New Student Registration Guide

Selecting First-Year Courses for Your Program

In this step you will learn which courses are required for your program and how to explore optional courses.  You will make a list of the courses in which you want to register and enter them onto the course planning sheet in your Registration Worksheets.  Enter subjects, course numbers and specific course section information including course reference numbers (CRNs).

Tips on selecting courses:

- In most programs, a full course load is 30 credits for the academic year (Sep-Apr). Normally this means five courses in each term.  For the two-year Diploma in Engineering the normal full course load is 36 credits, with six courses each term.  If you wish to register for less than a full course load for any reason you certainly may, but you should speak to an academic advisor to discuss any implications of doing so.  Contact Academic Advising by email at @email or book an appointment with an individual advisor.

- 3-credit courses are normally offered in one term:  1st term (Sep-Dec), or 2nd term (Jan-Apr). 6-credit courses are offered over the full academic year (Sep-Apr).  Most students will register in five 3-credit courses each term, as most of the StFX courses are 3-credit offerings.  Some students will register in a combination of 3-credit and 6-credit courses.  Be sure that your final registration does not result in a course overload in either term.  You should be registered in a maximum of five courses each term (not including labs), unless you are a student in the engineering diploma, in which case six courses each term is standard, and is the maximum.

- Choose your most important courses first (courses which are required for your program) and then the optional courses which you are most interested in taking.

- Select some alternatives for your optional courses, in case your first choices are not available.

- Explore subjects and courses which are new or unfamiliar to you...you may find new interests!

If you have completed Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, or GCE A-Level courses, you should make an appointment with an Academic Advisor to discuss how your transfer credits can fit into your degree program, and can affect your first-year registration.

« To begin, please select your degree program from the list below.
(The Acceptance Letter you received indicates your degree program.)

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.  Most courses are required.  If you plan to do a Major in Public Policy and Social Research, there is only one course for which you will need to make a choice.  If you plan to do a Major in Economics, you have a variety of choice in the selection of your two elective subjects.  You will be pre-registered in your AQUA 101 and AQUA 102 classes.

First-Year Course Pattern: Public Policy and Social Research

AQUA 101 - Introduction to Freshwater Systems and Resources (first term)

AQUA 102 - Introduction to Ocean Systems and Resources (second term)

ECON 101 - Introductory Microeconomics - 3 credits (first term)

ECON 102 - Introductory Macroeconomics - 3 credits (second term)

ESCI 171 - Understanding the Earth - 3 credits (first term)

BIOL 112 - Diversity of Life - 3 credits (second term)

PSCI 101 - Introduction to Power and Politics - 3 credits (first term)

PSCI 102 - Introduction to Comparative and Global Politics - 3 credits (second term)

Anthropology or Sociology - 6 credits in one subject (see below)

ANTH 111 - Introduction to Physical Anthropology/Archaeology - 3 credits (first or second term)

ANTH 112 - Introduction to Socio-cultural Anthropology - 3 credits (first or second term)

OR

SOCI 101 - Introduction to Sociology I - 3 credits (first term) 

SOCI 102 - Introduction to Sociology II - 3 credits (second term)

If you are unsure which of these two subjects to choose, look at the upper-level courses in each discipline to see which appeal to you the most.  As you will be taking additional courses in this subject in future years, upper-level courses in which you have the most interest should dictate your choice of introductory-level courses.

First-Year Course Pattern: Economics

AQUA 101 - Introduction to Freshwater Systems and Resources (first term)

AQUA 102 - Introduction to Ocean Systems and Resources (second term)

ECON 101 - Introductory Microeconomics - 3 credits (first term)

ECON 102 - Introductory Macroeconomics - 3 credits (second term)

ESCI 171 - Understanding the Earth - 3 credits (first term)

BIOL 112 - Diversity of Life - 3 credits (second term)

Anthropology or Political Science or Sociology - 6 credits in one subject (see below)

Arts or Science course(s) - 6 credits, normally in one subject (see below)

Economics majors in the Aquatic Resources program must complete one of the following three options:

ANTH 111 - Introduction to Physical Anthropology/Archaeology - 3 credits (first or second term)

ANTH 112 - Introduction to Socio-cultural Anthropology - 3 credits (first or second term)

OR

PSCI 101 - Introduction to Power and Politics - 3 credits (first term)

PSCI 102 - Introduction to Comparative and Global Politics - 3 credits (second term)

OR

SOCI 101 - Introduction to Sociology I - 3 credits (first term) 

SOCI 102 - Introduction to Sociology II - 3 credits (second term)

If you are unsure which of these three subjects to choose, look at the upper-level courses in each discipline to see which appeal to you the most.  As you will very likely take additional courses in this subject, upper-level courses in which you have the most interest should dictate your choice of introductory-level courses.

Elective Arts/Science Subject for Economics Major

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

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.

ARTS SUBJECTS

Anthropology

Art (Art History and Studio Art)

Catholic Studies

Celtic Studies

Classical Studies

Climate and Environment **

Computer Science *

Development Studies

English

French

German

History

Mathematics & Statistics *

Mi’kmaq

Music

Philosophy

Political Science

Psychology

Public Policy and Governance

Religious Studies

Sociology

Spanish

Women’s and Gender Studies

* Mathematics & Statistics and Computer Science are departments in the Faculty of Science, but for purposes of pairs (see definition below) and electives in the BA programs, Computer Science and Mathematics are considered as arts subjects.

** Climate and Environment may be considered as either an arts or a science subject.  For a BA student, it would be considered as an arts subject.

SCIENCE SUBJECTS
Biology
Chemistry
Physics

Things to Remember

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

• When choosing your arts/science elective, explore your available options from the list above. You may decide to choose a subject that is familiar to you, but don’t hesitate to be adventurous and try something new. 

• 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.

• If you find, by year-end, that you are not interested in taking additional courses in your first-year elective subject, don’t worry. The BA degree also has open electives in its degree pattern. This subject may be used as an elective in your program, and you can choose different subjects in second year to use as foundation courses for pairs. So you can choose your elective this year risk-free!

Notes re Science Courses

• Although BA students are permitted to take science courses, some of the science subjects may be more readily accessible than others during your initial registration.
• Physics 101 and 102 or 121 and 122 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 101 and 102 or 121 and 122 as prerequisites.
• Chemistry may be restricted to science students until have all have registered. You may be able to register for CHEM 101 and 102 or 121 and 122 when you register for your other courses.  However, if you try to do so and receive a "College Restriction" error message, contact the chemistry department chair to request to be added to a waiting list. Usually, non-science students are ultimately able to register in introductory chemistry courses, but sometimes not until later in the summer.  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 introductory chemistry courses that you want.
• Biology 112 is a required first-year course in your program.  If you wish to take more biology, you will most likely want to take BIOL 111 in your first year.  This course may be restricted to science students until all have registered.  You may be able to register for BIOL 111 when you register for your other courses.  However, if you try to do so and receive a "College Restriction" error message, contact the biology department chair to request to be added to a waiting list.  Usually, non-science students are ultimately able to register in this course, but sometimes not until later in the summer.  In the meantime, be sure to choose and register in a different course, in case you are not able to get a seat in BIOL 111.  (Note that BIOL 111 is only a 3-credit course, so you will need to choose a 3-credit course in another subject if you want to carry a full course load in your first year.)

Questions You Might Have

1.  I am interested in Development Studies, but there is only one 3-credit course available at the 100-level. What else should I take in the second semester to fill out my schedule?
You can take any other 3-credit course from the arts and science subjects listed above, as long as there is no first-term prerequisite for the course.  Although most students choose to do 6 credits in one subject for their 6 credits of arts/science elective, DEVS 101 plus 3 credits of a second subject would also work in your program, so be assured that this is an acceptable option.  If you decide to do a pair (see explanation above) in DEVS, you will need to complete 9 additional credits of DEVS, to include DEVS 201 and 202, over the remaining years of your degree.

2.  I am interested in Public Policy and Governance, but there is only one 3-credit course available at the 100-level. What else should I take in the other semester to fill out my schedule?

You can take any other 3-credit course from the arts and science subjects listed above.  If you choose to take PGOV 101 in the first semester, you will need to ensure that your second-semester course choice does not have a first-term prerequisite.  Although most students choose to do 6 credits in one subject for their 6 credits of arts/science elective, PGOV 101 plus 3 credits of a second subject would also work in your program, so be assured that this is an acceptable option.  If you decide to do a pair (see explanation above) in PGOV, you will need to complete 9 additional credits of PGOV, to include PGOV 201 or 202, over the remaining years of your degree.

3.  I am interested in English, but there is only one 3-credit course available at the 100-level.  What else should I take in the second semester to fill out my schedule?
You can take any other English course at the 200 level that it offered in the second semester providing there is space in the course. Alternatively, you can take any other 3-credit course from the arts and science subjects listed above, as long as there is no first-term prerequisite for the course.

4.  Why is Earth Sciences not listed in the allowable Science Subjects above?

You are already taking ESCI 171 as part of your degree program.  In addition, your required AQUA 100 course serves as a substitute for ESCI 172 so AQUA students do not take ESCI 172.  You are therefore already taking the introductory level courses for ESCI this year.  Should you wish to take additional ESCI courses in future years, you will have the prerequisites to do so by completing your program's core courses this year.

5. 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: Business Administration; Engineering; Health; Human Kinetics; Human Nutrition; Nursing. (Aquatic Resources also falls into this category.)  Most courses in these departments are restricted to students in these programs. In second year, you will take BSAD 101.  For future years, there are some Human Nutrition courses and two 300-level Nursing elective courses that are open to students outside of those programs. If you are interested in taking other courses from one of these departments you will need to contact the relevant department chair.  (Courses in Health and Nursing are not options for students outside those programs, but permission is sometimes granted for Business Administration, Engineering, and Human Kinetics courses.)

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 – Principles of Human Movement (3 credits) (1st or 2nd term to balance your schedule)
HKIN 136 - Foundations of Sport and Exercise Psychology (3 credits) (1st or 2nd term to balance your schedule be sure to register in the correct lab for the term in which you are planning to take the course.)
HKIN 151 - Applied Anatomy and Physiology I (3 credits) (1st term)
HKIN 152 - Applied Anatomy and Physiology II (3 credits)  (2nd term)
HKIN 150 - Introduction to Sport in the Humanities (3 credits) (either term)
   or HKIN 154 - Introduction to Ethics of Sport (3 credits) (1st term)
Skills – 3 credits - see below
Arts Subject A – 6 credits
Arts Subject B – 6 credits

NOTE:  

1. You should aim to register for a total of 30 credits, and there are different patterns how this can look:

• With skills, you may end up with one term:  4 courses (@ 3 credits each) plus 1 skill (@1.5 credits)= 13.5 credits,then another term with 5 courses (@ 3 credits each) plus 1 skill (@ 1.5 credits)= 16.5 credits, for a total of 30 credits.
• OR
• you could have one term with 4 courses (@ 3 credits each) plus 2 skills (@1.5 credits each)= 15 credits, then Another term with 5 courses (@ 3 credits each) = 15 credits, for a total of 30 credits.

