Undergraduate Handbook

The Faculty of Science's Undergraduate Handbook is your guide to obtaining a Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts & Science degree at McGill University. Read the Handbook in conjunction with the eCalendar, which is the definitive authority on all courses and programs at McGill.

Don't hesitate to ask for advice!

Neither the Handbook nor the eCalendar is a substitute for speaking with an academic adviser. See your SOUSA advisor's Same-Day advising schedule and come in for a visit.


Table of contents

1. Applying

› 1.1 Applying to the Bachelor of Science degree

› 1.2 Applying to the Bachelor of Arts & Science degree

› 1.3 Applying to the Bachelor of Arts degree

› 1.4 Second Bachelor degree

2. New Students

› 2.1 Welcome to the Faculty (Link to New Student website)

3. Later years

› 3.1 Finishing your first year

› 3.2 Bachelor of Science students

> 3.2.1 Restrictions on courses outside the Faculty of Science

> 3.2.2 List of approved and restricted courses outside the Faculty of Science

› 3.3 Bachelor of Arts & Science students

4. Study Abroad Options

› 4.1 McGill Student Exchange Programs

› 4.2 Study at a Quebec university (IUT)

› 4.3 Independent study away

› 4.4 Summer studies at a university outside Quebec

› 4.5 Transfer credits

5. Degree transfers

› 5.1 Before you apply

› 5.2 Minimum transfer requirements for the Bachelor of Science

› 5.3 Minimum transfer requirements for the Bachelor of Arts & Science

› 5.4 Submitting an application

› 5.5 Next Steps

› 5.6 Contacts
 

6. Readmission

› 6.1 Readmission to the Bachelor of Science

› 6.2 Readmission to the Bachelor of Arts & Science

7. Special, visiting and incoming exchange students

› 7.1 Getting started at McGill

› 7.2 Advising appointments

› 7.3 Selecting courses as a special, visiting or exchange student

› 7.4 What to do if you experience difficulties

› 7.5 Extending your time at McGill

8. Academic advice

› 8.1 Making academic decisions

› 8.2 Self-assessment

› 8.3 Study skills

› 8.4 Failing a course

9. Choosing courses

› 9.1 Credit load

› 9.2 English and French second language courses

› 9.3 Language courses

› 9.4 600-level courses

10. Course and program registration

› 10.1 Online registration system

› 10.2 Registering for programs

› 10.3 Registering for courses

› 10.4 Registering for foundation year courses

› 10.5 Courses offered by faculties other than Arts and Science

› 10.6 Tips on handling registration problems

› 10.7 Add/Drop period

› 10.8 Verifying your student record

› 10.9 Registration errors

› 10.10 Cancelling your registration

› 10.11 Proof of enrolment

11. Exams and assessment

› 11.1 Academic integrity

› 11.2 Course evaluation and grading procedures

› 11.3 Final examinations

› 11.4 University examination regulations

› 11.5 Reassessment and rereads

› 11.6 Deferred examinations

› 11.7 Supplemental examinations

› 11.8 Illness

12. Internships and field studies

› 12.1 Credit for internship courses for B.A. & Sc. students

13. Withdrawals

› 13.1 Course withdrawals

› 13.2 University withdrawals

14. Graduating

› 14.1 Graduation checklists

› 14.2 Frequently asked questions about graduation


1. Applying

If you are interested in pursuing undergraduate science studies at McGill, you should consider applying to any one of the following degrees:

› Bachelor of Science
› Bachelor of Arts & Science
› Bachelor of Arts

Admission to these programs is handled by the Admissions Office in Enrolment Services. The Science Office for Undergraduate Student Advising (SOUSA) cannot answer questions related to admissions.  Visit mcgill.ca/applying to find out more about the application process, including application deadlines, admissions criteria, special requirements for specific programs, language proficiency requirements, visa requirements, transcript requirements, and more.

If you are already a McGill undergraduate student and wish to return to your studies after an absence of part of an academic year or longer, or you wish to transfer to the Faculty of Science from another McGill faculty, you will need to apply through the Science Office for Undergraduate Student Advising (SOUSA), not Enrolment Services. For more information, please see:

› Readmission
› Inter-faculty transfers

1.1 Applying to the Bachelor of Science degree

When you apply for admission to the Bachelor of Science degree, you will be asked to nominate one of the following program groups and a major/subject within that group:

  • Biological, Biomedical and Life Sciences Group
  • Bio-Physical-Computational Sciences Group
  • Neuroscience Group
  • Physical, Earth, Math and Computer Science Group

It is important to apply for the group that interests you most because, if you are admitted, your choice of a major or honours program will be limited to the options available in that group.

If you later decide you wish to pursue a program in a different program group, you will need to apply for an intra-faculty transfer, subject to academic performance, availability and other conditions.

1.1.2 Bachelor of Science program groups

The options available within each program group are as follows:

Biological, Biomedical and Life Sciences Group

Biological, Biomedical & Life Sciences Group

Taken from Programs, Courses and University Regulations 2023-2024 (last updated Mar. 10, 2023).

Bio-Physical-Computational Sciences Group

Neuroscience Group

Neuroscience Group

Major Program

Honours Program

Taken from Programs, Courses and University Regulations 2023-2024 (last updated Mar. 10, 2023).

Physical, Earth, Math and Computer Science Group

Physical, Earth, Math & Computer Science Group

Major Programs

Taken from Programs, Courses and University Regulations 2023-2024 (last updated Mar. 10, 2023).

Only applicants with a Quebec CEGEP diploma may select the Neuroscience group. All other applicants may seek entry to the neuroscience program once they have completed a year at McGill and have satisfied the transfer requirements for Neuroscience. Note that admission to Neuroscience is competitive and meeting the minimum entrance/transfer requirements does not guarantee admission.

If you are likely to be granted exemptions from some or all of the foundation year science requirements based on advanced standing or transfer credits, you can select a major/subject from your chosen group at the time of your application. Alternatively, you can select the option ‘Undeclared’ if you wish to make this decision at a later time.

If you are not likely to be granted exemptions from any of the foundation year science requirements, select ‘Foundation Year Science’ as your major/subject.

The online application form allows you to make two program choices for a single application fee. You may choose two different Science program groups, or choose one Science group and a program from another faculty. Applicants are encouraged to use both choices, putting their preferred choice first. Both choices will be considered and you will receive an admission decision on both. If you wish to apply for more than two programs, you will need to submit another application and pay an additional application fee.

1.2 Applying to the Bachelor of Arts & Science degree

The B.A. & Sc. degree, jointly offered through the Faculty of Arts and the Faculty of Science, is designed for students who have clearly-defined interests in both Arts and Science. While the degree provides a broad education that includes in-depth study of disciplines in both Faculties, the number of elective courses a student can take is limited. Students entering the B.A. & Sc. program therefore must know in precisely which disciplines they wish to focus. Note that students who intend to pursue graduate studies in science or to attend medical school may have to complete additional courses as electives or beyond the basic degree requirements.

1.3 Applying to the Bachelor of Arts degree

There are four units within the Faculty of Science that offer B.A. degrees through the Faculty of Arts as well as B.Sc. degrees through the Faculty of Science. They are the School of Computer Science, the Department of Geography, the Department of Mathematics & Statistics, and the Department of Psychology.

One reason to consider a B.A. over a B.Sc. is if you have the prerequisites for computer science, geography, mathematics and statistics, or psychology, but do not have all the basic science prerequisites needed for admission to a B.Sc. In the case of computer science, bear in mind that computer science programs have a strong mathematics component regardless of whether you choose the B.A. or B.Sc. stream.

You might also choose to apply for admission to a Bachelor of Arts because you wish to pursue a particular program combination only available in a B.A. – e.g. Joint Honours in English and Mathematics.

1.4 Second Bachelor degree

Information on how to apply to either the B.Sc. or the B.A. & Sc. as a second bachelor degree after the completion of a first bachelor degree can be found on the Admissions website.

For information on taking a B.Sc. or B.A. & Sc. as a second degree concurrently with a first degree, please contact pete.barry [at] mcgill.ca (Pete Barry), Chief Academic Adviser in Science.


2. New Students

2.1 Welcome to the Faculty of Science

The Faculty of Science's New Students Website is a must-read for all new Science and Arts & Science students.

The Science Office for Undergraduate Student Advising (SOUSA) team would like to help you begin your McGill career successfully. We have prepared the New Student Website to help you organize your priorities as you begin your university studies.  On the site, you will find informaiton on the following topics:

  • Checklist to help you organize your academic priorities
  • Orientation information
  • Preparing for registration by planning your first year course selection (includes information on transfer credits and exemptions, Freshaman (U0) requirements and degree requirements)
  • Important registration information and tips
  • Academic advising for new students

For information on other aspects of your first year university experience (finances, housing, legal documents and more), please consult Enrolment Services' “Next Steps” website.

 


3. Later years

3.1 Finishing your first year

As you approach the end of your first year as a Science or Arts & Science student, it's time to start thinking about the next stage of your degree. Here are a couple of things you need to do to make sure the transition is a smooth one:

1. Get advice

All currently registered students who expect to return to McGill are strongly encouraged to see their adviser(s) and to register for courses before leaving for the summer. As all courses are limited by enrolment, you may not be able to register for the courses of your choice if you postpone registration until August. Make sure you register in at least one course prior to the date when late registration fees are charged.

Foundation year advising appointments
If at the end of the current term you will have 97 or more credits left to complete your degree requirements, you will be continuing in the foundation year program. You should arrange for an advising appointment with a Faculty adviser by contacting SOUSA or by coming to the information counter in Dawson Hall.

Departmental appointments
If at the end of the current term you will have 96 or fewer credits left to complete your degree requirements, you should be registered in a departmental program or preparing to choose one for the upcoming year. Please contact the department(s) for information about your program requirements.

For foundation year students who are not certain of which program(s) they wish to select, you may contact your Faculty advisor.

Science departmental office hours, locations, and phone numbers should be available on their websites, and also in the Arts and Science sections of the eCalendar.

2. Register for the next term

For more information on what to do next, refer to the sections in this handbook on Choosing courses and Registration.

3.2 Bachelor of Science students

The eCalendar is the definitive authority on the course and program requirements you need to meet in order to obtain a Bachelor of Science degree at McGill. Here are a few sections from the eCalendar frequently sought by B.Sc. students.

Advanced standing

Advanced Standing

Advanced Standing of up to 30 credits may be granted to students who obtain satisfactory results in International Baccalaureate, French Baccalaureate, Advanced Levels, Advanced Placement tests, or the Diploma of College Studies (DCS). Quebec students with a DCS in Science are granted 30 credits Advanced Standing and will have normally completed the equivalent of—and are therefore exempt from—the basic science courses in biology, chemistry, mathematics, and physics. Students with satisfactory results in International Baccalaureate, French Baccalaureate, Advanced Levels, and Advanced Placement tests may be exempt from some or all of the basic science courses. Students will not be given additional credit toward their degree for any McGill course where the content overlaps substantially with any other course for which they have already received credit, such as for Advanced Standing results.

AP Examination results with a score of 4 or 5 must be declared by the student at the time of initial registration at the University.

For more information about Advanced Standing, consult: mcgill.ca/transfercredit.

Taken from Programs, Courses and University Regulations 2023-2024 (last updated Mar. 10, 2023).

Course requirements

Course Requirements for Bachelor of Science

All required and complementary courses used to fulfil program requirements, including the basic Science requirements, must be completed with a grade of C or better. Students who fail to obtain a Satisfactory grade in a required course must either pass the supplemental examination in the course or do additional work for a supplemental grade, if these options are available, or repeat the course. Course substitution will be allowed only in special cases; students should consult their academic adviser.

Normally, students are permitted to repeat a failed course only once (failure is considered to be a grade of less than C or the administrative failures of J and KF). If a required course is failed a second time, students must submit an appeal in writing (by email) to their Faculty adviser, to obtain permission from the Associate Dean, Student Affairs, Faculty of Science to take the course a third time. If permission is denied by the Associate Dean and/or by the Committee on Student Standing on appeal, students must withdraw from the program. If the failed course is a complementary course required by the program, students may choose to replace it with another appropriate complementary course. If you choose to substitute another complementary course for a complementary course in which a D was received, credit for the first course will still be given, but as an elective. If you repeat a required course in which a D was received, credit will be given only once.

Full details of the course requirements for all programs offered are given in each unit’s section together with the locations of departmental advisory offices, program directors, and telephone numbers should further information be required.

Taken from Programs, Courses and University Regulations 2023-2024 (last updated Mar. 10, 2023).

important

Errata: Stipulations regarding statistics courses have been appended as follows:

  • Credit will be given for only one of the following introductory statistics courses: AEMA 310, BIOL 373, ECON 227D1/D2, ECON 257D1/D2, EDPE 375, GEOG 202, MATH 203, MGCR 271, MGCR 273, POTH 204, SOCI 350.
  • Students who have already received credit for PSYC 204 will not receive credit for any of the following: AEMA 310, BIOL 373, ECON 227D1/D2, ECON 257D1/D2, EDPE 375, GEOG 202, MATH 203, MGCR 271, MGCR 273, POTH 204, SOCI 350.
  • Credit will be given for only one of the following intermediate statistics courses: AEMA 411, ECON 227D1/D2, ECON 257D1/D2, GEOG 351, MATH 204, PSYC 305, SOCI 461, with the exception that you may receive credit for both PSYC 305 and ECON 227D1/D2 or ECON 257D1/D2.
  • Students who have already received credit for MATH 324 or MATH 357 will not receive credit for any of the following: AEMA 310, AEMA 411, BIOL 373, ECON 227D1/D2, ECON 257D1/D2, GEOG 202, GEOG 351, MATH 203, MATH 204, MGCR 271, MGCR 273, PSYC 204, PSYC 305, SOCI 350.
  • For 500-level statistics courses not listed above, students must consult a program/department adviser to ensure that no significant overlap exists. Where such overlap exists with a course for which the student has already received credit, credit for the 500-level course will not be allowed.
  • Course Overlap Policy

    You will not receive additional credit towards your degree for any course that overlaps in content with a course for which you have already received credit at McGill, CEGEP, at another university, or Advanced Placement exams, Advanced Level results, International Baccalaureate Diploma, or French Baccalaureate. It is your responsibility to consult with a faculty adviser in Arts Academic Advising OASIS, the Science Office for Undergraduate Student Advising (SOUSA), or the department offering the course as to whether or not credit can be obtained and to be aware of exclusion clauses specified in the course description in this publication. Please refer to the following website for specific information about Advanced Standing credits and McGill course exemptions: mcgill.ca/transfercredit.

    Sometimes, the same course is offered by two different departments. Such courses are called "double-prefix" courses. When such courses are offered simultaneously, you should take the course offered by the department in which you are obtaining your degree. For example, in the case of double-prefix courses CHEM XYZ and PHYS XYZ, Chemistry students take CHEM XYZ and the Physics students take PHYS XYZ. If a double-prefix course is offered by different departments in alternate years, you may take whichever course best fits your schedule.

    Note for Arts students: Credit for computer courses offered by the School of Computer Science is governed by rules specified in each individual course description.
    Note for Science, and Bachelor of Arts and Science students: Credit for statistics courses offered by faculties other than Arts and Science requires the permission of the Associate Dean (Student Affairs), Science, except for students in the B.Sc. Major in Environment, who may take required statistics courses in the Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences necessary to satisfy their program requirements. Credit for computer courses offered by faculties other than Science requires the permission of the Associate Dean (Student Affairs) Science, and will be granted only under exceptional circumstances.

    Credit for statistics courses for Arts, Science, and Bachelor of Arts and Science students will be given with the following stipulations:

    Taken from Programs, Courses and University Regulations 2023-2024 (last updated Aug. 30, 2023).

    Courses Outside the Faculties of Arts and of Science

    Students in the Faculty of Science should consult the statement of regulations (see below) for taking courses outside the Faculties of Arts and of Science. A list of approved/restricted courses in other faculties can be found in the The Faculty of Science's Undergraduate Handbook (Section 3.2.2 List of approved and restricted courses outside the Faculty of Science). Students may take courses on the approved list and may not, under any circumstances, take courses on the restricted list for credit. Requests for permission to take courses that are not on either list should be submitted in writing (by email) to the Faculty adviser (SOUSA), to be approved by the Associate Dean (Student Affairs), Science.

    The regulations are as follows:

    • Students may take only 6 credits per year, up to 18 credits in all, of courses outside the Faculties of Arts and of Science.
    • Courses offered in the Faculty of Science or in the Faculty of Arts are found in the eCalendar's All Courses search, when filtered by “Faculty of Science” or by “Faculty of Arts”.
    • Courses in other faculties that are considered as taught by Science (e.g., BIOT, EXMD, and PHAR) are so designated as offered by the Faculty of Science in the eCalendar's All Courses search.
    • Courses in Music are considered as outside the Faculties of Arts and of Science, except MUAR courses, which are considered Arts courses.
    • All courses listed in the Religious Studies (RELG) section are considered courses in Arts and Science except for courses restricted to B.Th. or S.T.M. students and courses that require permission from the Chair of the B.Th. Committee.
    • Students should consult the list of restricted courses outside of the Faculties of Arts and of Science in the Science Undergraduate Handbook (Section 3.2.2 List of approved and restricted courses outside the Faculty of Science).
    • Students must have the necessary prerequisites and permission of the instructor for such courses.
    • Credit for computer and statistics courses offered by faculties other than Arts and Science require the permission of the Associate Dean (Student Affairs), Science, and will be granted only under exceptional circumstances. Requests must be submitted in writing (by email) to the Faculty (SOUSA) adviser.
    • If a students uses Minerva to register for a course that exceeds the specified limitations or is not approved, the course will be flagged for no credit after the course change period.
    • Credit will not be given for any "how to" courses offered by other faculties that are intended to provide practical or professional training in specific applied areas. Examples include courses that teach the use of certain computer packages (databases, spreadsheets, etc.) or computer languages (SQL, COBOL, FORTRAN, etc.); machine shop or electronic shop courses; technical drawing courses; and professional practice courses.
    • Students in the Bieler School of Environment may exceed the 18-credit limit for courses outside the Faculties of Arts and of Science, provided that all such courses are necessary to complete their program of study.
    • Students in the Major in Software Engineering may exceed the 18-credit limit for courses outside the Faculties of Arts and of Science, provided that all such courses are necessary to complete their program of study.
    • Students in the B.Sc. Liberal Program taking a Major Concentration in Music may exceed the 18-credit limit for courses outside the Faculties of Arts and of Science, provided that all such courses are necessary to complete their program of study, up to a maximum of 36 Music credits.
    • The 18-credit limit applies to students taking the Minor in Nutrition; equivalent courses in Science should be taken instead of courses in the Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences.
    Taken from Programs, Courses and University Regulations 2023-2024 (last updated Mar. 10, 2023).

    Correspondence, Distance Education, or Web-Based Courses

    Science students may obtain transfer credit for correspondence, distance education, or web-based courses if they receive prior approval from the appropriate McGill department for the course content and prior approval from the Science Office of Undergraduate Student Advising for the method of delivery and evaluation. Consult the Science Undergraduate Handbook (Section 4.5 Transfer Credits) for details and instructions.

    Courses taught through distance education from institutions other than McGill will only be considered for transfer credits under the following conditions:

    • The course is given by a government-accredited, degree-granting institution acceptable to McGill.
    • The course counts for credit toward degrees granted at the institution giving the course.
    • The combined total of regular course credits and distance education course credits do not exceed the permitted maximum number of credits per term according to Faculty regulations.
    • Courses taught through distance education may not be used to complete program requirements, except on an individual basis when serious, documented circumstances warrant it.
    Taken from Programs, Courses and University Regulations 2023-2024 (last updated Mar. 10, 2023).

    Courses in English as a Second Language (ESL)

    ESL courses are only open to students whose primary language is not English and who have studied for fewer than five years in English-language secondary institutions. Students in the B.Sc. may take a maximum of 12 credits, including academic writing courses for non-anglophones, from the list of ESL courses in the McGill Writing Centre.

    Taken from Programs, Courses and University Regulations 2023-2024 (last updated Mar. 10, 2023).

    Registration for First-Year Seminars in the Faculty of Science

    Registration for First-Year Seminars is limited to students in their first year of study at McGill, i.e., newly admitted students in U0 or U1. These courses are designed to provide a closer interaction with professors and better working relations with peers than is available in large introductory courses. These seminars endeavour to teach the latest scholarly developments and expose participants to advanced research methods. Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis. The maximum number of students in any seminar is 25, although some are limited to fewer than that.

    You may take only one First-Year Seminar. If you register for more than one, you will be obliged to withdraw from all but one of them. Please consult the departmental listings for course descriptions and availability.

    First-Year Seminars
    CHEM 199 FYS: Why Chemistry?
    EPSC 199 FYS: Earth & Planetary Exploration
    PSYC 199 FYS: Mind-Body Medicine
    PSYT 199 FYS: Mental Illness and the Brain

    The First-Year Seminars offered by the Faculty of Arts are also open to Science students. For a complete listing, please consult Faculty of Arts > Undergraduate > Browse Academic Units & Programs > First-Year Seminars.

    Taken from Programs, Courses and University Regulations 2023-2024 (last updated Mar. 10, 2023).

    Course Credit Weight

    The credit assigned to a particular course should reflect the amount of effort it demands of a student. One credit equals about 45 hours of work. This may be a combination of lecture, laboratory, tutorial, and conference time plus personal study hours. Personal study hours may include required activities, group activities, time spent doing assignments, and preparing and reviewing for a course.

    Taken from Programs, Courses and University Regulations 2023-2024 (last updated Mar. 10, 2023).

    Grading and grade point averages (GPA)

    Grading and Grade Point Averages (GPA)

    Note for Physical and Occupational Therapy: A grade of C+ is the minimum required passing grade for courses with the subject codes of OCC1, PHTH, and POTH. A grade of C is the minimum required passing grade for all other courses. For complete details, refer to the Rules and Regulations, available at mcgill.ca/spot/programs.

    Instructors may submit final grades as either letter grades or in percentages, but the official grade in each course, which is displayed on the transcript is the letter grade. Where appropriate, a class average appears on transcripts expressed as the letter grade most representative of the class performance. In such cases, the class average is calculated for courses, where the total number of grades in all of its course sections is 25 or more, and the grades have a grade point (e.g. grades of S, U, or P do not have grade points).

    Since Fall 2002, the University has only used letter grades on transcripts and verification forms.

    Grades A through C represent satisfactory passes, D a conditional (non-continuation) pass, and F a failure. Certain courses have been approved for Pass/Fail (P/F) grading. Students may also designate elective courses to be graded under the S/U option. See Courses Taken under the Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory (S/U) Option.

    Policy on Pass/Fail Grading:

    For a course to be graded P/F, a proposal must be approved by the Program Director, approved by the Faculty Curriculum Committee, and approved by the Subcommittee on Courses and Teaching Programs (SCTP). Courses that are approved to be graded P/F must indicate this in the course syllabus. Pass/Fail grading applies to all students in a course section and cannot be selectively added to individual students.

    Grades of Pass are not included in the GPA calculation and as such are not normally applied to required courses. Grades of F are included in GPA calculations. However, both grades of P and F are included in the count of completed credits for determining eligibility for scholarships and awards.

    Please refer to the Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory option for information on that grading option for students.

    You must obtain a grade of C or better in courses that you take to fulfil program requirements. You may not register in a course unless you have passed all the prerequisite courses with a grade of C or better, except by written permission of the appropriate department chair.

    Grades Grade Points Numerical Scale of Grades
    A 4.0 85 – 100%
    A- 3.7 80 – 84%
    B+ 3.3 75 – 79%
    B 3.0 70 – 74%
    B- 2.7 65 – 69%
    C+ 2.3 60 – 64%
    C 2.0 55 – 59%
    D 1.0 50 – 54%
    F (Fail) 0 0 – 49%
    Note for Engineering: The Faculty of Engineering does not use this numeric scale. See Note for Engineering below.
    Note for Law: Faculty of Law does not use this numeric scale.

    The University assigns grade points to letter grades according to the table above. Your Academic Standing (e.g., satisfactory, probationary), which is your academic status at the end of each term, is determined by a grade point average (GPA), which is calculated by multiplying the course credit by the grade points and dividing the sum by the total GPA course credits. The GPA result is truncated by two decimal points and not rounded up to the nearest decimal point. For example, a GPA of 3.596 will display on the transcript as 3.59 and is NOT rounded up to 3.60.

    GPA course credits are the credits of courses with final grades that are assigned grade points according to the table above (e.g, a 3-credit course with a final grade of A has 3 GPA course credits, but a 3-credit course with a final grade of P has no GPA course credits because a grade of P does not have a grade point value).

    The term grade point average (TGPA) is the GPA for a given term calculated using all the applicable courses at the same level in that term. The cumulative grade point average (CGPA) is the GPA calculated using your entire record of applicable courses at McGill at the same level; if you change levels, e.g., from undergraduate to graduate, the CGPA starts again.

    This policy took effect in January 2003. Prior to January 2003, if your degree program had changed—e.g., from B.Sc. to B.A.—the CGPA calculation restarted again. For students with academic information prior to Fall 2002, who are registered in a different program or in a different level post-Fall 2002, the transcript displays a special message regarding the CGPA restarting.

    If you repeat courses, all final grades are included in the GPA calculation. Therefore, grades of D or F continue to be used in the CGPA calculation even after you repeat the course or if you take a supplemental examination. Note that credits are only granted once for a repeated course regardless of the passing grade.

    You must obtain a minimum CGPA of 2.00 to be considered for graduation with a McGill degree.

    Note: During the first week of lectures, each instructor will provide you with a written course outline. This information should include, where appropriate:
    • whether there will be a final examination in the course;
    • how term work will affect the final grade in the course;
    • how term work will be distributed through the term;
    • whether there will be a supplemental examination in the course, and if so, whether the supplemental exam will be worth 100% of the supplemental grade, or whether term work will be included in the supplemental grade (courses with formal final examinations must have supplementals);
    • whether students with grades of D, F, J, or U will have the option of submitting additional work, and, if so, how the supplemental grade will be calculated with the extra work (applicable only to students in Science and B.A. & Sc.).
    Note for Engineering: In the Faculty of Engineering, letter grades are assigned according to the grading scheme adopted by the professor in charge of a particular course. This may not correspond to grades indicated in the “Numerical Scale of Grades” column in Grading and Grade Point Averages. A grade of D indicates marginal performance which is acceptable only for Complementary Studies courses (i.e., Group A Impact of Technology on Society; and Group B Humanities and Social Sciences, Management Studies and Law), Natural Science Complementary Courses (for Computer Engineering and Software Engineering students from CEGEP), and Elective Courses (for Mechanical Engineering students from CEGEP and for Architecture students). A grade of D is not acceptable for required (core) courses (including Year 0 (Freshman) math and science courses), technical complementary courses, laboratory complementary courses, or courses in any other category of Engineering programs. Individual departments/schools will decide if a student with a D in a prerequisite course(s) may take the subsequent course.
    Grades have the following designations:
    A, A- Very Good
    B+, B, B- Good
    C+, C Satisfactory
    D Conditional Pass
    F Fail
    Taken from Programs, Courses and University Regulations 2023-2024 (last updated Jan. 19, 2024).

    Grading and Grade Point Averages (GPA): Other Grades

    Note: Not all grades listed below apply to every faculty, school, or level. Faculty policy prevails when determining if a student may be eligible to receive one of these grades.
    Other Grades

    J

    unexcused absence (failed); the student is registered for a course but does not write the final examination or complete other required work; calculated as a failure in the TGPA and CGPA

    K

    incomplete; instructor has extended the deadline for submission of work in a course

    KE or K*

    further extension granted for submission of work in a course, approval from the Faculty SAO may be required

    KF

    failed to meet the extended deadline for submission of work in a course; calculated as a failure in TGPA and CGPA

    KK

    completion requirement waived; not calculated in TGPA or CGPA; Associate Dean approval is required.

    L

    approved to write a deferred examination in a course

    LE or L*

    permitted to defer examination for more than the normal period

    NR

    no grade reported by the instructor (recorded by the Registrar)

    P

    pass; not calculated in TGPA or CGPA

    Q

    course continued in next term (applicable only to courses taken pre-Fall 2002)

    S

    satisfactory; equivalent to C or better in an elective course; not calculated in TGPA or CGPA (See Courses Taken under the Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory (S/U) Option)

    U

    unsatisfactory; equivalent to D or F in an elective course; not calculated in TGPA or CGPA (See Courses Taken under the Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory (S/U) Option)

    W

    withdrew; a course dropped, with permission, after the Course Change deadline; not calculated in TGPA or CGPA

    WF

    withdrew failing; a course dropped, with special permission in an exceptional case, after faculty deadline for withdrawal from course, the student's performance in the course at that stage being on the level of an F; not calculated in TGPA or CGPA (Not used by Music.)

    WL

    faculty permission to withdraw from a deferred examination; not calculated in TGPA or CGPA

    NA or &&

    grade not yet available

    W- - or - -

    no grade; student withdrew from the University, not calculated in TGPA or CGPA (applicable only to courses taken pre-Fall 2002)

    Note for Physical and Occupational Therapy: Grades of S/U are not applicable.
    Taken from Programs, Courses and University Regulations 2023-2024 (last updated Jan. 19, 2024).

    Grading and Grade Point Averages (GPA): Unexcused Absences

    All students who miss a final exam or do not complete other required work in a course are given a J grade. You then have the following options:

    1. Ask to be assigned a grade based only on the grades earned for your work submitted up to, but not including, the final exam or other required course work.

      The grade earned is calculated by adding the grades obtained on the individual pieces of work and a grade of 0 for the portion of the final grade allocated to the final exam or other required course work. This option is not available if the professor stipulated in the course outline that the final exam or other course work is a required part of the evaluation.

    2. Request a deferred exam, if you have the appropriate reasons and documentation.
    3. Apply for a supplemental exam if permitted by your faculty.
    Note for Engineering: Option 1 is not available to students in the Faculty of Engineering.
    Note for Law: Option 1 is not available to students in the Faculty of Law. Option 3 is by approval of the Associate Dean (Academic) or the Director (Student Life & Learning) only.
    Note for Music: Option 1 is not available to students in the Schulich School of Music.

    You must request option 1 no later than four months after the end of the examination period of the original course.

    You must request option 2 by the faculty deadlines as indicated in University Regulations & Resources > Undergraduate > Examinations: General Information > Final Examinations > Final Examinations: Deferred Examinations.

    You must request option 3 by the faculty deadlines as indicated at mcgill.ca/exams.

    If you wish to appeal a J grade, you should write to your Associate Dean or Director.

    Note for the Faculties of Arts and Science (including B.A. & Sc.): Requests are made at Service Point (3415 McTavish Street). However, it is important that you also see a Faculty advisor in Arts OASIS or SOUSA to talk about your options and the effects that your request may have on your studies. For more information, see mcgill.ca/students/advising.
    Note for Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies: Only options 2 and 3 above are applicable to graduate students. Students wishing to appeal a J grade should write to the Associate Dean of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies.
    Taken from Programs, Courses and University Regulations 2023-2024 (last updated Jan. 19, 2024).

    Equivalencies for non-basic Science courses

    Equivalencies for Non-Basic Science Courses

    Note that equivalencies for some non-basic science courses, such as CHEM 212 and CHEM 222 and PSYC 204, are granted on a per-CEGEP basis. In some cases, a grade greater than the minimum passing grade may be required. For more information about equivalences for non-basic Science courses, please consult: mcgill.ca/transfercredit/prospective/cegep.

    If the CEGEP and/or course is not listed on this website, refer to your SOUSA adviser at mcgill.ca/science/undergraduate/advice/sousa.

    Taken from Programs, Courses and University Regulations 2023-2024 (last updated Mar. 10, 2023).

    Minimum credit requirement for the Bachelor of Science degree

    Minimum Credit Requirement for Bachelor of Science Degree

    The minimum credit requirement for your degree is determined at the time of acceptance and is specified in your letter of admission.

    Students are normally admitted to a four-year degree requiring the completion of 120 credits.

    Taken from Programs, Courses and University Regulations 2023-2024 (last updated Mar. 10, 2023).

    Program requirements

    Program Requirements for the Faculty of Science

    The Faculty of Science offers a vast array of study and research opportunities at the undergraduate level, and it is very important that students familiarize themselves with all the alternatives available before deciding on a program of study. For an overview of programs offered in the B.Sc., see the Faculty of Science Programs of Study at mcgill.ca/science/undergraduate/programs.

    Taken from Programs, Courses and University Regulations 2023-2024 (last updated Mar. 10, 2023).

    Liberal, Major, and Honours Programs

    As a Science student, if you need 96 or fewer credits to complete your degree requirements, you are required to select your courses in each term with a view to timely completion of your degree and program requirements. You must register in one of the following types of departmental programs leading to the degree of Bachelor of Science:

    Liberal Programs

    Liberal programs provide students with the opportunity to study the core of one science discipline along with a breadth component from another area of science or from many other disciplines. In a liberal program, you must complete a Core Science Component (CSC) (45–50 credits), plus a breadth component (at least 18 credits). The requirements for the CSC are given under departmental sections of this publication whenever applicable.

    For the breadth component, you must complete one of the following:

    • Minor program (18–24 credits) – one of the programs listed in Minor Programs.
    • Arts Minor or Major concentration (18 or 36 credits) – one of the programs listed in Arts Major and Minor Concentrations Open to Science Students.
    • A Core Science Component in a second area (45–50 credits) – at least 24 credits must be distinct from the courses used to satisfy the primary CSC. Note that a second CSC can be selected from any of the Science groups.

