Course coordinator
Gabriel Churchill
Course overview
- Study period
- , 2024 (14/10/2024 - 27/06/2025)
- Study level
- UQ College
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 3.2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- UQ College
This course focuses on enabling students to develop the academic English skills required for studying in a tertiary environment. Learners engage in activities designed to develop core academic English skills relating to writing, reading, listening, and oral presentation. As well as developing essential academic literacy and proficiency skills, the course aims to foster students' independent learning, critical thinking, and effective study habits in preparation for undergraduate studies at UQ.
Academic English develops a range of English language proficiencies as well as academic skills and literacies needed to participate confidently in university academic life including:
- Academic integrity; demonstrated as honesty, trust, fairness, respect, responsibility and courage in academic conduct
- Academic conventions; including paraphrasing, quoting, summarising, synthesis and referencing source information both in-text and as reference list entries
- Academic reading skills; to both source literature and to critically evaluate, analyse, annotate and synthesise its content
- Academic writing skills; to produce academic texts of various genres, including essay and report writing
- Academic listening and note-taking skills for a range of contexts
- Preparing and delivering spoken presentations, both individual and group-based
- Effective communication for a range of collaborative contexts including class discussions, and groupwork
- Independent learning and study habits; critical thinking, skills awareness, self-reflection, time management and appropriate help-seeking behaviours
Course requirements
Assumed background
The level at which this course is taught assumes past studies in English as an additional language and that students are located near the intersection of the B1 and B2 levels of proficiency as specified in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), a widely used international standard for describing language ability. Students have demonstrated this minimum proficiency level prior to the start of the course by achieving an overall band score of 5.5 with no sub-band below 5.0 on the IELTS Academic test or equivalent. No prior knowledge or experience in Pre-University English is required to undertake this course.
Course contact
Course staff
Course convenor
Miss Sian Morrison
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
Timetables will beﾠavailableﾠto students on Edval.
Please refer to theﾠQLD government website for Public holiday information
Aims and outcomes
- To develop and demonstrate academic skills and literacies required to successfully undertake undergraduate studies at UQ
- To develop and demonstrate academic English language proficiency to the level required for entry into undergraduate studies at UQ
- To build students’ confidence when participating in social learning occasions such as group discussions and oral presentations
- To build students’ abilities to engage in effective self-directed, independent learning
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Academic Writing
1.1 Write clear, well-structured texts, synthesising and evaluating information and arguments from a number of sources
1.2 Follow academic language and text format conventions
1.3 Attribute information from source texts via the appropriate use of in text citation and referencing conventions
1.4 Evaluate different ideas or solutions to a problem
1.5 Develop an argument systematically with appropriate highlighting of significant points and relevant supporting detail
LO2.
Oral Presentation
2.1 Give a clear, systematically developed presentation, with highlighting of significant points, and relevant supporting detail
2.2 Depart spontaneously from the prepared text to follow up points raised by members of the audience
2.3 Speak fluently, accurately, and effectively on a wide range of general and academic topics clearly marking the relationships between ideas
2.4 Communicate spontaneously with good grammatical control and appropriate use of a range of vocabulary
2.5 Correct slips and errors if the student becomes conscious of them or if they have led to misunderstandings
LO3.
Independent Learning and Study Habits
3.1 Work effectively with others in pursuit of common goals
3.2 Take responsibility for own learning and work autonomously towards goals
3.3 Make use of digital technologies to aid learning
3.4 Apply critical thinking approaches
3.5 Demonstrate an understanding of UQ ethics, particularly as they pertain to academic integrity
LO4.
Academic Reading
4.1 Read with a large degree of independence, adapting style and speed of reading to different texts and purposes, and using appropriate reference sources selectively
4.2 Have a broad active reading vocabulary
4.3 Scan quickly through several sources (articles, reports, websites, books etc.) and identify the relevance and usefulness of sections
4.4 Understand the writers particular stance or viewpoint in articles and reports
LO5.
