Top of CRS

Index

Table of Contents

Feedback

Understanding Course Structure and Planning

The Course Structure and Planning Subsystem maintains all of the details required to fully define courses and units. Students enrol in Course Offering Options and Unit Offering Options which are defined by many attributes. The following diagrams and explanations describe the relationships between data elements, and in particular, how they combine to create Course and Unit Offering Options. The first diagram shows the broad relationships between the main data groups within the Subsystem.

Further information is available in the Subsystem Glossary section and in the sections devoted to individual forms.

For information about Course Plan Structure Versions, see Course Plan Structure Overview.

Diagrams are provided to describe:

• Relationships Between Main Data Groups
• Definition of Course Versions
• Course Details
• Relationship Between a Course Version and its Offering
• Course Offering Option Data Relationships
• Definition of Unit Versions
• Unit Offering Relationships
• Notes Facility in Course Structure & Planning

Other topics include:

• Unit Sets
• Course and Unit Rollover

Refer also to:

• Security Restrictions and Access to Data

Relationships Between Main Data Groups. (crs01)

This diagram illustrates the types of data recorded in the Subsystem which ultimately permit the specification of the Course and Unit Offering Instances into which students are enrolled.Reference details are the basic data used to define courses and units. For example, a Course Status is required for the definition of a course. The permissible set of Course Statuses is maintained separately as reference data. These details remain relatively static over time. Individual course and unit details are defined by their combinations of attributes, including those defined as reference details. The main data groups shown in this diagram are expanded upon below.

Definition of Course Versions. (crs02)

This shows how reference detail data is combined to define Course Versions. In these diagrams, solid arrows indicate that the data is mandatory while dotted arrows indicate an optional relationship. Thus, to define a Course Version, it is mandatory to define a Course Type, Course Status, Government Special Course Type and Organisational Unit for the Course Version. Similarly, a Course Status must have a System Course Status assigned to it to be fully defined. A Course Type must be assigned a Government Course Type but the assignment of a Course Type Group is optional.

Course Details. (crs03)

This diagram illustrates the detail which may be maintained against each Course Version once it has been defined. The diagram also shows that many of the attributes of a Course Version are defined by other data which is maintained as reference data. For example, a Course Version can be assigned a particular Field of Study (making it the CRS Field of Study). This Field of Study must be maintained as reference data and is, in turn, dependant on the existence of a suitable Government Field of Study for its own definition.

Relationship Between a Course Version and its Offerings, Offering Instances, Offering Options and Offering Patterns. (crs04)

The diagram above represents the relationship between Course Versions and their Offerings, Offering Options and Offering Patterns. Typical data is included to show how a particular set of records is 'built up'. Students actually enrol in a particular Course Offering Pattern of a course. A unique Course Offering Pattern is created by combining information relating to a specific Course Version with information describing when (Calendar), where (Location) and how (Attendance Type and Mode) the course will be offered.

Course Offering Option Data Relationships. (crs05)

Not all reference data is applied directly to Course Versions. Course Offering Options are also 'built' from a number of data elements. This diagram shows the relationships required to define a Course Offering Option.

Definition of Unit Versions. (crs06)

The main Unit Data Groups shown in the first diagram are expanded upon here. The data elements above the Unit Version in the diagram are reference details used in the definition of a Unit Version. Unit Status and Course Unit Level are both dependant on other reference data for their definition.

The data elements below the Unit Version are the details that may be maintained against each Unit Version once it has been defined. The diagram also shows that many of the attributes of a Unit Version are defined by other data that is maintained as reference data. For example, a Unit Version can be assigned a particular discipline (making it the Unit Discipline). This discipline must be maintained as reference data and is, in turn, defined by a suitable Government Discipline Group.

Unit Offering Relationships (crs07)

This diagram shows the relationships required to uniquely define a Unit Offering Option. Students enrol in Unit Offering Options. Typical data values are included in the diagram to show how the data is combined.

Notes Facility in Course Structure and Planning. (crs08)

This illustrates the data relationships relating to the Notes Facility, within Course Structure and Planning. The notes function allows additional information to be attached to certain data. The Note Type attribute enables notes to be grouped according to a common characteristic. Notes of many types may be created, each type reflecting the purpose of the notes associated with it. In the Course Structure & Planning Subsystem for example, notes of type HANDBOOK could be created to facilitate maintenance of the University handbook.

