Elective Courses

After choosing your courses of primary interest (based on your intended major), it is time to think of what other courses you might like to take in first year.  These are often referred to as ‘electives’. Electives are any courses you take that are not listed under your specific program’s requirements. 

Course descriptions can be found in three different places. You can see course descriptions for all Trent courses in the academic calendar. Alternatively, you can see course descriptions for the courses being offered in the current year in either the Self Service portal or the academic timetable.

It is not uncommon for students to change their minds about their major.  When selecting electives, use this as an opportunity to explore courses that might excite you! Think about taking other 1000 level courses that you enjoyed in a previous educational setting. Consider taking something at the 1000 level that is new to you and sounds intriguing. Upper year courses will have prerequisites. Can you take a course now that leads to a course you would love to take later?

There is really nothing that you can take that is ‘wrong’, however, be mindful that if you ‘intend’ to stay at the Durham campus you should choose at least a couple of introductory courses from majors that you can complete in Durham.

All introductory (first-year) courses in Durham are open to all students in all majors (except EDUC courses).