To better understand the role of Engineering within a broader social context, all programs require an element of complementary studies consisting of the humanities, social sciences, arts, management, engineering economics and communications. Aspects of these topics are covered in mandatory courses, but each program contains complementary studies electives so that students may explore areas of particular interest. Notwithstanding this, the Canadian Engineering Accreditation Board requires that programs include exposure to the central thought processes of the humanities and social sciences. One Complementary Studies Elective must be taken from List 1, normally in the First Year of the program. Further Complementary Studies Electives must be at the 200-level or above and should be selected from List 2 (see Course Listings for course descriptions and prerequisites). Note that in some cases, a course may appear both on a complementary studies list and as a program required or program elective course. A single course cannot be used to satisfy multiple course requirements under Programs of Study .
Students interested in taking a minor should select their first year complementary studies courses with this in mind. For the business minor, student should take ECON 204 ; for an arts minor, students should select a course in a possible area of concentration of interest, see minors for specific requirements for each minor.