Foundation program course selection

The information on this page, in conjunction with the eCalendar links provided, will help you plan your first year course selection as a Foundation program ("Freshman year") student in the Bachelor of Science.

On this page:

B.Sc. Foundation program requirements

Courses and credit load

General recommendations to guide your course selection

Program-specific recommendations to guide your course selection

Suggested electives

Preparing for medical school applications

Taking courses outside the faculties of Arts and Science

Foundation program ("Freshman year") Interest Groups (FIGs)

Postponing a Foundation program ("Freshman year") course

Note regarding transfer credits and exemptions

If you have completed advanced-level courses (such as CEGEP, IB, APs, French Baccalaureate or A-Levels), you may be granted transfer credits and exemptions from one or more of the Foundation program ("Freshman year") course requirements. If you expect to receive transfer credit and exemption for a Foundation program ("Freshman year") course, you should not register for that course. If you have not already calculated your transfer credits and exemptions, it is recommended that you do so before reading further.

B.Sc. Foundation program requirements

Students who need 97-120 credits to complete their degree requirements will normally start in the Foundation program (formerly Freshman year).  In your first year, you will select your courses based on the Foundation program ("Freshman year") requirements:

Students normally complete 30 credits, which must include at least 7 courses, to be selected as outlined in the Foundation program description in the eCalendar:

eCalendar: B.Sc. Foundation program requirements

Though you will not declare your program (Major/Minor/Honours/Liberal) in your fist year, you are encouraged to reflect on your academic orientation so that your first year course selection will prepare you for the programs that interest you. You may wish to consult with Program advisors to gain a better understanding of the programs you are considering declaring.

Some programs require specific Foundation program ("Freshman year") courses as prerequisites - please ensure that you consult the the program-specific recommendations below.


Course and credit load

The normal course load is 15 credits (4-5 courses) per term for a total of approximately 30 credits (8-10 courses) per year.

Some basic science courses are worth 4 credits - this means that taking 4 courses can still add up to 30 or more credits for the year.  You may wish to take only 4 courses in order to avoid being overloaded. If this is the first time you are studying in English, we strongly recommend that you take only 4 courses during your first term.

The credit rating of a course reflects the number of weekly contact hours. In general, a three-credit course indicates three hours of lectures per week for one term. Laboratory contact hours usually count for fewer credits. Credits also reflect the amount of effort required of the student and generally assume two hours of personal study for each contact hour. A typical semester full load is 15 credits, although 12 credits or more is considered full time.

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 and are strongly urged to consult their advisor. Allow several working days for the processing of your request. Note: Students in their first semester are not allowed to request a credit overload.

 


General recommendations to guide your course selection

Biology courses

Biological, Biomedical & Life Sciences

It is recommended that you complete both BIOL 111 Principles: Organismal Biology and BIOL 112 Cell and Molecular Biology in your Foundation program ("Freshman year"). However, the crucial course is BIOL 112, as it is the prerequisite for higher level courses in the Biological, Biomedical & Life Sciences programs.

Physical, Earth, Math & Computer Sciences

If you intend to pursue a departmental program in the physical sciences you do not need to take BIOL 111 or BIOL 112.

Psychology

If you plan to pursue a program in psychology, you should complete BIOL 112 Cell and Molecular Biology and PSYC 100 Introduction to Psychology in your Foundation program ("Freshman year"). As our psychology program is quite science oriented, knowledge of the concepts covered in BIOL 112 will help you in subsequent psychology courses.

Chemistry courses

It is recommended that you complete both CHEM 110 General Chemistry 1 and CHEM 120 General Chemistry 2 in your Foundation program ("Freshman year") because these courses are prerequisites for CHEM 212 Intro Organic Chemistry 1 . These courses are prerequisites for higher level courses in both Biological, Biomedical & Life Sciences, as well as in Physical, Earth, Math & Computer Sciences.

Mathematics courses (Calculus)

The Department of Mathematics and Statistics currently offers 3 calculus streams, one for students with no previous background in calculus and two for students with a high school background in calculus: the regular stream and the accelerated stream.

Calculus streams

Courses Target students
MATH 139 Calculus 1 with Precalculus (4 cr)
and
MATH 141 Calculus 2 (4 cr)

 
For students with no high school calculus or who do not have a full course of high school calculus (3 hours of lectures and a 2-hour compulsory tutorial).
 
