Foundations for Success

FNFS 100 (3) Writing for Success (Ends Sep 2026)

This course offers students a strong foundation for the various writing situations they are likely to encounter in university courses. This hands-on course develops the skill set needed to be a successful university writer. Students will develop strategies for effective reading, note-taking, test preparation, and time management. (4:2:2)

Prerequisite: English 12 or ENGL 067 or permission of instructor.

FNFS 100 (3) Writing for Success (Effective Sep 2026)

This hands-on, skills-based course offers a strong foundation for various university writing situations. Students develop strategies for effective time management, reading, notetaking, paraphrasing and summarizing, test-prep, essay-building, MLA and APA formatting and citations, and database use and researching. Students can apply their knowledge immediately in concurrent courses. (4:4:0 for 13 weeks)

Prerequisite: Min. "C" in English 12 or ENGL 067, or permission of instructor.

FNFS 101 (3) Reading, Speaking, and Presentation Skills (Ends Sep 2026)

This course offers key skills for success in university, including strategies to improve reading speed and comprehension, speak with confidence in front of groups, and use presentation software such as Prezi, iMindmap, and PowerPoint. (5:2:1)

Prerequisite: English 12 or ENGL 067 or permission of instructor.

FNFS 101 (3) Reading, Speaking, and Presentation Skills (Effective Sep 2026)

This course offers key skills for success in university, including strategies to improve reading speed and comprehension, speak with confidence in front of groups, and use presentation software such as Prezi, iMindmap, and PowerPoint. (3:5:0 for 13 weeks)

Prerequisite: English 12 or ENGL 067 or permission of instructor.

FNFS 102 (3) Finding Careers that Fit: Exploring Meaningful Education and Career Paths (Ends Sep 2026)

This course develops skills and attitudes necessary for pursuing education and career goals. Students will explore individual learning styles, personality styles, aptitudes, interests and values and conduct thorough research in order to make informed choices for short and long-term educational and career goals. (4:2:2)

Prerequisite: Min. "C" in one of English 12, ENGL 067, or FNFS 100; or permission of instructor. Intermediate to advanced computer skills are recommended.

FNFS 102 (3) Finding Careers that Fit (Effective Sep 2026)

This course develops skills and attitudes necessary for pursuing education and career goals. Students will explore individual learning styles, personality styles, aptitudes, interests and values and conduct thorough research in order to make informed choices for short and long-term educational and career goals. (4:4:0 for 13 weeks)

Prerequisite: English 12, ENGL 067, or permission of instructor. Basic to intermediate computer skills are recommended.

FNFS 103 (3) Succeeding Online: Tools and Technology for Learning (Ends Sep 2026)

This course will develop an understanding of the digital world, including implications of a digital profile, privacy and professionalism. A major focus is effective use of tools for academic purposes with emphasis on digital presentations and collaborative tools. Personal learning networks and online academic portfolios will illustrate learning. (4:4:0)

Prerequisite: Basic computer skills.

FNFS 103 (3) Tools and Technology for Learning (Effective Sep 2026)

This course will develop an understanding of the digital world, including implications of a digital profile, privacy and professionalism. A major focus is effective use of tools for academic purposes with emphasis on digital presentations and collaborative tools. Personal learning networks and online academic portfolios will illustrate learning. (4:4:0 for 13 weeks)

Prerequisite: English 10, ENGL 037, or permission of instructor. Basic to intermediate computer skills are recommended.

FNFS 104 (3) Learning Strategies for Success in Math, Science, and Engineering (Ends Sep 2026)

This course supports students to become successful learners in post-secondary studies. Students will learn strategies and skills that will support conceptual learning, critical thinking, and resiliency in the face of difficult math problems. First-year math content from a concurrent course will be used to practice the learning strategies. (3:5:0)

Prerequisite: Min. "C+" in one of MATH 067, Pre-calculus 12, or permission of instructor.

Co-requisites: 3 credits of first-year MATH.

FNFS 104 (3) Learning Strategies for Calculus (Effective Sep 2026)

This course supports students in becoming successful learners in calculus-based mathematics. Students will learn strategies and skills that will support conceptual learning, critical thinking, and resiliency in the face of difficult math problems. First-year math content from a concurrent course will be used to practice learning strategies. (3:5:0 for 13 weeks)

Prerequisite: Min. "C+" MATH 067, Pre-calculus 12, or permission of instructor.

Co-requisites: 3 credits of first-year MATH.

FNFS 105 (3) Learning Strategies for Success in Health and Life Sciences (Ends Sep 2026)

This course is a practical exploration of how to be a successful learner in post-secondary studies. This course introduces students to learning strategies and skills that will support deep learning and critical thinking. Health and life science content is used to introduce and practice learning strategies. (8:0:0)

Prerequisite: Min. "C+" in English 12 or English 067, or equivalent; or permission of the instructor.

FNFS 105 (3) Learning Strategies for Success (Effective Sep 2026)

This course explores how students learn best through the practical application of active learning strategies within their own area of study. Students will practice reflection, self-assessment, and evaluation of learning. Strategies for student well-being and academic-life balance are also introduced. (3:5:0 for 13 weeks)

Prerequisite: English 12, ENGL 067, or permission of instructor.

FNFS 106 (3) Food, Health, and Well-Being (Ends Sep 2026)

Students learn how to develop food literacy and good eating practices they can relate to their own health and well-being. Students learn making the right food choices enhances their academic performance. Food literacy assists students with understanding the cultural, economic, environmental, scientific and social aspects of food, health and well-being. (2:0:2)

Prerequisite: English 12.

FNFS 106 (3) Food, Health, and Well-Being (Effective Sep 2026)

Students learn how to develop food literacy and good eating practices they can relate to their own health and well-being. Students learn making the right food choices enhances their academic performance. Food literacy assists students with understanding the cultural, economic, environmental, scientific and social aspects of food, health and well-being. (3:5:0 for 13 weeks)

Prerequisite: English 12, ENGL 067, or permission of instructor.

FNFS 107 (3) Project-Based Bridge to Post-Secondary Programs

This course is intended for students preparing for their chosen post-secondary program. Students will apply and hone skills in a collaborative, project-based learning environment with mentor support. Students will develop strategies for success in their chosen program through engaging in a career-specific project. (4:4:0 for 13 weeks)

Prerequisite: Permission of instructor or program coordinator.

FNFS 108 (3) Foundations for Success for International Learners in the Canadian University Context (Ends Sep 2026)

This skill-based course is designed for learners who have English as an Additional Language. Students will develop a strong study skills kit to maximize their experience in the Canadian university context. Topics may include: academic reading, writing, and research; study skills, presenting and speaking, and connecting with peers and instructors. (4:2:2)

Prerequisite: English 12, University Preparation Level 5, TOEFL score of 5.5, IELTS of 6.0 (with no band lower than 5.5), or TOEFL iBT of 78.

FNFS 108 (3) Canadian University Skills (Effective Sep 2026)

This skills-based course is for learners who are new to university and those with English as an Additional Language. Students will develop academic and study skills to maximize their experience at VIU. Topics may include: academic reading, writing, and research; study skills, presenting, speaking, and connecting with peers and instructors. (3:5:0 for 13 weeks)

Prerequisite: English 12, ENGL 067, ESLU 051 & ESLU 052, TOEFL score of 4.0, IELTS of 6.0 (with no band lower than 5.5), TOEFL iBT of 78, or permission of instructor.