    Major Programs

    Major programs are more specialized than liberal programs and are usually centred on a specific discipline or department.

    Honours Programs

    Honours programs typically involve an even higher degree of specialization, often include supervised research, and require students to maintain a high academic standard. Although honours programs are specially designed to prepare you for graduate studies, graduates of the other degree programs may also be admissible to many graduate schools. If you intend to pursue graduate studies in your discipline, you should consult a departmental adviser regarding the appropriate selection of courses in your field.

    Taken from Programs, Courses and University Regulations 2023-2024 (last updated Mar. 10, 2023).

    Minor and Minor Concentration Programs for the Faculty of Science

    In addition to the liberal, major, and honours degree programs, students in the Faculty of Science may select a minor or approved minor concentration program. These are coherent sequences of courses in a given discipline or interdisciplinary area that may be taken in addition to the courses required for the degree program.

    Science minor concentrations consist of up to 24 credits.

    Arts minor concentrations consist of 18 credits.

    A minimum of 18 new credits must be completed in the minor or minor concentration.

    For a list of minor programs, see Minor Programs; for minor concentrations that are approved for Science students, see Arts Major and Minor Concentrations Open to Science Students.

    Taken from Programs, Courses and University Regulations 2023-2024 (last updated Aug. 8, 2023).

    Other Second Programs

    In addition to a major or honours program, students may pursue a second major or honours program, or an Arts major concentration program. Each major or honours program must contain a minimum of 36 credits that are distinct from the courses used to satisfy the other program.

    Taken from Programs, Courses and University Regulations 2023-2024 (last updated Mar. 10, 2023).

    Special Designations for Bachelor of Science Students

    The Faculty of Science recognizes Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) students who have gone beyond a typical B.Sc. experience by awarding certain special designations to their student record and degree at graduation.

    B.Sc. Global Designation

    For details on the B.Sc. Global Designation, students should refer to mcgill.ca/science/undergraduate/programs/bsc-global.

    Internship Program Designation

    All B.Sc. programs can include an internship component. For more details, students should refer to Science Internships and Field Studies and mcgill.ca/science/undergraduate/internships-field/internships.

    Taken from Programs, Courses and University Regulations 2023-2024 (last updated Mar. 10, 2023).

    Bieler School of Environment

    The Faculty of Science is one of the four faculties in partnership with the Bieler School of Environment. For more information, see Bieler School of Environment.

    Taken from Programs, Courses and University Regulations 2023-2024 (last updated Mar. 10, 2023).

    Readmission after interruption of studies for a period of five consecutive years or more

    Readmission after Interruption of Studies for a Period of Five Consecutive Years or More

    Students who are readmitted after interrupting their studies for a period of five consecutive years or more may be required to complete a minimum of 60 credits and satisfy the requirements of a program. In this case, a new CGPA will be calculated. The Associate Dean, Student Affairs for Science, in consultation with the appropriate department, may approve a lower minimum for students who had completed 60 credits or more before interrupting their studies.

    Students who are readmitted after a period of absence are subject to the program and degree requirements in effect at the time of readmission. The Associate Dean, Student Affairs for Science, in consultation with the department, may approve exemption from any new requirements.

    Taken from Programs, Courses and University Regulations 2023-2024 (last updated Mar. 10, 2023).

    Residency requirement

    Residency Requirements for Faculty of Science Degrees

    To obtain a B.Sc. degree, students must satisfy the following residency requirements: a minimum of 60 credits of courses used to satisfy the B.Sc. degree requirements must be taken and passed at McGill, exclusive of any courses completed as part of the Science Freshman program; see B.Sc. Freshman Program. At least two-thirds of all departmental program requirements (Honours, Major, Core Science Components, or Minor) must normally be completed at McGill not including courses completed in a prior McGill degree. Exceptionally, students in major concentrations or interfaculty or honours programs who pursue an approved Study Away or Exchange program may—with prior approval from both their department and the Associate Dean, Student Affairs, Faculty of Science—be exempted from the two-thirds rule. In addition, some departments may require that their students complete specific components of their program at McGill.

    The residency requirement for diploma programs is 30 credits completed at McGill.

    Taken from Programs, Courses and University Regulations 2023-2024 (last updated Mar. 10, 2023).

    Time and credit limit for the completion of the Bachelor of Science degree

    Time and Credit Limit for the Completion of the Degree for the Faculty of Science

    Students who need 96 or fewer credits to complete their degree requirements are expected to complete their degree in no more than eight terms after their initial registration for the degree.

    Students in the Freshman Program become subject to these regulations one year after their initial registration. Students who wish to exceed this time limit must submit their request in writing (by email) to their Faculty adviser, to be approved by the Associate Dean, Student Affairs, of the Faculty of Science.

    Students registered in the B.Sc. are expected to complete the requirements of their program and degree within 120 credits. Students will receive credit for all courses (subject to degree regulations) taken up to and including the semester in which they obtain 120 credits. Students who want to remain at McGill beyond that semester must submit their request in writing (by email) to their Faculty adviser, to be approved by the Associate Dean, Student Affairs, Faculty of Science. Permission for exceeding the time and/or credit limits will normally be granted only for valid academic reasons, such as a change of program (subject to departmental approval) and part-time status. If permission is granted, students will receive credit only for required and complementary courses necessary to complete their program requirements.

    Students who have been granted Advanced Standing for the International Baccalaureate, Advanced Placement examinations, GCE A-Levels, French Baccalaureate, and other qualifications may complete 120 credits following admission, as per the University regulations described in University Regulations and Resources > Student Records > Advanced Standing Transfer Credits.

    Taken from Programs, Courses and University Regulations 2023-2024 (last updated Mar. 10, 2023).

    3.2.1 Restrictions on courses outside the Faculty of Science

    While all courses offered at McGill have academic merit, not all are appropriate for credit towards the B.Sc. degree. 

    Unfortunately, Minerva will not prevent you from registering for courses that are not approved. However, not-approved courses will eventually be identified on your record and flagged for no credit. In some cases, this may only happen when your records are verified just before graduation, which could delay your graduation until appropriate courses are taken.

    It is, therefore, your responsibility to consult the eCalendar regulations on taking courses outside the faculties of Arts and Science. These regulations may change from year to year. Any approval or disapproval of a course for credit towards the B.Sc. is valid for the current academic year only. No assumption should be made as to the past or future effect of a course's approval or disapproval for credit.

    The information below is from the eCalendar page on "Courses taken outside the Faculties of Arts and Science." It is your responsibility to validate this information directly in the eCalendar.

    From the eCalendar:

    A list of approved/not-approved courses from other faculties is posted below (section 3.2.2). You may take courses on the approved list and may not, under any circumstances, take courses on the not-approved list for credit. Requests for permission to take courses that are not on either list should be addressed to the Science Office for Undergraduate Student Advising (SOUSA).

    The regulations are as follows:

    • You may take only 6 credits per year, up to 18 credits in all, of courses outside the Faculties of Arts and of Science.
    • Courses offered “in the Faculty of Science” or “in the Faculty of Arts” are found in the eCalendar All Courses search, when filtered by “Faculty of Science” or by “Faculty of Arts.”
    • Courses in other faculties that are considered as taught by Science (e.g., BIOT, EXMD, and PHAR) are so designated as offered by the “Faculty of Science” in the eCalendar All Courses search.
    • Courses in Music are considered as outside the Faculties of Arts and of Science, except MUAR courses, which are considered Arts courses.
    • All courses listed in the Religious Studies (RELG) section are considered courses in Arts and Science except for courses restricted to B.Th. or S.T.M. students and courses that require permission from the Chair of the B.Th. Committee.
    • Students should consult the list of restricted courses outside of the Faculties of Arts and of Science on the SOUSA website (see below - 3.2.2)
    • You must have the necessary prerequisites and permission of the instructor for such courses.
    • Credit for computer and statistics courses offered by faculties other than Arts and Science require the permission of the Associate Dean, Student Affairs for Science and will be granted only under exceptional circumstances.
    • If you use Minerva to register for a course, and it exceeds the specified limitations or it is not approved, the course will be flagged for no credit after the course change period.
    • Credit will not be given for any “how to” courses offered by other faculties that are intended to provide you with only practical or professional training in specific applied areas. Examples include courses that teach the use of certain computer packages (databases, spreadsheets, etc.) or computer languages (SQL, COBOL, FORTRAN, etc.); machine shop or electronic shop courses; technical drawing courses; and professional practice courses.
    • As a student in the Bieler School of Environment, you may exceed the 18-credit limit for courses outside the Faculties of Arts and of Science, provided that all such courses are necessary to complete your program of study.
    • As a student in the Major in Software Engineering, you may exceed the 18-credit limit for courses outside the Faculties of Arts and of Science, provided that all such courses are necessary to complete your program of study.
    • As a student in the B.Sc. Liberal Program taking a Major Concentration in Music, you may exceed the 18-credit limit for courses outside the Faculties of Arts and of Science, provided that all such courses are necessary to complete your program of study, up to a maximum of 36 Music credits.
    • The 18-credit limit applies to students taking the Minor in Nutrition; equivalent courses in Science should be taken instead of courses in the Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences.

     

    How can you tell which Faculty offers a course?

    Copy the course number (or just the subject code) into the search window in the eCalendar. Make sure to select "Entire site" beside the search window, then hit Search. When the results come up, select the "Courses" tab and look for your course. Select it and look near the top of the page, just below the course title. There will be a line indicating who offers the course.

    For example:

    LSCI 211 Biochemistry 1 (3 credits)
    Offered by: Parasitology (Agricultural & Environmental Sciences)

    This course is offered by the Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, and is listed below on the Not Approved list.

     

    3.2.2 List of approved and restricted courses outside the Faculty of Science

    Students may take courses on the approved list below and may not, under any circumstances, take courses on the not-approved list for credit toward their BSc. Requests for permission to take courses that are not on either list must be reviewed by the Science Office for Undergraduate Student Advising (SOUSA)To submit a request, contact your Faculty Advisor well before the beginning of the term in question and include a detailed course syllabus.

    Please note that credit for statistics courses offered by faculties other than Arts and Science requires the permission of the Science Office for Undergraduate Student Advising (SOUSA). Rules regarding statistics courses are clearly indicated in the eCalendar.  Contact your Faculty Advisor to submit a request.

    Courses offered by the Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences

    If a course does not appear on the following list(s), you must obtain permission from the Science Office for Undergraduate Student Advising (SOUSA) before registering for it.

    Approved

    AEBI 421 Trop. Horticultural Ecology
    AEBI 423 Sustainable Land Use
    AEBI 425 Tropical Energy and Food
    AEBI 427 Barbados Interdisc Project
    AEHM 330 Academic & Scientific Writing
    AEMA 310 Statistical Methods 1 (See note in Calendar about overlap with other stats courses.)
    AEMA 305 Differential Equations (Students must submit a request to the Science Office for Undergraduate Student Advising (SOUSA))
    AGEC 200 Principles of Microeconomics (note that credit will not be given for both ECON 208 and AGEC 200)
    AGEC 201 Principles of Macroeconomics (note that credit will not be given for both ECON 209 and AGEC 201)
    AGEC 231 Econ Systems of Agriculture
    AGEC 330 Agriculture and Food Markets
    AGEC 430 Agric, Food & Resource Policy
    AGEC 442 Econ of Int\'l Agric Dvlpmnt
    AGRI 210 course description not available
    AGRI 215 Agro-Ecosystems Field Course
    AGRI 325 Sustainable Agr&Food Security
    AGRI 330 Agricultural Legislation
    AGRI 340 Princ of Ecological Agricult
    AGRI 341 course description not available
    AGRI 411 Global Issues on Dev, Food&Agr
    AGRI 413 course description not available
    AGRI 435 Soil & Water Quality Mgmt
    AGRI 452 Water Resources in Barbados
    AGRI 519 Sustainable Development Plans
    AGRI 550 Sustained Tropical Agriculture
    ANSC 234 Biochemistry 2 (Students must submit a request to the Science Office for Undergraduate Student Advising (SOUSA))
    ANSC 251 Comparative Anatomy
    ANSC 312 Animal Health and Disease
    ANSC 330 course description not available
    ANSC 433 Animal Nutrition & Metabolism
    ANSC 552 Protein Metabolism&Nutrition
    ANSC 555 The Use and Welfare of Animals
    ANSC 560 Biology of Lactation
    BREE 217 Hydrology and Water Resources
    BTEC 555 Structural Bioinformatics
    CELL 500 course description not available
    CELL 501 course description not available
    ENTO 350 Insect Biology and Control (Note: It is NOT considered to be a course outside of Arts and Science. Students may not receive credit for both ENTO 350 and BIOL 350)
    ENTO 352 Biocontrol of Pest Insects
    ENTO 440 course description not available
    ENTO 520 Insect Physiology
    ENTO 535 course description not available
    ENVB 222 St. Lawrence Ecosystems
    ENVB 315 course description not available (Credit will not be given for both ENVB 315 and BIOL 432)
    ENVB 410 Ecosystem Ecology
    ENVB 437 Assessing Environmental Impact
    ENVB 500 Advanced Topics Ecotoxicology
    ENVB 506 Quantitative Methods: Ecology
    FDSC 200 Introduction to Food Science
    FDSC 230 Organic Chemistry (Credit will not be given for both FDSC 230 and CHEM 212)
    FDSC 251 Food Chemistry 1
    MICR 450 Environmental Microbiology
    NRSC 201 course description not available
    NRSC 300 course description not available
    NRSC 315 course description not available (Credit will not be given for both NRSC 315 and BIOL 432)
    NRSC 333 Pollution and Bioremediation
    NRSC 340 course description not available
    NRSC 437 course description not available
    NRSC 405 Natural History of East Africa
    NRSC 451 Res in Ecol&Develop in Africa (Note: It is NOT considered to be a course outside of Arts and Science, and is cross listed with BIOL 451)
    NUTR 301 Psychology (Note: credit will not be given for both NUTR 301 and PSYC 100)
    NUTR 307 Metabolism and Human Nutrition (Note: It is NOT considered to be a course outside of Arts and Science.)
    NUTR 337 Nutrition Through Life
    NUTR 341 Global Food Security
    NUTR 343 Financial Mgmt and Accounting (Note: credit will not be given for both NUTR 343 and MGCR 211)
    NUTR 361 Environmental Toxicology
    NUTR 403 course description not available
    NUTR 404 Nutr. Field St. in East Africa
    NUTR 406 Ecology of Human Nutrition
    NUTR 420 course description not available
    NUTR 436 course description not available
    NUTR 450 Research Meth: Human Nutrition
    NUTR 451 course description not available
    NUTR 501 Nutrition in Dev Countries
    NUTR 512 Herbs, Foods&Phytochemicals
    PARA 515 Water, Health and Sanitation 
    PARA 410 Environment and Infection
    PLNT 300 Cropping Systems
    PLNT 304 Biology of Fungi
    PLNT 305 Plant Pathology
    PLNT 310 Plant Propagation
    PLNT 312 Urban Horticulture
    PLNT 331 course description not available
    PLNT 353 Plant Structure and Function
    PLNT 358 Flowering Plant Diversity
    PLNT 361 course description not available
    PLNT 424 course description not available
    PLNT 434 Weed Biology and Control
    PLNT 458 course description not available
    PLNT 460 Plant Ecology
    PLNT 525 course description not available
    PLNT 535 course description not available
    SOIL 200 course description not available
    SOIL 210 course description not available
    SOIL 300 Geosystems (Note: Credit will not be given for both SOIL 300 and GEOG 272.)
    SOIL 315 Soil Nutrient Management
    SOIL 331 Environmental Soil Physics
    SOIL 335 course description not available
    SOIL 535 Soil Ecology
    WILD 200 course description not available
    WILD 205 course description not available
    WILD 212 course description not available
    WILD 302 Fish Ecology
    WILD 307 Natural History of Vertebrates
    WILD 311 course description not available
    WILD 313 course description not available
    WILD 350 Mammalogy
    WILD 375 Issues:Environmental Sciences
    WILD 401 Fisheries&Wildlife Management
    WILD 410 course description not available
    WILD 415 course description not available
    WILD 420 Ornithology
    WILD 421 Wildlife Conservation
    WILD 424 course description not available (Credit will not be given for both WILD 424 and MIMM 413)
    WILD 429 Ornithology
    WILD 475 Desert Ecology
    WOOD 410 course description not available
    WOOD 441 Integrated Forest Management

    Not approved

    Note: Professional practice and techniques courses are normally closed to science students.
    Note: Many Agricultural and Environmental Sciences courses may have substantial overlap with science courses. See Course Overlap Restrictions.

    ABEN 251 Microcomputer Applications
    ABEN 252 Structured Computer Programming
    AEBI 210 Organisms 1
    AEBI 211 Organisms 2
    AEBI 212 Evolution and Phylogeny Approved for students in the Major or Honours Environment program
    AEBI 306 Experiments in Biotechnology (not open to students in Biological Sciences, write for permission)
    AEFR 306 Français Fonctionnel - Aliment et Nutrition
    AEFR 307 Français Fonctionnel - Agriculture
    AEHM 205 Science Literacy
    AGEC 242 Management Theories and Practices
    AGRI 195 Foundation year Seminar 1
    AGRI 196 Foundation year Seminar 2
    AGRI 482 Special Topics 3
    ANSC 250 Principles of Animal Science
    ANSC 565 Applied Information Systems
    BREE 301 Biothermodynamics
    BREE 314 Agricultural Structures
    BREE 453 UG Seminar 3-ScientificWriting
    ENVB 210 The Biophysical Environment (Science students should take GEOG 305 instead)
    ENVB 301 Meteorology
    ENVB 305 Population & Community Ecology
    ENVB 415 Ecosystem Management
    ENVB 530 Adv GIS for Natural Res Mgmt
    EXTM 300 Communication - extension methods
    LSCI 204 Genetics (was CELL 204) (not open to students in Biological Sciences, write to your Faculty advisor for permission)
    LSCI 211 Biochemistry 1 (was FDSC 211)
    LSCI 230 Introductory Microbiology
    NRSC 350 Biological Illustration I - approved only for students in Biology department programs AND in McGill School of Environment (MSE) (Biodiversity and Conservation Domain)
    NRSC 351 Biological Illustration II
    NUTR 200 Contemporary Nutrition
    NUTR 207 Nutrition and Health (closed to students in biology and biomedical programs)
    NUTR 214 Food Fundamentals
    NUTR 217 Application of Food Fundamentals
    NUTR 322 Applied Sciences Communication
    NUTR 430 Directed Studies in Dietetics/Nutrition I (write for permission)
    NUTR 431 Directed Studies in Dietetics/Nutrition II (write for permission)
    PLNT 201 Comparative Plant Biology (not open to students in Biological Sciences, write to your Faculty advisor for permission)
    PLNT 211 Principles of Plant Science (not open to students in Biological Sciences, write to your Faculty advsisor for permission)
    PLNT 221 Introduction to Fungi
    PLNT 321 Fruit Production
    PLNT 322 Greenhouse Management
    PLNT 341 Horticulture - the Alliums
    PLNT 342 Horticulture - Cole Crops
    PLNT 343 Horticulture - Root Crops
    PLNT 344 Horticulture - Salad Crops
    PLNT 345 Horticulture: Solanaceous Crops
    PLNT 348 The Brassicas
    PLNT 421 Landscape Plant Materials
    PLNT 450 Special Topics: Plant Science
    PLNT 451 Special Topics: Plant Science 2
    SOIL 342 course description not available

    Courses offered by the School of Continuing Studies

    Only Continuing Studies courses listed as Approved may be taken for credit. All others are not approved for credit.

    CCE McGill Writing Centre (MWC) - approved

    • All WCOM courses are approved as they are offered under the Faculty of Arts. The courses below are older course codes which are no longer offered.
    • CEAP 150 course description not available (Note: It is NOT considered to be a course outside of Arts and Science)
    • CEAP 250 course description not available (Note: It is NOT considered to be a course outside of Arts and Science)
    • CESL 150 course description not available (Note: It is NOT considered to be a course outside of Arts and Science)
    • CESL 200 course description not available (Note: It is NOT considered to be a course outside of Arts and Science)
    • CESL 299 course description not available (Note: It is NOT considered to be a course outside of Arts and Science)
    • CESL 300 course description not available (Note: It is NOT considered to be a course outside of Arts and Science)
    • CESL 400 course description not available (Note: It is NOT considered to be a course outside of Arts and Science)
    • CESL 500 course description not available (Note: It is NOT considered to be a course outside of Arts and Science)
    • CCOM 314 course description not available (Note: This IS considered to be a course outside of Arts and Science)

    Courses offered by the Faculty of Education

    If a course does not appear on the following list(s), you must obtain permission from the Science Office for Undergraduate Student Advising (SOUSA) before registering for it.

    Approved

    EDEC 233 Indigenous Education
    EDEC 247 Policy Issues:QC&Indigenous Ed
    EDEC 248 Equity and Education
    EDEC 249 Global Ed. and Social Justice
    EDEC 260 Philosophical Foundations
    EDEC 261 course description not available
    EDEC 262 Media, Tech. and Education
    EDEC 300 Special Topics 1 (Students must submit a request to the Science Office for Undergraduate Student Advising (SOUSA))
    EDEC 301 Special Topics 2 (Students must submit a request to the Science Office for Undergraduate Student Advising (SOUSA))
    EDEM 220 Contemporary Issues in Ed.
    EDER 209 course description not available
    EDER 250 L. and T. the J Way of Life
    EDER 309 The Search for World Views
    EDER 324 course description not available
    EDER 394 course description not available
    EDER 396 course description not available
    EDER 406 course description not available
    EDER 409 course description not available
    EDER 410 Women in Higher Education
    EDER 461 Society and Change
    EDER 464 course description not available
    EDER 491 course description not available
    EDER 494 HumanRights&Ethics in Practice
    EDER 499 Seminar on Women's Studies II
    EDES 201 course description not available (requires permission from Faculty of Education)
    EDES 335 Teaching Secondary Science 1 (approved only for students who complete the Minor in Education for Science students)
    EDES 353 Teaching Sec. Mathematics 1 (approved only for students who complete the Minor in Education for Science students)
    EDES 365 Experiences in Communications
    EDES 366 Literature for Young Adults
    EDKP 206 Biomechanics of Human Movement
    EDKP 261 Motor Development
    EDKP 303 course description not available (ANAT 214 is prerequisite)
    EDKP 330 Physical Act & Public Health
    EDKP 393 Skill Learning and Expertise (approved for Minor in Kinesiology)
    EDKP 394 Historical Perspectives
    EDKP 395 Exercise Physiology
    EDKP 405 Sport in Society
    EDKP 444 Ergonomics (ANAT 214 is prerequisite)
    EDKP 445 Exercise Metabolism
    EDKP 446 Physical Activity and Ageing
    EDKP 447 Motor Control (ANAT 214 is prerequisite)
    EDKP 448 Exercise and Health Psychology
    EDKP 449 Neuromusc & Inflamm Pathophys
    EDKP 485 Cardiopulmonary Ex Pathophys
    EDKP 492 course description not available
    EDKP 498 Sport Psychology
    EDKP 505 course description not available
    EDKP 542 Environmental Exercise Physiol
    EDKP 566 Advanced Biomechanics Theory
    EDPC 510 course description not available
    EDPC 540 Socl Respblty&Relshps: Dig Age
    EDPC 562 Career as a Lifelong Process
    EDPE 300 Educational Psychology
    EDPE 304 Measurement and Evaluation (approved only for students who complete the Minor in Education for Science students)
    EDPE 335 Instructional Psychology
    EDPE 355 Cognition and Education
    EDPE 377 Adolescence and Education
    EDPE 515 Gender Identity Development
    EDPE 555 Socio-Cultural Fndns of LS
    EDPE 560 course description not available
    EDPI 309 Diverse Learners
    EDPI 526 Supp. Stud. Strengths &Talent (provided students do a term paper for the major project)

    Not approved

    EDEA XXX None allowed
    EDEC must write; see APPROVED list
    EDEC 202: Effective Communication Faculty of Education
    EDEC 203: Effective Communication Faculty of Education
    EDEC 204: Communication in Social Work
    EDEC 205: Communication in Management
    EDEC 206: Communication in Engineering
    EDEC 302 Language and Learning - Curriculum
    EDEC 305 Communications for Management II
    EDEC 310 Kindergarten/Elementary Curriculum
    EDEC 402 Media, Technology and Education (closed to students except in certain programs)
    EDEC 410 Multicultured/Multiracial Class (closed to students except in certain programs)
    EDEC 500 Tutoring Writing: Theory and Practice
    EDEE XXX None allowed
    EDEM 405 Policy Issues in Quebec Education (closed to students except in certain programs)
    EDEM 450 Curriculum Alternatives: Great Teaching in an Alternative Education Setting
    EDER 208 Philosophy of Human Nature
    EDER 252 Understanding and Teaching Jewish Living
    EDER 332 Guiding the Religious Response - Elem.
    EDER 473 Living with Insight
    EDES XXX None allowed
    EDET XXX None allowed
    EDFE XXX None allowed
    EDKP XXX ANY Physical Education course, such as Basketball, Wrestling, Rugby, Weight Training, etc.
    EDKP 201 Fitness Leadership
    EDKP 205 Structural Anatomy 
    EDKP 211 First Aid
    EDKP 225 Golf
    EDKP 231 Martial Arts
    EDKP 292 Nutrition and Wellness (students should take NUTR 307 instead; students with little background in Biology and Chemistry must write to the Associate Dean, Student Affairs (SOUSA), Faculty of Science.)
    EDKP 293 Anatomy and Physiology
    EDKP 311 Athletic Injuries
    EDKP 312 Aquatics
    EDKP 331 Homeostatic Physiology
    EDKP 391 Ergo-physiology (approved for students in Minor in Kinesiology)
    EDKP 393 Skill Learning and Expertise (approved for students who are registered in the Minor in Kinesiology)
    EDKP 396 Adapted Physical Activity (approved for students who are registered in the Minor in Kinesiology)
    EDKP 485 Exercise in Chronic Health Conditions (approved for students in Minor in Kinesiology)
    EDKP 492 Psychology of Motor Performance (replaced by EDKP 393 - approved for Minor in Kinesiology)
    EDKP 495 Scientific Principles of Training (approved for students in Minor in Kinesiology)
    EDKP 496 Adapted Physical Activity (approved for students in Minor in Kinesiology)
    EDKP 550 Analyzing Instructional Behaviors
    EDKP 553 Physiological Assessment in Sport
    EDKP 568 Biomechanics Instruments
    EDPC 501 Principles of Helping Rel.
    EDPC 502 Group Processes and Individuals
    EDPC 503 Human Sexuality: Professionals
    EDPC 504 Practicum in Interviewing Skills
    EDPC 505 Crisis/Trauma Intervention Processes
    EDPC 508 Special Topics: Foundations of Family Life Education
    EDPC 608 Group Counselling: Theory
    EDPC 624 Group Counselling: Practice
    EDPE 208 Personality and Social Development
    EDPE 214 Child Development
    EDPE 306 Values and Moral Education
    EDPE 320 Adult Learning and Teaching
    EDPE 394 Cognitive Development
    EDPE 396 The Nature of Intelligence
    EDPE 535 Instructional Design
    EDPE 575 Educational Measurement
    EDPE 596 Seminar in Special Topics
    EDPI 211 Social & Emotional Development
    EDPI 212 Perceptual Motor Development
    EDPI 344 Assessment for Instruction
    EDPI 440 Cog. & Psychomotor Prob. of Except. Chil.
    EDPI 441 Behavioral Problems of Except. Chil.
    EDPI 442 Psychology & Learning Problems
    EDPI 527 Creativity and its Cultivation
    EDPI 536 Practicum in Gifted Education I
    EDPI 537 Practicum in the Gifted II
    EDPI 539 Field Work I: Exceptional Students
    EDPI 540 Field Work II: Exceptional Students
    EDPI 543 Family, School and Community
    EDPT XXX None allowed
    EDSL XXX None allowed

    Courses offered by the Faculty of Engineering

    If a course does not appear on the following list(s), you must obtain permission from the Science Office for Undergraduate Student Advising (SOUSA) before registering for it.

    Approved

    ARCH 250 Architectural History 1
    ARCH 251 Architectural History 2
    ARCH 252 course description not available
    ARCH 253 course description not available
    ARCH 355 Architectural History 4
    ARCH 377 Energy, Environ, & Buildings 1
    ARCH 385 course description not available
    ARCH 515 Sustainable Design (Students must submit a request to the Science Office for Undergraduate Student Advising (SOUSA))
    ARCH 522 course description not available
    ARCH 523 Significant Texts & Buildings
    ARCH 524 course description not available
    ARCH 528 History of Housing
    ARCH 529 Housing Theory
    ARCH 536 Heritage Conservation
    ARCH 541 Sel Topics in Architecture 2 (Students must submit a request to the Science Office for Undergraduate Student Advising (SOUSA))
    ARCH 551 Urban Design and Planning (Note this course is cross-listed as URBP 551)
    BIEN all approved, not counted as outside of Science
    CHEE 200 Chem Engineering Principles 1
    CHEE 204 Chem Engineering Principles 2
    CHEE 230 course description not available
    CHEE 291 Instrumentation&Measurement 1
    CHEE 474 Biochemical Engineering 
    CIVE 205 Statics
    CIVE 323 Hydrology and Water Resources
    CIVE 433 course description not available
    CIVE 452 Water Resources in Barbados
    CIVE 519 Sustainable Development Plans
    CIVE 550 Water Resources Management
    ECSE 200 Electric Circuits 1
    ECSE 210 Electric Circuits 2
    ECSE 221 course description not available (Credit will not be given for both ECSE 221 and COMP 273)
    ECSE 321 Intro. to Software Engineering
    ECSE 424 Human-Computer Interaction (Students must submit a request to the Science Office for Undergraduate Student Advising (SOUSA))
    ECSE 427 Operating Systems
    ECSE 429 Software Validation
    ECSE 495 course description not available
    ECSE 507 Optimization & Optimal Control
    ECSE 526 Artificial Intelligence (Students must submit a request to the Science Office for Undergraduate Student Advising (SOUSA))
    ECSE 539 Advanced Software Language Eng
    MIME 260 Materials Science&Engineering
    MIME 262 Prop.Materials in Elec. Eng.
    MIME 308 Social Impact of Technology
    MIME 310 course description not available
    MIME 320 Extraction of Energy Resources
    MIME 325 Mineral Industry Economics
    MIME 329 Mining Geology
    URBP 201 Planning the 21st Century City
    URBP 506 Envrnmntl Policy and Planning
    URBP 507 Planning and Infrastructure
    URBP 506 Envrnmntl Policy and Planning
    URBP 519 Sustainable Development Plans
    URBP 520 Globaliz: Planning & Change
    URBP 551 Urban Design and Planning (Note this course is cross-listed as ARCH 551)

    Not approved

    ARCH XXX generally not allowed with exceptions noted on APPROVED list.
    CHEE 231 Data Anal & Design of Exp
    CHEE 370 Elements of Biotechnology
    CIVE 229 Surveying
    ECSE 211 Design Principles and Methods
    ECSE 291 Electrical Measurements Lab
    ECSE 443 Introduction to Numerical Methods in Electrical Engineering
    ECSE 508 Multi-Agent Systems (Students must submit a request to the Science Office for Undergraduate Student Advising (SOUSA))
    FACC 100 Intro to the Eng. Profession
    FACC 220 Law for Architects and Engineers
    FACC 221 Engineering Professional Practice
    MECH 201 Introduction to Mechanical Engineering
    MECH 220 Mechanics 2
    MECH 260 Machine Tool Lab
    MECH 261 Measurement Laboratory
    MECH 262 Statistics and Measurement Laboratory
    MECH 289 Design Graphics
    MECH 553 Design and Manufacturing of Microdevices
    MIME 221 Engineering Professional Practice
    Note: Many Engineering courses may have substantial overlap with science courses. See Course Overlap Restrictions.

    Courses offered by the Desautels Faculty of Management

    All regular Management courses are approved with the exceptions listed below:

    Not approved:

    ORGB 423 Human Resource Management
    ORGB 429 OB for Course Counsellors
    ORGB 434 Topics in Organizational Behaviour 1

    Statistics courses require the permission of the Science Office for Undergraduate Student Advising (SOUSA), submit your request through your Faculty advisor.

    Computer and Information Systems courses are generally not approved for Science students; see list below.

    INSY XXX None allowed

    MGCR 331 Information Systems is approved for students enrolled in the course in Fall 2007 and in subsequent terms. It is not approved for students who were enrolled in the course before Fall 2007.

    Courses offered by the Schulich School of Music

    If a course does not appear on the following list(s), you must obtain permission from the Science Office for Undergraduate Student Advising (SOUSA) before registering for it.

