There is a Mathematics Diagnostic Assessment that students can take to test their readiness for this course and other math courses offered at Athabasca University.  This online test contains 70 questions that will help you assess your mathematical skills.  Based on your score, it will recommend which Athabasca University mathematics course you are likely ready to take successfully.  MATH 270 is not available for challenge.

Linear Algebra I is made up of five units, five assignments weighing a total of fifteen percent, a midterm examination weighing thirty-five percent, and a final examination worth fifty percent.  Students should note calculators are not allowed during either of the examinations.  Throughout this course, students will learn a lot of interesting material, such as how to solve systems of linear equations, calculate basic matrix operations, solve applied linear algebra problems, and much more.  To receive credit for MATH 270, students must achieve a course composite mark of at least a “D” or fifty percent in the course, with at least a grade of fifty percent on the final examination.

Karen Fletcher is currently enrolled in Athabasca University’s Bachelor of Science program, with a major in Mathematics.  She began by providing an introduction, stating “I own a small business that provides knitting patterns to publications and yarn companies and returned to school last year to pursue a math degree.  I love sewing my own clothes, have three kids and am in Ottawa, Canada.”

When asked to explain the course to other students, she explains that “Math 270 is a basic linear algebra class that focuses on solving linear systems.  You cover matrices, plus eigenvalues and eigenspaces.  One of my favorite parts was that each unit concluded with a section explaining the real-world application of the math taught in that section.”

As for the structure of the course, she states that “There were five math assignments, plus a midterm, and final exam.  The midterm was a standard paper exam (I wrote before the pandemic) that reasonably covered the material.  Due to the fact that it’s hard to type out the answers to math questions the final is currently made up of several math questions you do in advance, and then you have to explain your process for solving them as well as why you felt the course was relevant over a video call, then your tutor will ask you questions about various concepts in the course.  I thought the final exam covered relevant material but as someone who struggles to come up with words right away, I found having to speak on the spot challenging.”

Karen would recommend this course to other students, stating that she “thought the course was well laid out and I liked the fact that the textbook came with a student solution manual.”

When asked if she had any tips or tricks to completing this course, she states that she “found the course was fairly straightforward, as long as you pace yourself and keep on track with the study guide, I think you’ll be fine.”

As for communications with her tutor, Karen states “My tutor was Arzu.  He was amazing at taking time to explain concepts to me when I got stuck.  He was very friendly and encouraging.”

Whether MATH 270 is a degree or program requirement of yours, or the topics mentioned above are of interest to you, this course will have you learning a lot of interesting material surrounding the topic of linear algebra.

ADMN 100 (Introductory Quantitative Skills for Business) is a three-credit introductory business and administrative studies course that was designed to build skills that will help students succeed in the online learning environment in all key business areas.  It’s designed for students who want to upgrade their quantitative skills to the level required to enter a typical degree program in business or economics. In addition to a review of basic arithmetic, statistics, and algebra, students will become familiar with the mathematics of business, management, finance, and investment. ADMN 100 also includes an introduction to the basics of accounting.

This course has no prerequisites. ADMN 100 is recommended as an entry level university course designed to develop business math skills to prepare students planning to pursue a business program. It is not available for challenge.

Introductory Quantitative Skills for Business is made up of ten lessons and ten quizzes (one for each lesson) weighing ten percent each. The ten lessons within this course cover several different topics, including a review of arithmetic, review of basic algebra, linear systems, simple interest, compound interest, accounting, annuities, and much more.  To receive credit for ADMN 100, students must complete one online quiz for each of the ten lessons in the course. The course composite grade (the average of the grades you achieve on all ten quizzes) must be at least a “D” or fifty percent. ADMN 100 has no final exam.

Students should note that the textbook for this course is an electronic e-textbook. A print version of the e-textbook may be available for purchase from the publisher through a direct-to-student link provided on the course website. This is a custom publication, so there may be significant delays in receiving the book after you order it. Because it is a custom publication, acquiring the textbook on your own may not be possible. Furthermore, a Texas Instruments BA II Plus calculator is included in your course package.

