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Academic Coaching
Drop-in for one-on-one coaching in the Bates Study Center in Gosnell Hall or the Sol Study Center on the first floor of Sol Heumann Hall. Find support with time management, organization, project management, test preparation, and or general study strategies. Walk away with some practical tools and strategies as well as a greater awareness of helpful resources on campus.
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Instructor-led Academic Coaching
Meet weekly, one-on-one, with an instructor to work toward your academic goals in an independent study-like format. Designed for first- and second-year students transitioning to college learning, this fee-based program supports your growth in the areas of time management, organization, learning strategies, goal setting, the study process, and self-advocacy.
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Success Courses
Support your learning by improving your study strategies, habits, and awareness. These zero-credit courses allow you to practice and develop your time management skills, study skills, and academic organization all with the support and feedback of an instructor.
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Tutoring
Tutors are available for math and physics help at Bates and Sol Study Centers or online.
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Math Assessment
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© Provided by India Today Take your study game to the next level with these 8 study tips
Are people with great study skills just naturally gifted? Research from cognitive science tells us that a lot of the skills can be developed. If you are looking to optimise your study habits, here are some useful, evidence-informed strategies to keep in mind. All you need to know from the expert Radhika Zahedi, School Director, The Green Acres Academy.
STUDY ACTIVELY, NOT PASSIVELY: RECALL, DON'T RE-READ
Many students trick themselves into believing that they are studying. They re-read the same material over and over again. This is not an effective way of studying because it does not actively engage the mind. Instead, what you should be doing is memorizing and then recalling the study material without looking.
- You can ask yourself questions and answer them without looking. The same applies for other learning like problem-solving in mathematics. Don't read through solutions of problems and assume you have learned how to solve it yourself.
STUDY ACTIVELY, NOT PASSIVELY: USE NOTE-TAKING TECHNIQUES TO STAY ACTIVELY ENGAGED
Making notes or drawing or any kind of written work to demonstrate your learning (to yourself) is another way to ensure that you are not fooling yourself while studying. After studying, you may try to reproduce what you have learned in many different ways, for example, by writing key points down, by creating a mind-map of connected ideas, by drawing a mental model, by listing ideas, etc.
STUDY ACTIVELY, NOT PASSIVELY: INTERLEAVING INSTEAD OF BLOCKING
Another compelling way to ensure active studying is to use interleaved study. Interleaving is the process of working on different subjects during your study schedule.
We often see students make a plan where they block 4 days for science only. Research tells us we are better off different subjects, for example an hour of science, social studies, language etc. Why? Because changing subject forces us to recall meaningfully by making connections, seeing patterns and differences across subjects.
ENGAGE LONG TERM MEMORY, AVOID SHORT TERM 'MUGGING': FORCE YOUR BRAIN TO MAKE MULTIPLE CONNECTIONS
When we access new information, it is first processed in our short-term memory. As the name suggests, this information is held in our brains for a short period of time and usually lost after. It needs to get encoded into our long-term memory so that it can be pulled out or retrieved at a later time. One way to help our brains store information in long term memory is by making multiple connections to what we are studying. These connections might be created by using emotional, visual, cognitive means.
- For example, if you are studying biology - the digestive system, you might make an emotional connection to a time you had indigestion and imagine what went wrong in different parts of the system.
- Or you might activate your visual system and imagine that you have shrunk and are taking a walk-through different part of the system (the very famous memory palace technique is similar).
- Or we might use age-old cognitive strategies like mnemonics or analogies to remember.
ENGAGE LONG TERM MEMORY, AVOID SHORT TERM 'MUGGING': USE SPACED RETRIEVAL INSTEAD OF ONE-TIME CRAMMING
Spaced retrieval is another way to ensure you are studying deeply. When you study you retrieve or recall what you have studied after intervals of time (days or weeks), instead of only doing it immediately after learning it. This is helpful because it encourages the learner to study in a way that promotes deeper, longer-term retention, instead of simply 'mugging' things up in meaningless formats.
USE BOTH, SLOW THINKING AND FAST THINKING WHILE STUDYING
The methods listed above encourage slow thinking i.e., deliberate, thoughtful studying. However, in many situations it is beneficial to build fluency or automaticity with the material. Fluency with mental maths skills or testing speed can be valuable. For fluency, the age-old wisdom of repetition and practice works. The more you practise, the better you get.
