The academic credit hour system provides a means to measure the amount of engaged learning time expected of a typical student. A credit, or credit hour, is a unit of measurement defining the student’s overall effort towards attaining a qualification. At ADU, 1 semester credit hour equals 15 hours of direct in-class instruction/lecture. For laboratory-based courses, the allocation of credit differs; 1 semester credit normally is given for 2-3 hours of laboratory or studio time.