It’s time to put the pens down because the SURF’s up! As the school year comes to an end, Central Queensland University’s has given year 11, 12 and mature-age students the opportunity to visit the Rockhampton campus for SURF – Student Undergraduate Resource Forum.

Hosted by the James Goldston Faculty of Engineering and Physical Systems, SURF will be held this Tuesday, 26 November, from 10am to 12.30pm. Students will have the chance to win music and surf vouchers.

Lecturer Ian Devenish said SURF would provide students interested in science, engineering and technology careers with valuable information about programs offered at CQU.

“Some students are still undecided about what and where they would like to study, so we are offering a time for students to hear about what CQU can offer them,” Mr Devenish said.

“It will provide potential students with the opportunity to meet with faculty staff and visit the campus.

“One of the things we hope to share with the students is about the Faculty’s project-based learning programs, such as the Bachelor of Engineering Co-op. This program is one of only two of its kind in Australia.

Cooperative education is a strategy of applied learning which combines the rigour of an accredited academic program with periods of paid, supervised and relevant experience in the workplace.

Students undertake two six-month periods of approved industrial experience during the third and fourth years of the program. Compared with the four-year Bachelor of Engineering program, the Bachelor of Engineering Co-op is six months longer, but students graduate with a full year of industrial experience.

The work experience is an integral part of the overall program and is an essential component of the final assessment for the degree qualification.