Ryan Miller is currently enrolled in Athabasca University’s Bachelor of Management program and has taken ADMN 100.  He enrolled into AU in December of 2018 and is almost half done.  He explains that he enjoys AU for many reasons, stating “I have access to my studies anywhere, I can write online exams from the comfort of my home anytime.  It is super flexible with me, being as busy as I am working full-time and involved with my family.”

When asked to explain ADMN 100 to students, Ryan explains that “This course is great for students that do not have very strong math skills or have forgotten all their math from the past.  This course is also great to boost your GPA. I am pretty strong at math so I did not find it super difficult. The course covers all types of math anywhere from algebra, linear equations, and accounting. ADMN 100 is a great math refresher for everyone it will help you when you have to do statistics or finance courses.”

As for the structure of the course, he states that “This course consists of ten units with a quiz at the end of the chapters. There is no midterm examination of final examination attached to this course. Each quiz is worth ten percent towards your final mark. 10 units and 10 quizzes total.”

When asked if he would recommend this course to other students, Ryan states “This course was easy in my opinion. All business students should take this course.”

As for any tips or tricks to completing ADMN 100, he explains “If you have a week or two of free time. you could complete this course very quick. There is no need to book any exams, which is really convenient!”

Ryan did not feel that communications with his tutor was needed for this course, as all of “the quizzes for this course were marked automatically by the computer.”

Whether ADMN 100 is a degree or program requirement of yours, the topics discussed above are of interest to you, or you feel that this course would be a good refresher, this course will have you learning a lot of interesting material surrounding introductory quantitative skills for business.

Commercial Law is made up of thirteen units, with five assignments weighing ten percent each, and a final examination weighing fifty percent.  The thirteen units within this course cover several topics such as real property, sales, mortgages, employment law, secured transitions, creditors’ rights, special contracts, and much more.  To receive credit for LGST 369, students must complete all five assignments and the examination, achieving an overall course grade of a “D” or fifty percent or better and a passing mark of fifty percent or better on the final examination.

Ryan Miller is currently enrolled in Athabasca University’s Bachelor of Management program.  He enrolled into AU in December of 2018 and is almost half done.  He explains that he enjoys AU for many reasons, stating “I have access to my studies anywhere, I can write online exams from the comfort of my home anytime.  It is super flexible with me, being as busy as I am working full-time and involved with my family.”

When asked to explain LGST 369 to students, Ryan explains that “This course is very informative and not just for those students who plan on owning or working for a private or corporate business.  Each unit focuses on different areas of commercial law.”

As for the structure of the course, he states that “This course has thirteen units, with five assignments and a final examination.  The first three assignments are case studies with four to five questions.  These assignments are essay style assignments that have to be between 1200-1500 words each.  Assignments four and five are different than assignments one to three, as they have factual case studies where an analysis is done for different situations.  The final examination has twenty-five multiple-choice questions, six short answer questions, a short essay, and a case study analysis.”

“To provide further detail, the final examination is a closed book 3-hour examination written in person on a computer at an authorized invigilation center or through ProctorU.  The exam has four parts.  Part A of the exam consists of 25 multiple choice and true/false questions covering the whole course—similar to those in the practice quizzes (50 marks – 2 marks each).  Part B consists of six questions, each to be answered in a paragraph, that are drawn from the learning objectives listed in the Study Guide for Units 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 10, and 11 (30 marks – 5 marks each).  Part C requires you to write a short essay of several paragraphs on a topic chosen from Units 4, 5, 6, 10, and 11.  Two topics will be given, from which you will choose one.  (10 marks).  Part D requires you to prepare a case study analysis of several paragraphs for a case based upon Units 4, 5, 6, 10, and 11.  Two cases will be given, from which you will choose one.  The question is similar to Assignments 4 and 5. (10 marks).”

