COMPASS Programme Details

BIOL 090   Introduction to Concepts in Biology I
Through this course students acquire basic knowledge of key biological principles and gain an understanding of the world of biology. Through laboratory and field work, lectures and tutorials, students will explore the topics: the organization of life, ecology, energy transfers, transport in living systems and the structure and function of cells.
3 Credits/ Prerequisite: None

BIOL 092   Introduction to Concepts in Biology II
Through this course students acquire basic knowledge of key biological principles and obtain an understanding of the world of biology. Through laboratory and field work, lectures and tutorials, students will explore the topics: reproduction and the principles of inheritance, coordination and control, movement and support, excretion and disease.
3 Credits/ Prerequisite: BIOL 090

CHEM 090   Introduction to Concepts in Chemistry I
This course provides students with an understanding of the fundamental principles of chemistry.  Through laboratory work, lectures and tutorials students will focus on understanding matter and be able to relate chemistry everyday life.
3 Credits/ Prerequisite: None

CHEM 092   Introduction to Concepts in Chemistry II
This course provides students with an understanding of the fundamental principles of chemistry. Through laboratory work, lectures and tutorials, students will focus on the depiction of compounds and chemical reactions by the use of formulae and equations. They will also explore the concept of the molar.
3 Credits/ Prerequisite: CHEM 090

COPR 010   Life Skills
In this course students will develop the knowledge, skills and attitudes that promote personal development, health and well-being. Upon completion, they will be more balanced individuals poised to successfully maneuver through the tertiary level environment and life’s most challenging moments.
3 Credits/ Prerequisite: None

GRDE 095   Introduction to Drawing
This is an entry level course in which students gain an understanding of the indispensable role of drawing as an important aspect of art making. Upon completion of this course, students will develop a keen, sensitive eye for detail and an understanding of the function and types of drawing material used in graphic design. They will learn the importance of choosing the right drawing material to suit drawing subjects.  3 Credits/ Prerequisite: None

GRDE 098   Introduction to Painting
This is an introductory studio art course in which students will develop skills and techniques in painting. Through lectures and hands-on studio experience, they will become familiar with the history, process and discipline of painting; and consequently develop an appreciation of painting as it relates to artistic expression.
3 Credits/ Prerequisite: None

ITEC 091   Introduction to Computers
In this course students will explore the basics of computers and the Windows environment. Students will understand features of the desktop; develop techniques for efficiently using the keyboard and mouse; and acquire skills in file management and manipulation, multi-tasking, directories, files extensions and finding files.
3 Credits/ Prerequisite: None

ITEC 092   Introduction to Word Processing
This course adopts a hands-on approach to assist students with the development of the necessary skills for preparing electronic documents through word processing. They will utilize basic word commands to create, edit and format documents to produce professional-level documents.
1 Credit/ Prerequisite: ITEC 091

ITEC 093   Introduction to Spreadsheets
In this course students will acquire the skills necessary to prepare electronic spreadsheets, using a hands-on approach. They will utilize basic excel commands to create and manipulate worksheets that include file management features for opening, saving and printing.
1 Credit/ Prerequisite: ITEC 092

ITEC 094   Introduction to Slide Presentations
By completing this course students will be able to clearly convey information using slides as a presentation tool. Using a hands-on approach, students will use features to transform slides into professional presentations for different types of audiences.
1 Credit/ Prerequisite: ITEC 093

ITEC 095   Introduction to the Internet
At the end of this course, students will be able to appropriately and effectively use the internet.  Through a hands-on approach students will learn to use features of the Internet to enhance their learning experience; these will include the use of e-mail and an exploration of security issues associated with internet use.
1 Credit/ Prerequisite: ITEC 094

MATH 091   Pre Algebra

Students who have never been exposed to arithmetic or have been away from the subject for quite some time will benefit from this course. Students will review and improve mathematical skills and concepts as well as gainan appreciation for operations on numbers. They will acquire the mathematical foundation for continued studies and success in college mathematics and other areas.

