Just writing a short post for you guys explaining how our course coding system works!
Let’s start with an example: PSYC-1100-YA
PSYC-1100-YA
So this the beginning letters on the course code denote what faculty the class is offered by. For example PSYC is Psychology, GSCI is General Science, BUSI is Business, BIOL is Biology, and so on. Keep in mind that some classes (for example most Nursing, Engineering, and Business) are only offered to students in that program; the system will tell you this if you try to register for them… so don’t worry, you’re not going to get stuck in a fourth year engineering class by accident!
PSYC-1100-YA
This number is a way to identify the class as well as the year level. Class numbers that start with a 1 (1100) are first year level, 2 (2100) is second year, 3 (3100) is third year, and so on. As long as you don’t need any prerequisites you can take any year level you want, but some classes do require special permission from the faculty (especially if you’re in first or second year) and, of course, upper year classes are more difficult than lower year level.
PSYC-1100-YA
This letter denotes the semester that the class is offered in. F is for Fall (Sept-Dec), Y is for Full Year (Sept-April), and W is Winter (Jan-April).
PSYC-1100-YA
The final letter is the section. Some classes will only have one section (A), but if the classes are large they may split the class into several sections with different professors and/or at different times. Those denoted with DE (ie. FDE or WDE) are classes offered online.
Some other considerations:
NURS-1511L-F6
Having an “L” beside the course code donates that this is a lab. Some classes have lab components that must be registered for separately – make sure you check to see if your class has a lab! The course code for the lab will be the exact same as the regular in-class code, but with an “L” beside it. Check with your faculty member or on the Lakehead University website if you are unsure – the best way to find out is to search the course listings here. Common classes with labs include sciences, engineering, nursing, and languages.
CHEM-3451T-F1
This “T” has the same purpose as the “L” above but stands for Tutorial inside of Lab. Make sure you check if there is a tutorial for your class, like the lab! So far I’ve only see tutorials in Chemistry, but always check!
Synonyms:
When you look at the course timetables you will see that each class has a Synonym, which is a 5-digit number below the course code. These synonyms simply make it easy to register for your class. On the online sheet to register, you can simply put in the synonym and not other information on the class, click register, and it’ll bring up the class for you to add to your timetable. Easy, right?!
As far as I’m concerned, that’s the whole rundown on our course codes! I cried the first time I registered for classes (I was overwhelmed and really had no idea what was happening) so don’t worry if you’re freaking out! If you have any questions, calling Academic Advising would be your best help – they will be able to direct you and answer any questions, even walk you through the registration process!
Lakehead Saradise 