We try to avoid using jargon and too many acronyms on our website and printed materials, but we know it does happen. We provide a guide below to some top offenders. The ALC Handbook provides comprehensive information for students learning with ALC; including a glossary of frequently used terms and acronyms.
Bachelor degree
Awarded to a student once they have successfully completed an undergraduate program. Bachelor degrees usually take three years of full-time study.
Blended learning
Learning methods that combine e‑learning with other forms of flexible learning and more traditional forms of learning such as face to face classes.
Course
Course refers to the entire program of studies required to complete a university degree. Some courses have compulsory, or core, units designed to give a basic understanding of the field of study.
Credit points
ALC assigns a credit point value to each unit of study. Credit points reflect a common measure of load in courses. The total number of credit points completed assists ALC to calculate course completion and determine satisfactory progress. A standard full-time undergraduate load usually consists of 120 points in one calendar year (60 points each semester).
Discipline
A discipline is a particular area of study within a field of study
Field
An area of academic interest or specialisation
Flexible learning
Flexible learning expands choice on what, when, where and how people learn. It supports different styles of learning, including e-learning.
Level
ALC uses three levels of study in undergraduate studies, two levels for postgraduate study. In Undergraduate study, Level 1 units introduce you to the subject area. They provide theory on which to base future study and develop your study skills; Level 2 units require more specialised study including independent research; while Level 3 units challenge you with advanced topics, and typically involve a culmination of study. At postgraduate level, units are coursework degree or research degree units.
Postgraduate
A person who has already completed a university degree or diploma and is studying at university level for a higher qualification.
Undergraduate
A student who is undertaking their first qualification at university level.
Unit
A learning unit within the curriculum deals systematically with a particular subject or discipline for a given period of time.
Vocational education and training (VET)
VET is post-compulsory education and training, excluding degree and higher level programs delivered by higher education institutions, which provides people with occupational or work-related knowledge and skills.
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