Course Type and Component Definitions
The following definitions apply to in-person, hybrid, and fully-online classes. The associated Arizona Board of Regents (ABOR) policy is provided for further clarification of each definition. For suggestions on calculating contact hours for hybrid and fully-online classes, see examples compiled by the Office of Digital Learning.
Definitions for House Numbered Courses (e.g., Seminar, Colloquium, and Workshop) are provided here and on a handout defining both standard and house-numbered course types and components.
|
Course Type |
Definition |
Required Contact and Homework Hours (per ABOR Policy 2-224) |
| Lecture |
Standard course type. Lecture courses are led by the instructor and may include a variety of pedagogy types. |
At least 15 contact hours of recitation, lecture, discussion, testing or evaluation, seminar, or colloquium, as well as a minimum of 30 hours of student homework is required for each unit of credit. |
| Lab |
A course set aside for supervised laboratory or field experimentation, observation, or practice in a field of study or a course incorporating practical experience. |
Laboratory courses require a minimum of 45 contact hours per unit of credit. Field trips will be counted hour-for-hour as laboratory meetings. |
|
Discussion |
Interactional meeting typically serving as a secondary component that can include activities such as demonstrations, hands-on engagements, case studies, field experiences. |
At least 15 contact hours of recitation, lecture, discussion, testing or evaluation, seminar, or colloquium, as well as a minimum of 30 hours of student homework is required for each unit of credit. |
|
Studio |
A course set aside for supervised creative and/or artistic endeavors incorporating practical experiences and possibly individualized instruction. |
Studios must involve at least 30 contact hours and at least 15 hours of homework for each unit of credit. *Note: Music instruction and specialized types of music performance offerings must conform to the requirement for accreditation of the National Association of Schools of Music. |
Related Guidelines and Links
Related Policies
* Please note that sections titled Frequently Asked Questions, Related Guidelines and links, Related Policies, Information for Advisors and Revision History are provided solely for the convenience of users and are not part of the official University policy.