MATH 140 Calculus 1 (3 cr)
and
MATH 141 Calculus 2 (4 cr)
For students with a full course of high school calculus (MATH 140 has 3 hours of lectures and a 1-hour compulsory tutorial; MATH 141 has 3 hours of lectures and a 2-hour compulsory tutorial).
MATH 150 Calculus A (4 cr)
and
MATH 151 Calculus B (4 cr)
For students with a full course of high school calculus and who enjoyed it and did well in all their high school science courses (minimum of A- in high school calculus) (3 hours of lectures and a 2-hour compulsory tutorial).

Both the MATH 139 and 141 and the MATH 140 and 141 streams cover Calculus I and Calculus II, whereas the MATH 150 and 151 stream covers Calculus I, II and III (this stream is a possible option for students planning to enter a program for which Calculus III [MATH 222] is compulsory). The MATH 139 and MATH 141 stream or the MATH 140 and MATH 141 stream are both suitable prerequisites for Calculus III.

Note

Advanced Standing: If you have been granted advanced standing (credit and exemption) for Calculus I or Alpha (either MATH 139 or 140), you have the option of registering for MATH 141 in either the fall or winter term. You may also choose the MATH 150 and 151 stream.

Physics courses

There are two streams of physics:

Courses Target students
PHYS 101 Intro Physics - Mechanics
and
PHYS 102 Intro Physics-Electromagnetism
For students with no high school physics or who are weak in physics. This stream is adequate preparation for the biological science programs but not for the physical science programs.
PHYS 131 Mechanics and Waves
and
PHYS 142 Electromagnetism & Optics
For students with high school physics and a solid background in mathematics. Note that calculus is required as a corequisite. This stream provides very good preparation for the biological or physical sciences programs.

 


Program-specific recommendations to guide your course selections

Students interested in the following programs are advised to select their Foundation program ("Freshman year") courses in accordance with recommendations outlined below:

Anatomy and Cell Biology, Biology, Biochemistry, Microbiology & Immunology, Physiology and Pharmacology

BIOL 112 Cell and Molecular Biology
CHEM 110 General Chemistry 1
CHEM 120 General Chemistry 2

Two calculus courses*
Two physics courses**
  • For Joint Majors in Physiology and Math or Physiology and Physics, Biology and Math or Quantitative Biology, students should select PHYS 131 and 142 instead of PHYS 101 and 102. They should also add MATH 133.
  • To leave open the option of Biology, Environment, Geography, Earth System Sciences or Earth and Planetary Sciences, students should also take BIOL 111 Principles: Organismal Biology .
  • To leave open the option of a Physical, Earth, Math & Planetary Science, such as Atmospheric and Oceanic sciences, Chemistry or Physics, students should choose the PHYS 131/PHYS 142 stream of physics.**
  • Students who wish to leave open the option of a Computer Science major or joint major degree, or who wish a solid introduction to programming, should consider taking COMP 202 in their Foundation program ("Freshman year").

Chemistry

BIOL 112 Cell and Molecular Biology
CHEM 110 General Chemistry 1
CHEM 120 General Chemistry 2
PHYS 131 Mechanics and Waves
PHYS 142 Electromagnetism & Optics
MATH 133 Linear Algebra and Geometry
Two calculus courses*

Computer Science and Software Engineering

COMP 202 Foundations of Programming
MATH 133 Linear Algebra and Geometry
Two calculus courses*
Plus at least 3 of BIOL/CHEM/PHYS**
  • Students who do not take COMP 202 in the Foundation program ("Freshman year") may still follow these majors, but might have to start with COMP 202 in the U1 year.
  • Students interested in the cognitive science minor may also want to take PSYC 100 Introduction to Psychology.
  • Students interested in Joint Physics and Computer Science programs must take PHYS 131 Mechanics and Waves and PHYS 142 Electromagnetism & Optics.
  • Students interested in Joint Major in Computer Science and Biology must take BIOL 112 Cell and Molecular Biology.
  • Students with High School calculus and who are interested in the Joint Honours Mathematics and Computer Science program are strongly advised to consider taking the more challenging calculus sequence MATH 150 Calculus A and MATH 151 Calculus B.
  • Students who have not taken all of Biology, Chemistry and Physics at the grade 12 level should include any missing subjects in their Foundation program ("Freshman year").

Earth & Planetary Sciences

CHEM 110 General Chemistry 1
CHEM 120 General Chemistry 2
PHYS 131 Mechanics and Waves
PHYS 142 Electromagnetism & Optics
ESYS 104 The Earth System
Two calculus courses*
  • Students are also strongly encouraged to include BIOL 111 Principles:Organismal Biology in their program.
  • Students who have not taken all of Biology, Chemistry and Physics at the grade 12 level should include any missing subjects in their Foundation program ("Freshman year").

