YouAlberta
I thought that high school graduation signalled the end of courses that weren’t directly related to my interests and that social science would be the only science I’d touch again—turns out that was naïve. Though I can only speak of the experience of an Arts student, I wish to emphasize that out-of-faculty requirements can be daunting for all students. Leaving areas of academic familiarity can create students who are overwhelmed by new faculties full of choice and, in turn, avoidant of the course selection process entirely. I would know; I was one of them.
Fulfilling these requirements does not have to be an endurance test. Within the slightly intimidating Course Catalogue are areas of interest you probably didn’t even know you had.
My lengthy email correspondence with the Student Service Centre and dedicated study of the Course Catalogue has made me a self-appointed, non-Arts credit afishionado and I’m eager to share my knowledge.
Overwhelmed arts students, fret not; I have consolidated a collection of courses that are sure to ease a case of course choice paralysis.
SUST 201 - Introduction to Sustainability
First on the list for a reason, SUST 201 makes for a smooth transition into the Faculty of Agricultural, Life and Environmental Sciences. This course explores contemporary understandings of sustainability as well as their historical roots, allowing you to formulate a stance on various environmental issues. If you are a social science student a lot of the discussion of economic, social, and political influences on sustainability will be familiar to you and will give you the solid footing to dive deeper into this field of study. And if you find yourself invested in sustainability, consider diversifying your degree and earn the Certificate in Sustainability.
NUTR 100 - Nutrition and Well-being
We all eat, we all have well-beings to maintain; therefore, we all have something to gain from NUTR 100! Developing an understanding of the correlation between nutrition and well-being will pay dividends throughout your life and especially throughout your academic career. As students, our well-being can often fall down the ranks of priority and the content of NUTR 100 reminds you of its importance.
PL SC 100 - Plants in our Lives
So many plants, so little time. PL SC 100 offers an intimate view into the often overlooked yet crucial role plants play in our lives. Similar to SUST 201, many of the social and political aspects of this course will be familiar to social science students yet are presented from a different, scientific angle to diversify your knowledge. Embrace this scientific content and you might even be able to impress your friends on campus with the scientific name for the vines on the Old Arts Building.
STAT 151 - Introduction to Applied Statistics I
Missing math? I have the perfect course for you! STAT 151 covers all things statistical which might not seem entirely relevant to us Arts students, but consider this: now you’ll have an inside look at the data collection behind research articles. Speaking of reading, a statistics course almost guarantees a break from readings—enticing offer, no? Dust off your T-I 84 and consider STAT 151.
PSYCH 104 - Basic Psychological Processes
Arguably the most ‘science-y’ course on my list, PSYCH 104 explores our psychological functions and the developments behind them. This course gives you the opportunity to participate in labs, which might be a nice change of pace from seminars. Don’t let any lingering Biology 30 knowledge go to waste—take PSYCH 104!
Hopefully this list will make your search for Non-Arts courses a less daunting task. Embrace the reasoning for this requirement, broaden your academic horizons, and try something new! Who knows, you might even meet your new minor.
