Counselling - FAQs
Course overlap
See Handbook
I want to complete two modules but there are some courses that show up in both modules. Can I complete these two modules? How do I cope with the common courses?
Yes you may take modules with common courses, and substitute for the overlapping courses in the following way:
For Example:
Double Major Biology and Medical Science
Common Courses = 2.5 - Dean’s Office will allow students to “double count” 1.0 credits.
Note: Students must still complete 20.0 credits for a degree.
Another Example
A popular combination of modules, Majors in both Biology and Medical Sciences has 2.5 common courses. Let’s see how the plan would work for these, as an example:
Major, Biology |
Major, Medical Sciences |
Biochemistry 2280A |
Biochemistry 2280A |
Biology 2581B |
1.0 from Biology 2581B, 2382B, 2290F/G |
Biology 2832B |
1.0 Chemistry, normally including Chemistry 2213A |
Biology 2483A |
0.5 Statistics |
Biology 2486A |
3.0 from Medical Sciences disciplines |
Biology 2290F/G |
|
2601A |
|
Chemistry 2213A |
|
0.5 Statistics |
|
1.0 additional 200 level or above Biology course |
|
0.5 additional course at 200 level or above from Biology or one of the Basic Medical Sciences |
|
There are 2.5 common courses here.
You will still be required to take 12.0 courses (6.0 per module)
2 of these 5 half courses, i.e. 1.0, can be double counted towards both modules (see a. above for explanation) The 2 half courses with the highest mark will be double counted, as this will give the highest possible average for both modules. This 1.0 must be replaced with a Senior Science /Basic Medical Science option
You will need to take 1.5 additional courses from the modules to compensate:
Select either 1.0 additional course from Biology and 0.5 additional course from Medical Sciences, or vice versa, 1.0 from Medical Sciences and 0.5 from Biology. The objective is to fairly and rationally apportion the substitute courses between the two modules.
How do I find out about Course Equivalencies?
1. To take a course at a different institution on a Letter of Permission
Visit the Registrar's web site
2. To obtain an evaluation of a course taken elsewhere to be transferred to UWO
Visit one of the counsellors in the office of the Dean of Science (Room 191 Western Science Centre)
Am I on track?
Check Student Centre.
N.B. No special permissions show up in these records.
Which is the easiest course at Western?
How can we possibly answer that?
In reality, the easiest courses are those in which you are interested. Students find some course so fascinating that the information just sinks in and is retained. It will be different for each student. So… over and above the mandatory courses, pick those in which you have the most interest! If you have the opportunity, attend one or two classes in courses you are considering. Obtain course outlines to decide between several courses.
When should I seek help for program counselling?
From after the ‘Intent to Register’ period in February until the end of term. It is far easier to clear up issues in person than by e-mail in the summer when there may not be many people available who can help you
What is involved in a field course?
Check the Biology Field Course information
What can I do with a Biology Degree ?
Actually, more than you probably think! To find out more, visit the Biology career site
Some of the Honors Modules on the Biology web site also have links to career options