When asked if Ryan had any tips or tricks to completing this course, he states that for this, students should just read and follow the units like they have outlined.  Make sure you also read the textbook, as reading the textbook is important to use as a reference when doing your assignments.”

Ryan would recommend this course to other students, explains that “For this course just read and follow the units like they have outlined.  Reading the textbook is important to use as a reference when doing your assignments.”

As for communications with his tutor for LGST 369, he states that “The tutor gave very good feedback on my assignments, which will help me when I write my final exam.  I did email the tutor about the final and he was very fast with his response and gave me some insight on what to focus on.”

If you are interested in enrolling in this course, I highly recommend reading the detailed syllabus that is linked within the LGST 369 online course page.  Also, if you have any further questions regarding the content of the course or its structure, the course professor, Archie Zariski, encourages you to reach out via email at archiez@athabascau.ca.

Whether LGST 369 is a degree or program requirement of yours, or the topics discussed above are of interest to you, this course will have you learning a lot of material surrounding the topic of commercial law.

If you would like to learn more about Principles of Biology I, read my Course Exam article for BIOL 204.

Principles of Biology II is made up of thirteen chapters, two assignments weighing ten percent each, simulation exercises worth ten percent, lab evaluations weighing twenty-five percent, a midterm examination weighing fifteen percent, and a final examination for thirty percent. The thirteen chapters within this course cover plants, protostomes, animal nutrition, Darwin, prokaryotes, fungi, viruses, and more. The simulation exercises of evolutionary processes will include dog domestication and sickle cell alleles in African malaria areas (using SimBio software). To receive credit for BIOL 207, students must achieve a course composite grade of at least a “D”, or fifty percent, and a grade of at least fifty percent on the final examination.

The midterm and final examinations for this course must be taken online with an AU-approved exam invigilator at an approved invigilation center. It is your responsibility to ensure your chosen invigilation center can accommodate online exams.

Victoria Reid is from Edmonton, Alberta, and is a licensed practical nurse working in the operating room at the University of Alberta Hospital.  She is currently enrolled in the Bachelor of Science program with a major in Health Sciences.  She explains that she “originally enrolled in 2015 in the LPN-BN bridging program.  After about a year I decided I was actually craving a new career entirely and transferred into the science program.”

When asked to explain BIOL 207 to students who have yet to take it, Victoria states “BIOL 207 is a continuation of BIOL 204, which covers biodiversity, micro and macro evolution, and conservation. Both courses are prerequisite for nearly every higher-level biology course at Athabasca University and other institutions. This course gives the foundation of knowledge needed to study further biology courses.”

As for the structure of the course, she states “There are assignments, which are combinations of short answer, definition/comparison, and multiple-choice questions. There are also mandatory in-person labs, two lab reports, two simulation exercises, a midterm examination and a final examination. The textbook for this course is necessary in order to be successful. All of the learning is from the required readings, and there are no supplemental materials. The study guides are not comprehensive.”

When asked if she would recommend this course to other students, she states that she “found BIOL 207 much easier than BIOL 204, and the course work more interesting as opposed to the dryness of BIOL 204.”

As for tips and tricks to completing BIOL 207, Victoria advises you to “hold on to your coursework from BIOL 204. It comes in handy when writing the lab reports and for succeeding in the in-person labs.”

Victoria’s tutor for BIOL 207 was a “lightning fast marker” who “wasn’t overly critical and made sure to make the appropriate corrections when necessary.”

Whether BIOL 207 is a degree or program requirement of yours, or the topics discussed above are interest to you, this course will have you learning a lot of interesting material surrounding the principles of biology.

Students should note that this course is delivered via an individualized or grouped study with a take-home lab component.  Students who register into BIOL 204 will be charged a laboratory fee.

