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Curtin University
Courses Handbook 2011 - [ Archived January 2011 ]

This handbook contains information for courses and units at Curtin in 2011.
Information for current year courses and units is available at Courses Handbook 2010.

Resources and Facilities

Alumni Relations

When you graduate, your relationship with Curtin does not end. As a graduate, you automatically become part of a network of more than 120,000 Curtin graduates - our Alumni. Alumni Relations helps you to stay connected with Curtin, your classmates, and to advance your position personally and professionally.

Our office provides a host of services and benefits including library access invitations to events, career opportunities and mentoring opportunities. For more information contact:

Tel: +61 8 9266 3113
Email: alumni@curtin.edu.au
Web: http://www.alumni.curtin.edu.au

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CurtinFM 100.1

CurtinFM 100.1 is Curtin's campus-based community broadcaster. The station's highly successful mainstream format acts as a conduit for promotion of the University's teaching and learning initiatives; recruiting for research programs; advertising clinics; promoting research and acknowledging the contribution made by University sponsors.

Many Curtin academics act as commentators in support of the station's afternoon talks program. Curtin FM broadcasts 24 hours a day, seven days a week and covers the entire Perth metropolitan area.

A recent survey conducted through Market Equity showed the percentage of listenership at 10 per cent with listeners mainly grouped in the 45+ demographic. CurtinFM also acts as a workshop/training area for media and information studies students as well as supporting students from other disciplines across campus who are keen to acquire broadcast related skills such as radio production, marketing, promotions, research and information management. Tune in to 100.1 on the FM band.

Tel: +61 8 9266 2121
Web: http://www.curtinfm.com.au/

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Curtin Student Guild

Curtin Student Guild plays a vital role in furthering the common interests of Curtin students and providing a range of valuable services to the Curtin community.

Membership

The Curtin Student Guild's services are available to all Curtin students - they include student representation, student assist on academic issues, sport and recreation, events and social activities, and access to grants. However, to access exclusive Guild services and on campus and off campus discounts, you must register as a full Guild member. As a full Guild member you have access to a range of member benefits to support you in your academic pursuits and add value to your university experience outside the classroom.

Member benefits include member discounts at on campus cafes, personal accident insurance, student assist counselling, employment assistance, free legal advice and priority ticket sales to big events.

Please refer to the Guild website for more information on how to register as a full Guild member.

Representation

A dedicated body of democratically elected students protect the rights of every Curtin student, maintaining an active voice in the University decision-making process through representation on all major boards and committees. Your Guild Council comprises of Executive Officers, faculty representatives, General Councillors and elected Department Officers. Annual Guild elections are held each September.

Student Assist

Student Assist provides an invaluable personal counselling and referral service to members on a wide range of academic, personal and welfare issues. Academic assistance from Student Assist officers is available to all students.

Social

The Guild complements academic life with a range of social activities and events throughout the year. From Orientation Day to the Guild Ball, to Multicultural Week and Oktoberfest, the Guild aims to provide activities that appeal to the diverse Curtin community.

Curtin Student Guild actively supports over 90 student clubs on campus. A full list of Guild registered social, academic, special interest, international, issues-based, religious and sporting clubs may be found on the Guild website.

Sporting

From novice to elite athletes, Curtin Student Guild's sports programs meet the needs of every student. Campus sport is a social sports program held during semester for students, staff and the general community. Guild Recreation provides a range of sporting and recreational courses during semester. Course categories include water sports, outdoor adventure, dance, health and fitness, lifestyle, certificate courses and trips and tours.

As a member of Australian University Sport, the Guild facilitates students participating in regional, national and international university sporting events. Students competing successfully in the regional AUSWest intervarsity competition are eligible to represent Curtin in the Australian University Games - Australia's largest annual multi-sport event held each September.

Food and Retail Outlets

The Guild operates seven food and beverage outlets on campus - the Basement Cafe (Building 204), the Bookmark Cafe (Library Building 105), Cafe @ Concept (Building 106C), Cafe AngaZi (Building 408), the Main Cafeteria (Building 104), the Tavern Bistro (Building 106F), The Vege Patch (Building 210) and the award-winning Kirribilli Cafe (Building 200). Kirribilli Catering provides on-campus and off-campus catering services for corporate and private functions.

The Guild operates the Guild Secondhand Bookshop, Guild Copy and Design Centre, Curtin Concept and The Spot. Full Guild members receive substantial discounts at all the outlets.

Curtin Student Guild
Building 106
Curtin University
Kent Street, Bentley, 6102
Telephone: +61 8 9266 2900
Toll Free: 1800 063 865
Fax: +61 8 9266 2996
Email: reception@guild.curtin.edu.au
Web: http://www.guild.curtin.edu.au

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Curtin University Bookshop

The Bookshop is located in the John Curtin Centre, Building 200, and open daily between 8.30am and 5.00pm (Monday-Thursday), 8.30am and 4.30pm (Friday). Extended trading hours, 8.30am until 6.00pm (Monday-Thursday) operate for the first two weeks of first semester and the first week of second semester. Orders can be placed at: http://www.bookshop.curtin.edu.au.