    Approved

    MUAR XXX (these are counted as Arts courses)
    MUHL XXX
    MUMT 201 course description not available
    MUMT 202 Fundamentals of New Media
    MUMT 203 Introduction to Digital Audio
    MUMT 250 Music Perception and Cognition
    MUMT 301 Music and the Internet
    MUMT 302 New Media Production 1 (Approved only for students who complete the minor in Musical Applications of Technology)
    MUMT 303 New Media Production 2 (Approved only for students who complete the minor in Musical Applications of Technology)
    MUMT 306 Music & Audio Computing 1
    MUMT 307 Music & Audio Computing 2
    MUMT 402 course description not available
    MUMT 501 Digital Aud. Signal Processing
    MUMT 502 Senior Proj:Music Technology (Approved only for students who complete the minor in Musical Science and Technology)
    MUPD 200 Intro to Music Marketing 
    MUSP 240 Musicianship Training 3 (Approved only for students in the B.Sc. Liberal program who complete the B.A. Major Concentration in Music)
    MUSP 241 Musicianship Training 4 (Approved only for students in the B.Sc. Liberal program who complete the B.A. Major Concentration in Music)
    MUSR 200 Audio Recording Essentials (Approved only for students who complete the minor in Musical Applications of Technology)
    MUSR 300D1 Intro to Music Recording (Approved only for students who complete the minor in Musical Applications of Technology)
    MUSR 300D2 Intro to Music Recording (Approved only for students who complete the minor in Musical Applications of Technology)
    MUTH XXX

    Not approved

    MUCT 235 Vocal Techniques

    MUEN XXX None allowed
    MUPD 201 Business Fundamentals for Musicians
    MUPG XXX None allowed
    MUJZ XXX None allowed
    MUPP XXX None allowed (Science students in the BA Major Concentration Music should take MUHL courses as their complementary courses, instead of MUPP.)
    MUSP XXX None allowed, (exceptions indicated in approved list)
    MUSR 201 Audio Production Essentials

    Students wishing to take Music courses that are not on either list above require permission from the Faculty of Music and from the Science Office for Undergraduate Student Advising (SOUSA))

    3.2.3 Summer courses not approved for credit towards the B.Sc.

    WARNING: THE COURSES LISTED BELOW HAVE BEEN ASSESSED, AND SCIENCE STUDENTS ARE NOT ELIGIBLE TO RECEIVE CREDIT FOR THEM.

    Courses offered by the Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences

    Food Science:

    • FDSC 480 Industrial Stage/Food

    Nutrition and Dietetics:

    • NUTR xxx None allowed

    Plant Science:

    • PLNT 450 Special Topics: Plant Science 1 (To be determined*)
    • PLNT 451 Special Topics: Plant Science 2 (To be determined*)

    Courses offered by the Faculty of Education

    Education: Arts Education:

    • EDEA xxx None allowed

    Education: Curriculum and Instruction:

    • EDEC 201 First Year Professional Seminar
    • EDEC 215 English Language Requirement
    • EDEC 253 Second Professional Seminar (Kindergarten/Elementary)
    • EDEC 254 Second Professional Seminar (Secondary)

    Education: Student Teaching:

    • EDFE xxx None allowed

    Education: Kinesiology and Physical Education:

    • EDKP xxx None allowed

    Education: Psychology and Counselling (Counselling):

    • EDPC xxx None allowed

    Education: Psychology and Counselling (Psychology):

    • EDPE 575 Educational Measurement
    • EDPE 595 Seminar in Special Topics

    Education: Psychology and Counselling (Inclusive):

    • EDPI 450 Computers and Special Needs
    • EDPI 543 Family, School and Community

    Education: Psychology and Counselling (Media):

    • EDPT xxx None allowed

    Education: Education in Second Languages:

    • EDSL xxx None allowed

    Education: Education Teaching and Learning:

    • EDTL 508 Critical Influences on Educational Praxis (To be determined*)

    Courses offered by the Faculty of Engineering

    Civil Engineering:

    • CIVE xxx None allowed

    FACC - Faculty Course:

    • FACC xxx None allowed

    Mechanical Engineering:

    • MECH xxx None allowed

    Mining, Metals, Materials Engr:

    • MIME 203 Mine Surveying
    • MIME 280 Industrial Training 1
    • MIME 290 Industrial Work Period 1
    • MIME 291 Industrial Work Period 2
    • MIME 317 Analytical and Characterization Techniques
    • MIME 350 Extractive Metallurgical Engineering
    • MIME 380 Industrial Training 2
    • MIME 392 Industrial Work Period 3
    • MIME 410 Research Project
    • MIME 419 Surface Mining
    • MIME 422 Mine Ventilation
    • MIME 480 Industrial Training 3
    • MIME 481 Industrial Training 4
    • MIME 494 Industrial Work Period 4

    McGill/Poly Mining Coop:

    • MPMC xxx None allowed

    Courses offered by the Desautels Faculty of Management

    Business Admin:

    • BUSA 434 Topics in General Management

    Management Core:

    • MGCR 271 Business Statistics

    Marketing:

    • MRKT xxx None allowed

    Courses offered by the Schulich School of Music

    Musicianship:

    • MUSP xxx None allowed

    Music Theory and Analysis

    • MUTH 151 Theory and Analysis 2 (To be determined*)
    • MUTH 475 Special Project

    *For more information about courses listed as "To be determined", please contact Jane Hawes at: jane.hawes [at] mcgill.ca

    3.3 Bachelor of Arts & Science students

    The eCalendar is the definitive authority on the requirements you must meet in order to obtain a Bachelor of Arts & Science degree at McGill. Here are a few sections from the eCalendar frequently sought by B.A. & Sc. students.

    Grading and grade point averages (GPA)

    Grading and Grade Point Averages (GPA)

    Note for Physical and Occupational Therapy: A grade of C+ is the minimum required passing grade for courses with the subject codes of OCC1, PHTH, and POTH. A grade of C is the minimum required passing grade for all other courses. For complete details, refer to the Rules and Regulations, available at mcgill.ca/spot/programs.

    Instructors may submit final grades as either letter grades or in percentages, but the official grade in each course, which is displayed on the transcript is the letter grade. Where appropriate, a class average appears on transcripts expressed as the letter grade most representative of the class performance. In such cases, the class average is calculated for courses, where the total number of grades in all of its course sections is 25 or more, and the grades have a grade point (e.g. grades of S, U, or P do not have grade points).

    Since Fall 2002, the University has only used letter grades on transcripts and verification forms.

    Grades A through C represent satisfactory passes, D a conditional (non-continuation) pass, and F a failure. Certain courses have been approved for Pass/Fail (P/F) grading. Students may also designate elective courses to be graded under the S/U option. See Courses Taken under the Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory (S/U) Option.

    Policy on Pass/Fail Grading:

    For a course to be graded P/F, a proposal must be approved by the Program Director, approved by the Faculty Curriculum Committee, and approved by the Subcommittee on Courses and Teaching Programs (SCTP). Courses that are approved to be graded P/F must indicate this in the course syllabus. Pass/Fail grading applies to all students in a course section and cannot be selectively added to individual students.

    Grades of Pass are not included in the GPA calculation and as such are not normally applied to required courses. Grades of F are included in GPA calculations. However, both grades of P and F are included in the count of completed credits for determining eligibility for scholarships and awards.

    Please refer to the Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory option for information on that grading option for students.

    You must obtain a grade of C or better in courses that you take to fulfil program requirements. You may not register in a course unless you have passed all the prerequisite courses with a grade of C or better, except by written permission of the appropriate department chair.

    Grades Grade Points Numerical Scale of Grades
    A 4.0 85 – 100%
    A- 3.7 80 – 84%
    B+ 3.3 75 – 79%
    B 3.0 70 – 74%
    B- 2.7 65 – 69%
    C+ 2.3 60 – 64%
    C 2.0 55 – 59%
    D 1.0 50 – 54%
    F (Fail) 0 0 – 49%
    Note for Engineering: The Faculty of Engineering does not use this numeric scale. See Note for Engineering below.
    Note for Law: Faculty of Law does not use this numeric scale.

    The University assigns grade points to letter grades according to the table above. Your Academic Standing (e.g., satisfactory, probationary), which is your academic status at the end of each term, is determined by a grade point average (GPA), which is calculated by multiplying the course credit by the grade points and dividing the sum by the total GPA course credits. The GPA result is truncated by two decimal points and not rounded up to the nearest decimal point. For example, a GPA of 3.596 will display on the transcript as 3.59 and is NOT rounded up to 3.60.

    GPA course credits are the credits of courses with final grades that are assigned grade points according to the table above (e.g, a 3-credit course with a final grade of A has 3 GPA course credits, but a 3-credit course with a final grade of P has no GPA course credits because a grade of P does not have a grade point value).

    The term grade point average (TGPA) is the GPA for a given term calculated using all the applicable courses at the same level in that term. The cumulative grade point average (CGPA) is the GPA calculated using your entire record of applicable courses at McGill at the same level; if you change levels, e.g., from undergraduate to graduate, the CGPA starts again.

    This policy took effect in January 2003. Prior to January 2003, if your degree program had changed—e.g., from B.Sc. to B.A.—the CGPA calculation restarted again. For students with academic information prior to Fall 2002, who are registered in a different program or in a different level post-Fall 2002, the transcript displays a special message regarding the CGPA restarting.

    If you repeat courses, all final grades are included in the GPA calculation. Therefore, grades of D or F continue to be used in the CGPA calculation even after you repeat the course or if you take a supplemental examination. Note that credits are only granted once for a repeated course regardless of the passing grade.

    You must obtain a minimum CGPA of 2.00 to be considered for graduation with a McGill degree.

    Note: During the first week of lectures, each instructor will provide you with a written course outline. This information should include, where appropriate:
    • whether there will be a final examination in the course;
    • how term work will affect the final grade in the course;
    • how term work will be distributed through the term;
    • whether there will be a supplemental examination in the course, and if so, whether the supplemental exam will be worth 100% of the supplemental grade, or whether term work will be included in the supplemental grade (courses with formal final examinations must have supplementals);
    • whether students with grades of D, F, J, or U will have the option of submitting additional work, and, if so, how the supplemental grade will be calculated with the extra work (applicable only to students in Science and B.A. & Sc.).
    Note for Engineering: In the Faculty of Engineering, letter grades are assigned according to the grading scheme adopted by the professor in charge of a particular course. This may not correspond to grades indicated in the “Numerical Scale of Grades” column in Grading and Grade Point Averages. A grade of D indicates marginal performance which is acceptable only for Complementary Studies courses (i.e., Group A Impact of Technology on Society; and Group B Humanities and Social Sciences, Management Studies and Law), Natural Science Complementary Courses (for Computer Engineering and Software Engineering students from CEGEP), and Elective Courses (for Mechanical Engineering students from CEGEP and for Architecture students). A grade of D is not acceptable for required (core) courses (including Year 0 (Freshman) math and science courses), technical complementary courses, laboratory complementary courses, or courses in any other category of Engineering programs. Individual departments/schools will decide if a student with a D in a prerequisite course(s) may take the subsequent course.
    Grades have the following designations:
    A, A- Very Good
    B+, B, B- Good
    C+, C Satisfactory
    D Conditional Pass
    F Fail
    Taken from Programs, Courses and University Regulations 2023-2024 (last updated Jan. 19, 2024).

    Grading and Grade Point Averages (GPA): Other Grades

    Note: Not all grades listed below apply to every faculty, school, or level. Faculty policy prevails when determining if a student may be eligible to receive one of these grades.
    Other Grades

    J

    unexcused absence (failed); the student is registered for a course but does not write the final examination or complete other required work; calculated as a failure in the TGPA and CGPA

    K

    incomplete; instructor has extended the deadline for submission of work in a course

    KE or K*

    further extension granted for submission of work in a course, approval from the Faculty SAO may be required

    KF

    failed to meet the extended deadline for submission of work in a course; calculated as a failure in TGPA and CGPA

    KK

    completion requirement waived; not calculated in TGPA or CGPA; Associate Dean approval is required.

    L

    approved to write a deferred examination in a course

    LE or L*

    permitted to defer examination for more than the normal period

    NR

    no grade reported by the instructor (recorded by the Registrar)

    P

    pass; not calculated in TGPA or CGPA

    Q

    course continued in next term (applicable only to courses taken pre-Fall 2002)

    S

    satisfactory; equivalent to C or better in an elective course; not calculated in TGPA or CGPA (See Courses Taken under the Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory (S/U) Option)

    U

    unsatisfactory; equivalent to D or F in an elective course; not calculated in TGPA or CGPA (See Courses Taken under the Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory (S/U) Option)

    W

    withdrew; a course dropped, with permission, after the Course Change deadline; not calculated in TGPA or CGPA

    WF

    withdrew failing; a course dropped, with special permission in an exceptional case, after faculty deadline for withdrawal from course, the student's performance in the course at that stage being on the level of an F; not calculated in TGPA or CGPA (Not used by Music.)

    WL

    faculty permission to withdraw from a deferred examination; not calculated in TGPA or CGPA

    NA or &&

    grade not yet available

    W- - or - -

    no grade; student withdrew from the University, not calculated in TGPA or CGPA (applicable only to courses taken pre-Fall 2002)

    Note for Physical and Occupational Therapy: Grades of S/U are not applicable.
    Taken from Programs, Courses and University Regulations 2023-2024 (last updated Jan. 19, 2024).

    Grading and Grade Point Averages (GPA): Unexcused Absences

    All students who miss a final exam or do not complete other required work in a course are given a J grade. You then have the following options:

    1. Ask to be assigned a grade based only on the grades earned for your work submitted up to, but not including, the final exam or other required course work.

      The grade earned is calculated by adding the grades obtained on the individual pieces of work and a grade of 0 for the portion of the final grade allocated to the final exam or other required course work. This option is not available if the professor stipulated in the course outline that the final exam or other course work is a required part of the evaluation.

    2. Request a deferred exam, if you have the appropriate reasons and documentation.
    3. Apply for a supplemental exam if permitted by your faculty.
    Note for Engineering: Option 1 is not available to students in the Faculty of Engineering.
    Note for Law: Option 1 is not available to students in the Faculty of Law. Option 3 is by approval of the Associate Dean (Academic) or the Director (Student Life & Learning) only.
    Note for Music: Option 1 is not available to students in the Schulich School of Music.

    You must request option 1 no later than four months after the end of the examination period of the original course.

    You must request option 2 by the faculty deadlines as indicated in University Regulations & Resources > Undergraduate > Examinations: General Information > Final Examinations > Final Examinations: Deferred Examinations.

    You must request option 3 by the faculty deadlines as indicated at mcgill.ca/exams.

    If you wish to appeal a J grade, you should write to your Associate Dean or Director.

    Note for the Faculties of Arts and Science (including B.A. & Sc.): Requests are made at Service Point (3415 McTavish Street). However, it is important that you also see a Faculty advisor in Arts OASIS or SOUSA to talk about your options and the effects that your request may have on your studies. For more information, see mcgill.ca/students/advising.
    Note for Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies: Only options 2 and 3 above are applicable to graduate students. Students wishing to appeal a J grade should write to the Associate Dean of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies.
    Taken from Programs, Courses and University Regulations 2023-2024 (last updated Jan. 19, 2024).

    Minimum credit requirement

    Minimum Credit Requirement for Bachelor of Arts and Science

    You must complete the minimum credit requirement for the degree as specified in your letter of admission.

    Students are normally admitted to a four-year degree requiring the completion of 120 credits, but Advanced Standing of up to 30 credits may be granted if you obtain satisfactory results in the Diploma of Collegial Studies, International Baccalaureate, French Baccalaureate, Advanced Levels, and Advanced Placement tests.

    If you are readmitted after interrupting your studies for a period of five consecutive years or more, you may be required to complete a minimum of 60 credits and satisfy the requirements of a program. In this case, a new GPA will be calculated. The Associate Dean, Student Affairs, Science, in consultation with the appropriate department, may approve a lower minimum for students who had completed 60 credits or more before interrupting their studies.

    If you are readmitted after a period of absence, you are normally subject to the program and degree requirements in effect at the time of readmission.

    Taken from Programs, Courses and University Regulations 2023-2024 (last updated Apr. 13, 2023).

    Residency requirement

    Residency Requirement for Bachelor of Arts and Science Degree

    To obtain a B.A. & Sc., you must satisfy the following residency requirements: a minimum of 60 credits of courses used to satisfy the B.A. & Sc. requirements must be taken and passed at McGill, exclusive of any courses completed as part of the math and science requirements of the B.A. & Sc. Freshman program. At least two-thirds of all departmental program requirements (Multi-track, Honours, Interfaculty) must normally be completed at McGill, not including courses completed in a prior McGill degree. Exceptionally, students in major concentrations or interfaculty or honours programs who pursue an approved Study Away or Exchange program may, with prior approval from both their department and the Associate Dean, Student Affairs, Faculty of Science, be exempted from the two-thirds rule. In addition, some departments may require that their students complete specific components of their program at McGill.

    Taken from Programs, Courses and University Regulations 2023-2024 (last updated Apr. 13, 2023).

    Time and credit limit for the completion of the degree

    Time and Credit Limit for Completion of the Degree for Bachelor of Arts and Science

    If a student needs 96 or fewer credits to complete their degree requirements, that student is expected to complete their degree in no more than eight terms after their initial registration. If a student is in the Freshman program, they become subject to these regulations one year after the initial registration. If a student needs or wants to exceed this time limit, they must receive permission from the Associate Dean, Student Affairs, Science, to continue their studies.

    If a student is registered in the B.A. & Sc., they are expected to complete the requirements of their program and degree within 120 credits. Students will receive credit for all courses (subject to degree regulations) taken up to and including the semester in which they obtain 120 credits. If a student wants to remain at McGill beyond that semester, they must also seek permission of the Associate Dean, Student Affairs, Science. Permission for exceeding the time and/or credit limits will normally be granted only for valid academic reasons, such as a change of program (subject to departmental approval) and part-time status. If permission is granted, that student will receive credit only for required and complementary courses necessary to complete program requirements.

    Taken from Programs, Courses and University Regulations 2023-2024 (last updated Apr. 13, 2023).

    Program requirements

    Departmental Programs for Bachelor of Arts and Science Degree

    If students are pursuing a B.A. & Sc., other than those registered in the Freshman program, they are required to have an approved program (multi-track, joint honours, interfaculty, honours), and to select their courses in each term with a view to timely completion of your degree and program requirements. Students must complete one of the program streams described below.

    Multi-Track

    To recognize the diversity of student backgrounds and interests, and the multiple routes to understanding provided by a modern university, the Faculties of Arts and of Science offer a 90-credit multi-track program that includes a major concentration in one faculty complemented by a major concentration in the other faculty (see below):

    Option
    • Arts Major Concentration (36 credits) + Science Major Concentration (36–38 credits) (see Overview of Programs Offered for a list of programs open to students in the B.A. & Sc.)
    • The required integrative course BASC 201 (3 credits)
    Regulations
    • Programs offered by Computer Science, Mathematics and Statistics, and Psychology are considered Science programs for the purpose of the B.A. & Sc. Exceptionally, you may take a Geography program in both Arts and Science.
    • Students will include within the 36 credits of their major concentrations any university-level (200 or above) prerequisites to required courses within their programs.
    • No course may fulfil the requirements for more than one program.
    Definitions
    • Units: academic departments or administrative equivalents
    • Programs: lists of required and complementary courses (including university-level prerequisites for required courses) prepared and maintained by units
    • Major Concentration: a program of 36–38 credits taken from a unit's course offerings

    Joint Honours Program

    If students want to study at the honours level in two disciplines, they can combine a joint honours program component from an Arts discipline with one from a Science discipline; see Joint Honours Programs for a list of available programs. Each joint honours component consists of a maximum of 36 required and complementary credits (not including program prerequisites). In cases where a minimum of 24 credits are in courses normally restricted to Honours students, the total of required and complementary credits may be as few as 30.

    To choose the Joint Honours option, you students must meet the GPA/cGPA requirements set out in University Regulations and Resources > Undergraduate > Graduation > Graduation Honours > Honours and First-Class Honours for Faculties of Arts and Science (including B.A. & Sc.).
    Option
    • Arts Joint Honours (36 credits) + Science Joint Honours (36 credits). (see Overview of Programs Offered for a list of programs open to students in the B. A. & Sc.)
    • The required integrative course BASC 201 (3 credits)
    • 13–15 credits of electives
    Regulations
    • Programs offered by Mathematics and Statistics, and Psychology are considered Science programs for the purpose of the B.A. & Sc.
    • Students will include within the 36 credits of their major concentrations any university-level (200 or above) prerequisites to required courses within their programs.
    • No course may fulfil the requirements for more than one program.

    Interfaculty Program

    An interfaculty program is an approved selection of courses constituting a concentration in an intellectually coherent and interfaculty field of studies. These courses must include approved selections from the Faculties of Arts and of Science and possibly other faculties. See Interfaculty Programs for a list of approved programs. Students in the B.A. & Sc. who complete an approved interfaculty program must also complete an approved minor concentration or a minor in the Faculties of Arts or of Science. You Students must complete at least 21 credits in the Faculty of Arts and at least 21 credits in the Faculty of Science as part of the interfaculty program and the minor concentration or minor program.

    Option
    • Interfaculty Program (54 credits) + Minor or Minor Concentration (18 to 24 credits) (see Overview of Programs Offered for a list of programs open to students in the B.A. & Sc.)
    • The integrative course BASC 201 (3 credits) is recommended
    • 12–18 credits of electives
    Regulations
    • Students must complete at least 21 credits in the Faculty of Arts and at least 21 credits in the Faculty of Science as part of the interfaculty program and minor concentration or minor program.
    • No course may fulfil the requirements for more than one program.

    Honours Program

    Honours programs demand a high degree of specialization and require students to satisfy specific departmental and Faculty Honours requirements while maintaining good Academic Standing. They are designed to prepare students for graduate study. Students in the B.A. & Sc. who complete an approved honours program must also complete an approved minor concentration or a minor in the Faculties of Arts or of Science. Students must complete at least 21 credits in the Faculty of Arts and at least 21 credits in the Faculty of Science as part of the honours program, minor concentration, or minor program. See Honours Programs for a list of available programs.

    Option
    • Honours Program (60 credits) + Minor or Minor Concentration (18 to 24 credits) (see Overview of Programs Offered for a list of programs open to students in the B.A. & Sc.)
    • The integrative course BASC 201 (3 credits) is recommended
    • Minimum cGPA at graduation of 3.00 (minimum cGPA at graduation of 3.50 for First-Class Honours)
    • Some departments have additional requirements which must be met before students are recommended for Honours or First-Class Honours
    • 6–12 credits of electives
    Regulations
    • Students must complete at least 21 credits in the Faculty of Arts and at least 21 credits in the Faculty of Science as part of the interfaculty program and minor concentration or minor program.
    • No course may fulfil the requirements for more than one program.

    To choose the Honours option, you students must meet the GPA/cGPA requirements set out in University Regulations and Resources > Undergraduate > Graduation > Graduation Honours > Honours and First-Class Honours for Faculties of Arts and Science (including B.A. & Sc.).

    Taken from Programs, Courses and University Regulations 2023-2024 (last updated Aug. 30, 2023).

      

        

     

    3.3.1 Integrative course - Bachelor of Arts and Science degree

    If you are in the Multi-Track Program or the Joint Honours Program, you must complete the required integrative course (BASC 201, 3 credits). For students in an Interfaculty or Honours Program, the Integrative course may also be used to fulfill the requirements of one of the B.A. & Sc. programs or may be considered as elective credit.

    3.3.2 Restrictions on courses outside the faculties of Arts and Science

    There are limits on how many credits students in the B.A. & Sc. degree take outside of the faculties of Arts and Science. Refer to:

    Click to see the eCalendar regulations on taking courses outside the faculties of Arts and Science

    Courses Outside the Faculties of Arts and of Science

    The following regulations apply to students in the B.A. & Sc. who want to take courses outside the Faculties of Arts and of Science:

    • Regardless of your minimum credit requirement toward your B.A. & Sc., you are allowed a maximum of 12 credits in ELECTIVE and/or COMPLEMENTARY courses taken in faculties other than the Faculties of Arts and of Science.
    • Students in certain designated programs that include a number of REQUIRED and COMPLEMENTARY courses in other faculties are permitted a maximum of 30 credits outside the Faculties of Arts and of Science. These programs are the Interfaculty and Honours programs in Environment, the Minor concentration in Environment, the Interfaculty and Honours programs in Sustainability, Science and Society, and the Major concentration in Geography (Urban Studies).
    • Any courses taught at McGill University may be used toward the maximum allowed, except for courses taught by the School of Continuing Studies, for which you receive credits only in Continuing Studies (see the SOUSA website for a list of approved courses: mcgill.ca/science/undergraduate/handbook#basc-continuing).
    • For the purpose of this policy, courses taught in other faculties and specifically listed in Faculty of Arts > Undergraduate or Faculty of Science > Undergraduate are considered as courses taught in the Faculties of Arts and of Science.
    • The maximum number of credits allowed will be strictly enforced.
    Taken from Programs, Courses and University Regulations 2023-2024 (last updated Apr. 13, 2023).

     

     

     

     

    3.3.3. School of Continuing Studies courses within a B.A & Sc. degree

    Continuing Studies courses with subject numbers that do not start with a C can be taken for credit towards your B.A. & Sc. degree.

    You may register for Continuing Studies courses for credit on Minerva according to the dates indicated on the Minerva web site for the summer, fall and winter terms.

    Registering for a Continuing Studies course not for credit

    • Continuing Studies courses with subject numbers that start with C (except those listed above) are not for credit towards your B.A. & Sc. degree.
    • In order to register, you should go to the School of Continuing Studies at 688 Sherbrooke St. West.
    • Make the appropriate arrangements with the School, and their staff will add the course to your record.
    • You will not be able to request credit for these courses at a later date toward your B.A. & Sc. degree.

    4. Study Abroad Options

    Students interested in applying to transfer to another faculty or into Science should be advised that approval for McGill Exchanges or other study abroad activities will not automatically transfer if a student changes degree.

    Students interested in transferring into Science should consult with the relevant advisor in Science to discuss how transferring into Science may impact their study abroad program. Students interested in transferring into the B.Sc should contact mary.gauthier [at] mcgill.ca (Mary Gauthier) and students interested in transferring to the B.A. & Sc. should contact tania.raggo [at] mcgill.ca (Tania Raggo).

    Students interested in transferring out of the Faculty of Science should consult with the other Faculty’s advising office/study abroad coordinators as to potential impacts of a transfer.

    SOUSA reserves the right to refuse to award McGill transfer credit for any studies completed at another university if these studies were not pre-approved or if the host school or any of its courses fails to meet the Faculty’s study away policies or McGill’s program or degree requirements.

    Studying away from McGill is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity whose benefits can go far beyond academic learning. The opportunity to study at another university can add significant dimensions to your undergraduate education by enabling you to develop broader perspectives on your fields of study, to enhance skills in cross-cultural communication and critical thinking applicable to your everyday life and provide you with a chance for personal growth.

    Graduating students

    Students who are on any type of study away during their graduating term WILL NOT be able to graduate at the end of their final term; instead, these students must select a graduation term (on Minerva) for the term following their Study Away, Exchange, etc.

    Note to American students regarding Federal Student Aid:

    Students who are taking distance education (online courses), research abroad, Official McGill Exchange or a Study Abroad program, please review the rules and regulations on the Scholarships and Student Aid website or go to the Scholarships and Student Aid office, Brown Building.

    Study-away advising sessions

    Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts & Science students: If you have SPECIFIC questions concerning your Study Abroad options which are NOT answered on this website, please schedule an advising session with the relevant adviser mary.gauthier [at] mcgill.ca (Mary Gauthier) if you are a B.Sc. student, or tania.raggo [at] mcgill.ca (Tania Raggo) if you are a B.A. & Sc. student.

    4.1 McGill Student Exchange Programs

    Exchange Applications for Winter 2025 :

    Application to apply for the McGill Exchange Program for Winter 2025 on Minerva will open on April 15, 2024 with a June 10, 2024 deadline. 

    The Faculty of Science will be offering several Information sessions for B.Sc students and B.A. & Sc. students wanting to go on Exchange for Winter 2025.

    • B.Sc students: Registration for these sessions is now available,  please click here to register (sessions held March to June).
    • B.A. & Sc. students: Registration for these sessions is now available, please click here to register (sessions held March to May).

    As of the Summer 2011 term, students who are on any type of study away during their graduating term WILL NOT be able to graduate at the end of their final term; instead, these students must select their graduation flag (on Minerva) for the term following their study away.

    Note to American students regarding federal student aid: students who are taking distance education (online courses), research abroad, Official McGill Exchange or a Study Abroad program, please review the rules and regulations on the Scholarships and Student Aid website or go to the Scholarships and Student Aid office, Brown Building.

    McGill Student Exchange Programs are established tuition agreements between McGill and various host universities whereby students exchange places for one or two terms (excluding summer term). For these programs you pay your tuition to McGill while studying abroad.

    When embarking on an exchange program it is a good idea to have a well thought-out plan. Please read the following steps, including the related links concerning policies and regulations, to ensure your participation in a McGill Exchange program is rewarding and successful.

    Step 1: What factors should I consider when planning my exchange program?

    The best time to participate in an exchange program is during the year before your graduating year, your U2 year. This would give you the opportunity to complete at least one year in your program(s) of study at McGill prior to departure. You would return to McGill with an enriched educational perspective to complete your remaining degree and program requirements.

    1. Consider the following before going on an exchange program:

    Studying away can have a significant impact on your academic career. The following are some questions you should be asking:

    • What is the language of instruction at the host university?
    • Do you want to study away for a year or one term?
    • How many credits do you have to complete for your degree and for each of your declared programs?
    • When do you expect to graduate? Will you graduate within the degree time limit?
    • Will you exceed your minimum credit requirement?
    • are you planning on making an inter-faculty transfer to another faculty at McGill, if so, please check with that faculty to make sure you will still be eligible to transfer and still go on an exchange.
    • If your course selection is unavailable at the host university will you be "out of step" with your program requirements upon returning to McGill?
    • Are you on a student visa; and if so, when does it expire?
    • Will you have to extend your degree at McGill if you don't receive as many transfer credits as expected, or as many direct course equivalences as expected?

    2. Review Faculty policies:

    Since your participation in an exchange program may be affected by certain faculty policies, use the following links to read and understand about Science or B.A. & Sc. course and degree requirements:

    General degree requirements:

    3. Review  Transfer credit policy.

    4. Meet with your departmental academic adviser(s):

    You are strongly encouraged to make an appointment with each of your departmental advisers to discuss your plans to participate in an exchange program. Consult the Program Adviser list for names and email addresses for each program and/or department.

    With your adviser(s):

    • discuss your selected host university and courses;
    • discuss your required and complementary courses, and any alternatives, which will count toward your departmental programs at McGill. Discuss elective courses and possible exemptions from specific McGill courses as a result of your exchange program;
    • determine the status of your McGill program requirements. In other words, which courses have you completed and which remain to be completed? Can they be completed at another university? Are you abiding to the "1/3 credit rule"?

    Step 2: How do I select an appropriate institution?

    Step 3: What are the criteria to apply?

    In order to be considered for an exchange program, at the time of your application, you must:

    • be currently registered in a full-time Bachelor of Science or Bachelor Arts and Science program at McGill (with your program(s) of study accurately reflected on Minerva);
    • have a CGPA of 3.0 or greater (and maintain it during all terms leading to the exchange term);
    • have completed a minimum of 12 graded McGill credits at the time of application; and
    • have completed a minimum of 24 graded McGill credits prior to the start of the exchange program.
    • Students wishing to go on Exchange for Fall 2024 and Full Year, will apply on the Exchange Minerva Module.  The module will open on December 5, 2023 and will close on January 15, 2024.
    • It is also recommended that you review the documents above.

    Step 4: Is it possible to obtain funding?

    Start thinking early about applying for funds to study abroad. There is a wide range of options available to you but you must be pro-active in your research and planning. For example, learn if you could tap into funds through federal or provincial-level government loans and bursary programs, foundations or private and public organizations. Inquire about the various application criteria and deadlines.

    The following is a list of some organizations you could review for possible funding options.

    Note to American students regarding federal student aid: While on official exchange from McGill you are considered to be a full-time McGill student for U.S. Direct Loan purposes. Please be aware that regulations by the U.S. Department of Education states that you can receive U.S. Direct Loans only if attending a school that participates in the U.S. Direct Loan program, and the school is located outside of the U.S. For more information, please visit the Scholarships and Student Aid website.

    Step 5: How do I apply?

    1. Consult the instructions from the McGill Abroad website.  There are 7 steps to review

    2. Submit the Minerva Exchange Application form:

    • Exchange application on Minerva for Winter 2025 will open on April 15th and close on June 10, 2024.

    There is a non-refundable application fee chargeable to your Student Account upon submitting an application.

    3. Submit additional information:

    • If you are currently in your  'Year U3', final year of studies (according to your transcript on Minerva) you must write a letter of appeal explaining why you are requesting to go on exchange at this time.

      You must also provide a term-by-term outline of program and elective courses you will be completing upon your return to McGill. The purpose of this list is to ensure that you will not be exceeding your minimum credit requirement and/or the degree time limit.

      If required, explain why your degree and/or program requirements could not be completed within the time normally allotted and why you require an extension. Send this information to mary.gauthier [at] mcgill.ca (Mary Gauthier), (B.Sc.) and tania.raggo [at] mcgill.ca (Tania Raggo )(B.A.& Sc.)
       
    • If you are thinking about transferring to another Faculty within McGill before submitting your exchange application, please contact the new faculty to make sure you will still be eligible to go on exchange should you be accepted to transfer into that Faculty.

    Applications missing this additional information will not be processed.

    4. Confirm your approval status:

    In order to be considered for nomination to the host partner, you must first be granted Faculty Approval by SOUSA. Your application will be evaluated for the required academic criteria and will be granted a status of 'Approved' or 'Not Approved' in the 'Faculty Application Status' field of your Minerva Exchange Application. This is the first level of approval.

    5. Nomination by the McGill Exchange Office at Service Point:

    If your application was granted Faculty Approval, the McGill Exchange Office will review your application for nomination to the partner university. You must accept or decline the nomination on Minerva by the specified deadline.  This is a second level of approval. If your nomination is accepted by the partner university you will be contacted by email by the Exchange Office with details on how to apply to the host University.