Principles of Biology I is made up of sixteen chapters, two assignments weighing ten percent each, two lab reports that weigh ten percent each, lab results worth five percent, a midterm examination weighing twenty percent, and a final examination for the remaining thirty-five percent.  The sixteen chapters within this course cover many topics, such as energy, enzymes, cellular respiration, cell cycles, genes, chromosomes, DNA, photosynthesis, and much more.  To receive credit for BIOL 204, students must achieve a course composite grade of at least a “D”, or fifty percent, and a grade of at least a fifty percent on the final examination.

The midterm and final examinations for this course must be taken online with an AU-approved exam invigilator at an approved invigilation center.  It is your responsibility to ensure your chosen invigilation center can accommodate online exams.

Victoria Reid is from Edmonton, Alberta, and is a licensed practical nurse working in the operating room at the University of Alberta Hospital.  She is currently enrolled in the Bachelor of Science program with a major in Health Sciences.  She explains that she “originally enrolled in 2015 in the LPN-BN bridging program.  After about a year I decided I was actually craving a new career entirely and transferred into the science program.”

When asked to explain BIOL 204 to students who have yet to take it, Victoria states “Biology 204 (Principles of Biology I) is a very comprehensive course covering prokaryotic and eukaryotic diversity and cellular biology.  This course is a prerequisite for nearly every higher-level biology course at Athabasca University and other institutions.  It gives the foundation of knowledge needed to study further biology courses.”

As for the structure of the course, she explains that there are “two assignments which are a combination of short answer, definition/comparison and multiple-choice.  There are several home labs, two lab reports, a midterm examination, and a final examination.  The textbook is very necessary.  All of the learning is from the required readings, and there are no supplemental materials.  I also found that the study guides are not comprehensive.  The exams for this course are formatted exactly like the assignments.  There are multiple assignment versions and doing them all is an excellent way to prepare for the exams.  The examinations are no more or less difficult than the assignments.”

When asked if she would recommend this course, Victoria states that it was “one of the most challenging classes I’ve taken, and a lot of work between the vast amount of information and labs and assignments.”

As for any tips or tricks to completing this course, Victoria states that “Khan Academy and crash course videos on YouTube are really helpful for understanding them many cellular processes that are taught in this class.”

Victoria also advises students who plan on enrolling into BIOL 205 or BIOL 207 (Principles of Biology II) to “hold on to your coursework from BIOL 204.  It comes in handy when writing the lab reports and for succeeding in the in-person labs.”

Victoria’s had a good experience with her tutor for BIOL 204, stating “My tutor gave me topic summaries via email and was very responsive to emails and questions.  She was a fair grader and gave a lot of great feedback in a timely manner.”

Whether BIOL 204 is a degree or program requirement of yours, or the topics discussed above are of interest to you, this course will have you learning a lot of interesting material surrounding the topic of biology principles.

Business Ethics is made up of eight units, but the only assignments are one short essay worth thirty percent, one long essay weighing thirty percent, and a final examination worth forty percent.  The eight units within this course cover a lot of concepts of business ethics, such as hiring, firing, corporate responsibility in society, the ethics of leadership, globalization of business, utilitarianism, and the ethics of advertising and consumer desire.  Students will learn what truly constitutes as good business and what responsible critique of business practice looks like.  To receive credit for this course, students must achieve a minimum composite course grade of at least a “D” or fifty percent.

Shannon Steinke is currently enrolled in the Bachelor of Management program at Athabasca University with a major in Human Resources and is halfway through her second year of studies.  She introduces herself, stating “I originally enrolled in AU for a Bachelor of Arts in 2007.  I worked on that for a while but let it lapse when I joined the military in 2009.  After hearing about some of the educational opportunities the military offers, I decided to get back to my studies.  I switched to the Bachelor of Management program in 2016.”

When asked to explain the structure of PHIL 337, Shannon states “The course has two assignments and a final exam.  One assignment is short essays and the other is a long critical essay, about 2000 words each.  The readings for this course a fairly short, but discussion with your tutor is almost necessary as the idea is to critically evaluate the readings.  The skills learned in PHIL 252 (Critical Thinking) can be useful in completing these assignments.  The final examination is essay style.”

