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Curtin University
Courses Handbook 2012 - [ Archived January 2012 ]

This handbook contains information for courses and units at Curtin in 2011.

Resources and Facilities

Alumni

When you finish your degree, your relationship with Curtin does not end. Upon graduation you become part of the Curtin alumni and join more than 164,000 Curtin graduates worldwide. Alumni Relations facilitates events and activities aimed at providing ongoing value to your degree. This includes networking, volunteering, mentoring and professional development opportunities. Alumni Relations can also be contacted through Facebook and LinkedIn.

For more information:
Alumni Office Hours:
Monday to Friday, 9am - 4pm
Location: Building 100
Tel: +61 8 9266 3113
Fax: +61 8 9266 7527
Email: alumni@curtin.edu.au
Web: alumni.curtin.edu.au

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Counselling and Disability Services

 

Counselling services

These free, confidential services are available to members of staff and students. Professional staff assist with educational matters, personal matters, disabilities, faith and spirituality, University policies and procedures, and provide crisis support.

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

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

Staff are available by appointment 8am - 6pm, Monday to Thursday, and 8am - 4.30pm on Friday, all year round on the Bentley Campus. Information regarding services at other locations may be obtained from the website.

Refer to: counselling.curtin.edu.au

Triage

All new clients or those who have not been seen by the service for some time, are required to be seen by the triage counsellor, as this is the standard intake procedure. The triage counsellor will conduct a brief assessment of a client’s needs and will schedule a counselling appointment based on assessment of the urgency and complexity of the situation. It is important that clients tell the triage counsellor as much information as possible about their situation and the help they need. The triage counsellor may not be the counsellor who clients will be scheduled to see for further help about their situation.

Disability services

Counselling and Disability Services provides advice and assistance to students with disabilities or medical conditions that may impact on their studies. They can assist in matters of access, specialised equipment, study materials in accessible formats, alternative examination arrangements and other support needs.

For Curtin’s Disability Access and Inclusion Plan, and details of further support refer to: disability.curtin.edu.au

Contact Counselling and Disability Services on:

Tel: +61 8 9266 7850
Fax: +61 8 9266 3052
TTY: +61 8 9266 4112
Toll free: 1800 651 878

 

Multi-Faith Services

The Multi-Faith officer is available for both personal support and general consultation on matters of faith and spirituality. The Multi-Faith officer 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.

For more information refer to: multifaith.curtin.edu.au

CurtinFM 100.1

CurtinFM 100.1 is Curtin's campus-based community broadcast radio station. The station's highly successful mainstream format acts as a channel for promoting the University's teaching and learning initiative, recruiting for research programs, promoting research, and acknowledging the contribution made by University sponsors. Many Curtin academics act as commentators in support of the station's afternoon talk program.

CurtinFM 100.1 broadcasts 24 hours a day, seven days a week and covers the entire Perth metropolitan area. The station caters mainly to listeners in the age 45+ demographic and plays classic music hits. CurtinFM 100.1 also functions as a training area for media and information studies students, and supports students from other disciplines across the campus who are keen to acquire broadcast related skills, such as radio production, marketing, promotions, research and information management. In addition, the station conducts media training courses for University staff.

Tune in to: 100.1 on the FM band.
Tel: +61 8 9266 2121
Web: curtinfm.com.au

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. Services include student representation, assistance on academic issues, sport and recreation, events and social activities, and access to grants. However, to access exclusive Curtin Student Guild services and discounts, you must register as a full Curtin Student Guild member. As a full Curtin Student Guild member you also have access to a range of member benefits to support you in your academic pursuits and to add value to your university experience outside the classroom.

Member benefits include discounts at on campus cafés, personal accident insurance, Student Assist counselling, employment assistance and priority ticket sales to big events.

Representation

The Curtin Student Guild takes an active role in the University’s decision-making process. A dedicated body of democratically elected students in the Guild Council represent all students on all major university boards and committees, ensuring the students’ voices are heard and their rights are represented at all levels. The structure of Guild Council involves councillors and the Curtin Student Guild executive body. Annual Curtin Student Guild elections are held each September.

Student Assist

Student Assist is the welfare department of the Curtin Student Guild. It supports all students, postgraduate and undergraduate, with any personal, welfare or academic issue they are experiencing. Professional Student Assist officers provide a wealth of helpful information, advocacy, support and referral services to all enrolled Curtin students.

