Freshmen Compass Courses
University of Alabama-Non School Specific
BCE 101 Freshman Compass Course: An introduction to The University of Alabama for first-year students. The course serves as an introduction to higher education and The University of Alabama in particular. Approximately 50% of the course consists of study skills related instruction. Topics covered include time management, learning styles, reading textbooks, taking notes, preparing for tests, and getting along with faculty. The other 50% includes instruction in staying healthy, becoming involved on campus, career planning, communication skills, and money management. This course is worth two (2) credit hours and is graded on a Pass/fail basis.
BEP 110 Freshman Compass Course: This is a three (3) credit hour graded course housed in the Department of Educational Psychology in the College of Education at The University of Alabama. This course provides students with a theoretical and practical understanding of the importance and use of specific learning strategies. The course also engages students in reflective decision making and critical evaluation of their own learning processes. BEP 110 is recommended for UA students who may have experienced difficulty in adjusting to the demands and study requirements of university-level academics. This course is also recommended for beginning students whose prior educational experiences may not have adequately prepared them for the rigors of university coursework.
NEW 222 Academic Potential: A two (2) credit hour study skills course available to all undergraduates. Topics that are covered include: time management, textbook reading, note taking, preparing for tests, and college writing. In addition to study skills, the course often covers such areas as campus resources, critical thinking, money management, communication skills, diversity, and living a healthy lifestyle. This course is graded on a Pass/fail basis.
Culverhouse College of Commerce and Business Administration
GBA 145 Compass Course: A one (1) credit hour orientation course that is designed to introduce students to the Culverhouse College of Commerce and Business Administration. Also, this course is designed to provide study and time management skill development as well as to guide students through the key components of being a successful college student. GBA 145 is a one hour Pass/fail course.
College of Human and Environmental Sciences
HES 100 Compass Course: A freshman orientation course in the School of Human and Environmental Sciences. This is a three (3) credit hour course that is designed to help students make the transition to a large comprehensive research university, develop a better understanding of the learning process, and acquire basic academic survival skills.
Capstone College of Nursing
NUR 102 Introduction to Professional Nursing: This is a one credit (1) hour course that is designed to introduce students to the Capstone College of Nursing (CCN) and to help the student develop an awareness of and appreciation for the nursing profession. Emphasis is placed on the advisement process, study skills, professional nursing organizations, an overview of the CCN curriculum, and opportunities in nursing.
NUR 104 Living and Learning in Professional Nursing: This two (2) hour elective course focuses on an awareness of the education of nursing majors at The University of Alabama Capstone College of Nursing and the profession of nursing. Students have the opportunity to learn about the University of Alabama campus, the Capstone College of Nursing, and the profession of nursing. Activities will be included to promote students' development of relationships with other nursing students and other students in Harris Hall. This course, which is known as a Compass course, will point you in the right direction, much as a compass would.
College of Engineering and Technology
GES 100 Introduction to Engineering for Pre-Calculus Students:Â This is a one (1) hour Freshman program course for pre-calculus level students in all engineering disciplines covering engineering and academic materials relevant for student success in college and engineering. An overview of the field of engineering as a career and the introduction of skills such as problem solving, units and conversions, and graphing as well as personal time and money management, note and test taking, reading, and critical thinking will be offered. This course does not apply toward the core curriculum for any UA engineering major but is required for students entering below the MATH 113 level.
GES131 Foundations of Engineering I: Â This is a two (2) credit hour introductory freshman-level course for students from all engineering disciplines incorporating an overview of engineering as a profession and basic skills required for engineering with an emphasis on problem solving, ethics, teaming, oral and written technical communication, and the design process. Students are recommended to have a demonstrated knowledge of computer software usage for spreadsheets, word processing, presentation software, e-mail, and the internet prior to GES 131.
GES 145 Honors Foundations of Engineering I:  This is a two (2) hour  introductory freshman-level course for students from all engineering disciplines incorporating an overview of engineering as a profession and basic skills required for engineering with an emphasis on problem solving, ethics, teaming, oral and written technical communication, and the design process. Students are recommended to have a demonstrated knowledge of computer software usage for spreadsheets, word processing, presentation software, e-mail, and the internet prior to GES 145.  The Honors component will incorporate independent study projects designed to expand and broaden student's knowledge base of engineering.