2. HKIN 115 and HKIN 136 are offered in either term.  Therefore you need to match the course section with the appropriate lab section.  For example:  HKIN 115:11A corresponds with HKIN 115L:11A.  This means you must register for section 11A for both the course and the lab.  Remember to register for the lab at the same time as the course or you will receive a registration error for the co-requisite.  This error will also occur if you try to register for a lab that does not correspond with the course or if one component is full. 

Skills
Skill courses run 12 weeks in first and second terms. Each skill has a credit value of 1.5 credits. Grades will be pass/fail and are not included in the academic average.

The maximum number of skills for the pre-education major is 15 credits (or 10 skills) and for the kinesiology major is 12 credits (or 8 skills). Credit will be granted for only one of the same or similar skills.

The following 100-level skills will introduce students to the basic skills:

102 Group Fitness (first term)
103 Skateboarding (first term)
119 Aquatic Activities (SUP, snorkeling, water polo, aquafit) (second term)
121 Badminton (second term)
122 Ball & Wall (handball, squash, racquetball) (first term)
123 Basketball (first term)
125 Contemporary Dance (first term)
126 Fitness (either term)
127 Gymnastics (either term)
128 Football (first term)
129 Hockey (second term)
131 Rugby (second term)
132 Soccer (either term)
133 Volleyball (either term)
134 Golf (first term)
135 Ice Games (power skating, ringette, broomball) (second term)
137 Low Organized Games (either term)
139 Movement Education (second term)
140 Net Games (pickle ball, tennis, team handball, Sepak) (first term)
141 Outdoor Education Camps (first term)
142 ParaSport (goal ball, wheelchair basketball, sitting volleyball) (first term)
143 Social Dance 
144 Target Games (curling, bowling, bocce) (either term)
145 Track & Field (first term)
146 Weight Training (either term)
147 World Dance (first term)
148 Yoga (either term)

There are also 200-level skills. You must have completed the HKIN 100-level course in that activity prior to registration in the 200-Level skill (when required). Normally, first year students do not register for 200-level skill courses. 

The following 200-level skills involve advanced instruction and coaching instructional strategies and analysis:

203        Judging and Officiating
204        Advanced Instruction in Group Exercise Leadership Certificate
227        Advanced Instruction in Gymnastics; prerequisite: HKIN 127
246        Advanced Instruction in Sport Science Theory and Application; prerequisite: HKIN 146

As there are many skills in each of the terms, you should choose your skills after all other courses have been scheduled. Please note that some skills courses are popular and you may not be able to take your preferred skill in the first year.  However, you will be able to that skill in your second year.

Arts and Elective Courses
The above required HKIN courses for first year total 18 credits. That leaves you with 12 credits to choose from other subjects.

SMGT 101- Introduction to Sport Management is a 3 credit elective offered in the winter term that may be of interest to HKIN students as a non-HKIN elective

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.

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 a possible 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 6 at the end of this document for more specific recommendations regarding course choice.

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.

ARTS SUBJECTS

Anthropology

Art (Art History and Studio Art)

Catholic Studies

Celtic Studies

Classical Studies

Climate and Environment **

Computer Science *

Development Studies

English

French

German

History

Mathematics & Statistics *

Mi’kmaq

Music

Philosophy

Political Science

Psychology

Public Policy and Governance

Religious Studies

Sociology

Spanish

Sport Management **

Women’s and Gender Studies

​​​​* Mathematics & Statistics and Computer Science are departments in the Faculty of Science, but for purposes of pairs and minors in the BA HKIN program, Computer Science and Mathematics are considered as arts subjects.

** Sport Management is not a Department, however can be chosen as a Minor or Arts elective only in the BA HKIN program.

SCIENCE SUBJECTS
Biology
Chemistry
Climate and Environment
Earth Sciences
Physics

Notes re Science Courses

• Although BA Human Kinetics students are permitted to take science courses, some of the science subjects may be more readily accessible than others during your initial registration.
• 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, though they do have bi-weekly two-hour tutorials.
• 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 may be restricted to science students until all have registered. You may be able to register for CHEM 101 and 102 or 121 and 122 or for BIOL 111 and 112 when you register for your other courses.  However, if you try to do so and receive a "College Restriction" error message, contact the relevant department chair to request to be added to a waiting list. Usually, non-science students are ultimately able to register in these courses, but sometimes not until later in the summer.  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(s) 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 courses, as they are 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 , leaving the choice of your skills to the end. Begin with arts courses that are offered at only one time, and schedule other courses around those.
• When scheduling your activities, note that your first term skill cannot conflict with any first-term courses, and your second term skill cannot conflict with any second-term courses.

Questions You Might Have

1. I am interested in Development Studies, but there is only one 3-credit course available at the 100-level. What else should I take in the second semester to fill out my schedule?
You can take any other 3-credit course from the arts and science subjects listed above, as long as there is no first-term prerequisite for the course. If you decide to do a pair (see explanation above) in DEVS, you will need to complete 9 additional credits of DEVS, to include DEVS 201 and 202, over the remaining years of your degree.  If you decide to do a minor in Development Studies, you should complete DEVS 201 and 202 in second year, plus an additional 15 credits of DEVS over the remaining years of your degree.

2. I am interested in Public Policy and Governance, but there is only one 3-credit course available at the 100-level. What else should I take in the second semester to fill out my schedule?
You can take any other 3-credit course from the arts and sciences subjects listed above, as long as there is no first-term prerequisite for the course. If you decide to do a pair (see explanation above) in PGOV, you will need to complete 9 additional credits of PGOV over the remaining years of your degree.  If you decide to do a minor in Public Policy and Governance, you will need to complete either ECON 101 or 102 as part of that minor, so you may wish to take ECON 102 in second term if that course is not already in your plan for first year.

3.I am interested in Sport Management, but there is only one 3-credit course available at the 100-level in second term. How would taking this course affect my registration?
You would then choose only 9 credits in other arts subjects. You should choose 6 of those credits from one arts subject and 3 credits from a different subject.(Be sure to keep a balanced course load between first and second term.) At the end of the year, if you are interested in pursuing a Sport Management minor, you will need to apply for it. Admission into this minor is competitive so be aware that the better your academic performance in first year, the better your chance of being accepted into the minor. Students who take SMGT 101 in first year, but who do not pursue a Sport Management minor, will use the first-year course as an arts elective in their degree pattern.

4.  I am interested in English, but there is only one 3-credit course available at the 100-level.  What else should I take in the second semester to fill out my schedule?
You can take any other English course at the 200 level that it offered in the second semester providing there is space in the course. Alternatively, you can take any other 3-credit course from the arts and science subjects listed above, as long as there is no first-term prerequisite for the course.

5. 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; Engineering; Health; Human Nutrition; Nursing. (Human Kinetics also falls into this category.)  These subjects cannot be used as minors or pairs, or as "arts/science” or approved electives. Courses in these departments are normally restricted to students in these programs (with the exception of one course in Human Nutrition, and two upper-level elective courses in Nursing). If you are interested in taking other courses from one of these programs you will need to contact the relevant department chair, but permission is not routinely 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 of 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.

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. 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 explanations of these programs are 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 information 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 101 and 102. One alternative is 6 credits of calculus (MATH 106 or 126, and 107 or 127).  A third option is 6 credits from MATH 101, 102, 106 or 126, 205; or one of these 3-credit courses plus 3 credits of statistics.
(iii) 6 credits of English. ENGL 100, or 111 and 112, will fulfill this requirement.
(iv) 6 credits of science. Your required second-year BIOL 251 and 252 will fulfill this requirement.
(v) 3 or 6 credits of developmental psychology. You will need to take PSYC 101 and 102 before being permitted to take the 6-credit PSYC 260 - Developmental Psychology or the 3-credit PSYC 354 - Lifespan Developmental Psychology for the Health Sciences I:  Childhood and Adolescence.

So if you’re interested in the elementary stream of the B.Ed., it would be wise for you to take ENGL 111 and 112 (or ENGL 100), 6 credits of “social studies” (as defined above), PSYC 101 and 102, and either MATH 101/102 or MATH 106/107 or 126/127.

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); Mathematics; Science (all 18 credits must be in one of the related disciplines: biology, chemistry, earth sciences, or physics); Fine Arts (studio art or music); Gaelic; Spanish; Family Studies (which is not possible within the framework of the HKIN degrees); Business (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.

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 some first-year courses in the Faculty of Arts are full-year, 6-credit courses. Other departments have two 3-credit courses (one each term) that together provide 6 credits of introductory study in that subject.  Two programs - Development Studies, and Public Policy and Governance - have only one 3-credit course each at the introductory level.  See Questions 1 and 2 below if you wish to take the introductory course in either or both of these subjects in your first year.

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 with Major 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 6 credits in each of those subjects.  (If these include one or both of Development Studies, and Public Policy and Governance, see Questions 1 and 2 below.)
• If you are debating among three or four subjects as possible majors and/or minors, be sure to include 6 credits in each subject you are considering.
• If you selected to do a program with Applied Forensic Psychology as your major subject, you will be pre-registered in PSYC 101 (1st term) and 102 (2nd term) and 110 (2nd term); You will then register in 21 additional credits. For those 21 additional credits, you will normally choose 6 credits of introductory courses in each of three other subjects, plus one 3-credit course in a third subject in 2nd term. (See Question 9 below for more information.)
• If you have selected the Humanities Colloquium, 18 credits have been pre-selected for you (English, History, Art History, Philosophy).  You will need to choose two other subjects and register in 12 additional credits.  (See Question 6 below for more information about the Humanities Colloquium.)
• If you have selected the Social Justice Colloquium, 18 credits have been pre-selected for you (Anthropology, Development Studies, History, Women's and Gender Studies).  You will need to choose two other subjects and register in an additional 12 credits.  (See Question 7 below for more information about the Social Justice Colloquium.)
• If you selected to do a program with Public Policy and Governance as your major subject, you will register for ECON 101 and 102; PSCI 101 and 102; PGOV 101; and 15 additional credits.  For those 15 additional credits, you will normally choose 6 credits of introductory courses in each of two other subjects, plus one 3-credit course in a third subject.  See Question 3 below for further guidance on course selection.
• 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 interest you might discover.

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 composed of the humanities, and mathematics, statistics and computer science. Group II is composed of the social sciences and modern languages.

GROUP I
Catholic Studies
Celtic Studies
Climate and Environment
Computer Science
English
History
Mathematics (& Statistics) *
Philosophy
Religious Studies

GROUP II
Anthropology
Development Studies
Economics
Modern Languages (French or Spanish)
Political Science
Public Policy and Governance
Psychology
Sociology
Women's and Gender Studies

* Mathematics & Statistics and Computer Science are departments in the Faculty of Science, but for purposes of BA students, Computer Science and Mathematics are considered as arts subjects.

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 selections 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.
 