Academic Listening
5.1 Follow the essentials of lectures, talks, reports and other forms of academic presentation
5.2 Use a variety of strategies to achieve comprehension, including listening for main points and checking comprehension by using contextual clues
5.3 Understand with some effort much of what is said in discussions
5.4 Understand texts likely to be encountered in social, professional, or academic life and identify speaker viewpoints and attitudes as well as the information content
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Portfolio | Academic Writing Portfolio | 20% |
Task 1 25/10/2024 10:00 pm Task 2 8/11/2024 10:00 pm Task 3 22/11/2024 10:00 pm Task 4 20/12/2024 10:00 pm |
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation | Annotated Bibliography | 10% |
31/01/2025 10:00 pm |
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation | Research Report | 20% |
7/03/2025 10:00 pm |
| Presentation | Individual Presentation | 10% |
10/03/2025 - 14/03/2025 |
| Presentation | Group Presentation | 10% |
5/05/2025 - 9/05/2025 |
| Examination |
Final Exam
|
30% |
Term 3 Exam Block |
Assessment details
Academic Writing Portfolio
- Mode
- Product/ Artefact/ Multimedia, Written
- Category
- Portfolio
- Weight
- 20%
- Due date
Task 1 25/10/2024 10:00 pm
Task 2 8/11/2024 10:00 pm
Task 3 22/11/2024 10:00 pm
Task 4 20/12/2024 10:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L03, L04
Task description
Students are required to demonstrate key foundational academic literacies and proficiencies in response to stimulus. Writing tasks require students to read source material (provided) and produce an academic response. Each response requires the targeted use of specific academic conventions, including paraphrasing, quoting, summarising and referencing skills. The final portfolio item is a short, research essay using familiar sources.
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
UQ College students can apply for an extension or deferral. Please refer to UQ College Assessment Extensions, Exam Deferrals and Late Penalty Policy and Procedure.
Late submission
Refer to UQ College Assessment Extensions, Exam Deferrals and Late Penalty Policy and Procedure.
Annotated Bibliography
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation
- Weight
- 10%
- Due date
31/01/2025 10:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L03, L04
Task description
This assignment introduces research skills and assesses the ability to critically evaluate literature for purpose. Research skills are required to locate relevant information before annotating both the source and its corresponding entry in the bibliography. Students evaluate their chosen sources in relation to currency, relevance, authority, accuracy, and purpose. This submission follows APA 7 formatting and referencing requirements.
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
UQ College students can apply for an extension or deferral. Please refer to UQ College Assessment Extensions, Exam Deferrals and Late Penalty Policy and Procedure.
Late submission
Refer to UQ College Assessment Extensions, Exam Deferrals and Late Penalty Policy and Procedure.
Research Report
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation
- Weight
- 20%
- Due date
7/03/2025 10:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L03, L04
Task description
This assignment further develops research and critical evaluation skills. It is a continuation from the previous Annotated Bibliography assessment. Students prepare a final report (approx. 1500 words) discussing the investigation of 2 research questions. The report concludes by noting research limitations and providing recommendations. This submission follows APA 7 formatting requirements.
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
UQ College students can apply for an extension or deferral. Please refer to UQ College Assessment Extensions, Exam Deferrals and Late Penalty Policy and Procedure.
Late submission
Refer to UQ College Assessment Extensions, Exam Deferrals and Late Penalty Policy and Procedure.
Individual Presentation
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance, Oral
- Category
- Presentation
- Weight
- 10%
- Due date
10/03/2025 - 14/03/2025
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04
Task description
This assignment concludes the research report focus of Term 2. Students summarise and present their research findings from their report to their peers through a short individual presentation (5 min). Presenters respond to questions raised by audience members. Presentations are accompanied by visual aids (e.g. slides) which follow APA 7 referencing requirements.
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
UQ College students can apply for an extension or deferral. Please refer to UQ College Assessment Extensions, Exam Deferrals and Late Penalty Policy and Procedure.
Late submission
Refer to UQ College Assessment Extensions, Exam Deferrals and Late Penalty Policy and Procedure.