Earth Systems Science

BIOL 111 Principles:Organismal Biology
CHEM 110 General Chemistry 1
PHYS 131 Mechanics and Waves
PHYS 142 Electromagnetism & Optics
Two calculus courses*

Plus at least 1 of:
CHEM 120 General Chemistry 2
MATH 133 Linear Algebra and Geometry
ESYS 104 The Earth System

Environment

BIOL 111 Principles:Organismal Biology
CHEM 110 General Chemistry 1
CHEM 120 General Chemistry 2
Two calculus courses*
Two physics courses**
  • Students considering the Atmospheric Environment and Air Quality Domain, the Environmetrics Domain, the Water Environments and Ecosystems Domains, or who are interested in environmental modeling, should also take MATH 133 Linear Algebra and Geometry.
  • Students considering the Biodiversity and Conservation Domain, the Ecological Determinants of Health Domains, the Food Production and Environment Domain, the Renewable Resource Management Domain, or the Water Environments and Ecosystems Domains should also take BIOL 112 Cell and Molecular Biology.
  • Students interested in Environment should take ESYS 104 The Earth System . They are advised NOT to take the ENVR 200-level courses until their U1 year.

Geography

Calculus 1*
Calculus 2*
And/or MATH 133 Linear Algebra and Geometry
PHYS 101/131**
CHEM 110 General Chemistry 1
BIOL 111 Principles:Organismal Biology

At least two of:
ESYS 104 The Earth System
CHEM 120 General Chemistry 2
PHYS 102/142**
Calculus 2*
And/or MATH 133 Linear Algebra and Geometry
  • Students with strong science backgrounds should consider enrolling in GEOG 203 Environmental Systems in their first year.

Mathematics and Statistics

MATH 133 Linear Algebra and Geometry
Two calculus courses*
Plus any 4 courses to fulfill the Foundation program ("Freshman year") requirements.
  • Students with high school calculus and who are intending on taking an Honours programs in Mathematics, a Joint Honours program in Mathematics and another discipline, or an Honours program in Physics are strongly advised to consider taking the more challenging calculus sequence MATH 150 Calculus A and MATH 151 Calculus B .
  • Students interested in a joint Mathematics and Computer Science program should include COMP 202 Foundations of Programming in the Foundation program ("Freshman year").
  • Students interested in the joint Physiology and Mathematics programs should include BIOL 112 Cell and Molecular Biology , CHEM 110 General Chemistry 1 , CHEM 120 General Chemistry 2 , and two physics courses** in the Foundation program ("Freshman year").
  • Students interested in a Physics minor should take PHYS 131 Mechanics and Waves and PHYS 142 Electromagnetism & Optics in the Foundation program ("Freshman year").
  • Students who have not taken all of Biology, Chemistry and Physics at the grade 12 level should include any missing subjects in their Foundation program ("Freshman year").

Neuroscience

Students interested in Neuroscience must apply for an Intra-Faculty Transfer after a minimum one-year of study at McGill. Transfers are competitive and meeting the minimum transfer requirements does not guarantee acceptance.  For full details on Degree Transfers, consult the Undergraduate Handbook, Degree Transfer section.
BIOL 112 Cell and Molecular Biology
CHEM 110 General Chemistry 1
CHEM 120 General Chemistry 2

Two calculus courses*
Two physics courses**

MATH 133 Linear Algebra and Geometry (recommended, not required).
  • Students interested in Neuroscience should choose a Foundation program ("Freshman year") that leaves some options open as this program has limited enrolment.
  • Students with additional space in their schedule might also take PSYC 100 Introduction to Psychology, COMP 202 Foundations of Programing and/or MATH 203 Principles of Statistics 1.

Physics

CHEM 110 General Chemistry 1
CHEM 120 General Chemistry 2
PHYS 131 Mechanics and Waves
PHYS 142 Electromagnetism & Optics
MATH 133 Linear Algebra and Geometry
Two calculus courses*
  • Students who would like to leave their options open for a biological/life sciences major, or who might choose the Joint Physiology and Physics program should choose BIOL 112 Cell and Molecular Biology. BIOL 112 is a prerequisite for PHYS 319 Introduction to Biophysics.
  • Students interested in a Joint Physics and Computer Science program, and who do not have a strong background in programming, should consider taking COMP 202 Foundations of Programming in their Foundation program ("Freshman year").
  • Students with high school calculus and who are intending on taking an Honours program in Physics are strongly advised to consider taking the more challenging calculus sequence MATH 150 Calculus A and MATH 151 Calculus B .

