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About FLEX
A learning community is a small group of first-year students who take classes together and share some common interests. Arts and Science learning communities are designed to ease the transition into university by providing our first-year students with extra opportunities to make friends, study and explore ideas together, and work together to develop the academic and personal skills to succeed.
Learning communities are what a university education is all about—students and faculty from many different backgrounds come together to explore big ideas and a wide range of perspectives on the world. Through this experience, students grow personally as they advance intellectually, and make lifelong friendships.
FLEX has three main goals:
- Building community: Learning communities allow first-year students to begin university surrounded by students who have the same interests and goals. Through learning communities, students build connections to people and places across campus that will help support them on their academic journey.
- Making connections and exploring careers: University is a great place to come and improve what you know, but who you know counts too. Learning communities will help introduce students to programs and colleges across campus that are related to their interests and connect them to professionals who turned similar interests into exciting careers.
- Enriching academics: University is a whole different ballgame than high school. Learning communities will connect peer mentors—our team of expert learners—to first-year students to help them build on and improve their academic skills to successfully navigate their way through the first year.
2025 Learning Communities
Not sure what you want to major in? Lucky you! You have a whole world of possibilities to explore, and this LC will help you start your journey. Joining this LC is an excellent way to become exposed to a variety of Arts and Science subjects in a short amount of time. The courses in this LC can be used towards any Arts and Science degree. This LC is a great choice if you are looking to explore your interests, sample popular first year classes, and meet degree requirements before you have decided on a degree path. Students interested in applying to the College of Nursing are encouraged to register for one of FLEX 10 or 11.
If you are interested in studying human behaviour, this LC is a perfect fit. Whether you are fascinated by the human brain, how societies work, or the role of culture, this LC will introduce you to concepts that can prepare you well for degrees in the social sciences. This LC is an excellent choice for students interested in pursuing unique and fulfilling careers in public policy, law, research, counselling, or human resources. The courses in this LC can be used for any Arts and Science degree. This LC is an excellent choice if you are looking to explore your interests, sample popular first year classes, and meet degree requirements before you have decided on a degree path.
If you are interested in studying human behaviour, this LC is a perfect fit. Whether you are fascinated by the human brain, how societies work, or the role of culture, this LC will introduce you to concepts that can prepare you well for degrees in the social sciences. This LC is an excellent choice for students interested in pursuing unique and fulfilling careers in public policy, law, research, counselling, or human resources. The courses in this LC can be used towards any degree in the College of Arts and Science, but are particularly well suited for students interested in sampling courses in the liberal arts.
If you are interested in studying human behaviour, this LC is a perfect fit. Whether you are fascinated by the human brain, how societies work, or the role of culture, this LC will introduce you to concepts that can prepare you well for degrees in the social sciences. This LC is an excellent choice for students interested in pursuing unique and fulfilling careers in public policy, law, research, counselling, or human resources. Although this LC is designed to support students interested in fields related to helping professions, enrollment in this LC does not guarantee admission to any degree program or college, nor will enrollment in this LC result in special consideration when applying to another program or college. The courses in this LC can be used towards any Arts and Science degree.
Do you object to working in a career outside of the legal system? Sustain that objection by joining like-minded students in the Law and Criminology LC. These courses are applicable for students interested in pursuing careers in law, criminology, and human services or for students interested more generally in the social sciences or humanities. Enrollment in this LC does not guarantee admission to any college, nor will enrollment in this LC result in special consideration when applying to another program or college. The courses in this LC can be used toward any Arts and Science degree.
The College of Arts and Science is the only one in a medical-doctoral university to offer a combined education in Fine Arts, Sciences, Humanities and Social Sciences. Thus, students could explore multiple areas of interest before deciding upon, and while pursuing, a major. The College requirements introduced as part of the Arts and Science curriculum renewal allows students to acquire the foundational skills and competencies that can unlock for them the full array of learning opportunities in our college and best prepare them for engaged and productive lives. Courses in the Arts & Science College Requirement LC may be used* to satisfy one or more of the English Language Writing, Indigenous Learning, and/or Quantitative Reasoning requirements for any Arts and Science degree. This LC is an excellent choice if you are looking to explore your interests, sample popular first year classes, and meet degree requirements before you have decided on a degree path.
