Explanation of Terms

Advanced level course

Students normally undertake advanced level courses in the second and third years of their programs. Entry to these courses may be subject to successful completion of a prerequisite(s). These courses are normally coded as 200 or 300 level courses (eg AUS220 or MEP361).

Advanced standing

The granting of advanced standing in a course on the basis of your previous post-secondary studies and/or other prior learning.

Bachelor

Bachelor degree is the title for an undergraduate degree program. Example: Bachelor of Business. A bachelor degree normally takes three years of full-time study or six years of part-time study to complete.

Bridging courses/enabling programs

The University offers bridging courses, called enabling programs, in Chemistry, Mathematics / Statistics and Computer Basics for those students who may not have studied these in high school, or who need a `refresher' prior to commencing tertiary study.

Combined degree

A combination of two undergraduate degrees taken simultaneously. Example: Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science; Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Business; or Bachelor of Business/Bachelor of Science. A combined degree consists of 32 courses and normally takes four years of full-time study to complete.

Compulsory strand

A compulsory strand is a sequence of courses that contains theoretical knowledge considered fundamental to a Science graduate.

Contact hours

The number of hours you are expected to attend classes eg lectures, tutorials, workshops.

Core course

There are two courses that every undergraduate at the University is generally required to complete. The core courses are: Innovation, Creativity and Entrepreneurship* and Communication and Thought. These courses enable students to gain skills and knowledge for successful tertiary study and lifelong learning.

* Subject to approval

Course

A course is a component of a program (commonly known as a subject), such as Biological Chemistry or Marketing Theory and Practice, which is normally one semester long. Courses are generally 12 units in value. The standard enrolment for a full-time student is four courses per semester.

Cross-listed courses

Cross-listed courses have a code from an area of study, other than the area of study you are majoring or minoring in, and may be used to complete your area of study major or minor. For example, Understanding Society is located in the Social and Community Studies area of study but it is cross-listed in Politics and International Relations. So Understanding Society may count towards a major or minor in Politics and International Relations.

Dean

The member of academic staff responsible for the management of a Faculty.

Elective

An elective is a course that is chosen from a number of alternative courses.

Enabling programs/bridging courses

The University offers bridging courses, called enabling programs, in Chemistry, Mathematics / Statistics and Computer Basics for those students who may not have studied these in high school, or who need a `refresher' prior to commencing tertiary study.

Faculty

A department within the University devoted to a particular area.

Example: Faculty of Science.

Foundation course

These courses provide a sound knowledge of essential areas, and provide a sound foundation for studies in particular majors and/or minors within the degree. They are normally coded as 100 level courses (eg BUS101).

Full-time student

A student that studies at least three courses per semester. The standard full-time workload is 4 courses per semester.

Honours program

An honours program is usually two semesters (one year full-time) of coursework, seminars and supervised research taken after a bachelors degree. It advances your knowledge and experience, and helps you to prepare for future research work and postgraduate study.

Introductory level course

These courses provide a sound knowledge of essential areas, and provide a sound foundation for studies in particular majors, minors and/or strands within the program. They are normally coded as 100 level courses (eg ENP101).

Lecture

A lecture is normally where a member of the teaching staff presents themes and concepts relating to the course of study to all students enrolled in that particular course.

Major

A major is a sequence of eight courses from one particular area of study. You would normally complete a major if you were undertaking a program from either the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences or the Faculty of Business.

Minor

A minor is a sequence of four courses from one particular area of study. You can complete a minor if you are undertaking a program from either the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences or the Faculty of Business.

OP

Acronym for Overall Position and indicates a Queensland Year 12 student's statewide rank order position which is based on overall achievement.

Part-time student

A student that studies either one or two courses per semester. The standard part-time workload is two courses per semester. Students in Australia on a student visa cannot study on a part-time basis.

Postgraduate

A person who has a degree from a university and is pursuing studies for a more advanced qualification. Example: Graduate Certificate or Postdoctoral qualification.

Prerequisite

Prerequisite courses are required to be completed or satisfied prior to enrolling in another course.

Program

A program is the complete award with which a student graduates eg. BA, BBus(Hons).

Rank

Students applying for university study and have not been issued an OP are assigned a rank on the basis of previous secondary school and tertiary results, work experience or bridging and preparatory studies.

Semester

The academic year is divided into two main semesters. First semester runs from February to July, and second semester runs from July to December.

Session

The academic year for postgraduate coursework programs is divided into three sessions. Session one runs from February to June, session two runs from June to October and session three runs from October to February.

Tutorials/Practicals

A tutorial/practical is normally a forum for discussion and consolidation of the themes and concepts introduced in the lecture, and in many cases gives students a chance to practically apply course content. Tutorial classes are usually between 15-25 students in size and provide an atmosphere conducive to discussion, presentation and debate.

Undergraduate

A person studying at a university for a first degree. Example: a bachelor's degree or Honours degree. An undergraduate may also be a student who already holds a degree but is taking a second or subsequent degree at the same level.

Unit

Each course is given a value in terms of units. Generally, each course is 12 units in value.

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