For more information on PHIL 252, read my Critical Thinking Course Exam article.

As for enjoying the course, Shannon explains that “The course is very interesting.  It addresses the ethics of common business issues such as advertising.  I personally find it a bit of a mind bender, but abstract thinking is not necessarily my strong suit.”

Shannon would recommend PHIL 337 even though she found it difficult.  She states “I think it is interesting and addresses common issues that you see every day in the world around you.”

As for any tips or tricks to completing this course, Shannon explains that “The most useful thing would be to talk to your tutor after each unit.  The course is based on applying different ethical principles to essays.  There are often no ‘right’ answers so discussion is useful to make sure you’re on the right track and to help you understand the concepts.”

When asked how discussions with her tutor was for this course, she explains that “Communication with my tutor has been great.  He answers my email withing a couple of days and he gave me a huge amount of feedback on my first assignment.”

Whether PHIL 337 is a degree or program requirement of yours, or the topics mentioned above are of interest to you, this course will have you learning a lot of interesting material surrounding the topic of business ethics.

If you are interested in learning more about Psychology as a Natural Science or General Psychology, read my PSYC 289 and PSYC 290 course exam articles.  Students should note that PSYC 388 may not be taken for credit if credit has already been obtained for PSYC 488.

Introduction to Counselling is made up of four parts divided into sixteen units, with four online quizzes worth a total of twenty percent, a case study worth fifteen percent, a research paper weighing thirty percent, and a final examination worth a total of thirty-five percent.  The sixteen units within this course cover a lot of topics such as psychoanalytic theories, psychodynamic theories, behavioural theories, cognitive theories, humanistic theories, marriage counselling, couple counselling, family counselling, and a lot more.  To receive credit for PSYC 388, students must satisfactorily complete the four online quizzes, two written assignments and the final examination.  Students must achieve a minimum grade of at least a “D” or fifty percent on the final examination and a minimum course composite grade of a “D” or fifty percent, or better.

Alyssa Deutscher is currently enrolled in the Bachelor of Professional Arts program at Athabasca University with a major in Human Services.  She provides an introduction, stating “I was born and raised in the beautiful town of Athabasca and upon graduating from high school, I thought I wanted to become a High School English Teacher.  I quickly realized upon entering work in the disability sector that I loved supporting, advocating for and empowering others, especially those that are marginalized.  I currently work full time in Edmonton, Alberta, while living in Portland, Oregon, working with complex needs youth and adults in case management and behavioural support planning.  I have been working in this sector for the past decade.  In my spare time, I love to be outside in nature hiking, singing, and socializing with friends.”

When asked if she could explain this course to other students, she states “PSYC 388 is a great introduction course for those that are wondering if there are interested in counselling, along with learning various theories and the basics of how to build a healthy counselling relationships with people of various life experiences and backgrounds.  I found the textbook extremely helpful and the layout in how they described each counselling theory was methodical and easy to follow.  The information was relevant, and it gave some great descriptions of various techniques to use depending on the counselling theory.  If someone is wondering if counselling is the direction they want to go, this is a great stepping stone!”

As for the structure of the course, Alyssa states that “The structure of this course included quite a bit of reading to study and prepare for the quizzes (4 total), case study, research paper, and final exam.  If you get below an 80% on the quizzes, they also allow one re-write per quiz which I felt had helped in decreasing some of the stress.  The case study assignment allows the student to pick one of five different cases to write on and provide a 5-to-8-page narrative paper which accounts for 15% of the grade.  The research paper provides the student with three different options from which they choose and students can submit their own essay topic idea to the tutor for approval, or use a predetermined essay topic to write on.  The Research Paper is to be 10-12 pages in length and accounts for 30% of the grade.  The reading of the textbook for this course was absolutely necessary.  I did find this course to be a heavier workload in not only reading the textbook and completing the case study and research paper, but also in preparing for the final exam, which also accounts for 30% of the final grade.  I found this exam difficult only as there were a lot of small and specific details, however, I had used Study Blue quizzing and flash cards to help me prepare for the course and I found it very beneficial in feeling adequately prepared for the final exam.”

