The University Studies Diploma program at Portage College is for students looking to take a full-time program. The Program offers a range of transferable university courses that provide students with a foundation for pursuing further studies and career preparation in selected areas of Science, Arts, Health, Business, Education, and Human Services.
Students can select courses to meet their individual needs, bridge into diploma programs at Portage College, or transfer credits to other institutions, including universities.
Course credits are transferable to universities and colleges in Alberta.
To graduate with a University Studies Diploma, students must complete 60 credits according to the following requirements:
- A minimum of six credits of Junior level English.
- Six credits in Science: Biology; Chemistry; Earth & Atmospheric Sciences; Mathematics; or a combination thereof.
- Six credits in Humanities: Senior-level English; History; Philosophy; Religious Studies or a combination thereof.
- A maximum of 42 credits at the 100 junior level.
Please check individual course delivery with our student advisors.
These programs are available to International Students. Our Designated Learning Institute (DLI) number is O111010246767.
Please Note: This program is not eligible for post-graduate work permit (PGWP) upon graduation; however, additional degree completion pathways leading to PGWP eligibility can be investigated.u
Career Potential
Graduates of our Univerity Programs are able to continue their studies in a degree programming such as a Bachelor of Arts, Business, Education, Science, Social Work, or Nursing. Our University Transfer program also supports working professionals who need a university degree for career advancement.
Admission Requirements High School Matriculation: A minimum average of 60% and no mark lower than 50% in the following courses: 1). English Language Arts 30-1 2). Four other 30 Level courses (5 credits each) from the following list:
- Humanities: Social Studies 30-1, a 30-Level language other than English, Aboriginal Studies 30 (5 credits minimum)
- Fine Arts: Art 30, Art 31, Dance 35, Drama 30, Music 30 (10 credits maximum)
- Sciences: Biology 30, Chemistry 30, Science 30, Mathematics 30-1, Mathematics 30-2*, Mathematics 31 (courses may be pre-requisites for particular junior level science or mathematics university courses) *dependent on the program this course may not be accepted by other institutions as entrance requirements or pre-requisites
- Electives: Physical Education 30, World Geography 30, Advanced CTS subjects (5 credits maximum)
Mature Student: 19 years of age or older, out of high school for at least one full year, and a minimum average of 60% with at least 50% in English Language Arts 30-1 and one other five credit Grade 12 course. Open Studies Admission: Successful completion of nine credits. Documents: Complete high school transcripts and post-secondary transcripts, if any work completed at a post-secondary institution Use this chart to check Provincial high school equivalencies accepted at Portage College. Note: This is just a guide. Other: May be required to do an interview with the instructor or coordinator International Student Admission: Based on transcripts, students may need to complete and Grade 12 English proficiency exam and subject area proficiency exams based on the degree stream selection English Language Proficiency Information Transferability Transfer agreements are in place with many different post-secondary institutions across the province and country including the University of Alberta, the University of Calgary, and MacEwan University. Students are encouraged to check out our partnership bachelor programs.
Certification Diploma
Program Start/End Dates
Spring Intake: May 4, 2026 to June 26, 2026
Fall Intake: August 31, 2026 to December 18, 2026
Application Deadlines: (Domestic)
Spring Intake: April 15, 2026
Fall Intake: August 15, 2026
Locations
Cold Lake Campus
Lac La Biche Campus
St. Paul Campus
Delivery
Online Learning
In-person Learning
Hybrid Learning
Domestic Student Fees Application Fee $53.50 Fall Term Fee payment deadline: August 15, 2025
| Tuition | $2,594.46 |
| Student Association | $116.70 |
| Dental Insurance Fee | $163.25 |
| Health Insurance Fee | $163.25 |
| Technology Fee | $82.71 |
| Recreation Fee | $54.57 |
| Total | $3,174.94 |
Winter Term Fee payment deadline: December 15, 2025
| Tuition | $2,594.46 |
| Student Association | $116.70 |
| Technology Fee | $82.71 |
| Recreation Fee | $54.57 |
| Total | $2,848.44 |
Part-time Fees Tuition is calculated using “cost-per-credit” one credit is $170. Calculate the cost by multiplying the number of credits per course by $170. Spring Term Fee payment deadline: April 21, 2026 Spring tuition is calculated using “cost-per-credit” one credit is $170. Calculate the cost by multiplying the number of credits per course by $170. Other mandatory Part-time Spring fees.
| Student Association | $68.95 |
| Technology Fee | $82.71 |
| Recreation Fee | $23.54 |
| Total | $175.20 |
Tuition Deposit – $100 (non-refundable for oversubscribed programs) Visit Portage Bookstore for textbooks and supplies
Fee Explanations
Students’ Association Fees These fees are authorized by student referendum and the Board of Governors. They are collected by the College on behalf of the Students’ Association in accordance with the Post Secondary Learning Act. Health & Dental Fees You may opt-out of the Dental and Health Insurance plan if you provide proof of comparable coverage for an extended health and/or dental care benefits plan. Any questions regarding SA Fees including the Health and Dental Insurance fees should be directed to the SA Office 780-623-5609. Athletics & Recreation Fees These fees are collected to provide recreation and leisure opportunities that promote students’ physical, social, and emotional well-being, whether online or through in person facilities. Check out your +region in the link, to see what is offered at your campus or online. Technology Fee This is a mandatory fee assessed to students enrolling in any credit course (except for apprenticeship programs) at Portage College. The fee supports the on-going maintenance and upgrades to administrative systems that support the entire College infrastructure. As such, it is considered a “mandatory non-instructional fee” and, therefore, is subject to Alberta Advanced Education Public Post-Secondary Institutions’ Tuition Fees Regulations. Visa students are charged the same rate as Canadian residents for this fee.