ADDITIONAL ARTS SUBJECTS
Art (Studio Art and Art History)
Classical Studies
German
Mi’kmaq
Music

SCIENCE SUBJECTS
Biology
Chemistry
Climate and Environment
Earth Sciences
Physics

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.  (This is because BA students can complete only one pair, or a minor, in one science subject.  If you take two different science subjects, one of those can only be used as an open elective in your degree program.  You may certainly take two different science subjects if you wish, as long as you are comfortable using some of your open elective credits in your first year.)

Your final course(s) can be from any of the subjects presented above, but some of the science subjects may be more accessible than others for first-year BA students during initial registration.

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, though they do have bi-weekly two-hour tutorials.)  Physics is also an option 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.  These astronomy courses can be used only as open electives in the BA program.)

Biology and Chemistry may be restricted to science students until all have registered. You may be able to register in Chemistry or Biology courses when you register for your other courses.  However, if you try to do so and receive a "College Restriction" error message, contact the relevant department chair to request to be added to a waiting list.  Usually, non-science students are ultimately able to register in these courses, but sometimes not until later in the summer.  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(s) you want.

Summary of 5 Subjects for First Year
(This will differ slightly for students planning to take DEVS 101 and/or PGOV 101.)

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 English, but there is only one 3-credit course available at the 100-level.  What else should I take in the second semester to fill out my schedule?
You can take any other English course at the 200 level that it offered in the second semester providing there is space in the course. Alternatively, you can take any other 3-credit course from the arts and science subjects listed above, as long as there is no first-term prerequisite for the course.

2. I am interested in Development Studies, but there is only one 3-credit course available at the 100-level. What else should I take in the second semester to fill out my schedule?
You can take any other 3-credit course from the arts and science subjects listed above, as long as there is no first-term prerequisite for the course.  If you plan to use DEVS as a joint major, honours, subsidiary, minor, or pair subject, you will take DEVS 201 and 202 in second year.  If you plan to do a joint major or honours in DEVS, you should also take ECON 101 and 102 in first year, as these courses are required for the major or honours.  If you intend to do a minor or more in Development Studies, you should read the Subject Page for Development Studies, found at the link in the table above, for further guidance on first-year course selection.

3. I am interested in Public Policy and Governance, but there is only one 3-credit course available at the 100-level.  What else should I take in the second semester to fill out my schedule?
You can take any other 3-credit course from the arts and science subjects listed above, as long as there is no first-term prerequisite for the course.  If you plan to do PGOV as a major or honours subject, you could opt to take STAT 101 in second term, since that is a required 3-credit course for those programs.  (This would be in addition to ECON 101 and 102, and PSCI 101 and 102, as outlined in the "Things to Remember" section above.)  If you intend to do a minor in Public Policy and Governance, and have not already chosen to do ECON 101 and 102 as part of your first-year schedule, you could choose ECON 102 for second semester since either ECON 101 or 102 must be completed as part of the minor in PGOV.  If you intend to do a minor or more in Public Policy and Governance, you should read the Subject Page for Public Policy and Governance, found at the link in the table above, for further guidance on first-year course selection.

4. 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; Engineering; Health; Human Kinetics; Human Nutrition; Nursing. Most courses in these departments are restricted to students in these programs. There are a couple of exceptions, however. BSAD 101 and 102 are available to non-business students, if there are seats available after registration has concluded for first-year students, but these courses are only usable as open electives in the BA program (or in a Business Administration minor with an Economics major). There are also a 200-level Human Nutrition course and two 300-level Nursing elective courses that are open to students outside of those programs. If you are interested in taking other courses from one of these departments you will need to contact the relevant department chair, but such permission is not routinely granted.

6. 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 (Introduction to Literature and Critical Writing), HIST 101 (Western Civilization:  Earliest Civilizations to the War of Religion), ART 142 (Art & Society II: From Renaissance to Revolution), 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.

7. What is the Social Justice Colloquium?
The Social Justice Colloquium is an opportunity for first-year Bachelor of Arts students to consider why inequality exists and how we can work together to create a world with greater opportunities for all people. It offers  ANTH 112 (Introduction to Socio-cultural Anthropology), DEVS 101 (Introduction to Development Studies), HIST 141 (Empire & Plague, 1300-1800), HIST 142 (Revolution:  Global from 1750), and WMGS 100 (Introduction to Women’s and Gender Studies) in a coordinated format to encourage the study of social justice from various perspectives. If you have an interest in these courses, investigate the option of this unique enhanced learning experience here.

8. 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.

9. I am in the Applied Forensic Psychology program; PSYC 110 is listed in both 1st and 2nd term, Can i take either section?  Also, what do I take to fill out my schedule for the other 3 credits?
You will need to take the PSYC 110 in the 2nd term only (the first term section is for 2nd year students).  You can take any other 3-credit course from the arts and science subjects listed above, to round out your schedule for first term.

Welcome to the Bachelor of Arts and Science in Climate and Environment!

First-year course selection for the Bachelor of Arts and Science in Climate and Environment is very simple.

First-Year Course Pattern

In total, you will be taking 5 courses each term.

First term:
CLEN 101 – Introduction to the Climate System - 3 credits
ECON 101 – Introductory Microeconomics - 3 credits
SOCI 101 – Foundations of Sociology - 3 credits
MATH 106 – Calculus I - 3 credits
  Or CSCI 161 – Introduction to Programming - 3 credits
CHEM 101 – General Chemistry I - 3 credits 
  Or PHYS 101 – Physics for Life and the Health Sciences I - 3 credits (with MATH 107 in 2nd term)
  Or PHYS 101 – Physics for Life and the Health Sciences I - 3 credits (with PHYS 102 in 2nd term)

Second term:
CLEN 102 – Introduction to Environmental Systems - 3 credits
BIOL 112 – Diversity of Life - 3 credits
SOCI 102 – Key Issues in Contemporary Sociology - 3 credits
CHEM 102 – General Chemistry II - 3 credits
  Or MATH 107 – Calculus II - 3 credits (with PHYS 101 in 1st term)
  Or PHYS 102 – Physics for Life and the Health Sciences II - 3 credits (with PHYS 101 in 1st term)

Final 3-credit second term course: It is important to ensure your course schedule is balanced between first and second terms. You want to have 5 courses each term, and not 4 courses in one term with 6 courses in the other.  There are 3 options for the final course in your first year:  PSCI 101, PSCI 102, PGOV 101. However, this year, PSCI 101 and PGOV 101 are both first term classes, and you already have 5 courses in first term.  Therefore we strongly recommend that you take the PSCI 102 option, a second-term course, this year.  Again, your options for your remaining 3-credit course:
PSCI 102 – Introduction to Comparative and Global Politics - 3 credits (2nd term) - Our Recommendation
  Or  PSCI 101 – Introduction to Power and Politics - 3 credits (1st term)
  Or PGOV 101 – Modern Challenges for Public Policy & Governance - 3 credits (1st term)

If you plan to concentrate in Environment, CHEM 101/102 could be beneficial in the future with prerequisite requirements.

If you plan to concentrate in Climate, MATH 106, MATH 107 and PHYS 101 could be beneficial in the future with prerequisite requirements.

Feel free to browse through the "Academic Subjects" pages, found under the "Helpful Resources" link.  They will provide more information about the courses in which you will be registered in the coming year.

Question You Might Have

Is it possible to take fewer than 30 credits this year?

If you wish to take a reduced course load, you should meet with an academic advisor before classes start, or during the first week of classes.  If you plan to do your degree over 5 years rather than over 4 years, there will be no problem, but you will still need to plan your program carefully.  If you plan to do a reduced course load for this one year only, and then take the normal full course load in subsequent years, an advisor can assist you with the best complement of courses for the coming year that will allow you to complete your degree within the four-year period.  This will, of course, require your taking spring and/or summer courses over the next three years.

Welcome to the Bachelor of Arts and Science in Health!

First-year course selection for the Bachelor of Arts and Science in Health is very simple. All courses are required and all of your registration will be done for you.   

First-Year Course Pattern
CHEM 101 – General Chemistry I - 3 credits (first term)
CHEM 102 - General Chemistry II - 3 credits (second term)
PSYC 101 – Introduction to Psychology I - 3 credits (first term)
PSYC 102 - Introduction to Psychology II - 3 credits (second term)
BIOL 111 – Introductory Cell Biology - 3 credits (first term)
BIOL 112 – Diversity of Life - 3 credits (second term)
HLTH 111 – Fundamentals of Health I - 3 credits (first term)
HLTH 112 – Fundamentals of Health II - 3 credits (second term)
SOCI 101 – Foundations of Sociology - 3 credits (first term)
SOCI 102 – Key Issues in Contemporary Sociology - 3 credits (second term)

In total, you will be taking 5 courses each term.

Feel free to browse through the "Academic Subjects" pages, found under the "Helpful Resources" side-link.  They will provide more information about the courses in which you will be registered in the coming year.

Question You Might Have

Is it possible to take fewer than 30 credits this year?

If you wish to take a reduced course load, you should meet with an academic advisor before classes start, or during the first week of classes.  If you plan to do your degree over 5 years rather than over 4 years, there will be no problem, but you will still need to plan your program carefully.  If you plan to do a reduced course load for this one year only, and then take the normal full course load in subsequent years, an advisor can assist you with the best complement of courses for the coming year that will allow you to complete your degree within the four-year period.  This will, of course, require your taking spring and/or summer courses over the next three years.

Welcome to the Bachelor of Business Administration With Major!

First-year course selection for the Bachelor of Business Administration with Major 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 111 – Introduction to Business – 3 credits plus lab (first term)
BSAD 112 – Business Decision-Making – 3 credits plus lab (second term)
ECON 101 – Introductory Microeconomics – 3 credits (first term)
ECON 102 – Introductory Macroeconomics – 3 credits (second term)
MATH 105 – Business Mathematics – 3 credits plus lab (normally first term)
STAT 101 (B) – Introductory Statistics – 3 credits (normally second term)
Arts course(s) – 6 credits in one subject
Arts or Science course(s) – 6 credits in one subject

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. Note that MATH 105 and STAT 101 may be taken in either term; however, you will normally choose MATH 105 in first term and STAT 101 in second term.  These BSAD (Business Administration), ECON (Economics), MATH (Mathematics) and STAT (Statistics) courses are required courses for all programs in the Bachelor of Business Administration.

BSAD 111 and 112 each have required labs for which you must register.  The lab sections correspond to the  course section. for example is you are registering in BSAD 111 section 11A you would also need to register in BSAD 111L Section 11A.

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 possible restrictions on science options.

Note that some first-year courses in the arts and sciences are full-year, 6-credit courses. Other departments 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.  

ARTS SUBJECTS

Anthropology

Art (Art History and Studio Art)

Catholic Studies

Celtic Studies

Classical Studies

Climate and Environment **

Computer Science *

Development Studies

English

French

German

History

Mathematics & Statistics *

Mi’kmaq

Music

Philosophy

Political Science

Psychology

Public Policy and Governance

Religious Studies

Sociology

Spanish

Sport Management **

Women’s and Gender Studies

​​​​*Climate and Environment can be considered an arts or a science, so can be considered as an arts subject for purposes of pairs in the BBA.