Alyssa would recommend this course “to those that are interested in counselling or curious in wondering if counselling is something that they would like to further pursue.  I did find certain concepts of this course easy, while others I found took a lot more effort in really dissecting and applying the theories and knowledge to what it would look like in everyday practice.  I think having videos of various counselling styles would have been helpful! “

As for tips and tricks to completing this course, she explains to “Definitely focus a lot on APA formatting for this course, along with really being able to apply the theory to the assignments, along with critical thinking.  Set a specific schedule in studying and stick to it.  I found Study Blue to be extremely helpful in studying for the final exam.  Also really know the theories!”

When asked how communication with her tutor was for PSYC 388, she states “When I had to send an email to my tutor, I found that she had replied quite promptly, however, I did find that I was waiting for quite a while to get assignments back.  There were comments added to the paper (often using an outline and number to refer to where there was feedback on).  There is feedback due to this grading system; however, I at times struggled with the feedback as one assignments feedback did contradict the other assignment feedback I got.”

Whether PSYC 388 is a degree or program requirement of yours, or the topics discussed above are of interest to you, this course will have you learning a lot of material about counselling.

Registration in this course includes an electronic textbook.  A print version of the electronic textbook may be available for purchase from the publisher through a direct-to-student link provided on the course website; you can also acquire the textbook on your own if you wish.

Students should be familiar with at least one of the programming languages of C, C++, C#, Visual Basic, or Java, and have some good programming skills in one of these languages.  In addition, students are also expected to have completed at least three senior CS courses and have some good knowledge of database, SQL, system analysis and design, and computer networks.  Students who are concerned about not meeting the prerequisites for this course are encouraged to contact the course coordinator before registering.

Advanced Technologies for Web-Based Systems is made up of eight units, two assignments worth twenty percent each, one assignment weighing thirty percent, and a final exam weighing thirty percent.  The eight units within this course cover senior-level computer science topics, such as databases for the web, XML, Ajax, web-based system development with PHP, HTML5, and CSS.  Although the course has eight units, students will need to study only six units to pass the course: all of units one to five, and then either Unit 6, Unit 7, or Unit 8.  Students will need to make their choice clear when doing the third assignment.  To receive credit for COMP 466, students must achieve a course composite grade of at least a “D” or fifty percent, including a grade of a “D” or fifty percent on each assignment, and at least fifty percent on the final invigilated examination.

The final examination for this course must be taken online with an AU-approved exam invigilator at an approved invigilation center.  It is your responsibility to ensure your chosen invigilation center can accommodate online exams.

Will Kiiskila is a full-time, fourth year student in the Bachelor of Science program, majoring in Computing and Information Systems at Athabasca University.  Will provides an introduction, stating “I started as a Computer Science major at UNBC (University of Northern British Columbia), and transferred to Computing Science at TRU (Thompson Rivers University) before ending up at Athabasca University.  I’m not working now but have been at different times throughout my degree.”

When asked to explain COMP 466 to other students, he states “COMP 466 – Advanced Technologies for Web-Based Systems expands on Web Development topics you would have covered in COMP 266 (Introduction to Web Programming).  I took an equivalent course at another university and was just fine in the course.  The course covers how a lot of the behind the scenes functionality in websites is achieved.  The textbook is good for the first half of the course.  In the last few chapters it briefly covers the topics and mainly relies on outside tutorials.”

As for the structure of the course, Will explains that “There are three assignments and a final exam in this course.  Each assignment is very large and time consuming.  The assignments aren’t particularly difficult but require you to create complete web systems including database functionality, and design documentation.  Each assignment took me a couple of weeks to complete, but you end up with a fully functional website to show off.  I have not completed the final exam yet, but the practice exams are fairly straight forward, with a lot of multiple choice on syntax and definitions, with a few small programming problems.”