Please refer to the Course and Program Catalogue for more information.
LC-FLEX 07 –
Computer Science and Mathematics
Computer Science 141 – Math 163 - Math 110
Bachelor of Science Focused
In the age of advanced technology and scientific progress, many jobs require a sophisticated knowledge of computer science. This LC is a great choice for students interested in majoring in Computer Science, a traditional degree program providing the foundations for careers in software development, information technology, as well as graduate studies and research, but may also be of interest to students pursuing related disciplines, including Applied Computing, Mathematics, Applied Mathematics, Statistics, or Physics. The courses in this LC can be used toward any Arts and Science degree.
Please note that CMPT 141 and MATH 110 have required pre-requisite courses. Students should refer to the Course Descriptions in the Course and Program Catalogue for more information about the requirements for CMPT 141 and MATH 110.
LC-FLEX 08 –
Environmental Sciences
Geology 121 – Geography 120 – Biology 121
Bachelor of Science Focused
Environmental geoscientists and related professionals are environmental champions; they protect the environment by studying it to predict what the future will bring. These courses contribute towards degrees in Environmental Geosciences, Geology, Geophysics, Hydrology, Archeology, Biology, Chemistry, Environment and Society, and Paleobiology. The courses in this LC can be used toward any Arts and Science degree.
Environmental geoscientists and related professionals are environmental champions; they protect the environment by studying it to predict what the future will bring. These courses contribute towards degrees in Environmental Geosciences, Geology, Geophysics, Hydrology, Archeology, Biology, Chemistry, Environment and Society, and Paleobiology. The courses in this LC can be used toward any Arts and Science degree.
This LC could be your first step towards a career as a Registered Nurse! This is one of two LCs designed for students interested in applying to the College of Nursing. These courses can also be used towards any Arts and Science Degree. This LC is designed to support students who wish to complete the pre-professional requirements for Nursing, but enrollment does not guarantee a position in the College of Nursing, or special consideration when applying. Students interested in health professions other than Nursing are encouraged to register for FLEX 12-18.
This LC could be your first step towards a career as a Registered Nurse! This is one of two LCs designed for students interested in applying to the College of Nursing. These courses can also be used towards any Arts and Science Degree. This LC is designed to support students who wish to complete the pre-professional requirements for Nursing, but enrollment does not guarantee a position in the College of Nursing, or special consideration when applying. Students interested in health professions other than Nursing are encouraged to register for FLEX 12-18.
LC-FLEX 12
– Biomedical and Life Sciences 1
Math 125 – Chemistry 112 – Biology 120
Biomedical Sciences
This Learning Community is one of eight designed for students interested in majoring in Biomedical and Life Sciences. This LC is an excellent fit for students interested in the Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences degree, or students who wish to study, work, or conduct research in professional health fields such as Medicine, Dentistry, Optometry, Veterinary Medicine, Pharmacy, Nutrition, and Physical Therapy. Although this LC is designed to support students interested in fields related to Biomedical, Life Sciences and Health, enrollment in this LC does not guarantee admission to any degree program or college, nor will enrollment in this LC result in special consideration when applying to another program or college. The courses in this LC can be used towards any Arts and Science degree.
***MATH 125 satisfies the Quantitative Reasoning requirement for select Bachelor of Science degrees (i.e. those following the biomedical science common core). Students intending on completing a different major may be required to complete another MATH course. Please refer to the Course and Program Catalogue or consult an Academic Advisor for more information. The Department of Mathematics and Statistics has developed a Math Readiness Assessment designed to help students self-assess their readiness for university-level mathematics. Students are encouraged to review the recommended resources to ensure their readiness for first year mathematics courses.
