Current Students The Learning Centre Short Courses and Workshops Postgraduate by Coursework Orientation

Postgraduate by Coursework Orientation

Orientation Planning for Postgraduate Coursework Students

To get off to a good start it helps to know the right orientation events and short courses to attend.

Click on the drop-down that best describes your background to see our recommendations.

The full list of events and their details are given below.

Recommended

  • College Postgraduate Welcome (if applicable)
  • Endnote Introduction

Useful

  • Making a Start: an academic orientation for postgraduate coursework students

Student Discretion

  • Getting the most from your reading*
  • Academic writing*
  • Maths Refresher *
  • Basic Statistics*
  • Library Workshops*

Recommended

  • JCU 101 part 2 (IT Essentials and Learn JCU)*
  • College Postgraduate Welcome (if applicable)
  • Endnote Introduction

Useful

  • Making a Start: an academic orientation for postgraduate coursework students
  • JCU 101 part 1 (Student Essentials)

Student Discretion

  • Getting the most from your reading*
  • Academic writing*
  • Maths Refresher*
  • Basic Statistics*
  • Library Workshops*

Recommended

  • JCU 101 part 1 (Student Essentials)*
  • JCU 101 part 2 (IT Essentials and Learn JCU)*
  • College Postgraduate Welcome (if applicable)
  • Making a Start: an academic orientation for postgraduate coursework students
  • Endnote Introduction self-guide

Useful

  • Mature Age Student Panel
  • Keys to success 1*
  • Keys to success 2*
  • Getting the most from your reading *
  • Academic writing*
  • Library Workshops*

Student Discretion

  • Maths Refresher
  • Basic Statistics*

Recommended

  • International Orientation
  • JCU 101 part 2 (IT Essentials and Learn JCU)*
  • Keys to success 2*
  • College Postgraduate Welcome (if applicable)
  • Making a Start: an academic orientation for postgraduate coursework students
  • Getting the most from your reading*
  • Academic writing *
  • Study Well in Australia*

Useful

  • JCU 101 part 1 (Student Essentials)*
  • Keys to success 1*
  • Library Workshops*
  • Endnote Introduction

Student Discretion

  • Maths Refresher*
  • Basic Statistics*

Many sessions are offered on campus, however online resources are available that cover most of the orientation activities.

Follow the links to explore the online items that are of interest to you.

UniStart Program - JCU 101 part 1 (Student Essentials)*

JCU 101 Recording: https://www.jcu.edu.au/getready4uni/orientation-week

Link: https://www.jcu.edu.au/students and   https://www.jcu.edu.au/students/student-life/jcu-contact-index
Description: Introduction to online portals, important dates, planning your time, timetables, ID cards. Wellbeing and support services available to students

UniStart Program - JCU 101 part 2 (IT Essentials and Learn JCU)*

Link:  https://www.jcu.edu.au/information-and-communications-technology/help-and-support/student-it-essentials and https://www.jcu.edu.au/students/learning-centre/learning-online and https://www.jcu.edu.au/learn
Description: IT services, including Office365.  LearnJCU - the online teaching and learning space for your subjects; using JCU computers/printers/email/WIFI and accessing free software.

Study Well in Australia

Link:  https://www.jcu.edu.au/students/support/english-as-an-additional-language and  https://www.jcu.edu.au/students/learning-centre/develop-your-english

Description: A guide to undertaking tertiary education in Australia to support students for whom English is an Additional Language (EAL), as well as international students in general.  Help you develop your academic English vocabulary and critical reading skills

Keys to Success 1*

Recording: https://www.jcu.edu.au/getready4uni/orientation-week

Link:  Managing your time efficiently and Weekly & Semester planners at https://www.jcu.edu.au/students/learning-centre/getting-started
Description: Planning your study: study planners,time management, note-taking, planning assignments

Keys to Success 2*

Link:  https://libguides.jcu.edu.au/referencing/referencing-resources
Description: Learn the basics of referencing and how to avoid plagiarism

Making a start: an academic orientation for postgraduate coursework students

Links: Postgraduate by Coursework Orientation – online modules https://www.jcu.edu.au/students/learning-centre/short-courses-and-workshops  (scroll to Self-Study Workshops)
Description: Learn what is expected academically at a postgraduate level. Topics include academic writing, academic integrity, critical thinking, writing tips, deciphering subject outlines, task sheets and assessment rubrics, help with data analysis, and useful statistics resources.

Getting the Most from your Readings Workshop

Links: Workshop presentation slides here: https://www.jcu.edu.au/students/learning-centre/short-courses-and-workshops
Description: Read more effectively and interact critically and creatively with information you have read. Bring along your subject readings.