Social

The Curtin Student 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 Curtin Student Guild aims to provide activities that appeal to the diverse Curtin community. The Curtin Student Guild actively supports more than 70 student clubs on campus. A full list of Curtin Student Guild registered social, academic, special interest, international, issues-based and religious can be found on the Curtin Student Guild website.

Recreation

Each semester, the Curtin Student Guild offers a diverse range of sport and recreation activities to the Curtin community. From the beginner to those who just want to brush up on their skills, there is something for everyone. The majority of courses commence in the third or fourth week of the semester and generally run for six weeks at various times and locations. Course categories include water sports, outdoor adventure, dance, health and fitness, lifestyle, certificate courses, and trips and tours.

Food and retail outlets

The Curtin Student Guild operates several food and beverage outlets on campus, including the Main Cafeteria (building 104), the Basement Café (Building 204), The Tavern (Building 106F) and others. Kirribilli Catering offers comprehensive menu choices for a variety of functions across the Bentley Campus and the Perth metropolitan area. The Curtin Student Guild operates the Guild Second-hand Bookshop, Guild Copy and Design Centre, Curtin Concept, IT Works and The Spot. Full Curtin Student Guild members receive discounts at all these outlets.

Curtin Student Guild
Building 106F, Bentley Campus
Kent Street, Bentley, 6102
Tel: +61 8 9266 2900
Fax: +61 8 9266 2996
Email: reception@guild.curtin.edu.au
Web: guild.curtin.edu.au

Curtin Bookshop

The Curtin Bookshop is located in the John Curtin Centre, Building 200, and is open 8.30am - 5pm Monday to Thursday, and 8.30am - 4.30pm Friday. Extended trading hours from 8.30am - 6pm from Monday to Thursday operate in the first two weeks of first semester and the first week of second semester. Orders can be placed on the website.

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

The Curtin University Early Childhood Centre

The Curtin University Early Childhood Centre is in the grounds of Curtin’s Bentley Campus. The University operates the centre and priority is given to children of staff members and students of the University when vacancies occur. The centre provides a high level of care for children aged between six weeks to five years in a purpose-built facility.

Care is offered in nine separate areas that together cater for 133 children per day. A higher than required adult to child ratio is provided in the five nursery areas. The centre has a number of qualified carers in each room working alongside each qualified team leader. Early childhood teachers are employed as team leaders in the kindergarten age groups.

The centre promotes a balanced approach to learning through exploration, enquiry and play, in a caring and stimulating environment. Programs are designed for the children based on their interest and needs. A qualified chef prepares a balanced, healthy, nutritious menu for the children and also caters for special dietary requirements.

As the centre is an approved Commonwealth Government childcare centre, Child Care Benefit (CCB) is available for eligible families. Opening hours are 7.30am - 6pm, Monday to Friday.

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

Future Students Centre

Located in Hayman Hall, Building 102 on the Bentley Campus, the Future Students Centre team is dedicated to providing future students with personalised attention right from the beginning of their Curtin experience. Their commitment is to deliver an exceptional service to future students, and they look forward to helping you with your queries.

In support of the faculties and all areas of the University, the Future Students Centre aims to streamline the process for future students in choosing a course that’s right for them. You can read the course information on the Future Students Service website, or ask your own question via the ‘askcurtin’ website. Specific course advice and a range of information sessions are offered throughout the year.

For more information, refer to the Future Students Services website: futurestudents.curtin.edu.au

Tel: +61 8 9266 1000 or 1300 CU 1000
Email: futurestudents@curtin.edu.au

Health Services

Health Services is situated in Building 109. A comprehensive range of general practice care is offered to Curtin students and staff, including information on drug usage, sexuality, stress management, travel medicine, immunisations, management of illnesses and injuries, shared antenatal care, nutritional advice and response to emergencies on campus. Male and female doctors are available for confidential consultations. Curtin students are bulk-billed or the consultation cost is sent to the student’s OSHC insurance provider. Contact Health Services for an appointment. After hours first aid is available from 8am - 7.30pm, Monday to Friday during semester times.

Tel: +61 8 9266 7345
Web: healthservices.curtin.edu.au
The emergency procedure on campus is:
Dial ‘5’ from internal telephones
Dial +61 8 9266 4444 from external telephones

Housing Services

Housing Services manages all on-campus student residences and maintains an extensive database of private accommodation near the Bentley Campus. Several off-campus options are available including share housing, property rental and full board with meals included. Housing Services provides impartial information about on and off-campus alternatives, tenancy legislation and public transport.

