faq edits

Author: AJaccP

content/resources/faqs/are-all-sections-the-same.md

@@ -1,13 +1,13 @@
 ---
 title: "Are all sections of a course the same?"
 date: 2025-06-16T00:00:00Z
-last_updated: 2025-06-16T00:00:00Z
+last_updated: 2025-06-20T00:00:00Z
 draft: false
 layout: faq-question
-summary: "Sections can differ depending on the instructor's grading curriculum and how the class is delivered (location, time, section type)."
+summary: "All sections cover the same content, but there may be minor differences such as the instructor, schedule and more."
 contributors: 
 - Riley Lutz
-- Aditya "Jacc" Padmakar
+- Jacc Padmakar
 sources:
   - name: Course Delivery Types
     link: https://carleton.ca/registration/course-delivery-types/
@@ -16,8 +16,8 @@ sources:
 related:
 - 
 ---
-While the learning outcomes and core content of a course are the same across all sections, there may be a few minor differences. Different instructors may have different grade breakdowns, assignment and test schedules, and slight differences in the order or focus of the course content.
+While the **learning outcomes** and core content of a course are the **same across all sections**, there may be a few **minor differences**. Different instructors may have different grade breakdowns, assignment and test schedules, and slight differences in the order or focus of the course content.
 
-Other differences between sections may include the [section type](https://carleton.ca/registration/course-delivery-types/) [1] (e.g., in-person vs. online, scheduled vs. unscheduled), class times or their location on campus. 
+Other differences between sections may include the [section type](https://carleton.ca/registration/course-delivery-types/) (e.g., in-person vs. online, scheduled vs. unscheduled), class times, or their location on campus. 
 
-An exception to this is the [1405/1406 Z section](https://ccss.carleton.ca/resources/faqs/comp1405-z-section/) [2], which covers the same content as other sections but at twice the speed, allowing you to complete both courses within the fall semester.
+An **exception to this is the [1405/1406 Z section](/resources/faqs/comp1405-z-section/)**, which covers the same content as other sections but at twice the speed, allowing you to complete both courses within the fall semester.

content/resources/faqs/can-I-take-2000-level-courses-in-first-year.md

@@ -1,13 +1,13 @@
 ---
-title: "Can I take 2nd year courses in 1st year?"
+title: "Can I take second year courses in first year?"
 date: 2025-06-16T00:00:00Z
-last_updated: 2025-06-16T00:00:00Z
+last_updated: 2025-06-20T00:00:00Z
 draft: false
 layout: faq-question
-summary: "2nd year courses can be taken in first year if you meet the requirements listed in the undergrad calendar or with a approved registration override request."
+summary: "You may be able to take some 2000+ level courses if you meet the prerequisites"
 contributors: 
 - Riley Lutz
-- Aditya "Jacc" Padmakar
+- Jacc Padmakar
 sources:
   - name: Year standing
     link: https://carleton.ca/academicadvising/year-standing/
@@ -19,6 +19,6 @@ related:
 - 
 ---
 
-Yes, it may be possible to take 2000-level or higher courses if you meet the requirements. Registering for a course depends on prerequisite requirements such as having a passing grade in certain other courses, or meeting a certain [year standing](https://carleton.ca/academicadvising/year-standing/) [1]. You can find these requirements in the course’s description in the [undergraduate calendar](https://calendar.carleton.ca/undergrad/courses/) [2].
+Yes, you may be able to take some 2000-level or higher courses if you **meet the prerequisite requirements**. Registering for a course depends on prerequisites such as having a passing grade in certain other courses, or meeting a certain [year standing](https://carleton.ca/academicadvising/year-standing/). You can find these requirements in the **course’s description in the [undergraduate calendar](https://calendar.carleton.ca/undergrad/courses/)**.
 
