preparing to succeed university preparation program (upp) · upp information booklet 2018_version...

2018 Information B

ooklet

University P

reparation Program

(UP

P)

Preparing

to Succeed

UTA

S.E

DU

.AU

/CO

LLEG

E/U

PP

CRICOS CODE: 00586B

CRICOS Code: 00586B

UPP Information Booklet Contents Important Contact Details: ............................................................................................ 2

What is UPP? ............................................................................................................... 3

When is the UPP run? .................................................................................................. 3

How does the course work? ......................................................................................... 4

What can I study?......................................................................................................... 6

2018 Unit Schedules .................................................................................................. 10

UPP Orientation Day .................................................................................................. 12

FAQs .......................................................................................................................... 13

Key dates ................................................................................................................... 15

How do I enrol? .......................................................................................................... 16

UPP Information Booklet 2018_Version May 2018 2

Important Contact Details: Pre-degree Programs Office (for help with applying for UPP & enrolling in units) Launceston Office (for Launceston and Cradle Coast enquiries) (03) 6324 3391 [email protected] Locked Bag 1354 LAUNCESTON 7250 Hobart Office (03) 6226 1045 [email protected] Private Bag 97 HOBART 7001 Distance students, please contact your nearest Pre-degree Programs Academic Administration office.

General Enquiries for when you have started studying in UPP University College Office (for all students) (03) 6226 5740 [email protected] Private Bag 70 HOBART 7001

mailto:[email protected]




What is UPP? The University Preparation Program (UPP) is an enabling or preparation course. It is designed for

people who want to attend university, but feel they may not have the skills or confidence to do so. It

is also a pathway to meet University of Tasmania General Entry Requirements.

People who typically enrol in UPP may be mature age students, students who did not complete year

11 or 12 (or did so a long time ago), students whose first language is not English or students already

enrolled in a degree who find they are struggling because of a lack of background skills and

knowledge.

UPP is a bridging course – this means that it will help you:

learn how to learn

improve your communication skills, in both writing and speaking

extend your problem solving skills

fill in gaps in your background, especially in mathematics, essay writing, and using computers

and other technology

generally develop personal confidence in your ability to succeed at tertiary study

gain an overall understanding of university life and culture

The UPP consists of eight units – a combination of core and elective units.

Successfully completing the full UPP qualifies students for General Entry into the University of

Tasmania. However, students who complete fewer units may also apply for admission and will be

considered on a case-by-case basis, depending on other supporting evidence.

When is the UPP run? Units are offered over two periods (semesters) of approximately 13 weeks each year. Studying 3 or 4

units in a semester is a full-time study load. Studying 1 or 2 units in a semester is considered part-

time study.

Course Dates:

Semester 1 26 February – 2 June 2018 (Please enrol before 12 Feb 2018) Semester 2 16 July – 19 October 2018 (Please enrol before 2 July 2018)


How does the course work?

The University Preparation Program has a total of eleven separate units (or subjects), comprising six

core units, and five elective unit options (of which you will select two). UPP units cover essential

skills and knowledge that you will need to perform successfully at first-year university level. To

complete the whole UPP you need to complete eight units (up to four each semester). Units are

available in Hobart (Sandy Bay campus), Burnie (Cradle Coast campus) and Launceston (Newnham

campus) and also via distance.

There are two different modes of study available – on-campus or off-campus (distance). You can

choose the mode of study that best suits your circumstances including studying a combination of on-

campus and off-campus units, if that is what works best for you. Where possible, however, we

recommend that you study on-campus.

On-campus mode means the unit has weekly classes in which there is a formal teaching and

learning program and attendance is required.

Off-campus mode is where you study online but also have the option of attending weekly

Supported Studies sessions held on campus to supplement your learning. There will be

opportunities in some units to interact via the internet and you may be required to participate

in online tutorials. Studying by distance, you do your work in your own space and in your own

time.

Units are offered each semester, however not all units are offered in each region each semester.

Please choose your units by looking at the schedules pages to see what is offered on the different

campuses each semester.


Pre-requisites

There are no admission criteria for enrolling in UPP, however all units have pre-requisite reading and

writing standards as follows:

Proficiency in English reading and writing skills equivalent to Reading Level 3.05 and Writing

Level 3.05 on the Australian Core Skills Framework as per the UTAS Pre-degree Framework.

Students may be asked to complete a skills assessment if they are below required standards.

This means an average Year 10 standard, which includes being able to write sentences clearly, with

minimal spelling and grammatical errors, and being able to read and comprehend general written

material such as books and articles. Students are also expected to be able to speak and understand

conversational English and be able to complete basic numerical operations and comprehend

numerical information.

