Classes Begin!

Classes Begin!

It’s been a while since my last post, partly because I’ve been getting back into the swing of things at university. First thing to note: post-secondary education at University of Adelaide is quite different from the University of Guelph. I have a total of three classes, which add up to a full course load. They are: Design Studio, Environment II, and Foortprints on a Fragile Planet (a geography course). Here’s a bit of a low-down on each:

Design Studio is the most drastic change for me. I knew that the method of teaching would be different from what I’m used to, but I wasn’t expecting what I got. This class consists of a 2-hour formal lecture and a 4-hour design seminar. The lectures are interesting but seem to cover most of the information I feel that I already know. In my honest opinion, the design seminar is even less impressive. The focus of the course is supposed to center around Urban Design, yet there is almost no design component in the seminar. Our first couple assignments have been silly little exercises that I find are not helpful to furthur my design abilities. I also don’t like the idea that our main professor is not hosting these seminars, but that TA’s (Teaching Assistants) run them. Overall, not my favourite course and it makes me appreciate my design courses at Guelph so much more.

On a better note, I’m enjoying Environment II very much! Though this course is more orientated to architecture than landscape architecture, I find it quite interesting to learn how to build more sustainably and how to utilize passive heating and cooling. The assignments are all useful and engaging. The tutorial for this class is also much better as the TA is enthusiastic and positive about what she is teaching. I am definitely learning a lot!

Finally, I chose to take a geography course called Footprints on a Fragile Planet. Most of the broad concepts that are outlined in the lectures, I have an understanding of, however, I am learning a lot about environmental and economic issues in Australia. For example; did you know that Australia has the opportunity for substantial mineral wealth? Another interesting tidbit (relating more to landscape archiecture) is that due to Australia’s dry climate, vegetation has adapted to a low amount of topsoil and lack of organic matter/nutrients.

To sum all this up, I found the first week back at university a little frustrating, but I’m quickly getting used to it again. I’ve gotten over the initial shock and am for the most part, enjoying my classes. Although I sometimes miss the familiarity and style of education back home, spending a semester on exchange is a really good experience!