Psychology

PSYC 100 Introduction to Psychology

1st calculus courses*
2nd calculus courses*
And/or MATH 133 Linear Algebra and Geometry

CHEM 110 General Chemistry 1
BIOL 112 Cell and Molecular Biology
Plus at least one more from BIOL/CHEM/PHYS
  • Students interested in the cognitive science minor should take COMP 202 Foundations of Programming in their Foundation program ("Freshman year").
  • Students who have not taken all of Biology, Chemistry and Physics at the grade 12 level should include any missing subjects in their Foundation program ("Freshman year").

 

*Choosing your calculus courses: Consult "General recommendations to guide your course selection" section on "Mathematics courses (Calculus)" for guidance on how to select your MATH courses.

**Choosing your physics courses: Consult "General recommendations to guide your course selection" section on "Physics courses" for guidance on how to select your PHYS courses.

 


Suggested electives

Foundation program ("Freshman year") science students may choose electives from the courses listed below, once the required and complementary courses have been selected as part of the B.Sc. foundation program ("Freshman year").

Note: Courses that are not being offered in the current year are not listed in Class Schedule on Minerva. Also, you should consult timetable information via Minerva for changes in course offerings or times and for the locations of the courses. Reminder: all courses have limited enrolment.

Math and science courses

Note: Some of the courses listed below are not suitable in the first term as they require university level prerequisites. Please check the Calendar course entries for further information about appropriate background, or the program adviser (from specific departments), before registering.

Note: Some of the courses below are also listed under the list of approved Foundation program ("Freshman year") Science courses for the B.Sc. Foundation program ("Freshman year").

Note: Science courses numbered 18X (e.g. EPSC 182) are considered general interest courses, and are not part of any program. These courses have no prerequisites.

Note: First Year Seminar courses (CHEM 199, COMP 199, EPSC 199, GEOG 199, PSYT 199) 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 even fewer than that.

Courses

Program Suggested electives
Atmospheric & Oceanic Science
ESYS 104 The Earth System 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


ATOC 181 Intro to Atmospheric Science 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


ATOC 182 Intro to Oceanic Sciences 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


ATOC 183 Climate and Climate Change 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


ATOC 184 Science of Storms 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


ATOC 185 Natural Disasters 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer

Biology
BIOL 111 Principles:Organismal Biology 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


BIOL 112 Cell and Molecular Biology 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


BIOL 200 Molecular Biology 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


BIOL 201 Cell Biology & Metabolism 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


BIOL 202 Basic Genetics 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


BIOL 205 Functional Biol of Plnts&Anmls 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


BIOL 206 Methods in Biology 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


BIOL 210 Perspectives of Science 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


BIOL 240 Monteregian Flora 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer

Chemistry
CHEM 110 General Chemistry 1 4 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


CHEM 120 General Chemistry 2 4 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


CHEM 180 World of Chem: Environment 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


CHEM 181 World of Chem: Food 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


CHEM 182 World of Chem: Technology 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


CHEM 183 World of Chem: Drugs 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


CHEM 199 Course not available

CHEM 203 Survey of Physical Chemistry 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


CHEM 204 Physical Chem/Biological Scis1 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


CHEM 212 Intro Organic Chemistry 1 4 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


CHEM 214 Physical Chem./Biol. Sci. 2 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


CHEM 217 Course not available

CHEM 219 Intro to Atmospheric Chemistry 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


CHEM 222 Intro Organic Chemistry 2 4 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


CHEM 223 Course not available

CHEM 243 Course not available

CHEM 253 Intrdctry Physcl Chemistry Lab 1 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


CHEM 281 Inorganic Chemistry 1 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


CHEM 287 Intro Analytical Chemistry 2 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


CHEM 297 Intro Analytical Chem. Lab. 1 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer

Computer Science
COMP 102 Computers & Computing 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


COMP 189 Computers and Society 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


COMP 199 Course not available

COMP 202 Foundations of Programming 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


COMP 206 Intro to Software Systems 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


COMP 230 Logic and Computability 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


COMP 250 Intro to Computer Science 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


COMP 280 Hist and Phil of Computing 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer

Earth & Planetary Sciences
ESYS 104 The Earth System 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


EPSC 180 The Terrestrial Planets 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