3 Credits/ Prerequisite: None

MATH 092   Basic Algebra
Students who have never been exposed to algebra or have been away from the subject for quite some time will benefit from this course. students will review and improve  basic algebraic skills and concepts.
3 Credits/ Prerequisite: MATH 091

MATH 093   Intermediate Algebra

Through this course, students will acquire the reasoning skills and mathematical tools necessary to be successful in college-level mathematics courses. While developing mathematical skills, students will focus on in-depth understanding of concepts that will enable them to apply mathematical skills and make meaningful connections to life experiences.
3 Credits/ Prerequisite: MATH 092

MUSC 003   Introduction to Music Theory
In this course, students will learn the most basic principles of music theory. Areas covered in this course include: the notes on the keyboard (chromatic), major scales, intervals, triads, time signatures and key signatures.
3 Credits/ Prerequisite: None

MUSC 004   Introduction to Aural Skills
In this course students will explore sight reading and ear training. They will develop audiation skills as well as basic dictation and notation skills.
3 Credits/ Prerequisite: None

PHYS 090   Introduction to Concepts in Physics I
In this course students will understand basic principles of physics in the areas of measurement, mechanics, heat and waves. They will focus on experimental inquiry, discovery and understanding of basic concepts and their applications to the world around us.
3 Credits/ Prerequisite: None

PHYS 092   Introduction to Concepts in Physics II
In this course students will understand basic principles of physics in the areas of electricity, magnetism, electromagnetism, atomic and nuclear physics. They will focus on experimental inquiry, discovery and understanding of basic concepts and their applications to the world around us.
3 Credits/ Prerequisite: PHYS 090

READ 094   Introduction to Academic Reading I
This is the first of three reading courses offered in the COMPASS programme. In this course, students will focus on word attack strategies that will help them to engage in academic reading with more confidence. These strategies include phonic strategies, word analysis and context clues.
3 Credits/ Prerequisite: None

READ 096   Introduction to Academic Reading II
In this reading course students will understand that reading is thinking. They will have the opportunity to improve their comprehension and study skills and their academic vocabulary. Students will also learn strategies that will help them to engage in academic reading with more confidence.
3 Credits/ Prerequisite: READ 094

READ 098   Introduction to Academic Reading III
In this third reading course students will continue to perceive reading as thinking.  Students will have the opportunity to acquire advanced academic vocabulary, comprehension and study skills which will better prepare them to cope with their academic reading assignments.
3 Credits/ Prerequisite: READ 096

SPCH 092   Oral Communication
In this course students will focus on the verbal, visual and written aspects of public speaking. They will learn how voice and body language can be used as powerful tools of communication. They will also learn different ways of organizing a speech so as to enhance the delivery of a message.
3 Credits/ Prerequisites: READ 098 and WRIT 097

WRIT 093   Introduction to Academic Writing I
This is the first of three writing courses offered in the COMPASS programme, all of which are designed to prepare students to effectively address the requirements of academic writing at the College.  In this course students will focus on the major parts of speech, subject and predicate, the application of spelling strategies and rules of punctuation and differentiating between sentence fragments and complete sentences.
3 Credits/ Prerequisite: None

WRIT 095   Introduction to Academic Writing II
In this course, students will acquire skills to become more effective writers.  They will learn the functions and uses of major parts of speech, and will be able to apply spelling strategies and to differentiate between sentence fragments and complete sentences. They will also be able to use various types of sentences and paragraph organization in their writing.
3 Credits/ Prerequisite: WRIT 093

WRIT 097   Introduction to Academic Writing III
In this writing course students will be launched on the pathway to academic discourse and successful negotiation of academic writing requirements at the College. They will hone their writing skills by using a variety of sentence structures and appropriate diction.  They will also continue to improve their mastery of the rules of grammar and to enhance their paragraph writing and essay writing skills so as to more confidently engage in academic writing.
3 Credits/ Prerequisite: WRIT 095