If you are not sure whether your skills are sufficient, please discuss the requirements with your

UPP Student Coordinator to help you decide if UPP is the right choice for you.

Certain units have additional pre-requisites – these are noted in the unit descriptions. It is important

that you only enrol in a unit if you meet the pre-requisite requirements.

UPP Information Sessions

Before the start of each semester we hold UPP information sessions for new and potential students.

They are held on the Cradle Coast, Launceston and Sandy Bay campuses, and will provide you with an

understanding of what is involved in the UPP and what you’ll need to consider in order to be a

successful student.

Attendance is strongly recommended in order for you to discuss your needs with a UPP Student

Coordinator and ask any questions you have.

You can register for a session here: http://www.utas.edu.au/college/upp-info-sessions You can record details of your UPP information session here: Date: ____________________________________ Time: ____________________________________ Location: ____________________________________

http://www.utas.edu.au/college/upp-info-sessions


What can I study?

Not all units are offered in all modes and locations each semester. Please check the schedules pages to

see what is being offered where and when.

To meet the University of Tasmania’s General Entry Requirements you must take 6 core units and 2

elective units.

CORE UNITS

6 units in total

(for all UPP students)

UPP001 Supported Studies 1 (1st sem)

UPP002 Supported Studies 2* (2nd sem)

UPP010 Learning at University

UPP025 Intro to Academic Writing

UPP045 Research & Information Skills

UPP085 Academic Numeracy

OR UPP075 Bridging Maths

Up to 4 in a

semester including

Supported Studies

ELECTIVES

2 units in total

(your choice)

UPP026 Academic Writing*

UPP035 Communication Skills

UPP055 Using Technology


OR UPP075 Bridging Maths

XAB080 Experiencing Science*^

Up to 2 in a

semester

*Pre/Co-requisites

are required

^Discuss with UPP

Student Coordinator


CORE UNITS

There are six core units in UPP. These are the units that all students completing the full UPP must

complete.

Supported Studies

There are two Supported Studies units that you will undertake during your studies in UPP. These core

units provide weekly sessions and online resources that support you in your studies and help you to

develop your independent learning skills. You must take Supported Studies 1 in your first semester

study and Supported Studies 2 in your second semester of study. Distance students are encouraged

to attend the on campus sessions where possible.

Supported Studies 1 (UPP001):

This unit has been developed to support you through your first semester of study in UPP and

to assist you in developing the independent learning skills required to succeed at university. A

range of resources are available on MyLO and a dedicated tutor will be available to provide

guidance, support and answer queries. This unit is taken in your first semester of study in UPP.

Supported Studies 2 (UPP002):

This unit follows on from Supported Studies 1, which you take in the first semester of your

UPP studies. The same support mechanisms are available to you and you will continue to

develop your independent learning skills. This unit is taken after UPP001, in your second

semester of study in UPP.

Learning at University (UPP010):

Students will learn how to participate in key aspects of university life and study (tutorials,

lectures, group work), manage multiple study and assessment requirements, develop a

learning style appropriate to university-level study and gain the self-confidence needed

to succeed.

This unit is studied in your first semester unless other arrangements have been made with

your UPP Student Coordinator.


Introduction to Academic Writing (UPP025):

This unit will develop your ability to write successfully in a university environment, giving

you skills and strategies to communicate clearly and efficiently in an academic essay. These

skills include analysing tasks, developing critical thinking skills, structuring academic writing

and using referencing standards. This introduction will provide you with a foundation in

essay writing that will enable you to then embark on the unit UPP026 (Academic Writing).

Research and Information Skills (UPP045):

This unit will introduce students to essential methods of research at university. Students will

learn to identify and retrieve a wide variety of scholarly sources and to critique and evaluate

different types of information for quality and reliability in academic contexts. Through its

focus on essential information and research skills, UPP045 aims to provide students with a

strong foundation for their future studies across many academic disciplines.

Academic Numeracy (UPP085):

This unit is designed for students intending to study degrees with no formal mathematical

requirements. It will provide you with the knowledge and confidence to understand and use

the numeracy skills required for academic work. These include interpreting and analysing

published data, graphs, tables and other numerical summaries. Topics will include relevant

aspects of numeracy, algebra and critical reasoning skills for analysing arguments involving

numbers. This unit can also be used as preparation for UPP075.

ELECTIVE UNITS

There are a total of six elective units offered in UPP, from which you select two units.

Academic Writing (UPP026):

This unit aims to prepare you for success at university by further developing the academic

writing skills that you have learnt so far in UPP units. Students will have the skills to analyse

and reflect on their own work and continue to develop expertise in writing as they progress

further with their studies.

Pre-requisite for this unit is UPP025. Good computer skills are essential for this unit.