EPSC 181 Environmental Geology 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


EPSC 185 Natural Disasters 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


EPSC 186 Astrobiology 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


EPSC 199 FYS: Earth & Planetary Explor. 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


EPSC 201 Understanding Planet Earth 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


EPSC 233 Earth and Life History 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


EPSC 334 Invertebrate Paleontology 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer

Faculty of Science
FSCI 198 Climate Crisis&Climate Actions 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer

Geography
ESYS 104 The Earth System 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


GEOG 199 Course not available

GEOG 201 Intro Geo-Information Science 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


GEOG 203 Environmental Systems 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


GEOG 205 Global Chg:Past, Pres & Future 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


GEOG 221 Environment and Health 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


GEOG 272 Earth's Changing Surface 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer

Mathematics and Statistics
MATH 133 Linear Algebra and Geometry 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


MATH 139 Calculus 1 with Precalculus 4 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


MATH 140 Calculus 1 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


MATH 141 Calculus 2 4 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


MATH 150 Calculus A 4 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


MATH 151 Calculus B 4 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


MATH 203 Principles of Statistics 1 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


MATH 204 Principles of Statistics 2 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


MATH 222 Calculus 3 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


MATH 223 Linear Algebra 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer

Physics
PHYS 101 Intro Physics - Mechanics 4 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


PHYS 102 Intro Physics-Electromagnetism 4 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


PHYS 131 Mechanics and Waves 4 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


PHYS 142 Electromagnetism & Optics 4 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


PHYS 180 Space, Time & Matter 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


PHYS 181 Everyday Physics 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


PHYS 182 Our Evolving Universe 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


PHYS 183 The Milky Way Inside and Out 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


PHYS 184 Energy and the Environment 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


PHYS 224 Physics of Music 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer

Psychology
PSYC 100 Introduction to Psychology 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


PSYC 199 Course not available

PSYC 204 Intro to Psychological Stats 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


PSYC 100 Introduction to Psychology 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


PSYC 211 Intro Behavioural Neuroscience 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


PSYC 212 Perception 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


PSYC 213 Cognition 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


PSYC 215 Social Psychology 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


PSYC 305 Statistics for Exper Design 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer

Psychiatry
PSYT 199 FYS: Mental Illness&The Brain 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer

Social sciences

Note: If you intend to follow a psychology program, you should not register in SOCI-216 (Social Psychology). PSYC 215 Social Psychology is more appropriate. Credit will not be given for both courses.

Courses

Program Suggested electives
Anthropology
ANTH 201 Introduction to Archaeology 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


ANTH 202 Socio-Cultural Anthropology 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


ANTH 203 Human Evolution 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


ANTH 204 Anthropology of Meaning 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


ANTH 206 Environment and Culture 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


ANTH 207 Ethnography Through Film 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


ANTH 208 Evolutionary Anthropology 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


ANTH 209 Anthropology of Religion 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


ANTH 212 Anthropology of Development 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


ANTH 222 Legal Anthropology 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


ANTH 227 Medical Anthropology 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer

Canadian Studies
CANS 200 Understanding Canada 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer

(also listed as a Humanities course)
Economics
ECON 199 Course not available

ECON 205 An Intro to Political Economy 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


ECON 208 Microeconomic Analysis&Applic 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


ECON 209 Macroeconomic Analysis&Applic 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


ECON 219 Current Econ Problems:Topics 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


ECON 223 Pol Economy of Trade Policy 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


ECON 225 Economics of the Environment 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer

Gender, Sexual, and Feminist Studies
GSFS 200 Feminist and Social Justice St 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


GSFS 250 Sexual and Gender Diversity St 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer

Geography
GEOG 199 Course not available
(also listed as a Math & Science course)
GEOG 200 Geo Persp:World Env Problems 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


GEOG 210 Global Places and Peoples 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


GEOG 216 Geography of the World Economy 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


GEOG 217 Cities in the Modern World 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer

History
HIST 194 FYS: Jewish Concepts of Others 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


HIST 195 FYS: Sources of World History 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


HIST 197 FYS: Race in Latin America 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


HIST 198 FYS:Nation Bldg&Nationalism 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


HIST 199 FYS: History 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


HIST 200 Intro to African History 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


HIST 201 Modern African History 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


HIST 202 Survey: Canada to 1867 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


HIST 203 Survey:Canada since 1867 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


HIST 205 Ancient Mediterranean History 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


HIST 206 Indian Ocean World History 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


HIST 207 Jewish History:400 BCE to 1000 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