STUDY WITH FOCUS AND DISCIPLINE, REDUCE PROCRASTINATION: USE THE POMODORO TECHNIQUE TO MANAGE TIME
Building discipline and focus to study isn't automatic or easy. We get mentally exhausted and distracted. Mental focus requires learners to build stamina just like we need to build stamina for physical fitness.
One fantastic way for students to build the stamina to study and stay focused is a technique called the Pomodoro Technique. The Pomodoro technique (you can google more about the name!) helps us manage time. This technique helps the learner break the study into smaller periods of high focus with breaks in between.
These alternating, timed, high focus sessions encourage us to stay on task. Learners can also start with short periods of focus time until you have built up more study stamina.
STUDY WITH FOCUS AND DISCIPLINE, REDUCE PROCRASTINATION: USE CHUNKING TO MANAGE LARGE AMOUNTS OF CONTENT
The previous technique helps you chunk your time, but the same thing can be done when you have large amounts of content to study. Breaking up the content into smaller manageable chunks that the short-term memory can process, instead of resulting in an 'information overload'. This can help you cover large volumes of material systematically and in an organised manner.
If you’re ready to start a new career or want to advance in your current field, gaining a broad-based education through an Associate of Arts program could help you reach your goals. But what is an Associate of Arts degree, and what can you do with one?
An Associate of Arts (AA) degree is one of the most common types of two-year degree programs. It offers a strong foundation of general education courses in subjects like writing, humanities and social science and also provides key career skills.
“The AA degree prepares students with skills that 21st-century employers seek in job candidates, like communication, critical thinking, quantitative reasoning and technological literacy,” said Calliope Pappadakis, a general education instructor at Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU).
Earning an AA degree can deliver you the boost you need to start an exciting career across many fields, including social services, business, retail and more. If you’re ready to kickstart your career, an Associate of Arts degree could help you reach your goals.
What is an Associate of Arts Degree Program Really Like?
Because associate degrees are typically two-year programs, they can help you get the knowledge and skills you need to start your career faster than a bachelor’s degree program.
While an associate degree is more affordable than a bachelor's degree, the cost can vary by university and a student’s transfer credits. Financial aid may be available for students working toward an associate degree.
“The AA degree might be a better choice for someone who is not ready to commit to the four-year degree, even if they are considering it in their long-term goals,” said Pappadakis. “The AA degree helps you get your foot in the door, both professionally and educationally.”
How Many Credit Hours are Needed for an AA Degree?
So, what is an Associate of Arts degree program really going to take to complete? The real number of courses required and the time it takes to finish an AA degree can vary significantly from student to student.
Because more students are balancing work and family obligations with their education, a growing number of online associate degree programs offer more flexibility to earn a degree at your own pace.
If you're working full-time while pursuing your degree, it may take you longer than two years to complete the program. While not typically required for AA degree programs, gaining real-world learning experience through internships may also add additional credit hours to your degree.
But while some students may take longer than two years to complete an AA program, others can earn their degree even faster. Because general education courses make up a large portion of the Associate of Arts program, students with past educational experience can often apply transfer credits toward their program requirements. Some degree programs may even offer credit for professional experience, said Pappadakis.
What Can You Study in an AA Degree Program?
A wide variety of Associate of Arts degree programs is available to help you reach your personal career goals. Two examples of AA degree programs include liberal arts and digital photography.
AA in Liberal Arts
This broad-based degree program can help you gain valuable writing, computational and technical skills as you explore a variety of subject areas, including:
- Humanities and history
- Social and behavioral sciences
- Technology and math
You can also gain important critical thinking and problem-solving skills as you learn to analyze issues from all angles, research solutions and communicate your findings to a variety of audiences.
AA in Digital Photography
Along with general education courses in writing, communication and social sciences, you can explore design theory, learn how to use light and color and gain key post-production editing skills to process digital images.
Other courses of study may include:
- History of photography
- Media communication
- Visual literacy
If you dream of running your own photography studio, an Associate of Arts degree can also provide you with business knowledge to help you get your career as a professional photographer up and running after graduation.
No matter what you choose to study in an AA degree program, you’ll have the opportunity to explore a wide variety of courses and gain valuable skills through general education courses.
Associate of Arts degree programs also typically include several elective courses. This means you can tailor your degree to your particular interests and career goals and graduate with the knowledge and skills you need to seek your dream job.
Which is Better, an AA or an AS Degree?