International Student Fees Application Fee $160.00 Tuition Deposit $5000.00 (non-refundable) If you choose to pay the full tuition and mandatory fees, you may still be eligible for a refund of payments above the $5000 deposit, as per the Portage College refund policy. Fall Term Fee payment deadline: August 15, 2025
| Tuition | $7,650.00 |
| Student Association | $116.70 |
| Dental Insurance Fee | $163.25 |
| Health Insurance Fee | $163.25 |
| Guard Me Insurance | $602.25 |
| Technology Fee | $82.71 |
| Recreation Fee | $54.57 |
| Total | $8,832.73 |
Winter Term Fee payment deadline: December 15, 2025
| Tuition | $7,650.00 |
| Student Association | $116.70 |
| Technology Fee | $82.71 |
| Recreation Fee | $54.57 |
| Total | $7,903.98 |
Spring Term Fee payment deadline: April 21, 2026 Spring tuition is calculated using “cost-per-credit” one credit is $510. Calculate the cost by multiplying the number of credits per course by $510. Other mandatory Part-time Spring fees
| Student Association | $68.95 |
| Technology Fee | $82.71 |
| Recreation Fee | $23.54 |
| Total | $175.20 |
Total for the spring semester if taking 3 credits $1,705.20, if taking 6 credits $3,235.20. Visit Portage Bookstore for textbooks and supplies
Fee Explanations
Students’ Association Fees These fees are authorized by student referendum and the Board of Governors. They are collected by the College on behalf of the Students’ Association in accordance with the Post Secondary Learning Act. Health & Dental Fees You may opt-out of the Dental and Health Insurance plan if you provide proof of comparable coverage for an extended health and/or dental care benefits plan. Any questions regarding SA Fees including the Health and Dental Insurance fees should be directed to the SA Office 780-623-5609. Athletics & Recreation Fees These fees are collected to provide recreation and leisure opportunities that promote students’ physical, social, and emotional well-being, whether online or through in person facilities. Check out your +region in the link, to see what is offered at your campus or online. Technology Fee This is a mandatory fee assessed to students enrolling in any credit course (except for apprenticeship programs) at Portage College. The fee supports the on-going maintenance and upgrades to administrative systems that support the entire College infrastructure. As such, it is considered a “mandatory non-instructional fee” and, therefore, is subject to Alberta Advanced Education Public Post-Secondary Institutions’ Tuition Fees Regulations. Visa students are charged the same rate as Canadian residents for this fee.
Spring 2026 Course Listing
This course helps students to develop the academic writing skills they use throughout their university studies. Students learn to identify good writing, and develop needed research, analytical, and organizational skills. Starting with building good sentences and paragraphs, the research essay is the most important genre in this course. By analyzing, summarizing, synthesizing, and critiquing a variety of texts, students learn how to develop their own analyses and arguments with appropriate and correctly documented primary and secondary sources. Readings by or about indigenous and minority peoples form no less than 50% of the readings in this course. A review of grammar and sentence structure is a key component of this course. Students are advised to choose a research topic in line with their career goals. Prerequisite: English Language Arts 30-1 at 60%
Introductory Psychology introduces students to the scientific study of behaviour, thought, and mental processes. Students examine the foundations of psychological science, including major historical developments, research methods, brain and nervous system structures, sensation and perception, learning, memory, consciousness, language, and thinking. The course emphasizes critical evaluation of psychological claims, interpretation of empirical evidence, and the application of psychological concepts to real-world situations. Sociocultural, developmental, and ethical perspectives are integrated throughout, including considerations of diversity, cross-cultural research, and the implications of psychological science in everyday life. This course prepares students for further study in psychology and related fields. Prerequisite: English Language Arts 30-1 at 60%.
This course is an overview of sociocultural anthropology which introduces the students to the diversity of human cultures and the concepts and theoretical orientation of the cultural anthropologist. Unity and diversity in human social life will be emphasized. Prerequisites: 100 level Anthropology
This introductory statistics course provides students in a variety of disciplines with basic knowledge regarding the theory and application of statistics. Prerequisites: English Language Arts 30-1 at 60%, and Math 30-1 at 50%, or Math 30-2 at 60%
Myth and Folklore in Children’s Literature, examines the role of myth, folklore, and traditional stories in shaping children’s literature across cultures and time. Students will explore how stories from diverse oral and literary traditions, including First Nations, Métis, Inuit, European, African, and global narratives, inform the creation of modern children’s texts. Through close reading, cultural analysis, and critical inquiry, students will investigate how folklore is adapted, retold, or challenged within children’s literature. Students will apply a range of interpretive approaches, including feminist, cultural, psychological, and decolonial lenses, to understand how traditional tales continue to influence contemporary storytelling for young readers. Prerequisite: 3 credits in 100-level ENGL course.
This course will introduce you to the physical, social, mental, occupational, emotional, environmental and spiritual dimensions of personal health and wellness. These dimensions are described within the context of the Canadian Health Care System and your own individual community. Topics include primary health care, nutrition, exercise, stress management, weight management, eating disorders, common health issues and their prevention. You will be expected to integrate knowledge of the seven dimensions of health and apply this knowledge to a self-analysis of your own health and physical fitness. Finally, you will incorporate change management theory to develop, implement and evaluate a personal wellness plan. The intent of this course is to promote a healthy lifestyle. By examining determinants of health, the current health care system, the seven dimensions of health and applying these concepts to your own lifestyle, you will be better equipped to function as role models and act as change agents for health promotion in your community. Prerequisite: English Language Arts 30-1 at 60%
Sociology of Deviance and Conformity, introduces major sociological perspectives on deviance, conformity, and social control. Students explore how societies define “normality” and “deviance,” how these definitions change over time, and how they are shaped by structures of power, inequality, and culture. Using both historical and contemporary examples, the course examines criminalized behaviour, non-criminal deviance, moral regulation, stigma, identity, and institutional responses. Students evaluate how deviance labels are applied, how social control operates, and how communities pursue harm reduction and restorative models. Prerequisite: SOCI101
Anthropology, Development Studies and Native Studies
This course provides a general overview of the cross-cultural variation in social roles related to gender, age and culture. Gender and age roles are culturally constructed in relation to social structure and political systems. Human development, including the social roles of children, adolescents, adults, and elders will be examined. Also explored is human variation in relation to sex and development. In this class, we will discuss how societies organize sex and gender differences, and what it means to be a man, woman, or third gender in different cultures. Gender roles will be examined in relation to other cultural features, such as status, health, sexuality, and fertility. We will also explore the impact of gender differences as part of social organization with respect to culture change and globalization. Prerequisite: English Language Arts 30-1 at 60%
This course is an overview of sociocultural anthropology which introduces the students to the diversity of human cultures and the concepts and theoretical orientation of the cultural anthropologist. Unity and diversity in human social life will be emphasized. Prerequisites: 100 level Anthropology
