Assessment criteria for all assessment tasks will be provided on the unit iLearn site.

It is the responsibility of students to view their marks for each within-session-assessment on iLearn within 20 days of posting. If there are any discrepancies, students must contact the unit convenor immediately. Failure to do so will mean that queries received after the release of final results regarding assessment tasks (not including the final exam mark) will not be addressed.

Late submissions and extensions

Tasks 10% or less – No extensions will be granted. Students who have not submitted the task prior to the deadline will be awarded a mark of 0 for the task, except for cases in which an application for special consideration is made and approved.

Tasks above 10% - No extensions will be granted. There will be a deduction of 10% of the total available marks made from the total awarded mark for each 24 hour period or part thereof that the submission is late (for example, 25 hours late in submission – 20% penalty). This penalty does not apply for cases in which an application for special consideration is made and approved. No submission will be accepted after solutions have been posted.

Information about Classes and Course Material

The timetable for classes can be found on the University web site at http://www.timetables.mq.edu.au/2021. This timetable shows the class times and locations.

Lectures : Online Videos, 2 hours per week

Please bring a calculator so that you can attempt some exercises during class. Be prepared to share your ideas.

Tutorials : Online or Face-to-Face, 1 hour per week

There are number of tutorial slots available and you should enrol in one of the tutorial groups shown on the timetable. In tutorials, we will work through some examples of actuarial problems. Tutorial questions will be posted on iLearn each week. Please attempt the tute questions BEFORE the class, so that you can ask your tutor if you need help. Note that the tutorial exercises provide excellent preparation for the class test and final exam.

Students may request a change of tutorial time if there is a good reason for the change (e.g. you have a part time job which clashes with your assigned tutorial).

Consultation hours

Sometimes, you may want extra help in understanding the course material. Consultations with the tutor/lecturer will be provided and details will be posted to iLearn. Consultations provide an excellent method for students to clarify any questions that they may have and it is highly suggested that students take advantage of this resource. 

Announcements

Note that rooms and times for tutorials may change depending on the number of students enrolling in both ACST1052 and in other units across the University - any changes will be announced in Lectures and on iLearn. Make sure that you regularly check the Announcements on iLearn.

Computer skills.

In this unit students learn how to use EXCEL to build simple financial models and do simulations. We have provided some Camtasia recordings to demonstrate how to build spreadsheets and use common EXCEL functions. These Camtasia recordings are available on iLearn. This material is examinable so students should watch these recordings. The best way to develop computing skills is to attempt sample problems, so please work through the examples in the Camtasia recordings. Some students already have EXCEL skills, but others have not had this opportunity. If you find that you cannot keep up with the EXCEL material, it is recommended that you come to the consultations for additional assistance. 

Course Materials

Lecture materials and course notes will be provided via iLearn. You will not need any other textbooks. The library does have some actuarial textbooks which may be useful as a source of additional practice problems (references will be posted on iLearn).

Each week (after week 1) tutorial problems and solutions will be posted on iLearn.

In most weeks, you will be asked to do an online quiz. The solutions to these quizzes will be posted on iLearn.

Copies of old class tests and exams, with worked solutions, will be made available on iLearn.

Camtasia recordings of Excel tutorials will be available on iLearn.

Due to current restrictions, Lectures will be recorded and released on iLearn rather than face-to-face.

Technology

Students will need to use computers to access iLearn. Students who do not own a computer can use the University's PC labs. 

The written report may require some research (e.g. using Google Scholar or the library's electronic databases). 

Some assignments will require the use of Excel spreadsheets. Most spreadsheet problems can be solved using either the PC version or the Mac version of Excel - however in some cases the Mac version is slightly different. So on some occasions, students who have Macs may need to use the PCs in the University's PC labs. 

Students will be encouraged to download and use R software, which is open-source (available for free online). 

iLearn 

The course notes, readings, recordings,  tutorial questions, tutorial solutions, and sample exams for this unit will be posted on the iLearn system. There will be a separate folder for each week.

To find the iLearn page, go to ilearn.mq.edu.au and enter your user name and password. Once you log in, you should see a list of all the units you are enrolled in - and this should include ACST1052 Introduction to Actuarial Studies. Click on the unit name to go to the unit's iLearn home page.

• If you have trouble logging in to iLearn or you can't remember your password, ring 9850 HELP or send a question by email to OneHelp@mq.edu.au.
• If you have any personal questions, then you can send Alan a message via iLearn (click on "Send a message"). For example, if you are sick and you need Special Consideration, or you want to switch tutes because you have a timetable clash, send a message to Alan via iLearn "Send a Message". Alternatively, you can also email Alan directly.
• If you have any general questions about the unit, you can post a message under General Discussion (which is on iLearn). This is a public noticeboard: all the students and staff can see your message. For example, if you have a question about one of the assignments, you can post the question here.
• Students are encouraged to help each other. If you notice that one of your colleagues has posted a question on General Discussion, and you think you know the answer, you may post a reply. You are encouraged to help each other with tute questions.  
• Please be polite to each other when you post messages on iLearn.
• If you have any helpful suggestions for how to improve the course, please feel free to send Alan a message.
• Important information is often posted on the Announcements in iLearn - for example we might want to tell you about a scholarship, or an ASSOC event, or a room change for a tute. So please read the Announcements, which are sent to your University email.