If you’re considering an AA degree, you may wonder about other associate degrees and if some are better than others.
Two primary types of associate degrees are available: an Associate of Arts (AA) and an Associate of Science (AS).
An AA degree typically focuses on liberal arts education, including social sciences, humanities, design and more. Developing career skills is a focus of AA degree programs, and students can go on to many entry-level positions in human services, communications and administrative roles.
An AS degree is also a two-year program. While there is still a focus on liberal arts subjects through general education courses, degree-specific courses typically focus on business, technology or practical sciences, depending on the specific program.
Deciding which type of associate degree is right for you is less about one program being better than the other and more about how they each prepare you to reach your personal and professional goals, said Pappadakis.
“The AA and AS are both valuable degrees as they strengthen students’ real-world skills and prepare students for both personal and professional success,” she said. “Both degrees offer students the opportunity to gain skills that are valuable in today’s workforce, and both prepare students for a new career or job advancement.”
It’s important to explore the types of jobs you can get with an associate degree and how they align with your professional goals to determine which program is right for you.
What is an Associate of Arts Degree Used For?
AA degrees provide a strong foundation of career skills that employers are looking for across many industries. Earning an associate degree could help boost your lifetime earnings and employment prospects.
“The AA degree is a stepping stone for students looking to grow in a career where their current employer requires some postsecondary education,” said Pappadakis.
Through the broad-based education of an AA program, you can develop skills such as:
- Collaboration
- Communication
- Critical thinking
- Decision making
- Problem-solving
While the specific jobs you can get with an AA degree will vary depending on your particular area of study, these skills can help you stand out to employers and get a rewarding job across many industries.
What Jobs Can You Get With an Associate of Arts Degree?
According to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), possible jobs for AA degree holders include:
- Administrative assistant: Manage business operations and keep an office running smoothly by assisting with paperwork, scheduling meetings and being the office's first point of contact. In 2021, administrative assistants earned a median annual salary of $39,680, according to BLS data.
- Customer service representative: Help customers online, over the phone or in person by answering questions and responding to complaints about a business and its products or services. According to BLS, the median wage for customer service representatives in 2021 was $17.75 per hour – an annual wage of about $36,920 for full-time employees.
- Food service manager: Oversee the daily operations of a bar, restaurant, hotel or cafeteria. If you've worked in the service industry before, management positions can help you advance your career. Food service managers earned a median annual wage of $59,440 in 2021, according to BLS data.
- Information clerk: Perform clerical tasks such as preparing routine reports, bills, claims, payments or orders for an organization. Manage records for a business and provide information to company employees and customers. According to BLS, information clerks earned a median annual salary of $37,450 in 2021.
- Photographer: Use your technical expertise and creativity to produce, edit and preserve images that tell a story or record an event. Jobs are available in aerial photography, commercial photography, portrait photography, event photography and other types of photography. According to BLS data, photographers earned a median wage of $19.85 per hour – or about $38,950 annually for full-time workers.
- Preschool teacher: Educate and care for children in preschools, daycare centers and other similar settings. Teach language, motor and social skills and provide for children's health and safety. In 2021, preschool teachers earned a median salary of $30,210. [Note: some states may require licensure or other credentials for preschool teachers.]
- Social and human service assistant: Provide services to individuals and families, assist social workers and other human service professionals and connect clients with community services. In 2021, social and human service assistants earned a median annual wage of $37,610, according to BLS data.
Is an Associate of Arts Degree Worth It?
“More and more employers are requiring some form of postsecondary education, and in many cases, a two-year degree is sufficient and offers graduates an opportunity to advance in their career or launch into a new one,” said Pappadakis.
According to the BLS, associate degree holders earned about 19% more per week in 2021 than workers with only a high school diploma. Associate degree holders also experienced lower unemployment rates, at 4.6% for associate degree holders compared to 6.2% for high school graduates without any college experience.
An AA degree can also set you up for success in a four-year bachelor’s degree program, which can help you advance your education and career even further.
“The AA degree can serve as a meaningful milestone to someone who is considering a bachelor’s degree, as it is the equivalent to the first two years of the four-year degree,” said Pappadakis.
What Bachelor’s Degree Can I Get With an Associate in Arts?
An AA degree is a great first step toward almost any bachelor’s degree. Because a large portion of the AA degree consists of general education courses, you’ll likely be able to transfer those credits to a bachelor’s degree program.
