The Bond new Core Curriculum

The Bond new Core Curriculum commencing May 2014 Semester

Bond University was an innovator in 1989 by embedding a Core Curriculum within each of its undergraduate programs to instill skills needed by all students, regardless of discipline. The Core was unique in Australia at that time, and its aim remains as important now as when the university opened: to create a shared experience for all Bond students which would make them different from graduates of other institutions.

Following a major review in 2013, the Bond Core has been refreshed and revitalized. The new Core Curriculum consists of three for-credit subjects and a required zero credit component that collectively address the Mission, Values, and desired Graduate Attributes for undergraduate students at Bond University. These components, in concert with discipline-specific studies, are designed to deliver

• clear and informed thinking;
• effective oral and written communication;
• global awareness and the ability to work with diverse others;
• skills for managing oneself, contributing to teams, and providing leadership;
• understanding of ethical frameworks and the personal capacity for ethical practice;
• real-world, work-integrated learning experiences; and
• preparation for the transition to employment.

The new Bond Core establishes and begins the development of essential graduate attributes, supports students’ capacity to acquire the knowledge and skills taught in their discipline-specific coursework, and prepares graduates to translate these capabilities into successful professional and personal lives.

New Core Subjects

Critical Thinking and Communication (CORE 1)
In this subject students will be introduced to critical thinking and clear expression. They will evaluate arguments, identify assumptions, judge patterns of inference, and recognise and apply various methods of reasoning. Students will learn how to clarify and visually represent their thinking to make better decisions, evaluate and use evidence, and communicate more effectively in their writing and speaking. Using these skills, students will structure and write an academic essay and deliver an oral presentation.
Leadership and Team Dynamics (CORE 2)
This subject is designed to help students develop the intrapersonal and interpersonal skills to function effectively as individual contributors, team players and leaders in diverse social contexts. These skills are essential to all students’ personal and professional lives in any current or future profession. Students will gain a greater understanding of their personality, values, emotions, perceptions and related attributes, and develop an appreciation of the diversity of these characteristics in others. This perspective is required to work effectively in diverse multi-disciplinary groups and to develop the followership and leadership behaviours that are highly valued in contemporary organisations. Finally, students will develop a structured, personal, self-directed approach to their ongoing learning and time management.
Ethical Thought and Action (CORE 3)
Using an applied case-based approach, this subject helps students gain ethical awareness, develop relevant reasoning skills, and empower themselves to act ethically in personal and professional contexts. This interdisciplinary subject explores critical ethical issues in science, law, business, media, and the environment. Topics remain flexible to reflect the dynamic nature of ethical issues in the 21st century.

Beyond Bond: Professional Development and Community Engagement

This Core component aims to equip students with the knowledge, competencies and skills to effectively take responsibility and plan an appropriate career path. Students will gain awareness and understanding of the career development process and, through the use of various job-related tools, will be empowered to create their own professional approach towards their future career aspirations. Students will also acquire a realistic appreciation of the world of work and broaden their employment skills beyond the classroom through a variety of work-integrated learning and/or global or community engagement activities.
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Questions about studying at Bond University or about Bond Law School or Bond Physiotherapy School? Contact Admissions Officer Sarah Bridson at sarah@oztrekk.com or call toll free in Canada at 1-866-698-7355. Sarah is OzTREKK’s Admissions Officer for Australian Law Schools and Australian Physiotherapy Schools.