Race and Racism in a Contemporary World, examines how concepts of race, ethnicity, and human variation have been constructed and used across time, with a focus on the social, political, cultural, and biological dimensions of racism. Students analyze systemic racism, intersectionality, scientific racism, eugenics, multiculturalism, and identity formation using case studies from Canada and other global contexts. Attention is given to First Nations, Métis, and Inuit in what is now Canada, as well as the impacts of colonial policies, contemporary forms of discrimination, and global processes that shape racialized experiences. Prerequisite: English Language Arts 30-1 at 60%
ANTH260, Indigenous Nations of North America, introduces students to the histories, cultural landscapes, governance systems, and contemporary experiences of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis across North America. Using Indigenous-led scholarship and critical anthropological approaches, the course examines diverse Nations and language families, relationships to land, kinship systems, spiritual traditions, economies, and political structures. Students analyze the impacts of colonialism, including dispossession, policy, and representation, as well as the resilience, resurgence, and nation-building efforts of Indigenous Peoples today. The course emphasizes respectful engagement with Indigenous knowledge systems, critiques of anthropology’s historical role, and the diversity of Indigenous identities and experiences across time and place. Prerequisite: 100 level ANTH
Visual Anthropology is one of the fastest growing subfields in Anthropology and has a unique capacity to produce ethnographic data for a wider audience. Students will examine how visual communication within societies shapes our understanding of the world. In this course, we study four areas of interest: the study of visual culture, multimodal anthropology, Indigenous and activist media, and ethnographic filmmaking. This course takes a multidimensional approach to the study of visual anthropology and also examines how colonialism and power have shaped narratives and visual culture. Prerequisite: 3 credits of 100-level Anthropology, History, or Gender Studies
Art, Art History and Drama
In this survey course, students learn about the most influential myths and legends of Greece and Rome. Readings from ancient literature in translation and illustrations from ancient Greek and Roman art reveal the cultural, historical, and religious contexts of the myths within ancient societies. The continuing influences of the myths as a source of inspiration for some of the major works in world literature and art are discussed. Prerequisite: English Language Arts 30-1 at 60%
This course is an introduction to the history of visual arts and design from the earliest evidence to the fourteenth century. The concentration will be on the history of art in the Near East and Europe: Western Art. Since there has been contact between these areas, the Indian sub-continent and the Far East, and these areas have influenced the later history of Western Art, the art of Asian cultures during this period will also be briefly considered. Prerequisites: English Language Arts 30-1 at 60%
Surveys the development of art, architecture, and visual culture from the fourteenth century to the present, with attention to major movements, styles, materials, and artists in Europe and beyond. Students learn methods of visual and contextual analysis and explore how artistic traditions develop through cultural exchange, globalization, colonialism, and social change. The course also introduces selected global and Indigenous perspectives, including First Nations, Métis, and Inuit art, to broaden understanding of visual expression in historical and contemporary contexts. Prerequisite: English Language Arts 30-1 at 60%
An introduction to the process of acting and dramatic form through the process of improvisation. This workshop-based course will explore speech and movement improvisation with an emphasis on imaginative development and introduction to the process of acting and to dramatic form. Prerequisite: English Language Arts 30-1 at 60%
DRMA 102 is an in-depth look into the key elements and concepts of Play Analysis. This course introduces students to a variety of approaches when analyzing plays. It will focus on elements of genre, structure, style, character, theme, language, imagery, and dramatic action, among other topics pertinent to dramatic narrative and structure.
The focus of this course is on the exploration of a variety of wet & dry drawing materials and the development of basic drawing skills. Students will be introduced to fundamentals including line, shape, volume, value, texture, perspective and composition. This exploration and skill development will be done through observational and imaginative drawing.
This is an introductory painting course that familiarizes students with a variety of techniques, concepts, and processes in painting. The focus will be on using acrylic paint to develop an understanding of colour and composition. This will be done through a series of projects that feature a variety of genres, compositional concepts and visual strategies.
This course builds on the skills and knowledge acquired in Visual Arts I & II. Further development of drawing and painting skills will be accomplished through using a variety of mediums; including watercolor and focusing on strategies that help students produce visual expressions that reflect interpretive and expressive outcomes. Students will work on developing personal style.
In this course, students will complete a variety of sculpture modules while exploring various sculptural processes and art media including clay, wood, plaster, metal, natural materials, and composites. These sculpture modules will also include a wide range of sculptural methods such as mold making, clay construction, glaze technology, wood and metal fabrication, digital 3-D printing, and maquette building.
Sciences and Mathematics
The Agile Methodology course with a focus on Scrum and SCRUM Ceremonies provides students with a comprehensive understanding of Agile principles, Scrum framework, and the various ceremonies associated with Scrum. Students will learn how to implement Agile practices in software development projects, manage Scrum teams effectively, and conduct SCRUM ceremonies to ensure project success. Through a combination of theoretical lessons, case studies, and practical exercises, students will gain the skills necessary to work in Agile environments. Prerequisite: COMP113
Artificial Intelligence with Hardware Implementation is a comprehensive course that integrates theoretical knowledge of artificial intelligence with practical implementation on hardware platforms. Students will explore various AI techniques and algorithms, focusing on their application in both software development and hardware implementation. Through a combination of lectures, hands-on experiments, and projects, students will gain a deep understanding of AI concepts and their real-world applications. Prerequisite: COMP113
Cloud Computing Technology is a comprehensive course designed to introduce students to the concepts, principles, and technologies of cloud computing. The course covers various aspects of cloud computing, including cloud service models, deployment models, virtualization, scalability, security, and management using Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure and Google Cloud Platform (GCP).The course provides students with an understanding of cloud computing concepts, design standards, and architectural considerations essential for designing and implementing cloud-based solutions. Through theoretical lectures, hands-on labs, and real-world case studies, students will gain practical skills in designing, deploying, and managing cloud-based solutions. Prerequisite: COMP113
COMP 247 is a university course designed to teach the essential principles and technologies of computer networking. To accommodate the needs of students who do not have enough programming background or are not interested in programming, requirements for coding have been removed from the course. Pre/Corequisite: COMP111
This class will challenge your problem-solving abilities, and equip you with an understanding of how some of the computer programs you use on a regular basis were made. In addition to building fundamental programming skills, you’ll be developing projects that have both digital and physical aspects, driven by a Raspberry Pi single-board computer, an Astro Pi Sense HAT (Hardware Attached on Top), and a set of basic robotics electronics components.