“Students can transfer quite easily into bachelor’s programs should they decide to in the future,” said Pappadakis.
Depending on the bachelor’s program you’re seeking, you may need to take some prerequisite classes before officially beginning to work toward your degree. But in most cases, you’ll be able to start your bachelor’s degree with your general education courses already completed. This means you can start your program courses faster and graduate with your four-year degree sooner.
And if you end up pausing your education before completing the four-year degree, you’ll still have your Associate of Arts credential to support your career. According to BLS data, people with an associate degree have better earning and professional potential than workers who have taken some college courses without completing any degree.
Why Earn an Associate of Arts Degree?
Now that you've explored the ins and outs of an AA degree, you may still be wondering if this educational path is right for you. So, what is an Associate of Arts degree really good for?
According to Pappadakis, there are many direct career benefits for students.
“Many jobs today require an associate degree, so for someone looking to join the workforce, the AA degree can increase their marketability and job candidacy,” said Pappadakis.
Perhaps you don’t need a four-year degree to advance your career in your chosen field. Or maybe you’re just not sure what your calling is and aren’t ready to commit to a four-year degree.
No matter your reasons for pursuing a two-year degree program, an AA degree is a credential that can open many doors.
“Students gain skills that are in high demand today, like communication, intercultural knowledge and skills that are part of lifelong learning and empower students to take control of their own learning and explore the world with curiosity and reflection,” said Pappadakis.
A degree can change your life. Find the SNHU associate degree that can best help you meet your goals.
Danielle Gagnon is a freelance writer focused on higher education. Connect with her on LinkedIn.
We welcome applications from students with additional requirements, and continue to invest money in improving facilities and accessibility. A Guide for Students with Disabilities is available from the Disability Co-ordinator and further information about our provision for students is available at: www.dds.qmul.ac.uk
All applications are considered on academic merit but, in order that we can offer you appropriate advice about services and facilities, it is important that you provide information about your particular needs at the application stage. Please use the section on the application form to deliver details of any illness, disability or learning difficulties, such as dyslexia, as well as outlining the support you feel you will need to successfully complete your course of study. When an offer is made, the College's Disability Co-ordinator may contact you to discuss your needs in more detail.
If you would like to visit the university before submitting an application, please contact the Disability Co-ordinator in the Welfare and Counselling Service. There are many organisations who are happy to advise students preparing for Higher Education but a good place to start is SKILL:
The National Bureau for Students with Disabilities
336 Brixton Road,
London SW9 7AA
+44 (0)20 7274 0565
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Anatomy & Physiology (15 credits): This module will equip you with a comprehensive understanding of human anatomy and physiology. Clinical anatomy will be taught using a combination of lectures and hands-on workshops using 3D anatomical models. The knowledge gained on anatomical structure will be complemented with functional knowledge through teaching on medical physiology topics.
Community Health (15 credits): This module provides an in-depth view of community health, with a focus on populations and communities rather than individual patients. Content includes primary care, mental health and public health, with discussion on the impact of significant health issues upon local and national health services.
Clinical & Professional Skills (30 credits): In this module, you will develop key clinical and professional skills related to working as a Physician Associate. For example; research methods, clinical skills, history taking, physical examination, ethics, communication skills, professional guidelines and regulation, evidence-based medicine, inter-professional education.
General Medicine (30 credits): This module provides a systemic approach to learning about organ systems and clinical pharmacology. Content will include diseases and health conditions associated with major organ systems (e.g. muscular, skeletal, circulatory, lymphatic, respiratory, endocrine, urinary, and digestive), and how they are treated. The role of the Physician Associate in therapeutics and prescribing will also be discussed.
Specialist Medicine (30 credits): This module will equip you with a sound knowledge of different areas in the clinical setting, and the role of such specialisms in primary and secondary care. Content includes: Dermatology, Ophthalmology, ENT (ears, nose and throat), Haematology, Neurology and Obstetrics and Gynaecology.
Practice-Related Project (60 credits): This module involves completion of an independent (but supervised) evidence-based, practice-related project. The project will develop your ability to relate research concepts and courses to a clinical setting.
You, in conjunction with a clinical supervisor, will identify a research question or area for development and then design an original project to highlight potential solutions.
You will also complete a clinical portfolio – this module is not credit-bearing, but essential for a qualification which enables eligibility to sit the Physician Associate National Exam administered by the Royal College of Physicians and once passed, allows practice as a Physician Associate. The cost for sitting this test is borne by the applicant.
