Schedule Types

A

Lecture

A “Lecture Course” refers to a course in which a significant component of in-course activity comprises lectures by the instructor. A Lecture is the dissemination of class material through presentations by the instructor.

BU

Business Simulation

Procuring of real data to perform a data-centric analysis for an organization or research institution. Under the mentorship of the instructor(s), students will focus their project deliverables on one of the following domains: data management, value proposition, analytic formulation, solution development or user application.

For the Desautels Faculty of Management

CS

Case Study

In a case study course, students typically study real or hypothetical cases that highlight key issues, challenges, and decisions faced by individuals, organizations, or industries. These cases are carefully selected to represent complex and relevant situations that require critical analysis, problem-solving, and decision-making.

D

Modular course

A modular course is defined as a part of the main course that can stand alone. The topics are related and when combined with all other parts, become the entire course. Modular courses may not exist without the main course.

Only for spanned/multi-term courses

L

Laboratory

Laboratory refers to a supplementary instructional segment within a course where theoretical knowledge gained from lectures is practically applied. Labs typically offer a smaller class size compared to the corresponding lecture, facilitating hands-on learning and practical skill development based on the theoretical concepts covered in the main lectures.

M

Seminar

A course in which a significant component of in-class activity comprises discussion and other forms of interaction between the instructor and students and among the students.

O

Workshop

A workshop course is an instructional program that combines theoretical learning with hands-on practical activities, typically conducted in a group setting. It is designed to provide participants with a focused and interactive learning experience, allowing them to actively engage in discussions, exercises, and collaborative projects related to a specific subject or skill. Workshop courses often emphasize skill development, problem-solving, and application of knowledge in a participatory environment.

PS

Performance Session

The performance/recital component of a course that incorporates a performance.

Typically used by the Schulich School of Music

PT/RH

Practice/Rehearsal

A practice course, typically offered for performing arts or music students, provides students with focused and structured practice sessions to refine their performance skills and collaborative abilities. Practice/Rehearsal courses are designed to prepare students for live performances, theatrical productions, ensemble concerts, or other public presentations.

Typically used by the Schulich School of Music

SC

Screening

A "Screening" is a dedicated session part of a larger course that provides students with the opportunity to view and critically engage with films as an integral part of their learning experience.

TC

Topics Course

A topics course is a course offering that revolves around a specific subject or theme that may not be covered extensively in standard curriculum. These courses are designed to explore niche areas, emerging trends, specialized subjects, or interdisciplinary topics that go beyond the scope of regular coursework. Topics courses are often chosen based on their relevance to current events, advancements in a particular field, or the specific interests of students and instructors.

W

Lecture-demonstration

A lecture demonstration is a course in which an educator or expert delivers a presentation that combines elements of both a traditional lecture and a live practical demonstration. During a lecture demonstration, the presenter imparts information, concepts, or theories through spoken explanations while simultaneously illustrating or showcasing practical examples, experiments, simulations, or visual aids to enhance understanding.

BR

Break-Out Room

A separate meeting group created as part of a larger group to discuss particular issues before returning to the main meeting. Breakout rooms provide a more intimate environment where students could interact closely with their peers and engage in focused discussions. They allow for more personalized interactions, active participation, and in-depth exploration of topics.

C

Colloquium

A colloquium course is an academic offering that centers around interactive discussions, presentations, and scholarly exchanges on specific topics or themes, typically with multiple lecturers or presenters within a particular field of study. Colloquium courses are often offered at the advanced undergraduate or graduate levels and contribute to a deeper understanding of complex topics, encourage scholarly discourse, and enhance participants' abilities to engage in thoughtful academic conversations.

G

Small Group Teaching

Small group teaching refers to an instructional method, usually used to complement a larger instructional method such as a lecture, in which a limited number of students gather in a small, focused setting to engage in interactive learning activities facilitated by an instructor or facilitator.

LD

Drop-in Lab

A drop-in lab refers to a flexible learning environment in which students can access a designated laboratory space without the need for a scheduled appointment or formal reservation. In a drop-in lab, participants have the freedom to enter the lab at their convenience and engage in hands-on activities, experiments, or projects related to their field of study.