**Sport Management is not a department; however it is an option for a minor, or arts elective, within the BBA program.

SCIENCE SUBJECTS
Biology
Chemistry
Computer Science
Earth Sciences
Mathematics
Physics

 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 subjects 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 may be more readily accessible than others during your initial registration.
• If you are interested in Computer Science or Mathematics, the 100-level courses are available to you.
• 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, though they do have bi-weekly two-hour tutorials.
• Physics 101/102 or 121/122 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 101/102 or 121/122 as prerequisites.
• Biology and Chemistry may be restricted to science students until all have registered. You may be able to register for CHEM 101 and 102 or 121 and 122 or for BIOL 111 and 112 when you register for your other courses.  However, if you try to do so and receive a "College Restriction" error message, contact the relevant department chair to request to be added to a waiting list. Usually, non-science students are ultimately able to register in these courses, but sometimes not until later in the summer.  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(s) that you want.

Questions You Might Have

1. I am interested in Development Studies, but there is only one 3-credit course available at the 100-level. What else should I take in the second semester to fill out my schedule?
You can take any other 3-credit course from the arts and science subjects listed above, as long as there is no first-term prerequisite for the course. If you decide to do a pair (see explanation above) in DEVS, you will need to complete 9 additional credits of DEVS, to include DEVS 201 and 202, over the remaining years of your degree. If you decide to do a minor in Development Studies (see #6 below), you should complete DEVS 201 and 202 in second year, plus an additional 15 credits of DEVS over the remaining years of your degree.

2. I am interested in Public Policy and Governance, but there is only one 3-credit course available at the 100-level. What else should I take in the second semester to fill out my schedule?
You can take any other 3-credit course from the arts and science subjects listed above, as long as there is no first-term prerequisite for the course. If you decide to do a pair (see explanation above) in PGOV, you will need to complete 9 additional credits of PGOV over the remaining years of your degree. If you decide to do a minor in Public Policy and Governance (see #6 below), you should complete PGOV 201 and 202 in second year, plus an additional 15 credits of PGOV over the remaining years of your degree.

3. I am interested in Sport Management, but there is only one 3-credit course available at the 100-level in second term. How would taking this course affect my registration?
You would then choose only 9 credits in other arts subjects. You should choose 6 of those credits from one arts subject and 3 credits from a different subject.(Be sure to keep a balanced course load between first and second term.) At the end of the year, if you are interested in pursuing a Sport Management minor, you will need to apply for it. Admission into this minor is competitive so be aware that the better your academic performance in first year, the better your chance of being accepted into the minor. Students who take SMGT 101 in first year, but who do not pursue a Sport Management minor, will use the first-year course as an arts elective in their degree pattern.

4. 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.

5. 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; Health; 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 permission is not routinely 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 9 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.

6. 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.

7. 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 (that is, not in Aquatic Resources, Engineering, Health, Human Kinetics, Human Nutrition, or Nursing).  Be sure to make yourself aware of any specific requirements for a minor, as outlined by the relevant department. (See the appropriate department section in Chapter 9 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.

If you choose to complete a minor, remember that you must also complete a second pair in a different subject.

Welcome to the Bachelor of Music

First-year course selection for the Bachelor of Music is very simple. Most of the courses are required music courses, and there is only one elective subject that you will need to choose.

Each MUSI course is 3 credits (with the exception of the ensemble courses which are 1.5 credits each) and is either offered in one semester.

First-Year Course Pattern
MUSI 104 - Structure of Common Practice Music (first term 1.5 cr)
MUSI 105 - Aural Skills I (first term (1.5 cr)
MUSI 108 - Jazz Theory (second term 1.5cr)
MUAI 109 - Aural Skills II (second term 1.5 cr)
MUSI 146 – Vocal Ensemble I (first term 1.5 cr)
  or MUSI 147 – Instrumental Ensembles I (first term 1.5 cr)
MUSI 156 – Vocal Ensemble II (second term 1.5 cr)
  or MUSI 157 – Instrumental Ensembles II (second term 1.5 cr)
MUSI 165 – Jazz History (first term 3cr)
MUSI 166* - Basic Keyboarding skills (first or second term 3cr)
MUSI 181 - Applied Performance I (first term 3cr)
MUSI 195 - Applied Performance II (second term 3cr)
MUSI 265 - Jazz Styles ad Literature: The Bebop Era (second term cr)
Arts, Science or Open Elective course(s) – 6 credits, normally in one subject (full year); this can consist of either one 6cr course, or two 3cr courses (in the same subject).

NOTE:  Although you will register for a total of 30 credits, you may have an imbalance of courses.  Since your Ensemble courses are 1.5 credits each, and Basic Keyboarding is offered in either term, it is normal for your schedule to have a 6/7 or 7/6 course split:

• EXAMPLE: 
  • A:
    • First term:  3 courses (@ 3 credits each) plus Structure, Aural, and Ensemble I (@1.5 credits each)= 13.5 credits,
    • then second term with  4 courses (@ 3 credits each) plus Theory, Aural II, and Ensemble II (@ 1.5 credits each)= 16.5 credits
    • for a total of 30 credits
  • B: ​​​​​​
    • First term:  4 courses (@ 3 credits each) plus Structure, Aural, and Ensemble I (@1.5 credits each)= 16.5 credits
    • then second term with  3 courses (@ 3 credits each) plus Theory, Aural II, and Ensemble II (@ 1.5 credits each)= 13.5 credits
    • for a total of 30 credits

* Students with sufficient piano skill may test out of MUSI 166 upon passing a proficiency exam.  Students exempted from this course are required to complete a music elective in place of MUSI 166.  This replacement course may be taken in first year, or in a future year.  Those who wish to take that music elective in a future year can take an arts or science elective instead in first year.

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

Note that some first-year arts and science courses are full-year, 6-credit courses. Most departments, however, 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.

ARTS SUBJECTS

Anthropology

Art (Art History and Studio Art)

Catholic Studies

Celtic Studies

Classical Studies

Climate and Environment **

Computer Science *

Development Studies

English

French

German

History

Mathematics & Statistics *

Mi’kmaq

Music

Philosophy

Political Science

Psychology

Public Policy and Governance

Religious Studies

Sociology

Spanish

Sport Management **

Women’s and Gender Studies

​​​​​* 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.  Students may complete a pair in mathematics and statistics, and/or a pair computer science.

**Climate and Environment can be considered an arts or a science, so can be considered as an arts subject for purposes of pairs in the Bachelor of Music.

SCIENCE SUBJECTS
Biology
Chemistry
Earth Sciences
Physics

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:

• Degree programs in music require the completion of two "pairs".  A pair is essentially 12 credits in one subject, with at least 6 credits at the 200-level or above (see the Glossary of Terms for a full definition).  Therefore, it is advisable in first year to choose a subject in which you think you might be interested in taking another course or two in the future.  If you enjoy your first-year elective enough to take additional credits in the same subject, you will then need to take 6 additional credits in that subject in a future year to complete one pair.
• However, the music degree programs also require open electives.  So if you find, at year end, that you'd prefer not to take any additional courses in your first-year elective subject, you won't have to.  You will be able to use your first-year course(s) as 6 credits of open electives, and try a new arts or science subject in second year with which to attempt to begin fulfilling your pair requirements.
• Most first-year 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. The other required pair must be in an arts subject.  There is no requirement to complete any science courses in the Bachelor of Music, and many students do choose arts subjects for their two pairs and for their open electives.  But you are more than welcome to take science courses if you wish.

Notes Regarding Science Courses

• Although music students are permitted to take science courses, some of the science subjects may be more readily accessible than others during your initial registration.
• 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, though they do have bi-weekly two-hour tutorials.)
• Physics is also an option 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 open 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.  Students interested in completing a physics pair should take PHYS 101 and 102.
• Biology and chemistry may be restricted to science students until all have registered. You may be able to register for CHEM 101 and 102 or 121 and 122 or for BIOL 111 and 112 when you register for your other courses.  However, if you try to do so and receive a "College Restriction" error message, contact the relevant department chair to request to be added to a waiting list.  Usually, non-science students are ultimately able to register in these courses, but sometimes not until later in the summer.  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 that 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.)
• When scheduling your elective subject, you will need to avoid choosing a course that meets in timeblock W4 and between 2:15 and 5:00, Monday through Thursday.  This translates to timeblocks in band 3 on the schedule including: O7, O8, U7, U8, W7, W8, X7, X8, Z7, Z8.  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.  After you are assigned to an ensemble, your schedule will be adjusted, and you will be able to take courses in your free timeblocks.  You are also encouraged to avoid the E4 timeblock as this is typically when visiting artists would be scheduled thorough out the year.

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, but there is only one 3-credit course available at the 100-level. How can I work this subject into my degree pattern?
Unfortunately, DEVS 101 will conflict with your required courses in first year so this is not an option for you.  However, you may be able to take this course in a future year.  You may also have the option of taking the core foundational courses, DEVS 201 and 202, in second year (or later) without having taken DEVS 101.  DEVS 101 is not a prerequisite for 201 and 202..

2. I am interested in Public Policy and Governance, but there is only one 3-credit course available at the 100-level. How can I work this subject into my degree program?
Unfortunately, PGOV 101 will conflict with your required courses in first year so this is not an option for you.  However, you may be able to take this course in a future year.

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 professional or applied programs: Aquatic Resources; Business Administration; Engineering; Health; Human Kinetics; Human Nutrition; Nursing. These courses are not considered arts or science courses, so cannot be used to fulfill your pair requirements, but any courses taken from these programs may be used in partial fulfillment of your open elective credits. Most courses in these departments are restricted to students in these programs. There are a couple of exceptions, however.  BSAD 101 and 102 are available to non-business students, if there are seats available after registration has concluded for first-year students, but these courses are only usable as open electives in the Music programs. There are also a 200-level Human Nutrition course and two 300-level Nursing elective courses that are open to students outside of their respective programs. If you are interested in taking other courses from any of these professional departments, you will need to contact the relevant department chair, but such permission is not routinely granted.

Because of the limited number of open electives in the Music programs, and because your program requires you to take courses from the arts (and sciences if you wish), you are strongly advised not to consider taking courses from any of these applied program departments in first year.

Welcome to the Bachelor of Science With 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. You will be pre-registered in AQUA 101 and AQUA 102.

First-Year Course Pattern
AQUA 101 - Introduction to Freshwater Systems and Resources (first term)
AQUA 102 - Introduction to Ocean Systems and Resources (second term)
ECON 101 - Introductory Microeconomics - 3 credits (first term)
ECON 102 – Introductory Macroeconomics - 3 credits (second term)
ESCI 171 – Understanding the Earth - 3 credits (first term)
BIOL 112 – Diversity of Life - 3 credits (second term)
MATH 106 or 126 – Calculus I - 3 credits (first term)
MATH 107 or 127 – Calculus II - 3 credits (second term)
Science course - 6 credits in one subject (see below)

Elective Science Requirement
In addition to the above required courses, which total 24 credits, you will choose 6 credits in one other science subject.