    Step 6: What should I do once my application has been accepted?

    Only once you have been sent the offer of admission by the partner university (only a few months before you actual go on exchange), follow these steps:

    Course Equivalency System

    All courses taken abroad (outside of McGill) must be approved using the Course Equivalency System.

    Search the database to determine if the course you want to take has already been approved. You may want to use the “External” course number and then “Country” or “Institution” to determine if the course has already been approved. Make sure you also tick off “Include Expired Decisions”. The course may have already been approved, but might be expired, which means you will have to request a “Reassessment”.

    If the course is not on the course database, then you must login (using your McGill email address and password) and “Submit a Request”. For further information on using the system, please go to Frequently asked questions.

    Once you have made an exchange application, you will then have access to the Minerva Transfer Credit Assessment Form” (replaces the Course Approval Form). Only courses that appear on the Course Equivalency System can be added to the Transfer Credit Assessment Form. For further information, please refer to the Help Field on Minerva.

    You cannot assume that you will receive 3 credits for a course equivalency even if the course is 3 credits at McGill. The Faculty of Science has the right to request a course syllabus (even if the course is approved on the course equivalency system). The Faculty of Science has the final approval for all courses taken by a Faculty of Science (or B.A. & Sc.) student taken outside of McGill.

    If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact mary.gauthier [at] mcgill.ca (Mary Gauthier) if you are a B.Sc. student, or tania.raggo [at] mcgill.ca (Tania Raggo) if you are a B.A. & Sc. student.

    You must register for the Pre-departure Orientation:

    Exchange students will receive instructions from McGill Abroad regarding Pre-departure Orientation.

    Mandatory McGill Student Travel Registry

    McGill requires all of its students who are studying outside of the Greater Montreal area to fill out the McGill Student Travel Registry. The app allows McGill to keep a record of your travel dates and study destinations and to contact students in case the safety situation in the location they are visiting changes.

    Step 7: What should I do while I am at the partner university?

    1. Keep all course materials:

    You may need to refer to the course syllabus, exam questions, graded work, methods of evaluation, reading lists, etc. for final course approvals with your department adviser upon your return to McGill.

    2. Regularly check your McGill email:

    The SOUSA staff will email all correspondence including important notices and information about registration, fees, graduation, etc., to your McGill email account.

    Step 8: How and when are my credits transferred to my McGill record?

    Once your studies at the host university are completed, you must request an official transcript will be mailed to the McGill Exchange Office.

    Please refer to the SOUSA Transfer Credit Policy for details about how transfer credits are approved and processed.

    Step 9: If I decide not to go, should I cancel my application?

    In order to cancel your exchange, you must fill out the appropriate webform Request to Cancel Exchange term (Note: The exchange application fee is non-refundable.)

     

    4.2 Study at a Québec university: AEHE-Inter-University Transfer (IUT) including online courses

    There are two options for studying at another university in Québec for credit towards your McGill Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts & Science degree:

    1. Registering for one or two courses per term at the host university in addition to your McGill courses in the same term using the AEHE-IUT (Autorisation d'études hors établissement) website.
    2. Registering for a full course load at the host university without taking any McGill courses in the same term using the AEHE-IUT website.

    NOTE: U3 STUDENTS: If you are participating in any type of study away (including IUT) during your final U3 term, (even if you are taking only one course outside of McGill) you will not be able to graduate at the end of the term and must select the term of graduation (on Minerva) after your term away.

    Step 1: What factors should I consider before applying for a course at another Quebec University?

    1. Consider the following before applying:

    Studying away can have a significant impact on your academic career. The following are some questions you should be asking:

    • What is the language of instruction at the host university?
    • How many credits do you have to complete for your degree and for each of your program(s)?
    • When do you expect to graduate? Will you graduate within the degree time limit?
    • Will you exceed your minimum credit requirement?
    • If your course selection is unavailable at the host university will you be "out of step" with your program requirements upon returning to McGill?
    • Will you have to extend your degree at McGill if you don't receive as many transfer credits as expected, or as many direct course equivalences as expected?

    2. Review Faculty Policies:

    It is your responsibility to read and understand Faculty policies and regulations. A lack of knowledge or understanding of these policies will not be grounds for an appeal later on. Since certain faculty policies may affect your course selection, read over the following information very carefully:

    General course requirements

    General degree requirements:

    3. Meet with your Program Advisor(s):

    You are strongly encouraged to make an appointment with each of your program advisors to discuss your plans to study at another university. Consult the Program Advisors for a list of adviser names and email addresses for each program and/or department.

    With your advisor(s):

    • discuss your selected host university and courses you want to register for.
    • discuss your required and complementary courses, and any alternatives, which will count toward your departmental programs at McGill.
    • determine the status of your McGill program requirements. In other words, which courses have you completed and which remain to be completed? Can they be completed at another university? Are you abiding to the "1/3 credit rule"?

    Step 2: What are the criteria for acceptance?

    You must be a student in the Bachelor of Science, or the Bachelor of Arts and Science, and registered in a departmental program. You must have a CGPA of 2.00 or greater.

    NOTE: Exchange, Special, Visiting or Foundation year (U0) students are not eligible to apply.

    Step 3: What about online courses? Can I use them towards my degree?

    You are allowed a maximum of 6 online credits to be used towards the fulfillment of the elective requirements of your degree.

    Before registering, however, you must seek prior approval of the Associate Dean, Student Affairs. Please submit your written request to mary.gauthier [at] mcgill.ca (Mary Gauthier) (B.Sc.) or tania.raggo [at] mcgill.ca (Tania Raggo) (B.A.&Sc.) In your email indicate your reasons for taking this online course and attach a current course syllabus which includes the method of evaluation.

    You will also have to get the course approved using the Course equivalency System.

    Step 4: How do I go about making an AEHE-IUT application?

    Watch this short VIDEO on how to use the new AEHE-IUT form.

    • Get your courses assessed for equivalency on the McGill Course Equivalency System. All courses must be evaluated.
    • Complete the online AEHE-IUT form:  All courses entered on the AEHE-IUT application must be evaluated and approved on the McGill Course Equivalency System before submitting the form.

    NOTE:  If the course is assessed as a level equivalency ex: BIOL 3XX or PSYC 2XX, please put this course in the comment section of your application.

    • Register at the host university.  Once the course you wish to take is approved by both the host university and McGill Enrollment Services, you will be required to register for the course(s) at the host university following the registration instructions provided by the host university.
       

    Step 5: What are the deadlines to apply?

    Your AEHE-IUT application must be submitted prior to the start of the term to allow enough time to meet the host university's registration deadlines. These are strict deadlines:

    for the Summer term: by April 15th for May term
    by May 15th for June term
    by June 15th for July term
    for the Fall term: by August 15th
    for the Winter term: by December 15th

    Step 6: What happens once my IUT application has been approved at McGill?

    1. Await the host university's approval:

    Once McGill has approved your application, the host university will inform you of their decision by email.

    2. Register at the host university:

    If your application is approved by the host university, you will receive instructions on how to register at the host university.

    Step 7: How and to whom do I pay my tuition fees?

    The tuition fees for the course(s) at the host university will be charged to your McGill account.

    Step 8: What should I do while I am at the host university?

    1. Keep all course materials:

    You may need to refer to course syllabus, exam questions, graded work, methods of evaluation, reading lists, etc. for discussion about course approvals with your department adviser.

    2. Regularly check your McGill email:

    The SOUSA office will email all correspondence including important notices and information about registration, fees, graduation, etc., to your McGill email account.

    3. Register for McGill courses for the upcoming term:

    If you expect to return to McGill for the upcoming term, be sure to register for your McGill courses by appropriate deadlines to avoid any late registration fees.

    Step 9: What should I do when I return to McGill (if applicable)?

    1. Have you registered for your McGill courses?

    Access Minerva to register for courses and to verify that your registration for your term back at McGill is accurate.

    2. Have you updated your contact information?

    If you have changed residence or telephone number, please ensure that you update your contact information on Minerva so that we can contact you about any issues regarding your study away or your McGill registration.

    Step 10: How and when are my credits transferred to my McGill record?

    1. Ensure that your grade(s) have been submitted to McGill:

    For any course(s) you complete at the host university, the grade(s) will be automatically submitted to McGill. If you login to your AEHE-IUT application and read "Grade transmitted to Home University", this is your confirmation that McGill has received the grade(s). Should you have any questions about the submission of your grade, please contact the host university.

    McGill's Enrolment Services, in coordination with our office, will process the transfer credits to your McGill transcript on a priority and volume-based system.

    NOTE: U3 STUDENTS: As of the Summer 2011, if you are participating in any type of study away/exchange (including IUT) during your final U3 term, you will not be able to graduate at the end of the term and must select the term of graduation (on Minerva) after your term away.

    2. Refer to the SOUSA Transfer Credit Policy:

    Please refer to the SOUSA Transfer Credit Policy for details about how transfer credits are approved and processed.

    Step 11: If I decide not to go after all, should I cancel my application?

    If you wish to drop or withdraw from a course after registering at the host Québec university, you must follow the drop/withdrawal procedures at the host university and submit this change on the AEHE-IUT application. Otherwise, you will continue to be registered for the course, and you will receive failing grades at the end of term, as well as be charged fees.
     

    4.3 Independent Study Away

    Applications for Fall 2024 and/or Winter 2025 independent study away will be available on Minerva as of March 1, 2024.  Students must register at a degree granting University and courses must be delivered in person.  Online courses will not be approved for program requirements. Should an in person course be moved to remote delivery due to COVID-related changes, students must immediately contact the SOUSA Office (see contact information below).

    - Students may be asked to provide proof that a course was delivered in person in order to have their transfer credits awarded. Consult the eCalendar for full policy details: B.Sc distance education policy (eCalendar) / BA&Sc. distance education policy (eCalendar)

    SOUSA reserves the right to refuse to award McGill transfer credit for any studies completed at another university if these studies were not pre-approved or if the host school or any of its courses fails to meet the Faculty’s study away policies or McGill’s program or degree requirements

    U3 STUDENTS: If you are participating in any type of study away/exchange during your final U3 term, YOU WILL NOT be able to graduate at the end of your final term and must select the term of graduation (on Minerva) AFTER your term away.

    Term Away Select Graduation term of
    Fall Winter term (June Graduation/Convocation)
    Winter Summer term (November Graduation/Convocation)

    Note to American students regarding federal student aid: students who are taking distance education (online courses), research abroad, Official McGill Exchange or a Study Abroad program, please review the rules and regulations on the Scholarships and Student Aid website or go to the Scholarships and Student Aid office, Brown Building.

    ALL STUDENTS: Please ensure that the host university mails your official transcript to: Enrolment Services, Student Records, McGill University, 3415 McTavish Street, Room MS 13, Montreal, Quebec, Canada, H3A 0C8.

    The Independent Study Away (on your own) option allows you the flexibility to choose the country and institution where you wish to study. Before embarking on an Independent Study Away program it is a good idea to have a well thought-out plan. Please read the following steps, including the related links concerning policies and regulations, to ensure your experience is rewarding and successful.

    Step 1: Planning process and regulations

    The ideal time to pursue an independent study away program is during your U2 year, before your graduating year. This would give you the opportunity to complete at least one year in your program(s) of study at McGill prior to departure. You would return to McGill with an enriched educational perspective to complete your remaining degree requirements.

    Although not recommended, you may study away during your final U3 year; refer below to "B. Consider the following before Studying Away".

    1. Research Your Intended Destination: Extensively research the universities and countries you are considering. Review websites, university catalogues, talk to your professors and colleagues who are from or have studied in these countries/geographical areas. If host university representatives visit McGill campus, make it a point to attend their information sessions.
    2. Consider the following before Studying Away: Studying away can have significant impact on your academic career. Some questions you should be asking:
      1. What is the language of instruction at the host university?
      2. Do you want to study away for a year or one term?
      3. How many credits do you have to complete at the host university?
      4. When do you expect to graduate? Will you graduate on time and within the degree time limit?
      5. If your course selection is unavailable at the host university will you be "out of step" with your program requirements upon returning to McGill?
      6. Will you have to extend your degree at McGill if you don't receive as many transfer credits as expected, or as many direct course equivalences as expected?
      7. Are you are on a student visa; and if so, when does it expiry?
    3. Funding your Study Away Program: Start thinking early about applying for funds to study abroad. There is a wide range of options available to you but you must be pro-active in your research and planning. For example, learn if you could tap into funds through federal or provincial-level government loans and bursary programs, foundations or private and public organizations. Inquire about the various application criteria and deadlines.

    Note to American students regarding federal student aid: While on official exchange from McGill you are considered to be a full-time McGill student for U.S. Direct Loan purposes. Please be aware that regulations by the U.S. Department of Education states that you can receive U.S. Direct Loans only if attending a school that participates in the U.S. Direct Loan program, and the school is located outside of the U.S. For more information, please visit the Scholarships and Student Aid website.

    D. Meet with your Program Adviser(s): You are strongly encouraged to make an appointment with each of your program advisers to discuss your plans to study away. Consult the list of Departmental Advisers for each program and/or department.

    With your adviser(s):

    • Discuss your selected host university and the courses you may want to take.
    • Discuss your required and complementary courses, and any alternatives, which will count toward your departmental programs at McGill. Discuss elective courses and possible exemptions from specific McGill courses as a result of your study away program;
    • Determine the status of your McGill program requirements. In other words, which courses have you completed and which remain to be completed? Can they be completed at another university? Are you abiding to the "1/3 credit rule"?
    • NOTE: When choosing host university courses you must follow the criteria required to have the credits transfer toward your McGill degree; refer to TRANSFER CREDIT, B. COURSE CRITERIA

    E. Review Faculty Policies: Since your participation in a Study Away program may be affected by certain faculty policies, use the following links to read and understand about Science or Arts courses and degree requirements:

    General course requirements

    General degree requirements:

    Step 2: Where you can study

    You can select any of the already approved universities from the list of Universities on the Minerva study away module.
    Alternatively, you can choose to study at a different university and request that the Science Office for Undergraduate Student Advising (SOUSA) consider it for approval. You must supply detailed information about the university with your application form as indicated on the Request Approval of a Host Institution. If the institution meets the faculty's criteria it will be approved as a suitable study away destination and added to the approved list on Minerva.

    Only universities which confirm the following criteria to our office in writing may be approved:

    1. You will be registered and attending an accredited, degree-granting university;
    2. This SAME university will provide the official transcript of studies (third party "school of record" transcripts are not acceptable); and
    3. The venue of studies is the principal campus of the accredited university or college, a language centre (which has been approved by the corresponding McGill University language department), or an academic program which is field-based.

    Study Away requests involving study abroad (Intermediary) organizations are not approved. This includes, but is not limited to, the following organizations:

    • Abroadco Study Abroad, Academic Programs International (API), American Institute for Foreign Study (AIFS), Arcadia University, Centers for Interamerican Studies (CEDEI), Council on International Educational Exchanges (CIEE), Cultural Experiences Abroad (CEA), Danish Institute for Study Abroad (DIS), Expanish, Greenpeace Organization, Institute for Study Abroad (ISA), Institute for the International Education of Students (IES), Institute of American Universities, Institute for Shipboard Education (ISE), International Partnership for Service Learning and Leadership (IPSL), International Studies Abroad (ISA), Living Routes, Mexico Solidarity Network (MSN), Road2Argentina, School of Field Studies (SFS), School of International Training (SIT), Woodenfish Project, World Bank Institute, Sotheby's Institute of Art, IAUSS (China). UNIS (The University Centre in Svalalbard).

    Failure to have your host university/institution approved by SOUSA may result in NOT receiving transfer credits for courses taken elsewhere. Approval by a department or program adviser outside of SOUSA is a recommendation only and is NOT the final decision. Final decision is made by SOUSA.

    Step 3: Requirements for a study away

    You are permitted to study away for one semester or a full academic year at another university if you meet the following academic requirements:

    • are currently registered in a Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts & Science degree at McGill University (with your program(s) of study accurately reflected on your Minerva transcript); and
    • have a CGPA of 2.70 or greater.

    Step 4: McGill's application process

    Apply online:

    • Log on to Minerva and navigate to: Student Menu > Student Records Menu > Exchange/Study Away Menu > NEW Request for Study Away. Follow the steps and refer to the provided information text and/or help keys.
    • Once you have been granted "Faculty Approval" status on your application, you can obtain an official "Letter of Permission" (LOP) by clicking on "Generate letter" link at the bottom of your Minerva Study Away application.

    Course Equivalency System

    All courses taken abroad must be approved using the Course Equivalency System.

    Search the database to determine if the course you want to take has already been approved. You may want to use the “External” course number and then “Country” or “Institution” to determine if the course has already been approved. Make sure you also tick off “Include Expired Decisions”. The course may have already been approved, but might be expired, which means you will have to request a “Reassessment”.

    If the course is not on the course database, then you must login (using your McGill email address and password) and “Submit a Request”. For further information on using the system, please go to Frequently asked questions

    In addition to the required list of syllabus information, detailed on the Course Syllabus Checklist, you must also ensure that the syllabus contains the following information:
    Institution's name
    Course Number
    Course description (content)
    Date of course/syllabus (year/term).

    Once you have made an independent study away application, you will then have access to the Minerva "Transfer Credit Assessment Form”. Only courses that appear on the Course Equivalency System can be added to the Transfer Credit Assessment Form. For further information, please refer to the Help Field on Minerva.

    If you intend to use this course towards a program requirement you will need to email the departmental program adviser to get their approval on the Transfer Credit Assessment form once the course has been add to the form. Please consult with your program adviser.

    You cannot assume that you will receive 3 credits for a course equivalency even if the course is 3 credits at McGill.

    Online courses must be pre-approved by the Faculty of Science (even if the course has been approved on the course equivalency system). Send a detailed course syllabus to mary.gauthier [at] mcgill.ca (Mary Gauthier). The Faculty of Science has the right to request a course syllabus (even if the course is approved on the course equivalency system).

    The Faculty of Science has the final approval for all courses taken by a B.Sc. or B.A. & Sc. student outside of McGill.

    If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact mary.gauthier [at] mcgill.ca (Mary Gauthier) if you are a B.Sc. student, or tania.raggo [at] mcgill.ca (Tania Raggo) if you are a B.A. & Sc. student.

    Submit your application according to the following period and deadlines:

    For Fall term only
    or Fall & Winter terms:
    March 1st to August 15th
    For Winter term only: March 1st to December 1st

    C. Notification Procedure: If your request is approved, you will receive an email notification informing you that your Letter of Permission is available on Minerva.

    Step 5: What about online courses? Can I use them towards my degree?

    You are allowed a maximum of 6 online credits to be used towards the fulfillment of the elective requirements of your degree.

    Before registering for an online course, however, you must seek prior approval of the Associate Dean, Student Affairs. Please submit your written request to mary.gauthier [at] mcgill.ca (Mary Gauthier). In your email indicate your reasons for taking this online course and attach a detailed course syllabus (for the term you are requesting to take the course) which includes the method of evaluation as well as the information detailed in the Course Equivalency System section above.

    If the Faculty of Science approves you to take the online course, it must then be evaluated using the course equivalency system. Once this has been done, the final approval from the Faculty will be given.

    Step 6: Apply and enrol at host university

    A. You apply directly to the host university as a visiting, special, independent, or non-degree student, according to their application process and deadlines. With your application, submit the Letter of Permission from McGill University.

    B. Once offered admission, you enroll in course according to the registration dates made available to you.

    Step 7: Before you leave

    A. Get Course Approvals: using the Course Equivalency System.

    B. You must register for the Pre-departure Orientation.

    C. Must fill out the Mandatory McGill Student Travel Registry.

    Step 8: While at the host university

    A. Keep all course materials: You may need to refer to exam questions, graded work, methods of evaluation, reading lists, for any transfer credit issues.

    B. Regularly check your McGill email. SOUSA staff will email all correspondence, including important notices and information about registration, fees, graduation, etc., to your McGill email address only.

    C. Official Transcript. Order an official final transcript from the host university to be sent directly to: Enrolment Services, Student Records, McGill University, 3415 McTavish Street, Room MS 13, Montreal, Quebec, Canada, H3A 0C8.

    D. If you expect to return to McGill after your study away term, be sure to register for your McGill courses by appropriate deadlines to avoid any late registration fees.

    Step 9: Cancelling your study away application

    If you need to cancel your independent study away application, please send an email to mary.gauthier [at] mcgill.ca (Mary Gauthier) (Science students) or tania.raggo [at] mcgill.ca (Tania Raggo )(B.A. & Sc. students).

    4.4 Summer studies at a university outside Québec.

    Announcement regarding Summer 2024 Study Away

    Summer 2024 course(s) must be delivered in person (on campus). Online courses will not be approved for credit and will not count for program requirements. Therefore, we are now requiring you to provide proof that the course will be delivered in person before your application can be reviewed. This can be provided in the Student Comments section of the application in Minerva or can be sent by email to studyaway.science [at] mcgill.ca Please supply either a screenshot of the University timetable listing the course and where it will be held on campus (room location) or a link to the University’s website clearly indicating that Summer 2024 courses will be held in person.

    If you choose a course that is online without prior approval, you will not receive transfer credits. The above information is required before SOUSA will review your Summer 2024 term away request.

    - The Minerva application module is now opened and students are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

    - Students may be asked to provide proof that a course was delivered in person in order to have their transfer credits awarded. If you decide to take an online course (elective credit only), please consult the eCalendar for full policy details: B.Sc distance education policy (eCalendar) / BA&Sc. distance education policy (eCalendar)

    SOUSA reserves the right to refuse to award McGill transfer credit for any studies completed at another university if these studies were not pre-approved or if the host school or any of its courses fails to meet the Faculty’s study away policies or McGill’s program or degree requirements.

    If you would like to take a summer course at another Quebec University please see Study at another Quebec university (IUT).

    Studying at another university during the summer months allows you the opportunity to take a few courses away from McGill while experiencing a new city or culture.

    U3 STUDENTS:  If you are taking any courses outside of McGill during the Summer months and you are graduating, YOU WILL NOT be able to graduate at the end of the summer and must select the term of graduation (on Minerva) to the next Fall term (which is the next February graduation).

    Note to American students regarding federal student aid: Students who taking distance education (online courses), research abroad, Official McGill Exchange or a Study Abroad program, please review the rules and regulations on the Scholarships and Student Aid website or go to the Scholarships and Student Aid office, Brown Building.

    Requirements to study away at another University during the Summer

    Students in any year of studies, U0 to U3, are permitted to take summer courses at another university if you meet the following academic criteria:

    • You are currently registered in a Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts & Science degree program at McGill and your program(s) of study are accurately reflected on your Minerva transcript.
    • You have a CGPA of 2.00 or greater.
    • You are permitted to take an overall maximum of 12 credits during the Summer session, including courses taken at McGill during the summer. 
    • All courses taken outside of McGill must be approved (using the Course Equivalency System) and all courses must be entered on the Minerva Transfer Credit Assessment form.

    Where you can study

    Only universities which have confirmed, or will confirm, the following criteria to our office in writing are, or may be, approved:

    Please review the website for Options for Studying Abroad.

    1. You may apply to study at a degree granting university already available on Minerva study away module.
    2. You can choose to study at a different university and request that the Science Office for Undergraduate Student Advising (SOUSA) consider it for approval. You must supply detailed information about the university as indicated on the Request Approval Host Institution form. If the institution meets the Science Faculty's criteria it may be approved as a suitable study away destination and may be added to the approved university listing.
    3. You can learn French through the government-sponsored Explore Bursary Program. See specific information on this program below.
    4. Another Option to consider is the summer program offered by McGill University

    Notes:

    You MUST register and attend an accredited, degree-granting university;

    This SAME university MUST provide the official transcript of studies (third party "school of record" transcripts are not acceptable); 

    The venue of studies is the campus of the accredited university or college, a language centre (which has been approved by the corresponding McGill University language department), or an academic program which is field-based;

    SOUSA WILL NOT approve study away requests involving any Study Abroad and/or Intermediary Organizations.

    • Abroadco Study Abroad, Academic Programs International (API), American Institute for Foreign Study (AIFS), Arcadia University, Centers for Interamerican Studies (CEDEI), Council on International Educational Exchanges (CIEE), Cultural Experiences Abroad (CEA), Danish Institute for Study Abroad (DIS), Expanish, Greenpeace Organization, Institute for Study Abroad (ISA), Institute for the International Education of Students (IES), Institute of American Universities, Institute for Shipboard Education (ISE), International Partnership for Service Learning and Leadership (IPSL), International Studies Abroad (ISA), Living Routes, Mexico Solidarity Network (MSN), Road2Argentina, School of Field Studies (SFS), School of International Training (SIT), Woodenfish Project, World Bank Institute, Sotheby's Institute of Art, SIE International Summer School, IAUSS (China).

     Unless otherwise indicated, universities are approved for "On campus studies" only.

    Failure to have your host university/institution approved by SOUSA may result in NOT receiving transfer credits for courses taken elsewhere. Approval by a department or program adviser outside of SOUSA is a recommendation only and is NOT the final decision.

    Apply and Enrol at Host University

    • Apply DIRECTLY to the host university as a visiting student (or their equivalent to a non-degree student status) according to their process and deadlines. 
    • Wait for "Faculty Approval" on BOTH your Minerva Study Away application and your Transfer Credit Assessment form.
    • With your application, submit the Letter of Permission and any other required documents. An official Letter of Permission can be printed from your Minerva Study Away application once "Faculty Approval" status has been granted. Click the "Generate letter" link on the form.
    • Once you are offered admission, register in courses according to the registration dates made available to you.

    Before Studying Away

    A. Meet with your Program Adviser(s) and your SOUSA Adviser: If you are planning to take courses which you want to have count toward your program(s) requirements, you are required to meet with each of your program advisers. Consult the list of Departmental Advisers for each program and/or department.

    • Discuss your selected host university and the list of courses you plan to take.
    • Discuss your required and complementary courses, and any alternatives, which you want to count toward your departmental programs at McGill.
    • Discuss elective courses with your SOUSA adviser and possible exemptions from specific McGill courses as a result of your study away;
    • Determine the status of your McGill program requirements. In other words, which courses have you completed and which remain to be completed? Can they be completed at another university? Are you abiding to the "1/3rd credit rule"?
    • When choosing host university courses you must follow the criteria required to have the credits transfer toward your McGill degree; refer to TRANSFER CREDIT, A. COURSE CRITERIA

    B. Review Faculty Policies: Since your participation in a Study Away program may be affected by certain faculty policies, use the following links to read and understand about Science or Arts courses and degree requirements:

    General degree requirements:

    NOTE: It is your responsibility to read and understand these policies and regulations. You cannot make any appeals resulting from a lack of knowledge or understanding of these policies.

    At the Host University

    • Keep all course materials; i.e., exam questions, graded work, methods of evaluation, reading lists, etc.
    • Official Transcript: Order an official final transcript from the host university to be sent directly to

    McGill University
    Enrolment Service
    Student Records
    3415 McTavish Street, Room MS 13
    Montreal, Quebec, Canada, H3A 0C8

    The Faculty of Science (SOUSA) will not transfer any credits for Summer 2021.

    Once your studies at the host university are completed and you have arranged for an official transcript to be mailed to the Records Office (address above), the transfer credit process will begin. Please refer to TRANSFER CREDITS, C. Policies and Regulations, for details.

    • Transfer Credits: You must receive a passing grade of "C", or better, at the host university. Grades of C-, Pass (P) and Satisfactory (S) will not be accepted for transfer credits. Please refer to TRANSFER CREDITS, B. COURSE CRITERIA for the complete transfer credit policy.
    • You cannot assume that you will receive 3 credits for a course equivalency even if the course is 3 credits at McGill. The Faculty of Science has the final approval for all credits granted and courses taken by a B.Sc. or B.A. & Sc. student outside of McGill.

    Cancelling your Study Away Request

    • McGill:

    If you have been approved for summer courses at another university but end up NOT taking courses, you MUST cancel your request with the SOUSA Office, no later than August 1st. Please send an email to mary.gauthier [at] mcgill.ca (Mary Gauthier) (for Science students), and tania.raggo [at] mcgill.ca (Tania Raggo) (for B.A. & Sc. students).  Failure to cancel your Summer Term Away will prevent you from making changes to your Minerva record for the Fall term.

    • Host university:

    Make sure, that you have cancelled your registration at the host university; otherwise, you will be charged for the courses, and you will receive a failing grade at the end of the Summer term.

    Science Office for Undergraduate Student Advising (SOUSA) Coordinates

    All correspondence relating to STUDY AWAY:

    McGill University
    Faculty of Science (SOUSA)
    Dawson Hall, Room 405
    853 Sherbrooke Street West
    Montreal, QC, H3A 0G5
    CANADA
    ATT: SOUSA STUDY AWAY/TRANSFER CREDIT COORDINATOR

     

    Explore Bursary Program

    You can learn French through the government-sponsored Explore Bursary Program

    • You should consult the Explore Bursary Program website to determine the course you wish to take (see below for a list of institutions that are not acceptable for transfer credit).
    • You must submit a Minerva Summer Study Away application and you MUST indicate in the comment section that you wish to take a course through the "Explore Bursary Program" and the course must be pre-approved using the Course Equivalency System.
    • If you are accepted for the Explore Bursary Program you must confirm registration at the host institution, and then email: mary.gauthier [at] mcgill.ca (Mary Gauthier) to indicate acceptance into the Explore Bursary Program.
    • Your Minerva Summer Study Away application will then be approved.
    • In early July, a notation of "Inter-University Explore Pgm" will be added to your Minerva transcript.
    • Upon completion of the program, you must request an official copy of the transcript be sent to the following address:

    ​McGill University
    Enrolment Service, Student Records
    3415 McTavish Street, Room MS 13
    Montreal, Quebec, Canada
    H3A 0C8

    The following institutions are not acceptable for transfer credits:

    CEGEP de Rivière-du-Loup
    CEGEP de Trois-Rivières
    Centre linguistique du Collège de Jonquière
    Collège Boréal au Nipissing
    Collège Saint-Charles
    La Cité collégiale
    University of Victoria (Division of Continuing Studies)
    University of Saskatchewan

    4.5 Transfer credits

    You are granted transfer credits for coursework satisfactorily completed at another University according to the regulations and procedures approved by the Faculty of Science as outlined below.

    A. Which institutions are approved for transfer credits:

    Transfer credits are accepted from institutions that meet the following criteria:

    1. The host university is accredited by a college board, or a degree granting institution.
    2. The host university offers a three or four year bachelor's degree or equivalent which is similar to a McGill Faculty of Science or Bachelor of Arts and Science degree.
    3. Institutions such as Community Colleges, which offer associate two-year degrees, are acceptable for transfer credits if courses were completed PRE-McGILL ADMISSION. Once admitted to McGill, all courses MUST be taken at university-level institutions.

    IMPORTANT NOTE: Failure to have your host university/institution pre-approved by SOUSA may result in NOT receiving transfer credits for courses taken elsewhere. Approval by a department or program adviser outside of Science should be considered as a recommendation only and not as the final decision. The final decision for approval is made only by SOUSA.

    B. Which courses are acceptable/not acceptable for transfer credits:

    Courses accepted for transfer credits must meet the following criteria:

    1. Have academic content and be comparable in content and in method of evaluation to McGill courses that Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts and Science students are allowed to take for credit at McGill.
    2. Must be applicable towards the fulfillment of the host university's own bachelor degree requirements.
    3. COURSE OVERLAP:  courses must not overlap with courses already passed at McGill, CEGEP, another university or elsewhere. Please refer to eCalendar. It is your responsibility to verify your record.
    4. COURSES OUTSIDE OF ARTS & SCIENCE: Courses offered by the host university's faculties and/or schools outside of Arts & Science are bound by the same credit limit as McGill courses: refer to: eCalendar 
    5. Practicum ("How to") courses; e.g. dance, fashion design, journalism, photography, wine tasting, etc. are not permitted.
    6. Distance Education courses (Online courses):  You are allowed a maximum of 6 online credits to be used towards the fulfillment of elective credit requirement of your degree. Before registering, you must seek prior approval by the Associate Dean Student Affairs. Please submit your written request to mary.gauthier [at] mcgill.ca (Mary Gauthier) (B.Sc. students) or marina.saunders [at] mcgil.ca (Marina Saunders) (B.A. & Sc. students). In your email indicate reasons for taking online course and provide a detailed course syllabus, which must include the method of evaluation.  The course must include a minimum 50% invigilated final exam.
    7. Courses must receive final grades and be passed with a grade of "C", or better, at the host university. Grades of C-, Pass (P) and Satisfactory (S) will not be accepted for transfer credits. The letter grades achieved at the host university will take precedence over the corresponding numerical grades if both are provided. If the host university does not use a letter grade system, you must consult with the mary.gauthier [at] mcgill.ca (Mary Gauthier) to confirm the minimum grade required for transfer credits. Please refer to the University eCalendar for more information on Transfer Credits.
    8. Transfer Credit Load: For Fall or Winter term away, a maximum of 15 transfer credits is normally granted; for a full academic year away, a maximum of 30 transfer credits is normally granted; for a Summer session, a maximum of 12 transfer credits is normally granted. It is the host university's full course load for degree students that will determine the calculation of your transfer credits. If you complete less than the equivalent of a full course load, transfer credits will be pro-rated.
    9. Language and Civilization Courses:
      1. Pre- and Post- Interviews or Placement Tests: You must consult the appropriate language department(s) before leaving for your study away to determine if a pre-interview or a pre-placement test is required. A pre-interview or pre-placement test is normally waived if you have previously taken a McGill course in the same language. Where appropriate, you must arrange to take a post-interview or post-placement test immediately upon returning to McGill. When you go to the post-interview or post-placement test, take detailed course information, including the method of evaluation, a copy of your host university transcript and an up-to-date copy of your Minerva academic record.
      2. Courses taken at language centres are normally not permitted. However, if you obtain written approval from the appropriate Department Chair on the 'Transfer credit assessment form', this will be taken into consideration when assessing your record for transfer credits.
      3. A language course which is not offered at McGill is normally assessed by our Science Office for Undergraduate Student Advising (SOUSA) Office as generic language transfer credits using course code 'TRNS LANG'. Send a detailed course syllabus to mary.gauthier [at] mcgill.ca (Mary Gauthier).
    10. It is your responsibility to abide by the rules and regulations of the host university to ensure the completion of the courses.

