The University of Liberal Studies

ACADEMIC & TRANSFERABLE SKILLS

Revision Case Study:

THE LIFE AND TIMES OF CHANCE NOTA

Written by Dr Kostantinos Dimopoulos

Chance Nota has just finished high school and likes business very much. He dreams of taking over the family business. Therefore he has decided to study Business Studies at the University. He has just moved to a new city, where he found a house to rent with two more students of the same University. As a new student, Chance decided to keep a diary about his activities in the University. The diary is as follows:

Monday October 1st:

Today was the first day of the “induction week”. I am not sure what that means but it was interesting. I met all the new students and the lecturers and they told us about the classes we will have and how we will be marked. It sounded so easy. Apparently I only need 40% to pass. That is easy!

Thursday October 4th:

We had an introduction to the computer lab today. We went to a room full of computers and they showed us how to log on and read our University e-mail. I do not need this, really, I have my e-mail at gmail and it is much better. They also showed us the website of the University and of the units. They look nice and we can download the lecture notes from there. This is great, since it means that I can get all units’ notes printed from there and I do not have to write muchor take notes during the class! Oh, there is a party tonight. I think I am going to like it here.

Friday October 5st:

We had another meeting today. They gave us our weekly schedule and some other papers, something called coursework map. I did not hear what it was at the time because I was tired from the party last night. Maybe I will ask a fellow student later.

Monday October 8th:

Our first lectures were held today. Two hours of Maths and two more on Principles of Management! I do not know about the Principles of Management, but I do not like Maths! My head spins. I came back home, had a quick lunch and slept for 3 hours straight! I went for a drink afterwards with the guys. I love this city!

Wednesday October 10th:

I was late for the class today! Not only that, but I went to the same classroom as Monday and no-one was there. I thought we had a lecture, but apparently we had a class in the lab! I was 20 minutes late. The lecturer did not like this and I did not know what I had to do. The lecturer helped mebut I ended up watching what the other students were doing.

Monday October 15th:

Our first courseworkfor Academic Skillswas given to us. I have no idea what it is about and it looks very difficult. I was late for class again and missed the first hour of classes. Unfortunately, the lecturer was explaining the coursework handout and I missed it, but it is hard for me to wake up at 8 on Monday morning.

Wednesday October 17th:

I discussed the coursework with my friends and I have an idea of what to do now. Also I do not have to submit anything for 5 weeks, so plenty of time.

Friday October 19th:

The lecture today was so boring! The lecturer had nice slides and I understood everything, but I almost fell asleep. At one point he asked a question and I could not answer it. It was very embarrassing.

Monday October 22nd:

Maths on a Monday morning! I cannot stand it. Thank God I missed the first hour again! I cannot understand the material. I will have to study this more at home.

Wednesday October 24th:

I read the slides of the Maths lectures 3 times so far. I think I understand it now. It is a good thing I did! The lecturer told us that we have a quiz next Tuesday! Principles of Management are starting to be a problem! I cannot understand it! I keep on reading the case studies over and over again, but no use. I hope that the lecturer will solve similar exercises on the board and I will understand them then.

Friday October 26th:

Thank God this week is over! Finally, it’s weekend! I can relax a bit. I should study this weekend for the Maths quiz on Tuesday, maybe tomorrow.

Saturday October 27th:

In the morning John called and we went for a coffee. It was nice to see him again. We had lunch also. Afterwards I went home and slept for a few hours. Later on I got a call about a party. Must study tomorrow!

Sunday October 28th:

Great day today! I woke up late after the party last night and went for a coffee. Later on I went to the cinema! I will study for the quiz tomorrow. Anyway I have studied last week and it was not difficult!

Monday October 29th:

I hate morning lectures! I was late again! I read the Maths lecture notes again today! I can understand most of the material, so I think I can get a 40% to 50% in the quiz and pass!

Tuesday October 30th:

Good thing I studied yesterday! I think I did well and passed.

Wednesday October 17th:

A second coursework was given to us today! This one is for Principles of Management again. We have not submitted the first one yet to the other lecturer! Anyway this I have to submit next Friday.

Monday October 29th:

I did not feel like going to the lectures today and stayed home. I will download the lecture notes tomorrow and read them!

Wednesday October 31st:

On Friday I have to submit the coursework for Principles of Management. I will start it today!

Friday November 2nd:

Submitted the coursework in the last moment! It was scary for a minute when the printer run out of paper and I had to find more. Anyway, TGI Friday!

Monday November 5th:

I started the coursework for Academic Skills today! Man this is hard!

Wednesday November 7th:

We have to submit the coursework today! I have to skip the classes in order to complete it!

Friday November 9th:

Catastrophe! I did not pass the Maths quiz! I got a 25%.Why? I understood the lecture slides! To top it, I submitted the AcademicSkills coursework today, two days late! If I can call this a submission! I do not think I can pass!

Friday December 21st:

Finally after an exhausting semester, vacations are here! I can go home and study for the exams. That is what the lecturers are telling me. In three weeks I am sure I can find the time to download the lecture slides and read them.

February 22nd:

My parents will not like this! I failed English because of absences! Apparently I was getting an e-mail every week warning me about the absences, but I never used my University e-mail! I have failed the coursework part of Principles of Management too. I have barely passed Computing Skillsfor Business and I have to re-sit the coursework of Academic Skills! I hope next semester goes better.

Nota Chance!

Tutorial #2Autumn Semester