Block Courses

  1. Normally, only courses which are pedagogically suitable for teaching in intensive block format and formally approved as credit courses (in UWaterloo calendar) should be taught in block form.
  2. Limits can be set on enrolment. This should be done by the instructor in consultation with the Associate Dean, Undergraduate Studies and Graduate Studies, as appropriate.
  3. When the scheduling of regular courses is being considered by departments/schools the scheduling of block courses must also be included. All courses will then appear on the Schedule of Classes for Undergraduate Students.
  4. All students must register for block courses in the same manner as any other course.
  5. All students are personally responsible for any co-op interviews scheduled and missed during attendance at a block course.

Block Course Schedule

Block I:

  • Two weeks immediately preceding the first day of lectures.
  • Normally field camp and field trips will be held the first week of September (i.e. the second of the two week period).

Block II:

  • Study Week

Block III:

  • Spring term
  • Any convenient time during the spring term, which normally does not conflict with other courses.

Block IV:

  • Any other time during the year (including weekends) which is mutually convenient to faculty and students, which does not involve a conflict with the normal teaching schedule. In principle, the first priority ought to be to regular courses and students.
  • Field trips will normally be held during one of the first three blocks.

Note: Any block course that will include weeks normally scheduled to include classes or examinations must be approved by the chair.


Last updated on May 4, 1998