Data Analysis for Computer Science is a specialized course designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to analyse and interpret data within the context of computer science. The course emphasizes software-based data analysis techniques, incorporating statistical methods as needed. Students will learn how to extract, clean, manipulate, and visualize data using software tools commonly used in computer science applications. Through practical exercises and projects, students will develop proficiency in conducting data analysis tasks relevant to software development. Prerequisite: COMP113
This course provides a general introduction to interactions between people and their natural environment, with an emphasis on geological processes. Topics include: soil resources and degradation; earthquakes and volcanoes, streams and flooding; landslides, mass movement and subsidence, shoreline development and coastal processes; surface water and groundwater resources; air and water pollution; waste management and disposal; and global change. Prerequisites: EASC101 or EASC102
This course provides an in-depth study of the structures of the human body and their interrelationships using a systems approach. The correlations between structure (anatomy) and function (physiology) are examined. Major topics include body organization, the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous, respiratory, cardiovascular, lymphatic, digestive, endocrine, urinary, and reproductive systems, the general and special senses, and human development. This course is designed to prepare students in medical fields of study for advanced courses in their respective fields, as well as other university transfer students. Prerequisite: English Language Arts 30-1 at 60%, Biology 30 at 60%
CHEM 101 is an Introductory Chemistry course. It may be referred to as Introductory University Chemistry. This course is designed for both Chemistry majors and non-majors. Key concepts include atomic and molecular structures, states of matter and chemistry of the elements. This course includes a laboratory component designed to provide experience in experimental techniques and accurate measurement. Prerequisite: English Language Arts 30-1 at 60%, and Chemistry 30 at 60%
CHEM 102 is the second Introductory Chemistry course, following CHEM 101. Therefore, CHEM 101 is the prerequisite course. Major topics include chemical kinetics, chemical equilibria, thermodynamics, coordination chemistry and electrochemistry. Key concepts such as reaction rates, rate laws, Arrhenius equation, reaction mechanism and catalysis will be discussed. The course will also present gas-phase equilibria, ICE table and equilibrium calculations, acid-base and complex ion equilibria, solubility and precipitation. In addition, second and third laws of thermodynamics, entropy and spontaneity, coordination compounds, crystal field theory as applied to colour and magnetic properties of coordination compounds, voltaic cells, cell potentials, free energy, electrical work, Nernst equation, batteries, corrosion and electrolysis will be covered. Prerequisite: CHEM101
Introductory Genetics. How genes function at chromosomal, molecular, and evolutionary levels. How they are repaired, regulated, and transmitted. How they regulate development in prokaryotic and eukaryotic systems. Development of genetics from Mendelian transmission through gene mapping, molecular methods, isolation of individual genes, sequencing, genome projects, and beyond. Prerequisite: BIOL101
This course serves as an introduction to the methods and applications of single variable calculus. Limits are used to investigate continuity and asymptotes, as well as define the processes of differentiation and integration in a precise manner. Students learn to calculate, interpret, and apply derivatives and integrals to solve rate of change problems and to accurately depict the behavior of a function. Prerequisite: Math 30-1
This course focuses on the structure and function of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. Major topics include the movement of energy, matter and information within and among cells. Key concepts such as cell theory and structure, energy transformations, reproduction, genetic variability, molecular genetics and applications in biotechnology are covered. Pre/Corequisite: English Language Arts 30-1 at 60%, and Biology 30 at 60%
Introduction to Cybersecurity provides students with a foundational understanding of cybersecurity principles, practices, and technologies. The course covers essential topics such as cybersecurity fundamentals, threats and vulnerabilities, cryptography, network security, and security policies. Through a combination of theoretical lectures, hands-on exercises, and case studies, students will develop the knowledge and skills necessary to identify, assess, and mitigate cybersecurity risks. Prerequisite: COMP112
Introduction to Earth Sciences: Geology & Geomorphology introduces students to core concepts in physical sciences. Students begin by examining minerals as the building blocks of Earth materials, then study igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks and the processes that form and transform them. The course explores Earth’s internal structure, plate tectonics, crustal deformation, and related hazards such as earthquakes and volcanism. Surface processes, including weathering, mass movement, rivers, groundwater, glaciers, wind, and coastal systems, are examined with examples relevant to Alberta and western Canada. The course concludes with an introduction to remote sensing and GIS as tools for investigating Earth systems, natural resources, and environmental change. Where appropriate, students consider how Indigenous land-based knowledge and observational traditions can complement scientific approaches to understanding Earth processes. Prerequisite: English Language Arts 30-1 at 60%, Chemistry 30 or Biology 30 at 60%.
This course introduces the fundamentals of PC hardware. Students will open up machines, install devices such as hard drives, I/O cards, video cards as well as memory, CD/DVD ROM drives, install operating systems, explore a variety of different software packages, attach communications equipment and supporting software. Topics include system hardware (e.g., motherboards, processors, storage devices, memory), device drivers, operating systems (e.g., Windows, Linux), troubleshooting and maintenance of LAN (Local Area Network)-based PC, etc. Prerequisite: COMP106
This introductory statistics course provides students in a variety of disciplines with basic knowledge regarding the theory and application of statistics. Prerequisite: English Language Arts 30 at 60%, and Math 30 at 60%
Discovering you career interests is an ongoing pursuit and one that will likely continually evolve. This course introduces you to a selection of construction, industrial, and service trades and occupations where you can acquire foundational knowledge and develop specialized skills through practical application in industry-standard labs. You will have the opportunity to explore designated trades and occupations such as carpenter, electrician, heavy equipment technician, power engineer, steamfitter-pipefitter, welder, cook, and hairstylist, and through interactive learning experiences, assess your own personal aptitude and preferred discipline. Note: This course is intended for those individuals not familiar with designated trades or occupation training.
