How to Survive and Succeed in Science

1. SEMESTER 1, 2014 ORIENTATION FACULTY OF SCIENCE How to Survive and Succeed in Science

2. Science Orientation • Opportunity to meet people and staff • Learn about the Science Precinct • Learn about your new educational environment: • Teaching methods • What we expect of you • What you can expect from us • MOODLE • Help and support networks

3. Teaching methods Depending on the unit, your contact hours may consist of any of the following: • Lectures • Laboratory Classes • Tutorials • Computer labs • Workshops • Field Trips • Online Tools

4. Lectures, Laboratory Classes, Tutorials, Computer labs and Workshops • All start at 5 minutes past the hour, and finish 5 minutes before the hour. • eg. A 1pm lectures starts at 1:05pm, finishes at 1:55pm • Most lectures, tutorials and laboratory sessions will require you to bring things along so come prepared. eg. • Lecture notes (printed OR via your device) • Lab manual • Safety glasses / lab coat / covered shoes

5. Workload • For each unit you are enrolled in the average workload is: • 6 hours on campus + 6 hours off campus • 12 hours of work for each unit • Full time load = 4 units g 48 hours of work per week! • Plan to use your breaks between lectures • Plan to take time off away from study • Plan ahead for essays and exams

6. How to succeed • Attend lectures, tutorials, laboratory classes, etc. • Hand things in on time (-10% per day for late reports etc. without a special consideration form) • Ask for help before it is too late • Know how to use the computing facilities • Learn how to use the library • Set aside time to revise • Study as a group and by yourself

7. Examples of how every mark counts!

8. Feedback – it’s important! • Tutor and demonstrator comments, essay feedback and quiz results, etc., are there to help – read them and learn from them • Talk to your lecturers, tutors / demonstrators about how to improve your work • Actively engage in the learning process: • Get involved! • Form study groups • Join the online discussions

9. What you need to know to get ready for your first week • Familiarise yourself with MOODLE (Moodle demonstration as part of Optional Session Head Start in Science – Thursday 27 Feb, 10:00am, S3 ) • Study and administration tab on your my.monash portal • Unit guides – on Moodle – read them this week! • Unit coordinator • Lecturers, tutors & demonstrators • Timetable & class locations (Allocate+) • Textbooks/lab coats/safety glasses etc.(see unit guides, Campus Bookshop)

10. Monash Connect Administrative Services ID cards, fees, graduations, exams, scholarships, parking, transport concession, official letters and transcripts. International Student Support Visa advice, eCOE and residency changes. Financial Assistance Loans and Advice. Accommodation Services On and Off Campus Accommodation.

11. Have a question? • Search ask.monash for frequently asked questions 24/7 or submit an enquiry. • Access this through your my.monash portal: https://my.monash.edu.au/askmonash/ • Call on 1800 666 274 (9am - 5pm Mon to Fri) • Visit Monash Connect on your campus http://www.monash.edu.au/connect/

12. Other sources of assistance • Student Life & Support Services http://www.monash.edu.au/students/support • Counselling & Mental Health • Mindfulness, SMART and other support programs • Campus Health Service • Disability Liaison Unit (DLU) • Library & Learning Skills http://monash.edu/library/skills/resources/index.html • Employment and Career Development http://www.monash.edu.au/careers/

13. Do you have a disability, medical or mental health condition that impacts on your study? The Disability Liaison Unit (DLU) provides a range of services for registered students including: • Notetakers and Auslan interpreters • Readings in alternative formats • Adaptive equipment and software • Alternative arrangements for exams For further information and details about how to register: Email: dlu@monash.edu Phone: (03) 9905 5704 Web: www.monash.edu/equity-diversity/disability

14. Student Academic Services Staff can help you with: • Enrolment and re-enrolment • Course advice and unit selection • Credit for previous learning • Admissions (direct/transfers) • Intermission • Special Consideration and deferred final assessment forms • Advice regarding Allocate+ issues • Study abroad and complementary study • Academic progress advice

15. Faculty of Science Student Academic Services Office Location: Building 19 Room G26 Monday 9.00am - 4.00pm Tuesday 11.00am - 4.00pm Wednesday 9.00am - 4.00pm Thursday 9.00am - 4.00pm Friday 9.00am - 4.00pm Email Enquiries: sci-enquiries@monash.edu (you must use your Monash email address and include your Monash ID) Phone: 9905 4604 Students in double degrees will also need to seek course advice from their other faculty.