    C. Course Equivalency System

    All courses taken abroad (outside of McGill) must be approved using the Course Equivalency System.

    Search the database to determine if the course you want to take has already been approved. You may want to use the “External” course number and then “Country” or “Institution” to determine if the course has already been approved. Make sure you also tick off “Include Expired Decisions”. The course may have already been approved, but might be expired, which means you will have to request a “Reassessment”.

    If the course is not on the course database, then you must login (using your McGill email address and password) and “Submit a Request”. For further information on using the system, please go to Frequently asked questions

    Once you have made an independent study away application, you will then have access to the Minerva Transfer Credit Assessment Form” (replaces the Course Approval Form). Only courses that appear on the Course Equivalency System can be added to the Transfer Credit Assessment Form. For further information, please refer to the Help Field on Minerva.

    You cannot assume that you will receive 3 credits for a course equivalency even if the course is 3 credits at McGill.

    Online courses must be approved (before being taken) by the Faculty of Science (even if the course has been approved on the course equivalency system). Send a detailed course syllabus to mary.gauthier [at] mcgill.ca (Mary Gauthier). The Faculty of Science has the right to request a course syllabus (even if the course is approved on the course equivalency system). 

    The Faculty of Science has the final approval for all courses taken by a Faculty of Science (or B.A. & Sc.) student taken outside of McGill.

    D. How are Transfer Credits Processed:

    Transfer credits are processed according to the following guidelines and regulations:

    1. Course exemptions and transfer credits are indicated for the term(s) in which they were taken. Courses that do not have direct McGill course equivalencies are indicated using generic or specific subject codes: e.g. BIOL 3XX (for a Biology course at the 300 level), TRNS HUMN (for a course in a Humanities subject), or TRNS LANG (for a language course not taught at McGill). 
      1. Courses given the following transfer credit codes can be used only as electives for your McGill Science or B.A. & Sc. degree: SUBJ 1XX; e.g. BIOL 1XX (for a course considered as "general" Biology course), TRNS GNST (General Studies), TRNS HUMN (Humanities), TRNS LANG (Language), TRNS MASC (Math and Sciences) or TRNS SOSC (Social Sciences).
      2. The number of credits transferred will reflect the number of credits completed at the host university, and may differ slightly from the credit weight for the equivalent McGill course, where such an equivalent course exists. Students are advised to verify their record and meet with their departmental adviser once the transfer credits are added to the Minerva transcript.
    2. The host university's full course load for degree students will determine the calculation of McGill transfer credits. If the host university has a different full course load for International students, the Science Office for Undergraduate Student Advising (SOUSA) Office will use this requirement to calculate the number of transfer credits you will receive.
    3. The host university's full-year course load is equivalent to 30 McGill credits; their term (Fall or Winter) course load is 15 McGill credits. Consult our list of approved host universities (to be available shortly) to determine what is considered a "full course load".
    4. If less than the equivalent of a full course load is completed, credits will be calculated as follows.
      1. The number of credits taken at the host university, divided by the number of credits for a full-year course load at the host university, multiplied by 30.
      2. Here's an example: 10 units completed at University A ÷ 14 units for a full-year course load at University A x 30: [10/14 x 30 = 21.4] = 21 McGill transfer credits.
    5. In Europe, most universities use the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) to assign credit weight to courses. Credit ratio is 2 ECTS credits =1 McGill credit; so 60 ECTS credits = 30 McGill credits; 30 ECTS credits = 15 McGill credits.
    6. All transfer credits will be displayed on the Minerva transcript regardless of whether the courses have been successfully completed or have been approved towards your McGill degree.
    7. The grades achieved at the host university will not appear on the McGill transcript and will not be included in the McGill CGPA; however, you are expected to maintain your McGill academic standing at the host institution. If the host university grade average is not comparable to the final McGill CGPA, the designations of Distinction or Dean's Honour List may be withdrawn at graduation.
    8. If your current academic standing is Unsatisfactory or Probationary, credits will only be transferred to your record once you return to Satisfactory standing.
    9. Departmental academic advisers in Arts, Science and in other faculties at McGill will evaluate courses (based on content, level and method of evaluation) for approval and make recommendations for transfer credit assessment. However, SOUSA has sole responsibility for the final decision made for granting transfer credits and for the number of transfer credits given. We will do our best to ensure you receive a fair assessment, but we cannot guarantee that the courses you choose will receive full credit.
    10.  Courses at a host university which you fail or from which you withdraw will appear on your McGill transcript with zero credit granted.

    E. SOUSA Office and Coordinates

    Official Transcript should be sent to: 

    Enrolment Services, Student Records
    McGill University
    3415 McTavish Street, Room MS13
    Montreal, Quebec CANADA H3A 0C8

    All correspondence relating to TRANSFER CREDITS, must be addressed to:

    Science Office for Undergraduate Student Advising (SOUSA) Office

    Faculty of Science, Dawson Hall, Room 405
    853 Sherbrooke Street West
    Montreal, QC, H3A 0G5, CANADA
     


    5. Degree transfers to the B.Sc. and B.A. & Sc.


    The Faculty of Science welcomes transfer applications to the Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) and the Bachelor of Arts & Science (B.A. & Sc.) degrees from McGill undergraduate students who have not graduated.

    If you are studying at another university and want to transfer to McGill, you must apply through the Admissions website as a Transfer student.

    Applications are available for the Fall semester only. There are no inter/intra-faculty transfers for the Winter or Summer Terms. 

    Inter/Intra-Faculty Term Module Opens Module Closes
    Fall term April 1st May 15th

     

    5.1 Before you apply

    5.1.1 What are the different types of transfer?

    Transfer type Description
    INTRA-Faculty Refers to B.Sc. students who want to switch from one program group within the B.Sc. degree into another program group (e.g. transferring from Biological, Biomedical and Life Sciences (BBL) Group to the Physical, Earth, Math and Computer Science (PEMC) Group).  Students do no need to apply for an intra-faculty transfer to change programs within their current group (e.g. a student in the BBL Group who changes from a Major in Biology to a Major in Physiology).
    INTER-Faculty Refers to changing from one degree to another (e.g. from a B.Sc. to a B.A. & Sc.). Please review section 5.1.2 (below) for an overview of the implications of an inter-faculty transfer.
    Readmission & Transfer Refers to students who are returning to their studies after an interruption of one term or more and wish to apply for both readmission to McGill and an inter/intra faculty transfer. Students interested in readmission and transfer should also read through the information on readmission in Section 6 (below).

     

    5.1.2 What are the implications of an INTER-faculty transfer?

    Degree Requirements

    Students who change degrees are required to meet all degree/course requirements their new degree (consult general degree requirements for B.Sc. or B.A. & Sc.), this includes the Foundation Year Program requirements (consult the B.Sc. Foundation year or B.A. & Sc. Foundation year requirements).

     

    Tuition Fees 

    Consult the Student Accounts website for information on the possible change of tuition fees and other services when changing between degrees. 

     

    Exchange / Study Away 

    • If you have already applied or are applying for an Exchange/Study Away in the upcoming academic year, you must contact the appropriate advisor (see section 5.6 below for contacts) to discuss how transferring to the Faculty of Science may impact your Exchange/Study Away program 

    • If you have or will study away in the current academic year/summer, you should contact your current Faculty to ensure that your transfer credits will be processed. 

     

    Advanced Standing / Transfer Credits 

    If accepted for an inter-faculty transfer to the B.Sc. or B.A. & Sc. any previous advanced standing/transfer credits from courses taken outside of McGill will be reviewed. If you will be receiving any additional credits/exemptions or if any of your previous credits/exemptions will be excluded, you will be informed in your offer of acceptance.  

     

    Courses outside Arts and Science 

    • If accepted for a transfer into the Bachelor of Science: You will receive credits for all courses completed in the Faculty of Arts or Faculty of Science and up to 18 credits of approved courses from outside Arts and Science (some exceptions may apply; each applicant is assessed individually).  

    • If accepted for a transfer into the Bachelor of Arts and Science: You will receive credits for all courses completed in the Faculty of Arts or Faculty of Science and up to 12 credits of approved courses from outside Arts and Science (some exceptions may apply; each applicant is assessed individually).  

    If any of your completed courses will be excluded from counting towards the B.Sc. or B.A. & Sc., you will be informed in your offer of acceptance. 

     

    Grade Point Average 

    If accepted for transfer, your CGPA will continue in the new Faculty reflecting all grades including D, F's, and J's. If the conditions differ from the above, this will be explained in your offer of acceptance. 

     

    5.1.3 What are the limits on eligibility to transfer?

    You do not qualify for transfer if: 

    • You are registered in the School of Continuing Studies and have never been registered in a degree program at McGill University, or are a special student, or have already completed an undergraduate degree. If any of these apply to you then you must apply for admission to McGill through the Undergraduate Admissions Office.

    • You are entering U3 with 84 or more credits: 

    • Students admitted to McGill from a CEGEP DEC and transfer students from another university – your credit limit is 84 credits. This is indicated by the TOTAL CREDITS value on your Minerva transcript. 

    • Students admitted to McGill from International Baccalaureate or the French Baccalaureate, or who were granted advanced standing due to Advanced Placement examinations, GCE A-Levels, and other qualifications – your credit limit is 84 + the number of advanced standing credits indicated on your Minerva transcript. (In other words, 84 credits post-admission.) 

     

    5.2 Minimum transfer requirements for the Bachelor of Science

    IMPORTANT NOTE: Applications for transfer are competitive and depend on space available. Grades equal to or better than those listed do not guarantee your transfer will be granted.

    In addition to the minimum course requirements of each group below, note the following: 

    • The minimum CGPA required is 3.00. 

    • Students entering U2 must have completed a minimum of 9 credits which can be applied to the proposed program, with a minimum grade of B in each course. 

    • Students entering U3 with 84 or more credits are no longer eligible to apply to transfer into the B.Sc. See the information under section 5.1.3 Limits on eligibility to transfer.

    • Students entering U3 with less than 84 credits, must have completed a minimum of 24 credits which can be applied to the proposed program, with an average GPA of 3.0 in these credits with no grade below "C." 

    Program Group Minimum Transfer Requirements
    Biological, Biomedical & Life Sciences

    All courses must be passed with a minimum grade of B or higher: 

    • Two (2) of the following Math courses: MATH 139/140/150, MATH 141/151 or MATH 133/134 

    • BIOL 112 

    • One of PHYS 101/131 or PSYC 100 

    • CHEM 120 

    Bio-Physical-Computational Sciences

    All courses must be passed with a minimu grade of B or higher:

    • Two (2) of the following Math courses: MATH 139/140/150, MATH 141/151 or MATH 133/134 

    • BIOL 112 

    • One of PHYS 101/131 or PSYC 100 

    • CHEM 120 

    Neuroscience

    Students interested in applying to Neuroscience must review the requirements on the Neuroscience website . In addition to the Minerva transfer application, students must also complete an application webform on the Neuroscience website. 

    Students applying to the Neuroscience Group must also satisfy the minimum transfer requirements of the Bachlor of Science.  The following courses must be passed with a minimum grade of B or higher: 

    • Two (2) of the following Math courses: MATH 139/140/150, MATH 141/151 or MATH 133/134 

    • BIOL 112 

    • One of PHYS 101/131 or PSYC 100 

    • CHEM 120 

    Physical, Earth, Math & Computer Science

    All courses must be passed with a minimum grade of B or higher: 

    • Two (2) of the following Math courses: MATH 139/140/150, MATH 141/151 or MATH 133/134 

    • One of PHYS 101/131 or COMP 202 

    • Two of PHYS 102/142, CHEM 110, CHEM 120, BIOL 111, BIOL 112, ESYS 104 or a third MATH from the list above 

     

     

    5.3 Minimum transfer requirements for the Bachelor of Arts & Science

     

    IMPORTANT NOTE: Applications for transfer are competitive and depend on space available. Grades equal to or better than those listed do not guarantee your transfer will be granted.

    In addition to the minimum course requirements below, note the following: 

    • The minimum CGPA required is 3.00. 

    • Students entering U2 must have completed a minimum of 9 credits which can be applied to the proposed programs, with a minimum grade of B in each course. 

    • Students entering U3 with 84 or more credits are no longer eligible to apply to transfer into the B.A. & Sc. See the information under Limits on Eligibility to Transfer. 

    • Students entering U3 with less than 84 credits, must have completed a minimum of 24 credits which can be applied to the proposed programs, with an average GPA of 3.0 in these credits with no grade below "C".  Of these 24 program credits, at least 9 credits must have been completed in the Faculty of Arts and at least 9 credits in the Faculty of Science.

     

    Minimum course requirements for transfer to B.A. & Sc. 

    All courses must be passed with a minimum grade of B or higher: 

    • Two (2) of the following MATH courses: MATH 139/140/150, MATH 141/151 or MATH 133/134 

    AND any three foundation year sciences from: 

    • BIOL 111 or BIOL 112 

    • PHYS 101/131 or PHYS 102/142  

    • CHEM 110 or CHEM 120 

    • At most two of: COMP 202, ESYS 104 or PSYC 100 

     

    5.4 Submitting a transfer application

    Applications are available for the Fall semester ONLY.

    To submit an application for transfer: Log into Minerva > Student Menu > Student Records Menu > Faculty Transfer/Readmission Menu: 

    • If you are currently enrolled in the Bachelor of Science and wish to apply for transfer to a different Bachelor of Science Program Group, select the "Request for Intra-faculty Transfer" option.

    • If you are currently enrolled in an undergraduate degree other than the degree you wish to transfer to, select the "Request for Inter-faculty Transfer" option.

    • If you are returning to your studies after an interruption of one term or more and you wish to apply for both readmission and an inter/intra faculty transfer, select the "Request for Readmission" option. Indicate in the appropriate fields and Comments section that you also wish to transfer.

     

    5.4.1 Selecting your program – Bachelor of Science (see 5.4.2 for Bachelor of Arts & Science)

    When you apply for an inter- or intra-faculty transfer to the Bachelor of Science, you will be asked to nominate one of the following program groups and a major/subject within that group: 

    • Biological, Biomedical and Life Sciences Group 

    • Bio-Physical-Computational Sciences Group 

    • Neuroscience Group 

    • Physical, Earth, Math and Computer Science Group 

    It is important to apply for the group that interests you most.  If admitted, your choice of a major or honours program will be limited to the options available in that group. You must indicate at least one program on your application.

    For full details of the programs available in each program group, refer to: Bachelor of Science program groups.

    IMPORTANT NOTES: 

    • Do not submit multiple applications to the same group. Multiple applications to the same group will be cancelled. If you are interested in more than one program within the same group, please indicate all programs within that group that you wish to be considered for (in order of preference) in the Comments section of your application. 

    • Do not select Major Undeclared or Major Foundation year (previously known as Freshman). If you do not indicate your intended major, your application will be cancelled.  

    • Honours programs: The Faculty of Science does not have the authority to approve an application to an honours program. If select an honours program, your application will be changed to the major program. If you are accepted and want to pursue an honours program, you must contact the department and ask for permission to register for this program and only then can you change your program on Minerva. 

    • Internship Program: Due to a programing error, you may see the option for “Internship Program” under Concentration. Students are not allowed to self-declare this option. If accepted to transfer, interested students should contact the Science Internship and Field Studies Office. 

     

     

    5.4.2 Selecting your program – Bachelor of Arts and Science (see 5.4.1 for Bachelor of Science)

    Students in the Bachelor of Arts and Science are required to have a minimum of two programs. Consult program options and degree structures available in the B.A. & Sc. in the eCalendar. 

    IMPORTANT NOTES: 

    • You must indicate your second program in the Comments section of your application. If you submit an application with only one program indicated, you will be contacted by email and your application will be made incomplete. If you fail to provide this information, your application will be cancelled. 

    • Do not submit multiple applications to the Bachelor of Arts and Science. Multiple applications to the B.A. & Sc. will be cancelled. If you are interested in multiple programs in the B.A. & Sc., please indicate all programs that you wish to be considered for (in order of preference) in the Comments section of your application. 

    • Honours programs: The Faculty of Science does not have the authority to approve an application to an honours program. If you select an honours program, your application will be changed to the major program. If you are accepted and want to pursue an honours program, you must contact the department and ask for permission to register for this program and only then can you change your program on Minerva. 

     

     

    5.4.3 Students applying to multiple groups/degrees 

    If you are submitting multiple transfer applications (e.g. to more than one Bachelor of Science Program Group or to multiple degrees), you must list all your choices (in order of preference) in the Comments section of EACH and EVERY application you submit.

    If you fail to provide your order of preference, your applications to the Faculty of Science will be made incomplete and you will be contacted by email. If you fail to reply to this email, all your applications to the Faculty of Science will be cancelled.  

     

    5.4.4 Additional documentation 

    If additional information or documents are required to process your transfer application, you will be contacted via your McGill email address. If you do not supply the requested information by the indicated date, your application(s) will be cancelled.  

    Readmission and Transfer applicants who completed courses at another university during their absence are required to submit official transcripts. Official transcripts must be sent directly from the university you attended to McGill. Please refer to section 6. Readmission (below) for more information. 

     

    5.4.5 Appeals 

    Any inter/intra-faculty transfer applicant who does not meet the minimum transfer criteria must submit a letter of appeal (which should not be longer than one page) with the electronic application. Enter the appeal in the Comments area of the electronic application outlining the following: 

    • Any reasons which may have contributed to your performance 

    • Steps you have taken or plan to take to improve your academic performance 

    If applicable, send any supporting documents separately to the relevant contact in the SOUSA Office (see section 5.6 below for contacts).

    5.5 Next Steps

    When can you expect a decision?

    Faculty decisions are normally made during the months of June and July and will be entered on the Minerva transfer applications. An email will be sent to your McGill account notifying you of a "change of status" to your application. You must then log onto your Minerva transfer application to read the faculty decision and conditions. If you have questions about the decision, please contact the relevant person.

    What does it means if your application is "Faculty File Incomplete"?

    In some cases, the status of your application may be changed to "Faculty File Incomplete". Please read the details of what information or documents are missing and promptly follow through as requested. Incomplete applications cannot be processed and will eventually be cancelled.

    Accepting an offer

    If you are offered admission to the Faculty of Science, read the conditions of your acceptance in the "External Comments" field of your Minerva application. You must then "ACCEPT" or "DECLINE" our offer by the indicated deadline.

    If you have submitted a transfer application to another Faculty, it is possible you will receive a decision for one application before your other application(s) have been reviewed. If you ACCEPT a transfer offer, any pending applications will be automatically cancelled by Minerva.

    5.6 Contacts

    Transfers for Contacts
    Transfers into the Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) mary.gauthier [at] mcgill.ca (Mary Gauthier)
    Transfers into the Bachelor of Arts & Science (B.A. & Sc.) marina.saunders [at] mcgill.ca (Marina Saunders)

    6. Readmission

    6.1 Readmission to the Bachelor of Science

    Students who wish to complete their undergraduate degree after an absence of one or more academic terms or those whose most recent standing is “unsatisfactory,” must apply for readmission. Readmission is neither automatic nor is it guaranteed. If you no longer have access to Minerva, you will need to contact Service Point to be reactivated.

    Apply Early! Readmission requests are processed from the moment the module opens and in the order they are received.

    It is your responsibility to check your readmission application and email regularly as we may require further information. If this information is not provided by the specified deadline your application may be cancelled. 

     

    6.1.1 Application Deadlines

    B.Sc. students seeking readmission to the B.Sc. and to the same program group should be aware of the following deadlines:

    To resume your studies in:

    Minerva module opens

    Minerva module closes

    Summer

    Note: Do not apply for Summer readmission unless you plan to register for courses in the summer. If you are accepted for Summer readmission and do not complete at least one course* during the Summer, your McGill record will become inactive and any Fall or Winter courses you may have registered for will be dropped.

    March 1

    June 1

    Fall

    March 1

    July 1

    Winter

    October 1

    November 15

    *This may include a course taken at McGill or a McGill approved activity (e.g. exchange, internship, IUT, study-away).

     

    Students seeking both readmission to McGill and an inter-faculty or intra-faculty transfer to the B.Sc. must submit their application as a Minerva “Request for Readmission” by the deadline below: 

    If applying for readmission AND transfer

    Minerva module opents

    Minerva module closes

    Fall

    April 1

    May 15

    Notes:

    • The Faculty of Science does not accept transfer applications for the Summer or Winter terms. See: Degree transfers for additional information.
    • If you are applying simultaneously for readmission and transfer for the Fall term, you must apply by the transfer deadline. After May 15th, you may only apply for readmission.
    • If you have missed the transfer application dates but still wish to return to your studies (for Summer, Fall or Winter), you may apply for readmission to your present degree in preparation for making a transfer application for the Fall. You should speak with your current Degree Advisor to discuss your options.
    • Due to a technical error, the Minerva application will not prevent you from applying for transfer in the Winter or Summer terms. If you do so, your application will be Faculty Cancelled.

     

    6.1.2 Key considerations BEFORE applying for readmission:

    • If you were a newly admitted students who withdrew from the University before the withdrawal with refund deadline, you cannot apply for readmission to return to McGill (you must apply with the Admissions Office).
    • If your McGill email has been deactivated, you must provide a valid alternative email. It is your responsibility to check your readmission application on Minerva and your email account regularly as additional information may be requested. If requested information is not provided by the specified deadline, your application may be cancelled.
    • Submit your application on time, even if you do not yet have all the necessary documents. If this is the case, add a note in the “Student Comment” section of the application that states which documents/information you will provide at a later date.
    • Review your Unofficial Transcript (Minerva > Student Menu > Student Records Menu > View Unofficial Transcript) to view your academic standing. This will impact the documents and information you must provide as part of your readmission application.
    • If you are readmitted, your rate of tuition may be different from when you were last enrolled at McGill. For more information, visit Student Accounts. Additionally, you may be required to provided updated proof of your residency status. For more information, please visit the following websites: Deferred Admission, Degree Transfers, Break in Enrolment AND Legal Documents (Quebec residents) 
    • International Students: Consult the Minerva "View your Tuition and Legal Status" page to see if your record at McGill reflects your most recent immigration status in Canada. If you are an international student, you must possess a valid Study Permit, CAQ and Permanent Code, for the duration of your remaining studies at McGill. If you need to obtain legal documents (CAQ, Study Permit), submit a readmission request as early as possible. For more information, visit Legal documents. For assistance please contact International Student Services

     

    6.1.3 Application procedures

    All students must follow the steps outlined in this section. Please consult sections 6.1.4 for additional instructions that may apply to your specific situation.

    An incomplete application will cause delays and may result in the cancellation of your application.

    1. Complete the online readmission application on Minerva (open Minerva and select: Students > Student Records Menu > Faculty Transfer & Readmission Menu).

    • To submit a new request, select “Request for Readmission.
    • To view the status of a request (including any previous requests), select “View Application Status.

     

    2. Under the “Student Comments” section of the application, you must:

    • State the reason(s) for your absence from the University and give a summary of your activities during this period.
    • If your McGill email is no longer active, you must include a valid email address (note: McGill email address will be used for all active students).
    • Inform us if you studied elsewhere during your absence from McGill. Additional documentation will be required, consult Section 6.1.4 (below).
    • IMPORTANT: If you plan to apply for Study Away in the term for which you are applying for readmission, you MUST notify us in the Student Comments.

     

    3. Additional information and/or supporting documentation may be required based on the reason(s) for your absence, activities undertaken during your absence, and/or your current academic standing.

    • Consult your unofficial transcript on Minerva to view your academic standing (in your most recent semester of study).
    • Review all scenarios outlined below (Section 6.1.4) that apply to your academic standing and the circumstances of your absence.

     

    6.1.4 Situations that require additional information and/or supporting documentation.

    Consult ALL information below as multiple situations may apply for your readmission application. Depending on your situation, additional information may be requested while your application is being processed. If your application status is listed as “Faculty File Incomplete” refer to the Minerva module/your email inbox for details on the requested information.

    Students who studied at another university during their absence

     

    If final grades ARE NOT yet available:

    Email a PDF copy of your unofficial transcript(s), including all pages, from all schools that you have attended to readmission.science [at] mcgill.ca. Include your name and McGill ID in the subject line. If readmitted, you must arrange for official transcripts to be sent directly from the school(s) you attended to readmission.science [at] mcgill.cance final grades are available.

     

    If final grades ARE available:

    You must arrange for official transcripts to be sent directly from the school(s) you attended to readmission.science [at] mcgill.ca.

    Students who intend to pursue Study Away in the term they are readmitted

    Indicate your intentions in the Student Comments.

    If your readmission application is approved, you must accept the readmission offer before you can proceed with a Study Away Application by the required deadline. Note that Readmission and Study Away are separate applications and approval of Readmission does not guarantee approval of Study Away.

    Students in UNSATISFACTORY standing

    1) Include a detailed statement of appeal under the Student Comments section. Your statement must:

    • Describe the extenuating circumstances that affected your academic performance.
    • Explain how you have addressed the challenges you faced and steps you have and will continue to take to improve your academic performance.
    • Note: It is highly recommended that you consult the self-assessment guide to help you describe your situation and improve your performance if readmitted.

     

    2) Submit any supporting documents attesting to the extenuating circumstances you experienced (this may include medical or employment letters and/or other relevant documentation).

    How to submit: copies of medical notes and other documentation must be sent to readmission.science [at] mcgill.ca. Include your name and McGill student ID number in the subject line.

     

    3) If your unsatisfactory standing was due to medical issues, you are strongly encouraged to meet with your health practitioner to confirm you are ready to resume your studies before seeking readmission.  As part of your readmission application, you must provide an official medical note stating that you are ready to resume your studies. The note must confirm that your health enables you to return to your studies and it should include a recommendation for the number of courses you should take.

    How to submit: official medical notes must be sent directly from your health care provider to readmission.science [at] mcgill.ca. A medical note hand-delivered in an unsealed envelope, a scanned note sent by you is NOT an official note and may not be accepted.

     

    Note:

    • Students who are readmitted must meet with their Degree Advisor regularly to review the conditions of their readmission and progress throughout the year. If conditions are not met, a future readmission request may be refused.
    • If this is your second (or more) time in unsatisfactory standing, there may be additional information required and additional conditions to a readmission.

    Students in SATISFACTORY standing who are seeking simultaneous readmission and transfer

    • If you have already completed 84 credits or more, you must provide an explanation of why you are requesting a transfer in the Student Comments section.
    • If you are in Unsatisfactory standing, consult the information in the “Students in UNSATISFACTORY standing” section.

    6.1.5 Contacts and resources for readmission to the B.Sc.

    Any questions about applying for readmission to the Bachelor of Science should be sent to //readmission.science [at] mcgill.ca">readmission.science [at] mcgill.ca. Please ensure that you include your student ID number.

    Additional resources  
    Contacting your B.Sc. Degree Advisor SOUSA Contacts
    Self-Assessment Tools Undergraduate Handbook Section 8.2
    Graduation Checklist Undergraduate Handbook Section 14
    International Student Services - Immigration Documents Immigration Documents

     

    6.2 Readmission to the Bachelor of Arts & Science

    Students who wish to complete their undergraduate degree after an absence of one or more academic terms or those whose most recent standing is “unsatisfactory,” must apply for readmission. Readmission is neither automatic nor is it guaranteed. If you no longer have access to Minerva, you will need to contact Service Point to be reactivated.

    Apply Early! Readmission requests are processed from the moment the module opens and in the order they are received.

    It is your responsibility to check your readmission application and email regularly as we may require further information. If this information is not provided by the specified deadline your application may be cancelled.

     

    6.2.1 Application Deadlines

    B.A. & Sc. students seeking readmission to B.A. & Sc. should be aware of the following deadlines:

    To resume your studies in:

    Minerva module opens

    Minerva module closes

    Summer

    March 1

    June 1

    Fall

    March 1

    July 1

    Winter

    October 1

    November 15

    Note: only apply for readmission if you intend to register for courses in that term.  If you are accepted and do not complete at least one course* during the term, your McGill record will become inactive and any courses you may have registered for in later terms will be dropped.

    *This may include a course taken at McGill or a McGill approved activity (e.g. exchange, internship, IUT, study-away).

     

    Students seeking both readmission to McGill and an inter-faculty transfer to the B.A. & Sc. must submit their application as a “Request for Readmission” by the deadlines below: 

    If applying for readmission AND transfer

    Minerva module opents

    Minerva module closes

    Fall

    April 1

    May 15

    Notes:

    • The Bachelor of Arts & Science does not accept transfer applications for the Summer or Winter terms. See: Degree transfers for additional information.
    • If you are applying simultaneously for readmission and transfer for the Fall term, you must apply by the transfer deadline. After May 15th, you may only apply for readmission.
    • If you have missed the transfer application dates but still wish to return to your studies (for Summer, Fall or Winter), you may apply for readmission to your present degree in preparation for making a transfer application for the Fall. You should speak with your current Degree Advisor to discuss your options.
    • Due to a technical error, the Minerva application will not prevent you from applying for transfer in the Winter or Summer terms. If you do so, your application will be Faculty Cancelled.

     

    6.2.2 Key considerations BEFORE applying for readmission:

    • If you were a newly admitted students who withdrew from the University before the withdrawal with refund deadline, you cannot apply for readmission to return to McGill (you must apply with the Admissions Office).
    • If your McGill email has been deactivated, you must provide a valid alternative email. It is your responsibility to check your readmission application on Minerva and your email account regularly as additional information may be requested. If requested information is not provided by the specified deadline, your application may be cancelled.
    • Submit your application on time, even if you do not yet have all the necessary documents. If this is the case, add a note in the “Student Comment” section of the application that states which documents/information you will provide at a later date.
    • Review your Unofficial Transcript (Minerva > Student Menu > Student Records Menu > View Unofficial Transcript) to view your academic standing.  This will impact the documents and information you must provide as part of your readmission application.
    • If you are readmitted, your rate of tuition may be different from when you were last enrolled at McGill. For more information, visit Student Accounts. Additionally, you may be required to provided updated proof of your residency status. For more information, please visit the following websites: Deferred Admission, Degree Transfers, Break in Enrolment AND Legal Documents (Quebec residents)
    • International Students: Consult the Minerva "View your Tuition and Legal Status" page to see if your record at McGill reflects your most recent immigration status in Canada. If you are an international student, you must possess a valid Study Permit, CAQ and Permanent Code, for the duration of your remaining studies at McGill. If you need to obtain legal documents (CAQ, Study Permit), submit a readmission request as early as possible. For more information, visit Legal documents. For assistance please contact International Student Services.

     

    6.2.3 Application Procedures 

    1. Students seeking readmission must complete an application using the readmission menu in Minerva. To access the application, login to Minerva and Select: Student Menu > Student Records Menu > Faculty Transfer & Readmission Menu:

    • To submit a new request, select “Request for Readmission."
    • To view the status of a request (including any previous requests), select “View Application Status 

     

    2. When making an application, under “Student Comments” you must: 

      • Provide an alternate email address if you do not currently have access your McGill email.
      • Provide a summary of your activities since you were last at McGill.
      • TIP: Keep your responses concise and use bullet-points! 

       

      3. Additional information and/or supporting documentation may be required based on the reason(s) for your absence, activities undertaken during your absence, and/or your current academic standing.

      • Consult your unofficial transcript on Minerva to view your academic standing (in your most recent semester of study).
      • Review all scenarios outlined below (Section 6.2.4) that apply to your academic standing and the circumstances of your absence.

       

      6.2.4 Situations that require additional information and/or supporting documentation.

      Any additional documentation should be sent to Marina Saunders (marina.saunders [at] mcgill.ca) or included in the Student Comments 

      If more than one of these scenarios applies to you, please include all additional information. Depending on your situation, additional information may be requested while your application is being processed. If your application status is listed as “Faculty File Incomplete” refer to the Minerva module/your email inbox for details on the requested information.

      Students who studied at another university during their absence

       

      You must indicate this in your response to the question “During your absence from McGill did you take courses at another institution?” Additionally, in the Student Comments section also include the following information:

      • Name of the institution
      • When the course(s) were taken. If the courses are still in process, please include the expected date of completion. 

      You must send a copy of your unofficial transcript of studies at the same time as your application. During the readmission process you may also be asked to provide an official transcript to McGill. You will be notified if an official transcript is required. 

      Please note that SOUSA reserves the right to refuse transfer credit to any studies completed at another institution. 

      Students who intend to pursue Study Away in the term they are readmitted

      You must indicate this in the Student Comments section of your application and include the following information: 

      • The type of activity you will be applying for (Independent Study Away / Exchange / Inter University Transfer or Explore program)
      • The name of the institution you are planning to attend (if you already know this). 

      Please be advised that if readmitted, you are not automatically approved for an activity outside of McGill. Please consult Study Away for the guidelines on studying outside of McGill.