HIST 208 Intro to East Asian History 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


HIST 211 American History to 1865 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


HIST 212 Medieval Europe 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


HIST 213 World History, 600-2000 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


HIST 214 Early Modern Europe 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


HIST 215 Modern Europe 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


HIST 216 Intro to Russian History 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


HIST 218 Modern East Asian History 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


HIST 219 Jewish History: 1000-2000 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


HIST 221 United States since 1865 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


HIST 226 E Central &SE Europe in 20th C 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


HIST 249 Health&the Healer in West Hist 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer

Indigenous Studies
INDG 200 Intro. to Indigenous Studies 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer

Linguistics
LING 200 Intro to the Study of Language 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


LING 201 Introduction to Linguistics 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer

Political Science
POLI 200 Intro to Political Science 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


POLI 210 Poli Sci Research Methods 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


POLI 212 Gov't&Politics-Developed World 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


POLI 221 Government of Canada 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


POLI 222 Political Proc&Behav in Canada 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


POLI 226 La vie politique québécoise 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


POLI 227 Developing Areas/Introduction 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


POLI 231 Intro to Political Theory 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


POLI 232 Course not available

POLI 243 Intl Poltcs of Econ Relations 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


POLI 244 Intl Politics: State Behaviour 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer

Sociology
SOCI 210 Sociological Perspectives 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


SOCI 211 Sociological Inquiry 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


SOCI 219 Course not available

SOCI 222 Urban Sociology 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


SOCI 225 Medicine&Health in Mod Society 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


SOCI 230 Sociology of Ethnic Relations 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


SOCI 234 Population & Society 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


SOCI 235 Technology and Society 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


SOCI 247 Family & Modern Society 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


SOCI 250 Social Problems 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


SOCI 254 Development&Underdevelopment 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


SOCI 270 Sociology of Gender 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer

Humanities

Note: Some of the courses listed below are not suitable for first term as they require university level prerequisites. Please check the Calendar course entries for further information about appropriate background before registering.

Courses

Program Suggested electives
Art History
ARTH 204 Intro to Medieval Art & Arch 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


ARTH 205 Introduction to Modern Art 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


ARTH 207 Intro Early Mod. Art 1400-1700 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


ARTH 209 Intro to Ancient Art and Arch 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


ARTH 215 Introduction to East Asian Art 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


ARTH 223 Intro Ital Renai Art 1300-1500 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer

Canadian Studies
CANS 200 Understanding Canada 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer

Catholic Studies
CATH 200 Introduction to Catholicism 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer

Classics
CLAS 203 Greek Mythology 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer

Communication Studies
COMS 200 History of Communication 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


COMS 210 Intro to Communication Studies 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


COMS 230 Communication and Democracy 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer

East Asian Studies
EAST 211 Intro:East Asian Culture:China 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


EAST 212 Intro:East Asian Culture:Japan 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


EAST 213 Intro:East Asian Culture:Korea 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


EAST 215 Introduction to East Asian Art 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


EAST 351 Women Writers of China 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


EAST 353 Approaches to Chinese Cinema 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


EAST 356 Modern & Contemp. Chinese Art 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


EAST 362 Japanese Cinema 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


EAST 363 Early and Medieval Japan 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


EAST 364 Mass Culture & Postwar Japan 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


EAST 370 History of Sexuality in Japan 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


EAST 385 Global Korea 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


EAST 390 The Chinese Family in History 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer

English
ENGL 199 FYS: Form and Representation 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


ENGL 200 Survey of English Literature 1 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


ENGL 201 Survey of English Lit 2 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


ENGL 204 English Literature & the Bible 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


ENGL 215 Intro to Shakespeare 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


ENGL 225 American Literature 1 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


ENGL 226 American Literature 2 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


ENGL 228 Canadian Literature 1 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


ENGL 229 Canadian Literature 2 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


ENGL 237 Intro to Study of a Lit Form 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


ENGL 279 Introduction to Film as Art 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


ENGL 280 Intro to Film as Mass Medium 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer

French Language & Literature
FREN 199 Course not available

FREN 250 Litt française avant 1800 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


FREN 251 Litt française depuis 1800 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer

German Studies
GERM 197 FYS: Images of Otherness 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


GERM 259 Intro to German Literature 1 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


GERM 260 Intro to German Literature 2 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer

Hispanic Studies
HISP 225 Hispanic Civilization 1 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


HISP 226 Hispanic Civilization 2 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


HISP 241 Survey of Spanish Lit&Cult 1 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


