Choose your courses and plan your schedule for the upcoming academic year. You can also find out more about special courses.

Once you know the course requirements for your program, you can plan what classes you're going to take in the upcoming academic year.

Not sure what courses you need? Visit advising and degree planning.

New student? Visit RegHelp for new students for advice and tips on course selection and registration.


Select your courses

To see courses being offered in the upcoming or current academic year, visit Self-Service > Course Catalog.

When making your course selections, please ensure you meet all course prerequisites and co-requisites (e.g. labs/tutorials).

Course load information

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.

Plan your schedule

To help plan your courses before your register, you can use a blank timetable template to make sure your courses fit in your schedule. You can also include backup courses in this worksheet in case the courses you want to take are full.

Ready to register for courses? Visit course registration.


About courses

Course delivery formats

The course delivery format for each individual course is clearly indicated in Self-Service. Please check each course component carefully — lectures and labs/tutorials for a single course may be delivered in different formats.

  • Sackville: Students are expected to be on campus and participate on the day and time listed on the timetable.
  • Scheduled, online only: Students are not required to be on campus but are expected to participate on the day and time listed on the timetable.
  • Unscheduled, online only: Students are not required to be on campus and there are no scheduled meeting times.

A-Term courses

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.

A-Term FAQ

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.

A-Term courses - Fall 2024

 

Courses without prerequisites

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.

What is a prerequisite course?

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.

List of courses without prerequisites

Special topic courses

Special topic courses either focus on topics not covered by the current course offerings in a department of program, or offers the opportunity to pilot a course that is being considered for inclusion in the regular program.

Special topic courses — Spring/Summer 2024

ARTH 3991-Z (3 CR)
AVANTE-GARDE CINEMA

Prereqs: ARTH 2101 (or FINH 2101); ARTH/MUSE 2111 (or FINH 2111); or permission of the Department
This course consists of a survey of avant-garde cinema from the late 19th century to the present. It will examine the cinematic contributions to major avant-garde schools and movements such as German Expressionism, Abstraction, Surrealism, and Situationist International, as well as styles and genres specific to film, including Soviet montage, the psychodrama, the structural film, Third Cinema, and the tone-poem. Relevant social and political issues, such as feminism, Marxism, colonialism, psychoanalysis, and existentialism, will also be addressed. [Note 1: This course is cross-listed with SCRN 3991 Avante-Garde Cinema and may therefore count as three credits in either discipline.]

BIOL 3991-Z (3 CR)
CONSERVATION PHYSIOLOGY

Prereq: Third or fourth-year standing; BIOL 2401; BIOL 2101; 3 credits from BIOL 3201, 3811 recommended
This course is designed for Mount Allison students to study collaboratively with students from Universidad de San Francisco de Quito (USFQ) to learn about the conservation of animals in each individual country. Students will learn about the climate/environmental challenges in both Canada and Ecuador, and work to understand animal physiology and use this knowledge to determine if/how animals will respond to climate change, and how we can use that information to help with conservation management. (Format: Field School)
Note: The application deadline for this field school was November 15, 2023

GENS 3991-Z (3 CR)
GLOBAL ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGE

Prereqs: Third-year standing; or permission of the Department
This course will examine the major global changes influencing earth’s atmosphere, hydrosphere (including cryosphere), lithosphere, and biosphere. Lectures will investigate the causes and impacts of a variety of global change issues, including potential solutions. Tutorial/laboratory sessions will explore how scientific information about global change are communicated across diverse platforms to stakeholders.

PSYC 2991-Z (3 CR)
PERSONALITY AT WORK

Prereq: Second-year standing; PSYC 1001; PSYC 1011; or permission of the Department
Personality is essential in understanding why people think, feel, and behave the way they do at the workplace. This course will focus on the role of individual differences in predicting and determining behavior at work. Topics include important aspects of work such as motivation, job performance, employee attitudes, leadership, teamwork, stress, turnover, personality assessment and application of personality to the psychology of work.

