Frequently Asked Questions
I can’t register in ENGL/WRS courses in my first year because they are full - what do I do?
While we advise to take these courses in first year, we know that often seats are not immediately available. You can register on a waitlist or you may consider taking the required ENGL/WRS courses in Spring/Summer or later in the program since they are not prerequisites for any other course in your program.
How do I register for PHYSL 212/214? Do I need CHEM 102 and BIOL 108 as prerequisites?
Honors Neuroscience students can register for PHYSL 212 and 214 by emailing PhysiologyRegistrations@ualberta.ca.
Our students do NOT require CHEM 102 and BIOL 108 as prerequisites for these courses. They DO require completion of CHEM 101 and CHEM 261 as prerequisites for the course.
Can I take PHYSL 210 instead of 212/214?
Students who register in Honors Neuroscience in their first year of university MUST take PHYSL 212/214. Students who register in Major Neuroscience in their first year of University must take PHYSL 210. Students who transfer into Honours Neuroscience after their second year of study may take PHYSL 210 to meet the PHYSL 212/214 requirement, as they would be ineligible to take PHYSL 212/214.
Why can't I register for PSYCH 475 or other upper level PSYCH courses?
Neuroscience students are not eligible to register until May as the Department of Psychology gives first registration rights to students in their programs. While there have not been past issues ensuring Neuroscience students are admitted into these required courses, please ensure to register once eligible.
How do I register for NEURO courses?
Most NEURO courses have online registration through BearTracks, though some require departmental consent:
NEURO 210 - online; delayed registration for students not registered in the Honors Neuroscience program. Students need to have PSYCH 275 as a pre or corequisite.
NEURO 371 - online
NEURO 375 - online; once the course is full, e-mail nmhiedu@ualberta.ca for registration
NEURO 410 - online
NEURO 443 - online
NEURO 450/451/452/498/499 - Please see the course listings for instructions
NEURO 475 - online
NEURO 520 - online
NEURO 525 - online
Do I need to keep a full course load (*30 credits) in Fall and Winter terms?
No. As of Fall 2022, the Faculty of Science has eliminated the full course load requirements in the Honor and Major programs. Neuroscience students may take a reduced course load.
If you are considering a reduced course load, please be aware of any course sequencing issues going forward. Prerequisite courses should be taken as early as possible to provide flexibility later on. Some courses are only offered in either Fall or Winter term and may not be available again until a year later. Some senior-level courses may not be offered every year.
Students taking fewer than 15 units in each of the Fall and Winter terms, do not require permission to extend their degree beyond 4 years.
Students who exceed 120 units or who are not following their program requirements, need permission to extend their degree. (See Graduation Year in the Calendar for more information).
If you decide to register in less than 9 units per term, please ensure you understand any implications on tuition, awards, scholarships, loans, tax credits, student visa requirements, etc. You can contact Student Financial Support for any questions.
Can I take spring and summer courses?
Yes. Please note that spring/summer course offerings are limited. While courses can be taken in spring and summer, they will not count towards your GPA calculated over Fall/Winter terms or the course load calculations required for admission or continuation in the program.
Can I take a science course that isn't listed as an approved option?
Courses not listed as approved options in the University Calendar may be used as science options with prior approval from the Honors program coordinator (honneuro@ualberta.ca).
How do I track progression in my program?
You can track progression in your program by checking the Academic Assessment tool on Beartracks. It assesses not only the satisfaction of Neuroscience subject area requirements (Honors/Major) bur also the satisfaction of the common requirements. Handouts to help you progress into program are provided in the following links;
Neuroscience Honors BSc requirements
Neuroscience Major BSc requirements