HISP 242 Survey of Spanish Lit & Cult 2 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


HISP 243 Survey of Lat Amer Lit&Cult1 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


HISP 244 Survey of Lat Amer Lit&Cult2 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer

Italian Studies
ITAL 355 Dante and the Middle Ages 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


ITAL 361 Course not available

ITAL 365 The Italian Renaissance 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


ITAL 374 Classics of Italian Cinema 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


ITAL 375 Cinema&Society in Modern Italy 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer

Jewish Studies
JWST 199 FYS:Images-Jewish Identities 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


JWST 201 Jewish Law 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


JWST 206 Intro to Yiddish Literature 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


JWST 211 Jewish St 1: Biblical Period 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


JWST 217 Jewish St 3: 1000 to 2000 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


JWST 225 Literature and Society 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


JWST 240 The Holocaust 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


JWST 252 Interdisciplinary Lectures 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


JWST 254 The Jewish Holy Days 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


JWST 261 Hist of Jewish Phil & Thought 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer

Music
MUAR 201 Basic Materials:Western Mus 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


MUAR 211 The Art of Listening 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


MUAR 374 Special Topics in Music 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


MUAR 384 Romanticism & the Piano 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


MUAR 387 The Opera 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


MUAR 389 The Symphony and Concerto 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


MUAR 392 Popular Music after 1945 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


MUAR 393 Intro to Jazz 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer

Philosophy
PHIL 199 FYS: Minds, Brain and Machines 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


PHIL 200 Intro to Philosophy 1 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


PHIL 201 Intro to Philosophy 2 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


PHIL 210 Intro to Deductive Logic 1 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


PHIL 221 Intro to Hist & Phil of Sci 2 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


PHIL 230 Intro to Moral Philosophy 1 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


PHIL 237 Contemporary Moral Issues 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


PHIL 240 Political Philosophy 1 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


PHIL 242 Intro to Feminist Theory 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer

Religious Studies
RELG 201 Religions:Ancient Near East 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


RELG 202 Religion of Ancient Israel 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


RELG 203 Bible and Western Culture 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


RELG 204 Judaism, Christianity&Islam 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


RELG 207 Intro to Study of Religions 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


RELG 210 Jesus of Nazareth 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


RELG 252 Hinduism & Buddhism 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


RELG 253 Religions of East Asia 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


RELG 256 Course not available

RELG 270 Religious Ethics & the Environ 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


RELG 271 Religion and Sexuality 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer

Russian & Slavic Studies
RUSS 217 Russia's Eternal Questions 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


RUSS 218 Russian Lit and Revolution 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


RUSS 223 Russian 19c: Literary Giants 1 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


RUSS 224 Russian 19c. Literary Giants 2 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer

Languages

Note: You may wish to take a language course this year. The following regulations regarding language courses apply to students in the Foundation program ("Freshman 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 program ("Freshman year") provided that they are at different levels, e.g., Elementary French and Intermediate German. You may not take two 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 program ("Freshman 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.

Language courses

Program Suggested electives
Classics
CLAS 210 Introductory Latin 1 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


CLAS 212 Introductory Latin 2 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


CLAS 230D1 Introductory Modern Greek 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer

East Asian Studies
EAST 220 First Level Korean 9 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


EAST 230 First Level Chinese 9 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


EAST 240 First Level Japanese 9 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


EAST 320 Second Level Korean 9 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


EAST 330 Second Level Chinese 9 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


EAST 340 Second Level Japanese 9 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer

English as a Second Language
CESL 300 Course not available

CESL 400 Course not available

CESL 500 Course not available
French Language & Literature
FREN 199 Course not available

FREN 201 Le français littéraire (FLS) 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


FREN 203 Analyse de textes (FLS) 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


FREN 231 Linguistique française 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


FREN 239 Stylistique comparée 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


FREN 245 Grammaire normative 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer

French as a Second Language
FRSL 101 Beginners French 1 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


FRSL 105 Intensive Beginners French 6 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


FRSL 206 Elementary French 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


FRSL 207 Elementary French 01 6 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


FRSL 208 Intensive Elementary French 6 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


FRSL 211 Oral and Written French 1 6 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


FRSL 212 Oral & Written French 1 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


FRSL 215 Oral&Writ French 1-Intensive 6 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


FRSL 216 Course not available
German Studies
GERM 200 German Lang Intens Beginners 6 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


GERM 202 German Language, Beginners 6 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer

Hispanic Studies
HISP 210 Spanish Language:Beginners 6 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