      Students in UNSATISFACTORY standing

      1) Include a detailed statement of appeal under the Student Comments section. Your statement must:

      • Describe the extenuating circumstances that affected your academic performance.
      • Explain how you have addressed the challenges you faced and steps you have and will continue to take to improve your academic performance.
      • Note: It is highly recommended that you consult the self-assessment guide to help you describe your situation and improve your performance if readmitted.

       

      2) Submit any supporting documents attesting to the extenuating circumstances you experienced (this may include medical or employment letters and/or other relevant documentation).

      How to submit: copies of medical notes and other documentation must be sent to marina.saunders [at] mcgill.ca. Include your name and McGill student ID number in the subject line.

       

      3) If your unsatisfactory standing was due to medical issues, you must also provide an official medical note stating that you are ready to resume your studies. The note must confirm that your health enables you to return to your studies and it should include a recommendation for the number of courses you should take.

      How to submit: official medical notes must be sent directly from your health care provider to marina.saunders [at] mcgill.ca (.)

       

      Note:

      • Students who are readmitted must meet with their Degree Advisor regularly to review the conditions of their readmission and progress throughout the year. If conditions are not met, a future readmission request may be refused.
      • If this is your second (or more) time in unsatisfactory standing, there may be additional information required and additional conditions to a readmission.

      Students seeking simultaneous readmission and transfer

      Readmission and transfer applications are only available for the Fall semester.  

      Students seeking both readmission to McGill and an inter-faculty transfer to the B.A. & Sc. must submit their application as a “Request for Readmission” by the deadline for transfer request. Students applying for readmission and transfer must also read through the information on Degree Transfers section.

      In order to keep your options open, if you wish to return to McGill regardless of whether or not you can transfer you might want to make a readmission application into your original program/faculty as wellIf you are submitting multiple applications, be sure to indicate which is your first choice in the Student Comments section.

      6.2.5 Application status

      What does it mean if your application status is Faculty File Incomplete?

      If your application status is Faculty File Incomplete, this means that additional information/action is required from you before your readmission application can be processed. Review the “External Comments” of your application for what is required and the deadline it must be supplied by. If you do not provide the requested information by the stated deadline, your application will be Faculty Cancelled.

      One reason your application may be made incomplete is if you are required to submit a repeated course appeal for a course you have previously failed twice and are required to take a third time.

      Repeated course appeals

      Students who have failed a required course twice must appeal to their degree advisor for permission to take the course for a third and final time. Please email your degree advisor with a CC to Marina Saunders (marina.saunders [at] mcgill.ca) with the subject line: Repeated course appeal – McGill Student ID Number. Please include the following:

      • Please explain your grades in XXX (e.g. Math 140 - F in Fall 2021 and D in Summer 2022).
      • Please explain why you believe you will now be able to pass this course and describe the steps that you will take to ensure that you pass this course if you are given permission to take it for a final time.

      If you are submitting a repeated course appeal for more than one course, please include all courses in the same email.

      If you are submitting/have submitted a repeated course appeal, please mention it in the “Student Comments” section of your application.

      Your degree advisor will need to confirm whether your repeated course appeal has been approved before a decision can be reached on your readmission request.

      6.2.6 If Readmission is approved

      • You MUST accept the readmission offer in Minerva within three weeks or your application will automatically be cancelled. Once an offer is accepted, it takes 5-7 business days for your Minerva record to be reactivated.
      • If you drop, withdraw from, or do not register for any courses (at McGill or as part of an approved activity like term away) in the term you were readmitted for (including Summer), your student status will become inactive and any courses in future terms will be dropped. If you are readmitted and ultimately do not take any courses in that semester, you must apply for readmission for the next term that you plan on taking classes. For example, if you are readmitted for the Summer semester and do not take any classes, you must apply for readmission for the Fall semester before the deadline to continue your studies in the Fall.
      • Please note that readmission decisions are made independently of financial or immigration circumstances. If you have any holds on your record (viewable through Minerva), you will not be permitted to register until the hold(s) has been resolved even if readmission has been granted.
      • It is your responsibility to be aware of registration dates to avoid late registration fees.

       

      6.2.7 Contacts and resources for readmission to the B.A. & Sc.

      Any questions about applying for readmission to the Bachelor of Arts and Science should be sent to Marina Saunders (marina.saunders [at] mcgill.ca). Please ensure that you include your student ID number.

      Additional resources  
      Contacting your degree advisor SOUSA Contacts
      Self-Assessment Tools Undergraduate Handbook Section 8.2
      Graduation Checklist Undergraduate Handbook Section 14
      International Student Services - Immigration Documents Immigration Documents

       


      7. Special, visiting and exchange students

      7.1 Getting started at McGill

      Inform yourself:

      Read all the information in this section of the handbook for special, visiting and exchange students. You should also read the sections on Choosing courses and Course registration.

      Select courses and register until the last day of the add/drop period)

      Select your courses for Fall and/or winter term using the eCalendar and the class schedule on Minerva. Don't forget to select the the Fall and/or Winter term on Minerva.

      Faculty Advising

      Mary Gauthier, your Faculty adviser from the Science Office for Undergraduate Student Advising Office (SOUSA) will be available to answer any academic questions you have about your time at McGill.During the first two weeks of the Fall and Winter terms, you have the opportunity to change the courses for which you have registered. You may drop and add courses as you wish, subject to any restrictions indicated in the eCalendar and Timetable. After the course change period, you may withdraw from courses until approximately the mid-point of each term. Head to mcgill.ca/importantdates for exact deadlines.

      If you are undecided about whether to drop or withdraw from a course, you can talk to an adviser in your department as well as an adviser in the SOUSA Office. You should assess your progress to date in the course, and try to reach a realistic evaluation of your ability to complete each course successfully.

      Discuss course changes with your departmental adviser(s) who will approve them if appropriate. Use Minerva to make the changes to your record. You can also go and see Mary Gauthier (Faculty Adviser), Dawson Hall, Room 405.

      Ongoing advice and support: until end of term

      If you have questions about your course selection, consult with your adviser in the department that administers the courses.

      For Exchange students: Your Faculty adviser (Mary Gauthier) will be your resource person. She will send you emails at intervals during the academic year. Make sure you read them carefully as they will contain important information.

      If you have questions, your Faculty adviser (Mary Gauthier) will be having Same-Day advising sessions throughout the academic year. For more serious issues you can arrange an individual appointment with her. Come to the SOUSA Office, 4th Floor, Room 405 of Dawson Hall and arrange for an advising appointment. If you have a simple question, you can email your adviser (mary.gauthier [at] mcgill.ca). When emailing your adviser, please include your name and student number in the subject line. Also, please make sure to use your McGill email account as per McGill's email policy: email communication with students [.pdf]

      7.2 Advising appointments

      In order to determine which courses will be appropriate for you, your departmental adviser will need to have information about the courses you've taken at your home university. Please bring the following pieces of information to your advising appointment:

      • a copy of your academic record (courses and grades) from your home university;
      • course descriptions for the courses you have taken at your home university;
      • information about the number of credits or courses required to complete your degree;
      • a list of suggested McGill courses that you think might be appropriate for you to take;
      • a list of questions you want to ask the adviser.

      The departmental adviser will review the courses you have already completed to ensure that you have the appropriate background for the McGill courses you intend to take.

      For advice of a more general nature, you should consult, as necessary, with your Faculty adviser (which will be indicated on your Minerva transcript) in the Science Office for Undergraduate Student Advising Office (SOUSA) on the 4th floor, Room 405 of Dawson Hall. The SOUSA Office is also very knowledgeable. You can come in person, or phone (514) 398-5442.

      › Contact SOUSA
      › SOUSA office hours

      7.3 Selecting courses as a special, visiting or exchange student

      Each course has a credit weight associated with it. The normal load for a full-time student in Science is five courses or 15 credits per term. The number of credits you take in a term should be determined by your own situation. If you have commitments outside the University, you might consider reducing your load to 12 credits per term (this is normally the minimum for those studying on a student visa).

      Course selection should be done with your departmental academic adviser. The courses you take should also be chosen with your personal situation in mind. If this is the first time you are studying in English, you might want to mix program courses, electives and English as a Second Language courses. If you have studied in English before, but feel that your writing should be improved, you should investigate the courses in English for Academic Purposes.

      Departmental restrictions (Anatomy & Cell Biology, Biochemistry, Biology, Microbiology, Pharmacology, Physiology)

      Students must contact Mary Gauthier, mary.gauthier [at] mcgill.ca, for information on how to register for courses that have a departmental restriction. Departments reserve the right to limit access to courses for which students do not hold equivalent prerequisite courses.

      Research courses

      Some Faculty of Science research courses are open to special, visiting and exchange students. Please contact your departmental adviser before registering for a research course.

      7.4 What to do if you experience difficulties

      Occasionally students experience serious problems which affect their ability to complete coursework on time. If there are medical problems, or other personal problems which prevent you from giving sufficient time to your courses or exams, there may be arrangements which we can make.

      If the situation interferes with the submission of term papers, writing of midterm tests, or other class work, consult with the course instructor. It may be possible to arrange for make-up tests, or extensions of deadlines. The instructor will require supporting documentation in the form of a doctor's letter, or other relevant documents.

      On the other hand, if you are unable to write formal final exams, or feel that withdrawal from courses or the University after the normal deadline may be necessary because of illness or family affliction, you should consult with your adviser in the SOUSA Office. If special arrangements are to be made, supporting documentation will be required.

      › Contact SOUSA

       


       

      8. Academic advice

      8.1 Making academic decisions

      1. What is the difference between an uninformed and an informed decision?

      Uninformed decisions are often made when:
      It doesn't seem all that important which choice you make.
      The problem is not that complex and the decision doesn't have large consequences.

      • You can make uninformed decisions intuitively, impulsively or randomly.
      • None of these methods of decision-making is necessarily inappropriate.
      • For example, you might decide intuitively to wear your raincoat because you have a feeling that it might rain.
      • You might decide impulsively to go to a concert at the very last minute.
      • You might pick your choice of movie randomly by flipping a coin.
      • If your decision involves more complexity and has larger consequences, you should make an informed decision.

      Informed decisions:

      1. Lead to focused, planned action.
      2. Are the result of gathering information, identifying alternatives, visiting your values and designing strategies.
      3. Choosing your departmental program of study, or where you want to live, are both examples of consequence-holding decisions that can benefit from informed decision-making.

      2. How can you make an informed decision? A decision-making method

      1. What is the problem?
      Identify and name the problem.

      2. What are the possible solutions?
      List all possible solutions.

      3. What do you need to know in order to choose a solution?
      Gather information that will help you decide what to do.

      4. What would happen if you chose a particular solution?
      Identify the outcome of each solution by listing the advantages and disadvantages of each.

      5. How do you decide which solution to choose?
      Prioritize the advantages and disadvantages in order of their importance to you- check your values.

      6. Choosing a best solution.
      Choose the solution that has the greatest number of most important advantages and the least number of disadvantages.

      7. What if there is no 'best' solution?
      Choose the 'next best' solution, one that is not ideal but which you can accept and live with.

      8. Putting your solution into gear.
      Make an action plan.

      9. Act.
      Carry out your action plan.

      10. Monitor.
      Observe and evaluate the results of your actions.

      11. Apply what you have learned for next time.
      Keep actions which generated positive results; eliminate those that didn't.

      3. Applying the method to an academic problem - an example

      Let's try this method out on an academic problem.

      Scenario: Susan is enrolled in five courses for the fall semester. She is struggling with one of her 3-credit required courses and is worried that she might fail it. The withdrawal deadline with refund has already passed, but the withdrawal deadline with no refund is still one week away. She is unsure if she should withdraw from the course or not. Her finances are tight and she doesn't want to have to pay to repeat the course if she does withdraw. On the other hand, she is concerned about the effect of a low grade on her average. She is also extremely stressed and is having trouble sleeping and eating as a result of this stress.

      1. What is the problem?
      Identifying and naming the problem.

      Problem 1:
      Susan is struggling academically with the course.

      Problem 2:
      She has financial problems.

      Problem 3:
      She is experiencing stress.

      2. What are the possible solutions?
      Listing all possible solutions.
      To withdraw from the course. To remain in the course.

      3. What does Susan need to know about each of these solutions in order to pick one over the other?
      Gathering information that will help her decide what to do.

      Some questions she should answer:

      • Is her stress caused by this problem, or by something else?
      • When is the withdrawal with no refund deadline?
      • What would the withdrawal look like on her record?
      • Would the withdrawal affect her average?
      • What are the implications of having a withdrawal on her record?
      • Must she make up the 3 credits in the next semester, or can she do it later?
      • What minimum grade does she need in the course?
      • If she stays in the course and gets an "F", to what extent will this affect her average?
      • Can she obtain extra help to try and improve her performance in the course?
      • What are possible sources of extra help?
      • If the extra help isn't free, can she afford to pay for it?
      • How important is completing this course this term to her?
      • What effect will not completing it, or failing it, have on her winter course choice?
      • Is it a prerequisite for any of her winter term courses?
      • Are there additional questions she should answer?

      4. What would the result be of choosing to withdraw? To remain in?
      Identifying the outcome of each solution by listing the advantages and disadvantages of each.

      Susan now lists the advantages and disadvantages of each solution.

      Solution 1 - Withdrawing:

      Advantages Disadvantages
      Would no longer be stressed about failing Would complete 3 fewer credits this term
      Would have more study time for other courses Would lose the tuition for these 3 credits
      Grade will not affect average Would have to repeat course if required
        Would have a "W" on her record

      Solution 2 - Remaining in:

      Advantages Disadvantages
      If passes, earns 3 credits Anxiety about failing will remain
      If earns a grade of "C" will not have to repeat it Resultant stress may affect ability to cope with courses in general
        Efforts to pass may affect other grades
        If does poorly, low grade will lower average
        If passes with "D" will still have to repeat it
        May cost money for extra help

      5. How to decide which decision to choose?
      Prioritizing the advantages and disadvantages in order of their importance to her- checking her values.

      Susan feels that doing well in the course is more important to her than having to pay to make up the credits, despite her tight financial situation.

      She feels that it is also important to reduce her stress level, which she thinks has worsened as a result of worrying about her performance in this course. She also wants to do well in her other courses, and does not want this course to affect her other grades.

      Susan has labelled each advantage and disadvantage according to its level of importance to her as follows:

      MI= Most Important

      I= Important

      SI = Somewhat Important

      NI = Not Important

      Withdrawing:

      Advantages Disadvantages
      Would no longer be stressed about failing MI Would complete 3 fewer credits this term I
      Would have more study time for other courses MI Would lose the tuition for these 3 credits I
      Grade will not affect average I Would have to repeat course I
        Would have a W on her record NI

      Staying in:

      Advantages Disadvantages
      If passes, earns 3 credits SI Anxiety about failing will remain MI
      If earns a "C", will not have to repeat it SI Resultant stress may affect ability to cope with courses in general MI
        Efforts to pass may affect other grades MI
        If does poorly, low grade will lower average I
        If passes with "D" but course is required, will still have to repeat it I
        May cost money for extra help I

      6. Choosing the best solution:
      Choosing the solution that has the greatest number of most important advantages and the least number of disadvantages.

      Susan feels that there are 2 best solutions, neither of which is possible. One is to have withdrawn from the course during the withdrawal with refund period. The other is to complete the course with a strong grade.

      7. What if there is no best solution:
      Choosing the 'next best' solution, one that is not ideal but which she can accept and live with.

      Susan chooses Solution 1 - Withdrawing.
      It contains the greatest number of advantages she has labelled as MI or I, and contains only those disadvantages which she can accept.

      The advantages include:

      • no longer being stressed about failing the course
      • having more time to study for her other courses.

      The disadvantages include:

      • finishing less credits this term than she had planned
      • losing her tuition
      • having to repeat the course

      She feels this is the next best solution. She will lose her tuition if she withdraws, but she doesn't believe it is possible for her to complete the course with a strong grade. However, despite losing her tuition and having to repeat the course, she feels that this decision is acceptable to her, because the advantages outweigh the disadvantages.

      8. Putting her solution into gear:
      Making an Action Plan.

      Susan makes an Action Plan:

      • Access Minerva and withdraws.
      • Inform her instructor that she has withdrawn.
      • Make an alternative study plan for the remainder of the semester; allot extra study time to her other courses as necessary.
      • Look at her winter course choice and adjust it accordingly; consider delaying courses that have this course as a prerequisite.
      • Talk to instructors and departmental advisers about winter course choice.
      • Plan when she will repeat the course.
      • Monitor her stress level as the term progresses; notice whether or not the withdrawal has reduced it; if not, explore other reasons for her stress level; consider talking to a counsellor about her stress level.

      9. Acting:
      Carrying out her action plan.

      Susan completes each step of the above Action Plan.

      • Accesses Minerva and withdraws.
      • Informs her instructor that she has withdrawn.
      • Makes an alternative study plan for the remainder of the semester; allots extra study time to her other courses as necessary.
      • Looks at her winter course choice and adjusts it accordingly; considers delaying courses that have this course as a prerequisite.
      • Talks to instructors and departmental advisers about winter course choice.
      • Plans when to repeat the course.
      • Monitors her stress level as the term progresses; notices whether or not the withdrawal has reduced it; if not, explores other reasons for her stress level; considers talking to a counsellor about her stress level.

      10. Monitoring:
      Observing and evaluating the results of her actions.

      Susan assesses whether or not withdrawing had a positive effect on:

      Her stress level:

      • Is she able to eat and sleep?
      • Is she able to concentrate when studying?

      Her fall grades:

      • Did her other grades improve?
      • If so, does she think they did so as a result of withdrawing?
      • Or was it for some other reason?

      11. Applying what she's learned for next time:
      Keeping actions which generated positive results; eliminating those that didn't.

      • Susan draws conclusions about her decision by analyzing the results.
      • She applies what she has learned to her next academic problem.
      • She uses strategies which worked and changes or eliminates what did not.

      4. Making Your Decision: Your Decision-Making Worksheet

      Use this worksheet to analyze the problem and make a decision.

      1. What is the problem?
      Identify and name the problem.

      Write a sentence that names and describes the problem.

      2. What are the possible solutions?
      List all possible solutions.

      List all the solutions you can think of. Don't evaluate- just list!

      3. What do you need to know in order to make an informed decision?
      Gather information that will help you decide what to do.

      List all your questions and where to find the answers. Then, answer the questions.

      Question 1:

      Sources for answer:

      Answer:

      Question 2:

      Sources for answer:

      Answer:

      Question 3:

      Sources for answer:

      Answer:

      4. What would happen if you chose a particular solution?
      Identify the outcome of each solution by listing the advantages and disadvantages of each.

      List all the advantages and disadvantages you can think of for each solution:

      Solution 1:

       
      Advantages Disadvantages
         
         
         
         
         
         

      Solution 2:

       
      Advantages Disadvantages
         
         
         
         
         
         

      Solution 3:

       
      Advantages Disadvantages
         
         
         
         
         
         

      5. How do you decide which decision to choose?
      Prioritize the advantages and disadvantages in order of their importance to you- check your values.

      For each solution, label each advantage and disadvantage on your table as follows:

      MI Most Important

      I Important

      SI Somewhat Important

      NI Not Important

      6. Choosing the best solution:
      Choose the solution that has the greatest number of most important advantages and the least number of disadvantages.

      Examine your list of solutions, advantages and disadvantages.
      Choose the solution that contains the greatest number of advantages that you have labeled as MI or I.
      If the solution you are choosing contains disadvantages, are they ones which are acceptable to you?

      Write your solution here:

      Solution:

      7. What if there is no best solution?
      Choose the 'next best' solution, one that is not ideal but which you can accept and live with.
      Choose a solution that contains at least some advantages that are important to you, and a minimum number of disadvantages that you can accept.

      Write your next-to-best solution here:

      Next-to-best solution:

      8. Putting your solution into gear:
      Make an action plan.
      What will you do to put your solution into action?
      What will your action plan consist of?

      ACTION PLAN:

      Action Date to be completed Date actually completed
           
           
           
           
           
           
           

      9. Acting:
      Carry out your action plan.
      On the Action Plan, write the date you actually completed each action.

      10. Monitoring:
      Observe and evaluate the results of your actions.
      As you carry out your action plan, evaluate the results of your actions. Make a list of questions you want to answer as a result of having made this decision. Write down the answers as you discover them.

      Question 1:

      Answer:

      Question 2:

      Answer:

      Question 3:

      Answer:

      11. Applying what you've learned for next time:
      Keep actions which generated positive results; eliminate those that didn't.

      Make a list of things you would do similarly the next time you are trying to make a decision. Explain why you'd do these things again. What was useful or workable about these actions?

      Write your list here:

      Why would you do these things again?

      What actions would you change or eliminate? Why?

      When you are working on your next problem, review this list. Use it as a starting point for your next decision-making process.

      5. On-campus resources

      8.2 Self-assessment

      Self assessment is the key to academic success. External factors are often the root of academic problems, but they are not always a direct cause of poor grades. Rather, it is often the decisions you make in dealing with your problems that have a direct effect on your grades. You have a great deal of control over your academic success.

      For example, you may describe your academic performance this way: "Being ill with mono all term, I was forced to miss classes. I decided to keep all of my courses because I didn't want to fall behind, and I wrote all of my finals even though I was tired all of the time. Having mono is why I got poor grades."

      This differs from: "I was ill with mono all term and I knew I couldn't carry a full load. I should have withdrawn from some of my classes, but I didn't want to fall behind. I made a mistake believing I could write all of my finals when I was still sick. My decision to keep a full course load when I was tired all of the time resulted in poor grades."

      To assess your own academic performance, look at the categories below and pinpoint which category applies to your situation. In fact, you may find that more than one category applies, and a combination of factors reflects your situation. When you read the questions, take note of any that you can answer with a "yes". This list is not comprehensive, so your own list may include factors not described here.

      External factors

      • Did you have financial problems?
      • Did you have too many extra- curricular activities?
      • Did you do too much socializing?
      • Did you have a job outside school?

      Academic factors

      • Was your course load too heavy?
      • Were you unaware of university policies, procedures & resources?
      • Did you not study enough?
      • Did you fail to go to lectures, conferences or tutorials?
      • Did you lack a proper environment for studying?
      • Were you unable or unwilling to identify weaknesses in your study skills?
      • Did you lack organizational skills?

      Personal factors

      • Were you not ready for school (unmotivated)?
      • Were you here only for your parents?
      • Were you unhappy with your program or faculty?
      • Did you feel you didn't "belong" at school?
      • Were you bored?
      • Did you experience test anxiety?
      • Were you unable to handle stress?
      • Did you have language difficulties?
      • Did you suffer from isolation or loneliness?
      • Were you ill?
      • Did you experience personal problems?
      • Were you unable to evaluate the effect of your problems on your school work?
      • Did you fail to take the initiative in seeking help for your problems?

      Think about the items you have listed. Then, in a few sentences, describe how the choices you made or the actions you took (or did not take) affected your academic performance. Be honest with yourself: were the factors that affected you beyond your control, or could you have done things differently? The answer to this question is key to how you propose to improve your academic performance in future terms.

      After having evaluated the factors that affected you, and examining your choices and your actions, make a list of concrete steps you plan to take to overcome your academic difficulties. Your plan might include some of the following suggestions:

      • Reduce your course load, the hours you spend at your job or at extracurricular activities.
      • Learn time management techniques.
      • Learn to be more proactive when assessing your progress in school (e.g., talk to professors, T.A.s, other students; don't be afraid to ask questions).
      • Learn how to evaluate courses in order to make appropriate, timely academic decisions (e.g., before the withdrawal deadline, ask yourself key questions like "do I understand the material", and "am I keeping up with the work").
      • Familiarize yourself with university rules and deadlines (it may be boring, but it's important).
      • Participate in study skills workshops, hire a tutor, form study groups with other students, or find useful self-help and study skills information at the library or on the Web.
      • Take advantage of resources available on campus to help you when you have health or personal problems, or to advise you on academic matters.
      • Learn to recognize your limits and what is realistic for you to accomplish given your particular circumstances, talents and skills.

      If, after working through this exercise, you still have unanswered questions, please consult your program adviser or an adviser in the Science Office for Undergraduate Student Advising (SOUSA) Office for academic questions, or consult the staff in Student Services in the Brown Student Services Building for questions concerning medical, personal or financial problems.

      8.3 Study skills

      I. How to study

      Successful study demands that you give yourself ample time and that during this time you keep your mind actively engaged in the learning process. Ample time for the average student means about two hours of study for each hour of class. Since the normal academic load is 15 to 16 credits, the average student will spend that many hours in class plus twice that many hours studying, totaling about 45 to 48 hours a week.

      Keeping your mind actively on the job is the more difficult task. Two methods have been found helpful in this respect:

      A. S-Q-3R method. In this formula:

      S stands for Survey

      Q stands for Question

      3R stands for Read, Recite, Review

       

      In applying this method to a given assignment, you first leaf through it to get the general drift of the discussion, noting introductory remarks, topics, paragraph headings and summaries. On the basis of this survey you ask yourself questions which you hope to have answered as a result of reading the assignment. Then you read it, carefully and intently. Having read it, you come to what is perhaps the most important feature of this method, namely self-recitation. That is, you ask yourself questions on the assignment, such as the instructor might ask in class or in an examination, testing yourself on the answers. Finally, you review to see how complete and correct your answers were. It has been found experimentally that at least half of one's study time can be profitably devoted to self-recitation, versus a simple reading and re-reading of the assignment.

      B. Outlining method

      This can be done by using your own markings, symbols and underlinings directly in your textbook or it can be done by jotting the main points down in organized fashion in your notebook. While the latter procedure takes more time, it has the advantage of encouraging you to put the author's ideas into your own words. For many students the actual writing out of the materials is itself an effective learning device. In either case, however, the value of the outlining method will depend on how sharp you are in selecting and organizing the essential ideas. A written outline can be too wordy and underlining can be too extensive. The ideal is just enough to capture the main points with sufficient detail to make them meaningful. Where underlining is used it should be done only after the complete assignment has been read at least once.

      The outline form used in this paper is generally acceptable. Roman numerals (I, II, etc.) and/or capital letters (A, B, etc.) indicate the main headings; Arabic numerals (1, 2, etc.) and then small letters (a, b, etc.) indicate the sub-headings. Use this form also in taking lecture notes.

      The S-Q-3R and Outlining methods can of course be used in combination. Self-recitation is especially helpful after having outlined the assignment.

      C. Other suggestions for effective study

      1. Make out a time schedule and hold yourself to it.
      2. To the fullest extent possible, make study a habit by studying at the same time and place each day.
      3. Schedule definite review periods, say every Friday or Saturday, during which the lecture and textbook materials covered during the week are reviewed.
      4. Avoid distractions while studying. Do not take phone calls or other interruptions which disturb your concentration.
      5. Provide for at least one hour of recreation every day. Try to keep noon hours, late afternoon hours, and regular time Saturdays and Sundays for relaxation and exercise.
      6. Get plenty of sleep and keep your outside workload within reasonable limits. A student carrying a full academic load should as a rule not have more than 15 hours of outside employment per week. Your course load should be reduced by one credit for every 3 hours of employment beyond 15 hours.

      The following web site is a helpful reference: Study Guides and Strategies

      II. How to take lecture notes

      1. Read the textbook assignment before going to class in order to be familiar with the ideas and terminology presented.
      2. Do not try to reproduce the lecture verbatim. Listen for ideas and be selective in what you put down. Use the outline form already designated under section I-B.
      3. Do not crowd your notes. Allow plenty of space between points to keep them distinct from each other and for additions. A large-size notebook (8 1/2 x 11) is preferable to a smaller one.
      4. Keep all of your notes for the current period in one loose-leaf notebook, with index tabs to identify the individual courses.
      5. Review your notes as soon as possible after class; fill in and edit obscure points.

      III. How to improve your reading

      The average college student should be able to read 250 to 300 words of non-technical material per minute. If your reading speed is less than this, you are handicapped in one of your most needed skills. Check yourself on this point.

      The solution to reading problems is sometimes complex and needs the attention of an expert in the field. Most people, however, can do much on their own to improve reading speed and comprehension by observing the following points:

      1. Remove all visual defects. Have you had your eyes checked?
      2. Force yourself (1) to read faster, and (2) to cover more words per eye fixation. Not more than 2 or 3 fixations per sentence should be necessary and once you are really good at it, you may be able to comprehend an entire sentence or even paragraph at a glance. Reading speed is to a large extent a matter of habit. By exerting conscious effort in the direction of reading faster for a period of time you can change this habit, without loss in comprehension. This matter of consciously trying to read faster is one of the most important points in the improvement of reading.
      3. Your reading comprehension will be no better than your vocabulary. Build your vocabulary by keeping a running list of words you do not know. Look them up after each assignment and write down their definitions. Review this list from time to time. Usually, this method is preferable to interrupting your reading to consult the dictionary for each unfamiliar word.

      IV. How to prepare for and take an examination

      A. Control your attitude

      1. Look upon the test as a competitive game, as an opportunity to show your mettle. Develop the attitude of the sportsman -- win if you can, lose if you must, but do the best you can.
      2. Be reasonable in your expectations of yourself. The instructor does not expect a perfect paper; neither should you. Simply represent yourself as adequately as you can.
      3. Keep in mind that there are other tests to follow. You are not betting all your money on one horse.
      4. Remember that you have prepared for the examination and that this preparation is bound to show. (If you have not prepared, the "pre-examination jitters" may be justified. They are not if you have prepared.)
      5. Get a good night's sleep before the examination. A clear head, coupled with adequate preparation, is your greatest asset.

      B. Know your stuff

      1. Begin the day after a test to prepare for the next test by keeping up with the day-to-day assignments. Set aside one hour each week for review of each subject.
      2. Begin your intensified review of the subject a week before any major examination.
      3. Review by making a list of the important definitions, laws, principles, theories, formulae, experiments, persons, ideas and concepts, as these apply to your particular course or courses.
      4. If you have not already done so, make an outline of the material covered and, in your own mind, relate the more detailed items to it.
      5. Cramming as a concentrated, intensified review of materials previously learned is good; as a last-minute effort to learn for the first time, it makes for confusion and is bad.
      6. Try to figure out what questions you would ask in the examination if you were the instructor and then get the correct answers.
      7. Know whether the exam will be of the objective or essay type and then review accordingly. The objective exam stresses the more factual, detailed knowledge. The essay type stresses the organization, relationship and application of the subject matter.
      8. Keep your old examinations or quizzes and analyze them for your weaknesses. If you can't tell why you did poorly on an exam, see your instructor. Don't hesitate to ask him to clarify specific points that you think might be important. However, don't go to your instructor's office simply with the statement, "I can't get this stuff." Pinpoint your questions.

      C. Take the test, don't let it take you

      1. Before beginning to write, spend a few moments planning the whole exam. Read the directions and, in the case of an essay exam, the questions twice, underlining significant words.
      2. Answer the easiest questions first, but apportion your time carefully. Very complete answers on a few questions will not usually compensate for very inadequate answers on others.
      3. Think more and write less. Instructors are more impressed by the to-the-pointness of your answers than by how much space you fill. Leave space after each answer for afterthoughts or for further elaboration as time permits.
      4. In objective tests be careful of items containing the words: only, always, never, etc. In essay tests, notice such words as: name, define, outline, list, explain, illustrate, and compare. These tell you what the instructor wants.

      Re-read your paper before handing it in.

      8.4 Failing a course

      If you fail a course, you may wish to consult an adviser in the Student Affairs Office in Dawson Hall to discuss your options. Depending on the type of course (required or elective course), the grade ("D", a conditional pass, or "F"), your performance in your other courses, and the circumstances for the failure, there are three alternatives:

      1. Repeat the course;
      2. Substitute another course for the one you took;
      3. Apply to write a supplemental examination.

      If you fail a required course, you should consult an adviser about modifying your course choice. You should expect that taking Calculus II when you have failed Calculus I, for example, will only result in another failure.

      Regardless of whether a course is a required, complementary or an elective course, a grade of "D" is a conditional pass and will only earn you credit as an elective course. Program requirements or prerequisite courses including basic science courses in the Science Foundation program, or the core courses in the Arts Foundation program, must be passed with a "C" or better. Before proceeding to the next level, you must repeat required or prerequisite courses in which you received a grade of less than "C", or you may choose to take a supplemental examination. You can generally replace complementary courses with other optional courses. If you fail an elective course, you replace it with a different elective course

      If you repeat a course for which you have already earned a grade of "D", you will receive credits for the course only once.

      You should apply for a supplemental examination only under the following conditions: your GPA is 2.50 or better; you have reduced your course load for the winter-term, or do not have a heavy summer schedule; you know the material well and will have little trouble studying for the supplemental on your own.


      9. Choosing courses

      9.1 Credit load

      The normal course load is 4-5 courses (12-15 credits) per term; a full year is normally 30 credits. If you are not sure how many credits to register for each term or for the academic year, keep the following regulations in mind:

      • 12 credits per term to maintain full-time status, eligibility for student visas, loans and bursaries;
      • up to 14 credits (4 courses) maximum per term for students in probationary standing;
      • up to 17 credits per term for students in satisfactory standing;
      • 27 graded (non-S/U) credits per academic year (both the fall and winter terms) to be considered for renewal of entrance scholarships or for in-course McGill scholarships or awards, including Dean's Honour List; at least 27 graded credits that fulfill the degree requirements to be considered for faculty scholarships; 30 graded credits per year to maintain Canada scholarships;
      • maximum allowed credits is up to 17 credits per term for students whose standing is Satisfactory or Interim Satisfactory.
      • students whose CGPA is 3.5 or higher and who wish to take a course overload of up to a maximum of 19 credits are required to fill out an online request form at: www.mcgill.ca/student-records/exceedcredits and are strongly urged to consult their adviser. Allow several working days for the processing of your request.

