Course Description Content
Course descriptions provide the following information:
- Course prefix
- Course number
- Course title
- Credit hours assigned to the course
- Brief description of the course content
- Prerequisites and/or corequisites (if any)
- Any course with which the course may be cross-listed or cross-leveled
- Whether a course is repeatable for credit
- How the course is graded
- Any restrictions for registration
- What type of course it is and whether it’s on-campus or online
Note: The courses may also specify the number of class (lecture) and/or laboratory sessions and hours. If no class hours are given, the number of class hours per week is the same as the number of credit hours assigned to the course.
Definitions
Course Prefix
A course prefix is a four (4) letter code that identifies the subject area of the course. Augusta University uses a 4-character course prefix; ART is the only approved three-digit code. See the list of Course Prefixes and Subjects .
Course Number
Courses are identified by four-digit numbers following the course prefix. This four-digit sequence identifies level of the course. Courses are numbered according to the appropriate level as determined by the stated student learning outcomes of each course. The first digit indicates the level of the course:
- 1000-numbered courses present introductory or general knowledge courses at the undergraduate level. Courses in this level generally have no prerequisites, unless it is part of a sequence.
- 2000-numbered courses present fundamental knowledge in a particular field or discipline at the undergraduate level. Courses in this level may have prerequisites at the 1000 level.
- 3000-numbered courses present topics related to major fields and disciplines at an undergraduate level.
- 4000-numbered courses present more advanced topics related to major fields and disciplines at an undergraduate level.
- 5000-numbered courses present introductory or general knowledge in a particular field or discipline at a graduate level.
- 6000-numbered courses present fundamental knowledge in a particular field or discipline at a graduate level.
- 7000-numbered courses are generally seminars and lectures and are reserved for specialists in educational, professional doctorates, and first-professional degrees.
- 8000-numbered courses are generally advanced seminar and lecture courses for research-based and doctoral degrees.
- 9000-numbered courses are advanced seminar and research courses and are to be used only by Doctor of Philosophy degree programs.
Course Suffixes
A single or double letter identifier after that course number which specifies the course is offered in an approved, special pedagogical format (e.g., BIOL 1107L). The following suffixes may be applied to designate that a course or specific course section carries a special purpose:
- H: Indicates course is approved as part of the Honors Program curriculum.
- K: Indicates a combined lecture/laboratory course.
- L: Indicates a standalone laboratory course.
- R: Indicates a recitation course.
Prerequisites and Corequisites
A prerequisite is a requirement that must be met or a course that must be passed before enrolling in a more advanced course. A corequisite is a course which should be taken in the same semester as another.
Cross-Listed Courses
Cross-listed courses are courses which share common learning outcomes, are numbered the same, and have the same level of rigor, but have different prefixes. They will have different course prefixes but their catalog descriptions must have the same title, numbering, description, fixed (not variable) credit hours, grading mode, repeat rules, and instructor(s). As such, cross-listed courses are considered equivalents and only one of the equivalent courses will be allowed per degree. Special topic, independent study, directed study, thesis, practice teaching, and internship/practicum courses cannot be cross-listed.
An example of cross-listed courses is COMM 4120: Gender and Communication and WGST 4120: Gender and Communication.
Cross-Leveled Courses
Cross-leveled courses are courses which share common learning outcomes but are numbered and offered at different levels of rigor. They will follow the numbering convention described below and will have the same final three digits. The catalog descriptions for Cross-leveled courses will have the same prefix, title, description, fixed (not variable) credit hours, grading mode, repeat rules, and instructor(s). Special topic, independent study, directed study, thesis, practice teaching, and internship/practicum courses cannot be cross-leveled. Cross-leveled courses must show different levels of rigor, with the higher number course being more rigorous. If a course is taken at one level, it may not be repeated at the higher level.
Cross-leveled courses are limited to the following course numbering convention: 3000/5000, 4000/6000, 5000/7000, and 6000/8000. Nine-thousand (9000) level courses may not be cross-leveled.
An example of cross-leveled courses is HIST 4361: Age of Reason and Enlightenment and HIST 6361: Age of Reason and Enlightenment.
Dual Enrollment Courses
Dual Enrollment students are able to take courses that count towards their high school curriculum while also earning college-level credits. For details, visit the Dual Enrollment website. Also visit the Dual Enrollment Course Directory.
Equivalent Courses
Equivalent courses are specified in POUNCE and are examined when determining repeats and prerequisite requirements. Equivalent courses typically carry the same credit, but may differ in title, catalog number, and/or prefix. Additionally, equivalent courses do not have to be offered the same term.
Notes:
- Equivalent courses differ from cross-listed or cross-leveled courses
- Equivalent courses may also appear in POUNCE when a course prefix or number has changed. This ensures that students still receive credit for the course, regardless of any numbering adjustments. For example, when the university used a three-digit system, POLS 1101 was previously listed as POL 101. Students who completed POL 101 will receive credit for the updated POLS 1101 designation.
Grade Mode
Courses may be graded in the normal A, B, C, D, F method or Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory method. See the grading policies under Academic Regulations: Undergraduate or Academic Regulations: Graduate and Professional .
Schedule Type
The schedule type indicates the ways in which a particular course may be taught, such as lecture, lab, asynchronous instruction (online), etc. See the Schedule of Classes for particular terms.
Repeat Status
Courses identified as repeatable may be taken multiple times with credit earned each time as designated. Courses that cover different subjects or experiences (e.g., Special Topics courses), Research courses, Dissertation courses, Clinics, or Internships may be repeatable for credit.
Changes
Course descriptions and numbers are accurate at the time of publication of the Catalog. For the most current information, please consult with the academic department or the Schedule of Classes.
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