University of Sydney Handbooks - 2021 Archive

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About Table O - Open Learning Environment

What is Table O?

Table O lists the units of study offered in the Open Learning Environment (OLE units).OLE units are designed to help students build novel skill combinations and extend their knowledge by exploring other fields of study. They can be taken by undergraduate and Higher Degree Research students.

What topics do OLE units cover?

OLE units for undergraduate students cover topics including:

  • basic skills in programming
  • data analysis and numerical skills
  • developing research skills
  • economics, entrepreneurial and design thinking
  • ethics, ethical reasoning, contemporary debates and critical thinking
  • foundational and advanced communication skills
  • health challenges and medical sciences
  • personal, interpersonal skills and intercultural skills
  • STEM literacy
  • teamwork, team leadership and project management.

OLE units for Higher Degree by Research students cover topics including:

  • quantitative analysis
  • qualitative analysis
  • ethics
  • engagement
  • artefact-based research skills
  • project management
  • advanced numerical analyses
  • languages and cultural contexts
  • research in indigenous communities
  • culturally sensitive research projects.

How many credit points are OLE units worth?

OLE units are worth either 0, 2 or 6 credit points.

0 credit point OLE units are ‘tasters’ or introductions to OLE topics. 0 credit point units are completely online, and can be taken on-demand throughout the year.

2 and 6 credit point OLE units are available to students who need to undertake OLE units to complete their degree. Every 2 and 6 credit point unit has a matching 0 credit point unit to give students a chance to try the topic before ‘upgrading’ to the 2 or 6 credit point unit.

Where do students find OLE units and how do they enrol in them?

0 credit point OLE units are listed on the OLE Canvas website.

Students enrol and complete these units through this portal. 0 credit point OLE units are available to all University of Sydney students free-of-charge. 0 credit point units are pass/fail.

2 and 6 credit point units are listed in the Open Learning Environment unit table in this handbook. Students enrol in these units through Sydney Student.

2 and 6 credit point OLE units have the same enrolment and assessment requirements as non-OLE units, e.g. Census dates, grading and fees.

What do the OLE unit levels mean?

OLE units are designed for different stages of study as indicated by their unit level. The unit level is shown in the first four numbers of the unit code, i.e. 1XXX (1000-level), 2XXX (2000-level) and 5XXX (5000-level).

Units have a higher level of difficulty if their learning outcomes are more advanced, and if they require more assumed knowledge in the topic area.

For example:

  • 1000-level units of study have foundational or introductory learning outcomes. They are designed for students in the first year of a Bachelor degree or attempting a discipline area for the first time.
  • 2000-level units of study have learning outcomes which assume some prior foundational or introductory study. They are designed for students who have completed the first year of a Bachelor degree.
  • 5000-level units of study have learning outcomes designed for postgraduate students who have already achieved at least a Bachelor degree.

We recommend that all students carefully choose OLE units that are suited to their level of study and assumed knowledge. More information about unit levels is available here.

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