Academic information

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This section aims to provide essential information about the general academic system and assist you in preparing for your studies.

Unit Guide

The Unit Guide contains comprehensive information about a unit, such as lecturer contact information, learning outcomes, assessment details, learning resources, and the schedule of teaching/learning activities. It is an important source of information; therefore, please read it thoroughly before starting your trimester.

Throughout the duration of the unit, make sure to utilise the Unit Guide as your primary resource and refer to it for any questions or uncertainties. A digital version of the unit guide will be accessible on the E-learning system one week before each class’s commencement.

We highly recommend saving a copy of the Unit Guide to your personal devices for future reference and ease of use.

Textbooks and Learning Materials

You can find the prescribed textbook(s) for each unit in the unit guide. In most cases, a soft copy of the prescribed textbook(s) is also available on the KFO E-learning system. It is your responsibility to obtain the prescribed textbooks for each unit and ensure that you have a copy by the first day of class.

If you prefer to have a printed copy of the textbook, you can purchase it at the bookstore or print out the soft copy by yourself.

Additionally, lecturers may upload other learning materials directly to the KFO E-learning system, or you can find the recommended reading materials in the Unit Guide and access them in the E-library.

Assessment Tasks

Forms of assessments can include quizzes, written assignments, oral presentations, and examinations. Assessments are academic tasks that you must submit to your lecturers or tutors to demonstrate your understanding and engagement with the unit. To produce high-quality assignments, you should:

– Familiarise yourself with the unit guide, learning objectives, important dates, and recommended readings.
– Thoroughly read the set readings and recommended references.
– Pay close attention to the knowledge delivered in class.
– Set reminders and alarms to avoid missing deadlines.
– Write in an academic style and adhere to appropriate formatting and citation guidelines.
– Manage your time efficiently to allocate sufficient effort to each assignment.
– Ensure to avoid plagiarism by properly citing and referencing all sources used in your work.

Assignment Cover Sheet and Peer Evaluation Forms

All assignments, whether individual or group-based, must be submitted with an Assignment Cover Sheet. For group assignments, an additional requirement is to submit a Student Evaluation of Group Member form. Both of these forms can be accessed in the Student Forms section at MyISB. Please make sure to include these forms along with your assignment submission as per the guidelines provided by the institution.

Lectures/Tutorials

Lectures will examine specific topics, focusing on critical issues and the practical application of the content. They are not simply a regurgitation of the textbook material but also provide testable information that might not be covered in the book.

Completing the required readings before accessing lecture resources on the KFO E-learning system and any provided soft copies will enhance your ability to engage with the materials. If, for any reason, you cannot complete the required readings in a particular week, be sure to reference the resources and catch up on your readings as soon as possible, as this information is testable and crucial for your learning.

If you encounter difficulty understanding a lecturer’s accent or find someone speaking too quickly, be patient, and as you get used to the language, things will become easier. Don’t hesitate to ask your lecturers to speak slowly if needed.
Tutorials that follow the lectures offer students the opportunity to apply and share knowledge through various in-class activities, both individually and in groups. These activities, including exercises, discussions, and presentations, focus on demonstrating your skills and help you achieve the learning outcomes for each unit.

Tutorial questions/exercises will be provided in class. Before attending each lecture and tutorial, you are expected to complete specific readings and exercises from the textbooks and other required materials. Adequate preparation is essential to reap the full benefits of these learning opportunities.