Style Guidelines for Editing Program Finder Entries

Contents

• Program Outline
• Related Programs
• Admission Information
• Selection Criteria
• Areas of Specialisation
• Indicative Study Plan
• Career Opportunities
• Graduate Attributes
• Professional Accreditation
• Useful Links
• Program Rules
• Meta Data

Program Outline

The Program Outline should be a succinct summary of the program and its content. You should briefly introduce the disciplinary area (particularly important for Undergraduate programs), give an overview of the program structure, usually level-by-level (including theoretical and practical work), and explain the skills and knowledge students will gain from studying this program. Sometimes it is best to formulate this section last to ensure that information you have entered in more specific sections of the program entry is not duplicated.

While ProgramFinder should provide a definitive online repository of public program information, it is also a marketing tool for selling the benefits of the University and its programs. Remember to use active sentence structure, and a positive tone. Please also keep in mind the importance of using plain language, so that students who do not have a pre-existing knowledge of University and/or specialist terminology, or whose first language is not English, are able to easily understand the program description. Where technical terms must be used to explain a concept, try linking to the Glossary to supplement your descriptions.

Example 1 - Bachelor of Agriculture

This program provides training and practical experience in all aspects of agriculture including agricultural applications, marketing, financial management and business studies. The world class facilities at Roseworthy are utilised to provide students with practical experience in a range of farming enterprises.

First year includes a number of basic sciences (biology and chemistry) in addition to more applied courses including soils and perspectives on modern agriculture. In subsequent years these studies are supplemented by courses allied to crop and pasture agronomy, livestock science, agricultural production and engineering, and business management courses relating to agricultural industries. The third year enables students to elect courses in various areas of specialisation.

An important part of the program is the development of practical and managerial skills required to operate a farm. This experience is gained in the main enterprises which comprise the campus farm, dairy, piggery, sheep, feedmill and cropping. Periods of practical work must also be completed during vacations, on campus farms and/or commercial properties.

Example 2 - Diploma in Wine Marketing

The Diploma in Wine Marketing is a career-oriented program, developed with industry assistance to meet the need for wine marketers. It provides the wine industry with employees who not only have a detailed knowledge of wine, but can bridge the gap between winemaker and buyer. The program has a marketing base in which the concepts of marketing are analysed and related to the wine industry.

Marketing courses give insight into the ways in which a marketer can influence the outcome of buying decisions by examining aspects such as:

• consumer behaviour in relation to wine purchases
• market research and the collection and interpretation of data
• communication in terms of advertising
• promotion and public relations
• strategic planning for effective and efficient operations.

A business component provides students with foundations in accounting, finance, economics and commercial law functions relevant to both small and large organisations. Students also gain knowledge and experience of wine through the study of viticulture and oenology.

The Diploma is essentially the first two years of the Bachelor of Wine Marketing program, and articulates* into that program.

*'articulation' would be a good candidate for the glossary!

Example 3 - Graduate Diploma in Applied Statistics

The Graduate Diploma in Applied Statistics is a qualification that provides students from a variety of other disciplines with a firm theoretical and practical basis for the statistical aspects of their subsequent employment or research. The diploma is available to graduates from other areas who have some mathematics and a knowledge of Statistics at first or second year University level.

The diploma primarily consists of Statistics courses offered at Level II or III, with some scope for including courses from the Level III Applied Mathematics and Statistics courses offered at Masters level. There is also a major project through which students gain experience in all aspects of the statistical consulting process, including experiment and survey design, data collection, interaction with research workers, analysis of data and presentation of results.

Example 4 - Masters of Signal & Information Processing

The Masters of Signal & Information Processing (MSIP) is aimed at honours graduates (or equivalent) from disciplines including electrical and electronic engineering, mathematics, physics and computer science. This challenging Masters by coursework program focuses on telecommunications and signal processing and assumes a strong background in maths and/or engineering and/or physical sciences.

The program is designed to give students important skills in key areas of signal processing, such as mobile communications, signal analysis, multisensor data fusion, linear systems, adaptive signal processing and image analysis. Some courses such as Detection, Estimation and Classification, and Signal Synthesis and Analysis are highly mathematical in theory, whereas courses such as Satellite Communications and Mobile Communications have a more practical emphasis. Courses such as Adaptive Signal Processing and Beamforming and Array Processing have a strong engineering emphasis.

The online nature of this international recognised program also means that students living anywhere in the world are able to enrol.

For more tips on online writing style, please refer to the University's Webguide.