COMP166 is a beginners’ course in programming using JavaScript, together with some HTML and CSS. It follows a problem-based approach that requires the student to design and create a website of ever-increasing sophistication as the course progresses while creating design documentation and reflecting on the process. The output of the student’s work is presented as a website. Pre-Requisite: Students are expected to be proficient users of the Internet and to be able to use word processors, text editors, and file manipulation tools (including zip compression) effectively. If you do not have these skills you will not succeed and we highly recommend that you should take COMP 105 or equivalent before starting this one.
COMP 106 is designed to introduce you to programming in the C++ computer programming language. The course progresses from first principles to advanced topics in object-oriented programming using C++. Pre/Corequisite COMP105
COMP 168 is designed to introduce you to programming in the Java computer language. The course progresses from first principles to advanced topics in object-oriented programming using Java. The course builds on the basic elements of Java programming and culminates in a final project that incorporates the skills acquired in the course. Students are also required to reflect on their progress and learning throughout the course, and to engage in online discussions with their peers, in an effort to increase problem-solving and critical analysis skills. Prerequisite: COMP105
COMP 105 is a three-credit course that covers the fundamentals of information systems. The course covers basic hardware concepts; the structure (or architecture) of computers; the software hierarchy, from systems software to application programs; as well as concepts and development of the field. The course is the pre-requisite for higher-level computer science courses. Students in this course will be expected to use a combination of locally installed and external electronic materials to develop the skills needed for further study in the field. These skills include downloading, installing, and using specialized software tools, and setting the paths to allowing programs to access their components and files. Because COMP 105 is a preparatory course for further study in computer science, the level and difficulty of technical content are fairly high. Prerequisite: Math 30-2
This is an introductory course in game design and development. This course covers many of the concepts involved in game design, beginning with the history of gaming and an examination of the software engineering aspects of game design. Other topics include the programming environment, game hardware, mathematical concepts, physical concepts, and graphics. This course will prepare students for advanced courses in game design. Prerequisite: COMP105
COMP 214 introduces the fundamental concepts, principles, and structures of operating systems. An operating system is software on a computer that orchestrates the hardware components of the computer. The operating system provides the user/programmer with efficient and convenient service and a high degree of machine independence in writing programs, executing programs, and managing system resources. It is assumed that students taking this course are familiar with the basic structure and the main hardware components of a computer. Prerequisite: COMP106, or COMP108
This course is designed for both Biology majors and non-majors, and explores the principal lineages of organisms on earth: bacteria and archaea, fungi, protists, plants and animals. The relationships of these organisms to their environment and their influence in shaping that environment are examined. Evolutionary pathways and their influence on the diversity of extinct and extant organisms and the classification schemes that we use to distinguish them are discussed. The role that organisms (including humans) have played in the development and maintenance of major ecosystem processes are also studied. This course includes a lab component. Prerequisite: English Language Arts 30-1 at 60%, and Biology 30 at 60%
This course provides a study of the overall function of the human body. Major topics include fundamental chemistry, homeostasis, cytology and cell physiology, cell signaling and communication, and muscle, nervous, respiratory, cardiovascular, lymphatic, digestive, endocrine, urinary, and reproductive physiology, as well as fundamental genetics as it applies to human physiology. This course is designed to prepare students in medical fields of study for advanced courses in their respective fields, as well as other university transfer students. Prerequisite: English Language Arts at 60%, and BIO 30 at 60% Corequisite: BIOL230
This course focuses on the study of homeostasis and how it is altered by physical, biochemical, microbial or genetic factors, providing an in-depth understanding of the mechanism of human body function, pathophysiology (disordered physiology) and disease processes. The course summarizes the normal function of each organ system and then presents a number of major diseases of each system, showing how symptoms and signs of selected diseases are produced by pathophysiology. This course is designed to prepare students in medical fields of study for advanced courses in their respective fields, as well as other university transfer students. Prerequisite: BIOL230I, and BIOL231
Ecology is the scientific study of the interactions between organisms and their environment. This course provides an overview of the limiting factors that influence the living (biotic) components of our ecosystems. Interactions between these biotic components (e.g., competition and predation), population growth, life strategies, and the behaviours of individual organisms are also considered. This course provides general concepts that can stand alone or serve as preparation for advanced ecology courses. Labs complement lecture concepts and include the gathering, analysis, and interpretation of data from ecological experiments and field studies. Prerequisite: BIOL101 or BIOL102
System analysis and design deal with planning the development of information systems through understanding and specifying in detail what a system should do and how the components of the system should be implemented and work together. System analysts solve business problems through analyzing the requirements of information systems and designing such systems by applying analysis and design techniques. This course deals with the concepts, skills, methodologies, techniques, tools, and perspectives essential for systems analysts. The practical component of COMP 261 is object-oriented and use-case-driven, requiring students to go through the steps of system analysis and design to solve a real-life business problem. Pre-Requisite COMP 105, or instructor’s permission which is based on the student’s basic knowledge of programming, object orientation, and databases. Prerequisite: COMP105
This course is an introduction to the theory, design and programming of modern user interfaces. Topics will include human factors; interaction design; usability; software development with graphical user interfaces (GUI) for computers, game consoles and mobile devices; input and output devices (including game controllers).Prerequisite: COMP209
Business
This introductory course in financial accounting will expose students to how transactions are reported by business and how this information is presented to users outside the organization. The first part of the course focuses on the accounting cycle for a business. Concepts of revenue recognition and inventory valuation for a merchandising type of organization are analyzed. Various assets, liabilities, and equity accounts presented on the balance sheet are thoroughly examined to determine what values should be presented on the financial statements. Finally, financial statement analysis is carried out to help students understand the overall health of a business. Prerequisite: Math 30-2
This course presents legal topics relevant to business, including ways to manage common legal risks. An introduction to the Canadian legal system presents sources of law, the court system, the litigation process, and alternatives to litigation. Tort law includes a study of intentional torts, business torts, negligence, and professional liability. Insurance law covers basic concepts of the insurance industry and how to manage risks in business. Forms of business organizations are delineated, focusing on the rights and responsibilities of individuals involved in sole proprietorships, partnerships, and corporations.Contract law details how contracts are created, the elements of a binding contract, common contractual issues and defects, how contracts are discharged and contractual remedies. An overview of the Sale of Goods Act will complete the study of contracts. Employment law describes the employer/employee relationship, the rights and duties of the parties involved, and common issues that may arise in the employment relationship. Intellectual property law discusses how businesses can generate value from ideas and the laws that seek to balance competing business interests.Secured transactions look at risk assessment and legal obligations of creditors when securing debt and practices developed in the marketplace to manage that risk through security interests and guarantees. Prerequisite: English Language Arts 30-2 or COMM121 Communications I
