Studying on-campus

To studying full-time on-campus you will usually need to be enrolled in four courses per semester. Depending on the courses you are studying, you will attend a combination of lectures, tutorials and practical laboratory sessions.

Lectures

Generally, courses offer one or two lectures a week, each about one hour long. Not all on-campus courses will include lectures, so check the timetable. Lectures commence at 10 minutes past the hour and finish at 10 minutes to the hour. Plan to arrive on time, switch off your mobile phone and be prepared to take notes.

The lectures will provide you with specific content, develop your skills and advice about assessment. You should plan to attend even if the material is available in other forms. Use this time to meet the lecturer and to ask questions after the lecture if necessary.

Lectures may involve large numbers of students in large lecture theatres or small groups in teaching rooms. The lecturer will often use a variety of computer based audio-visual devices. Even if summary notes are available prior to the lecture via the USQStudyDesk, you should plan to take notes. 

In most cases, the lecturer delivers a prepared speech, which may include an expanded discussion of important topics, current topical examples and instructions on preparing for assessment items. It has become common practice for lecturers to initiate discussion and ask questions, in order to encourage students to be actively involved in the lecture.

Tutorials

In many courses there is also one tutorial each week, of one to two hours duration. In a tutorial, a small group of students gather with a teacher from the course (either the lecturer or a teaching assistant called a tutor) to review the material for that week in a much more personal and interactive way. Students can raise any problems with the tutor, and seek clarification of any confusing issues. The small classes often have group discussions, work through examples and attempt practice questions. Check to see if there is any work to be prepared prior to the tutorial. You will need to register to attend tutorials.

Practical laboratory sessions

Some courses, particularly those in science and engineering, also require students to attend practical laboratory sessions where hands-on activities such as experiments and use of specialist equipment are undertaken. You will need to register to attend practicals.

Timetables

Your timetable will list the lectures, tutorials, practicals and workshops you will need to attend for each course you are enrolled in.