Related Programs

This is where you enter related programs that have an entry in Program Finder, such as bachelor degrees that must be done before graduate degrees, postgraduate degrees related to bachelor degrees, graduate certificates/diplomas/masters with related certificates/diplomas/masters (i.e. articulated programs, where each qualification builds on the last), or even just programs with closely tied content (e.g. Bachelors of Viticulture and Bachelors of Oenology). If there is more than one related program, please present them as a bulleted list.

Example 1 - Bachelor of Science (Viticulture)

This program is the entry point for both the Viticulture and Oenology programs, which share a common first and second year. Therefore, the B. Oenology would be linked to the Bachelor of Science (Viticulture) as a Related Program. Format as follows:

Bachelor of Oenology

Example 2 - Le Cordon Bleu Professional Certificate in Gastronomy

Depending on the stages completed of the Program, students may be awarded one of a series of qualifications. Students who successfully complete the course Principles of Gastronomy are eligible for the award of Professional Certificate and take up to six courses to reach the level of Master. Therefore, the other graduate programs would be considered Related Programs. Format as follows:

• Graduate Certificate in Gastronomy
• Graduate Diploma in Gastronomy
• Masters of Arts (Gastronomy)

Admission Information

All Admission information is now handled by the Admissions Office (UG & PGCW Domestic students), International Office (All International Students) and the Graduate Centre (PG Research Domestic Students). Please contact the appropriate office if you feel the information in the admissions section is incorrect.

Areas of Specialisation

Example 1 - Bachelor of Teaching/Bachelor of Arts double degree program

With Arts being such a broad area, there are many Areas of Specialisation. Only three specialisations are listed here to exemplify.

Anthropology

Anthropology is the study of humanity in its total variety, and reflects on the diversity of human existence from new and challenging vantages. Anthropology is an all-encompassing discipline and it imposes no restrictions in terms of time, space or the aspect of humankind that is analysed.

Classical Studies

Classical Studies deals with aspects of the archaeology, history, art, thought, society and politics of classical civilisation through the study of Ancient Greek and Roman texts and artefacts. Many students complement their enrolment in classical studies with study of the classical languages, Latin and Ancient Greek.

Economics

A knowledge of economics is important because economic processes play a central role in society. An understanding of economics assists students in other social sciences such as politics, history and geography, as well as in professional disciplines, including law.

etc...

Example 2 - Master of Mathematical Science

The MMathSc allows students to choose a specialisation in Applied Mathematics, Mathematical Physics, Pure Mathematics or Statistics through their choice of courses. In this instance, filling out the Areas of Specialisation field may be as simple as just bullet listing the areas and then listing the courses in the indicative study Plan, or if specialisations are mentioned in the Program Outline, it may be appropriate to skip Areas of Specialisation altogether.

• Applied Mathematics
• Mathematical Physics
• Pure Mathematics
• Statistics

Indicative Study Plans

The Indicative Study Plan is probably the most difficult section to complete given the wide range of options for course selection across programs. Structured Bachelor's degrees may have a listing of all courses sectioned into Levels, Semesters and Core/Elective course divisions. Less structured undergraduate degrees may show a few core courses for each level in combination with the weighting of subjects studied in a stream. Postgraduate programs are more difficult, particularly postgraduate research programs which consist of minimal or no coursework, with the major part of the theoretical work consisting of a research project or dissertation, etc.

When you edit this section, a table appears by default. It can be edited to fit and suit your content, but can also be deleted if a table layout is not appropriate for the program.

Course codes are not shown in ProgramFinder, and unit values are not specifically necessary, as this detailed information is available on CourseFinder and in the Calendar.

Remember: ProgramFinder is a marketing tool as well as a source of information, and the Indicative Study Plan is only designed to provide a snapshot of the program structure and content.

Undergraduate and postgraduate examples are outlined below.

Example 1 - Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical)

This example shows a structured program with courses indicated at each level, without the electives specifically listed.

Example 2 - Bachelor of Commerce (Corporate Finance)

This example shows a program with Core and Elective courses, divided by Level and Semester, with links to the CourseFinder and Electives listed at the end.

Example 3 - Graduate Diploma in Clinical Dentistry

For further detail about the program and courses, please see the Dentistry website.

Example 4 - Master of Laws

Master of Laws students must satisfactorily complete 24 units of coursework from the following list:

LAW 7024 Comparative Law (PG)

LAW 7034 Comparative Anti-discrimination Law (PG)

LAW 7035 Travel & Tourism Law (PG)

LAW 7038 Law of Debtor & Creditor (PG)

LAW 7040 International Environmental Law (PG)

LAW 7043 Corporate Governance & Securities Regulation: International & Comparative
Perspectives (PG)

LAW 7055 Comparative Corporate Rescue Law (PG)

LAW 7056 Competition Law: Comparative Perspectives (PG)

LAW 7057 Corporate Governance (PG)

LAW 7059 European Union Law (PG)

LAW 7061 Globalisation and the Legal Regulation of Work (PG)

LAW 7062 Global Issues in Intellectual Property Law (PG)

LAW 7063 Government Business and Regulation (PG)

LAW 7065 International Commercial Arbitration (PG)

LAW 7066 Private International Law

LAW 7067 International Criminal Law (PG)

LAW 7068 International Energy Law (PG)

LAW 7069 International Law (PG)

LAW 7070 International Trade Law (PG)

All courses are worth 3 units unless indicated.