Academic Writing Workshop

Link: Workshop presentation slides here:  https://www.jcu.edu.au/students/learning-centre/short-courses-and-workshops (scroll to Online Webinar Recordings)

PLUS https://libguides.jcu.edu.au/writing

Description: Address the skills needed to research and write various academic texts such as essays, reports and annotated bibliographies.

Maths Refresher Workshop

Link: Self guided maths refresher: Download Maths Refresher Modules, Workbooks and presentations here: https://www.jcu.edu.au/students/learning-centre/downloads
Description: Refresh basic maths skills; for students who have not completed senior maths or who are returning to maths as adults and intending to study courses where maths and statistics are required

Basic Statistics Workshop

Link: View self-help resources under the Basic Statistics tab here: https://www.jcu.edu.au/students/learning-centre/maths-and-statistics
Description: Revise basic statistical concepts such as descriptive statistics  (normal distributions, means, standard deviations), presenting data, interpreting hypothesis tests and  learning how statistics fits within the research process

Endnote Introduction self-guide

Link: View EndNote tutorials here: https://libguides.jcu.edu.au/endnote-channel
Description: Introduction to the EndNote programme. Covers the basics of: setting up a library; importing references from databases; using EndNote with Word; using EndNote to coordinate your research

Endnote Advanced Workshop

Link: View EndNote tutorials here: https://libguides.jcu.edu.au/endnote/introduction
Description: For intermediate and experienced users: advanced organisation; creating smart groups and combining groups; systematic review; advanced formatting; customising; using EndNote Online; syncing and sharing libraries

*part of the undergraduate orientation program but postgraduates welcome

UniStart Program*

UniStart is a free, two-day course designed to reduce anxiety levels and allow for a smooth transition into university life. Experienced students and staff will guide you through wide range of topics and provide additional advice and tips not covered outside of O Week.

Topics include:
Challenges and Expectations
Types of classes and subject outlines
Top Tips for Success
IT Essentials
Important Dates and Timetables
Financial Obligations
Introduction to LearnJCU – your online learning environment
Study Skills
Referencing Bootcamp
Balancing Life and Uni
Career Advice for First Year Students
Where to go for help!

When: Wednesday 16 Feb, 9.00am-12noon and Thursday 17 Feb, 9.00am-1.45pm.

Register:
Cairns, Nguma-bada campus, UniStart
Townsville, Bebegu Yumba campus, UniStart

Keys to Academic Success Online*

This online workshop is a repeat of the Keys to Academic Success session run during O Week. You do not need to attend the online session if you have already attended UniStart on campus. In part one our Learning Advisors will show you how to create a study plan, draw on three simple steps for assessment success. Then tune in for part two and build some serious research muscle, as well as undertake a Referencing Bootcamp with our Library staff.

When: Thursday 24th February
Part One: 6pm-7pm
Part Two: 7pm-8pm  
Register: Go to Shortcourses and Workshops at The Learning Centre

Academic Writing Workshop*

Part 1  Unpacking task question and searching library databases
Time: Wednesday 16th February : 1pm - 2pm, repeat session online Friday 18th February at 6pm - 7pm

Part 2  Taking notes and planning for writing
Time: Tuesday 8th March : 1pm - 2pm, repeat online session at 7pm - 8pm

Part 3  Integrating evidence, editing and referencing
Time: Thursday 10th March : 1pm - 2pm, repeat online session at 7pm - 8pm

Online: Go to Shortcourses and Workshops at The Learning Centre
Description: Three-part webinar series addresses skills for researching and writing various academic texts such as essays, reports and annotated bibliographies.

Maths Refresher Workshop*

Online Introductory Session : Wednesday 16th February 6pm -7pm
Workshop Sessions On Campus and Online :  Saturday 19th February 9am to 2pm.
Online: Go to Shortcourses and Workshops at The Learning Centre
Description: Refresh basic maths skills; for students who have not completed senior maths or who are returning to maths as adults and intending to study courses where maths and statistics are required.

Basic Statistics Workshop*

When: Introductory online session: Thursday 17th February 6pm -7pm
Then: work through the online modules at your own pace.
Online: Go to Shortcourses and Workshops at The Learning Centre
Description: Revise basic statistical concepts such as descriptive statistics  (normal distributions, means, standard deviations), presenting data, interpreting hypothesis tests and  learning how statistics fits within the research process

Library workshops*

When and Where: View this link for all session times and registration - https://www.jcu.edu.au/library/training,-guides-and-workshops