If you intend a major in biology or Earth sciences, CHEM 101 and 102 or 121 and 122 are recommended. Introductory chemistry is required for each of these two majors, so it is advisable to take this requirement in first year.

If you intend a major in Mathematics, you may choose introductory courses in chemistry (CHEM 101 and 102 or CHEM 121 and 121), climate and environment (CLEN 101 and 102), computer science (CSCI 161 and 162), physics (PHYS 101 and 102 or PHYS 121 and 122), or psychology SYC 101 and 102).

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 in 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.

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
HKIN 115 – Principles of Human Movement (3 credits + lab) (1st or 2nd term to balance your schedule) *
HKIN 136 - Foundations of Sport and Exercise Psychology (3 credits + lab) (1st or 2nd term to balance your schedule) *
HKIN 151 - Applied Anatomy and Physiology I (3 credits + lab) (1st term)
HKIN 152 - Applied Anatomy and Physiology II (3 credits + lab) (2nd term)
HKIN 150 - Introduction to Sport in the Humanities (3 credits) (either term)
   or HKIN 154 - Introduction to Ethics of Sport (3 credits) (1st term)
Skills – 3 credits - see below
Science Subject A – 6 credits
     CHEM 101 and 102 (each 3 credits + 3 hour labs) if planning a minor in Nutrition.
     Either CHEM 101 and 102 or BIOL 111 and 112 (each 3 credits + 3 hour labs) if planning a minor in Health Sciences.
Science Subject B or Arts Subject X – 6 credits **

*  Be sure to register for your one-hour HKIN 115 lab in the same semester as your HKIN 115 lecture class, and your one-hour HKIN 136 lab in the same semester as your HKIN 136 lecture class.

** If you are planning a minor in Nutrition and you are comfortable taking three science courses with three-hours labs in your first year (in addition to CHEM 101 and 102, and HKIN 151 and 152), you should choose BIOL 111 and 112.  
    If you you are planning a minor in Health Sciences your final 6 credits should be chosen from PSYC 101 and 102 or SOCI 101 and 102.  Choose the subject that appeals to you most, and that you believe you may like well enough to take upper-level courses in a future year.  (You will not be required to take more courses in this subject, but you will be required to take 12 credits of either PSYC or SOCI in your degree.  You will also be required to take the 6 credits of introductory courses in the other subject as part of your degree pattern, though you will take those 6 credits in a future year.)
    If you are planning a minor in one science subject (see "Minor in One Science" section below) you should ensure that you take the 6 credits of foundation courses in that subject as your Science Subject A, and either 6 credits of a second science or 6 credits of an arts subject as your final 6 credits this year.  (See "Arts Courses" below for a list of acceptable arts subjects.) 

NOTE:  

1. You should aim to register for a total of 30 credits, and there are different patterns how this can look:

• With skills, you may end up with one term:  4 courses (@ 3 credits each) plus 1 skill (@1.5 credits)= 13.5 credits,then another term with 5 courses (@ 3 credits each) plus 1 skill (@ 1.5 credits)= 16.5 credits, for a total of 30 credits.
• OR
• you could have one term with 4 courses (@ 3 credits each) plus 2 skills (@1.5 credits each)= 15 credits, then Another term with 5 courses (@ 3 credits each) = 15 credits, for a total of 30 credits.

2. HKIN 115 and HKIN 136 are offered in either term.  Therefore you need to match the course section with the appropriate lab section.  For example:  HKIN 115:11A corresponds with HKIN 115L:11A.  This means you must register for section 11A for both the course and the lab.  Remember to register for the lab at the same time as the course or you will receive a registration error for the co-requisite.  This error will also occur if you try to register for a lab that does not correspond with the course or if one component is full. 

Skills
Skill courses run 12 weeks in first and second terms. Each skill has a credit value of 1.5 credits. Grades will be pass/fail and are not included in the academic average.

The maximum number of skills for the pre-education major is 15 credits (or 10 skills) and for the kinesiology major is 12 credits (or 8 skills). Credit will be granted for only one of the same or similar skills.

The following 100-level skills will introduce students to the basic skills:
102 Group Fitness (first term)
103 Skateboarding (first term)
119 Aquatic Activities (SUP, snorkeling, water polo, aquafit) (second term)
121 Badminton (second term)
122 Ball & Wall (handball, squash, racquetball) (first term)
123 Basketball (first term)
125 Contemporary Dance (first term)
126 Fitness (either term)
127 Gymnastics (either term)
128 Football (first term)
129 Hockey (second term)
131 Rugby (second term)
132 Soccer (either term)
133 Volleyball (either term)
134 Golf (first term)
135 Ice Games (power skating, ringette, broomball) (second term)
137 Low Organized Games (either term)
139 Movement Education (second term)
140 Net Games (pickle ball, tennis, team handball, Sepak) (first term)
141 Outdoor Education Camps (first term)
142 ParaSport (goal ball, wheelchair basketball, sitting volleyball) (first term)
143 Social Dance 
144 Target Games (curling, bowling, bocce) (either term)
145 Track & Field (first term)
146 Weight Training (either term)
147 World Dance (first term)
148 Yoga (either term)

There are also 200-level skills. You must have completed the HKIN 100-level course in that activity prior to registration in the 200-Level skill (when required). Normally, first year students do not register for 200-level skill courses. 

The following 200-level skills involve advanced instruction and coaching instructional strategies and analysis:
203        Judging and Officiating
204        Advanced Instruction in Group Exercise Leadership Certificate
227        Advanced Instruction in Gymnastics; prerequisite: HKIN 127
246        Advanced Instruction in Sport Science Theory and Application; prerequisite: HKIN 146

As there are many skills in each of the terms, you should choose your skills after all other courses have been scheduled. Please note that some skills courses are popular and you may not be able to take your preferred skill in the first year.  However, you will be able to that skill in your second year.

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 certain health sciences fields (for example, medical school). 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.  Students intending to pursue further study in the health sciences are not required do do the Health Sciences minor, although those who plan to write the MCAT for medical school admission will find this minor to be the most logical choice.  Those intending dentistry, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, or pharmacy will easily be able to accommodate all required undergraduate courses within another minor, if they so choose.
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 and second years to be properly prepared for other required courses in subsequent years.
3. Students may complete a minor in any one science (biology, chemistry, climate and environment, computer science, Earth sciences, mathematics, or physics).

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 the transition is easy. 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, it is recommended that you choose the most restrictive stream in which you’re interested.

Health Sciences Minor
This is the most restrictive stream. Course choice for this stream is the easiest, however, because you have little choice in the courses you need to take (see above notes in "First-Year Course Pattern" section).

Nutrition Minor
Course choice for this stream has required science courses (see below).  Because human nutrition has a strong base in chemsitry, CHEM 101 and 102 needs to be taken in first year.  For those students who feel comfortable taking an additional science lab course (with three-hour weekly labs) in first year (in addition to Anatomy and Physiology, and General Chemistry), BIOL 111 and 112 are the remaining foundational introductory science courses for this stream.

BIOL 111 – Introductory Cell Biology (first term, 3 credits + lab)
BIOL 112 – Diversity of Life (second term, 3 credits + lab)
CHEM 101 - General Chemistry I (3 credits + lab)
CHEM 102 - General Chemistry II (3 credits + lab)

Minor in One 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.

• Biology minors will choose BIOL 111 and 112 and CHEM 101 and 102, the same combination of science courses in the other two streams.
• Chemistry minors will choose CHEM 121 and 122 or CHEM 101 and 102, and 6 credits of introductory course(s) in one of the other sciences. PHYS 101 and 102 or PHYS 121 and 122 is a good companion course, but is not required.
• Computer Science minors will choose CSCI 161 and 162, and 6 credits of introductory course(s) in one of the other sciences.
• Earth Sciences minors will choose ESCI 171 and 172, and 6 credits of introductory course(s) in one of the other sciences. CHEM 101 and 102 or 121 and 122 are highly recommended as the second science, as some upper-year ESCI courses require chemistry as a prerequisite.
• Physics minors will choose PHYS 121 and 122, and normally MATH 111 and 112 (calculus). In this instance, the calculus courses serve as the second science.  Calculus is recommended as the second science because it is a prerequisite for many upper-year physics courses.
• Mathematics minors will choose MATH 111 and 112, and 6 credits of introductory course(s) in one of the other sciences.

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.

Arts Courses
Explore the available options and choose course(s) that sound interesting to you.  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 4 at the end of this document for more specific recommendations regarding course choice.

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.

ARTS SUBJECTS

Anthropology

Art (Art History and Studio Art)

Catholic Studies

Celtic Studies

Classical Studies

Climate and Environment **

Development Studies

Economics

English

French

German

History

Mathematics & Statistics *

Mi’kmaq

Music

Philosophy

Political Science

Psychology

Public Policy and Governance

Religious Studies

Sociology

Spanish

Women’s and Gender Studies

Questions You Might Have

1. 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 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 111 and 112, 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.)

2. 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.

3. I am interested in Sport Management, what can I do?
You can take SMGT 101 (as an elective course) in the first or second term. Please note that Sport Management can only be a minor in the BA Human Kinetics and the Business programs.  If you are interested in pursuing Sport Management as a Minor, you would need to change programs to BA Human Kinetics at the end of your first.

4. 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, in the future, 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). 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.

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 explanations of these programs are 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 101 and 102. One alternative is 6 credits of calculus (MATH 111 and 112).  A third option is any 6 credits from MATH 101, 102, 111, 205; or any one of these 3-credit courses plus 3 credits of statistics.
(iii) 6 credits of English. ENGL 100, or ENGL 111 and 3cr of ENGL at the 200 level, will fulfill this requirement.
(iv) 6 credits of science. You will have plenty of science courses completed by the end of your degree.
(v) 3 or 6 credits of developmental psychology. You will need to take PSYC 101 and 102 before being permitted to take the 6-credit PSYC 260 - Developmental Psychology or the 3-credit PSYC 354 - Lifespan Developmental Psychology for the Health Sciences I:  Childhood and Adolescence.

So if you’re interested in the elementary stream of the B.Ed., it would be wise for you to take one of the following three arts options this year: ENGL 111 in 1st term and a 3cr ENGL at the 200 level in 2nd term  (or ENGL 100); 6 credits of “social studies” (as defined above); PSYC 101 and 102. If you are intending a minor in mathematics 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);  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); Spanish.

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 other sciences. Ultimately, the minor you choose for your BSC HKIN degree will be your “Minor Subject Field” in a B.Ed. program. You will be following the “minor in one science” stream if you intend to pursue an education degree.

• 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 courses. You will also have to register for an associated lab time, and there are several afternoon timeblocks from which to choose. (This reference to timeblocks will also become clearer as you navigate through this website.)
• 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 may result in time conflicts with many of the skills courses.
• You should next schedule your arts course (if desired). 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 arts course. Your science courses are of most importance to your program, so be sure to get those scheduled as your top priority.
• The HKIN skills are offered various timeblocks. You will need to look for skills that fit into your open timeblocks.
• When scheduling your skills, note that your 1st term skill cannot conflict with any first-term courses, and your 2nd term skill cannot conflict with any second-term courses.

