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Academic transition

Study at university is very different to school. University study demands that you be an independent learner. It also relies on good time management skills and the ability to balance study, work and play. During orientation and semester one you will be introduced to the new academic teaching and learning practices that are unique to pharmacy and pharmaceutical science.

Laboratory and practical work helps students develop skills in critical-thinking, experimental design, data analysis, and professional abilities.

Common issues in academic transition

Terminology

You will find that there are lots of unfamiliar words to get used to at university in relation to your units (subjects) and course. For example words such as faculty, department, semester, tutorial, prerequisites, required reading and MUSO may be relatively new words. You will also discover that universities use lots of acronyms!

Teaching and learning styles

Most students coming from Year 12 will find the teaching style unfamiliar, and the study and assessment tasks can be dramatically different. You will encounter lectures for the first time, and also participate in labs and tutorials that may be quite different to those at school.

Independence

You will be expected to become a much more independent and self-reliant learner. Lecturers and tutors will not chase you up if you don't attend or submit assessment.

Academic transition resources

  • Monash has many glossaries to help you find your way through first year. There is a glossary of terminology, a glossary of acronyms, and a glossary of library terminology.
  • Become familiar with the Library home page. The library also runs tours during orientation and semester one.
  • Attendance at all classes is vital. The faculty has Lectopia, an automated lecture capture and delivery system, however this should be used to enhance your learning, by providing teaching content clarification and assisting with revision. Surveys show that attendance is one of the most important indicators of success at university.
  • Make the most of Learning Skills classes and assistance available through the Learning Skills Advisor in the CL Butchers Library. The Learning Skills Adviser can assist you with improving your academic language and approaches to learning, including academic English, study methods and exam preparation, effective listening and note-taking, problem-solving and critical thinking, reading strategies, essay, report writing, oral communication and presentation.
  • The Learning Skills Advisor will also be running academic orientation sessions during orientation on topics such as time management and lecture note-taking.
  • Be prepared for what to expect in lectures and tutorials and make sure you learn the important skill of lecture note-taking.
  • Utilise the First Year Study Drop-in Centre. From week 2 – week 11 of semester one you will be able to drop into the centre to study with your friends and seek assistance from an experienced tutor, as well as several later year student mentors.
  • If you are having any problems with your study, make sure you talk to or email your tutor, lecturer, or year level coordinator early and ask for assistance. Staff contact details can be found in the unit outline in MUSO (Blackboard) or on the staff contact pages.
  • Form a study group with your mentor group and other friends. Discussing unit content and assessment with others is a great way to learn.