General university question (canada)

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around general education requirements in Canadian universities, specifically at the University of Toronto. Participants explore the number of courses typically taken in a university program, the structure of semesters, and the necessity of humanities courses alongside science and mathematics classes.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants assert that there are mandatory general education courses in Canadian universities, including at the University of Toronto.
  • There is a suggestion that taking 34 courses over four years may be insufficient, with some arguing that students typically need to take more, particularly in non-science subjects.
  • Participants mention that a standard full course load is usually five courses per semester, with some variations depending on the program, such as engineering students potentially taking six courses.
  • One participant notes that their program requires at least eight non-science courses for a physics degree, indicating a broader curriculum requirement.
  • Several participants provide links to the University of Toronto's website for further information, although there is some criticism regarding the accessibility of information on the site.
  • Discussion includes mention of breadth requirements at UofT, which categorize courses into various thematic areas.
  • Another participant highlights that some universities in British Columbia operate on a three-semester schedule, but most students only take courses in the Fall and Winter semesters.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that there are general education requirements and that a typical course load is around five courses per semester. However, there is disagreement regarding the adequacy of 34 courses over four years, with some suggesting that more courses are necessary, particularly in humanities.

Contextual Notes

There are references to specific program requirements and variations across different universities, indicating that the discussion may depend on individual program structures and institutional policies.

Who May Find This Useful

Students considering enrollment at Canadian universities, particularly those interested in programs at the University of Toronto, may find this discussion relevant.

nobelium102
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is there a mandatory general education courses in Canadian universities?
specifically in Uof toronto?

also is it too much to take 34 courses in 4 years of university?
consisting of 4 astronomy classes, mostly physics and math , and one humanity
how many courses do people generally take in one semester? (there are 2 semester a year rite?)
 
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nobelium102 said:
is there a mandatory general education courses in Canadian universities?
specifically in Uof toronto?
Yes.
nobelium102 said:
also is it too much to take 34 courses in 4 years of university?
No, it's probably too little.
nobelium102 said:
how many courses do people generally take in one semester? (there are 2 semester a year rite?)
Usually five is a full course load. This might differ from university to university, though.

Honestly, why don't you look up UofT's website? The information you want is readily available.
 
nobelium102 said:
is there a mandatory general education courses in Canadian universities?
specifically in Uof toronto?

also is it too much to take 34 courses in 4 years of university?
consisting of 4 astronomy classes, mostly physics and math , and one humanity
how many courses do people generally take in one semester? (there are 2 semester a year rite?)

Yes there are a few mandatory general education courses in Canadian Universities.

There are two semester, the first being from September-December and the second being from January-April. Most full time students take 5 classes a semester, 10 in a full year. Engineering students may have to take 6 classes a semester.
 
nobelium102 said:
is there a mandatory general education courses in Canadian universities?
specifically in Uof toronto?

also is it too much to take 34 courses in 4 years of university?
consisting of 4 astronomy classes, mostly physics and math , and one humanity
how many courses do people generally take in one semester? (there are 2 semester a year rite?)
I'm almost certain that you'll have to take more than one humanity. (and definitely more than 34 courses in 4 years) At my school (in Canada) you have to take at least 8 non-science courses to get a physics degree. You also can't just take math and physics courses other than that, you have to take some chemistry and computer science. That's even with an honours physics degree, which is more concentrated than regular physics. If you think about it, it's not that bad though. Essentially, they intend for you to take 40 courses over four years, and it'll work out that you're usually taking 4 math/science courses and one non-science course. If nothing else, the non-science courses will lighten your load so you can learn more in your science classes.
 
i don't know where to find this info really!
http://www.artsandscience.utoronto.ca/ofr/calendar/prg_mat.htm#programs
^this is the site i was looking around
i am planning to do mathematics and physics specialist program
and none of them stats other humanity course than one (society and ethic ish course)
 
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Yeah, sorry, you're right, their website is crap actually. The info can still be found on it, though, it just doesn't jump at you. Take a look at these two links, for example:
- http://www.artsandscience.utoronto.ca/ofr/calendar/degree.htm#HBAHBSC
- http://blogs.studentlife.utoronto.ca/UpbeaT/2010/04/08/the-breadth-requirement/

Since I haven't read any of the two above, but just looked them up, this is from one of my e-mails, in case they don't state that: "Students need 20 credits to graduate from U of T which is typically done by taking 5 credits each year for four years."
 
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i'm a UofT student myself, and yeah the site is nuts
most of what you need can be found here though: http://www.artsandscience.utoronto.ca/ofr/calendar/
and here:
http://www.artsandscience.utoronto.ca/ofr/calendar/degree.htm

You also have to take breadth courses, these are the categories:

Creative and Cultural Representations
Thought, Belief, and Behaviour
Society and Its Institutions
Living Things and Their Environment
The Physical and Mathematical Universes

more on that on the webpages
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Schools in BC at least run on a three semester schedule, but most people only take classes in the Fall and Winter (sometimes called Spring) semesters.

The summer semesters are usually only low level courses or, for whatever reason, arts courses. You'll be wanting the summer semesters to either get job experience or research experience.

Generally, a bachelor's degree in Canada takes 120 credits. Most classes are 3 credits. This equates to what people have already said in that 5 courses per semester is the standard if you want to finish in exactly 4 years.

An honours degree at my school takes 132 credits, and you could be looking at more than 120 credits if you're doing a double major or a minor.
 

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