FIGS 196: Freshman interest groups
What are FIGs?
- A FIG comprises approximately 15 newly admitted B.Sc. and B.A. & Sc. students.
- Only newly admitted freshman (U0) students can register for a FIG on Minerva. Newly admitted U1 students from outside Quebec who would like to attend a FIG can contact us fig [dot] science [at] mcgill [dot] ca (via email) to have their names put on a waiting list. They will be allowed to register as space becomes available.
- FIGs are led by a professor in the Faculty of Science or the Faculty of Medicine and an upper-year student.
- The FIGs meets for one hour, normally once every two weeks, during the fall semester only.
- FIGS 196 is a non-credit activity, does not cost anything, and does not appear on your McGill transcript.
What are the advantages of attending a FIG?
- Interact in an informal setting with professors, guest speakers and other students.
- Talk to experts from many science disciplines.
- Visit research labs and learn about research being done by professors, graduate students and undergraduate students.
- Exlore topics not normally discussed in the regular classroom setting, ranging from careers in science to the structure of universities.
- Introduce discussion topics of special interest to you.
- Be better informed regarding programs and research opportunities.
What topics might be discussed in a FIG?
- Choosing Academic Programs: myths and facts
- Exchanges and Travel Opportunities
- Research opportunities
- How to study more effectively and time management
- Professional schools
- Science in the News
- Careers in Science (and related fields)
- Part Time Jobs/Volunteer Work
- Internships and field studies
- Extracurricular activities on campus
- Places to go in Montreal (Theatres, Museums, Biodome, Events, Old Montreal, Parc Jean Drapeau, Restaurants, Markets, etc.)
- Visits to research labs
- McGill campus - off the beaten track
How to register for a FIG:
Register for one of the sections of FIGS 196 on Minerva according to the following schedule:
- TBA - newly-admitted undergraduate students from high school.
More information
Please see our frequently asked questions.