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

Curtin International

The staff at Curtin International provide support to future international students by assisting with matters such as enrolments, providing course information, helping with sponsorship matters, dependant schooling and organising airport reception.

Curtin’s global presence is fostered through relationships with more than 400 international institutions across 40 different countries, serving the needs of staff and student exchange, academic and research collaborations and study abroad programs.

Curtin International
GPO Box S1512
Perth Western Australia 6845
Tel: +61 8 9266 7331
Fax: + 61 8 9266 2605 / 4013
Email: international@curtin.edu.au
Web: international.curtin.edu.au

Library

The TL Robertson library provides both print and online materials to support the teaching, learning and research activities at Curtin. You can search and use many library resources and services through the library website.

The library catalogue enables you to discover the library's resources from a single search box. Interactive online tutorials, library guides containing a range of learning tools, and library workshops may assist you in developing your research and study skills. Friendly and knowledgeable library staff are also available to help with information and research needs, in person and through online help from the AskOnline chat service.

The TL Robertson library offers innovative and interactive social and learning spaces such as laptop lounges, networked printing and scanning, and individual and group study areas. The iZone features graphics workstations, webcam capability and smartboards.

Tel: +61 8 9266 7166 or
SMS 0421 261 139
Web: library.curtin.edu.au

Campus and community life

The Hub is located in Building 303 on the Bentley Campus, and is a place for students and staff to work together in activities that run parallel to normal University course curricula. They are committed to engaging with the wider community through initiatives and partnerships with organisations that share Curtin’s commitment to ethics, equity and social justice. Students participating in these programs claim they feel more connected to the University, enjoy their studies more, have improved marks and increased employability skills.

Web: community.curtin.edu.au

The following lists some of the areas involved in campus and community life:

Curtin Volunteers!

Established in 1994, Curtin Volunteers! is Australia’s largest, student-run volunteer organisation for students, staff and the wider community. The organisation aims to create community-minded citizens by connecting people with the community in a variety of programs and projects. These include the popular John Curtin Weekend throughout October, on-going health, youth, indigenous and cross-cultural programs on and off campus, environmentally focused trips and events, and weekend-based programs in the remote communities of Laverton, Leonora and Wiluna.

Web: cv.curtin.edu.au

John Curtin Leadership Academy

The John Curtin Leadership Academy is Curtin’s prestigious flagship leadership program for undergraduate students at Curtin. Students are selected on the basis of excellent academic performance, demonstrated outstanding community service, and leadership. The program runs over two semesters, with students developing leadership, project management, advanced communication, dispute resolution and entrepreneurial skills. The Academy has a strong link with Rotary, with students being placed with Rotary mentors with professional backgrounds that match the students’ field of study. The key outcome is a community project that meets a community need, with past projects including Youth Focus, Solariscare, Princess Margaret Hospital and Cystic Fibrosis.

John Curtin Undergraduate Scholars

The John Curtin Undergraduate Scholarship is awarded to new Curtin students on the basis of their excellent academic performance and outstanding community service and leadership. There are currently more than 50 John Curtin undergraduate scholars at Curtin, and they enjoy mentoring, community service and the networking opportunities with leaders in a number of fields.

Web: jcscholars.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 local and regional importance.

Traditionally projects have included:

Web: jcweekend.curtin.edu.au

Service Abroad

Curtin has a number of partnerships with overseas universities to enhance student study abroad opportunities.

Partnerships have been formed in the United States (US) with Southern Methodist University, Texas; Elon University, North Carolina; Kalamazoo College, Michigan; and Trinity College, Hartford Connecticut. US students come to Curtin to advance their studies in all fields of education. They spend time working with community-based organisations and undertaking project work as part of the service abroad partnership program.

The Asia study tour runs for approximately three weeks in January/February and November each year, with local and international students participating. Tours traditionally visit culturally diverse Asian countries that are characterised by rapidly growing populations and expectations of accelerating economic development. Students explore the socio-economic challenges that face these countries, across a diverse range of study areas.

Web: community.curtin.edu.au/external/service_abroad.cfm

Curtin Community Projects

Curtin recognises that in addition to a solid educational foundation, graduates need to develop further skills and attributes emphasising service, social justice and ethical behaviour, which will equip them to become citizens valued in their community.