Will would recommend this course to students, stating “It is worth taking if you are interested in web development and understanding how modern websites are made.  I found the content of the course to be very easy but when you try to put it all together in the assignments it can become very difficult very quickly.”

As for tips and tricks to completing the course, Will states “For each assignment you need to write detailed documentation on how everything works and how you implemented it.  It’s a lot easier to write the documentation as you create the web systems, otherwise you will spend countless hours trying to remember how you may have done something weeks ago!”

As for communications with his tutor, Will explains that “The tutor has marked all my assignments in around two weeks and provided large amounts of feedback.”

Whether COMP 466 is a degree or program requirement of yours, or the topics discussed above are of interest to you, this could have you learning a lot of interesting material surrounding the topic of advanced technologies for web-based systems.

Introduction to Database Management is made up of nine units, one assignment weighing ten percent, two assignments that weigh fifteen percent each, a project worth twenty percent, an online quiz worth ten percent, and a final examination worth thirty percent.  The nine units within this course cover various aspects of database management, such as physical database design, SQL (Structured Query Language), two-tier and three-tier architectures, data warehousing, data modeling, object-oriented databases, and much more.  To receive credit for COMP 378, students must achieve an average grade of at least a “D” or fifty percent from the combined marks of the invigilated final examination and the online quiz, and an average grade of at least a “D” or fifty percent from the combined marks of the assignments and project.

Computer Science 378 is accompanied by a set of labs and a project to familiarize students with the database techniques and languages that are being used in work environments.  The labs use the Teradata University Network, while the project can be implemented using either SQL Server or Oracle.  You can download SQL Server using the SCIS access to the MSDN Academic Alliance Software Center, or download the free version of the Oracle database.

Students who are concerned about not meeting the prerequisites for this course are encouraged to contact the course coordinator before registering.

Will Kiiskila is a full-time, fourth year student in the Bachelor of Science program, majoring in Computing and Information Systems at Athabasca University.  Will provides an introduction, stating “I started as a Computer Science major at UNBC (University of Northern British Columbia), and transferred to Computing Science at TRU (Thompson Rivers University) before ending up at Athabasca University.  I’m not working now but have been at different times throughout my degree.”

When asked to explain the course to students, Will explains that COMP 378 “Covers the essentials to creating and using relational databases.  You learn to properly create databases, which you will end up doing in further upper level classes such as COMP 466.  You also learn to get familiar with SQL, which you will be using in other COMP courses and your professional career.  The textbook was great at introducing a lot of the topics but can often get too detailed into niche cases that are irrelevant for the course.”

As for the structure of the course, Will states that “The course consists of one quiz, two labs, three assignments, one project, and a final exam.  The quiz is entirely multiple-choice and relates directly to what is covered in the textbook.  The two labs are ungraded but give you a chance to practice writing SQL.  All three assignments are written short answer questions.  The project contained a handful of short answer questions, as well as creating and designing a complex database.  The project also requires you to create a program that accesses a database; however, the professor was very flexible about the tools you can use to accomplish this.  I haven’t taken the final exam yet, but the practice exam has a simple format.  There are a few descriptions of problems with lots of background information, and a handful of short answer questions to answer about each problem.”

Will would recommend other students to take COMP 378, stating “COMP 378 will help you in your future classes, and professional career.  The course is not very difficult compared to other 300/400 level COMP courses, but it has its fair share of complex topics that are covered.  I found writing SQL became very easy after working through a lot of practice problems, however designing databases can become very complex when you are working with a large system with complex relationships.”

As for any tips or tricks to successfully completing this course, Will states “Near the start of the course I would complete a tutorial (that COMP 466 recommends) to help you practice writing SQL.  It’s free and you do not have to download anything to use it.  There is also an eight-hour video which summarizes everything covered in the course, that I found to be a wonderful summarizer to prepare for the final exam.”

