The aim of the course is to help new students begin studies and develop the know-how and skills needed in university studies. After completing the course, students have learned about university studies and the scientific community. The student can:

1) apply the study practices of the University of Eastern Finland in their studies
2) identify development needs related to their studies and develop their study skills
3) recognise and manage feelings of stress related to study situations
4) act according to the ethical guidelines and rules of the academic community
5) use online tools provided by the University of Eastern Finland to support studies, including the Moodle online learning environment.

In the course, students become familiar with university studies and ethical guidelines and learn about doctoral studies and the scientific community at the university. Students also learn how to use the most common online tools for studies, as well as skills in stress management and how to evaluate and develop their learning.

Lectures and online learning, including assignments. Attending lectures and completing the course assignments is compulsory.

Substituting the course: Students who hold a degree from a Finnish higher education institution may apply for credit transfer for the course. Finnish students who hold a degree from a foreign university may apply for partial credit transfer for some of the lectures/assignments. For instructions on applying for credit transfer, see the Moodle learning environment on University Study Skills Substitutions: https://moodle.uef.fi/course/view.php?id=12305. Credit transfer applications are submitted through the university’s e-Services.

Lectures and assignments in an online learning environment.

Material handed out during the course.

Pass/fail. To pass the course, students must attend the required instruction sessions and complete the course assignments with a pass grade.

University of Eastern Finland staff.

Participation requires no prior studies at the University of Eastern Finland.

Typically in the autumn semester.

The course is intended only for students of international master’s degree programmes at the University of Eastern Finland. It is not intended for exchange students.

Academic, learning, learning skills, studies, guidance, self-knowledge, independent, community, plagiarism, ethics, doctoral studies, stress, coping, stress management, online tool, Moodle, online learning, Student and Learning Services, UEF.

Joensuu and Kuopio campuses (students of international master's degree programmes)

Taught in English. For further information, please contact Sari Tarvainen (sari.tarvainen@uef.fi).