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.

First-Year Course Pattern
BIOL 111 – Introductory Cell Biology - 3 credits (first term)

BIOL 215 - Microbiology for Human Nutrition (second term)
HNU 142 – Introduction to Food and Health - 3 credits (first term)

HNU 145 – Introduction to Foods - 3 credits (second term)

CHEM 101 – General Chemistry I - 3 credits (first term)
CHEM 102 - General Chemistry II - 3 credits (second term)

Arts subject 1 - 6 credits in one arts subject

Arts subject 2 - 6 credits in a second arts subject

Arts Requirements
You will choose courses in two different arts subjects. Your degree will require you to have at least 12 credits in one subject and at least 6 credits in a second subject, so it would be wise to register in appropriate courses to begin fulfilling 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.

HUMANITIES
Art (Art History & Studio Art)
Catholic Studies
Celtic Studies
Classical Studies
English
French
German
History
Mi’kmaq
Music
Philosophy
Religious Studies
Spanish

SOCIAL SCIENCES
Anthropology
Development Studies *
Economics
Political Science
Psychology
Public Policy and Governance
Sociology
Women's & Gender Studies

*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 some first-year courses in the Faculty of Arts are full-year, 6-credit courses. Other departments 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 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 O5 block so that you can leave it free for Human Nutrition seminars that are held in that block throughout the year. (This reference to “O5 block” will become clearer as you navigate through this website and begin to 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. All but one course is required and your registration in those required courses will be done for you.  You will only need to choose and register for one elective course.

First-Term Courses
BIOL 151 – Human Anatomy and Physiology I - 3 credits
CHEM 151 – Fundamentals of General Organic, Biological Chemistry - 3 credits
ENGL 111 – Literature and Academic Writing I - 3 credits

PSYC 155 – Introduction to Psychology for Nurses - 3 credits

STAT 101 (H) – Introductory Statistics - 3 credits

Second-Term Courses
BIOL 115 – Microbes in Human Biology - 3 credits
BIOL 152 – Human Anatomy and Physiology II - 3 credits

HNU 135 – Introductory Nutrition for Nursing - 3 credits

PHIL 135 – Healthcare Ethics:  Theories, Values, & Practice - 3 credits

       OR

RELS 117 – Ethical Principles for Health Care Providers - 3 credits

Social Sciences or Humanities (arts) elective - 3 credits (could possibly be moved to first term; see below)

Social Sciences and Humanities (Arts) Electives

A list of allowable options for your arts (social sciences or humanities) elective is below.  These are the Faculty of Arts subjects that offer 3-credit introductory courses.  You may choose any 100-level course from these arts subjects that will fit your schedule, or may choose a 200-level English course for second term if your ENGL 111 is in first term.  Students interested in a language course may be eligible for a course above the 100-level, if their language skills would place them in a higher-level course.  Students interested in an additional 3 credits of psychology may take PSYC 101 in first term, concurrently with their required PSYC 155, but will need to move their ENGL 111 to second term.

ARTS SUBJECTS

Anthropology

Art (Art History and Studio Art)

Catholic Studies

Celtic Studies

Classical Studies

Development Studies

Economics

English

French

German

History

Mi’kmaq

Music

Political Science

Psychology

Public Policy and Governance

Religious Studies

Sociology

Spanish

Other Important Information

There will be group meetings in the fall and winter terms to help orientate you to the School of Nursing.

Be aware that the Bachelor of Science in Nursing has several additional financial costs that are not present in other degree programs.  Please see the "Costs" paragraph in section 9.28 of the Academic Calendar for more details.

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.

Question You Might Have

Is it possible to take a first-term course rather than a second-term course as my arts elective?

If you are more drawn to a first-term course for your elective, you might be able to change your ENGL 111 or your STAT 101 to second term, subject to availability, and if an available section will fit your schedule.  It will be easier to change your ENGL 111 than your STAT 101.  ENGL 111 in either semester is acceptable for all students.  STAT 101 sections in second term are restricted to students in business and arts.

You would need an override to be permitted into a second-term STAT 101, and this is normally granted only for exceptional circumstances.  You should also be aware that although the courses teach the same material, the examples used in the first-term sections are health science-based while those used in the second-term sections are more business-oriented.  Also be prepared that the second-term sections might be full, so this may not be an option for you.

Before dropping the first-term English or Statistics course, be sure that there is a seat available in the second-term section, that the first-term elective you want to take fits your schedule and has availability, and that, if it is the STAT course, you have been given an override for it.  To determine course availability, use the "Class Search" option in Banner.

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 Calculus I and II - MATH 106/107 or MATH 126/127.  Both sets of calculus courses cover the same material, use the same textbook, and have the same common final exam. The difference between the two is the number of hours of class time each week.  See Question 1 below, or the course descriptions in the Academic Calendar, for guidance on the appropriate course choices for you.

Beyond Calculus, 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 and 173 do not have labs, but 171 and 172 do have tutorials.

Note that a couple of first-year courses in the arts are full-year, 6-credit courses. Other departments normally 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 106 or 126 – Calculus I – 3 credits (first term)
      MATH 107 or 127 – Calculus II – 3 credits (second term)
      Science courses – 12 credits (6 credits in each of two science subjects)
      Arts courses – 12 credits (normally 6 credits in each of two arts subjects)

Option 2 will result in your 30 credits looking like this:
      MATH 106 or 126 – Calculus I – 3 credits (first term)
      MATH 107 or 127 – Calculus II – 3 credits (second term)
      Science courses – 18 credits (6 credits in each of three science subjects)
      Arts course(s) – normally 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 (or any two of those plus climate and environment or computer science), 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.

Applied Forensic Psychology: If you have been admitted to the BSc with Major in Applied Forensic Psychology, you will be pre-registered in PSYC 101 (1st term) and 102 (2nd term) and 110 (1st term). You should also register in BIOL 111 and 112, as these courses are required for your program.  If you choose to take a third science, CHEM 101 and 102, or CHEM 121 and 122 (normally 101/102), is the standard choice, though you may instead choose climate and environment, computer science, Earth sciences, or physics. (Students who intend an honours program in applied forensic psychology will be required to take one set of the introductory chemistry courses during their program. The major program in applied forensic psychology does not require chemistry.)
Biology: You will choose BIOL 111 and 112 (3 credits each) and CHEM 101 and 102 (3 credits each).   If you want a third science, you may choose from physics, Earth sciences, computer science, climate and environment, economics, or psychology. If you intend an honours degree in biology, note that PHYS 101 and 102, (or 121 and 122 if you would prefer) will be required at some point in your program, though not necessarily in first year.  (Economics and psychology are normally used by science students as arts subjects, and are non-standard "science" choices for biology students.  If you would like to choose one of these as a third science option, you should be sure to confer with an academic advisor to ensure that you understand how that subject can be used as a science subject in your program.  Note also that students are permitted only to use one or the other of these two "arts" subjects, and not both, as "Science B or C"; see "Questions" section below for further discussion of "Science B" and "Science C".)
Chemistry: You will choose CHEM 121 and 122. PHYS 121 and 122 is the best option for your second science, as these are required courses for chemistry majors and must be completed before the end of second year.  However, if you would prefer to take biology or Earth sciences in first year, and take PHYS 121 and 122 in second year instead, you may do so.
Computer Science: You will choose CSCI 161 and 162, and 6 credits of introductory courses in any one of the other sciences.
Earth Sciences: You will choose ESCI 171 (or 173) and 172; CHEM 101 and 102 (or 121 and 122); and PHYS 101 and 102 (or  PHYS 121 and 122) or BIOL111 and 112 (depending on your intended program stream).
If you intend a major, advanced major, or honours degree in ESCI, it is important to know that there are 3 program streams (Geoscience, Earth Science, Environmental Science) and your course selection may vary depending on the stream you choose to follow: 

• For the Geoscience stream, students need to take ESCI 171 and 172; CHEM 101/102 (or CHEM 121/122); PHYS 101/102 (or PHYS 121/122) or BIOL 111/112 or PHYS 101 (or 121) and BIOL 112.
• For the Earth Science stream, students need to take either ESCI 171 or 173; ESCI 172; CHEM 101/102 (or CHEM 121/122); PHYS 101/102 (or PHYS 121/122) or BIOL 111/112 or PHYS 101 (or 121) and BIOL 112.
• For the Environmental Science stream, first year students typically take: ESCI 171 (or 173) and ESCI 172; CHEM 101/102 (or CHEM 121/122); and PHYS 101 (or 121) and BIOL 112.

Mathematics: You are already taking MATH 106/107 or 126/127, 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, climate and environment, computer science, Earth sciences, physics, economics, or psychology. If you plan to do an advanced major or honours in mathematics, you will eventually need to take CSCI 161 because it is a required course for those programs.  CSCI 162 is also required for honours, and recommended (though not required) for advanced major, so you may wish to take these courses this year.  (Economics and psychology are normally used by science students as arts subjects, and are non-standard "science" choices for mathematics students.  If you would like to choose one of these as a third science option, you should be sure to confer with an academic advisor to ensure that you understand how that subject can be used as a science subject in your program.  Note also that students are permitted only to use one or the other of these two "arts" subjects, and not both, as "Science B" or "Science C"; see "Questions" section below for further discussion of "Science B" and "Science C".)
Physics: You will choose PHYS 121 and 122. Your second science should be CHEM 101 and 102 or CHEM 121 and 122 (normally 121/122). The other primary science subject for physics students is math. As you are already taking MATH 106/107 or 126/127 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 101 and 102.  You should also register in BIOL 111 and 112, as these courses are required for your program.  If you choose to take a third science, CHEM 101 and 102, or CHEM 121 and 122 (normally 101/102), is the standard choice, though you may instead choose climate and environment, computer science, Earth sciences, or physics. (Students who intend an honours program in psychology will be required to take one set of the introductory chemistry courses during their program. The major program in psychology does not require chemistry.)

Arts Courses
If you are taking two arts courses this year, as most students do, you will normally choose 6 credits in each of two subjects below.  (Exceptions would include Development Studies and/or Public Policy and Governance; see Questions 2 and 3 below.)  Please note that it is not advisable in first year to take two different language courses from the Department of Modern Languages (French, German, Spanish); Question 4, below, explains why. 

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.

ARTS SUBJECTS

Anthropology

Art (Art History and Studio Art)

Catholic Studies

Celtic Studies

Classical Studies

Climate and Environment **

Development Studies

Economics

English

French

German

History

Mi’kmaq

Music

Philosophy

Political Science

Psychology

Public Policy and Governance

Religious Studies

Sociology

Spanish

Women’s and Gender Studies

*Psychology is normally an arts subject for students who are not planning a major in psychology or applied forensic psychology, but it may be chosen as Science B or Science C, if preferred.

