Academic expectations
Learning styles can vary from culture to culture. At La Trobe, we offer assistance throughout your study and to help you to adjust to academic expectations in Australia.
Academic expectations
In Australia, universities expect you to learn in a certain manner and adjusting to this style can present a challenge for some students.
If you come from a culture which places great value on tradition and the knowledge of teachers, parents and ancestors then you might have to make some adjustments.
You might also find that assessment is different here; for example, you could be expected to do a number of written assignments, as opposed to oral exams. Your lecturers will expect you to ask questions and make judgments using your research as evidence.
To help you prepare for study in Australia, read the book Studying in Australia (B Ballard and J Clanchy, Longman Cheshire, Melbourne, 1988), consult the LAS (ESL) website or the Counselling Service homepage for handy hints.
Plagiarism
Plagiarism is using other people's ideas, either their exact words or a paraphrase, without telling the reader where the ideas come from. These ideas could be in books, journal articles, newspapers, the Internet, television, radio or in fact any spoken or written text.
Plagiarism is an issue in Australian universities because of the nature of the academic culture. Students are expected to be independent learners and read widely, and are rewarded if the lecturer can see evidence of wide reading. By referencing what you have written you are showing your lecturers you are a good student because you have read, understood and brought together the ideas of many scholars.
Unit, course, program
The terms "unit, course, program" are used differently around the world and can cause confusion. In Australia, "course" is the word we use to describe a degree course. It can be substituted for the word "program", and these two terms are often used interchangeably. Subject or "Unit" is the word we use to describe the study modules within a course - typically an undergraduate business course comprises 24 subjects over 3 years. In the United States, our "unit" would be called a "course", and our "course" would be called a "program".Lectures
Lectures usually present information and concepts that are central to the course. Material presented in lectures is often important to assignments and exams. To increase your understanding of the material it is important to review the lecture material, go over any supplementary reading within 24 hours and understand the material covered in lectures, not just memorise it.
Tutorials and seminars
Tutorials and seminars are like discussion groups led by an academic teacher, speaker, or a student who has researched a particular topic. The style can vary greatly between a structured format with learning aims being clear from the outset, or they can be more free-flowing giving students the opportunity to explore ideas. Tutorials and seminars are meant to be interactive, and are a great way to ask questions when you dont understand lecture material and assignments.
Contact hours
In engineering, science and technology, and health sciences units, class contact hours per week for lectures, tutorials and practical/ laboratory classes are quite high (usually 24 - 30 contact hours per week).
In arts, business and social sciences units, there are fewer formal classes (usually 12 contact hours per week) but you are required to spend more time on individual reading and research.
Assessment
Assessment varies from unit to unit and can include, minor and major assignments (including case studies and group assignments) class presentations and examinations. Specific information regarding individual unit assessment is available in the University Handbook.
Grading scheme
- A: 80 - 100%
- B: 70 - 79%
- C: 60 - 69%
- D: 50 - 59%
- N: Fail
Language and Academic Skills Unit
All students at La Trobe have access to academic skills assistance to help them with their university studies. Each faculty has it’s own academic advisors to assist students with course content issues, assignment preparation and exam preparation.
Students who use English as their second language (ESL) can receive additional assistance from the ESL unit.