HISP 218 Spanish Lang Intens-Elem 6 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


HISP 219 Spanish Lang Intens-Intermed 6 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


HISP 220D1 Spanish Language:Intermediate 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer

Islamic Studies
ISLA 521D1 Course not available

ISLA 522 Course not available

ISLA 532D1 Course not available

ISLA 533D1 Course not available

ISLA 541D1 Course not available

ISLA 542D1 Course not available

ISLA 551D1 Course not available

ISLA 552D1 Course not available
Italian Studies
ITAL 205D1 Italian for Beginners 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


ITAL 206 Beginners Italian Intensive 6 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


ITAL 210D1 Italian for Adv. Beginners 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


ITAL 215D1 Intermediate Italian 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


ITAL 216 Intermediate Italian Intensive 6 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer

Jewish Studies
JWST 220 Introductory Hebrew 6 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer

Religious Studies
RELG 257D1 Introductory Sanskrit 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


RELG 264 Introductory Tibetan 1 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


RELG 265 Introductory Tibetan 2 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


RELG 280 New Testament Greek 2 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer

Russian & Slavic Studies
RUSS 210 Elementary Russian Language 1 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


RUSS 211 Elementary Russian Language 2 3 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer


RUSS 215 Elem Russian Lang Intensive 1 6 Credits
    Offered in the:
  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Summer

 


Preparing for medical school applications

Students who wish to leave open the option of applying to medical school should be aware that they can select any of the Science majors (not just the biological or life science ones). Medical schools are looking for a diverse applicant pool and ALL Science programs provide ample room to include medical school prerequisite courses. Students perform best when they select a major in which they are interested and engaged. Choosing the appropriate major can also leave many options open, not just medical school.

Students should review the prerequisite courses required for the medical schools they are considering to ensure that they complete all of the required basic science courses during their undergraduate degree. However, not all such courses need to be completed in the Foundation program ("Freshman year"). Students are encouraged to select the Foundation program ("Freshman year") courses that best prepare them for their future disciplines of study.

In addition, students should be aware of other constraints on their undergraduate studies imposed by medical school admissions. For example, some medical schools will not allow courses to be taken under the S/U option, and some medical schools require a minimum credit and/or course load per term. Medical schools vary in their prerequisite requirements but in general it is recommended that interested students complete both one full year of biology and one full year of chemistry during their Foundation program ("Freshman year"). Specific admission requirements for all Canadian medical schools can be found at the Association of Faculties of Medicine of Canada homepage (under Publications).

 


Taking courses outside the faculties of Arts and Science

You may choose courses outside the Faculties of Arts and of Science as elective credits, up to a maximum of 6 credits during the Foundation program ("Freshman year") (3 credits per term). Please consult the list of approved and restricted courses and your Faculty advisor in order to determine which courses are permitted for credit.

 


Foundation program ("Freshman year") Interest Groups (FIGs)

What are FIGs?

  • A FIG comprises approximately 25 newly admitted B.Sc. and B.A. & Sc. students.
  • Only newly admitted Foundation program ("Freshman year") students can register for a FIG on Minerva.
  • FIGs are led by a member of the SOUSA office and an upper-year student.
  • The FIGs meets for one hour, normally once every two weeks, during the fall semester only.
  • FIGS 196 is a non-credit activity, does not cost anything, and does not appear on your McGill transcript.

What are the advantages of attending a FIG?

  • Interact in an informal setting with advisors, guest speakers and other students.
  • Explore topics not normally discussed in the regular classroom setting, ranging from careers in Science to the structure of universities.
  • Introduce discussion topics of special interest to you.
  • Be better informed regarding programs and research opportunities.

What topics might be discussed in a FIG?

  • Choosing your programs: myths and facts
  • Exchanges and travel opportunities
  • Research opportunities
  • How to study more effectively and time management
  • Professional schools
  • Careers in Science (and related fields)
  • Part time jobs/volunteer work
  • Internships and field studies
  • Extracurricular activities on campus

How to register for a FIG

Register for one of the sections of FIGS 196 on Minerva.

 


Postponing a Foundation program course

If it is necessary to postpone one of your Foundation program courses, depending on your intended program, it may be possible to take the course at McGill during the summer session. Also, it may be helpful to know that you are permitted to take summer courses at another university and have the credits and exemption(s) transferred to your McGill degree. Please consult Study Away for more information regarding study away permission/approval for summer courses and the course equivalency system for more information regarding exemptions from McGill courses.

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