Subject Descriptions

SECTION LINKS

Foundation Studies

Academic English
Covers a wide range of reading, writing, speaking and listening English skills as required for university level study. These include skills in reading comprehension; researching and referencing; note taking, summarising and paraphrasing; academic writing and participation in presentations and formal discussions. Appropriate study techniques and time management methods for academic success are also taught.

Australian Studies
Offers students an understanding of some of the defining features of Australian society - the wildlife, physical environment, indigenous population and political and education systems. It introduces topics that are currently discussed by Australian and reinforces skills that are essential for successful tertiary study in Australia.

Biology
Provides an introduction to topics such as cell biology; plant anatomy and reproduction; and human anatomy and physiology. Emphasis is placed on the understanding of biological processes and evolutionary trends. Contains a large practical component introducing correct microscope technique, scientific drawing and general laboratory procedures.

Chemistry
Provides students with a strong foundation in the concepts of chemistry. Topics covered include chemical reactions and equations, the structure of materials, gases, corrosion, acid and bases. Contains a practical component introducing the use of glassware, spectroscopy and safety in the laboratory.

Computing and Research
Covers practical skills in applied computing including databases, presentations, spreadsheets, word processing, www and search engines. Students undertake a research project in their area of proposed university study and make a presentation towards the end of the course.

Legal Studies
Provides an introduction to the legal system in Australia by covering core topics - how laws are made, criminal law, civil law, and the rights and responsibilities of drivers, consumers and tenants. Elective topics of contract law, technology and the law, and sport and the law are available.

Management
Aims to investigate the nature of management, including the roles and skills of managers, the responsibility of stakeholders, and the importance of effective management. Management is studied and investigated as a process of co-ordinating a range of resources, whether in the form of money, people or equipment, to achieve an organisation's goals.

Marketing
Provides students with a comprehensive grounding in the roles of markets and marketing in the business environment. Understanding the modern, globally competitive business environment is a key component of the marketing course. Students investigate ways in which businesses survive and thrive in these new markets. The factors affecting consumer choices are investigated with a view to understanding the marketing techniques used by companies, on both a small and large scale.

Mathematics
Aims to provide students with competence in the fundamental mathematical skills required for university level studies. Commences with revision of basic mathematical concepts - sets, properties of real numbers, indices, logarithms, surds and basic algebraic methods. Subsequent work includes elements of trigonometry, simple function study, basic calculus, and introductory probability and statistics.

Physics
Provides an introduction to physics, including a knowledge and understanding of Newtonian mechanics, electromagnetism, wave motion and of modern and nuclear physics. It is broadly aligned with the syllabus material covered in the Senior Secondary Physics 5C course and is designed to enable students to succeed at the tertiary level. This course is particularly useful to students contemplating taking a degree in Medical Research, Pharmacy, Engineering or Science at university.

Psychology
Introduces students to some key theories and concepts in psychology, develops skills in writing in a scientific discipline, and raises awareness of the role of scientific method of enquiry in psychology. Lectures will cover topics such as research methods, the brain, memory, intelligence, stress and coping, and social psychology.

Please note that students will need to purchase textbooks for use during the course. A booklist will be made available at the beginning of the program.
Please also note that a subject may not be run if there are insufficient numbers to form a class.