Communication Skills (UPP035):

The unit will provide students with the interpersonal communication skills necessary to

participate effectively in a university environment. Topics include communication theory;

basic interpersonal skills, principles of group dynamics; conflict resolution and negotiation

skills; critical thinking; and reasoned argument.

Using Technology (UPP055):

An introductory course for beginners or near beginners covering basic computer skills,

including: email, internet, online learning basics, word processing, spreadsheets,

presentation applications and using the internet for university level research.

Bridging Maths (UPP075):

This unit is designed for students intending to study degrees which assume a Year 10

standard of mathematics or are preparing to study maths at a higher level. It aims to

develop numeracy, algebra, graphing, descriptive statistics and problem solving skills.

Applications to a variety of academic disciplines will be presented including Economics,

Science and the Humanities. Please note that Bridging Maths is the harder of the two UPP

maths units.

Bridging Maths can be taken as a core unit (in place of UPP085) for students who already

have the required maths skills, or taken as an elective unit after completion of UPP085 for

students who need both units.

Please contact your UPP Student Coordinator to discuss the best option for you.

Experiencing Science (XAB080):

This unit covers the essential core concepts in three major strands of Science: Biological

Sciences, Chemistry and Physics. Through lectures, lab work and writing workshops,

students will also develop practical lab skills and report writing skills necessary at

introductory level study in science.

Please note that students wishing to undertake Experiencing Science must also complete

Bridging Maths (either before Experiencing Science, or concurrently).


2018 Unit Schedules

Sandy Bay (Hobart)

UNITS Semester 1 Semester 2

On Campus

Distance/ Flexible

On

Campus Distance/ Flexible

UPP001 Supported Studies 1



UPP025 Introduction to Academic Writing

UPP026 Academic Writing


UPP045 Research and Information Skills



UPP075 Bridging Maths

XAB080 Experiencing Science

Newnham (Launceston)


On Campus

Distance/ Flexible

On








UPP045 Research and Information Skills






Cradle Coast (Burnie)


On Campus Distance/ Flexible

On








UPP045 Information Skills






UPP Orientation Day

All new students are required to attend a one-day UPP Orientation held during Orientation Week

(the week before classes begin).

The purpose of the UPP Orientation is to:

sort out administrative details such as enrolments, ID, online access

familiarise you with university surroundings and services

establish some initial basics about learning and study skills

providing specific information for some units (especially technology requirements)

find out about where and how to get textbooks

introduce you to the online learning system used at UTAS (MyLO – My Learning Online)

meet staff

make connections with other students

Details regarding the time and date of these sessions will be sent to you closer to the start of

semester.

2018 Orientation Weeks Semester 1 19 – 23 February, 2018 Semester 2 9 – 13 July, 2018


FAQs

How much will it cost?

Please note: The Commonwealth has proposed changes to the funding structure of enabling course

places and full details are not yet available. Anyone who applies for the program will be advised by

the University of the implications once full details are available.

The following will give you an idea of your costs per semester:

Personal spending on items such as paper, copying, postage – around $75.00 per semester.

Text books. How many books you require and what they will cost will depend on the units

you study and whether you are able to obtain second-hand copies. You will receive

information about text books after you accept your offer. Text book and unit reader sales are

handled by the University Coop Bookshop and UniPrint.

Youth Allowance, AUSTUDY or ABSTUDY is available to eligible students who are accepted into this

course.

Do I need access to a computer and internet access? If so, what kind?

Yes. All units will deliver resources online. If you are studying by distance you may also be required to

participate in online discussions or web tutorials (webinars). Some units also require online

participation as part of the learning process regardless of whether you are studying by distance or

not.

If you do not have access to this technology in your home or workplace you may use computer and

internet resources available at UTAS campuses. Alternatively, you can explore what is available in

your local area, including at LINCs (libraries). Information about whether or not your system is

suitable for use at UTAS is available on the MyLO website: www.utas.edu.au/mylo/student-support.

http://www.utas.edu.au/mylo/student-support


Do I get any credit for this course into a degree?

No. UPP is an enabling course only. You will receive results for the UPP units you undertake and

these will be recorded on your academic transcript. You will also receive a certificate at the end of

the year listing all units you have successfully completed. You can use your UPP results as supporting

evidence in an application for a degree course or in other evidence such as a resume, however, these

results will not count towards, or give you credit in, any degree program at UTAS or other tertiary

institutions.

Please note that there are credit arrangements between UPP and the Diploma of University Studies,

meaning that students transferring from UPP may be eligible for credit for some foundation level

units.

Since 2013 UPP units can also count towards the Tasmanian Certificate of Education. For more

information go to: www.tasc.tas.gov.au.

How much time will it take?