      9.2 English and French second language courses

      English Second Language (ESL) courses are open to students whose primary language is not English and who have studied for five years or less in English-language secondary institutions.

      B.A. & Sc. and B.Sc. students are allowed a maximum of 12 credits of ESL courses, including academic writing courses for non-anglophones.

      Placement tests are required for all courses offered through the McGill Writing Centre and French Language Centre. Soon after the tests are evaluated, you will be issued a departmental approval for course registration.

      Visit the French Language Center website for detailed information about placement tests.

      9.3 Language courses

      As a Foundation year student, you may wish to take a language course this year. The following regulations regarding language courses apply to students in the foundation year.

      1. No more than one 6-credit or 9-credit language course at an elementary level may be taken in the first year.
      2. You are permitted to take two language courses in the foundation year provided that they are at different levels, e.g., Elementary French and Intermediate German. You may not take introductory-level language courses. 
      3. A 6-credit language course given in one term is permitted -- this is equivalent to two courses both in the number of credits as well as the workload.
      4. The 12-credit intensive language courses are designed to accelerate three-year students and are normally not suitable for foundation year students.

      Placement tests: All language courses have limited enrolment and, as such, may require a departmental approval (issued by the department offering the course). Consult the McGill Calendar and/or the class schedule for information about placement tests or departmental approval (if necessary). Please note that placement tests for French as a second language will be held during the week prior to the beginning of classes in September. Please click here for dates and times.

      East Asian language courses

      Language courses offered by the East Asian Studies Department are worth 9 credits, the equivalent of 1.5 courses per term. If you intend to take a beginners course in Chinese, Japanese, or Korean, you are advised to register for 4 courses in the first term. If you find things are going well with the course during the fall term, you can always pick up a fifth course in the winter term.

      English as a second language

      If you have never studied in English before, you are strongly advised to take English as a Second Language courses in your first year. You may be able to converse easily but still find it quite difficult to read and write in English. If you are a non-anglophone student and have studied in English for four years or less, you are permitted to take English as a Second Language courses offered by the McGill Writing Centre; visit https://www.mcgill.ca/mwc/courses/undergraduate for a list of courses.

      English for academic purposes and effective communication courses

      If you would like to improve your English writing skills, you may wish to take writing and communication in English courses at the McGill Writing Centre, e.g., WCOM 250 (Research Essay and Rhetoric), WCOM 314 (Communicating Science).

      Note: B.Sc. students may take a maximum of 12 credits in English as a Second Language courses, including English for Academic Purposes courses.

      French courses

      You are permitted to take French courses in the French as a Second Language Department with the following stipulations:

      1. FRSL 101 - Beginners French: This course is open only to students having no previous knowledge of French. This means that you have never successfully completed a French course in high school.
      2. FRSL 207 - Elementary French: This course is not open to students who have completed Grade 12 or OAC French in Canada.
      3. FRSL 211 - Oral and Written French I: Normally, this course is not open to students who completed their secondary education in Quebec. This is the minimum level at which students with Grade 12 or OAC French in Canada should place. If you have an Advanced Placement (AP) in French (minimum grade of 4 for transfer credit and exemption), you may not take FRSL 211 for credit. If you place at this level and have an AP in French Language or Literature, see your SOUSA adviser in Dawson Hall.

      French bursary programs: If, prior to coming to McGill, you completed a French bursary program through a university, you may be eligible for transfer credits. Upon your arrival at McGill, you must arrange to take a placement test and see an adviser in SOUSA in Dawson Hall. Transfer credits will not be given for French bursary programs completed through a CEGEP or college.

      Spanish courses

      1. All Spanish language courses are conducted entirely in Spanish. This includes all introductory-level courses after the first week of class.
      2. If you have an Advanced Placement (AP) in Spanish, you are not permitted to take HISP 210 for credit.

      a) HISP 210 - Spanish Language, Elementary

      If you have little or no formal training in Spanish, you will place at this level.

      b) HISP 220 - Spanish Language, Intermediate

      Normally, you will place at this level if you have completed one of the following:

      • two years of CEGEP Spanish
      • 4-5 years of high school Spanish in the United States
      • "A" Level in Spanish
      • first-year Spanish at McGill or at another university in Canada or the United States

      9.4 600-level courses

      Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts and Science undergraduate students must apply to the Faculty of Science to take 600-level courses.  The following conditions will apply:

      • The student submits the online application (see below).
      • The student has a minimum CGPA of 3.3.
      • The student is in U3.
      • The professor of the course and the department offering the course approve of the request.
      • A maximum of six credits of 600-level courses are allowed towards the degree.
      • The actual course number appears on the transcript.
      • The course evaluation methods and grading standards are the same for all students, whether graduate or undergraduate.
      • The regulations and practices of the Bachelor of Science/Bachelor of Arts & Science are also applied to such a course.

      9.4.1 Deadlines

      It is the student's responsibility to start the application procedures well in advance of the start of term and to obtain the necessary approvals in a timely manner so that a registration permit may be processed before the end of the course change (add/drop) period.

      • The request form AND the necessary approvals must be received a minimum of 5 business days before the course change deadline or we cannot guarantee that the request will be processed before the deadline.
      • If the request is granted after the course change deadline, an application for a late course addition will be necessary.  Late course additions are under the purview of Service Point.  If approved, an administrative fee may apply.

      9.4.2 How to submit a request

      1. Complete and submit the Faculty of Science online form: 600-Level Request WebformNote: If submitting a request for multiple 600-level courses, you must submit a SEPARATE webform for EACH course. 
      2. Approval to register in a 600-level course also requires permission from the department offering the course (see list of PDF icon Science Department Contacts). Note: the department will generally require you to obtain approval from the instructor of the course before granting permission. It is the student's responsibility to communicate with the department and the instructor to obtain permission. 
      3. Request that the Department complete and submit the Departmental Approval Webform to confirm their approval (and attest to the approval of the instructor). Note: if the Department is outside the Faculty of Science they may have their own approval process.  You must still inform them that you are a Science student and require Faculty approval BEFORE they can authorize registration. If you register for the course without completing the Faculty webform and obtaining Faculty approval, you risk being de-registered from the course.
      4. If you are a Visiting/Exchange student, you must send a copy of your home university transcript and obtain email approval from your home university (granting permission for you to register in a 600-level course). The transcript and approval must be sent by email to advisor.science [at] mcgill.ca.
       
      IMPORTANT: Once a student submits the online request form, they will receive an automated email (from Microsoft Power Apps) that includes a copy of these instructions. Applicants should check their "junk" folder and email advisor.science [at] mcgill.ca if they do not receive the confirmation email within 1 hour of submitting their application.

       

      9.4.3 Decisions

      • All applicants will receive a decision by email (to their McGill email account).

      • If your request is approved, you will receive a confirmation email that includes instructions on how to register for the course in Minerva.

       

      9.4.4 Contact

      • If you have questions (or if the instructor or departmental approver have questions), please contact advisor.science [at] mcgill.ca.


      10. Course and program registration

      10.1 Online registration system

      Minerva Help Desk
      514-398-7878
      If you have problems registering on Minerva, call the Minerva Help Desk or contact Service Point.

      Students register through the online system, Minerva. Head to mcgill.ca/students/courses for a comprehensive guide on the registration process, including building a class schedule, registering for courses and waitlisting.

      10.2 Registering for programs

      Science students who have departmental approval to register for an Honours program should go into the program registration menu on Minerva and select Honours Degree Program first, and then select the appropriate honours discipline(s) from the drop down menu. All other students will select Degree Program before selecting the appropriate major discipline(s) from the drop down menu.

      10.2.1 Limited enrolment programs

      The following programs are not available for selection on Minerva. Students who wish to register for one of these programs should contact the Faculty that offers the program and ask for permission to add the minor. Then the responsible Faculty will ask the Chief Advisor of Science to add the minor to the record. It is important to check your Minerva transcript to verify that the minor was added.

      • Minor in Marketing for non-Management students (contact Management BCom Office)
      • Minor in Operations Management for non-Management students (contact Management BCom Office)a>
      • Minor in Finance for non-Management students (contact Management BCom Office)
      • Minor Entrepreneurship for Science Students (register on Minerva and contact the advisor.science [at] mcgill.ca (Science)}
      • Minor in Electrical Engineering for Physics students (contact your SOUSA advisor)
      • Minor in Minor in Musical Applications of Technology (contact your SOUSA advisor)
      • Minor in Musical Science and Technology (contact your SOUSA advisor)
      • Minor in Kinesiology (contact the Faculty of Education)

      10.3 Registering for courses

      Important notice for all students

      Minerva does not necessarily prevent students from registering for courses that they should not take. Therefore, it is your responsibility to be aware of prerequisites, corequisites, restrictions, and faculty regulations that apply to the courses in which you register.

      B.Sc. students note: There are some courses outside of the faculties of Arts and Science that you cannot take for credit. See our list of approved/not approved courses.

      10.3.1 Fall/Winter term registration

      Please refer to Important Dates and the eCalendar for registration details. All students should familiarize themselves with the eCalendar. Students are responsible for knowing the course change and withdrawal deadlines for each term. Please note that late registration fees may apply if you wait to register for your courses.

      Special registration periods apply for foundation year science courses. For details, refer to the section in this handbook on Registering for foundation year courses.

      10.3.2 Summer session registration

      Please refer to the Summer Studies Calendar and Important Dates for details.

      10.4 Registering for Foundation year courses (for students from outside the B.Sc. and B.A. & Sc. degrees)

      Since Foundation year Science students begin registration later than students from several other faculties, it is our policy to restrict access to certain Foundation year science courses for part of the summer.  Restricted courses will only open to other students once B.Sc. and B.A. & Sc. students (as well as students from other select programs) have had a chance to register. This is to ensure that students who need these courses for their degree have appropriate access.

      Note: the dates below only indicate when these specific courses will become available for registration. They do not change the opening dates of registration for new students.

      Below you will find the registration policy for 2022:

      For non-lab foundation year courses
      MATH 133, MATH 134, MATH 139, MATH 140, MATH 141:

      June 1 to June 22

      Open to students in selected degrees:

      • BSc
      • BA&Sc
      • BEd
      • BSc (Kinesiology)
      • BSc (Nursing)
      • BEng
      • BSE (Software Engineering)
      • BSc (Architecture)
      • BA (Arts);

      Closed to all other students

      June 23 by 10:00 a.m. Open to all students

      For foundation year courses with labs
      BIOL 111, BIOL 112, CHEM 110, CHEM 120, PHYS 101, PHYS 102, PHYS 131, PHYS 142:

      June 1 to July 6

      Open to students in selected degrees:

      • BSc
      • BA&Sc
      • BEd
      • BSc (Kinesiology)
      • BSc (Nursing)
      • BEng
      • BSE (Software Engineering)
      • BSc (Architecture);

      Closed to all other students

      July 7 by 10:00 a.m. Open to all students

      10.5 Courses offered by faculties other than Arts and Science

      Please refer to the course requirements information in the eCalendar (B.Sc. section and B.A. & Sc. section) and in this handbook (B.Sc. section and B.A. & Sc. section) regarding the number of courses offered by other faculties that you are allowed to take towards your degree requirements. Please note, not all courses offered by other faculties are approved for credit towards your degree requirements, even if you successfully register for them on Minerva. Once course change period is over, such courses will be flagged on your record so that they will not contribute to your credit count or your CGPA.

      10.5.1 Desautels Faculty of Management courses

      Students registered in programs requiring Management courses (Minor in Management, Minor in Finance, Minor in Marketing, Minor in Operations Management, etc.) may register early in specific courses according to the eCalendar and Important Dates. As all Management courses are limited by enrolment, students in the above programs are strongly encouraged to take advantage of these early registration dates. Please note that, although registration in Management courses opens to all students at a later date (check date here), other course controls may continue to block registration (e.g. prerequisite controls, enrolment caps, faculty restrictions, etc.). You may have to consult with SOUSA and with the Faculty of Management to obtain permission to register.

      10.5.2 School of Continuing Studies courses

      Please note that courses with section numbers of 751, 761, etc. (as opposed to 001, 002, etc.) are courses offered by the School of Continuing Studies. Early registration in Continuing Studies courses is restricted to students in Continuing Studies programs. Science students can register for Continuing Studies courses at a later date (check date here).

      10.6 Tips on handling registration problems

      If you have problems registering for specific courses, be sure to write out the error message before contacting the appropriate office for help. In most instances (e.g. program controls, prerequisites controls, enrolment limits met, etc.) you will need to deal directly with the department offering the course to determine if registration is possible.

      There are a variety of controls that can be placed on courses that may cause "registration errors" (i.e. registration failures) when you are registering on Minerva. Below are some of the registration errors that you may encounter with an explanation and suggestions for problem-solving. Please read this over carefully; if you are still unable to resolve your registration problems, you should contact Service Point .

      There is a list of contact people for Science course enrolment issues, but read the material below first, before contacting them.

      Note: Always pay attention to "NOTES" that may appear directly below courses in Class Schedule as they may help explain error messages that occur.

      Closed Course

      This will be apparent by the "C" that appears at the far left of the course number in Class Schedule where normally a tick box appears. (If ALL the courses appear closed, verify that you are in the correct term, and not a previous year!) This means that all of the places in the course are taken at that moment in time. There are two solutions to this registration error, depending on whether a) you need the course to fulfill program requirements or (b) you want the course as an elective.

      (a) If you need the course to fulfill program requirements you must contact the department administering the course directly (e.g., Biology for a BIOL course, English for an ENGL course, etc.). Explain your situation to the staff person and they will determine if you are eligible for a place in the course. If the department allows you into the course they will grant you a "permit to register", an electronic indicator that is put directly onto your record that lets the student record system recognize you as eligible to register. You must still use Minerva to register after the permit is granted.

      Note: If you are granted a CAPACITY permit because a course is closed, you MUST use the "quick add" feature on Minerva.

      (b) If you want the course as an elective, you should not contact the department, as they must give priority to students who need the course to meet program requirements. However, it is possible during add/drop that there will be movement within the course, and if you try regularly to "quick add" the course you may be able to register because another student drops the course. If the course uses the Waitlist feature, at the time you try to "quick add" and the course is still full, you will be invited to join the waitlist. If you add yourself to the Waitlist you will be notified by your McGill email if a place becomes available and you are next on the list to register.

      Note: Have another course in reserve in the event you are not successful adding your first choice. You may have to plan to take this elective in another term.

      Reserve Closed Course

      This happens when a specific portion (a reserved section) of the course is full. For example, a department may give 50 places for students in specific programs, and 30 places for everyone else. If you are not in one of the specific programs and the 30 places are taken, you will receive this error message. The reverse is also true: if you are in a specific program and the 50 program places are taken, you will receive this error message. The solution to this registration problem is the same as for Closed courses: see a) above if you need the course for a program requirement, and see b) above if you want the course as an elective.

      Class Restriction

      This refers to courses that are limited to students in a specific academic year (U0, U1, U2 or U3). Courses with class restrictions usually have "NOTES" in Class Schedule of "Limited to U0 (or U1, U2 or U3) students".

      If you are not in the correct year to permit registration, you must see the department administering the course to determine if you are eligible for a place in the class (e.g. Chemistry for a CHEM course, International Development Studies for an INTD course, etc.). If the department allows you into the course they will grant you a "permit to register", an electronic indicator that is put directly onto your record that lets the student record system recognize you as eligible to register. You must still use Minerva to register after the permit is granted.

      Program Restriction

      This refers to a course that is controlled by program codes; if you are not in an appropriate program you will not be able to register.

      Courses with program controls usually have "NOTES" in Class Schedule of "Limited by Program". There are two possible solutions to this restriction: (a) if the course is program controlled within the faculty you are accepted into, or (b) if the course is program controlled in a faculty you are not accepted into.

      (a) An example of a program control within your faculty would be an BIOL course which is open only to Biology students. If you have been accepted into a B.Sc. degree (or the BA&SC), and you want to fulfill a Major in Biology, then you must have the program properly entered onto your record to register.

      Note: You may not add programs to your record that you do not intend to follow solely for the purpose of registering in a restricted course; if you are found to have obtained a place in a limited course in this manner you will be deregistered.

      (b) An example of a program control in a faculty you are not accepted into would be a Management course which is only open to students in programs in that faculty. If you plan to apply for the Minor in Management for non-Management students, you will not be able to register for any course with "NOTES" of "Limited by Program" or "For Management students only". You must select courses from those sections and terms that do not have these notes, or from those courses offered by the School of Continuing Studies (sections of 751, 761, etc. instead of sections 001, 002, etc.).

      Note: If you opt for a section offered through Continuing Studies you will have to wait until August 15 to access fall courses and December 15 to access winter courses; the periods prior to these dates are for priority access for Continuing Studies students.

      Faculty Restriction

      This refers to a course that is controlled by faculty codes, i.e. only students in specific faculties may register. If you are a B.Sc. student seeking to register in an Engineering course or an Education course you may experience this error message. Please contact the Science Office for Undergraduate Student Advising (SOUSA) Office to explain why you want to register in this course and to obtain further advice on how to proceed.

      Departmental Approval Required

      This refers to courses which require a placement test or the approval of the professor or other relevant administrator prior to registration. Courses with this type of control usually have "NOTES" in Class Schedule of "Departmental approval required" or "Adviser approval required" or "Placement test required". For example, language courses may require you to be "placed" at the appropriate level before you can register, or other courses may require you to see the professor or an administrator prior to registration. Once the department establishes your language level or your suitability to join the class, they will grant you a "permit to register", an electronic indicator that is put directly onto your record that lets the student record system recognize you as eligible to register. You must still use Minerva to register after the permit is granted.

      Link Error

      This refers to courses (lecture activities) which have other activities "linked" to them that require you to add more than one CRN at a time. Courses with this type of control usually have "NOTES" in Class Schedule of "Must be taken with a tutorial" or "Must be taken with a lab". For example, if you are registering in a CHEM or BIOL course which have lab activities "linked" to them, a MATH course which has a tutorial "linked" to it, or to a SOCI or ANTH course with conferences "linked" to them, you must choose both the lecture activity and the linked activity and add them at the same time.

      Prerequisite Required

       

      This refers to courses which have prerequisites and/or corequisites that must be satisfied before you can register. There will not always be "NOTES" in Class Schedule to warn you of existing pre- and co-requisites, so if this error message occurs it will be necessary to verify in the undergraduate calendar what courses are needed prior to registration. The solution to this problem varies depending on (a) whether the prerequisites are clearly on your record with valid grades, or (b) if the prerequisites are part of transfer credit or other types of advanced standing (i.e. not McGill courses but equivalent work done elsewhere for which you've been granted credit).

      (a) An example of a clear-cut case would be a MATH course that has a prerequisite of an introductory statistics course, and you have this course or its equivalent on your record with a grade of "C" or better. Please contact the department administering the course.

      (b) An example of a complicated case would be a MATH course that has a prerequisite of an introductory statistics course and you have covered the material of this course at another university and have been granted transfer credit from that university. You must get the course approved using the Course equivalency system.  Consult the Science Undergraduate Handbook chapter on Transfer Credits for detailed information on what kinds of courses are accepted and how to request a course equivalency.

      Note: Prerequisite controls normally exist on courses in other faculties (Engineering, Management, Music) so it may be necessary to have that faculty verify that you have suitable prerequisite(s).

      Maximum Hours Exceeded

      This refers to the total number of credits in a term that the student record system will allow students to register in. New students are expected to register for a normal load of 15 credits but may register for up to 17 at any given time to allow for later adding and dropping as the student makes decisions on which courses to keep and which to give up. If you receive this error message it is because you are trying to add a course with a credit weight which will place you over 17 credits in the fall or winter term. Note: It is strongly recommended that new students not exceed 15 credits per term.

      Note: If you receive this error message when adding a multi-term course (a "D1/D2" full year course) to your record and you have room in the fall, it is possible that the "maximum hours exceeded" message refers to your credit load in the winter term. You must have enough room in both fall and winter terms before registering in full-year courses.

      10.7 Add/Drop Period (or Course Change Period)

      There is an Add/Drop Period (also knows as the Course Change Period) during both the fall and the winter terms. You can continue to make changes to your course registration (without penalty) until the Add/Drop deadlines for each term.  This allows you make adjustments to your course selection and to to "shop around" for courses that you may be interested in taking (even if you have not registered for these courses). From the beginning of the term until the end of Add/Drop, you may attend as many courses as your schedule will permit. Review your course syllabi before the end of the Add/Drop Period to help plan your semester and determine what is expected of you in each course.

      Use Minerva to add or drop a course (follow the step-by-step instructions). All courses are limited by enrollment; therefore, do not wait until the last minute to register.

      Courses dropped during the Add/Drop Period are deleted from your record. Your record will show only the courses in which you are registered after the Add/Drop period. If you drop a course within the deadlines, you will get a refund for the course; if you add a course during this period, you will be charged for the course.

      As a foundation year student, you must have your changes approved by the SOUSA Advising Office.

      Courses which are cancelled by the University are not automatically deleted from your record; you must access Minerva and delete the course(s).

      If you find after the Add/Drop Period that you neglected to add a course, you will be required to make a written appeal to Service Point, requesting that the course(s) be added to your record. You must be able to explain adequately why you were unable to add the course(s) during the Add/Drop Period.

      10.8 Verifying your student record

      The purpose of verification is to ensure formally the accuracy of all student information. This includes program and course information, as well as personal information such as mailing and home addresses.

      Students are responsible for ensuring that all information on their record is accurate. Inaccurate program or course registration may jeopardize graduation.

      To verify your record check the following:

      Once you have checked all of these points, if you have any problems or questions come to the Information Counter, SOUSA .

      10.9 Registration errors

      Before the end of the course change period for each term all students must use Minerva to check their course registration. Students should ensure that they are correctly registered in all courses they wish to complete. Students who notice errors in registration after registration deadlines have passed may request that the error be corrected. However, as students are responsible for checking their registration before published deadlines, normally only one correction is permitted per student during his/her academic career. Correcting a record when a registration error has been made is costly both in time and money, and in some instances may not be possible at all.

      To request the correction of a registration error, students must submit an appeal to Service Point. the course registration form must be completed by the student and the course instructor(s), and there is a charge for each change that is made to a student record. In addition, the request to make the correction may be refused (if registration errors have been approved in previous terms) or may be submitted too late to be considered at all. Requests to correct registration errors must be made within one month of term end; requests made after this period may not be possible to approve even with a valid explanation and proper approval(s) from professor(s).

      Procedure:

      • Obtain the Form to Correct Errors in Course Registration from Service Point , 3415 McTavish St.
      • Write a letter in which you explain clearly and concisely why you are making this request. Include the following information:
        • when you started and/or stopped attending the class
        • whether you tried making these changes yourself, and if so, when.
      • Take your letter and the form to your course instructor(s) and have the instructor(s) complete the appropriate areas of the form. Instructors are asked to indicate whether the student has been attending the course and, in the case of the addition of the course to a student record, whether the student will be permitted to register late.
      • Take the letter and the form to Service Point.

      Note: Courses are not removed from the student's record when a registration error is corrected. A withdrawal from the course is granted.

      10.10 Cancelling your registration

      If you decide not to return to McGill in September or January after you have registered, drop all your courses on Minerva or submit a written request to cancel your registration.

      In your letter include your McGill student number and your signature. Enclose your McGill student ID card and forward it to the following address:

      Service Point, Enrolment Services
      McGill University
      3415 McTavish St.
      Montreal, Quebec, Canada, H3A 1Y1

      Fax: 514-398-5544
      Phone: 514-398-7878

      Please check with Service Point for the deadline to cancel your registration. If you drop all courses or your request is received by this date, your registration will be deleted from our records and no administrative charge will be assessed. After this date you may still drop all your courses on Minerva but a minimum administrative charge is assessed.

      10.11 Proof of enrolment

      If you need a document confirming that you are registered as a student at McGill, you can download a proof of enrolment letter from Minerva. In some cases, you may need to visit Service Point to obtain additional documentation. For more information, head to mcgill.ca/student-records


      11. Exams and assessment

      11.1 Academic integrity

      As a McGill student, you are responsible for knowing the rules and regulations concerning academic honesty, which can be found in The Handbook on Student Rights and Responsibilities. Perhaps more importantly, it is also your responsibility to help maintain the academic integrity of the University.

      Cheating or plagiarizing by even one student hurts all students, because anything that undermines the evaluation process undermines the value of McGill's degrees. Therefore, carefully considered steps are taken to prevent students from cheating or plagiarizing and to catch those who do. Unfortunately, some students still resort to dishonesty, but any McGill student caught cheating or plagiarizing faces potentially serious consequences including, but not limited to, the possibility of conduct probation and a failure in the course; and such sanctions form a permanent part of the student's disciplinary record.

      Some students try to justify cheating or plagiarism by claiming that they are pressured to outperform their classmates in order to succeed. There are two problems with this argument:

      First, pressure to get good grades may explain the motivation to cheat, but it cannot justify actions that undermine the academic integrity of the University, and thereby debase the grades and degrees that students are striving for.

      Second, McGill does not have a policy of "weeding out" a percentage of students. Indeed, we pride ourselves on the very high quality of our incoming students. We would like everyone who is accepted to McGill to succeed academically and to graduate with a degree. In addition, there is no policy in Science to grade students by how they rank in a class. Therefore, focus on mastering your course material, not on competing with your classmates.

      Please visit the University's website on Integrity for more information:

      11.2 Course evaluation and grading procedures

      University Assessment Policy

      The policy can be found on the Secretariat site.

      Extract from the charter of student rights concerning course outlines

      Regulations:

        1. No candidate for an examination may bring into the examination room any books, notes or other material containing information pertaining to the examination unless the examiner has given instructions that such material will be allowed. Anything brought into the examination room is subject to inspection.
        2. Calculators are not allowed unless otherwise specified. It is the candidate's responsibility to ascertain whether the use of calculators is permitted, and, if it is, whether any restrictions are imposed on the types of calculators that may be brought to the examination.
        3. Translation dictionaries (e.g., English-French) are allowable except in courses where knowledge of a language is one of the objectives of the course. Translation dictionaries must not include any definitions or synonyms.
        4. Other dictionaries (thesaurus, definitions, technical) are not allowed unless otherwise specified.
        5. Notwithstanding the above, electronic dictionaries, whether they are translation or otherwise, are never allowed.
        6. Talk or any other form of communication between candidates is forbidden.
        7. Candidates must not use or attempt to use any improper source of information. No information of any kind that might be of assistance to another candidate is to be written on the question paper.
        8. Students writing examinations are responsible for arriving at the right time and place. Forgetfulness or inadvertently arriving at the wrong time or place cannot be considered acceptable excuses. Candidates will be permitted to enter the examination room quietly up to one half hour after the scheduled start of the exam. After this time they will be admitted only by special permission of the Deputy Invigilator or the Chief Invigilator.
        9. Students must have with them their McGill student identification cards.
        10. Candidates are not permitted to leave the examination room until one half hour after the examination has begun, and in no case before the attendance has been taken.
        11. A candidate who leaves before the examination is over must hand in all completed and attempted work. All work must be done in accordance with the examination instructions, and must be handed in to the invigilator.
        12. The Exam Security Computer Monitoring Program may be used to detect pairs of students with unusually similar answer patterns on multiple-choice exams. Data generated by this program can be used as admissible evidence, either to initiate or corroborate an investigation or a charge of cheating under Section 16 of the Code of Student Conduct and Disciplinary Procedures.
        13. Any breach of these regulations will be reported to the Chief Invigilator and to the Disciplinary Officer of the student's faculty for appropriate action. A student found guilty of cheating or attempting to cheat is liable to expulsion from the University.
           

      PROCEDURES:

      1. If books, notes, etc., cannot be left outside the examination room, they must be put in a place designated by the invigilator before the candidate.
      2. The doors of the examination room will normally be opened 10 minutes before the starting hour.
      3. Students may not leave the examination room during the last fifteen minutes of the exam.
      4. Candidates must remain seated. A candidate needing to speak to the invigilator (e.g., to ask for additional supplies or to request permission to leave the examination room for any reason) should so indicate by raising his or her hand.
      5. Questions concerning possible errors, ambiguities or omissions in the examination paper must be directed to the invigilator, who will investigate them through the proper channels. The invigilator is not permitted to answer questions other than those concerning the examination paper.
      6. At the close of the examination, candidates must stop writing and submit their work at once.

      Letter grades

      When a course is graded numerically, letter grades are assigned as follows for the purpose of calculations of grade point averages. Only letter grades will appear on the student's transcript.

      Grade

      Grade point

      Percentages

      A 4.0 85 -100
      A- 3.7 80 - 84
      B+ 3.3 75 - 79
      B 3.0 70 - 74
      B- 2.7 65 - 69
      C+ 2.3 60 - 64
      C 2.0 55 - 59
      D (Conditional Pass) 1.0 50 - 54
      F (Fail) 0 0 - 49

      Grades may be reported on a Pass/Fail basis only in courses approved in advance by Faculty for such grading.

      Failure and Conditional Pass

      If a course with a final grade of F, J or D is required by the student's program, or if it is prerequisite to another course, the student must raise the mark to a C or better by supplemental examination, additional work when available, or by repeating the course. Students may also attempt the supplemental in elective courses where they have not received a mark of C or better, if they are eligible and feel that they will be able to obtain a satisfactory grade. Normally, a student in satisfactory or probationary standing is permitted to write up to two supplemental examinations for a maximum of eight credits.

      Incompletes

      i. Extension (K)

      The special code of K should be used when you wish to extend the deadline for submission of course work. An extension of up to four months after the end of the course may be granted by the instructor for completion of term work. The student must have an acceptable reason for not having completed the work. The reason and the arrangements made with the student for completing the course must be reported on the form entitled "Submission of K", available from departmental offices. Note that students must sign this form. It is not necessary to submit a copy of the form to Service Point.

      Grades of K must be cleared by April 30 for fall-term courses and by July 30 for winter-term and courses spanning fall and winter terms or they will change to KF's and will the affect the GPA. The K is replaced by the mark on the external documents (transcripts) but appears on internal documents, such as verification forms, along with the final mark, enabling the adviser to offer suggestions should any student show a great number of them.

      ii. Further extension (KE)

      An extension beyond the 4-month period must be approved by the Director of Advising Services (SOUSA) and by the instructor. Students are asked to submit a letter of request to the Director (SOUSA) which should include:

      • method of course evaluation (papers, research project, examination);
      • statement of how much work, both written and research, has been completed to date;
      • statement of how much work remains to be completed, and a timetable; date to which student is seeking extension; students graduating in October must have their work submitted by August 30, and their course grade must reach the Office of the Director of Advising Services by September 15;
      • other courses the student is taking in the upcoming semester and the total number of credits;
      • reasons why course work was not completed within the time period of the first extension. For K grades granted in fall courses, this date is April 30; July 30 for K grades granted in winter courses and courses spanning fall and winter.
      • Professor's permission to grant an additional extension to the date stated above should be included, as well as documents when appropriate (in cases of medical or family affliction).
      • A demanding course schedule will not normally be grounds for granting a KE grade. Requests will be considered on their merit; insufficiently supported requests will not be granted.

      iii. Failed to meet the extended deadline (KF)

      If a student does not complete this work within the extended period, the grade becomes KF and counts as a failure in the calculation of the CGPA.

      iv. Absent (J)

      The special code J (absent) counts as an F (Failure) in calculation of the student's grade point averages. The grade of J must be given when the student did not write the final exam(including take-home exams).

      The grade of J may also be given if the student did not complete another part of the course requirements and has not arranged with the instructor to receive an incomplete (K). In this case, however, the grade of J should only be given under these conditions:

      • the weight of the missing work/exam in the calculation of the mark is sufficient that the student cannot earn a passing mark when given a zero for the missing work/exam; for example, a student missing a paper worth 70% of the mark should be given a J;

        or
      • the instructor has announced at the beginning of the course that a J will be given if the work/exam is not submitted/written, even if the student has earned a passing grade in the course with the missing work/exam.

      Students who receive a J have the right to request that their grade be based on their course work only. There are some conditions. Please see this section of the Calendar.

      v. Deferred (L)

      Students who have not written the final examination for valid and officially documented reasons, such as serious illness or family affliction, may receive permission to apply for a deferred exam. Permission is granted only by Service Point in Enrolment Services. The deferred examination period is held after the April examinations for fall-term courses and the last week of August for winter-term courses and courses spanning fall and winter terms. Courses taken in other faculties other than Arts and Science may have different deferred examination periods. Special arrangements to write deferred exams at other times are not allowed other than for the most exceptional reasons, such as for a graduating student. Students must appeal to Service Point for consideration.

      vi. Withdrawn (W)

      A special code of W, WL (withdrawn from deferred exam) or WF (withdrawn failure) appears on the mark report beside the names of students known to have withdrawn from a course. Permission to withdraw from a course or from the University after the course withdrawal deadline is granted only by Service Point for valid and officially documented reasons such as illness or family affliction. Grades of WL or WF are only granted by Service Point for valid and documented reasons.

      vii. Pending (NA)

      A special code of NA is entered by the SOUSA Office for a student whose grade is not yet available for exceptional reasons other than an extension of the deadline for work submitted (K).

      viii. Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory (S/U)

      Students may designate elective courses outside of their program requirements to be graded under the Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory option. Courses with final grades of S or U will not count towards program requirements (including the foundation year program). If students have inadvertently selected a required course for the S/U option, they must complete a substitute course which has been approved by their adviser to fulfil the program requirement. Below is a summary of the conditions which apply to the S/U option:

      • the S/U option may not exceed 10% of a student's credits taken at McGill to fulfil the degree requirements (e.g. 10% x 90-credit program = 9 credits);
      • the S/U option may be applied to elective courses only;
      • a maximum of one course per term may be taken on the S/U option;
      • students may select the S/U option only during the Drop/Add period;
      • appeals to remove the S/U option after Drop/Add period and before the end of term must be submitted in writing to the Director of Advising Services(SOUSA); they will be granted only when a student has accidentally added the option to a required course;
      • all other appeals will be refused; students need not appeal to have the S/U option added;
      • no appeals will be accepted after the last day of classes; if the course in question is required for a student's program, and the term has ended, then an alternative course must be selected in consultation with the departmental adviser(s);
      • the S/U option will be converted as follows: grades of A through C are converted to S, grades of D, F, and J are converted to U;
      • all S/U courses will be excluded when calculating the grade point average, but will be included in the total of "McGill credits attempted". Courses completed with a grade of S will be included in "McGill credits earned";
      • S/U courses will count in the course load calculation for determination of part-time or full-time status;
      • to be considered for undergraduate scholarships, prizes, medals, awards, and the honorific designations such as Dean's Honour List, students may not use S/U courses toward their course load minima;
      • the S/U option is not open to Special, Visiting, Exchange, or IUT students;

      The S/U option will be confidential on MINERVA. A student may be able to verify the S/U option on Minerva during the term. This choice will not appear anywhere on the student's printed record until such time as the grade is recorded. It is up to the student to ensure that he/she does not exceed the overall number of S/U credits permitted. No checks will be made until the time of graduation, and excessive S grades at that time will prevent graduation.

