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Career & Academic Preparation Programs

Adult Basic Education

Adult Basic Education (ABE) courses are for adults who want to:

  • complete prerequisite courses needed for further study;
  • obtain a graduation certificate;
  • prepare for employment;
  • refresh their skills and confidence for work or further studies;
  • reach a personal goal.

ABE instructors understand the challenges students face when returning to school as adults, and provide support to students to make their experience a success.

The Program

Adult Basic Education (ABE) offers:

  • A supportive adult-centred learning environment.
  • Small class sizes.
  • Free tutorial assistance.
  • Advising, counselling, and student support services.
  • Assistance with course planning to meet your goals.
  • Daytime and evening classes.
  • A variety of options, from instructor-led classes to self-paced, flexible-schedule classes.

Courses are available up to the Grade 12 level* in:

  • English
  • Math
  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Physics
  • Science
  • Computer Studies
  • History
  • Education and Career Planning
  • Reading and Writing

* Note: not all courses/levels may be available in every semester or location.

Admission Requirements

  • Minimum 17 years of age and out of school for one year

    • OR

  • High school graduation

    • OR

  • Enrolled in a VIU academic or trades/vocational program.

Note: An assessment may be required for placement purposes if prerequisites were completed more than 5 years prior to admission.

Fees

Students enrolled in Adult Basic Education courses do not pay tuition fees; however, all students are charged Student Activity and Students' Union fees. First-time applicants to VIU are also charged a one-time Application Fee.

All fees and other costs are subject to change without prior notice.

Financial Support

Financial support may be available to students in ABE programs through the Adult Basic Education Student Assistance Program (ABESAP), Human Resources and Social Development Canada, the Ministry of Human Resources, Native Bands, and other organizations. Check with the agencies concerned or ask about financial aid at your local campus, or centre.

ABE Learning Centres

Learning Centres are available to assist students with:

  • help while studying ABE courses
  • preparing for assessments for admission to ABE or other VIU programs
  • materials to prepare for assessments and other tests
  • support for distance and online courses

Call your campus to find out more about Learning Centre services and hours.

Outlooks Unlimited

Outlooks Unlimited, at the Nanaimo campus, provides an on-campus alternative to instructor-led classes, and offers:

  • flexible schedules – perfect for those with jobs, family responsibilities, or course conflicts;
  • no semesters – students can start every two weeks;
  • A combination of self-guided and teacher-led classes;
  • A supportive, relaxed atmosphere.

For More Information

Contact Vancouver Island University in your community for information on course availability, schedules, and registration information:

  • in Nanaimo, call 250-740-6425, or attend a free Information Session held every Monday at 2:30 pm in Building 205.
  • in Parksville•Qualicum, call 250-248-2096.
  • in Cowichan, call 250-746-3500.
  • in Powell River, call (604) 485-2878.

Course Descriptions

BIOL 047 Biology 11—Advanced

Equivalent to Biology 11. Includes a survey of all kingdoms of life, evolution and ecology. This course is a prerequisite of many university and vocational programs.

Prerequisite: ENGL 037 or equivalent, or assessment.

BIOL 067 Biology 12—Provincial

Equivalent to Biology 12. Biology 067 covers human biology, basic genetics and cell biology. This course is useful for other university and vocational programs, especially the health sciences.

Prerequisite: ENGL 037 or equivalent, or assessment.

CHEM 047 Chemistry 11—Advanced

Equivalent to Chemistry 11, which is a prerequisite for many vocational and university programs.

Prerequisite: Principles of Math 11 or MATH 041 or MATH 045, or assessment.

CHEM 067 Chemistry 12—Provincial

Equivalent to high school Chemistry 12, and useful for people intending to take science courses at other post-secondary institutions.

Prerequisite: Principles of Math 11 or MATH 041 or MATH 045, or assessment, and Chemistry 11 or CHEM 047.

COST 020 Computer Studies—Fundamental

Introduction to computers, designed primarily for students with little or no computer experience. Emphasis will be on keyboarding and word processing. Reserved for registered ABE students only.

Prerequisite: Basic reading skills.