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 at least one subject in which you think you might be interested in taking an additional course or two in the future. All degree patterns in the Bachelor of Science require the completion of one 12-credit “pair”, plus 6 credits in a second arts subject.  (A “pair” is 12 credits in one arts subject – see the Glossary of Terms for a full definition.) If you really like one of your arts subjects this year, you can take an additional 6 credits in that subject over the remaining years of your program and complete your pair that way.

However, if you find at year-end that you are not interested in taking additional courses in either 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 a new subject the following year.

Whether or not you ultimately decide to pair one 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.  How do I decide which set of calculus courses to take?

MATH 126 and 127 have the usual 3 contact hours per week with the instructor, and an additional one-hour lab every other week. This stream offers calculus at the traditional pace, and is designed for students who have a strong pre-calculus (or high school calculus) background, and who would prefer a faster pace.

MATH 106 and 107 have 4 contact hours per week with the instructor, and an additional one-hour lab/tutorial per week.  The extra time allows for a slower pace, more in-class examples, and problem sessions with the instructor to provide additional time for guided practice. The courses are designed for those students who may have a weaker pre-calculus foundation, or who may benefit from, or would simply prefer, the extra time and slower pace.​​​​

2. I am interested in Development Studies, but there is only one 3-credit course available at the 100-level. What else should I take in the first semester to fill out my schedule?
You can take any other 3-credit course from the arts subjects listed above. If you decide to do a pair (see explanation above) in DEVS, you will need to complete 9 additional credits of DEVS, to include DEVS 201 and 202, over the remaining years of your degree. If you decide to do a minor in Development Studies (see Question 8 below), you should complete DEVS 201 and 202 in second year, plus an additional 15 credits of DEVS over the remaining years of your degree.

3. I am interested in Public Policy and Governance, but there is only one 3-credit course available at the 100-level. What else should I take in the second semester to fill out my schedule?
You can take any other 3-credit course from the arts subjects listed above, as long as there is no first-term prerequisite for the course. If you decide to do a pair (see explanation above) in PGOV, you will need to complete 9 additional credits of PGOV over the remaining years of your degree. If you decide to do a minor in Public Policy and Governance (see Question 8 below), you will need to complete either ECON 101 or 102 as part of that minor, so you may wish to take ECON 102 in second term if that course is not already in your plan for first year.

4. 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; Engineering; Health; Human Kinetics; Human Nutrition; Nursing. Most courses in these departments are restricted to students in these programs. There are a couple of exceptions, however.

AQUA 101 and 102 are open to students in all programs.  These courses can be used as approved or open electives in the BSc programs.

BSAD 101 and 102 are available to non-business students, if there are seats available after registration has concluded for first-year students, but these courses are only usable as open electives in the BSc program (except in the BSc with Advanced Major in a Science with Business Administration, in which they are required courses, though often taken in second year).

HNU 142 is open to students in all programs, and is a required course for the optional Food and Nutrition minor in the BSc.  Other Human Nutrition courses are available to BSc students with override permission from the Human Nutrition chair, and will normally be granted if there are available seats after HNU students have registered, and if prerequisites have been met.

There are two 300-level Nursing elective courses that are open to upper-year students (third- or fourth-year students) in all programs, but other nursing courses are restricted to students in the BSc in Nursing programs.

If you are interested in taking other courses from one of these departments, you will need to contact the relevant department chair to request an override, but such permission is not routinely granted.

5. 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 and Statistics, and must include MATH 106 or 126, and MATH 107 or 127. (Students who do not major in mathematics will require Science B or Science C to be mathematics.)

6. The Academic Calendar refers to “Arts X” and “Arts Y”. What do these mean?
“Arts X” is 12 credits in one arts subject, referred to as a "pair" (see the Glossary of Terms for a full definition) and “Arts Y” is 6 credits in a second arts subject.  Note that Arts X, the "pair", is not usually two courses; it is a total of 12 credits, and is most often four 3-credit courses (though it can be two 6-credit courses, or one 6-credit course and two 3-credit courses).

Arts X and Arts Y must be different subjects.  All 12 credits of Arts X must be in the same subject.  All 6 credits of Arts Y must be in the same subject.

7. 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 first or second year.

8. Can I do a minor in my Bachelor of Science degree?
The BSc programs (with Major, Advanced Major, or Honours) do allow an optional minor.  Students may opt to do a minor in a science subject or in an arts subject.  Minors are not available in Business Administration or in the professional / applied sciences subjects of Aquatic Resources, Engineering, Health, Human Kinetics, or Nursing.

9. I am interested in Applied Forensic Psychology; PSYC 110 is in 1st term, what else should I take in the second semester to fill out my schedule?
You can take any other 3-credit course from the arts and science subjects listed above, as long as there is no first-term prerequisite for the course.

Welcome to the Bachelor of Science With Diploma in Engineering!

First-year course selection for the Bachelor of Science with Diploma in Engineering is very simple, as all courses are required, and you will be pre-registered for all of your courses.  

First-Year Course Pattern
CHEM 121 – Principles of Chemistry I (first term)
CHEM 122 - Principles of Chemistry II (second term)
ENGR 121 – Calculus I for Engineers (first term)
ENGR 122 – Calculus II for Engineers (second term)
ENGR 128 – Engineering Design and Graphics (first term)
ENGR 132 – Technical Communications (second term)
ENGR 136 – Statics (second term)
CSCI 161 – Introduction to programming (first term) (takes the place of ENGR 147 not offered this year)
PHYS 121 – Physics for the Physical Sciences and Engineering I (first term)
PHYS 122 – Physics for the Physical Sciences and Engineering II (second term)

In total, you will be taking 5 courses each term.

Your first year registration will follow the first-year course pattern for the Diploma in Engineering (with the exception of the writing requirement courses).  This will allow you the most flexibility as you move forward in your four-year dual program.  You will complete the foundations of mathematics (calculus), physics, and chemistry, and will be exposed to the engineering discipline through the first-year core courses.

If you intend your BSc major to be mathematics, physics, or chemistry, completion of these courses will provide you with the required first-year science courses for those majors.  If you plan to do a major in Computer Science, you should replace ENGR 136 with CSCI 162 in second term as it is a pre-requisite for required Computer Science courses in the major.  If you plan to do a major in biology or Earth sciences, you should contact Academic Advising to discuss the best options for changing your first-year course selection to accommodate the necessary introductory courses for your intended major.

Questions You Might Have

1. What if I decide, at the end of first year, that I am no longer interested in the dual program, and want to complete only the Diploma in Engineering?

You are welcome to change programs at any time in your academic career, pending program availability and your eligibility for the program you want.  As long as you obtain a minimum average of 60 over your first-year courses, you will be permitted to change your program to the Diploma in Engineering for the next year.  If you complete the course load outlined above, you will be on track to finish your diploma in second year, as long as you take your writing credits in the spring/summer between your two years.  You can also choose to complete the diploma over three years, if you prefer.  (If you decide earlier in the year that you want to make this program change, you may apply to do so.  You do not have to wait until year-end to submit this request.)

2. What if I decide, at the end of first year, that I am no longer interested in the dual program, and want to complete only the Bachelor of Science degree (without the Diploma in Engineering)?

You are welcome to change programs at any time in your academic career, pending program availability and your eligibility for the program you want.  As a BSc with Diploma in Engineering student, you will be permitted to change your program to the BSc at year-end if you wish.  Any engineering courses that you complete will be usable in your Bachelor of Science.  (If you decide earlier in the year that you want to make this program change, you may apply to do so.  You do not have to wait until year-end to submit this request.)

Welcome to the Diploma in Engineering!

First-year course selection for the Diploma in Engineering is very simple, as most courses are required, and you need to choose only one elective course.  In addition, you will be pre-registered for all of your required courses, and will need to register yourself in your chosen writing elective.

First-Year Course Pattern

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

CHEM 121 – Principles of Chemistry I (first term)
CHEM 122 – Principles of Chemistry II (second term)
ENGR 121 – Calculus I for Engineers (first term)
ENGR 122 – Calculus II for Engineers (second term)
ENGR 128 – Engineering Design and Graphics(first term)
ENGR 132 – Technical Communications(second term)
ENGR 136 – Statics (second term)
CSCI 161 – Introduction to Programming(first term)
PHYS 121 – Physics for the Physical Sciences and Engineering I (first term)
PHYS 122 – Physics for the Physical Sciences and Engineering II (second term)
Writing course(s) - 6 credits from the subjects listed below (full year or one in each term)

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.

WRITING COURSE SUBJECTS
Anthropology
Art (Art History only)
Celtic Studies (Celtic Civilization only)
English
History
Music (119 and 217 only)
Political Science
Philosophy
Religious Studies
Womens and Gender Studies

Things to Remember

• Some of the writing course options are full-year, 6-credit courses.  However, most are one-semester, 3-credit courses.  You are permitted to take either one 6-credit course, or two 3-credit courses in the same or in different subjects.  The choice is yours, and is only dependent on what will fit into your schedule.
• If you wish to take a writing course from a subject other than those listed above, you must first obtain approval from the chair of the Department of Engineering.

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.  The normal first year course complement for the three-year plan is CHEM 121 and 122; PHYS 121 and 122; ENGR 121 and 122; ENGR 128; ENGR 136.    If you wish to take a different combination of courses, please check with Academic Advising or your department chair.

If you are extending your program by taking a reduced course load in your first year, and you wish to include a writing course, please be aware that some additional courses, other than the specific course sections listed at the top of the page, may fit in your schedule.  See the Writing Course Subjects list above.  

2023-2024 Academic Calendar updated June 17

2023-2024 Calendar of Events

2022-2023 Calendar of Events revised Dec 21

2022-2023 Academic Calendar

Academic Calendars for Previous Years

2021-2022 Academic Calendar

2020-2021 Academic Calendar

2019-2020 Academic Calendar

2018-2019 Academic Calendar

2017-2018 Academic Calendar

2016-2017 Academic Calendar

2015-2016 Academic Calendar

2014-2015 Academic Calendar

2013-2014 Academic Calendar

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.  Also included are the course descriptions for those 200-level courses that are required first-year courses in some programs.

Anthropology
​Aquatic Resources
Art
​Biology
Business Administration
Catholic Studies
Celtic Studies
Chemistry
Classical Studies
Climate and Environment
Computer Science
Development Studies
Earth Sciences
Economics
Engineering
English
French
German
Health
History
Human Kinetics
Human Nutrition
Interdisciplinary Studies
Mathematics and Statistics
Mi’kmaq
Music
Nursing
Philosophy
Physics
Political Science
Psychology
Public Policy and Governance
Religious Studies
Sociology
Spanish
Sport Management
Women's & Gender Studies

2023-2024 Course Timetable 

2023-2024 Timeblock Grid - colour version - new for 2023-2024, classes will begin at 8:30am. 

2023-2024 Timeblock Grid - white worksheet version

Maple League Course Information

Classroom Locations

• ASCHL(Amelia Saputo Centre for Healthy Living)
• AX(Annex), BB(J.Bruce Brown)
• CO(Coady)
• ESC(Exercise Sciences Centre)
• GM(Gilmora)
• IM(Immaculata Hall)
• KC(Keating Centre)
• LIB(Library)
• MSB(Mount St. Bernard)
• MULH(Mulroney Hall)
• NT(Nicholson Tower)
• PS(Physical Science Complex)
• SCHW(Schwartz School of Business)
• XH (Xavier Hall)

Refer to the course timetable for information on delivery methods.