Tel: +61 8 9266 3469
Fax: +61 8 9266 3188
Web: http://www.bookshop.curtin.edu.au

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Curtin University Childcare Centre

The centre is nationally accredited providing the highest standard of care to 0-6 year old children and is located on the Bentley Campus. The Centre promotes learning through exploration, enquiry and play in a lovely, caring environment. There are individual programs and each child builds up a journal. There is a qualified chef who also caters for children with special dietary needs. The Centre is popular and early application is strongly recommended.

Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 7.30am-6.00pm. Contact the Centre for enrolment information and its fee-paying options.

Tel: +61 8 9266 7459
Fax: +61 8 9266 3742
Email: childcare@exchange.curtin.edu.au

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Health Services

The Health Service is situated in Building 109. A comprehensive range of general practice care is offered, including information on drug usage, sexuality, stress management, travel medicine, immunisations, management of illnesses and injuries, shared antenatal care, nutrition advice and response to emergencies on campus. Students are bulk-billed.

Appointments can be made by telephoning +61 8 9266 7345. After hours first aid is available from 8.00am-7.30pm, Monday-Friday during semester times.

The emergency procedure on campus is: Dial '5' from internal telephones, from external telephones dial +61 8 9266 4444. Or visit: http://healthservices.curtin.edu.au/emergencies/.

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Housing Services

Housing Services manages all on-campus student residences and also provides comprehensive housing advisory, and off campus accommodation services. As well as on-campus accommodation, several options are available to students: off campus, share housing, property rental including full board (meals included).

The Housing Advisory Service maintains an extensive database of private accommodation near the Bentley Campus and can provide impartial information about on and off campus alternatives. Tenancy legislation and public transport information is also maintained. Further information is available at:

Tel: +61 8 9266 4430
Web: http://www.housing.curtin.edu.au

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International Office

The International Office provides information for prospective and applying international students and advice on orientation, accommodation, study options and eligibility. Friendly specialist staff can answer any questions regarding studies at Curtin and assist new international students to adjust to University life.

Additionally, the International Office provides information for students interested in participating in the University's extensive study abroad and exchange program - which includes institutions in Europe, Asia and the Americas as well as Curtin's overseas campus in Malaysia.

Find out more by contacting the International Office:

International Office
Curtin University
GPO Box S1512
Perth, Western Australia 6845
Tel: +61 8 9266 7331
Email: internationaloffice@curtin.edu.au
Web: http://international.curtin.edu.au

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Library

The University library combines online resources with a quality collection of scholarly print materials to support teaching, learning and research. Friendly library staff can assist with all information needs, from finding information to providing online guides and delivering information skills workshops.

The Library offers individual and group study areas as well as computers with internet access, wireless connection for laptops, and printing and photocopying facilities. Most electronic resources and services are available 24 hours a day.

For more information:
Tel: +61 8 9266 7166 or SMS 0421 261 139
Web: http://www.library.curtin.edu.au

The John Curtin Prime Ministerial Library (JCPML) is managed by the University Library. It supports learning and research with a quality website, a major exhibition and a popular school and community outreach program. Australia's first prime ministerial library recognises the contribution of a wartime prime minister and international statesman, John Curtin. For further information about the John Curtin Prime Ministerial Library:

Tel: +61 8 9266 4205
Web: http://www.john.curtin.edu.au

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Prospective Student Services

The Prospective Student Services provides advice to people considering study at the University. Staff organise careers events and visit most schools teaching up to Year 12 (TEE) level in Western Australia, where they assist students with course information and career decision-making. A computer program designed to assist in making career decisions based on interests is available for student use at the Bentley Campus. Services such as mature age information sessions: assisting prospective students who are 20 years or older and other events such as after hour Q & A sessions, sunset campus tours and a parent information evening are held throughout the year. A course information guide is also available along with specific course advice:

Tel: +61 8 9266 2626
Web: http://www.futurestudents.curtin.edu.au

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University Counselling Services

This free and confidential service is available to staff and students. Professional staff are available to assist with educational, personal matters, University policies and procedures, and to provide crisis support.

The Counselling Service offers a range of group sessions during the year for staff, undergraduate, postgraduate and international students. The topics covered include:

These sessions are advertised via OASIS and on the Counselling Services website.

The Multi-Faith Officer (MFO) is available for both personal support and general consultation on matters of faith and spirituality. The MFO does not represent any denomination, faith or religious organisation on campus, but provides wide-ranging support, both directly and indirectly through liaison with representatives of various faiths and denominations.

