What is a Module?

A Module is a group of courses (usually 2000-level and above) that provides a certain level of understanding in a subject area.  Western offers 4 types of modules in the regular undergraduate degrees (e.g. BA, BSc, BMSc degrees, etc.).

A degree at Western is made up of (i) 5.0 first-year courses, (ii) a module or a combination of modules, and (iii) options. The Degree Structure Chart indicates which modules can be put together in the 3 different types of degrees offered by Western.

General Information about the 4 types of Modules:

Honors Specialization

  • 9.0 or more senior courses
  • can only be completed in an Honors degree
  • the subject area of the Honors Specialization module will determine the type of Honors degree (e.g. BMSc, BSc or BA degree, etc.)
  • provides an in-depth knowledge of the subject area being studied (several courses at the 4000-level are almost always required)
  • often contains a "capstone course" in Year 4, such as a research project (undergraduate thesis) or an advanced lab course
  • Admission Requirements usually must be completed with a minimum average of 70%
  • may have a maximum capacity and, if so, a higher average may be required for admission
  • an additional Major or Minor module can also be completed (see the Degree Structure Chart)

Specialization:

  • 9.0 or more senior courses
  • can only be completed in a 4-year degree (non-honors)
  • the subject area of the Specialization module will determine the type of 4-year degree (e.g. BMSc, BSc or BA degree, etc.)
  • provides a relatively in-depth knowledge of the subject area being studied (some courses at the 4000-level are usually required)
  • usually does not contain a "capstone course" in Year 4, such as a research project (undergraduate thesis) or an advanced lab course
  • Admission Requirements usually must be completed with a minimum average of 60%
  • does not usually have a maximum capacity
  • an additional Major or Minor module can also be completed (see the Degree Structure Chart)

Major

  • 6.0 courses (usually)
  • can be completed in a 3-year degree, a 4-year degree and an Honors degree (see the Degree Structure Chart)
  • a single Major module can be completed in a 3-year degree or a 4-year degree (non-honors)
  • two Majors (Double Majors) can lead to graduation with an Honors degree if an average of at least 70% is achieved on the modular courses for each Major (with no mark less than 60% in any individual modular course)
  • a Major can be taken in addition to an Honors Specialization module in an Honors degree (or in addition to a Specialization module in a 4-year degree)
  • Admission Requirements usually must be completed with a minimum average of 60%
  • provides a foundational knowledge of the subject area being studied
  • does not usually have a maximum capacity
  • the subject area of some Majors will determine the type of degree (e.g. BMSc, BSc or BHSc, etc.)

Minor

  • 4.0 courses (usually)
  • one Minor module will not lead to graduation with any degree
  • can be completed with another Minor in a 3-year degree
  • can be completed in addition to a Major, Specialization or Honors Specialization module (see the Degree Structure Chart)
  • usually provides a limited introduction to a subject area