LC-FLEX
13 – Biomedical and Life Sciences 2
Math 125 – Chemistry 112 – Physics 115 – Biology 120
Biomedical Sciences
Updated: May 26, 2025
This Learning Community is one of eight designed for students interested in majoring in Biomedical and Life Sciences. This LC is an excellent fit for students interested in the Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences degree, or students who wish to study, work, or conduct research in professional health fields such as Medicine, Dentistry, Optometry, Veterinary Medicine, Pharmacy, Nutrition, and Physical Therapy. Although this LC is designed to support students interested in fields related to Biomedical, Life Sciences and Health, enrollment in this LC does not guarantee admission to any degree program or college, nor will enrollment in this LC result in special consideration when applying to another program or college. The courses in this LC can be used towards any Arts and Science degree.
***MATH 125 satisfies the Quantitative Reasoning requirement for select Bachelor of Science degrees (i.e. those following the biomedical science common core). Students intending on completing a different major may be required to complete another MATH course. Please refer to the Course and Program Catalogue or consult an Academic Advisor for more information. The Department of Mathematics and Statistics has developed a Math Readiness Assessment designed to help students self-assess their readiness for university-level mathematics. Students are encouraged to review the recommended resources to ensure their readiness for first year mathematics courses.
Download schedule for FLEX13-A Download schedule for FLEX13-B Click here to sign-up
LC-FLEX 14 –
Biomedical and Life Sciences 3
Chemistry 112 – Physics 115 – Biology 120
Biomedical Sciences
Updated: May 26, 2025
This Learning Community is one of eight designed for students interested in majoring in Biomedical and Life Sciences. This LC is an excellent fit for students interested in the Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences degree, or students who wish to study, work, or conduct research in professional health fields such as Medicine, Dentistry, Optometry, Veterinary Medicine, Pharmacy, Nutrition, and Physical Therapy. Although this LC is designed to support students interested in fields related to Biomedical, Life Sciences and Health, enrollment in this LC does not guarantee admission to any degree program or college, nor will enrollment in this LC result in special consideration when applying to another program or college. The courses in this LC can be used towards any Arts and Science degree.
Download schedule for FLEX14-A Download schedule for FLEX14-B Click here to sign-up
LC-FLEX 15 –
Biomedical and Life Sciences 4
Chemistry 112 – Toxicology 110 – Biology 120
Biomedical Sciences
This Learning Community is one of eight designed for students interested in majoring in Biomedical and Life Sciences. This LC is an excellent fit for students interested in the Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences degree, or students who wish to study, work, or conduct research in professional health fields such as Medicine, Dentistry, Optometry, Veterinary Medicine, Pharmacy, Nutrition, and Physical Therapy. Although this LC is designed to support students interested in fields related to Biomedical, Life Sciences and Health, enrollment in this LC does not guarantee admission to any degree program or college, nor will enrollment in this LC result in special consideration when applying to another program or college. The courses in this LC can be used towards any Arts and Science degree.
Please note that courses in this LC have required pre-requisite courses. Students should refer to the Course Descriptions in the Course and Program Catalogue for more information about the requirements for PHYS 115.
Please note that courses in this LC have required pre-requisite courses. Students should refer to the Course Descriptions in the Course and Program Catalogue for more information about the requirements for PHYS 115.
LC-FLEX 16 –
Biomedical and Life Sciences 5
Chemistry 112 – English 114 – Biology 120
Biomedical Sciences
This Learning Community is one of eight designed for students interested in majoring in Biomedical and Life Sciences. This LC is an excellent fit for students interested in the Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences degree, or students who wish to study, work, or conduct research in professional health fields such as Medicine, Dentistry, Optometry, Veterinary Medicine, Pharmacy, Nutrition, and Physical Therapy. Although this LC is designed to support students interested in fields related to Biomedical, Life Sciences and Health, enrollment in this LC does not guarantee admission to any degree program or college, nor will enrollment in this LC result in special consideration when applying to another program or college. The courses in this LC can be used towards any Arts and Science degree.
