why course numbering

Use the course numbering system to standardize the classes offered by your school. The first element in the three-digit course code is the class level. For most schools, the numbers range from one to five.

Full Answer

What do the numbers in course numbers mean?

In most of the US schools, every course number starts with a digit ranging from 1 to 9. The first number in the entire course number has significance and it tells the complexity or the level of the course.

What are the new course numbers for each department?

The numbering system was adopted by all departments and all have assigned new numbers to all of their courses. The new course numbers, which are all four digits, have been designed to better assist a student in navigating degree requirements. An explanation of the general numbering scheme is list below.

Why do colleges use 101 as a course number?

According to the Oxford English Dictionary, using "101" as an introductory course number started at the University of Buffalo in 1929. Since then, colleges have sharpened their standardization of course numbers, so that each three-digit code for a class contains information about the course level, subject area and sequence among other classes.

When did colleges start numbering courses in classes?

In the late 1920s, colleges began using a numbering system for their courses. According to the Oxford English Dictionary, using "101" as an introductory course number started at the University of Buffalo in 1929.

What do the course numbers indicate?

There are standard formats that many colleges use to signify dates, levels and titles. 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 does course name and number mean?

The course title (sometimes also called the course name) and number are important identifiers for your course. It is a good idea to use titles and numbers that are easy to understand and remember. The course enrollment track specifies the type of certificate, if any, that the course offers.

What do the numbers mean after a college course?

A four-digit number designates each course. The first digit denotes the level of the course. Course numbers beginning with the number one (1) are freshman-level courses, while those beginning with the number two (2) are normally considered sophomore-level courses.

Is class number and course number the same?

The word "class" is used to identify the days/times that a specific course meets (i.e. BIOL 1408 8001). These specific class meetings are called class sections. The word "course" is used to identify a common topic or subject area. These courses will share a common course number (i.e. BIOL 1408).

Level of the Course (First Digit)

The first digit of the course number indicates the level of the course: roughly,

Subject Matter (Second Digit)

Within the MATH subject area, the second digit often indicates the subject matter:

Conversion From 3 to 4 Digits

In the MATH subject area, conversion of courses numbers from the old 3-digit system to the new 4-digit system was accomplished in most cases by adding a 0 as the 4th digit. Exceptions are as follows:

What do college course numbers mean?

College course numbers may mean different things depending on the individual institution. There are standard formats that many colleges use to signify dates, levels and titles. 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 ...

What is the difference between 100 and 200 level courses?

These classes will acquaint students with the basic terms, methods, ideas and language of the subject. 200-level courses are actually 100-level courses that focus on particular areas within a discipline. Students must have finished a 100-level writing or English class, so they can recognize concepts, read detailed texts, use quantitative skills and articulate themselves with peers. These classes will require students to progress through academic explorations towards conclusions and experiments. Students who take 200-level classes must be able to keep up at a reasonable pace without encountering comprehension difficulties.

What are the 100 level classes?

These basic or survey classes will have titles like general biology, world history or writing fundamentals. These 100-level courses are usually taken by freshman, although some will be sophomores meeting general education requirements. 200-level classes will be more strenuous and focused on specific topics like Asian history, Western literature and computer programming. Some of these classes may require students to have taken the prerequisite 100-level class. 300- and 400-level classes involve in-depth coursework and require greater knowledge of a certain field. These classes are usually taken during the final two years of college. Some 400-level classes include first-year graduate students who are preparing to take 500- and 600-level classes offered through graduate schools.

What do you need to know to take 100 level writing class?

Students must have finished a 100-level writing or English class, so they can recognize concepts, read detailed texts, use quantitative skills and articulate themselves with peers. These classes will require students to progress through academic explorations towards conclusions and experiments.

What are the requirements for 300 level classes?

Students should have acquired a sufficient knowledge in the major to pursue independent study and research with methodological tools and models. These students must be able to obtain relevant information the proper use of resources and libraries. They must be able to assimilate valid information, combine findings into cohesive statements and ultimately produce term-papers. 400-level courses will likely include tutorials, seminars, guest lectures and honors courses reserved only for upper-division students finishing their major. These students must have completed enough 300-level classes to work independently under the supervision of faculty. Many of these 400-level classes include capstone projects that require students to synthesize all relative information into a final presentation.

Why is it important to take courses at BC prior to summer quarter 2008?

It is important to you if you have taken courses at BC prior to summer quarter 2008 because hundreds of course numbers and titles have changed and you do not want to accidentally repeat the same course. Remember: be careful when picking classes if you have previously taken courses at BC. 3.

How to contact Educational Planning Advisor?

If you have any questions or would like some assistance, please do not hesitate to contact the Educational Planning Advising Center at (425) 564-2212 or your advisor (if you need help locating your advisor, please call us and we will connect to your advisor).

Can you catch item number for CCN?

The online registration will not catch that the item number for a CCN course is for as the course you have already taken under the former prefix, title and/or number. You must cross-reference CCN courses against the course change list.

How to use the course numbering system?

Step 1. Use the course numbering system to standardize the classes offered by your school. The first element in the three-digit course code is the class level. For most schools, the numbers range from one to five. The first number in the code will be as follows for each class: Freshman level: 1 Sophomore level: 2 Junior level: 3 Senior level: 4 ...

When did colleges start using course numbers?

How to Standardize College Course Numbers. In the late 1920s, colleges began using a numbering system for their courses. According to the Oxford English Dictionary, using "101" as an introductory course number started at the University of Buffalo in 1929.