Group Presentation
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance, Oral
- Category
- Presentation
- Weight
- 10%
- Due date
5/05/2025 - 9/05/2025
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04
Task description
Students prepare, deliver and reflect on a group presentation on the theme of reconciliation. The planning stage develops and assesses collaborative problem-solving, organisation and negotiation skills. The delivery stage assesses speaking proficiency, presentation skills, digital literacy skills and requires students to spontaneously respond to peer-questioning under assessment conditions. The final stage prompts students to critically reflect on their presentation and group skills.
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
UQ College students can apply for an extension or deferral. Please refer to UQ College Assessment Extensions, Exam Deferrals and Late Penalty Policy and Procedure.
Late submission
Refer to UQ College Assessment Extensions, Exam Deferrals and Late Penalty Policy and Procedure.
Final Exam
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 30%
- Due date
Term 3 Exam Block
- Other conditions
- Time limited.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L03, L04, L05
Task description
The final exam presents academic source material for the assessment of students’ listening, note-taking and summarising ability, as well as academic reading and writing skills. Thematic content for all assessment sections in the final exam is selected based on topics covered throughout the course. However, the specific source material selected for the exam will be unfamiliar to students.
The exam will be structured as follows:
Section A) Listening, note-taking and summarising – comprehension questions, notes completion, summary paragraph
Section B) Academic reading – multi-choice questions, short answer questions
Section C) Academic writing – essay writing, analytical writing
Exam details
| Planning time | 10 minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 120 minutes |
| Calculator options | No calculators permitted |
| Open/closed book | Closed Book examination - no written materials permitted |
| Exam platform | Paper based |
| Invigilation | Invigilated in person |
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
UQ College students can apply for an extension or deferral. Please refer to UQ College Assessment Extensions, Exam Deferrals and Late Penalty Policy and Procedure.
Late submission
Refer to UQ College Assessment Extensions, Exam Deferrals and Late Penalty Policy and Procedure.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Students are assessed on a 1-7 grading scale via rubrics produced for each assessment item. |
| 2 (Fail) |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Students are assessed on a 1-7 grading scale via rubrics produced for each assessment item. |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: Students are assessed on a 1-7 grading scale via rubrics produced for each assessment item. |
| 4 (Pass) |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Students are assessed on a 1-7 grading scale via rubrics produced for each assessment item. |
| 5 (Credit) |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Students are assessed on a 1-7 grading scale via rubrics produced for each assessment item. |
| 6 (Distinction) |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Students are assessed on a 1-7 grading scale via rubrics produced for each assessment item. |
| 7 (High Distinction) |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Students are assessed on a 1-7 grading scale via rubrics produced for each assessment item. |
Additional course grading information
Determining final grades:ﾠ
Allﾠassessment tasks in this course will be provided a grade out of 7. The final grades are determined by consideration of the weighting of individual assessment items, through the use of weighting formula and the profile of individual grades across accumulated assessment tasks.ﾠ
For example if a student receives the following grades:
- Assessment 1: Grade of 5 at 20% weighting
- Assessment 2: Grade of 4 at 10% weighting
- Assessment 3: Grade of 6 at 20% weighting
- Assessment 4: Grade of 5 at 10% weighting
- Assessment 5: Grade of 6 at 10% weighting
- Assessment 6:ﾠGrade of 5 at 30% weightingﾠ
The final grade for this student taking into account the weighting of each assessment would be:
(5 x 0.2) + (4 x 0.1) + (6 x 0.2) + (5 x 0.1) + (6 x 0.1) + (5 x 0.3) = 5.2ﾠ
The final grade would be rounded to the nearest whole number; in this case the grade would be 5
In the case where the final grade is 0.5 or above, the grade will be rounded up to the nearest whole number (e.g. 5.5 would become 6). In the case where the final grade is 0.49 or below, the grade will be rounded down to the nearest whole number (e.g. 6.49 would become 6).
