- What is a credit?
In general, each course you complete is worth 1/2 a credit, although some full-year courses are worth a full credit. Biomedical & Electrical Engineering program requires you to complete 21 credits to graduate, whereas Communications Engineering, Computer Systems Engineering, and Software Engineering requires 21.5 credits.
- Where can I find more information about the co-op program?
All our programs have a co-op option. You should contact the co-op office for all questions regrading the co-op program.
- How many courses can I take each term?
The number of courses you can take each terms varies from year-to-year and program-to-program, but is usually five courses and sometimes six. In the summer the limit is usually four courses, except for some students in the co-op program. The official regulations are in Section 6.4 of the undergraduate calendar.
- Can I take more courses than I'm normally allowed?
Maybe. If you've completed 4.0 credits at Carleton and your CGPA is over 7.0, you can apply to take an additional course by completing the form at the Engineering Undergraduate Academic Support website.
- Can I take a break from my studies?
Yes, as long as you take at least one course every 36 months you can remain in your program. Note, however, that engineering students must complete all their degree requirements within eight calendar years of initial registration.
See Section 4.3 of the undergraduate calendar, and the additional regulations for Engineering. - How can I take a course at another university?
It is possible to take courses at another university, but only some complementary studies electives and math and science courses will count towards your Carleton degree, although some non-core engineering courses taken elsewhere may also count under special circumstances.
It is up to you to find a course that you think is equivalent to the Carleton course you want to replace. You then need to complete either the U of Ottawa Exchange form (for courses at the University of Ottawa) or apply for a Letter of Permission (for all other universities).
Your application needs to be approved by the Registrar's Office, the department offering the equivalent course at Carleton, and the Associate Dean. If approved, you will then need to secure approval from the other university to take their course.
- What happens if I fail a course?
First of all, don't panic. Many students fail a course during their studies, and it isn't the end of the world. Most are able to complete their studies within the normal four years, although it will likely be necessary to take courses in the summer to catch up.
However, if you fail two or more courses then you should considering changing to a different program that is better suited to your aptitude, and it is quite likely that it will take an extra year for you to complete your studies.
If you fail a course you will have to take it again in the future (unless it is an elective in which case you'll have to take another elective). Since each course you take is usually a pre-requisite for other courses, you won't be able to take those other courses. If you are currently registered in courses that you do not have the prerequisites for, it is likely that you will be deregistered from those courses after the last day of registration, so you should withdraw from the courses yourself and register in more appropriate courses.
You should plan which terms you intend to take your remaining courses by using the interactive planning tool, and submit your plan to your program advisor for feedback and recommendations.
- Why am I being kicked out of engineering?
If you fail the same course three times, or have a CGPA that is too low, you will be removed from your engineering program. You should visit the Student Academic Success Centre for advice on how to apply to a different, non-engineering, program.