COST 047 Computer Studies 11—Advanced

Advanced-level computers, designed primarily for students with basic computer skills. Topics may include introduction to computer hardware, Windows, word processing, the internet, spreadsheet and database applications, electronic mail.

Prerequisite: ENGL 037 or equivalent, or assessment. Moderate keyboarding skills are recommended.

COST 067 Computer Studies 12—Provincial

Practical study of computer applications and skills, and how to apply them to effectively solve problems in academic, work and personal lives. Instruction modules may include information technology, publishing/presentation, advanced spreadsheets, database management, networking, programming.

Prerequisite: “C+” in COST 047 or permission.

EDCP 030 Education and Career Planning—Intermediate

Provides the skills necessary for success in academic study and future employment search. Topics include study skills, time management, test-taking, learning styles, stress management, interpersonal communications, and basic computer skills.

Prerequisite: None.

EDCP 067 Education and Career Planning—Provincial

Learn the academic and employment readiness skills for academic success and successful employment. Topics include communications, career exploration, study skills, time management, interpersonal skills, interview skills, living skills, job preparation.

Prerequisite: Min. “C+” in ENGL 037.

ENGL 010 Reading and Writing—Basic

Introduction to reading, writing, spelling, and grammar.

ENGL 020 English—Fundamental

Designed to help adults read better. Emphasis is placed on reading, writing, spelling and introductory computer skills needed to succeed in other Adult Basic Education courses or meet personal goals.

Prerequisite: ENGL 010, or assessment.

ENGL 025 Survival Reading and Writing

Building on reading and writing skills developed in English 020, emphasis is on spelling, reading comprehension, narrative writing and study skills needed for success in English 037 and other intermediate level courses.

Prerequisite: ENGL 020, or assessment.

ENGL 037 English—Intermediate

Equivalent to English 10, focusing on reading, writing, spelling and vocabulary activities. Useful as preparation for the GED exam.

Prerequisite: Completion of ENGL 020 or 025, or assessment.

ENGL 047 English—Advanced

Equivalent to English 11, focusing on essay writing, research and some study of literature. Useful as preparation for the LPI exam.

Prerequisite: Min. “C+” in ENGL 037, or assessment. Strongly recommended that students have familiarity with basic word processing skills.

ENGL 060 LPI Preparation

Preparation for the Language Proficiency Index (LPI) exam to be written at the end of the course.

Prerequisite: “P” or better in English 12, or assessment or referral.

ENGL 067 English—Provincial

Equivalent to English 12, focusing on the study of novels, short stories, poetry, drama, essay writing and research. A prerequisite for many technical and university courses.

Prerequisite: Min. “C+” in ENGL 047, or assessment. Strongly recommended that students have familiarity with basic word processing skills.

HIST 067 History 12—Provincial

A survey of 20th Century world history.

MATH 010 Math—Fundamental, Part I

Introduction to the use of numbers. Addition, subtraction, multiplication and division will be stressed.

Prerequisite: Basic reading skills.

MATH 020 Math—Fundamental, Part II

Part of the Fundamental ABE program, providing Grade 8 equivalency. Topics include fractions, decimals, percents, introductory geometry, measurement and graphing.

Prerequisite: MATH 010 and ENGL 010, or assessment.

MATH 030 Math—Intermediate

Grade 10 level math course, and includes survey of math skills and introduction to metrics, area/volume, ratios, geometry and algebra.

Prerequisite: MATH 020, or assessment. Assessment if prerequisite is more than 5 years old. Recommended: Grade 8 reading level.

MATH 040 Consumer and Career Math—Advanced

Topics covered include personal banking, consumer credit, buying a car or home, income tax, insurance and investments. Not accepted as a prerequisite for MATH 047 or MATH 067.

Prerequisite: MATH 030, or assessment. Assessment if prerequisite is more than 5 years old. Recommended: Grade 10 reading level.

MATH 041 Introductory Algebra—Advanced

Basic algebra skills suitable for students with little or no previous knowledge of the subject. Provides good preparation for MATH 047.