Example 5 - Doctor of Education

The core component of the structured program includes:

two research methodology courses from those offered for the Master of Educational Studies degree, or

where appropriate, one research methodology course and one other relevant course from those offered for the Master of Educational Studies degree.

Career Opportunities

This section should build on the Careers meta data, which appears underneath 'Career Opportunities' as 'Potential careers'. The Career Opportunities section should include information about prospects for employment locally and elsewhere and any relevant industries.

Note that if career opportunities are similar for a group of related programs, the information should go in the base or parent program and the other programs can link to the base program information to avoid duplication.

Example 1 - Bachelor of Commerce

A broad program example that discusses career prospects by specialisation.

Commerce graduates have the foundation skills and knowledge for a career in private business firms operating in the financial, manufacturing, retail and service sectors of the economy or in government.

Students who specialise in accounting may join the accounting profession in all areas of commerce and industry. Admission to CPA Australia or the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia requires the completion of an accredited degree, practical experience and courses of study organised by the professional accounting associations. A Bachelor of Commerce is recognised as a fully accredited degree by both professional bodies. Career prospects lie in such specialised fields as taxation, auditing, management accounting, computerised accounting and finance.

Specialising in corporate finance may lead to employment with trading and merchant banks, investment firms, consulting firms or private and public corporations, including government regulatory authorities. There are openings for graduates in treasury and risk management, stockbroking, fund and portfolio management, international trade and derivatives trading and pricing.

Graduates who have specialised in marketing or management have the foundations for a career in these specialist areas of management, and may later move into a general management career.

Example 2 - Master of Music (Performance and Pedagogy)

A specific postgraduate example.

Graduates commence dual careers as piano performers in one or more specialist branches such as solo performance, chamber music or accompaniment and secondly as piano teachers able to function successfully in a wide variety of settings and circumstances. Subject to local registration or accreditation requirements, graduates may consider primary, secondary and tertiary level piano teaching in the private studio, the school and college campus, as well as various teaching modes such as individual, small-group and keyboard laboratory.

Example 3 - Graduate Certificate in International Economics

This example demonstrates how the postgraduate award will provide additional skills to enhance career options.

The Graduate Certificate in International Economics is designed to provide training in theoretical and applied aspects of modern economics and econometrics to those with a degree in another discipline.

The program is particularly suitable for those who wish to enhance their career prospects and also for managers and key decision makers who wish to expand their understanding of economic principles and applications.

Graduate Attributes

Graduate Attributes are often included in the Calendar information, and can be copied and edited directly from Calendar. In instances where a list of graduate attributes is not pre-existing, the examples below may provide some guidance.

Note that if graduate attributes are similar for a group of related programs, the information should go in the base or parent program and the other programs can link to the base program information to avoid duplication.

Example 1 - generic

ability to apply knowledge of basic principles in... ;

ability to communicate effectively, not only within the industry but also with the community at large;

in-depth technical competence in... ;

ability to undertake problem identification, formulation and solution;

ability to utilise a systems approach to... ;

ability to function effectively as an individual and in multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural teams, with the capacity to be a leader or manager as well as an effective team member;

understanding of the social, cultural, global and environmental responsibilities of the profession/industry;

understanding of the principles of and need for sustainable design and development;

understanding of the professional and ethical responsibilities and commitment to them; and

expectation of the need to undertake lifelong learning, and the capacity to do so.

Example 2 - Graduate Diploma in Advanced Economics

Explain and critically evaluate the use of economic theory and basic econometric methods in the analysis of economic policies contained in government publications by the Central Bank, Departments of Treasury and Finance or the ACCC and other similar regulatory bodies.

Generic Skills

Mastery of Excel or equivalent software for basic econometric analysis.

Apply the analytical skills obtained to provide precise written and oral reports.

Example 3 - Master of Laws

Knowledge
Knowledge and understanding of:

• the Australian legal system and its relationship to the international legal system.
• the basic principles of the primary areas of Australian law.
• the rule of law.
• the law within an interdisciplinary context.
• the continuing development of legal principle and legal systems.
• the means by which the law can be used to achieve goals and to resolve problems.