Degree Codes

Program Codes

Academic Calendar (also known as the Calendar)

The university’s official publication which outlines admission requirements, fees, grading systems, academic regulations, course offerings, and other information. Students admitted in a particular year are bound by the regulations described in the Academic Calendar for that year.

Academic Year

The regular academic year at StFX runs from September to April. The first term lasts from early September to mid-December and the second term, from early January to late April. See also spring and summer sessions.

Advanced Standing

Students may enter a higher level of courses in a subject when they have mastered the lower, usually introductory, level. This is normally permitted after completion of international baccalaureate (IB) or advanced placement (AP) courses. See sections 1.3 h. and 1.3.i of the Academic Calendar. Advanced standing does not reduce the number of credits required for a degree.

Audit

Audit means to listen. A student may attend a course without working toward or expecting to earn credits for the course. Only courses without a laboratory or hands-on component may be audited. Fees for a course taken for audit are normally one-half of the usual fee.

Bachelor’s or Baccalaureate Degree

The degree usually awarded after three or four years of study and successful completion of course and program requirements. A bachelor’s degree may be awarded in arts (BA), science (B.Sc.), business administration (BBA), education (B.Ed.) or information systems (BIS); some may be earned with honours, with advanced major, or with major. See page 3 of the Academic Calendar for more information on bachelor’s degrees at StFX.

Banner Self-Service

This is the name of the self service web application which is used by students to register in courses and to obtain their T2202A tax forms. Students log into Banner Self-Service using their ID number and their secure PIN.

Bursary

A monetary award based on financial need and reasonable academic standing.

CRN

This is the abbreviation for Course Registration Number. Each section of a course has a unique CRN which can be used to register for that class in Banner Self Service.

Chair

The head of an academic department, for example, the chair of the Department of Celtic Studies.

Concentration

A tertiary subject or area of study, normally at least 18 credits in one subject.

Convocation

The graduation ceremony held every spring and fall at which degrees and diplomas are awarded.

Course Level

Courses are numbered and referred to according to the normal year of study in which a student would complete them,  as in 100-level (first year), 200-level (second year), 300-level (third year) and 400-level (fourth year) courses.

Credit

The value assigned to a course. A course with three or more contact hours per week for the academic year has a value of six credits and is called a full course. A course taught for three hours a week for one term has a value of three credits and is called a half course. When students successfully complete a course, they are said to have credit for the course.

Dean

At StFX, there are four deans: The Dean of Arts, the Dean of Business, the Dean of Education and the Dean of Science.

Dean’s List

An academic honour granted to students who achieve high grades while enrolled in 30 credits. See section 3.19 of the Academic Calendar.

Decile

The student decile ranking in a course (10 high, 1 low) recorded for courses with 15 or more registrants.

Diploma

An earned document which follows a program of study typically lasting two years or less.

Distinction

A designation awarded to students whose general average over their final three years of study is 80 or higher. Minimum averages each year may also apply. See section 3.20 of the Academic Calendar.

Electives

Courses which are not specified in a degree program. Electives may be open, that is, chosen by the student, or approved. Approved electives require permission from either the chair of the department of the student’s major, or the chair of the department in which the student wishes to take a course. "Arts/Science" electives cannot be from the professional or applied program departments of aquatic resources, business administration, engineering, information systems, human kinetics, human nutrition or nursing.

Faculty

A grouping of departments which give academic instruction in related subjects. At StFX, there are four faculties: the Faculty of Arts, the Faculty of Business, the Faculty of Education and the Faculty of Science. The Faculty of Arts is comprised of subjects in the humanities and social sciences. Within the Faculty of Business are the business administration and information systems subjects. The Faculty of Education includes education courses at the undergraduate, graduate and doctoral level. The Faculty of Science contains the life, earth and physical sciences, as well as engineering, human kinetics, human nutrition, nursing and mathematics, statistics, and computer science. The term faculty is also used to describe members of the teaching staff of the university.

Full Time/Part Time

There are several definitions of full time/part time. Normally a student carries 30 credits for an academic year. Only students carrying at least 30 credits are considered for in-course scholarships. For the purpose of billing students, the business office considers a student carrying 24 or more credits to be full time. For the purpose of student loans 18 to 24 credits, or 60 percent to 80 percent of the normal load, may be considered full time by agencies which administer loan programs. For purposes of reporting to Statistics Canada full time is defined as 18 credits or more.

Grade Appeal

The process by which a student appeals his or her final grade for a course. See section 3.13 of the Academic Calendar.

Graduate Degree

Master’s or doctoral (Ph.D.) degrees require completion of an undergraduate degree first.

Honours

A degree which requires not only depth and breadth of subject study, but also superior academic achievement.

Humanities

The study of human thought which includes literature, philosophy, history, religion, languages, and the fine arts.

Invigilator

A person who, in the absence of the professor, administers and oversees examinations.

Junior

A third-year student.

Major

A student’s primary subject. StFX also offers joint major programs in some areas, allowing students to concentrate their studies in two subjects.

Mature Student

A candidate who has not fulfilled the normal admission requirements and has been out of school for at least three years.

MesAMIS

The name of the web application which students use to view their personal information such as grade reports, class and exam schedules and financial account information and also to submit web forms that are personalized with information from Banner. Some examples of these web forms are applications for late registration, course overload, registration error overrides, letters of permission and degree program change.

Minor

The secondary subject or area of study, normally at least 24 credits in one subject.

Non-Degree Student

A student who is not registered in a degree program but is enroled in courses either part time or full time.

Orientation

A program for new students providing an academic and social introduction to university life, held during the three days prior to the beginning of classes in September.

Pair

Twelve credits in one subject, with six credits at the 200-level or higher. As exceptions, language pairs in Celtic Studies and Classics may be composed of 12 credits at the 100-level. A student may complete only one pair from a subject, and may not complete a pair in the major or minor subject. A pair may not be completed in any of the professional or applied program disciplines: AQUA, BSAD, ENGR, HKIN, HNU, INFO or NURS.

Passing Grade

The passing grade for all undergraduate courses is 50. See chapter 3 of the Academic Calendar. For education, see chapter 4. For graduate studies, see chapter 8.

Pattern

The recommended or suggested series of courses a student takes in order to fulfill degree requirements.

Placement Test

Incoming students who wish to study music or modern languages must take placement tests to determine their eligibility for, and appropriate level of, study. See department guidelines in chapter 9 of the Academic Calendar.

Plagiarism

A form of cheating in which a student attempts to pass off as his or her work the words or ideas of another person or another writer. See section 3.8 of the Academic Calendar.

Prerequisite

A course which must be completed before taking another course.

Program

An approved set of courses, requirements and study pattern, leading to a degree, diploma or certificate.

Rank

The student’s rank in his/her group and year of study. Ranking is not recorded for students enrolled in less than 18 credits or for those who withdraw during an academic year.

Registrar

The university officer responsible for managing academic information and processes and enforcing the regulations contained in the Academic Calendar as they pertain to students’ academic performance.

Registration

The process of formally enrolling in courses.

Repeated Course

When a student repeats a course, the original grade remains on the transcript and in the calculation of the student’s term average. However, if credits were orginally earned, they are removed from the student’s transcript.

Scholarship

A monetary award based on academic merit or excellence.

Section

Courses may have two or more sections. Sections are unique instances of courses that are identical except that they may be offered in different timeblocks and often with a different professor. The section of a course is denoted by two digits following the course number, and each section of a course also has a unique course reference number or CRN

Senior

A fourth-year student.

Service Learning

Service learning is an innovative way to integrate experiential learning, academic study and community service. It is an opportunity for students to apply what they are learning in the classroom in a community setting. The goal is to blend service and learning so that the service reinforces, improves and strengthens learning. Service learning is possible in many academic disciplines and through a broad range of courses and service experience.

Social Sciences

The systematic study of human behaviour, including anthropology, development studies, economics, political science, psychology, sociology and women’s and gender studies.

Sophomore

A second-year student.

Special Needs Student

A student with a physical or learning disability. See section 1.1 of the Academic Calendar.

Spring Session

An eight-week term from early May to late-June.

Student Loan

A sum of money which must be repaid. Loans to university students are obtained through the Canada Student Loan Plan.

Student Level

A student's level corresponds to the level of his/her degree program.  The most common student levels at StFX are UG (Undergraduate), ED (Bachelor of Education) and GR (Graduate).

Study Abroad

The opportunity for a student enrolled in a four-year program to study at another accredited university as part of a degree from StFX. See section 3.18 of the Academic Calendar.

Subject Abbreviations

The abbreviations below are used throughout the Calendar and on transcripts:
ADED Adult Education
ANTH Anthropology
AQUA Aquatic Resources
ART Art
BIOL Biology
BSAD Business Administration
CATH Catholic Studies
CELT Celtic Studies
CHEM Chemistry
CLAS Classical Studies
COML Comparative Literature
CSCI Computer Science
COOP Co-operative Education
DEVS Development Studies
ECON Economics
ESCI Earth Sciences
EDUC Education
ENGR Engineering
ENGL English
ENSC Environmental Sciences
FREN French
GERM German
HIST History
HKIN Human Kinetics
HNU Human Nutrition
IDS Interdisciplinary Studies
INFO Information Systems
MATH Mathematics
MIKM Mi’kmaq
MNST Ministry
MUSI Music
NURS Nursing
PHIL Philosophy
PHYS Physics
PSCI Political Science
PSYC Psychology
RELS Religious Studies
SOCI Sociology
SPAN Spanish
STAT Statistics
WMGS Women’s and Gender Studies

Subsidiary Subject

When the study of two subjects is combined such that one is subordinate to the other, the second is considered a subsidiary to the first. Within the BA Honours with a subsidiary program, the subjects in which an honours is possible are those in which one may complete a single honours, with the added exception of development studies. A subsidiary is possible in those fields in which one may complete at least a major with the added exception of art history.

Summer Session

A six-week term scheduled from early July to mid-August.

Thesis

The lengthy paper required for an honours or graduate degree.

Transcript

The record of a student’s program of study, courses taken, and grades achieved. See section 3.15 of the Academic Calendar for more information on academic records.

Transfer Credit

Courses taken at another university or college are given equivalent StFX course numbers and credit value for transfer credit.

Undergraduate Degree

A first degree completed at a university or college. At StFX, the first degree is the baccalaureate degree which takes four years of full-time study to complete.

Year of Study

Most four-year degree programs require the completion of 120 credits, normally at 30 credits per year for four years.  Students' year of study is based on the number of credits they have earned towards their current degree.  Students are "promoted" to the next year of study when they are within six of the required number of credits for that year.  For example, a student who has earned 54 credits is considered to be a third year (junior) student.

Please Follow This link to View the First Year Information Booklet.