Prerequisite: Min. “C+” in MATH 030, or assessment. Assessment if prerequisite is more than 5 years old. Recommended: Grade 10 reading level.

MATH 044 Mathematics for Industry—Advanced

Designed for adults in trades and other occupations who need strong math skills, or those intending to enter an apprenticeship program. Topics include algebra, geometry, trigonometry and a brief review of basic arithmetic. Not accepted as a prerequisite for MATH 047 or MATH 067.

Prerequisite: MATH 030, or assessment. Assessment if prerequisite is more than 5 years old. Recommended: Grade 10 reading level.

MATH 045 Principles of Math 11—Advanced I

Covers the first half of the topics included in Principles of Math 11. MATH 045 and 046 combined will give credit equivalent to Principles of Math 11. Suitable for students with little or no previous knowledge of algebra. Note: MATH 045/046 is equivalent to MATH 047.

Prerequisite: Min. “C+” in MATH 030, or assessment. Assessment if prerequisite is more than 5 years old. Recommended: Grade 10 reading level.

MATH 046 Principles of Math 11—Advanced II

Covers the second half of the topics included in Principles of Math 11. MATH 045 and 046 combined will give credit equivalent to Principles of Math 11. A prerequisite for many Career/Technical, and University programs. Note: MATH 045/046 is equivalent to MATH 047. Students cannot receive credit for both MATH 046 and MATH 047.

Prerequisite: Min. “C+” in MATH 045, or assessment, or permission. Assessment if prerequisite is more than 5 years old. Recommended: Grade 10 reading level.

MATH 047 Principles of Math 11—Advanced

Equivalent to high school Principles of Math 11 and a prerequisite for many Career/Technical, and University programs. Note: MATH 047 is equivalent to MATH 045/046. Students cannot receive credit for both MATH 046 and MATH 047.

Prerequisite: Min. “C+” in MATH 041, or assessment, or permission. Assessment if prerequisite is more than 5 years old. Recommended: Grade 10 reading level.

MATH 067 Principles of Math 12—Provincial

Equivalent to high school Principles of Math 12, and a required course for many business, technology, science and engineering programs.

Prerequisite: Min. “C+” in MATH 046 or MATH 047, or Principles of Math 11, or assessment, or permission. Assessment if prerequisite is more than 5 years old. Recommended: Grade 11 reading level.

PHYS 047 Principles of Physics 11—Advanced

Introductory physics course equivalent to Principles of Physics 11, which is a prerequisite for many technology, vocational and university programs.

Prerequisite: Principles of Math 11 or MATH 041 or MATH 045, or assessment. It is recommended that MATH 047 or MATH 046 be taken concurrently.

PHYS 067 Principles of Physics 12—Provincial

Equivalent to Principles of Physics 12, for students intending to take science courses in university or technical programs.

Prerequisite: Principles of Math 11 or MATH 046 or MATH 047. Physics 11 or PHYS 047 recommended.

SCIE 030 Science—Intermediate

Introduction to scientific concepts and methods, up to the Grade 10 level. In addition to core material, students choose topics from human biology, chemistry and physics.

SCIE 040 Science—Advanced

A general science program at the advanced level. Topics include earth science, biology and chemistry.

Prerequisite: ENGL 037 or equivalent, or assessment.

GED—General Educational Development Exam

Many adults, who did not graduate from secondary school, may have acquired skills through work and study at, or above, secondary school level. The GED test provides an opportunity to earn an official document from the B.C. Ministry of Education, which may be recognized by some institutions and employers. It may assist students in qualifying for a better job, or they may want to take it for personal satisfaction.

The GED examination consists of five tests in Writing Skills (Grammar), Social Studies, Science, Reading Skills, and Mathematics. All five tests plus a short essay must be completed. Testing is usually scheduled on a Friday night and most of Saturday. Students should contact Student Services at 250-740-6416, or their local campus or centre, for test dates, location and fees.

Vancouver Island University will consider the GED as the equivalent of a minimum high school graduation, provided that the student has attained at least 500 on each of the component tests. The GED does not provide equivalencies for English 12, Math 11, or any other specific high school course.

Updated November 10, 2009