about this guide
This guide lists the available course components and instruction modes that can be used when entering class information on the Basic Data tab.
When entering data on the Basic Data tab, there are two fields that often bring questions to the RCS team: Component and Instruction Mode.
The terms component and modality have different meanings when scheduling classes. The Component, or method of instruction, is a distinct part of a class that results in the creation of a separately scheduled section and is sometimes referred to as a course activity.
The Instruction Mode refers to how the class is delivered; sometimes referred to as modality or class format.
component
Step 1: Course components (lecture plus lab or studio, workshop, and discussion) are defined at the catalog/course level through the course approval process and in alignment with the Course Types & Components policy. A course can have multiple components.
Step 2: A course with multiple components, requires additional sections to be created (lecture plus lab or studio, workshop, and discussion, etc.)
| Course Component Type | Definition |
|---|---|
| Clinical* | Supervised development of professional skills through practical interaction with patients or clients.* |
| Colloquium | The exchange of scholarly and/or secondary research, often including guest lecturers. Student may be required to undertake research projects. |
| Discussion | Interactive meetings, typically scheduled in combination with a lecture or lab. May include but is not limited to demonstrations, hands-on engagement with course material, case studies, and/or field experiences. |
| Individual Studies | Courses where students work on an individualized basis with a faculty member. Activities may include but are not limited to research, thesis/dissertation work, final recitals, and internships. |
| Lab (LAB) | Supervised laboratory, field experimentation, experiential learning or observation, incorporating practical experience. |
| Lecture | Instructor-led courses primarily focused on communicating a body of knowledge or information and explaining ideas or principles. Standard course type. |
| Practicum | Practical application of previously studied theory and the collection of data for future theoretical interpretation, either individually or in groups. |
| Seminar | Development and exchange of scholarly information, with students conducting research and sharing the results through discussion, reports, and/or papers. |
| Studio | Supervised creative instruction either individually or in groups incorporating practical experiences, artistic endeavors, and/or rehearsals.** |
| Workshop | Practical application of theoretical learning, featuring an exchange of ideas, practical methods, skills, principles, and/or experiential learning. |
*Clinical courses follow the same contact hour requirements as Practicum courses.
**Music instruction and specialized types of music performance offerings must conform to the requirement for accreditation of the National Association of Schools of Music.
Note: When scheduling non-primary components for a course, update the default component to match the component permitted by the catalog rules. Components may be required as noted in the catalog or optional as noted in the catalog. All required components must be scheduled.
instruction mode
Note: When scheduling non-primary components for a course, update the default component to match the component permitted by the catalog rules. Components may be required as noted in the catalog or optional as noted in the catalog. All required components must be scheduled.
| Description | Code | Definition | Available Program Offering |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fully Online | FO | Instruction is offered asynchronously online without scheduled meeting dates or times. |
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| Hybrid | HY | Instruction is offered through a combination of in person and online instruction modes. The online meeting pattern may be scheduled as synchronous or asynchronous and is reflected in the Schedule of Classes accordingly. |
|
| In Person | P | Instruction is offered in a physical class location and meeting pattern listed in the Schedule of Classes. |
|
| Live Online | R | Instruction is offered synchronously online with scheduled meeting dates and times. |
|
Note: It is recommended departments limit the number of Live Online classes, as in-person classes should be a higher priority to meet student demand. Offering undergraduate Live Online classes on Main Campus requires additional review and approval by the Associate Dean and the Registrar.
Related processes and additional resources
Open Scheduling period is the time when department schedulers complete class section set-up. Below are links to other resource guides that may be helpful to this process, and other class section set-up data entry.
More information on system updates can be found at RCS Reimagine: Updates to Managing the Schedule of Classes
Need Help? Contact Us!
For additional questions, you can reach the RCS team via email: rcshelp@arizona.edu or phone: 520-621-3313.
created 6/2025