First Year Students
While studying at university is new and exciting, it can also be challenging, with new experiences to face and new things to learn. If you’re studying science for the first time, let us help you prepare for and succeed throughout your first year with us.
Resources for first-year students
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Mid-year Orientation Week
Mid-year Orientation Week begins on Monday 20 July. This week features activities, information sessions and opportunities for you to get to know your University and the people you will be studying with. View the University orientation schedule and information.
While the entire week has something to offer, we strongly encourage that, if you choose to attend for any day, you attend on Sciences O’Day. See below for the day’s agenda.
Faculty of Sciences O’Day
Wednesday 22nd July 2020, University of Adelaide North Terrace campus
- 10:00 – 11:00am – Faculty Welcome Session (The Braggs Lecture Theatre)
- 11:00 – 12:00pm – Program Information Sessions (various locations)
- 12:00pm onwards – Free lunch! (Barr Smith Lawns)
If you are unable to attend in person, we completely understand. It is important that you still receive the information contained in the Faculty Welcome Session and, as such, the session will be livestreamed and recorded.
Sciences 2020 mid-year orientation
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Enrolment advice
We're here to help with your enrolment
Congratulations on gaining a place in the Faculty of Sciences at the University of Adelaide!
Need enrolment support or assistance or need help with your coursework enquiries? Ask or visit the Student Experience Team in the Sciences Service Hub.
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Peer mentoring program
Support from our peer mentors
The Faculty of Sciences offers a range of peer mentoring programs depending on your degree.
Peer mentors are enthusiastic current science students who may also be studying the same degree as you. They will also have recent experience transitioning to university. Mentors will talk you through what to expect in your first semester and provide you with face-to-face and online support as you transition into university life.
You have been automatically enrolled in the Sciences Peer Mentoring course; SCIENCE 1000. Further information will be delivered via your student email account. Please remember to check it every day for important updates.
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Drop-in centres
Talk with our experts
Get help with your biology, chemistry and physics courses through our on-campus academic ‘Drop in Centres’.
Talk one-on-one with an academic staff member about any concepts or content of your course you want assistance or reassurance with. They can help you with tutorial preparation, practical preparation, lecture notes or just general help with understanding your Level 1 courses.
Complete this form when you attend a drop-in centre.
Drop-in centre timetable
Drop-in centres start in Week 2 of each semester. They run throughout the whole semester excluding public holidays and mid-semester break.
The Drop-in Centre is located on Level 3 of Hub Central.
If you have difficulty finding the location, speak to the team at the Ask Adelaide desk and they will be happy to assist you.
Drop-in service Day, time and location Biology* There will be no dedicated face-to-face Drop-in Centre for first year Biology courses in Semester 2, 2020. Information regarding the other alternative support avenues that are available for students in these courses will be made available via the Modules or Announcements areas on the MyUni courses for Biology I: Human Perspectives and Biology I: Organisms.
Chemistry Chemistry face-to-face Drop-in Centre sessions will commence in Week 2 (week starting Monday 3rd August) and will be held on:
Tuesdays: 9am – 12noon
Fridays: 11am - 1pmPhysics The Physics Drop-in Centre will be up and running from week 2, located on Level 3 East, Hub Central, North Terrace Campus (next to the Maths Learning Centre). Drop by to see Michael the physics tutor to ask about anything Physics-related!
He can help you with workshop preparation, practical preparation, lecture notes or just general help with understanding your Level 1 Physics course.
NOTE: This is face to face NOT online like during semester 1.
Opening times:
Monday 12 pm - 2 pm
Tuesday 12 pm - 2 pm
Wednesday 12 pm - 2 pm
Thursday Closed
Friday 12 pm - 1 pm.
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Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS)
Study sessions with expert students
Maximise your success with our free study sessions run by science students who have already excelled in the same course.
PASS is a free and internationally accredited program which aims to help you understand the key concepts of your course and improve your results.
PASS is for all students, whether you want to improve from a distinction to a high distinction; a pass to a credit or even just to obtain a pass.
Semester 1 PASS courses
- BIOLOGY 1101 - Biology: Molecules, Genes and Cells
- BIOLOGY 1401 - Concepts in Biology
- CHEM 1100 - Chemistry IA
- CHEM 1101 - Foundations of Chemistry IA
- PHYSICS 1008 - Physical Aspects of Nature
- PHYSICS 1100 - Physics IA
- VET TECH 1010RW - Foundations of Science Veterinary Technology I
- VET TECH 1020RW - Anatomy for Veterinary Technology I
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Transition from Year 1 to Year 2
Next Step program
Your personalised one-on-one planning service
Prepare yourself for the transition from first to second year with our ’Next Step’ program. The Faculty of Sciences offer a personalised one-on-one planning service to:
- Customise your study plan to suit your interests and goals, while meeting program rules.
- Provide advice on Bachelor of Science majors and potential career and future study opportunities.
- Build industry, work experience and internship opportunities into your degree.
- Help you discover and receive credit for overseas exchange and study tour opportunities.
- Assist you planning part-time study workloads and how this may affect your enrolment.
- Provide advice about your options for transferring to another sciences program - often with credit for what you have already studied.
Step 1 - Review your current study plan
The first step is simply thinking about your current study plan and what implications it may have on your enrolment.
View the current study plan for your program and ask yourself:
- Will I complete less than 24 units of level I courses by the end of the year?
- Did I receive credit for prior study when I commenced?
- Am I studying part-time?
- Will I study part-time next year?
- Did I fail any courses this year?
If you answered ‘yes’ to any of these questions, you will want to meet with an academic advisor (Step 5) who can help you plan your timetable for next year. All students are also strongly advised to familiarise themselves with their program study plan and start thinking about what next year's enrolment might look like.
Step 2 - Consider an overseas study experience
Studying overseas is a once in a lifetime opportunity to explore another country while your study counts towards your degree. Study overseas opportunities increase your employability upon graduation and may meet requirements for ‘non-major electives’ in the Bachelor of Science.
There are two types of overseas study experiences available:
Exchange
Through an exchange program, you can study overseas at a partner university while remaining enrolled at, and supported by, the University of Adelaide. Tuition fees are waived by the host institution, allowing you to continue to take advantage of your tuition arrangements at home, while having an amazing, immersive overseas experience.
Study tours
Study tours are short-term intensive programs that may include stops at multiple destinations, or be a more immersive experience at just one. These experiences normally run for two to four weeks and take place between semester breaks.
Step 3 - Complete the career readiness module
The Careers Service has developed online learning modules to assist you with planning your career. You are encouraged to complete module one which provides an introduction to career awareness, career planning materials, employer perspectives and graduate advice.
Completion of this module will give you a greater understanding of how you can determine your career pathway and how your thoughts around possible careers may influence your enrolment and study plan next year.
Step 4 - 'Choosing a major' information sessions
If you are a B.Science or B.Science (Advanced) student, you will need to complete at least one major. General major information sessions are held each September/October to help you understand the different majors you can choose.
Step 5 - Meet with an academic advisor
Next Step gives you the opportunity to plan your timetable with an academic advisor. The Faculty of Sciences strongly recommends all students meet with an academic advisor.
- Ensure your course choices fit with your career goals.
- Learn how your course choices may affect your options in the following year; and
- Tailor your study plan to cater for your circumstances, i.e. study abroad, part-time study etc.
Online appointment bookings will open soon
Step 6 - Enrol for next year
Course enrolment for the following year usually opens in December. Use your study plan to organise yourself before enrolment opens.
Need help?
The Sciences Service Hub at the faculty office is the place to go for most questions relating to your study.
Book an appointment Email us Call: 08 8313 5673