LM

Lab Seminar

A lab seminar course is a course offering that combines the interactive and discussion-based elements of a seminar with hands-on practical activities typically conducted in a laboratory environment. In a lab seminar course, participants engage in both theoretical discussions and experiential learning, exploring specific subject matter, conducting experiments, and discussing related research findings.

MC

Moot Court

Open to students who have completed at least 2 years of the BCL/JD Program. Moots are three (3) non-course credits. A moot court competition simulates a court hearing (usually an appeal against a final decision), in which participants analyze a problem, research the relevant law, prepare written submissions, and) present oral argument. Moot problems are typically set in areas of law that are unsettled or that have been subject to recent developments. They usually involve two grounds of appeal, argued by each side.

For the Faculty of Law

OT

Optional Tutorial

Additional learning opportunity provided alongside the main course content. These tutorials are not mandatory and are offered to students who wish to delve deeper into specific topics, seek additional clarification, or receive personalized assistance.

Q

Conference

“Conference” refers to small group activities, such as discussions, that often form part of a Lecture Course. Lecture Courses with large enrolment typically involve several scheduled Conference sections that allow students in the class to meet in smaller groups throughout the term. Conferences typically (though not always) are led by Teaching Assistants (TAs). Conference meetings typically replace lecture hours.

S

Studio

A studio course provides students with hands-on, practical learning experiences within a controlled environment, often resembling a professional workspace or studio.

T

Tutorial

A tutorial portion of a course refers to a supplementary learning component that provides students with a smaller, more intimate setting for discussions, clarifications, and in-depth exploration of course content. Tutorials are designed to complement the main lectures or classes, offering a space for students to engage actively, ask questions, and receive personalized attention from an instructor or teaching assistant.

V

Master Class

A master class is an educational event or course where accomplished musicians, often renowned experts, or virtuosos, provide advanced instruction and guidance to a group of music students or performers. Master classes offer participants the opportunity to learn from experienced professionals, refine their musical techniques, and gain insights into interpretation, performance, and artistic expression.

For the Schulich School of Music

X

Lab Tutorial

The lab tutorial schedule type refers to a structured format within a course where students alternate between participating in laboratory sessions and tutorial discussions on a weekly basis.

E

Research Course

Course in which the student conducts independent research under the supervision of a professor willing to supervise the project.

IS

Independent Study

Independent Study involves the culmination of academic learning and research experience into a scholarly paper or project. This work demonstrates proficiency in a specific field and contributes to theoretical, applied, or creative knowledge domains. It encompasses various assignment such as research projects, case studies, reports, designs, essays, and creative works. Independent Study courses enable students to conduct supervised research for academic credit, enhancing their skills and contributing to their academic field.

P

Project

A “project" course involves the culmination of academic learning and research experience into a scholarly paper or project. This work demonstrates proficiency in a specific field and contributes to theoretical, applied, or creative knowledge domains. It encompasses various assignment such as research projects, case studies, reports, designs, essays, and creative works. Project courses enable students to conduct supervised research for academic credit, enhancing their skills and contributing to their academic field.

PP

Proposal

A 'Proposal' schedule type is for courses where students develop and present a research proposal. Students formulate research questions, outline objectives, review literature, propose methodologies, and present their ideas.

R

Reading Course

A reading course is a specially designed course not normally offered as part of the curriculum that is arranged between a student and a faculty member. The course is run as a tutorial and counts as a regular course. It may count as credits towards a concentration. The professor and student design the course together, and agree on the reading list, the assignments that will be due, the meeting time, how the course will be graded and whether or not it will count towards their program.

U

Thesis Course

Credits allocated to designated courses related to the writing of a thesis (i.e., research, proposal, writing period).

Z

Comprehensive Exam

The comprehensive examination (or its equivalents, such as qualifying examination, core area examination, preliminary examination, candidacy paper, comprehensive evaluation, thesis proposal, etc.) is program specific. Units must provide their students with detailed information regarding timing, format, and assessment parameters in advance of the examination.