Completing the course is the equivalent to one year of full time study (4 units per semester). UPP can

be spread out over a longer period if you study part time. You should expect to spend approximately

30-40 hours per week studying if you are enrolled full time (or approximately 10 hours per unit per

week). For attending students this would include time spent in class, time spent reading and time

spent completing assignments. For distance students this would include time spent reading or

watching/listening to course materials, online tasks such as discussion groups or web tutorials and

time spent completing assignments.

How will I be assessed?

There will be regular assignments for each unit and a final examination in UPP010 Study Skills. Your

tutor will mark, comment on and return all of your assignments and provide ongoing support and

encouragement throughout the course. You are encouraged to maintain close contact with your tutor

for each unit. We aim to maintain a two-week turnaround of assignments so that progress can be

carefully monitored and help given if necessary.

What support can I get?

Our goal is to support you in a friendly and encouraging environment so that you can do your best.

Staff will provide support wherever they can and if they are unable to help, will advise you about

other support available at UTAS, including disability support services, counselling and study advice.

http://www.tasc.tas.gov.au/


What will I gain?

By the end of the course you will have:

developed the necessary learning skills so that you can undertake your chosen university

course with confidence;

adjusted your lifestyle to cope with the demands of tertiary study;

grasped the basic language and mathematical concepts and skills necessary for tertiary study;

acquired some knowledge of specific objectives, methods and levels in the academic areas

you have attempted;

learnt about university culture and the way universities operate; and

a certificate indicating the units you have successfully completed.

Key dates

2018

Semester 1 enrolments due Monday 12 February

Semester 1 orientation week Monday 19 – Friday 23 February

Semester 1 starts Monday 26 February

Easter break Thursday 29 March – Wednesday 4 April

Semester 1 ends Friday 1 June

Semester 1 study/examination period Monday 4 June – Tuesday 26 June

Semester 2 enrolments due Monday 2 July

Semester 2 orientation week Monday 9 July – Friday 13 July

Semester 2 starts Monday 16 July

Mid-semester break Monday 4 September – Friday 8 September

Semester 2 ends Friday 19 October

Semester 2 study/examination period Monday 22 October – Tuesday 13 November


How do I enrol?

Step 1

Find out about the course. Read this Information Booklet and the course information in the Course

and Unit Handbook at utas.edu.au/courses/university-college/courses/e0d-university-preparation-

program.

All new students should attend a UPP information session, which will help you ensure you make the

best choices for your particular circumstances and that you complete the enrolment process

correctly. For session details and to register, visit askus.utas.edu.au/app/answers/detail/a_id/2283.

Step 2

Complete an application for the course online at utas.edu.au/admissions. Refer to the following

pages for detailed instructions on how to complete an application for UPP.

Step 3

Once your application has been processed, you will be notified when you are made an offer. You will

then need to accept your offer online in eApplication.

Step 4

Once you have accepted your offer, you will receive a Student ID number, login information and a

UTAS email address. You will also be sent information about enrolling in your units online through

eStudent, the UPP Orientation day, and other important details for commencing the course.

http://www.utas.edu.au/courses/university-college/courses/e0d-university-preparation-program

http://www.utas.edu.au/courses/university-college/courses/e0d-university-preparation-program

http://askus.utas.edu.au/app/answers/detail/a_id/2283

http://www.utas.edu.au/admissions


How to complete an online application for UPP

1. Go to the University of Tasmania Admissions page: www.utas.edu.au/admissions

2. Click on the “Undergraduate Applicants” box.

3. Click on the red box “Apply now for 2018”.

4. Note that there is also additional information and instructions for completing a Personal

Competency Statement through the Other Information and Documentation Guidelines links

in the menu on the left of the screen.

5. Click on New Applicants to start an application (note that if you have previously submitted an

application for the current year, you must select Existing Applicants). If you have studied previously at the University, ensure you enter your student ID number when prompted.

6. In Course Selection, click Add Preference and then search for the University Preparation Program as below. Once the results appear, click on your desired course offering.

http://www.utas.edu.au/admissions


7. Then click OK at the bottom of the screen to add this course to your preferences.

8. If you wish to add other course preferences, click Add Preference again and search for your

chosen course. Please note that higher level (bachelor) courses must be above UPP in your

preference list in order to be assessed. To rearrange the order of your preferences, use the up

and down arrows in your preference list.

9. Once you are happy with your list of course preferences, click Next Step to continue with your

application.

10. It is recommended that you provide a Personal Competency Statement with your application

when prompted, particularly if you are applying for additional courses. Complete the

statement to the best of your ability, using the hints provided.

11. You may save your application and return at any time up until you submit.

12. Once complete, review your application and read the Declaration, then press Submit.

preparing to succeed university preparation program (upp) · upp information booklet 2018_version...

Documents