Student Handbook, Semester 2, 2010: Undergraduate FAQs | UniSC | University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia

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Student Handbook, Semester 2, 2010: Undergraduate FAQs

Schedules and timetable

Note: The class timetable for the next semester is available by Week 11 of the preceding semester.

Enrolment

How do I enrol?

Students offered a place at the University will receive advice of the offer through QTAC as well as a separate 'Offer Pack' from the University. Students must accept their offer first, then enrol in courses for their first semester. Accepting the offer and course enrolment are both done on the internet through a system called USCCentral. Students receive a USCCentral guide along with a user name and password with their Offer Pack and use this information to log into USCCentral and enrol in courses. Assistance with USCCental is available from Student Administration.

Can I change my enrolment?

To change courses: Students can change their enrolment until the end of Week 3 using USCCentral. After Week 3, it is still possible to drop a course on USCCentral, but changing courses or enrolling in an additional course is possible only with the authorisation of the course coordinator and payment of an administration fee (contact Student Administration).

To change programs: In 2009 program changes are only possible from 1st - 24th April and in the month of October.  Students should consult a program adviser when considering changing programs. Application to Change Program forms are available from Student Administration.

What do I do if a class I want to enrol in is full?

When a class is full and exceptions are not possible, students must enrol in an alternative class or course. Students can continue to check USCCentral and if a place becomes available they can swap their class or course. All students are encouraged to enrol early to gain entry to their chosen classes. 

What do I do if two of my classes clash?

It may be possible to enrol in two classes for which the lecture times conflict, but only with the approval of the Course Coordinator of the class(es) that will be missed. To request approval, students should obtain a Permission form from the Faculty Administration Office and have it signed by the course coordinator.

It is the student's responsibility to obtain the information covered in the lectures missed. Alternatively, students can make an appointment to see a program adviser to discuss other course options.

Do I have to enrol in both lectures and tutorials?

Most courses require students to enrol in and attend both lectures and tutorials. Some courses have a workshop instead of lectures and tutorials. This information is provided on the timetable and in the Course Outline. Check attendance requirements with your tutor if uncertain.

How many courses can I do per semester? How many courses are full-time/part-time?

Four courses per semester is a standard full-time enrolment. Three courses per semester is also considered full-time, and one or two courses per semester is part-time.

Most courses require a minimum time commitment of 6 to 10 hours per week, 3 hours for attending lectures and tutorials and 3 to 7 hours of personal study. Therefore, a full-time enrolment of 4 courses per semester requires up to 40 hours per week.

How long will it take to complete my program?

Most undergraduate programs require three years full-time study (four courses per semester for a total of 24 courses) for completion. Combined degree programs (such as Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Business) require four years full-time study.

What is the maximum amount of time I can take to complete my program?

The maximum time allowed for completion of a program is ten years.

Can I do courses during the winter and summer breaks?

A limited number of courses are offered during the winter and summer breaks. Winter courses are primarily provided for international students but where space permits, local students may apply for entry. Course offerings are announced during the semester prior to the break. Summer courses are available to all current students and students may enrol in these courses during the preceding semester via USCCentral.

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Course selection

How do I select which courses to enrol in?

The Program Structure and Recommended Enrolment Pattern provide guidance on course selection. The Program Structure details the courses that are required in order to complete a program. Every program offered at the University has a different Program Structure, and all are listed in the Student Handbook.

The recommended enrolment pattern is a guide for new students that lists by semester the courses that should be studied in order to complete a full-time degree program. New students should follow the Recommended Enrolment Pattern for their semester of commencement (eg Semester 1, 2009).

Note: students who have studied with another higher education provider may be eligible to receive credit for their previous study. Please refer to the information on Credit transfer, recognition of prior learning and articulation and speak to a program adviser prior to Week 1. Credit transfer or recognition of prior learning may affect the courses that are studied in the first semester.

Do I have to do all three core courses?

Most undergraduate students must complete two of the three core courses: COR109 Communication and Thought; COR110 Innovation, Creativity and Entrepreneurship; and COR111 Environment, Technology and Sustainability.

The core courses provide:

  • a firm grounding in inquiry-based learning
  • an opportunity to enhance the ability to communicate ideas and information
  • guidance in developing interdisciplinary contexts of specific topics and subjects
  • an environment which fosters the consideration of social impacts
  • a stimulating learning environment encouraging intellectual growth and curiosity

The core courses aim to:

  • be a positive and constructive introduction to the university experience
  • provide effective progression into other courses in all faculties
  • encourage students to explore innovative and creative uses of technology
  • contribute to the development of graduates who are good communicators
Do I have to choose majors and minors?

