How does uni work in Australia? subjects, GPA, semesters, terminology & degree structure

Summary

In this video, the presenter explains the structure of university life, covering subjects, study periods, and essential terminology. They compare university to school, highlighting differences like the semester system, course codes, and subject prerequisites. The video also delves into the flexibility of various degrees, from structured programs like physiotherapy and medicine to more flexible ones like arts and science. Grading scales, including GPA, and the importance of maintaining a strong academic record are also discussed. The presenter emphasizes the value of understanding these concepts early to navigate university life effectively.

Takeaways

• 😀 University is structured differently from school, with subjects usually taken in semesters or trimesters rather than terms.
• 😀 At university, you typically study four subjects per semester, and subjects are related or build on each other over time.
• 😀 Electives allow students to choose subjects outside of their primary degree focus, giving more flexibility in their study.
• 😀 University subjects are labeled by year level (e.g., 100-level for first-year, 200-level for second-year), and some subjects have prerequisites and co-requisites.
• 😀 Some degrees, like physiotherapy and medicine, are highly structured with little room for elective choices, whereas degrees like Arts and Science are much more flexible.
• 😀 Majors and minors allow students to specialize in a field. A major typically involves eight subjects, while a minor requires only four subjects.
• 😀 A GPA (Grade Point Average) is used to assess academic performance at university, with a scale from 7 (highest) to 1 (lowest). A GPA is important for internships and graduate job applications.
• 😀 Students may have the option to take subjects in the summer or across multiple trimesters to spread out their workload and balance work and study.
• 😀 To maintain eligibility for student benefits like Centrelink, students must meet a minimum study load, typically completing at least three subjects per semester.
• 😀 Some degrees are structured with core subjects that all students must complete, while others offer more freedom to choose electives or focus areas.
• 😀 Understanding terms like majors, minors, electives, and GPA early can help students navigate university life and plan their academic paths effectively.

Q & A

How many subjects do you typically take per semester at university?

At university, you usually take four subjects per semester. This is different from high school, where you study five or six subjects throughout the year.

What are electives in a university course?

Electives are optional subjects that you can choose outside of your major or core areas of study. For example, if you're studying business, you might choose an elective in philosophy or literature.

What is the difference between a prerequisite and a co-requisite?

A **prerequisite** is a subject you must complete before taking a more advanced one. A **co-requisite** is a subject that you need to study alongside another, such as a placement subject alongside a theory-based class.

How is a university subject typically labeled or coded?

University subjects are often labeled with a course code. The first part of the code, usually consisting of letters, indicates the subject area (e.g., 'BUS' for business), and the number indicates the year of study. For example, a '1' at the start of the number means it's a first-year subject.

What are the differences between majors and minors in university?

A **major** is a specialization in a field of study, typically requiring eight subjects to complete. A **minor** is a less in-depth specialization, requiring about four subjects, and you may not take as many advanced-level subjects in a minor as you would in a major.

What does GPA stand for, and why is it important?

GPA stands for **Grade Point Average**, and it is a numerical representation of your academic performance. It is important because employers may use it to assess your academic success, especially when applying for internships or graduate programs.

What is the grading scale at most universities?

At most universities, grades are given on a scale from **7** (highest) to **1** (lowest), with a **4** being a passing grade. This scale is used to assess your overall performance in subjects.

How do study periods work at university?

Universities generally follow a semester system with two major study periods each year: **Semester 1** and **Semester 2**. Some universities also offer a **trimester** system, which includes three study periods, allowing more flexibility.

What is the difference between a structured and flexible degree?

A **structured degree** has a fixed set of courses and subjects that you must complete, such as in **medicine** or **nursing**. A **flexible degree**, like those in **arts** or **science**, allows you to choose from a wider range of subjects and specialize in one or more areas through majors and minors.

What is the role of special consideration in university?

Special consideration allows students to adjust their study or assessment deadlines due to personal issues, such as illness or family emergencies. It can help prevent a drop in grades if you face extenuating circumstances during the semester.