Professional Skills
The ability to:

• locate, analyse, evaluate and present legal and related information in an appropriate and persuasive form as oral or written legal argument, opinion, advice, report or instructions.
• present the results of legal analysis or research in a planned and timely manner.

Creative Solutions
The ability to:

• engage in high order critical thinking and legal problem solving skills.
• think creatively and to generate innovative solutions by legal and related means.
• work both independently and cooperatively in a legal professional environment.
• devise legal solutions that respond to changing social and technological circumstances.

Team work

• The capacity to work in a professional and ethical relationship both on an individual basis and as a member of a team.

Research & Professional Practice

• Proficiency in the use of contemporary techniques and technology in legal research and professional practice.

Sustainable Career

• A commitment to lifelong learning and the capacity to maintain intellectual curiosity in the practice of law and law related professions.

Attitudes and Values

• A commitment to the highest standards of professional endeavour in the practice of the law and an understanding of and commitment to professional behaviour.
• An awareness of the significance of potential leadership roles through the law in the wider community.
• An understanding of and commitment to justice in the development and application of the law.

Social Responsibility
An awareness of:

• the importance of ethical behaviour in the exercise of legal and related professional skills and responsibilities.
• social and cultural diversity and sensitivity to the operation of the law and legal structures in that context.

Professional Accreditation

Professional registration or accreditation is a requirement to work as a qualified technician in some industries, for example Medicine, Architecture or Psychology.

Example 1 - Bachelor of Architecture

To practise as an architect in Australia, you must have completed a professionally accredited degree in architecture. The Bachelor of Architecture academic program is recognised by the Royal Australian Institute of Architects (RAIA) and accredited by the Architects Board of South Australia. A total of two year's practical experience after graduation and an examination by the Architects Board are prerequisites to registration as an architect.

Example 2 - Master of Psychology (Organisational & Human Factors)

Successful completion of the Masters program qualifies students for full membership of the Australian Psychological Society and also satisfies the statutory requirements for professional registration as a psychologist. A prerequisite for admission is an accredited Honours degree in Psychology awarded by an Australian university or equivalent. Candidates are also expected to provide reports from referees and to attend an interview, to determine their suitability to enter the profession.

Example 3 - Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting)

Students who specialise in accounting may join the accounting profession in all areas of commerce and industry. Admission to CPA Australia or the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia requires the completion of an accredited degree, practical experience and courses of study organised by the professional accounting associations. A Bachelor of Commerce is recognised as a fully accredited degree by both professional bodies. Career prospects lie in such specialised fields as taxation, auditing, management accounting, computerised accounting and finance.

Example 4 - Bachelor of Medicine / Bachelor of Surgery

From 2006 all medical students will be registered with the Medical Board of South Australia, which has the responsibility of ensuring that all persons permitted to practise medicine in the State should be fit and proper persons who maintain appropriate professional standards.

Useful Links

This section contains links to other sections of the University website (and beyond, in some circumstances*). There are specific guidelines to be followed when creating links - please see the training notes for more information.

Links may point to webpages or documents (e.g. PDFs, Word docs, Excel spreadsheets), and include:

Program Information Leaflets (PILS)

School/Faculty homepages

Research Center/Cluster websites

Scholarship information

Student Centre enquiry form

Other university hosted sites such as the National Wine Centre, or ARI

Professional bodies*

*There are also rules and regulations regarding what we may link to from our website. In keeping with University policies and AARNet guidelines, links provided should enhance ease of use, and should be appropriate to the research, educational, community service and administrative purposes of the University. Links that do not meet these criteria should not be made. Staff (and students) are expected to use their judgement about what is appropriate for the University's purposes. Supervisors are expected to monitor, or make arrangements for monitoring, webpages emanating from their Faculty or Division.

Program Rules

This is where a link to the appropriate Calendar of programs is included. The link you create should only be the Faculty name or if cross-faculty, the name of the program. Link to the page which lists programs and contains a link to the current year Calendar not the actual PDF so that the links don't need to be updated every year.

As an example, the Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical) entry would be:

Faculty of Engineering, Computer and Mathematical Sciences

and would link to /calendar/ug/eng/ (not /calendar/ug/pdf/2007/Eng07.pdf).

Meta Data

Meta data, in it's simplest form, is data about data. For the purposes of Program Finder, it helps users narrow their search parameters when searching in relevant Fields of Interest, Study Areas, Careers and Program Hierarchy. Entering the meta data requires you to choose categories from a list that apply to each program. However, if you find there is a category missing, please contact Online Media so we can make the addition.

Tick as many or as few categories as appropriate for each subsection and remember to hit submit before returning to editing the main program entry.