Academic Integrity

Course Formats

Although the format the course is taught in may depend on the program that you are in, some of the most common course formats are:

Lecture: Depending on the size of the program you are in, there could be anywhere from 15 to 500 students. The instructor may incorporate Powerpoint presentations, guest speakers, group participation, and many other classroom techniques that encourage student engagement.

Tutorials: Many lectures may have a tutorial component scheduled at a different time than the lecture which breaks down the larger class into smaller groups and encourages discussion and participation. Tutorials may be run by the instructor or by a Teaching Assistant (TA) or Graduate Assistant (GA).

Laboratory (labs): Programs within the Faculty of Science, Faculty of Engineering and Architecture, Ted Rogers School of Management, and Faculty of Community Services may have labs where you may work either individually or in a small group to practically learn and experiment with the course material in a hands-on environment. In many cases labs are a mandatory component of the course in order to pass. Please ensure that you check the course outline or speak to your instructor for details.

Seminars: Are often used in graduate courses and are small in nature to encourage a great degree of class participation and class presentations.

Studio: Programs within the Faculty of Community Services, Faculty of Engineering and Architecture, and Faculty of Communication and Design may have studio classes in which students execute a design or production related to their field.

Practicum/Internship: Some programs do have a practicum/internship component in which a student is required to participate. A specific number of hours or days of real life experience is required to gain hands-on insight into what a job in this field would be like. Normally this must be completed before a student can graduate from the program. You will be told in advance if your program has a practicum/internship expectation.