Academic Terms Explained
Study programs and courses
- Program
- The degree/diploma in which a student is enrolled.
- Course
- A study unit or subject which forms part of a degree. Four courses per semester is a full-time study load.
- Undergraduate (Bachelor's) Degree
- The first degree a student undertakes, usually a Bachelor's degree, e.g, Bachelor of Arts (BA).
- Undergraduate
- A student studying for his/her first degree, e.g, Bachelor of Science (BSc), or diploma or certificate.
- Honours/Honours Degree
- An amount of academic work, normally at least 10CP, for which a grade is awarded, in honours degree programs which are offered as an additional full-time year of study (or equivalent) following the completion of a Bachelor's degree.
- Postgraduate Degree
- A higher degree, often a Masters degree (e.g, Master of Arts or MA) or PhD (Doctor of Philosophy).
- Masters Degree
- A program of at least two semesters full-time designed to enhance specific professional or vocational skills and equip graduates with in-depth understanding in a specific area of knowledge, e.g., Master of Science (MSc).
- Research higher degree
- A program at Masters or Doctoral level in which more than 66 per cent of the work is research rather than coursework.
- Doctorate/Doctoral Degree
- A program of three or more years, which requires the student to make a substantial, original contribution to knowledge through research and/or advanced critical reflection on professional theory and practice. Also called a PhD.
- Postgraduate
- A graduate who has completed an undergraduate degree and is undertaking a higher degree, e.g., Master of Science (MSc), Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).
- Credit Points (CP)
- Credit points refer to the value of a course (subject). Most courses are equivalent to 10CP.
- Lecture
- A presentation by academic staff to a large group of students. Usually about one hour's duration, students are expected to take notes, although sometimes these are available online. Lectures are usually delivered on campus and occasionally by video link.
- Tutorial
- A small group discussion, led by a tutor, which covers course content in more detail and provides opportunities for students to ask questions.
- Full-Time Study
- A full-time student is enrolled in courses totalling at least 75 per cent (normally 40CP) of a standard full-time academic load.
- Part-Time Study
- A part-time student is enrolled in less than 75 per cent (usually 20CP) of a standard full-time academic load.
- Online Study
- Internet-based study delivered online by Learning@Griffith. Entry is via a student portal which provides access to information on the study program, courses, assessment, forums or chat groups.
- Distance Study
- Study that is conducted by external students off-campus. They may access course material online or receive printed material in the mail.
- Practicum
- A practical learning session that may take place off-campus, e.g., in a hospital, school or laboratory.
- Field Trips
- Off-campus learning activities.
- Work/Industry Placement
- A component of a program in which students work with industry on specific projects.
Academic staff
- Faculty
- An academic unit of the university, comprising one or more schools.
- Dean
- A faculty's Chief Executive with overall responsibility for academic and general management.
- Head of School
- A senior member of faculty staff who manages a school's teaching and research activities.
- Program Convenor
- An academic staff member responsible for the overall management of a program.
- Course Convenor
- An academic staff member responsible for the management, conduct, teaching and assessment of a course.
- First Year Advisor
- Teaching staff who act as liaison persons for first year students.
- Emeritus Professor
- A title conferred for distinguished service. Often awarded to academic staff who have served five years at the level of professor, on their retirement or resignation.
Online jargon
- Learning@Griffith
- Our online teaching and learning environment. It supports the development, management, and delivery of web based learning.
- User ID
- The name used to identify yourself to a computer service or online system.
- Password
- A series or letters or symbols used to log into a computer system or program.
- Discussion Forum
- A group of people who exchange messages about common interests. These can take the form of bulletin boards, online forums and email lists.
- Chat Group
- An interactive online group discussion about a specific topic.
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