PSYC 2991-Q (3 CR)
CROSS-CULTURAL SEXUALITY

Prereq: Second-year standing; PSYC 1001; PSYC 1011; or permission of the Department
This course is an overview of sexuality and sex education from a cross-cultural perspective. The focus will be on social and cultural influences on sexuality. There is a specific focus on comparing the Netherlands and Canada, but we will also explore perspectives in other countries. This class will take place in Utrecht, Netherlands. (Format: Field School)
Note: The application deadline for this field school was November 15, 2023

RELG 3991-Z (3 CR)
THE CAMINO

Prerequisite: Permission of the Instructor
Taking the historic 'Way of St. James' in Northern Spain as the key point of reference, this course compares traditions of religious pilgrimage to contemporary instances of journeying, travel and human movement. How does traditional pilgrimage compare with contemporary issues from both within and beyond the traditional religious context? Students will have the opportunity to undertake a section of the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route and along the way consider such topics as contemporary eco-tourism, political protest and, secular 'civic' religiosity.
Note: Please contact the course instructor directly for information about this field school course.

SCRN 3991-Z (3 CR)
AVANTE-GARDE CINEMA

Prereq: Third-year standing in the Interdisciplinary Drama Program; SCRN 1001; or permission of the Program Director
This course consists of a survey of avant-garde cinema from the late 19th century to the present. It will examine the cinematic contributions to major avant-garde schools and movements such as German Expressionism, Abstraction, Surrealism, and Situationist International, as well as styles and genres specific to film, including Soviet montage, the psychodrama, the structural film, Third Cinema, and the tone-poem. Relevant social and political issues, such as feminism, Marxism, colonialism, psychoanalysis, and existentialism, will also be addressed. [Note 1: This course is cross-listed with ARTH 3991 Avante-Garde Cinema and may therefore count as three credits in either discipline.]

UNST 2991-Z (3 CR)
ENTREPRENEURSHIP FOR EVERYONE

Prereq: Permission of the Instructor
This course allows students from any discipline the opportunity to explore entrepreneurship. It will allow students to pursue individual or team projects, focus on the initial phases of entrepreneurship, and emphasize personal development as a core part of the entrepreneurial journey. Students will learn to describe basic business functions, basic financial operations required to run a business, create a business model canvas, and an entrepreneurial project plan.
Note: Inquiries can be directed to careers@mta.ca

VMCS 2991-Z (3 CR)
VISUAL POP CULTURE

Prereq: 3 credits from VMCS 1201, 1301; or permission of the Department
This course provides an interdisciplinary critical reflection on popular culture moments from the creation of the internet to the modern day. In this course, students will analyse the role websites like Vine and Tumblr played in the development of the newer generation’s visual culture, interrogate how social media apps like TikTok have affected the music industry, and explore the material culture generated via conventions and fan fiction. The course will focus on overarching themes of community and place, the transition of nerd culture from the obscure to the popular, and the impact of internet visual culture on contemporary generations. Moreover, students will discuss how popular culture has changed along with the internet and how the visuality of the internet has changed the way we communicate culturally.

VMCS 3991-Z (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.

VMCS 4991-Z (3 CR)
CREATIVITY IN ACTION

Prereq: 3 credits from VMCS 1201, 1301; or permission of the Department
This course will enable students to design, under the supervision of a faculty member, their own creative, experiential learning, or research projects on a topic related to visual and/or material cultures. It will guide students through the process of exploring an original idea, researching and developing it, and producing a creative piece or a more traditional deliverable to showcase creative engagement, introspective and contextual reflection, or findings. Creativity will be at the very core of project development and students will be encouraged to engage with their topics in interesting, insightful, and informed ways.

Special topic courses — Fall 2024

 

Special topic courses — Winter 2025

 

 

 

Courses with placement tests

Before you can register for certain courses, you may need to complete a placement test. Most placements tests can be found in Moodle > Placement tests.

French placement tests

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.

German and Spanish placement tests

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.

Math assessment test for calculus

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 prepared 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 Moodle page.

Course exclusions

What does it mean if there is an exclusion list found in a course description?

If you've already taken a course listed in the exclusion list found in a course description, you won't be able to count the credits from that course towards your degree.

What are course exclusions?

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.

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

Connect 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.

Course exclusions for 2023-24 (pdf):

Questions? Contact the Registrar's Office at regoffice@mta.ca or call (506) 364-2269.