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Additional assessment information
Artificial Intelligence (AI):
Assessment tasks evaluate students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT). Students are advised that the use of AI or MT technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Feedback on Assessmentﾠ
In addition to the mark awarded, feedback will be provided on all assessment tasks to enable students to apply the feedback to further tasks within the course or program. The form of feedback provided is appropriate to the task weighting, timing, and context, and with reference to criteria and standards.ﾠ
Appropriate conditions for group work and collaborationﾠ
Teachers usually aim for groups of 3-4 and provide preparation for group work activities (examples can include discussions, role-playing, and identifying strengths and weaknesses) to maximise students’ learning and performance.ﾠ
Assignment submissionﾠ
Unless advised otherwise,ﾠassignments are to be submitted electronically via Blackboard. Instructions for submission are in the Assessment folder in your course Blackboard site.ﾠﾠ
Calculator policyﾠ
If a calculator is permitted for use in an examination, the calculator must comply with the University of Queensland Calculator Scheme. Where calculators are permitted for use in the examination, students are advised to ensure that the calculator complies with the type nominated by the course coordinator. Unless the type is unrestricted, the calculator must be either a Casio FX82 seriesﾠcalculator, orﾠhave an 'approved label' attached which can be obtained from the Student Centre. Please refer to theﾠmy.UQﾠwebsiteﾠfor information on the use of calculators in examinations.ﾠ
Referencing styleﾠ
All relevant material MUST be correctly referenced using theﾠAPA 7th referencing style.ﾠ
Learning resources
You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
Library resources
Find the required and recommended resources for this course on the UQ Library website.
Additional learning resources information
Additional resources are also available via the Blackboard course website
Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Please select
| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Multiple weeks From Week 1 To Week 10 |
Workshop |
Foundational Literacies and Proficiencies Students practice key foundational academic literacies and proficiencies through in-class activities as well as self-study. Learning will be focused on the theme of Relationships. Students will specifically focus on collaboration in the workplace, at school, and on the sporting pitch. During weeks 1-10, students develop skills relating to academic integrity; reading for gist; skimming and scanning; paraphrasing, quoting and referencing; source integration; summary writing; and essay writing. Students will analyse and read 6 Portfolio Reading Sources in preparation for producing a series of academic responses for their Portfolio assessment. For specific details, please refer to Blackboard Learning Resources for weekly content. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Multiple weeks From Week 11 To Week 20 |
Workshop |
Academic Literacy and Proficiency Skills Development Students continue to develop their academic literacy and proficiency skills through the preparation of a research report. Learning will be focused on the theme of Global Issues. During weeks 11-20, students develop skills relating to research, academic reading, source annotation, bibliography writing, academic integrity, responding to feedback, report writing, and giving presentations. Through consultations with their teacher, students will propose, prepare, draft, write, and reflect on an academic research report. For specific details, please refer to Blackboard Learning Resources for weekly content. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Multiple weeks From Week 21 To Week 25 |
Workshop |
Critical Thinking, Teamwork, and Independent Learning Skills Students continue to develop their critical thinking, teamwork, and independent learning skills through preparing for a group presentation. Learning will be focused on the theme of Reconciliation. During weeks 21-25, students develop skills relating to collaboration, academic reading, synthesis, time-management, and giving group presentations. Time will be allocated for students to prepare, deliver, and reflect on their presentations. For specific details, please refer to Blackboard Learning Resources for weekly content. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Multiple weeks From Week 26 To Week 30 |
Workshop |
Review of Academic Skills Students continue to develop their academic literacies and proficiencies preparing for the final exam. Lessons will focus on reviewing the main themes of the Academic English Couse (Relationships, Global Issues, Reconciliation). During weeks 26-30, students fine-tune and review academic skills relating to reading, writing, listening, and critical thinking. Time will be allocated for students to reflect on their Academic English studies while preparing for their exams. For specific details, please refer to Blackboard Learning Resources for weekly content. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Additional learning activity information
Standard Foundation Program class contact - 6 hours per week
Tertiary Preparation Program class contact - 4 hours per week
Policies and procedures
University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments - Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.