Curtin Community Projects have a wide range of activities and support for charities, and incorporate community service into University life for students and staff. Curtin Community Projects underpin the University culture of social inclusion and reciprocity.

Fundraising activities support the Leukemia Foundation, Cancer Council, Princess Margaret Hospital, Movember, Parkerville Childrens’ Youth Centre and fundraisers for natural disasters. In addition, Curtin Community Projects also support the Australian Red Cross Blood Service with blood and bone marrow donations.

The Curtin Community has raised $450,000 for charities, most recently raising $31,000 for the Leukaemia Foundation’s World’s Greatest Shave. This effort has Curtin currently ranked the third highest fundraiser in Western Australia and in a strong position to retain the inter-university challenge trophy.

Web: community.curtin.edu.au/external/

Student Transition And Retention Team (START)

The Student Transition and Retention Team (START) is part of University Life Support Services, and provides a range of services to all Curtin students and staff. START encourages students to contact them directly with any issue that may be affecting their studies including personal, academic or welfare problems. The Online Service Finder can also help students find the most suitable support service if they are unsure.

You can visit the team in Building 102 (Future Students Centre/START) on the Bentley Campus. START oversees the delivery of the range of services and works closely with other areas of the University to improve student success and transition. Staff members are welcome to contact the START manager to discuss any matters (other than teaching and learning) that affect student progress. START also provides individual support to students who may be at risk of dropping out.

For a comprehensive set of resources related to student retention and persistence, refer to: retention.curtin.edu.au
Students may be referred by concerned staff through: retention.curtin.edu.au/osp
Tel: +61 8 9266 1663
Web: unilife.curtin.edu.au

The following are some of the areas within START:

START: Student Wellbeing Advisers

START’s student advisers are available to talk to any student about any issue that may be affecting their studies or sense of wellbeing. This may include problems like overwhelming stress, settling into university, financial difficulties, switching courses, significant life events and where to get specific support at Curtin. Don’t be afraid to ask any question as all contact is confidential. If a student adviser is not the best person to speak to about a particular issue, they will refer you to the most appropriate person. Appointments can be made by contacting START or by calling into Building 102.

Tel: +61 8 9266 2662
Toll free: 1800 244 043
Email: start@curtin.edu.au
Web: studentwellbeing.curtin.edu.au

START: Orientation and Student Activities

This area coordinates the International Information and Enrolment Week, StartUp Week and supports other student activities throughout the semester. Staff and students with any queries or ideas about the orientation program should contact the coordinator. If you would like to become an orientation volunteer, please visit the Curtin Volunteers!

Web: orientation.curtin.edu.au

START: Curtin Mentor Program

The mentor program connects new students to current students with the goal of a smooth transition to Curtin. Mentors can offer new students advice and answers their queries about starting at Curtin, navigating the range of services and options available to students on campus, study tips and more. Current students interested in being mentors or new students with any queries are welcome to contact the outreach officer. However, mentors are not expected to be teachers, proofread assignments, solve all problems, or be on call.

Web: mentoring.curtin.edu.au

START: Curtin Ally

The Curtin Ally program fosters a university culture inclusive of sexual and gender diversity in line with Curtin's equity policies and values. Participation in the Ally program is voluntary. Staff and students are invited to consider whether they would like to become Allies.

For more information, refer to: ally.curtin.edu.au

Careers Centre

In the current economic times it is more important than ever to be a competitive graduate. Increasingly, employers are looking for graduates with more than just high marks. They want someone who is passionate and enthusiastic about their chosen industry, a graduate who can think creatively and use their initiative to solve problems. Employers want an individual who can demonstrate they have a genuine desire to contribute to their business and the community as a whole.

The Curtin Careers Centre helps you maximise your investment in education. The Careers Centre works with you from your first year to engage you in all aspects of career planning and development, from discovering what you really want to do, to putting you in touch with employers and job search skills.

You can chat to us in person, over the phone, or through email. Simply call or email to make an appointment. Services available to students at the Curtin Careers Centre include:

All information, dates, times and venues of events can be accessed through Jobs and Events Connect.

Jobs and Events Connect is available through the Career Centres website and the My Career tab on OASIS.

Tel: +61 8 9266 7802
Email: careers@curtin.edu.au
Web: careers.curtin.edu.au

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