16. Need a map? Then get the App • The Monash University App is your guide to campus maps, timetables and much more • Easy to access information directly from your smartphone or other mobile device Available from the following app stores

17. Welcome to yourmy.monash portal

18. my.monash homepage

19. What is the my.monash portal? • It is one of your primary information and communication resources. • You can use the portal to: • Access your student email account • View important dates • Get notices about actions you need to take and details of upcoming events in the student lifecycle • See your class timetable and units • Link to services such as WES and Moodle • Read student news • Access your Google calendar and the booking system • And much more…

20. Important dates • Important dates will display dates relevant to you based on your: • Faculty: double degree students will see dates for both faculties • Course level: Undergraduate, Postgraduate coursework or Postgraduate research • Study mode: On-campus or Off-campus • Next and previous buttons will allow you to view future and past dates.

21. And more…. • See your printer balance and buy print credit. • Access Library resources and see details of the items you have on loan. • Give us your feedback by responding to the Polls we put in the portal from time to time. • Search the Monash web and staff directory. • Take the my.monash portal tour to see everything the portal has to offer.

22. Study and administration tab

23. Finding Moodle? Once enrolled, links to your units in Moodle will appear here. You can also go directly to Moodle using this link.

24. What is Moodle? • Moodle is the platform where you connect with each unit you are enrolled in. • Unit Guides • Lecture Slides/Tutorial Material • Laboratory Related Material • Contact Information • Discussion Forums • Gradebook • Submit assignments and complete online quizzes (not all units)

25. Example of a Moodle Unit Site

26. ‘Need Help?’ page Presentation title

27. Timetable - How Allocate+ works • Thursday 20 February - Preference entry mode closes - You should have entered your preferred class activity times for your Semester 1 units by this date. • System sort Allocate+ closes and sorts all entries, to assign activity times. The aim is to give as many students as possible a clash free timetable, which may not necessarily result in you getting your higher preferences. • Tuesday 25 February - Allocation adjustment mode opens – At this time you can click on the My Allocations tab to see your timetable. You can also check for clashes and/or make changes only if room is available in the class you want. You can also add activities for unallocated units, i.e. if you amend your units after 20 February. Note: Semester 1 enrolled units cannot be added or changed on WES after Friday 14 March

28. Allocate+ problems • Lecture Clashes? If two or more of your lectures clash, the faculty’s advice is that you either change your units or accept the clash and obtain the online notes of missed lectures (if available) or from friends. Course advisers at the Faculty office are happy to go over your unit choices with you and assist with making necessary changes. If you accept a clash then you must take responsibility for this and know that it is not grounds for any special consideration. • Clashes with other commitments such as work? Your studies must take first priority and work commitments are not considered a suitable reason to push you into a class that is full. • HELP with Allocate+ Check the ask.monash FAQ’s before sending a online help request to an Allocate+ administrator: http://monash.edu/timetables/allocate/fix-problems.html

29. Important dates • 14 March–Last day to add or change Semester 1 on-campus units. • 31 March – CENSUS DATE - Last day to discontinue Semester 1 units without incurring fees or without reference on your academic record. • 5 May - Last day to discontinue Semester 1 units with 'Withdrawn' showing on your academic record. Semester 1 units discontinued after this date will show as a ‘fail‘. • Labour day – Mon 10 Marchis NOT a University Holiday. • Mid semester break is from Friday 18 April to Friday 25 April. • Semester 1 examination timetables can be accessed via WES from28 April • At the end of semester you will have a “SWOT VAC” period of one week and then exams are scheduled over three weeks.