Notes may be created, stored and retrieved in almost any format. The currently available formats are:

• Microsoft Word
• Microsoft Excel
• Text
• Other OLE (permitting virtually any other format)

Full instructions and explanations for the use of the notes facility are covered under Notes Facility in the General System Functions and Facilities section.

Note:

• Institutional policy will determine at which level within a Subsystem different notes will be attached. Within Course Structure and Planning, notes may be attached to data at the following levels:
• Course Version
• Course Offering
• Course Offering Pattern
• Course Offering Option
• Unit Version
• Unit Offering
• Unit Offering Option
• Unit Offering Pattern

Unit Sets

Unit Sets are used to define a path of study undertaken to ensure the satisfactory progression and completion of Student Course Attempts.

The Unit Set concept features in the following areas of Callista:

• Course Structure and Planning Subsystem.
• Allows the creation and maintenance of Unit Sets. Further details on this aspect are included below.
• Allows the mapping of Unit Sets to entry point reference codes for Admissions uploads.
• Admissions Subsystem.
• Allows for the selection of a Unit Set as part of an admission application. If an offer of admission is made, detail regarding this Unit Set forms part of the admission offer.
• Enrolments Subsystem.
• Unit Sets can be included as part of a Students Course Attempt.
• Progression Subsystem.
• Allows the creation of a Completion rule for a Unit Set and the checking of a Student Unit Set attempt against this rule.
• Graduation Subsystem.
• Functionality includes the ability to order Graduation Ceremonies, grouping Graduands by Unit Set as well as course.
• Student Finance Subsystem
• Unit Sets can be used to trigger fee calculations for students enrolled in the Unit Set.

Academic/Administrative Unit Sets

Unit Sets can be differentiated as Academic or Administrative.

Academic Unit Sets are those that further define the path of study a student has selected. For example: a MAJOR in Accounting or a SPECIALISATION in Taxation.

Administrative Unit Sets can be used to restrict the set of pathways a student can follow within a course. For example, a Bachelor of Business that has two STREAMS

• Accounting, Banking and Finance and Economics MAJORS in Administrative Unit Set STREAM1
• Management, Marketing and Communications MAJORS in Administrative Unit Set STREAM2.

Through the use of Unit Sets, a student enrolled in a Bachelor of Business may nominate to complete an Accounting MAJOR, this student would be restricted to Unit Sets related to STREAM1. They may not pursue Unit Sets in STREAM2 except in special circumstances.

Administrative Unit Sets may also include subjects that all students are required to complete. For example: a CORE Unit Set which comprises an English unit and a Physical Education unit may have to be completed by all students as part of their course regardless of field.

The use of Administrative Unit Sets can also be used to define progression components of a course. By default, Administrative Unit Sets are not displayed on documentation such as Transcripts and Testamurs.

Examples of the Use of Unit Sets

Bachelor of Business - M320

Students attempting a Bachelor of Business are required to complete:

• CORE units; and
• Two Majors; or
• One Major and Two Minors; or
• One Major, One Minor and Two Specialisations; or
• One Major, One Minor and # Electives

Possible Rules of the Bachelor of Business:

• Students are restricted by STREAM through the use of Unit Set Rules. For example: a student in STREAM1 cannot take a Major or Minor from STREAM2.
• Specialisations are available to ALL Student Course Attempts.

For example, a student enrolled in a Bachelor of Business and having selected to do Accountancy would have the following Unit Set options:

• Two Majors - the student would be able to select the Banking and Finance or Economics Majors to complete but would not be able to select a Major from STREAM2; or
• One Major, Two Minors - can select from the Minors listed under STREAM1. For example: Taxation and Money Management, Small Business and Banking Regulations, Auditing and Regional Planning; or
• One Major, One Minor and Two Specialisations - selection of one of the Minors from STREAM1 and two Specialisations. For example: Small Business, Public Speaking and Budgets; Taxation, Budgets and Proposals and Grants.
• One Major, One Minor and a number of Electives - selection of one of the Minors from STREAM1 and a number of Elective units. Elective units can be selected from either stream or from other courses.

Unit Set MAJORS or MINORS within STREAM2 can be selected by the student in special circumstances, as institution policy dictates. These circumstances could require the use of the Authorised By fields.

The CORE Unit Set is a policy of the institution that requires all students to complete an English, Mathematics and Physical Education unit within their first year of study.

The CORE, STREAM1 and STREAM2 Unit Sets are Administrative, details of the Unit Set do not appear on transcripts and testamurs.