-It may be possible to submit a [registration override request](https://carleton.ca/registration/override-requests/) [3] to register in a course without meeting the prerequisites; however these requests are reviewed on a case by case basis and are not guaranteed to be approved. 
+It may be possible to submit a [registration override request](https://carleton.ca/registration/override-requests/) to register in a course without meeting the prerequisites; however, these requests are reviewed on a case by case basis and are not guaranteed to be approved. 

content/resources/faqs/comp-1005-1006-vs-1405-1406.md

@@ -1,15 +1,20 @@
 ---
-title: ""
+title: "Are COMP 1005/1006 and 1405/1406 different?"
 date: 2025-06-16T00:00:00Z
-last_updated: 2025-06-16T00:00:00Z
+last_updated: 2025-06-20T00:00:00Z
 draft: false
-layout: article-question
-summary: ""
+layout: faq-question
+summary: "COMP 1005/1006 and 1405/1406 have the exact same content. CS students should register in COMP 1405/1406."
 contributors: 
--  
+- Jacc Padmakar
 sources:
-  - name: 
-    link:
 related:
 - 
----
+---
+There is **no difference in content** between COMP 1005/1006 and COMP 1405/1406. For example, COMP 1005 A and COMP 1405 A are the **exact same course**, with the same lectures and instructor. 
+
+The only difference is who the courses are intended for:
+- **COMP 1005/1006** are for **students in other programs** that are interested in taking these courses as an elective. 
+- **COMP 1405/1406** are for **students in the Bachelor of Computer Science** program.
+
+As a Computer Science student, you should **register in COMP 1405 and 1406.**

content/resources/faqs/comp1405-z-section.md

@@ -1,23 +1,25 @@
 ---
-title: "What is the COMP 1405 Z Section?"
+title: "What is the COMP 1405 Z section?"
 date: 2024-10-06T00:00:00Z
-last_updated: 2024-10-06T00:00:00Z
+last_updated: 2025-06-20T00:00:00Z
 draft: false
 layout: faq-question
 summary: "The Z section is an accelerated course that combines the content of COMP 1405 and COMP 1406 into a single term."
 contributors:
-- Aditya "Jacc" Padmakar
+- Jacc Padmakar
 sources:
   - name: Shopify Dev Degree
     link: https://devdegree.ca/
+  - name: Bachelor of Cybersecurity Program
+    link: "https://carleton.ca/scs/current-students/bachelor-of-cybersecurity/bcyber-courses-and-registration/"
   - name: Override Requests
     link: https://carleton.ca/registrar/registration/override-requests/
 related:
-- first-year-course-selection
+- should-you-take-z-section
 ---
 
 The Z section is an **accelerated version of COMP 1405 and COMP 1406**, which allows you to complete both of them in the fall semester. COMP 1405 Z runs during the first half of the semester and COMP 1406 Z runs during the second half of the semester. It is important to note that the Z section is **not a separate course**, it is just a different section of both COMP 1405 and COMP 1406.
 
 The learning outcomes and topics covered are the same as the standard versions of these courses, but they are covered in half as much time. It is recommended that you have some **prior programming experience** in order to ensure that you are able to keep up with the pace of the course.
 
-To register for the Z section, you should either be a **Shopify Dev Degree** (1) student or have an **admission average of 90%** or higher. You must also submit an **override request** (2) to get permission to register.
+The Z section is primarily for students in the [Shopify Dev Degree](https://devdegree.ca/) and [Bachelor of Cybersecurity (B.Cyber)](https://carleton.ca/scs/current-students/bachelor-of-cybersecurity/bcyber-courses-and-registration/) programs. However, Bachelor of Computer Science (BCS) students with an admission average of 90% or higher may also be eligible to take the course. If you are a BCS student, you must submit a [registration override request](https://carleton.ca/registration/override-requests/) (3) to get permission to register.

content/resources/faqs/contact-for-registration-help.md

@@ -7,13 +7,13 @@ layout: faq-question
 summary: "Contact the academic advisors at [email protected]"
 contributors: 
 - Riley Lutz
-- Aditya "Jacc" Padmakar
+- Jacc Padmakar
 sources:
   - name: Registration Guide
     link: https://carleton.ca/registration/
 related:
 - 
 ---
-Academic Advisors with the School of Computer Science are your main point of contact for questions about course selection, your degree requirements, reduced course loads, and more. You can reach them at [email protected].
+Academic Advisors with the School of Computer Science are your main point of contact for questions about course selection, your degree requirements, reduced course loads, and more. You can reach them at **[email protected].**
 
-For help with the registration process, check out [this guide](https://carleton.ca/registration/) [1] or contact the Registrar’s Office at [email protected] or call 613-520-3500 during business hours.
+For help with the registration process, check out [this guide](https://carleton.ca/registration/). You can also contact the Registrar’s Office at **[email protected]**, or call 613-520-3500 during business hours.

