Higher Education Studies and Working Life Skills 1 (5cr)

Evaluation scale

H-5

Content scheduling

The course will start in September 2025.

Learning outcomes
The student will get to know Turku University of Applied Sciences as a working environment and become familiar with the systems, guidelines and student services of higher education studies. In addition, the student will become familiar with the structure of studies, the contents of the courses and the learning systems. They will plan their studies, develop their study skills and consider their future career path and developing working life skills.

After the course
-Student knows the members of his/her study group and can collaborate with others and use peer support in learning.
-Student can use the learning environment of Turku University of Applied Sciences and use tools (Peppi, Messi, Itslearning, Outlook, Finna, Tuudo).
- Student is familiar with the structure of education in his/her field and has developed a personal learning plan.
-Student will be able to identify strengths and areas for development and reflect on their own study skills, study ability and factors affecting their well-being.
-Student recognizes the specific features of Finnish higher education and is able to develop his/her own skills (time management planning, commitment to independent work, self-directed study, writing and reading skills, correct way to use of artificial intelligence and translators in studies, competence-based assessment, problem-solving skills, cooperation skills, working in a group).
-Student knows the guidance and counselling services available to the student and knows how to seek help when needed
-Students are familiar with the Finnish job search culture and know what kind of jobs and job opportunities are in their field.

The topics of the course include:
- Studying in Finland (Finnish studying culture and habits, getting to know events for students)
- Studying at TUAS (learning environments and systems, curricula, work training etc.)
- Learning techniques (time management, study scheduling, self-directed learning, teamwork skills, problem solving skills)
- Identifying and developing study skills, strengths and areas for development
- Information retrieval and library services (critical thinking and literacy)
- Working in Finland and job search skills
- Study and career planning and learning about jobs in the sector

The course provides the prerequisites for studying in higher education in Finland.

Objective

You know how to operate as a student in Turku University of Applied Sciences, and you have sufficient higher education studies and working life skills
• you integrate into your study community
• understand the importance of planning the use of time, and large amount of independent work.
• you are able to evaluate your actions and take responsibility for your learning
• you are familiar with the curriculum of the degree programme of Industrial Management and Engineering
• career opportunities in industrial management and engineering

Content

the facilities, systems and instructions of Turku University of Applied Sciences (incl. the degree regulations and safety instructions), the Digistartti course
• guidance and counselling services, student benefits, health care
• team building, the rules of your study group and being a member of a work and study community
• studying skills
• preparation of your personal study plan, the significance of your choices with respect to your career plan and development discussions with your tutor teacher

Materials

The study material can be found in the learning environment Itslearning.
Study materials include e.g.
- Digistart course
- Curricula
- Different websites and online materials

Teaching methods

Learning-by-doing, task-based and independent study
Participation in on-campus teaching, completion of course assignments individually and in groups, familiarisation with the material in the ITS learning environment, completion of the student's Digital Start course, participation in personal tutoring sessions, peer learning

Exam schedules

No exam

Pedagogic approaches and sustainable development

learning-by-doing, lectures, teamwork, supporting teaching, peer learning

Completion alternatives

Not applicable

Student workload

5 credits is equivalent to 135 hours of student work.
Consists of onsite learning sessions and individual work

Evaluation methods and criteria

The course is assessed on a scale of 0-5. The grade will be determined by assignments and attendance and activity.
A more detailed grading table and information about the assignments will be provided at the beginning of the course.

Attendance requirement of at least 60% of lessons. Coursework must be returned according to the instructions and timetable given by the teacher. Only assignments returned on time can get maximum points.

More detailed information about the assignments will be provided at the beginning of the course.

Failed (0)

The student has not passed the assessed learning tasks (criteria in ItsLearning) or the learning tasks are not sufficient to pass the course. The student has not attended classes and has not fulfilled the attendance requirement for the course. The student has not achieved the learning outcomes of the course.

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1-2)

The student has moderately completed the learning tasks to be assessed in the course (criteria in ItsLearning). The student demonstrates mastery of some of the learning objectives of the course in study skills and job search skills. The student has participated in group work and has successfully completed a group presentation. The student has developed a learning plan and met with a tutor teacher. The student has participated in individual, pair and group work in lessons to varying degrees. Assignments have been completed and returned to varying degrees. The attendance requirement for the course is fulfilled.

Assessment criteria, good (3-4)

The student has done almost all the learning tasks assessed in the course (criteria in ItsLearning). In the assignments, the student demonstrates a good mastery of the learning objectives of the course in study skills and job search skills. The student is capable of self-directed learning, planning his/her time and to demonstrate signs of critical thinking skills. The student shows the ability to make independent decisions and have at least basic problem-solving skills. The student has actively participated in group work and has passed the group presentation. The student has prepared a learning plan and met with the tutor. The student has participated in individual, pair and group work during lessons. Assignments have been completed and returned in an approved and timely manner. The attendance requirement for the course is fulfilled.

Assessment criteria, excellent (5)

The student has successfully completed the assessed learning tasks of the course (criteria in ItsLearning) and demonstrates excellent mastery of the learning objectives of the course in study skills and job search skills. The student is capable of self-directed learning, planning his/her time and to demonstrate critical thinking skills. Student can make independent decisions and have problem-solving skills. The student has actively participated in group work and has successfully completed a group presentation. The student has developed a learning plan and met with the tutor teacher. The student has actively participated in individual, pair and group work in lessons. Assignments have been completed and returned in an approved and timely manner. The attendance requirement for the course is fulfilled.

Further information

Mainly via ItsLearning