Some programs, such as the Bachelor of Arts, require students to select a major and/or minor, and some programs have 'built-in' majors and minors (for example, the Bachelor of Arts (International Studies) has a built-in major in Languages or International Business and a minor in Politics and International Relations.

Refer to the program structure for your program to determine whether you need to select a major and/or minor. Students who need to select a major and/or minor should do so by the second year of study. The majors and minors available in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences are listed in the online Student Handbook. Students should advise Student Administration of their major and/or minors.

How do I know which courses are introductory and advanced?

Courses with 100 codes (eg HIS140 ) are introductory level courses. Courses with 200 or 300 codes (eg CMN235 or SWK301 ) are advanced level courses.

Do I have to do a certain number of introductory and advanced courses?

Each program has specific introductory and advanced courses that are required (refer to the program structure for your program for more information). However, the maximum number of introductory level courses that may be counted towards a three-year undergraduate program is 10.

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Extensions and academic issues

What if I can't complete an assignment on time - can I get an extension?

Students should consult the course coordinator if an extension is desired. If agreed, a signed permission form is submitted by the student to the Faculty Administration Office. If the request is due to illness, a permission form is not required if a medical certificate is submitted. Where the reason for the request is a personal issue, students are encouraged to contact Student Services for assistance with obtaining an extension as well as addressing any issues of concern.

What if I fail a course?

If you fail a course that is a required part of your program, you will need to repeat the course. If the course is not a required part of your program, you will not need to repeat the same course, but must complete an alternative course to replace the failed course. Students who have failed a course are encouraged to contact Student Services for assistance.

What if I'm struggling with an assignment or course?

Contact your course coordinator or Student Services as soon as possible. Assistance is available from various sources, and university staff will assist as much as possible to ensure that students are successful in their studies.

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General information

What is the difference between a program and a degree? What about courses, subjects and classes?
  • A program is a degree, for example 'Bachelor of Arts' is a program.
  • A course is an individual subject studied as part of a program, eg ENP100 Environmental and Planning Studies is a course.
  • A class is an individual lecture, tutorial or workshop for a course.
What are electives?

Electives are 'free choice' courses that allow students to select any courses of interest to them. Electives are designed to give students the opportunity to broaden or deepen their main area of study or to explore other areas of interest. Electives do not have to be related to major or minors. Many Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences programs allow students to take up to 6 elective courses from the Faculties of Business or Science, Health and Education.

I've been offered a place in a program but don't want to start straight away. Can I defer?

You may defer your offer for a maximum of one year (two semesters) for January offers, or six months (one semester) for mid-year offers. Refer to the how to defer your offer section of this website, or contact Student Administration for further information.

Can I study Arts courses if I am a Business or Science, Health and Education student?

Students from other faculties can enrol in Arts courses to the extent that these courses fit within their own faculty's program requirements. For further information, please contact your Faculty Administration Office.

Can I study a course for personal interest - not as part of a degree?

It is possible to enrol in one or more courses as a visiting student.

Can I study courses from other universities (cross-institutional study)?

It is possible for students to study one or more courses at another university, and receive credit towards their University of the Sunshine Coast program, particularly when the desired course is not offered here. This is known as Cross-Institutional study. Approval must be obtained from the program adviser prior to enrolling in a cross-institutional course. To request approval the following documents should be submitted:

  • Application for Cross-Institutional Study (from the Faculty Administration Office)
  • Application for Cross-Institutional Study (from other university)
  • Synopsis of other university course(s) you wish to study
Can I study a USC course if I am a student at another university?

Students from other universities can study at the University of the Sunshine Coast (space permitting) with the approval of their own university. This is known as Cross-Institutional study.

If I move away from the Sunshine Coast can I continue my program?

The University of the Sunshine Coast currently does not offer distance learning. You may be able to complete your degree at another university and apply for credit for the courses you have studied at USC. 

Contacts

Course coordinator, lecturer or tutor

Contact details for Course Coordinators, lecturers and tutors are provided in the Course Outline and during the lectures and tutorials. Course Coordinators are also listed on the timetable. You may also refer to the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences staff list for contact details.

Students may telephone or email academic staff, and staff also have consultation times specifically set aside to see students.

Faculty Administration Office

Services include:

  • making appointments with the program advisers
  • assisting with enrolment issues requiring coordinator approval, eg class is full, timetable clashes
  • collecting assignments
  • requesting assignment extensions

Contact the Faculty Administration Office.

Program advisers

The Faculty has two program advisers who are available to assist students with:

  • program, majors/minors and course advice
  • change of program, cross-institutional study and advanced standing applications
  • Global Opportunities (overseas study) advice
  • enrolment assistance

Contact the Faculty Administration Office to make an appointment.

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