All modules are compulsory and all modules must be passed in order to complete the qualification of MSc in Physician Associate Studies.
Note: All modules are indicative and based on the current academic session. Course information is correct at the time of publication and is subject to review. Exact modules may, therefore, vary for your intake in order to keep content current. If there are changes to your course we will, where reasonable, take steps to inform you as appropriate.
Teaching and assessment
Teaching typically includes lectures, group seminars, practical skills sessions and workshops. You are encouraged to become an independent and proactive learner, and we will recommend memorizing and electronic resources for independent study to help develop the breadth and depth of your knowledge.
The majority of your studies will take place at the university but we also incorporate hospital and community-based learning experiences on your placement activities.
Learning activities are designed to help you develop your teamwork, presentation and problem-solving skills, plus more traditional academic skills such as synthesis, evaluation and application. We also help you to develop your skills and understanding in professional areas such as ethics and reflective practice.
You will benefit from the support of a personal academic tutor, who you are encouraged to meet with regularly. We also offer a range of additional support services to help you develop the skills required for MSc level study.
Assessments include a variety of forms, including written and practical exams, case study reports and presentations. You will also be expected to undertake formative assessment, such as self-reflection and peer-review of fellow students. Bespoke guidance materials are provided for all forms of assessment on the course.
Year two of the course is largely placement based, however students will still be expected to attend university for revision sessions and engage in personal study
Accreditation
Physician Associate courses in the UK are not currently subject to formal accreditation; however this is going to change in the near future, as Physician associates will be regulated by the GMC. The course is working to meet the General Medical Council standards.
Symptoms
Change: Sleeping, eating, sexual interest, or exercise changes are often signs of trouble.
Clutter: Some say clutter is a sign of genius, but not always! It could be a sign of stress and can add to stress.
Boredom: You’re tired; you’ve lost interest in people and tasks; you’re doing the minimum amount required each day.
Pressure: You’re feeling pressured, even rushed, by others and events. Suddenly you’re not controlling your time; it’s controlling you.
Anger: You’re experiencing excessive anger over the problems and events of daily living.
Abuse: Substance abuse may walk hand-in-hand with burnout and stress. (This includes alcohol, cigarettes, drugs, food, etc.)
Absentmindedness: You keep forgetting appointments, assignments, etc., or you’re constantly preoccupied with other things than the business at hand.
At home: Reoccurring problems with friendships and other relationships.
Joylessness: No feelings of joy about your work, yourself, your life.
Escape: You have a desire to escape, run away. Are you fantasizing a lot about dropping out?
Recovering
Admit the trouble: Clearly let someone know how you’re feeling; get the help and support you need rather than ignoring your feelings and the situation.
Simplify your life: Say “no” when you don’t want to add an additional responsibility. Center yourself to get things into balance again.
Establish your priorities: Do some goal-setting exercises. Also, make a list of 10 or 20 things that you like to do. Ask yourself how much time you’re spending on these.
Seek counseling: Personal or career counseling, depending on the situation.
Prevention
Get positive feedback: People like to hear it when they’re doing a good job. You deserve recognition too. You may have to ask for it or “toot your own horn.”
Take care of your health: This is basic to well-being. Eat healthy, exercise, and get enough sleep!
Establish supports: Maintain a support system, people you can talk to when you’re upset as well as happy. Find and enjoy people with whom you can be yourself, without risking embarrassment or disapproval.
Manage time: Learn to manage your time. Take a course in time management if necessary. Make lists of what’s “to do” each day, week, and month.
Indulge yourself: If possible, do the work at which you are most likely to succeed. It’ll help fortify you for the tougher tasks.
Schedule fun: Include leisure time, family time, or other fun time in your regular activities. Do things that really get you away from it all and deliver you a mental break !
Stay clean: Don’t pick up everyone else’s garbage! You have your own tasks and responsibilities. Don’t take on others people’s too. Respect your own limits and boundaries.
Laugh: A sense of humor is strong armor against stress! Keep one!
Expand: Widen your horizons. Keep your outlook on life broad. Avoid ruts!
Take chances: Try new things! Sometimes it’s invigorating and uplifting!
Whether you're new to university, haven't studied for a while, or are part way through your degree, there is a set of skills that are essential to your success.
Develop and enhance your study skills so you're better prepared for university study, helping you to Improve your grades and even helping in your professional and personal life.