LC-FLEX 17
–Biomedical and Life Sciences 6
Chemistry 112 – Indigenous Studies 107 – Biology 120
Biomedical Sciences
This Learning Community is one of eight designed for students interested in majoring in Biomedical and Life Sciences. This LC is an excellent fit for students interested in the Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences degree, or students who wish to study, work, or conduct research in professional health fields such as Medicine, Dentistry, Optometry, Veterinary Medicine, Pharmacy, Nutrition, and Physical Therapy. Although this LC is designed to support students interested in fields related to Biomedical, Life Sciences and Health, enrollment in this LC does not guarantee admission to any degree program or college, nor will enrollment in this LC result in special consideration when applying to another program or college. The courses in this LC can be used towards any Arts and Science degree.
LC-FLEX 18 –
Health Studies
Health Studies 110 – Chemistry 112 – Psychology 120 – Biology 120
Biomedical Sciences
Updated: May 26, 2025
This Learning Community is one of eight designed for students interested in majoring in Biomedical and Life Sciences. This LC is an excellent fit for students interested in the Bachelor of Arts and Science degree in Health Studies, or students who wish to study, work, or conduct research in professional health fields such as Medicine, Dentistry, Optometry, Veterinary Medicine, Pharmacy, Nutrition, and Physical Therapy. Although this LC is designed to support students interested in fields related to Biomedical, Life Sciences and Health, enrollment in this LC does not guarantee admission to any degree program or college, nor will enrollment in this LC result in special consideration when applying to another program or college. The courses in this LC can be used towards any Arts and Science degree.
Frequently Asked Questions
LC sign-up opened May 5th at noon and closes June 8th.
Go to our website and choose one of our FLEX LC’s. All registration is done through the website (click on the name of the LC to expand it; there will be a link to register at the bottom of the box). Once you register for an LC, it is that same as registering for courses through PAWS: you are responsible for paying for and attending each class, or dropping the courses if you do not plan to attend.
You can drop LC courses through PAWS just like any other course after after the first year registration window in June (students should be aware of drop deadlines throughout the term). If you do not take all the courses attached to an LC, you will not get the full benefit. Students who drop LC courses or the LC hour before the start of the term may be asked to withdraw from all their LC classes to make room for other students who wish to enroll in that LC.
If you want more advice on LC selection, you should email us at aslc@usask.ca and we can reccomend an LC that meets your needs.
Yes. After you sign-up for an LC, you will be sent a confirmation e-mail within 30 minutes that contains further information about LC block registration.
Absolutely! You can add more classes to your schedule when the LC Registration Window opens for LC students in June. You need to ensure these courses fit within your LC schedule (LC classes in your Block will have to be registered for first before you can add more courses to the LC). Five courses per term is the maximum for first year students.
Yes, you will! We understand the demands on your time as a university student. You should consider the time you dedicate to your FLEX Learning Community as an investment, by attending the weekly 50 minute sessions you will learn the academic skills necessary to successfully navigate your courses; the developmental skills to establish a healthy school-life balance; and, the personal skills to create meaningful friendships that will continue well beyond your time in FLEX!
No. Your Peer Mentors are students in their third- and fourth-year of study. They facilitate your weekly sessions, some of which will focus on developing academic and learning skills such as note-taking, study skills, exam preparation and making connections. In addition, your Peer Mentors act as a resource for you as you navigate your way through your first year.
Once you register for an LC the only way to switch to another LC is to contact the LC team at aslc@usask.ca. There is no guarantee that the LC you want to switch to will have space, so choose wisely!
You will be able to check your detailed student schedule (with room numbers) after the first year registration window opens in June through PAWS.
You will be able to view which seminar you have been registered for in your PAWS account after the first year registration window opens in June. We understand that many students will want to know what seminar or laboratory they are enrolled in before June, so feel free to email us at aslc@usask.ca.
Contact Us
Whatever the question, we are here to help. Drop by or call our office during regular university hours, or send us a request anytime.
Undergraduate Student Office (UGSO)
College of Arts and Science
ARTS 265, 9 Campus Drive
Saskatoon, SK
S7N 5A5