how to read college course descriptions

How to Read a Course Description

• Concurrent Registration. Some course prerequisites can be taken during the same term as the course for which it is the...
• Co-requisite. A co-requisite is a course that a student must be enrolled in at the same time as the course requiring the...
• Course Number and Class Title. Each course is designated by a department (such as ENGW,...

Full Answer

How do you read college course codes?

Most college courses are identified by three to four numbers. For example, the first digit may indicate the class year, the middle two digits may identify the subject and the last digit may indicate the number of credit hours.

What do the course numbers indicate?

Course Numbers These numbers are the main way colleges organize their course catalog. No two courses at a college will share the exact same course number. The most useful thing for students to understand about these numbers is how to distinguish between upper-level credit and lower-level credit.

What do the different numbers mean for college courses?

Courses are designated by two numbers, separated by a colon. The first number refers to the department or area of the course; the second number refers to the specific course. For example, in the course designated 600:111 the "600" refers to the Department of Art and the "111" refers to the course.

How do you describe course content?

Course Description Guidelines should be no longer than 125 words. should begin most sentences with a verb. should be student-centered and explain how the reader would benefit from the course. should be written in the present tense and active voice.

What does 1000 level courses mean?

Course Numbering System 1000 level. non–degree applicable. 1100 level. introductory course, open to all qualified students.

What does 102 mean in college?

101 is the most basic course in the first year, 102 would be in the first year but for someone who's already taken the subject in high school, etc. 107 wouldn't be that advanced as it's still a first-level course.

What does a 300 level course mean?

300-level course designation Courses of advanced college-level difficulty taken by majors and upper division students; these are often considered to be courses in the Major, offered for students clearly interested and qualified in a subject.

What does 101 mean in college?

History. The slang sense of the number "101" originates from its frequent use in US college course numbering systems to indicate the first or introductory course in some topic of study, such as "Calculus 101" or "French 101".

What does the first digit of the course number represent?

the level ofCourse Numbers. The four-digit numbering system is interpreted as follows: the first digit indicates the level of the course; the second digit is the number of credits available; the third and fourth digits are chosen by the department offering the course.

What does course description mean?

A course description is. a short, pithy statement which informs a student about the subject matter, approach, breadth, and applicability of the course. focuses on content ...

What is the difference between course description and syllabus?

A course description is usually written in paragraph form with complete sentences. A syllabus often contains timelines, calendars, outlines, bullet points and tables or infographics that quickly and concisely relay important information.

What is course content example?

Any informational material that is required for participation or understanding content such as assigned readings, video recordings, exams, and any other material needed for learning. Copyright © 2022 UC Regents; all rights reserved.

What is prerequisite in college?

A prerequisite is a course that a student must complete in order to enroll in another course. Students are responsible for the prerequisites and placement test requirements for all classes.

What is a co-requisite?

A co-requisite is a course that a student must be enrolled in at the same time as the course requiring the co-requisite. It is listed in the course descriptions as "Co-req:"

Do you have to take a course before enrolling in a class?

Some courses reflect coursework or other preparation the faculty has recommended. Such preparation is not required prior to enrollment in a class, but students may find the background knowledge helpful.

Course Numbering System

The present system of numbering courses prescribes that all courses use three digits to indicate the course level and/or type of course, and a three-letter subject to indicate the department or college.

Descriptions Of All-University Courses

All-University courses allow students considerable flexibility in developing individual academic programs. Students enrolled in any school or college within the University may enroll in these courses. Some, but not all, all-University courses are displayed under individual school and college course listings in this catalog.