Operations management is an ever-changing discipline. New concepts are appearing constantly. Operations management is a key element in improving productivity and creating competitive advantage through productivity growth. This course focuses upon such issues as project management, process analysis and supply chain management. Prerequisite: MATH118
This course is aimed at providing students with a comprehensive understanding of the skills generally accepted as valuable to leadership. Students will develop these skills through study, participation in class activities, and self-reflection. The course is designed to integrate current leadership theory with practical applications and the student's own leadership journey. Leadership topics include, but are not limited to, the following topics: personal traits and characteristics, mental models, ethics, diversity, organizational culture, mission, vision, and strategy and change. Pre/Corequisite: ORGB193 Organizational Behaviour
The question of how individuals and firms use their resources to attain certain economic goals is examined. The central problem of scarcity is introduced. A brief study of how different economic systems try to solve this problem is undertaken. The market system is investigated as to how supply, demand, and price determine what and how much is produced. Effective decision-making in the marketplace is also examined. Prerequisites: Math 30-2
This is an introductory course covering the fundamental principles and concepts of marketing. Major emphasis is placed on the marketing mix and its strategic application to an increasingly complex business environment. In particular, the areas of product, promotion, price, and distribution are examined as they relate to the achievement of company objectives. Prerequisite: English Language Arts 30-2 or COMM121
The overall health of the economy as measured by gross domestic product, unemployment rates, inflation rates, interest rates, the balance of payments exchange rates and the money supply is the prime focus of this course . Keynesian and monetarist theories of income and employment are used as a framework for analyzing government monetary and fiscal policies. The role of the Bank of Canada and the chartered banks in determining the money supply and interest rates is described. Current debate relating to public debt and supply-side economics is evaluated. International economic issues including free trade and the balance of payments are also examined. Where appropriate, applications to current events are introduced and topics are enhanced wherever possible. Prerequisite: Math 30-2, and ECON186
Education
This course examines the psychology of learning and instruction. The theoretical basis of human development, learning, and teaching will each be explored, providing a comprehensive background to the art of education and effective teaching. Prerequisite: English Language Arts 30-1 at 60%
This course will introduce you to the physical, social, mental, occupational, emotional, environmental and spiritual dimensions of personal health and wellness. These dimensions are described within the context of the Canadian Health Care System and your own individual community. Topics include primary health care, nutrition, exercise, stress management, weight management, eating disorders, common health issues and their prevention. You will be expected to integrate knowledge of the seven dimensions of health and apply this knowledge to a self-analysis of your own health and physical fitness. Finally, you will incorporate change management theory to develop, implement and evaluate a personal wellness plan. The intent of this course is to promote a healthy lifestyle. By examining determinants of health, the current health care system, the seven dimensions of health and applying these concepts to your own lifestyle, you will be better equipped to function as role models and act as change agents for health promotion in your community. Prerequisite: English Language Arts 30-1 at 60%
Math 160 is required for elementary teachers (education majors), critical thinking and problem solving is stressed throughout the course. Conceptual understanding of elementary number theory, set theory, numeration systems and their operations algorithms is the subject of the study; as well as the preparation and presentation of Math Fair. Prerequisite: English Language Arts 30-1 at 60%, Math 30-2
This course explores the study of developmentally appropriate movement activities for children. Students participate in and work with children in a variety of physical activities in recreational, educational and sport environments. Prerequisite: English Language Arts 30-1 at 60%
This course introduces prospective teachers to the complexity of their future professional roles in today’s schools. Students will be encouraged to consider teaching from “the other side of the desk”, and will leave familiar with the intricate framework in which teachers work, and the expectations of various stakeholders. They will gain a knowledge base on which future Education courses will build, and will be introduced to theories of learning and teaching. Prerequisite: English Language Arts 30-1 at 60%
Technology Tools for Teaching and Learning will help prepare students to develop and integrate project-based learning skills into the classroom. Students will examine the Information and Communication Technology Outcomes Program of Studies as published by Alberta Learning, and are expected to develop modules that integrate the ICT Outcomes using the Internet, Word Processing, Spreadsheet, Database, and Multimedia application software. Prerequisite: English Language Arts 30-1 at 60%
English, French and Other Languages
ENGL377, Canadian Literature to the Modernist Period, examines Canadian literature from its oral and written beginnings to the mid twentieth century, with attention to the diverse voices, languages, and histories that shaped literary expression on these lands. Students will explore works drawn from Indigenous oral traditions, early settler narratives, Francophone writing, Black Canadian literature, and emerging national and regional forms. The course explores how literature reflects colonial encounters, land relationships, identity, resistance, and evolving cultural contexts. Through close reading, research, and critical writing, students consider how early texts continue to influence Canadian literary traditions and cultural narratives. Prerequisite: ENGL106 or ENGL108
This course explores basic and therapeutic communication skills for the health professional. Communication skills required for the development of caring relationships and to overcome barriers will be discussed, as well as, the skills needed for interprofessional practice, group and family communication. Conflict resolution, self-reflective practice and health teaching are key components of this course.
This course helps students to develop the academic writing skills they use throughout their university studies. Students learn to identify good writing, and develop needed research, analytical, and organizational skills. Starting with building good sentences and paragraphs, the research essay is the most important genre in this course. By analyzing, summarizing, synthesizing, and critiquing a variety of texts, students learn how to develop their own analyses and arguments with appropriate and correctly documented primary and secondary sources. Readings by or about indigenous and minority peoples form no less than 50% of the readings in this course. A review of grammar and sentence structure is a key component of this course. Students are advised to choose a research topic in line with their career goals. Prerequisite: English Language Arts 30-1 at 60%
CREE101, nēhiyawēwin I (Plains Cree), introduces students to beginner level nēhiyawēwin (Plains Cree) with primary emphasis on speaking and listening. Students develop basic conversational skills through online instruction, group practice, and contextualized language use connected to home, school, and community settings. The course uses Standard Roman Orthography to support accurate pronunciation and vocabulary growth. Cultural protocols and community-based contexts are integrated to support respectful language use and ongoing language revitalization. Students are introduced to the specific dialect focus of the course and to the broader diversity of Cree dialects across regions.