Unit Sets Reference Data

In order for Unit Sets to be created, the following reference data must be created and maintained:

Setting Up and Maintaining Unit Sets

There are two mechanisms for creating and maintaining Unit Sets.

First:

• Using CRSF4200 (Maintain Unit Sets), create a Unit Set. The Unit Set can be Academic (Administrative check box unchecked) or Administrative (check box selected).
• In the same form the Unit Set can be restricted to specific Course Types. For example: Bachelor's Pass, Master's by Research.
• Select the Unit Set Notes button to open CRSF4210 (Maintain Unit Set Notes). Notes describing the uses or limitations of the Unit Set can be recorded.
• Select the Unit Set Rules button to open CRSF4230 (Define Unit Set Rules). Define rules to establish prerequisites as required and to define Unit Set completion requirements.
• Select the Apply Unit Set to Course Offerings button to open CRSF4201. Apply the Unit Set to a particular Course Offering or to a group of Course Offerings.

Then either:

• Select the Course Offering Unit Sets button to open CRSF1280. Allows Unit Sets to be applied to the context Course Offering. The LOV contains all ACTIVE Unit Sets regardless of those that where attached to Course Offerings in CRSF4201. The LOV is restricted by the Course Type restrictions established in CRSF4200. Unit Sets can be defined as Only as Subordinate for the Course Offering. This restricts the Unit Set to a subordinate relationship with other Unit Sets. Within the same form:
• Select the Course Offering Unit Set Relationships button to open CRSF1281. Create superior/subordinate relationships between the different Unit Sets for the Course Offering.
• Select the Course Offering Option Unit Sets button to open CRSF1282. Restrict a Course Offering Option to specific Unit Sets that have been applied to the Course Offering but are not available to the Course Offering Option.

Or, when establishing courses:

• Within the Basic Course Details form (CRSF1210) select the Course Offering button to open CRSF1300.
• For the displayed Course Offering, select the Course Offering Unit Set button to open CRSF1280 where Unit Sets can be mapped to the Course Offering as detailed above. Selecting the Course Offering Unit Set Relationships button to open CRSF1281 where superior/subordinate relationships can be established between the Course Offering Unit Sets.
• Return to CRSF1300 and select the Course Offering Options button to open CRSF1400 and display the Course Offering Options.
• Select the Course Offering Option Unit Sets button to open CRSF1282. The Course Offering Option can be restricted to particular Unit Sets within the Course Offering.

Unit Sets can be attached to entry point reference code in the Maintain Course Entry Point Reference Codes form (CRSF1420). By mapping to entry point codes, applicants uploaded into Admissions through the use of the Process TAC Offer File Load job (ADMJ4200) are automatically admitted to the Unit Set which then becomes part of their Admission Offer.

Attaching Unit Sets to Student Course Attempts

When a student enrols in a Course Attempt, Unit Sets can be selected for the Course Attempt to further define the students intended path of study.

To attach Unit Sets to a Student Course Attempt:

• In ENRF3000 (Record Enrolments) select the Course button to display Student Course Attempt details.
• Select the Unit Sets button to open ENRF3252. Unit Sets for the Course Offering can be selected for the Student Course Attempt. Those Unit Sets that constitute the major part of the Student Course Attempt can be defined as Primary Sets for display on documentation.

Encumbrances

One of the System encumbrance effect types available to institutions is 'Excluded from Enrolment in a Specific Course Unit Set'. This effect can be used to prevent a student within a particular course from selecting a specific Unit Set. Refer to the Maintain Basic Person Encumbrance Details form (ENRF6310) for further details on applying encumbrances to individual students.

Course and Unit Rollover

Callista provides a number of mechanisms by which existing course and unit information can be used to create new information, considerably reducing the work involved in maintaining curriculum and associated data. These include:

• The creation of new courses and Course Versions based on existing Course Versions
• The creation of new units and Unit Versions based on existing Unit Versions
• The bulk rollover of Course Offering Instances and patterns related to one Academic Period (and for a particular organisational unit if required) to create Course Offering Instances and patterns in a new Academic Period
• The bulk rollover of Unit Offering Options and patterns related to one teaching period (and for a particular organisational unit if required) to create Course Offering Instances and patterns in a new teaching period

These functions are described in Course and Unit Rollover Processes.

Last modified on 3 July, 2009 2:52 PM

History Information