New student FAQs
Please refer to the Student Administration frequently asked questions (FAQs) for more questions about enrolment, assessment, fees and scholarships.
What is a bachelor degree?
An undergraduate program, which usually takes three or four years of full-time study to complete.
What is a course?
A subject within a program such as Biological Chemistry or Marketing Theory and Practice, which is normally one semester long. The standard enrolment for a full-time student is four courses per semester. The standard part-time enrolment is two courses per semester.
What is a course outline?
A course outline is a document containing important information about a particular course. Students may access their course outlines on Blackboard from Orientation week. Course outlines include the following important information:
- course description
- course schedule
- learning outcomes
- learning/assessment tasks
- due dates for assessments
- assessment criteria
- assessment submission procedures
- prescribed texts and recommended readings
- grades of assessment
- your responsibilities as a student
What is the difference between a lecture and a tutorial?
A lecture occurs when a member of the academic staff presents themes and concepts to students, relating to a particular course. Generally students attend one lecture per course per week.
A tutorial is normally a forum for discussion and consolidation of the themes and concepts introduced in a lecture, and in many cases gives students a chance to practically apply course content.
Are lectures and tutorials compulsory?
Attendance at lectures and tutorials is expected. Some courses offer credit for participation and your course outline will specify this. You are strongly urged to attend both lectures and tutorials if you wish to succeed in your course.
How do I know which tutorial group I am in?
Information regarding your tutorial group and location are available on Blackboard.
What is a required course?
A required course is one which you must complete successfully in order to complete your program (eg BUS101 is a required course for the Bachelor of Business).
What is an elective?
An elective is a discretionary course of your choice (check program structure for applicable rules).
How do I know which textbooks I will need?
The course outline available on Blackboard, will list the textbooks you need. You can purchase textbooks from the Co-op Bookshop on campus.
Where do I get my class timetable?
Your class timetable is available through USCCentral. Should you need assistance with USCCentral, please contact Student Administration.
Where do I get my exam timetable?
Your exam timetable is available through USCCentral. Please refer to Examination Information for additional information on your exam timetable and the examination process. Should you need assistance with USCCentral, please contact Student Administration.
How do I contact my lecturer or tutor?
Check your course outlines for locations and consultation times of your Course Coordinator. You will be informed of the name and contact details of your Lecturer and Tutor in your first lecture.
What happens if I fail a course?
The Assessment: Courses and Coursework Programs Policy sets out standards for satisfactory academic performance. You are strongly encouraged to read this policy as it explains your responsibility with regard to your academic progression.
How do I find out what's happening on campus?
The Student Bulletin is available on the USC Portal each fortnight, located under the Student Central tab. You can also check the 'Campus Life and Student Groups' section of the USC Portal under the Welcome tab. All Students also receive an email titled "What's on @ USC?" direct to their USC email address the first Monday of each month so remember to check your student email account regularly.
How do I join a student group?
Go to the USC Portal and look for the 'Campus Life and Student Groups' section under the Welcome tab, then just click on the link. If you have any queries about student groups or you wish to start a new student group please contact the Student Engagement Officer.
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