Online Open Foundation

Online Open Foundation is an online program designed for students who require the flexibility of studying at home and in their own time. Perhaps you don't live near one of the university campuses, or maybe you are unable to attend on-campus classes at the times that they are offered. Either way, the Online Open Foundation program is an option that can allow you to fit study in around your life.

There are some important differences between online and on-campus study. Some of the main differences are:

  1. Online study can require a higher level of self-motivation than on-campus study. Students who can develop the discipline and dedication to study independently are generally best suited to online study.
  2. Feedback from our Online Open Foundation students has shown that time is one of the biggest challenges of online study. For example, students will generally need to spend more time studying independently, rather than relying on the on-the-spot explanations from lecturers or tutors for clarification of course materials. Whilst our teaching staff are very available by email or phone, you may not always receive an immediate response.
  3. Online study suits students whose preferred learning style is independent. We all learn differently. If you prefer mostly written/online materials and self-directed study, then online study might be for you. However, if you find it easier to understand and learn from in-person explanations, demonstrations and discussion, you might want to consider our part-time on-campus program. It is important that you consider which learning style may be more effective for you.

Program Overview

The table below summarises the key features of the Online Open Foundation program. You can also attend an Information Session (either on-campus or online).

 Mode of study  Benefits  Duration of study  Average weekly workload

Online Open Foundation

Provides flexibility for students who do not live near a campus or who cannot attend on-campus day or evening classes.

Good for students who prefer to study independently with mostly written/online materials and self-directed study.

Semesters 1 and 2, from March to November.

Check the University semester dateshere.

Note: The Online Open Foundation program starts one week earlier than the start of Semester 1, in 'Week Zero'.

Total workload of approx. 20 hours per week online/at home.

Weekly tasks may include:

  • reading and summarising online course notes (in place of face-to-face lectures)
  • participating in online tutorials and completing online activities (in place of face-to-face tutorials)
  • accessing course resources
  • doing weekly readings/exercises
  • completing assessment tasks
  • studying for exams

Online learning

Online study takes place primarily online through the online learning management system, Blackboard. You will be expected to access your online learning environment at least three times a week in order to: access online course notes, participate in regular online discussions, tasks and other activities, and submit assignments online.

During the first week of your Online Open Foundation studies, Week Zero, we will guide all students through how to access and use the online learning environment. So don't worry - there will be plenty of help available if you aren't confident with your computer skills!

In Online Open Foundation there are no weekly face-to-face lectures - instead you will need to access, read and summarise weekly course notes.

In place of face-to-face tutorials, you will need to participate in weekly online virtual tutorials. During these one hour online sessions, tutors will guide you through activities, discussions and exercises designed to enhance your understanding and ability to apply key concepts and skills.

The two videos below provide examples of Online Open Foundation courses. The first video is an example of a humanities (reading, writing and essay-based) course site - Australian History, Linguistics and Studies in Law. The second video is an example of a maths/science course site - Introductory Mathematics, Chemistry and Life Sciences, and Earth Science are maths/science courses.

An Open Foundation by Distance humanities course site

An Online Open Foundation maths/science course site

What if I don't have access to a computer or the Internet?

If you would like to complete Online Open Foundation but do not have regular access to a computer or a reliable internet connection, it is essential that you email the Online Open Foundation Support Coordinator before you apply (or if your circumstances change after you apply). We still want to give you the opportunity to complete Open Foundation, and will endeavour to make special arrangements for you if you are in this situation so that you can still undertake the program.

Face-to-face components

Twice each semester there will be an on-campus Saturday workshop at the Callaghan campus. During these one day workshops you will meet and spend several hours face-to-face with each of your course lecturers. You will also benefit from 'study help' sessions with academic learning advisers and other support staff. Online Open Foundation students are strongly encouraged to attend these workshops each semester.

Similar to on-campus Open Foundation, Online Open Foundation courses involve compulsory end-of-semester exams worth 50% of your overall mark in each course. These exams are arranged in major cities and towns in Australia within a 2 hour drive of where you live. Online Open Foundation students must be a resident in Australia for the duration of their studies and can not sit exams in overseas locations.

When does Online Open Foundation start?

Online Open Foundation begins in Week Zero on Monday 25 February. Access to Blackboard, the online learning management system that you will use throughout Online Open Foundation, will be available to students from 9am that day (we will provide you with log-in instructions in your letter of offer).

During Week Zero you will need to log in to Blackboard for 1-2 hours each day from Monday 25 Feb to Friday 1 March to complete daily information and activities designed to introduce you to your courses, the support available for Online Open Foundation students, and to Blackboard

Semester 1, 2013 courses

The table below outlines the Online Open Foundation program structure for Semester 1. Choose 20 units from these courses. For course descriptions and timetables, click on the Course Code.

Check out the Recommended Courses for advice on which courses will provide the best preparation for specific undergraduate degree programs.

 Course Code
 Course Name
 Units
EPHUMA131 Australian History 1 10
EPMATH134 Introductory Mathematics 1 10
EPGEOS141 Earth Science 1 10
EPCHEM137 Foundation Concepts for Chemistry and the Life Sciences 10
EPHUMA149 Linguistics 1 10
EPHUMA147 Studies in Law 1 10

Semester 2, 2013 courses

The table below outlines the Open Foundation by Distance program structure for Semester 2. Choose 20 units from these courses. For course descriptions and timetables, click on the Course Code.

Check out the Recommended Courses for advice on which courses will provide the best preparation for specific undergraduate degree programs.

 Course Code
 Course Name
 Units
EPHUMA231 Australian History 2 10
EPMATH234 Introductory Mathematics 2 10
EPGEOS241 Earth Science 2 10
EPBIOL259 Introduction to the Life Sciences 10
EPHUMA249 Linguistics 2 10
EPHUMA247 Studies in Law 2 10

Next: Intensive Open Foundation or Selecting your courses

If you think full-time study might be more suitable for you, read through the Intensive Open Foundation information.

To find out more about what to consider when choosing your courses, move on to Selecting your courses.
 

Or listen to what our students say about Open Foundation.

Want to review? Back to Part-time Open Foundation.