Autonomous learning group  Referred to by some students as an ALG. This is group work that takes places independently of staff supervision, although the make-up of groups will be made set by staff. Similar in format to tutorials, however students are expected to take an even stronger lead. ALGs do not form a part of all courses; however group work in a similar form is very common place, even if it doesn’t fall under the same title.

Blog  This is short for weblog. Basically it's a log, or diary, that sits out there in Internet world. People put blogs to a variety of purposes - you'll hear about 'political bloggers' commenting on the issues of the day, while academics use blogs to talk about latest developments in their field. Most commonly, it's an individual's personal reflection on a subject or subjects.

Common university marking scale  In general, universities favour a system of grading by percentages (rather than grades). In most courses, the ‘pass mark’ is 40%, although for some professional courses e.g. Medicine this is much higher. While 40% might be the ‘pass’ mark, most students will aim much higher, not least as progression to Honours years tends to be dependent on a consistently higher level of performance.

Core subjects/Core modules  These are the compulsory building blocks that form the main structure of your degree. You can build around this core by selecting outside subjects and/or electives.

Director of study  A member of staff from your academic department who can be consulted for guidance outside classes. However, the role, availability and input of your Director of Study can vary greatly between departments and universities. In some cases students are required to arrange regular appointments with this member of staff – other students might experience a more ad hoc arrangement. Also referred to as Study Adviser or Personal Tutor.

Dissertation  Normally the major piece of research work you will complete as an undergraduate. Typically takes the form of an extended essay (generally 10,000 words or more) that is completed in your final year of study. Thankfully, not something you need to worry about for a few years yet! This will be covered during week 4: Academic Writing.

Elective  Many university courses allow you to select courses from a pool, so that you can enhance your specialist degree knowledge by selecting a course of particular interest. Alternatively you can broaden your wider knowledge by taking a completely different subject. Similar to Outside subject/course.

Journals/journal articles  A vital source of information for students, many of which are now available online. Put simply, these are academic or professional magazines written by people who are perceived to be expert (or experienced) in the chosen subject. We will cover journal and other information sources during week 2: Information Sources.

Lab report  Engineers and Scientists carry out tests and examinations in the laboratory. As they do this they record what happens. After the session, they write the full exercise – including objectives, methodology, what happened, conclusion – into a lab report. Lab reports will be covered in depth during week 4: Academic writing.

Lecture  The most common way that information is imparted at university. In general, these sessions lack interaction – the focus is upon recording information that the lecturer imparts. Takes place in the lecture theatre. The themes introduced in lectures are often developed during tutorials.

Matriculation  This is the process of enrolment when you begin university. This has traditionally involved lots of queuing although it’s increasingly common to matriculate online. Also called registration. When you matriculate you’ll be given a matriculation number or student number.

Module  A course of study. See also core module.

Outside subject/course Similar to an elective.

Plagiarism  In the simplest terms, taking someone else’s ideas or work and passing it off as your own. Whether done accidentally or intentionally, the penalties for this form of theft of intellectual property can be severe. Best avoided by acknowledging your sources, for instance by referencing. This will be covered during week 5 of the course.

Referencing  The system of acknowledging the work of others in your own assignments. Can include citations within text, footnotes, reference lists, bibliographies or a combination of all the above. This will be covered in week 5 (‘Presenting evidence’).

Reflective practice  Although this sounds like something from a Physics lab or perhaps the front cover of a Pink Floyd album, it really refers to the process of an individual spending time considering their emotions, strengths, weaknesses and so on. It's seen as an effective way of improving one's performance (whether at university of beyond) as you are encouraged to give some thought to how you might address weaknesses and improve strengths and so on.

Semester  Another way of describing a term of study. 

Seminar  This is similar to a tutorial in that the tone is less formal than in lectures and the class size will be smaller. However a seminar may involve one or more presentations – possibly given by student members of the class – followed by discussion.

Student number  Also referred to as a matriculation number or matric number.

Students Association and Student Union  The representative body for you whilst you are a student. The SA exists to promote your rights as a student, alongside lots of other services. Normally accommodated in the student union building, which also houses social venues such as cafes and bars.

Student welfare service/'Advice Place'  The dedicated department at university where staff exist to support you if you experience difficulty of a non-academic nature, or need some general advice.

Tutorial  A small group session (typically around 10 people) where you will discuss themes that arose during associated lectures or recommended reading. The tutor will prompt discussion however the onus is on students to share views and ask questions. Normally last just under one hour.

Virtual Learning Environment  During the early stages of your degree course your university may require you to log into a VLE (such as Web CT) where study and other materials will be hosted for the duration of your studies.

WebCT/Blackboard  A type of Virtual Learning Environment

Heard a phrase during Summer School that you didn't understand? e-mail me and I'll add it to the glossary!