For Graduate Studies

DF

Field Course (DEPT)

On the job training activity aim[ed] to acquire skills, attitudes, and practical knowledge through immersion in the realities and difficulties present in the workplace. In some cases, the activity is carried out full-time (we then speak of day school, boarding school, residence, internship, cooperative or not, in a company, etc.), but, in other cases, it represents only a portion of the student's normal workload in a semester of study. Academic units offering field activities may select this schedule type.

IN

Internship

Internship completed for academic credits. Often offered by faculties as a means for students who pursue approved internships to gain up to 3 credits towards their degrees. Often requires the completion of an assignment tied to the internship.

LC

Legal Clinic

Legal Clinics courses give law students an opportunity to enrich their legal education through practical work experience in law-related fields. Students work in community organizations and legal clinics providing information and assistance to socially disadvantaged individuals, under the supervision of a lawyer and gain three to six credits depending on the length of their placement.

For the Faculty of Law

LJ

Law Journal

Credits allocated for serving as a senior editor and senior manager of the McGill Law Journal.

For the Faculty of Law

PC

Practicum

A practicum course is an educational program that focuses on practical application and hands-on experience in a specific field or profession. It is designed to provide students with the opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge and concepts learned in the classroom to real-world situations. In a practicum course, students typically engage in supervised practical activities, such as internships, fieldwork, clinical rotations, or work placements, depending on the field of study.

ST

Stage

A stage refers to a mandatory temporary work placement arrangement forming the practical training component of an academic curriculum or vocational training program. It's essentially a form of hands-on learning where students apply their classroom learning in a real-world context.

TS

Teaching Stage

A mandatory temporary teaching placement forming the practical training component of a teaching program. It's essentially a form of hands-on learning where students apply their classroom learning in a real-world classroom context.

For the Faculty of Education

EV

Evaluation

EV (Evaluation) serves as a placeholder encompassing diverse assessment and evaluation methods that do not fit into specific examination/evaluation schedule types. It represents various forms of evaluation and assignments utilized within a course, and implies that the course involves assessment activities crucial for determining students' comprehension, progress, and mastery of the subject matter but does not align specifically with other commonly used types such as Final Exam or Midterm Exam.

For courses with an evaluative component that does not align with Final Exam, Midterm Exam, etc.

FE

Final Exam

Final examinations in regularly scheduled courses are held during the final examination period at the end of the term. The format of the final exams can be either online or in person, depending on the situation.

LE

Lab Exam

Examination focused on skills and knowledge learned in the laboratory, taking place in the laboratory.

ME

Midterm Exam

Exams that take place during a semester. Usually held in scheduled course time, but can also be held at a separate scheduled midterm time out of class time.

Y

Practical Examination

Practical exams are concentration or performance exams for "Practical Instruction Courses" (MUIN).

Z

Comprehensive Exam

The comprehensive examination (or its equivalents, such as qualifying examination, core area examination, preliminary examination, candidacy paper, comprehensive evaluation, thesis proposal, etc.) is program specific. Units must provide their students with detailed information regarding timing, format, and assessment parameters in advance of the examination.

For Graduate Studies

CRW

Clinical reasoning workshop

A clinical reasoning workshop is an educational session or program designed to enhance the ability of healthcare professionals, such as doctors, nurses, and other medical practitioners, to critically analyze patient information, make sound clinical judgments, and develop effective treatment plans.

CSR

Clinical site observation

Observation course, where medical students observe physicians in the clinical setting. An observership is a longer, more intensive shadowing experience, whereby you would follow the same physician for a more extended period of time.

IBL

Inquiry Based Learning

Two-phased pedagogical approach introduced at the Ingram School of Nursing in 2017 as part of its curriculum revisions. Through a process of self-directed learning, IBL strengthens the development of clinical reasoning. Phase 1 involves groups discussion over potential scenarios, phase 2 involves a simulation.

For the Ingram School of Nursing

K

Clinical Teaching

Teaching and learning focused on, and usually directly involving, patients and their problems. Clinical teaching stands as the fundamental educational approach employed to guide learners throughout their journey in medical school, spanning from the initial stages to the culmination of fellowship training.