CREE102, nēhiyawēwin II (Plains Cree), builds on the speaking, listening, and foundational literacy skills developed in nēhiyawēwin I. Students deepen their knowledge of Plains Cree (Y-dialect) grammar, including plural forms, transitive verb forms, and the use of both the independent and conjunct verb modes. Conversational skills are strengthened through guided practice, group activities, online instruction, and contextualized language use linked to home, community, and land-based situations where appropriate. The course continues to use Standard Roman Orthography (SRO) while acknowledging the broader diversity of Cree writing systems. Cultural protocols and respectful engagement with nēhiyawēwin knowledge holders are emphasized. This course prepares students for intermediate university-level study and ongoing personal participation in language revitalization. Prerequisite: CREE101
ENGL106, Introduction to Drama and Poetry, introduces students to drama and poetry from a range of historical periods and cultural contexts. Through close reading, discussion, and writing practice, students develop skills in analyzing dramatic structure, poetic form, language, voice, and performance. Attention is given to both historical traditions and contemporary works, including voices that challenge or expand the traditional literary canon. The course emphasizes foundational academic writing, research skills, and critical reading strategies needed for studying literature at the university level. Prerequisite: English Language Arts 30-1 at 60%
Introduction to the Novel and Short Story, introduces students to novels and short stories from a range of cultural, historical, and linguistic traditions. Students will read and analyze fiction using literary, rhetorical, and contextual approaches, while building skills in academic writing, critical reading, and research. Texts include works from multiple periods and perspectives, with attention to diverse voices including Indigenous, global, and marginalized authors. Students will complete analytical and research-based writing assignments that strengthen their ability to interpret fiction and communicate effectively. Prerequisite: ENGL106 or other 3 credit junior English
The goals of English 200 are to introduce students to the critical concepts and methods for reading literary texts historically and to emphasize the relationship between representation and history. The course is not necessarily tied to any single historical era or national literature and may range over periods and genres (novels, essays, scholarly criticism, plays, stories, poetry, and film). Topics covered could include Historicism, Representation, and Postmodernism. Prerequisite: 3 of 100-level ENGL or equivalent
ENGL388, Myth and Folklore in Children’s Literature, examines the role of myth, folklore, and traditional stories in shaping children’s literature across cultures and time. Students will explore how stories from diverse oral and literary traditions, including First Nations, Métis, Inuit, European, African, and global narratives, inform the creation of modern children’s texts. Through close reading, cultural analysis, and critical inquiry, students will investigate how folklore is adapted, retold, or challenged within children’s literature. Students will apply a range of interpretive approaches, including feminist, cultural, psychological, and decolonial lenses, to understand how traditional tales continue to influence contemporary storytelling for young readers. Prerequisite: 3 credits in 100-level ENGL course.
French 101 is the first semester of an introductory French program. This course will help you to learn how to use the French language to communicate about various topics that are relevant to your daily activities, as well as to the realities of the world in which you live. Both classroom activities and major exams will target all four language skills: reading, writing, speaking, and listening. You will acquire basic grammatical and lexical knowledge that will allow you to carry out a wide-range of communicative tasks. The language learning process will occur within a cultural framework in which you will be introduced to various French-speaking peoples from Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Americas.
French 102 is the second semester of an introductory French program which focuses on the French language and Francophone cultures throughout the world. This course is designed to facilitate the further development of your communication skills in French and to give you a balance of all four language skills: reading, writing, speaking, and listening. By the end of the semester, you will be able to initiate and sustain interactions in French, understand the main ideas of what you hear, see, and read in French, and express yourself clearly in written French. In addition to acquiring intermediate-level grammatical and linguistic knowledge, you will also gain a deeper understanding of diverse aspects of French-speaking cultures. Prerequisite: FREN101
History
The Early Modern World, introduces students to major global developments from approximately 1400 to 1800 and to the skills required for university-level historical study. The course examines political, economic, cultural, and intellectual transformations across multiple world regions, including East and South Asia, the Islamic world, Africa, the Americas, and Europe. Emphasis is placed on global interconnectedness through trade, migration, diplomacy, conflict, and the exchange of ideas, technologies, and belief systems. Students learn to analyze primary and secondary sources, evaluate historical arguments, and recognize how power, colonialism, and differing worldviews shaped the early modern period. By the end of the course, students will be able to construct historical interpretations that reflect diverse perspectives, including those of Indigenous peoples and non-European societies, and apply core historical thinking skills. Prerequisite: English Language Arts 30-1 at 60%
The Modern World, surveys major global developments from approximately 1800 to the contemporary era, examining how political, economic, social, and cultural forces have shaped the modern- and post-modern eras. Using primary and secondary sources from multiple regions and perspectives, students explore industrialization, imperialism, revolution, world wars, decolonization, global migration, social movements, and changing international relations. Emphasis is placed on understanding diverse experiences, including those of colonized peoples, workers, women, and marginalized communities. Students develop skills in historical analysis, research, and critical reading as they investigate how past events inform current global issues. Prerequisite: English Language Arts 30-1 at 60%
Introduction to Canadian History 1500-1867, provides an introductory survey of Canadian history from approximately 1500 to Confederation in 1867. Students examine the diverse societies, economies, and political systems that shaped these territories long before the arrival of Europeans, with attention to First Nations, Inuit, and Métis histories. Key themes include Indigenous–European relations, the fur trade, imperial rivalries, the transformation of New France, British colonial expansion, treaty making, resistance movements, and the emergence of political institutions. Learners will develop foundational historical thinking skills by analyzing primary and secondary sources, questioning how narratives are constructed, and identifying the perspectives and power structures embedded in historical documents. The course emphasizes inclusive and multi-vocal histories, connecting early developments to broader debates about belonging, sovereignty, governance, and nationhood. Prerequisite: English Language Arts 30-1 at 60%
Introduction to Canadian History, 1867 to Present, provides an introductory survey of the histories of the lands now called Canada from Confederation (1867) to the present. Students examine major political, economic, social, and cultural developments including nation building, industrialization, urbanization, immigration, war, state expansion, and shifting identities. Throughout, the course centers First Nations, Inuit, and Métis experiences of Confederation and its aftermath, including treaty relationships, the Scrip and Pass systems, Residential Schools, land and resource struggles, and modern movements of resurgence and sovereignty. The course also foregrounds multicultural and gendered histories, exploring the experiences of racialized and marginalized communities, labour and class change, and debates about rights, citizenship, and belonging. Students practice historical thinking by working with primary and secondary sources, identifying perspective and power, and engaging with key historiographical debates. Prerequisite: English Language Arts 30-1 at 60%
History of Indigenous Peoples of Canada to 1867, is an exploration of the histories, cultures, and sovereignties of Indigenous Peoples across the territories that are now called Canada, from time immemorial to 1867 with a focus on inter-cultural contact. Using oral histories, archaeological knowledge, community narratives, and written records, students explore the diversity of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit societies prior to widespread colonial disruption. The course also analyzes early colonial encounters, the fur trade, missionary activity, shifting alliances, and policies that shaped the foundations of later colonial systems. Emphasis, is placed on First Nations, Métis, and Inuit perspectives, nationhood, continuity and resistance, as well as on the limitations of colonial archival sources. Students will engage critically with historiography and methods used in the study of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit histories. Prerequisite: 100-level HIST or ANTH course
Psychology and Sociology
The purpose of the course is to introduce students to the area of biological psychology. Its focus is on the scientific study of the biological bases of human and animal behaviour with a biological approach to the study of psychology. Topics that will be covered in this course include: evolution, neuroanatomy and neurophysiology – the study of the structure and functions and activities of the nervous system, neuropharmacology – the study of the effects of drugs on neural activity, the physiological mechanisms involved in sensation, perception, movement, motivation, emotion, learning, and communication.