content/resources/faqs/course-does-not-have-instructor.md

@@ -1,22 +1,21 @@
 ---
 title: "Why are some courses listed without instructors?"
 date: 2025-06-16T00:00:00Z
-last_updated: 2025-06-16T00:00:00Z
+last_updated: 2025-06-20T00:00:00Z
 draft: false
 layout: faq-question
-summary: "Some courses may not have an instructor assigned yet. This could be updated later, but don't wait for for this to happen before registering."
+summary: "Some teaching assignments may be finalized closer to the start of the term. Don't wait until an instructor is assigned to register."
 contributors: 
 - Riley Lutz
-- Aditya "Jacc" Padmakar
+- Jacc Padmakar
 sources:
-  - name: Registration Terminology
-    link: https://carleton.ca/registrationterminology/
 related:
 - 
 ---
-It is normal for some courses to be listed without an instructor. 
+It is normal for some courses to be listed without an instructor.
 
 If it’s a lecture, it may be taught by a contract instructor who hasn’t been assigned yet, or the teaching assignments may not be finalized until closer to the start of the semester.
+
 If it’s a tutorial, it may be led by a teaching assistant, which is why no instructor is listed.
 
-Make sure you don’t wait for an instructor to be assigned before registering, as courses may fill up by then.
+Make sure you **don’t wait for an instructor to be assigned before registering**, as courses may fill up by then.

content/resources/faqs/first-year-courses-order.md

@@ -0,0 +1,22 @@
+---
+title: "Do I have to take first year courses in a specific order?"
+date: 2025-06-16T00:00:00Z
+last_updated: 2025-06-20T00:00:00Z
+draft: false
+layout: faq-question
+summary: "COMP 1405 and 1406 should be taken in Fall and Winter respectively. Other first-year core courses can be taken in either term."
+contributors: 
+- Jacc Padmakar
+sources:
+  - name: BCS First Year Course Selection Guide
+    link: https://carleton.ca/registration/course-selection-guide/bcs/
+related:
+- can-I-take-2000-level-courses-in-first-year
+---
+The First-Year Course Selection Guide [1] recommends taking COMP 1405 and MATH 1007 in the Fall, followed by COMP 1406, COMP 1805, and MATH 1104 in the Winter.
+
+**COMP 1405 must be taken in the Fall**, since it’s a prerequisite for COMP 1406, which should be completed in the Winter.
+
+The other courses - MATH 1007, MATH 1104, and COMP 1805 - have no prerequisites and can be taken in either term. When deciding which term to take them in, think about factors such as your overall workload, scheduling conflicts, and the instructors available for each term.
+
+Taking some of these courses in the Fall may also give you the option to take a 2000-level MATH course or COMP 2804 in the Winter term of your first year.

content/resources/faqs/free-vs-breadth-electives.md

@@ -1,19 +1,25 @@
 ---
 title: "What is a Breadth elective vs a Free elective?"
 date: 2024-05-31T00:00:00Z
-last_updated: 2024-05-31T00:00:00Z
+last_updated: 2025-06-20T00:00:00Z
 draft: false
 layout: faq-question
-summary: "Breadth Electives cannot be under COMP, MATH, or STAT. Free Electives can be from any department."
+summary: "Breadth Electives cannot be under COMP, MATH, STAT, CSEC, DATA or Engineering. Free Electives can be from any department."
 contributors:
 - Matthew MacRae-Bovell
 sources:
-  - name: School of Computer Science - Electives and Prohibited Courses
-    link: https://carleton.ca/scs/current-students/undergraduate-students/help-selecting-courses/electives-and-prohibited-courses/
+  - name: Prohibited courses for Computer Science students
+    link: https://calendar.carleton.ca/undergrad/undergradprograms/computerscience/#text:~:text=Course%20Categories%20(B.C.S.)
+  - name: School of Computer Science - Courses and Registration
+    link: https://carleton.ca/scs/current-students/undergraduate-students/courses-and-registration/#UG_electives_and_prohibited:~:text=a%20payment.-,Electives%20and%20Prohibited%20Courses,-Electives%20are%20courses
 ---
 
-Breadth Electives **cannot** be under **COMP, MATH, or STAT**. After you fulfill your breadth elective requirement, courses that would have counted towards your breadth requirement begin to count as free electives.
+**Breadth Electives cannot** be under **COMP, MATH, STAT, CSEC, DATA or Engineering**, or on the list of **[prohibited courses](https://calendar.carleton.ca/undergrad/undergradprograms/computerscience/#text:~:text=Course%20Categories%20(B.C.S.))**. After you fulfill your breadth elective requirement, courses that would have counted towards your breadth requirement begin to count as free electives.
 