Appointments may be made in person or by telephoning +61 8 9266 7850 or 1800 651 878. Staff are available between 8.00am and 6.00pm on a Monday to Thursday and 8.00am and 4.30pm on Friday, by appointment all year round at the Bentley Campus. Information regarding services at other locations may be obtained from: http://counselling.curtin.edu.au.

Students With Disabilities or Medical Conditions

The Disability Counsellor provides advice on the University's policies and procedures for students with disabilities and medical conditions. They can assist in matters of access, special equipment, special exam provision and other support needs.

The Disability Counsellors are located in the University Counselling Service (Bentley campus), Building 109

Tel: +61 8 9266 7850
Freecall: 1800 651 878
Email: disability.services@curtin.edu.au

Curtin's Disability Access and Inclusion Plan and details of further support can be found on the Disability@Curtin website at http://www.disability.curtin.edu.au.

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University Life @ Curtin

Being a student is a unique time and presents many opportunities and challenges. University Life @ Curtin hosts many services and activities designed to help students cope with the transition to Curtin and get the most out of their University experience. It is the central reference point for all students concerned about programs, services and life at the University.

Don't drop out, drop in! Support Services available at: http://www.unilife.curtin.edu.au.

Campus and Community Life (Curtin Hub - Bldg 599)

The Hub is located at Building 599 on the Bentley Campus and provides opportunities for students and staff to work together in activities that run parallel to the normal curriculum or workload. It is committed to engaging with the wider community through community-based initiatives and partnerships, especially with organisations that share Curtin's commitment to ethics, equity and social justice. Students participating in these programs say that they feel more connected to the university, enjoy their studies more, that their marks improve and they increase their employability skills. More information is available at: http://www.community.curtin.edu.au.

Some of the areas within the Campus and Community Life are:

Curtin Volunteers!

Established in 1994, Curtin Volunteers is a primarily student-run volunteer organisation that welcomes staff and external community members. It aims to promote an ethic of service by connecting campus and community and is involved in a variety of programs and projects. These include the popular Laverton project, Swan River Trust, PC Champs, EdVentures WA and many others, both off and on campus. Further information is available at: http://www.cv.curtin.edu.au.

John Curtin Weekend

Every October in celebration of John Curtin Day hundreds of Curtin volunteers travel to rural communities to assist local volunteers with a project of importance. Projects have included:

Further information is available at: jcweekend.curtin.edu.au/.

John Curtin Undergraduate Scholars

The John Curtin Undergraduate Scholarship is awarded to new Curtin students on the basis of high academic performance and outstanding community service and leadership. There are currently over 60 scholars. They enjoy many social activities, mentoring and access to other services and opportunities. Further information is available at: http://www.jcscholars.curtin.edu.au.

Service Abroad

Curtin's strategic priorities include the development of partnerships with overseas universities to enhance student study abroad opportunities. Partnerships have been formed in the USA with Southern Methodist University, Texas; Elon University, North Carolina; Kalamazoo College, Michigan; Tulane University of Louisiana; Trinity College, Connecticut; and Simpson College, Iowa. Students from Scandinavia participate in a slightly different program.

Some come to Curtin to undertake a "Gap" year between secondary school and university, while others come for their master thesis year and spend time working with community-based organisations undertaking project work and gathering data for their thesis. Such students are referred to as Service Abroad students, rather than study abroad.

Another aspect of Service Abroad is the Asia Study Tour that runs for approximately three weeks in both January/February and November/December each year with both local and overseas students participating. Each study tour visits at least three culturally diverse Asian countries, characterised by rapidly growing human populations, increasing population movement, and expectations of accelerating economic development. http://community.curtin.edu.au/services/.

Student Relations

Curtin is dedicated to supporting students, providing networking opportunities and celebrating the achievements of students and staff. The Student Relations area coordinates the central orientation and retention programs. Student Relations also acts as a reference point for students concerned about services and programs at the University, confidential appointments welcome.

Careers@Curtin

Careers@Curtin works closely with faculties and employers to develop and deliver career development programs and resources, assisting students to:

Some of the activities Careers@Curtin is involved in include:

Careers@Curtin also provides accurate, current labour market and graduate recruitment information, including providing an overview of where Curtin graduates are employed. Further services and information from Careers@Curtin is available at: http://www.careers.curtin.edu.au.

First Year Experience

Curtin's First Year Experience program takes a responsive and friendly approach to making new students feel welcome and informed about university life. Along with Orientation Week (held the week prior to the start of classes) other first year experience programs include one-to-one computer mentoring for mature age students (PC CHAMPS), Curtin Connect, and a website dedicated to O Week http://www.oweek.curtin.edu.au, All new students are welcome to drop in on the First Year Experience Coordinator who is located at the Curtin Hub. A dedicated person is available for one-to-one support for transition and orientation issues.

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