      Mark changes

      Instructors should use the grade change module on Minerva to submit mark changes or final marks for previously incomplete Science courses. Be sure to inform your department of the change so that they can approve it on Minerva in a timely fashion.

      Posting of marks

      Departments need not post final marks which were submitted electronically to Service Point. Students can check the Minerva Web site for their grades. All posted marks or grades (whether final or interim) may identify the students by student number only, not by name.

      Reassessments and rereads

      In accordance with the Charter of Student Rights, and subject to the conditions stated therein, students have the right to consult any written submission for which they have received a mark, to discuss this submission with the examiner, and to obtain an impartial and competent review of any mark.

      The Faculty recognizes two types of impartial reviews: reassessments of course work (i.e. of term papers, mid-terms, assignments, quizzes, etc.) and rereads of final examinations. In both cases, rather than re-correct the work and grade it as they would have done themselves, reviewers assess the appropriateness of the original grade based, for example, on the application of the grading key to the student's work. If a grade is deemed unfair, it is changed, whether the new grade is higher or lower than the original – i.e., the reviewer's grade takes precedence over the original grade.

      Reassessment of Course Work

      Reassessments of course work are administered and conducted solely by the units involved according to procedures specified by the units and made available to staff and students. Requests for such reassessments must be made within 10 working days after the graded material has been made available for students to view it. Reassessments should normally be completed within 20 working days of the request.

      Rereads of Final Examinations

      Rereads of final examinations are administered by Service Point, but conducted by the units involved. Students must apply to Service Point (use the online form) by March 31 for courses in the Fall term and by September 30 for courses in the Winter or Summer terms (these deadlines are strictly enforced and no requests for rereads will be accepted past them). Students are assessed a fee of $35 for such rereads. It is strongly recommended, but not required, that students consult the instructor of the course before requesting a reread of a final examination.

      Reassessments and rereads in courses not in the Faculty of Science are subject to the deadlines, rules and regulations of the relevant faculty.

      Plagiarism and cheating

      Students should be reminded that plagiarism is an extremely serious offence. They should be given appropriate guidance as to what might be considered "plagiarism" in submitting work. Students should also consult the Academic Integrity Website at Academic Integrity.

      The possession or use of unauthorized materials in any test or examination constitutes cheating. Data generated by the Exam Security Monitoring Program can be used as admissible evidence either to initiate or corroborate an investigation or a charge of cheating under Section 16 of the Code of Student Conduct and Disciplinary Procedures.

      Allegations of plagiarism and cheating together with the evidence should be referred to the Disciplinary Officer of the student's faculty. It is the Disciplinary Officer's responsibility to determine if plagiarism or cheating has occurred and, if so, to determine the penalty.

      The University policy on the academic offences of plagiarism and cheating is outlined in the Code of Student Conduct and Disciplinary Procedures available from the Office of the Dean of Students.

      Deadlines for mark submission

      It is essential that marks be submitted by the following deadlines:

      • fall courses
      first day before lectures begin in January
      • winter courses and courses spanning fall and winter
      with no final exam
      with final exam, grad
      with final exam, non-grad

      one week after lectures end in April
      one week after date of exam
      two weeks after date of exam
      • supplemental and deferred examinations
      within 3 days of the examination
       
      • additional work
      within 3 days of the supplemental/ deferred examination period
       
      • grades of K for fall courses
      April 30
       
      • grades of K for winter courses
        and courses spanning fall and winter
      July 30
      • grades of K for summer courses
        and courses spanning fall and winter
      November 15

      11.3 Final examinations

      Formal final examinations are held during an examination period following the term in which the course is given (fall and winter terms only). The dates of the examination periods are listed in the Important Dates. Students are warned not to make travel arrangements to leave Montreal prior to the scheduled end of any examination period. In some courses there is no final examination; standing in these courses is determined on the basis of term work and class tests. Information regarding exam conflicts.

      Note: Students who do not have a valid university I.D. from their home university must go to Service Point (3415 McTavish St) within 24 hours to have their signature verified. Students who neglect to do so will have their grade withheld and may be blocked from registration on Minerva. Students in their final year will be blocked from graduation.

      11.4 University examination regulations as they apply to B.Sc. and B.A. & Sc. students

      All final exams are governed by the University regulations and by the specific regulations of the Faculty administering the course.

      Regulations:

      PROCEDURES:

      1. No candidate for an examination may bring into the examination room any books, notes or other material containing information pertaining to the examination unless the examiner has given instructions that such material will be allowed. Anything brought into the examination room is subject to inspection.
      2. Calculators are not allowed unless otherwise specified. It is the candidate's responsibility to ascertain whether the use of calculators is permitted, and, if it is, whether any restrictions are imposed on the types of calculators that may be brought to the examination.
      3. Translation dictionaries (e.g., English-French) are allowable except in courses where knowledge of a language is one of the objectives of the course. Translation dictionaries must not include any definitions or synonyms.
      4. Other dictionaries (thesaurus, definitions, technical) are not allowed unless otherwise specified.
      5. Notwithstanding the above, electronic dictionaries, whether they are translation or otherwise, are never allowed.
      6. Talk or any other form of communication between candidates is forbidden.
      7. Candidates must not use or attempt to use any improper source of information. No information of any kind that might be of assistance to another candidate is to be written on the question paper.
      8. Students writing examinations are responsible for arriving at the right time and place. Forgetfulness or inadvertently arriving at the wrong time or place cannot be considered acceptable excuses. Candidates will be permitted to enter the examination room quietly up to one hour after the scheduled start of the exam. After this time they will be admitted only by special permission of the Deputy Invigilator or the Chief Invigilator.
      9. Students must have with them their McGill student identification cards.
      10. Candidates are not permitted to leave the examination room until one hour after the examination has begun, and in no case before the attendance has been taken.
      11. A candidate who leaves before the examination is over must hand in all completed and attempted work. All work must be done in accordance with the examination instructions, and must be handed in to the invigilator.
      12. The Exam Security Computer Monitoring Program may be used to detect pairs of students with unusually similar answer patterns on multiple-choice exams. Data generated by this program can be used as admissible evidence, either to initiate or corroborate an investigation or a charge of cheating under Section 16 of the Code of Student Conduct and Disciplinary Procedures.
      13. Any breach of these regulations will be reported to the Chief Invigilator and to the Disciplinary Officer of the student's faculty for appropriate action. A student found guilty of cheating or attempting to cheat is liable to expulsion from the University.
      14. If books, notes, etc., cannot be left outside the examination room, they must be put in a place designated by the invigilator before the candidate.
      15. The doors of the examination room will normally be opened 10 minutes before the starting hour.
      16. Students may not leave the examination room during the last fifteen minutes of the exam.
      17. Candidates must remain seated. A candidate needing to speak to the invigilator (e.g., to ask for additional supplies or to request permission to leave the examination room for any reason) should so indicate by raising his or her hand.
      18. Questions concerning possible errors, ambiguities or omissions in the examination paper must be directed to the invigilator, who will investigate them through the proper channels. The invigilator is not permitted to answer questions other than those concerning the examination paper.
      19. At the close of the examination, candidates must stop writing and submit their work at once.

      11.5 Reassessment and rereads

      • Reassessments and rereads for Science courses are subject to the deadlines, rules, and regulations outlined in eCalendar (click on link above for details).
      • Reassessments and rereads for Arts courses are subject to the deadlines, rules, and regulations outlined in eCalendar (click on link above for details).

      Reassessments and rereads in courses not in the Faculties of Arts and of Science are subject to the deadlines, rules, and regulations of the relevant faculty.

      Science students apply directly to the unit involved for reassessment of coursework, and through a webform for rereads of final exams.

      11.6 Deferred examinations

      Science students who, for serious reasons such as illness or family affliction, have not written one or more examinations (including take-home examinations), may request permission from Service Point to defer the examination to the next supplemental examination period, (except for courses offered by the Faculties of Engineering and Continuing Education, where students write the examination the next time the course is given).
      Students should be aware that all requests are subject to review and that deferred examinations are granted only for compelling reasons, verified and accepted by Service Point . Supporting evidence such as an appropriate medical report may be required. Service Point must be informed as soon as possible after the examination of the reason for their absence from the examination.

      If you are considering applying for a deferred exam, you should seek the advice of your SOUSA Faculty adviser beforehand. Your adviser can help you with decisions concerning whether it is best to request an exam deferral or late course withdrawal, what your course load should be for the next term, and so forth. We recommend you come in to the SOUSA counter in Dawson Hall for a Same-Day advising session.

      The deferred application is available online through Minerva on the Student Record Menu. The deadlines for applying for deferred examinations is found on the Exams website.

      If the request is approved, an L will appear in place of a grade in such courses. The grade obtained in the deferred examination after it has been written will replace the grade of L on the student's official transcript.

      No supplemental examinations are available for students who receive a grade of D, F, J, or U in a course after a deferred examination. Such students must either re-register in the same course the following term or in an approved course substitute.

      If deferred status is not granted, the student will receive a grade of J in the course, which will count as a failure in the GPA and CGPA. The student may, however, be allowed to write a supplemental examination.

      Students in Summer Session courses should check with Service Point on the availability and restrictions on deferred and supplementary examinations in such courses.

      In the event of illness, it is recommended that students consult the McGill Health Service. Official documentation may be required in support of a request to Service Point for deferred examinations.

      Students who have already written an examination may not subsequently request that the exam be deferred. Such students should consult their faculty office regarding the availability of supplemental examinations.

      Students who are approved for a deferred exam and who choose to write the original exam anyway must inform Service Point immediately to have their deferred exam cancelled.

      Please read here for more information about deferred exam application procedures and the upcoming deferred examination schedule.

      11.7 Supplemental examinations

      Students who wish to write supplemental examinations for certain courses must apply on Minerva through the Student Records Menu.

      The following conditions apply:

      • students must be in satisfactory or probationary standing;
      • students must have received a final grade of D, F, J or U in the course;
      • special permission is required if a student wishes to write supplementals totaling more than 8 credits;
      • only one supplemental examination is allowed in a course;
      • the supplemental result may count for 100% of the final grade or may include the same proportion of class work as did the original grade; the instructor will announce the arrangements to be used for the course by the end of the course change period;
      • the format and content of the supplemental examination (e.g., multiple choice or essay questions) will not necessarily be the same as the format for the final examination, so students should consult the instructor;
      • the supplemental result will not erase the grade originally obtained; both the original mark and the supplemental result will be calculated in the CGPA;
      • additional credit will not be given for a supplemental exam where the original grade for the course was a D and the student already received credit for the course;
      • supplemental examinations in courses outside the Faculties of Arts or of Science are subject to the deadlines, rules and regulations of the relevant faculty;
      • no supplemental examinations are available for students who fail to achieve satisfactory grades in a course with a deferred examination.

      If you are considering applying for a supplemental exam, you should seek the advice of your SOUSA Faculty Adviser beforehand. Your adviser can help you with decisions concerning whether it is best to apply for a supplemental exam, what your course load should be for the next term, and so forth. We recommend you to come in during your Faculty Adviser's drop in hours which are posted above.

      For information about the procedures, rules and regulations pertaining to supplemental exams, please refer to the Exam Office website.

      11.8 Illness

      11.8.1 Missed assignments

      If, due to illness, you have missed assignments or mid-term examinations, see your professor and try to make alternative arrangements. You must be prepared to provide confirmation of illness. Examinations for multi-term courses during the fall-term final examination period in December are treated as mid-terms and alternative arrangements must be made with the professor.

      If you have fallen too far behind to catch up in a course, you should see your Faculty adviser (who is listed on your Minerva transcript) in Dawson Hall, to discuss your options. These include asking your professors for extensions (although not all profs allow this), applying for a late course withdrawal (even if the withdrawal deadline has passed) or applying to defer a final exam. If you are too ill to come in person, contact your Faculty adviser by email. All requests for late course withdrawals and deferred exams are handled by Service Point.

      If you have missed the final examination, you should come in with medical documentation within a week after the examination date to apply for a deferred examination. The medical certificate must cover the date of the missed examination and indicate the nature and duration of the illness.

      11.8.2 Missed final exam

      If you have missed the final examination, you should go to Service Point with medical documentation within a week after the examination date to apply for a deferred examination. The medical certificate must cover the date of the missed examination and indicate the nature and duration of the illness.

      If you are ill the day of your exam, think carefully about your ability to complete the exam. Once you sit for the exam, the grade you earn will remain on your record and cannot be changed. If you have a fever or are quite nauseous, it is best not to enter the exam room at all.


      12. Internships and field studies

      Internships are available for B.Sc. and B.A. & Sc. students. B.A. & Sc. students may earn credit for some internships through the Faculty of Arts.

      › Faculty of Science Internship & Field Studies Office
      › Faculty of Arts Internship Program

      12.1 Credit for internship courses for B.A. & Sc. students

      B.A. & Sc. students may be permitted to receive a maximum of 6 credits for internships to be used towards their degree requirements. There are three types of internships that are eligible for credit.

      Internships courses offered by McGill Departments

      • Internships allow students to gain experience in areas relevant to their fields of study.
      • Internships are only open to U2 and U3 students in good standing, normally after completing 30 credits of a 90-credit program or 45 credits of a 96 to a 120-credit program, who have a minimum CGPA of 2.7 and permission from the departmental Internship Adviser.
      • Internships will normally not fulfill program requirements for seminar or 400-level courses.
      • Internships involve a minimum of 150 hours of work with an approved host institution or organization and provide a vehicle for allowing students to gain up to 3 credits towards their degrees.
      • At the completion of the internship, students must submit a major topical paper that discusses an aspect of the Internship from an academic perspective.

      The Washington Semester Program at the American University

      B.A. & Sc. students can apply to this program by following the steps and submitting the required forms described in the Independent Study Away section of this handbook.

      1. B.A. & Sc. students must complete the following components of the program:
        • Seminar I (four credits)
        • Seminar II (four credits)
        • Internship
        • Research project (four credits)
      2. Twelve (12) transfer credits will be granted provided all the following conditions are satisfied:
        • All components must be completed with a grade of C or better.
        • If any of the grades are below C, 4 credits will be granted only for the component in which the final grade is C or better, except for the internship, for which a maximum of three (3) credits may be awarded.
        • The method of evaluation for each seminar course and the research project must consist of written exams or term papers. Students should confirm this requirement before registering in the program.
        • Students must arrange for The Dean of the Washington Semester Program at the American University to send a letter that includes a Grade Report Summary directly to the Student Affairs Office of the Faculties of Arts and of Science. The Grade Report Summary must confirm the satisfactory completion of the program with a grade of C or better in each of the two seminar courses, the internship and the research project.
      3. Students who satisfy the four conditions above and wish to apply to receive three (3) additional credits for the internship must proceed as indicated below.
        • Submit a letter specifying the reasons for requesting transfer credits for the internship and indicating how the internship relates to their academic program(s) to the Associate Dean of the Faculty of Science.
        • Arrange to have the internship supervisor send a letter that indicates the academic nature of the internship (analytical content and method of evaluation) as well as an evaluation of the student’s performance directly to the Associate Dean of the Faculty of Science. Students should request the Student Affairs Office to send a copy of this letter to the department in the Faculty of Arts or Faculty of Science that will evaluate the internship (see #3 below) and to their program adviser(s).
        • Arrange to have the departmental/program academic adviser in the most appropriate department in the Faculty of Arts or Faculty of Science evaluate the letter from the internship supervisor as well as all the written assignments and term papers of the internship.
        • If the internship is approved for three (3) transfer credits, ask the departmental/program adviser to sign the Course Approval Form.

      Internship and field study courses offered by an accredited and recognized academic institution (host university) that grants 3 and 4-year bachelor degree programs

      • These internship and field study courses will be assessed according to the transfer credit policies for study away.
      • Students must provide information regarding course content and the method of evaluation to the departmental/program academic adviser who will assess the course.
      • Students must arrange for the host university to send an official transcript that provides course numbers and letter or numerical grades directly to the Science Office for Undergraduate Student Advising (SOUSA) Office.

      13. Withdrawals

      What is a withdrawal?

      There are two kinds: Course withdrawal or University withdrawal. A course withdrawal means you have chosen to discontinue one or more courses. A University withdrawal means you have chosen to discontinue your entire term or year of studies. Depending on the date of withdrawal, you may be entitled to a refund.

      Why would I want to withdraw?

      For a number of personal and/or academic reasons, which may include simply not liking the course, not doing well in the course (see Grading procedure), illness, financial difficulties or personal issues.

      To have your Fall or Winter course fees refunded, you must withdraw from the course by the end of the third week of each term. You have the first six weeks of each Fall and Winter term to decide if you want to stay in a course(s), or if you want to remain in the University. In that sixth week of school, mark your agenda with a "D" day ("D"ecision day on withdrawals). See Withdrawal deadlines for more information. For Summer studies, you have until the eighth scheduled day of class to withdraw from a Summer course.

      You alone are responsible for your academic record. If you are thinking about withdrawing and don't take action, you will experience potentially serious problems. Be proactive, assess your situation, inform yourself of deadlines and rules, seek advice and help in decision making. There are lots of resources available to help you.

      What kind of problems can happen if I don't withdraw?

      If you stop attending class and do not write the final exam, you will receive a "J" instead of a "W" for a final grade. A "J" grade is a failure and is equivalent to a zero in your average. "J" grade(s) are a permanent part of your record; you will not be able to erase them. You could go into probationary or unsatisfactory standing as a result of "J" grade(s).

      What do I do if the deadline has passed to make a withdrawal?

      You must think about your reasons for wanting a withdrawal, and inform yourself of the instances where a late withdrawal might be approved. Remember that withdrawals after the deadlines are not routinely approved, so following the rules above is your best bet for success.

      THE TRUTH IS:
       

      You must always make withdrawals yourself.

       

      Grades of "W" are not "bad" for your record; they have no effect on your GPA and a few over the course of your academic career will not affect future studies or career goals. A W does not mean you were failing the course, and you are free to register in a W'd course at another time if you wish.

      MYTHS ABOUT WITHDRAWALS
      Myth #1

      You can withdraw from a course by simply not going to lectures
      Myth #2

      A professor or other university staff can withdraw you from a course
      Myth #3

      A W looks bad on your record and damages your average
      Myth #4

      You can withdraw after the deadlines with the professor's permission
      Myth #5

      Ws on your record prevent you from entering graduate studies, medical school, or finding a job
      Myth #6

      A W means you were failing the course
      Myth #7

      A W means you can't take the course again

      13.1 Course withdrawals

      After the Course Change (Add/Drop) Period, there is a period of time during each term when you may still withdraw from courses on Minerva without academic penalty. You may withdraw from your courses in any given term using Minerva up to the course withdrawal deadlines. Withdrawing from your last course in a given term constitutes a University withdrawal.

      Non-attendance at classes does not constitute a withdrawal. It will result in a grade of J (failure due to absence).

      If you are not sure whether to continue in or to withdraw from a course, ask yourself these questions:

      • do I understand the material well?
      • am I reading ahead of my professor?
      • can I converse intelligently with other students and with the instructor?

      If you are thinking about withdrawing from a course, you can always consult an adviser at the (SOUSA) Science Office for Undergraduate Student Advising Office in Dawson Hall before making your final decision.

      Any course withdrawals will appear as a 'W' on your record. A 'W' is not calculated into your GPA and CGPA. A 'W' indicates that you withdrew from a course for whatever reason, not necessarily because you were failing the course. One or two grades of 'W' will not be the determining factor when your application for further studies after your bachelor's degree is being reviewed. However, when there are numerous grades of 'W' on your record, some explanation is advisable and may be requested. At the time of graduation, many students have at least one 'W' on their record, and more often than not, more than one.

      Do not wait until your mid-term exam is written or returned to make your decision. By then, the withdrawal deadline may have passed.

      Permission to withdraw from a course after the withdrawal deadline may be granted only under exceptional circumstances. Permission will not be granted because you are doing unsatisfactory work in a course. If you wish to request permission to withdraw late from a course, you will need to appeal in writing to Service Point, and attach appropriate documentation to your request.

      13.2 University withdrawals

      Withdrawing from all your courses in any one term constitutes a University withdrawal.

      It is your responsibility to initiate the withdrawal process; non-attendance at classes does not constitute a University withdrawal. Up until the deadlines for course withdrawals you must withdraw from all of your courses on Minerva or submit a written request to withdraw from the university. In your letter include your signature and your student ID number and forward it to the following address:

      Service Point
      McGill University
      3415 McTavish St.
      Montreal, Quebec H3A 1Y1

      Permission to withdraw from the University after course withdrawal deadlines may be granted only under exceptional circumstances. If you wish to request permission to withdraw from the University after course withdrawal deadlines, you will need to submit your request for a University withdrawal to Service Point, along with appropriate supporting documentation. Circumstances which can affect your ability to complete your studies, and which may be a basis to grant a University withdrawal past withdrawal deadlines, include illness, unforeseen financial hardship, or serious family affliction.

      Once you withdraw from the University, your record will be updated to include an official "withdrew from the University" narrative with the date of withdrawal. If you withdraw in the Fall term, you are considered withdrawn from the entire academic year and your Winter term is deleted.

      If you wish to return to McGill in the future: You must Complete an on-line application. Please refer to our website at readmission for further details and deadline dates.


      14. Graduating

      14.1 Graduation checklists

      Use these checklists to ensure there are no surprises when you want to graduate. These are the things we check when reviewing your file for graduation, so it is a good idea for you to review these early enough to make changes if needed.

      Bachelor of Science graduation checklist

      Make sure you have completed these steps and satisfied these requirements. See your SOUSA adviser if you have questions or have trouble making a change on Minerva.

      1. Apply to graduate on Minerva in your final year. Deadlines vary, and can be a few months before graduation. Do this when you are pretty sure when you will graduate. Note that applying for graduation does not affect your ability to change your courses or your programs, and you do not have to wait for your final grades to show on your transcript, even if you have deferred an exam from a previous term.

        Select the correct term of graduation:
        Winter = May graduation, June convocation
        Summer = October graduation, November convocation
        Fall = February graduation, June convocation
        This should show near the top of your Minerva transcript, on the right.
        If you cannot select the term you want on Minerva, contact your SOUSA adviser. Do NOT select any other term that is "close"!
        See the Convocation and Diploma site for instructions on attending convocation and getting your diploma.
         
      2. 120 credits minimum total required for Bachelor degree. Shows at bottom of transcript under "Total Credits".
         
      3. Foundation year requirements met (non-CEGEP students), even if you were admitted into U1.
        If you received 24 or more advanced standing credits and were accepted into U1, you are still responsible for ensuring that your foundation year sciences are complete. The Foundation program requires seven (7) courses!
      4. Residency requirement is met (minimum 60 McGill credits not including the foundation year program). Also, 2/3 of program credits - for each program - must be taken at McGill.
      5. Correct program(s) on transcript in final term.
        Verify your Minerva transcript. You cannot graduate with an incomplete program on your record in your final term. If you do not intend to complete a program, drop it. Also, you will not graduate from a program if it is not listed in your final term. (Management minors can be an exception, we sometimes add those late).
        If you think you are in an Honours program, it should say so on your transcript. If it does not, see your program adviser.
         
      6. All programs completed. Check with your program advisor(s).
        Please check this early enough to make course changes if needed.
         
      7. Max 18 credits outside Arts and Science allowed. Some programs can exceed this limit.
         
      8. No restricted courses outside Arts and Science! Check our list of restricted courses.
        If you take a course outside Arts or Science and it is on the Approved list, that is ok. If it is on the Not Approved list (or not listed at all), you may not get credit. See your SOUSA adviser.
         
      9. All transfer credits from study away or exchange show on your transcript.
        This is why students cannot graduate in the same term they have an exchange or study away. The credits will not arrive in time.
         
      10. S/U option – max allowed is 10% of your McGill credits. Only for electives!
        If you did and exchange year and only did 90 credits at McGill, then you can only have a max of 9 credits with the S/U option. Cannot be used for program or foundation year courses.
         
      11. Repeated courses only get credit once if passed more than once. Watch your credit total, especially if you are repeating a course where you already earned a D grade!
        If you are repeating a topics or research project course, be sure to contact your SOUSA adviser to verify that you will get credit twice. Otherwise you may not!

        How can you tell if you are getting credit? Once the grade is on your transcript, you will see [A] [I] or [E] beside it.
        [A] - included in CGPA but excluded from credit count
        [I] - included in CGPA and included in credit count
        [E] - excluded from both CGPA and credit count
         
      12. CGPA 2.00 minimum required (3.00 for honours, but some programs are higher)
        If you are in an honours program and cannot meet the 3.0 (or higher, depending on the department) requirement, talk to your program adviser about your options.
         
      13. Pay all your fees, including library fines. While this will not prevent graduation, if you have a fee hold on your Minerva transcript (just below your name and ID info), you may not be able to get your diploma or order official transcripts until the hold is cleared. If you have questions about your fees, see Service Point.

      Bachelor of Arts & Science graduation checklist

      Make sure you have completed these steps and satisfied these requirements. See your SOUSA adviser if you have questions or have trouble making a change on Minerva.

      1. Apply to graduate on Minerva in your final year. Deadlines vary, and can be a few months before graduation. Do this when you are pretty sure when you will graduate. Note that applying for graduation does not affect your ability to change your courses or your programs, and you do not have to wait for your final grades to show on your transcript, even if you have deferred an exam from a previous term.

        Select the correct term of graduation:
        Winter = May graduation, June convocation
        Summer = October graduation, November convocation
        Fall = February graduation, June convocation
        This should show near the top of your Minerva transcript, on the right.
        If you cannot select the term you want on Minerva, contact your SOUSA adviser. Do NOT select any other term that is "close"!
        See the Convocation and Diploma site for instructions on attending convocation and getting your diploma.
         
      2. 120 credits minimum total required for Bachelor degree. Shows at bottom of transcript under "Total Credits".
         
      3. For students in multi-track or joint-honours program: BASC 201 completed. This is a required course for your degree.
      4. Foundation year requirements met (non-CEGEP students), even if you were admitted into U1.
        If you received 24 or more advanced standing credits and were accepted into U1, you are still responsible for ensuring that your foundation year courses (both Arts and Science) are complete.
         
      5. Residency requirement is met (minimum 60 McGill credits not including the foundation year program). Also, 2/3 of program credits - for each program - must be taken at McGill.
      6. No course overlap allowed. Courses can only count for one program. No double counting allowed. This includes the foundation year courses - they cannot also count for a major or minor.
         
      7. Correct programs listed on transcript in final term.
        Verify your Minerva transcript, you should have two programs in your final term, no more and no less. You cannot graduate with an incomplete program on your record in your final term. You will not graduate from a program if it is not listed in your final term.
        If you think you are in an Honours program, it should say so on your transcript. If it does not, see your program adviser.
         
      8. All programs completed. Check with your program advisers.
        Please check this early enough to make course changes if needed.
         
      9. Max 12 credits outside Arts and Science allowed. Some programs can exceed this limit.
         
      10. All transfer credits show on your transcript if you did a study away or exchange term.
        This is why students cannot graduate in the same term they have an exchange or study away. The credits will not arrive in time.
         
      11. S/U option – max allowed is 10% of your McGill credits. Only for electives!
        If you did and exchange year and only did 90 credits at McGill, then you can only have a max of 9 credits with the S/U option. Cannot be used for program or foundation year courses.
         
      12. Repeated courses only get credit once if passed more than once. Watch your credit total, especially if you are repeating a course where you already earned a D grade!
        If you are repeating a topics or research project course, be sure to contact your SOUSA adviser to verify that you will get credit twice. Otherwise you may not!

        How can you tell if you are getting credit? Once the grade is on your transcript, you will see [A] [I] or [E] beside it.
        [A] - included in CGPA but excluded from credit count
        [I] - included in CGPA and included in credit count
        [E] - excluded from both CGPA and credit count
         
      13. CGPA 2.00 minimum required (3.00 for honours, but some programs are higher)
        If you are in an honours program and cannot meet the 3.0 (or higher, depending on the department) requirement, talk to your program adviser about your options.
         
      14. Pay all your fees, including library fines. While this will not prevent graduation, if you have a fee hold on your Minerva transcript (just below your name and ID info), you may not be able to get your diploma or order official transcripts until the hold is cleared. If you have questions about your fees, see Service Point.

      Info on applying to graduate, convocation dates and picking up your diploma are on the McGill Graduation site.

      14.2 Frequently asked questions about graduation

      When should I apply to graduate?
      In your final year, preferably at the start of your final term, but you can apply earlier.
      Note: By "apply to graduate", we mean "put yourself on the list for us to review your file". Your file will remain "Pending" until sometime after all of your final grades appear on your transcript in your final term.

      What if I don’t see the term of graduation that I want on the application?
      You might be too early (don’t apply a year in advance) or you may have missed the deadline to apply on Minerva. Don’t panic, the Minerva deadline is very early (especially for the Summer term) for technical reasons, but there are work-arounds. Talk to your SOUSA adviser. Don’t delay!

      Do I have to inform my program advisers that I am graduating?
      No, that will happen automatically. However, it is a good idea to check with them before your final term to ensure you are on track to graduate.

      When will my transcript indicate that I have graduated?
      The Degree Awarded notification and any earned honorifics like "Dean's Honour List" or "Distinction" appears on transcripts three times each year.
      Winter graduation: Late May (early June for 2020 due to COVID19)
      Summer graduation: Late October
      Fall graduation: Late February (but honorifics only appear in late May - early June for 2020)

      How long will my status remain pending and what does this mean?
      Your application will remain pending while your file is being reviewed by the Faculty. Should there be a problem, this will be communicated with you through the Minerva graduation module and by email. Files are reviewed as follows: Fall term grads (February); Winter term (May); Summer term (October). Note that we cannot approve your record until all of your grades appear on your transcript.

      Can I graduate in June if I have a Summer course that ends in May?
      No. You cannot normally register for a Summer term course if you have a Winter term graduation flag (see the next question). Also, you cannot graduate in Winter if you need a Summer course to complete your degree. You can graduate in the Summer term (October).

      I need to take a summer course to qualify for another program. Does this mean I can’t graduate?
      If you don't need the summer course for your current degree, you can graduate in May and register for the summer course as a Special Student. See the Summer Studies website for instructions.

      Should I wait until after my final term courses are finalized before applying for graduation?
      No, you can apply before then. Having a graduation flag on your record will not affect your ability to make changes in your final term. But it will prevent you from registering for later terms. So if you change your mind about graduating and need to take another term, you will need to change your graduation term first.

      I just failed a course in my final term. Should I change my graduation term now?
      Only if you need to take another course right away. If not, let us review your record first. That will help us to give you complete advice on what you need to graduate.

      My major is complete but I only have 119 credits. Can I still graduate?
      You will need to complete at least one more credit before you can graduate. The bachelor degree requires 120 credits.

      Can I graduate with more than 120 credits?
      Yes. If you will be going over 120 credits by more than a term, you should see your SOUSA adviser.

      My major is complete but my minor is not. Can I still graduate?
      You cannot graduate with an incomplete program on your record in your final term. You must either drop it or stay to complete it. Either way, you need to let your SOUSA adviser know. We cannot drop or change your programs without your written consent.

      I missed an exam and had to defer it. Can I still graduate?
      If the course you deferred was in your final term, then normally you would have to delay graduation to the next term. Deferred exams are written several months after the original exam. However, you should talk to your SOUSA adviser about your options.

      My project is taking longer to complete than planned, and I have been granted an extension. Can I still graduate?
      We cannot graduate you if all of your final grades are not on your record, but we can leave your file pending until our deadline to see if your grade comes in. Depending on how much of an extension you need, you may have to delay graduation until the next term. See your SOUSA adviser about that.

      Can I take a course at another university in my last term and still graduate?
      No. We do not allow students who are on a term away or taking a course at another university nearby to apply to graduate in the same term. It takes too long for the grades to come in and the credits to transfer. You can apply to graduate in the next term.

      Can I graduate with Honours if I have the correct courses but my CGPA is below 3.00?
      No. The minimum CGPA allowed by the University for Honours is 3.00. Talk to your program adviser about your options.

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