-"**Breadth Electives** are all of the courses offered by the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, the Faculty of Public Affairs, the Sprott School of Business, and the Faculty of Science. This excludes prohibited courses ... and all courses in Computer Science, Math and Statistics, and courses under the Faculty of Engineering and Design." (1)
+"Breadth Electives are all of the courses offered by the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, the Faculty of Public and Global Affairs, the Sprott School of Business, and the Faculty of Science. This excludes prohibited courses (see below) and all courses in Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Data Science, Math and Statistics, and courses under the Faculty of Engineering and Design." [2]
 
-"**Free Electives** are all courses in Approved Arts, Social Sciences, Science, Business, Computer Science, Math, and Statistics, excluding all prohibited courses. Engineering courses can also count as Free Electives, but never Breadth." (1)
+**Free Electives** can be **any course that is not prohibited**. These may be used to take more breadth courses, or additional COMP, MATH and STAT courses that are not required for your degree.
+
+"Free Electives are all courses in Approved Arts, Social Sciences, Science, Business, Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Data Science, Math and Statistics, excluding all prohibited courses (see below). Engineering courses can also count as Free Electives, but never Breadth." [2]
+
+**NOTE:** *Computer Science students cannot register for CSEC or DATA courses. However, if you took these courses before transferring into Computer Science, they will be considered free electives.*

content/resources/faqs/how-do-I-register-for-courses.md

@@ -1,13 +1,13 @@
 ---
-title: "How many courses should I take?"
+title: "How many courses should I take in a semester?"
 date: 2025-06-16T00:00:00Z
-last_updated: 2025-06-16T00:00:00Z
+last_updated: 2025-06-20T00:00:00Z
 draft: false
 layout: faq-question
-summary: "Average course load is five courses per term, but four courses is also common. Talk to an advisor about the impact of reducing your courseload before making a decision."
+summary: "Full-time students generally take 2.5 credits per term, but it’s also common to take fewer courses for a lighter workload."
 contributors: 
 - Riley Lutz
-- Aditya "Jacc" Padmakar
+- Jacc Padmakar
 sources:
   - name: Academic advisor
     link: https://carleton.ca/academicadvising/
@@ -16,9 +16,9 @@ sources:
 related:
 - 
 ---
-Generally, the course load for full-time students is 2.5 credits per term (usually 5 courses). However, many students choose to take a reduced course load, for a variety of reasons. Anecdotally, it is fairly common for students to take 2.0 credits or 4 courses per semester to have a lighter workload. 
+Generally, the **course load for full-time students is 2.5 credits per term** (usually 5 courses). However, many students choose to take a reduced course load, for a variety of reasons. Anecdotally, it is **fairly common for students to take 2.0 credits** (or 4 courses) per semester to have a lighter workload. 
 
-We recommend that you reach out to an [academic advisor](https://carleton.ca/academicadvising/) [1] to discuss your specific situation before making a decision about how many courses to take. Taking a reduced course load could have an impact on the following: 
+We recommend that you **reach out to an [academic advisor](https://carleton.ca/academicadvising/)** to discuss your specific situation before making a decision about how many courses to take. Taking a reduced course load could have an impact on the following: 
 
 - Your status as a full time student 
 - Tuition costs
@@ -27,4 +27,4 @@ We recommend that you reach out to an [academic advisor](https://carleton.ca/aca
 - Co-op eligibility
 - Visas and study permits (for international students) 
 
-For more information, check out Carleton’s webpage about considering a [reduced course load](https://carleton.ca/awards/cu-description/minimum-required-course-load/) [2]. 
+For more information, check out Carleton’s webpage about considering a [reduced course load](https://carleton.ca/academicadvising/reduced-course-load-2/).