic and aesthetic antecedents in German Expressionism, its social and political preoccupations, and its pervasive and enduring legacy. Questions about genre, visual style, narrative form, sexuality, gender, and race will inform readings and discussions. Close textual analysis of individual films will be supplemented with critical, theoretical, and historical readings. [Note 1: This course is cross-listed with SCRN 3991 Avant-Garde Cinema and may therefore count as three credits in either discipline.] 

BIOL 3991 (3 CR)
Applied Citizen Science
Prereq: BIOL 2101; or permission of the Department
Citizen Science is the public participation in scientific research and contributes valuable information and data to scientific inquiry. Applied Citizen Science in Biology explores and analyses the importance of Citizen Science through experimental design, participatory engagement, collection protocols, data analysis, scientific literature, and scientific communication. The course is delivered in an asynchronous online format, though occasional scheduled online meetings may occur if scheduling permits; and independent field engagement with various Citizen Science projects is possible.  This course is designed with an interdisciplinary approach rooted in biology and environmental science. 

COMM 3991 (3 CR)
Personal Selling
Prereq: Third-year standing; or permission of the Department
This course focuses on building skills in managing yourself, managing others, and managing teams. The course utilizes reflection about your own personal style when approaching work, and helps students to understand how this impacts their ability to work in various careers as well as teams. Students will learn strategies to communicate effectively and build better teams. Experiential learning includes case studies, class discussions, and workshops. Upon completion of the course, students will have a better understanding of themselves and the people around them, and know how to use that to be a better employee, manager, entrepreneur, etc. (Format: Lecture / Case Study / Workshop 3 Hours).

FGST 2991 (3 CR)
Marie Curie in Paris
Prereq: By application for international field school
Blending science and gender studies, physics and social analysis, in the locations where Marie Curie lived and worked, this course offers students an introduction to aspects of physics and chemistry related to radiation, along with an introduction to feminist epistemology and feminist analysis of Marie Curie as a cultural icon. [Note 1: This course is cross-listed with SCIE 2991 Marie Curie in Paris and may therefore count as three credits in either discipline.] (Format: Field School)

PSYC 2991 (3 CR)
Personality at Work
Prereq: Second-year standing; PSYC 1001; PSYC 1011; or permission of the Department 
Personality plays a central role in shaping how people think, feel, and behave in the workplace. This course examines how individual differences influence a range of work-related outcomes, including motivation, job performance, leadership, teamwork, stress, and employee attitudes. Students will engage with current research and contemporary debates on personality in organizations, including personality assessment, emerging trends, and applications in workplace psychology. By the end of the course, students will understand how personality shapes both individual and organizational outcomes.

SCIE 2991 (3 CR)
Marie Curie in Paris
Prereq: By application for international field school
Blending science and gender studies, physics and social analysis, in the locations where Marie Curie lived and worked, this course offers students an introduction to aspects of physics and chemistry related to radiation, along with an introduction to feminist epistemology and feminist analysis of Marie Curie as a cultural icon. [Note 1: This course is cross-listed with FGST 2991 Marie Curie in Paris and may therefore count as three credits in either discipline.] (Format: Field School)

SCRN 3991 (3 CR)
Avant-Garde Cinema
Prereq: Third-year standing; SCRN 1001; or permission of the Program Director
Visually arresting, thematically provocative, formally adventurous, morally perverse – film noir remains one of the most fascinating genres in all of cinema. In this course we will experience just how dark cinema can get by surveying noir films from its classic phase of the 1940s and 50s, as well as from its “neo-noir” period of the 1970s and beyond. We will consider its literary roots in hard-boiled detective fiction, its cinematic and aesthetic antecedents in German Expressionism, its social and political preoccupations, and its pervasive and enduring legacy. Questions about genre, visual style, narrative form, sexuality, gender, and race will inform readings and discussions. Close textual analysis of individual films will be supplemented with critical, theoretical, and historical readings. [Note 1: This course is cross-listed with ARTH 3991 Avant-Garde Cinema and may therefore count as three credits in either discipline.]

SOCI 3331 (3 CR)
Culture, Environment, and Displacement in Latin America 
Prereq: By application for international field school
As the country of El Salvador continues to recover from a long and bloody civil war (1980-1992), a growing body of scientific evidence suggests that it could be heading towards an environmental crisis if drastic measures are not taken to reverse degradation caused by pollution, deforestation and the chronic dependence on carbon fuels, pesticides and other agro-toxics. This course examines the intersections between: Historical Memory; Environmental Crisis; Contemporary Social Movements; and Displacement and Migration. As community groups work to commemorate wartime massacres, strengthen democratic processes, and maintain control of their territories, they also face environmental threats ranging from the incursion of multinational mining companies to the privatization of water. (Format: Lecture 3 Hours, Field Course)

VMCS 1991 (3 CR)
Bon Appetit: Introduction to Food Culture
This introductory course lays the foundations for VMCS’s Food Culture Studies concentration. Key themes include food nostalgia, food media, sense studies, family recipes, recipe books, storytelling through food, menu design, food marketing and branding, among other topics. With examples of cuisines from around the world, this course allows students to explore the diverse experiences of food culture through both traditional and contemporary food spaces.

VMCS 2991 (3 CR)
Landscape Archaeology Methods
Prereq: 3 credits from VMCS 1201, 1301; or permission of the Department
This course contributes to the university’s broadening offerings in Archaeology and Material Culture Studies. Students will learn foundational theories and approaches to Landscape Archaeology while applying this knowledge and developing their skills at local field sites.

VMCS 3991 (3 CR)
Material Culture and Social Media
Prereq: 3 credits from VMCS 1201, 1301; or permission of the Department
This course presents an overview of the structure of social media platforms and how social media is enmeshed with material culture through different arenas of human behavior, including consumption, friendship networks, identity practices, life course rituals, political behavior, and exchange. Examples and case studies are drawn from a variety of social media platforms and both western and non-western cultural contexts.

Exclusions are listed because some courses cover similar material. Students should not earn credit for taking two courses which are quite similar. However, the exclusion does not imply that the courses are interchangeable. Programs often require a specific course selection.

The exclusion means that the course you want to take has significant overlap with the course you have already taken (or are currently taking) and therefore you may not take both courses for credit towards your degree. If you do take both courses you will only be able to use credits from one of the courses taken, not both, towards your degree requirements.

Please take note of the following courses with exclusions that are offered frequently:

PHYS 1041 Physics for the Life Sciences (exclusion PHYS 1051)
PHYS 1051 General Physics I (exclusion PHYS 1041)
MATH 1151 Applied Calculus (exclusion MATH 1111)

Students should seek academic advising in all cases by emailing advisor@mta.ca.

Self-Service will not prevent you from enrolling in a course that is an exclusion with one you have already taken, or are currently taking. Also, your transcript will not indicate if an excluded course is completed.