30. Special consideration guidelines You can make a request for special consideration if you are unable to meet assessment deadlines due to issues such as ill health, family emergencies etc. • For during-semester issues that impact your studies: • complete an in-semester special consideration form and submit, together with supporting documentation (e.g.. medical certificate) to your Unit coordinator(s) within 48 hours

31. Special consideration guidelines • For end-of semester final examor other final assessment tasks: - complete a deferred final assessment special consideration form and submit, together with supporting documentation, to Student Academic Services - Faculty of Science OR your Student Services office in your course managing faculty if in a double degree. http://www.monash.edu.au/exams/special-consideration.html Forms available to be downloaded online or from the Faculty Student Academic Services Office

32. Elite athlete support program • This structured program operates on all Australian Campuses and assists you to undertake higher education while continuing to train and participate in sport at an elite level. • The program can assist you in many ways including: • helping you balance your academic, sporting, personal and social commitments • giving you access to training facilities • developing your leadership and life skills • Supporting you with access to a network of helpful contacts • Elite Athletes can apply for special consideration on the basis of sporting commitments, however they must provide supporting documentation for all applications and must still follow regular application guidelines. http://monash.edu/sport/about/athlete-support.html

33. Unpaid Fees : If you do not pay your fees (e.g.: Student Amenities and Services Fee (SSAF), Unit fees (if not deferring to HECS-HELP/SA-HELP), Library fines and so on, you will lose access to: • The ‘my.monash’ portal • Moodle • The library catalogue and databases • The web via the Monash system Even after you’ve paid these, there may be a delay of up to 4 working days to restore your access…

34. Still need more advice/help from someone that isn’t ancient and grey? MASS 3 (BSc Adv. Research, Global Challenges & BSc Science Scholar’s) Chemistry Honours & Miscellaneous Postgraduate students

35. Important Safety Rules to follow whilst on campus Follow directional signage to safe pedestrian walkways. Avoid taking shortcuts across garden beds or uneven surfaces that are potential tripping hazards. Do not enter construction sites Fencing and signs have been placed around the construction sites for the safety of students and staff. These highlight which areas have been designated for use by the construction workers only. No unauthorised students or staff member will be allowed into these areas.

36. EMERGENCY PROCEDURES • Evacuation • Alert tone (Beep, Beep) - Prepare to evacuate • Evacuate tone (Whooping) - Evacuate the building • Leave via nearest safe exit ( as directed by wardens) • Walk - Do not run • Do not use a lift • Emergency Contact • Ext. 333 Security • From a mobile: 9905 3333

37. Do One Thing This year Monash University are encouraging staff and students to do just one thing to contribute to environmental sustainability on campus. Whether you choose to ride a bike to campus one day per week, use a reusable coffee cup for a month, or try to reduce your energy use for the year, it’s completely up to you. So, what will your one thing be for 2014? facebook.com/monashgreen

38. How to make the most out of Orientation Don’t disappear, your life on campus is just beginning… • There are plenty of activities at all campuses so keep coming back and make the most of Orientation at Monash • Get to know your campus by taking a tour, wandering about and checking out the facilities • Ask questions, start conversations, get settled and involved • The more you put in, the more you will get out in the short and long term.

39. WHAT HAPPENS AFTER THIS: FREE LUNCH on the Chemistry Lawn Hosted by the Faculty of Science and student societies AFTER LUNCH 2:00 – 3:00pm - Discover the Science Precinct Race (registration closed, however we have room for a few last minute walkups – meet on the Hump Lawn near the BBQ’s) MSA Festival – all week Find out more about Clubs and Societies at Monash OPTIONAL - THURSDAY 27 FEBRUARY – Blg 25/S3 (you can still sign up on the OrientaionePlanner) 10:00am - Head start in Science 11:00am - Peer support