Criminology is the exploration and explanation of general patterns of law breaking behaviours. A basic understanding of the sociological study of crime will be provided by analyzing such topics as domestic and international terrorism, serial homicide, cyber-crime, organized and white-collar crime. A discussion of how crime is measured will also be provided. Prerequisite: SOCI101
Introductory Psychology introduces students to the scientific study of behaviour, thought, and mental processes. Students examine the foundations of psychological science, including major historical developments, research methods, brain and nervous system structures, sensation and perception, learning, memory, consciousness, language, and thinking. The course emphasizes critical evaluation of psychological claims, interpretation of empirical evidence, and the application of psychological concepts to real-world situations. Sociocultural, developmental, and ethical perspectives are integrated throughout, including considerations of diversity, cross-cultural research, and the implications of psychological science in everyday life. This course prepares students for further study in psychology and related fields. Prerequisite: English Language Arts 30-1 at 60%.
This course is the second half of the Introductory Psychology course sequence. It will cover such topics as human intellect, human development from birth to old age, motivation, emotion, personality, social psychological processes, stress and health, as well as mental disorders and their treatments. This course is an overview of these diverse topics, most of which can be studied in one or more complete courses. Prerequisite: PSYC104
This course explores the development of the person through the stages of infancy, childhood, adolescence, adulthood and death. Each stage of human development will be studied from a physical, cognitive, and psychosocial perspective. The course will include developmental influences related to family systems and culture. Prerequisite: PSYC104
This course involves an introduction to the primary perspectives of personality development, the theories and theorists, and their supporting research. The major perspectives which will be studied include: psychoanalytic, neoanalytic, phenomenological, learning, cognitive, dispositional, and biological. A number of alternative theories within these perspectives will also be examined and compared. The concepts of personality development emerging from psychological research and theory will be emphasized. Prerequisite: PSYC104
This course provides an overview of a variety of abnormal behaviours that are psychologically oriented. The characteristics and observable symptoms of psychological disorders are studied including various theoretical orientations, treatment methods, cultural, age and gender differences, and various factors related to the incidence of mental disorders. The learning in this course adds to the knowledge students acquired in Introductory Psychology and, for CSW students, Developmental Psychology. Prerequisite: PSYC104 and PSYC105
Social Psychology is the scientific study of the way people’s thoughts, feelings, and behaviours are influenced by the real or imagined presence of other people. This course examines the predominant theories and research on individuals in a social context. Specific topics that are discussed include: understanding ourselves in relation to our social world, the self-concept, impression formation and management, attitudes and attitude change, interpersonal attraction, altruism, aggression, conformity, group dynamics, prejudice, and social psychology’s role in health, the environment, and the law. Prerequisite: PSYC104
This course is designed to introduce students to the discipline of Sociology and current sociological trends and issues. The course provides an overview of sociological concepts, perspectives, processes and institutions in a Canadian context with particular emphasis on various issues impacting Canadian society. Prerequisite: English Language Arts 30-1 at 60%
Sociology of Deviance and Conformity, introduces major sociological perspectives on deviance, conformity, and social control. Students explore how societies define “normality” and “deviance,” how these definitions change over time, and how they are shaped by structures of power, inequality, and culture. Using both historical and contemporary examples, the course examines criminalized behaviour, non-criminal deviance, moral regulation, stigma, identity, and institutional responses. Students evaluate how deviance labels are applied, how social control operates, and how communities pursue harm reduction and restorative models. Prerequisite: SOCI101
Criminology, introduces students to the sociological study of crime, criminalization, and the systems that respond to law violations. Students examine major theoretical perspectives in criminology, including classical, positivist, strain, social control, conflict, feminist, critical, and Indigenous approaches. The course explores how crime is defined and measured, how social structures shape criminal behaviour, and how institutions such as policing, courts, and corrections function within society. Contemporary issues, such as white-collar crime, organized crime, cybercrime, terrorism, victimization, and the overrepresentation of Indigenous peoples in the Canadian justice system, are analyzed using sociological evidence. The course emphasizes the role of power, inequality, and social context in shaping both crime and responses to crime. Prerequisite: SOCI101
Philosophy, Religious Studies and Woman Studies
This course is an interdisciplinary introduction to the study of women and issues important to women. This course is a prerequisite for other women’s studies classes and will provide you with the theoretical foundations necessary for understanding women’s issues. The concept of gender will be explored as a critical category in relation to race, ethnicity, sexuality, class, and culture. Social institutions such as education, family, work, health, sexuality, religion, and politics will be explored through the course readings, presentations and in-class discussions. Prerequisite: English Language Arts 30-1 at 60%