When asked how communications with his tutor was, he explains that “The marking for this course was incredibly quick, as well as all communications.  They were very helpful and understanding of the problems I encountered.  The tutor provided feedback on each question I lost marks on in the assignments and helpful feedback on my project.”

Whether COMP 378 is a degree or program requirement of yours, or the topics discussed above are of interest to you, this course will have you learning a lot of interesting content surrounding the topic of database management.

Kristen Charest is thirty-two years old working as an Educational Assistant.  Enrolled in the Bachelor of Professional Arts program at Athabasca University with a major in Human Services, she shared with The Voice Magazine her favorite course and her experience so far with online learning.

Could you give us a little bit of background information about yourself? Who are you? Where do you live, where do you come from?

My name is Kristen Charest, I am thirty-two years old, and I am currently working as an Educational Assistant in Battle River School Division.  My husband and I live in Camrose County, Alberta on twenty-five acres near the Battle River.

What program are you in? Do you like your program?

I am enrolled in the Bachelor of Professional Arts program at Athabasca University with a major in Human Services.  I am loving the program I am taking because it is so applicable to my work.

Could you describe the path that led you to AU? What was it that made you realize you wanted to go back to school, and what pushed you into the Bachelor of Professional Arts in Human Services program?

I have worked as a nursing assistant and an educational assistant and it has always been a lifelong goal of mine to finish my degree.  Life circumstances made it difficult to complete this goal within my ideal time frame.  Athabasca University has made it possible for me to complete university courses wherever I was living in the country.  I chose Human Services because it is applicable to my working background!

What do you do like to do when you’re not studying? Do you have any hobbies?

When I am not studying, I love reading, especially biographies.  I am also a runner and compete in road and trail races.  I love to spend time catching up with friends by going for walks and drinking tea.

What are your plans for this education once you finish? What would be your dream job?

My dream job is to work alongside people and help them achieve their goals.  I would be working in an area where I can make a visible difference in the lives of people through empowering them to recognize their own potential.  I’m not sure what environment that will be in.  If it is in a school, outreach center, church or overseas.  I am hoping as I continue my education my career path will become clearer.  Some options I have considered is special education, occupational therapy or counseling!

Who in your life had the greatest influence on your desire to learn?

Mr. Reid was one of my math teachers in high school.  Through his enthusiasm, joy, and kindness he sparked inside me the love of learning!

Could you describe your experience with online learning?

I love online learning.  The flexibility to study at my own pace and schedule my own exams has really been wonderful.  My tutors have also been wonderful to work with.  The university has been so helpful every step of my journey.  I have been nothing but impressed with Athabasca University.

What’s your favorite AU course that you have taken so far, and why?

I am currently taking PHIL 231 (Introduction to Philosophy: West and East).  It is interesting to read the perspectives of Plato and Confucius, whom I have heard of all my life, and now I am learning why.

Would you recommend PHIL 231 to other students?

I would.  I found it to be challenging and thought provoking.

How do you find communications with your course tutors?

Communications with my course tutors has been good.  I have always received a response within a few days and if I was unable to contact them during their scheduled phone availability, they have gotten back outside of those hours.

What is your biggest pet peeve, if you have one?

When listening to music and a song is cut short.  Like at the end of a car ride and the radio is turned off in the middle of the song.  I love hearing the music until it is finished.  Sometimes the ending is the best part!

What is the most valuable lesson you have learned in life?

To love others.  1 John 4:17

Have you traveled? Where has life taken you so far?

I have been fortunate to travel quite a bit.  Most recently, I visited my dear friends in Bulembu, Eswatini.  They moved their family there to volunteer in the Orphanage for two years.  We were able to see the work that God is doing there.

What (non-AU) book are you reading now? Could you describe the book? Would you recommend it?

From the Ashes by Jesse Thistle.  It’s a memoir of overcoming an extremely difficult childhood and early adult years to becoming an indigenous scholar.  It’s a powerful story of hope and resilience and I would definitely recommend this book!