International Education
Semester Program in Queensland, Australia

Academics at James Cook University

James Cook University (JCU) is a leading Australian research university that emphasizes excellence in teaching.  A broad curriculum will allow SMCM students to take courses within their majors while providing opportunities to take courses on topics that are uniquely Australian.  The locations of the Townsville and Cairns campuses near both the Great Barrier Reef and tropical rainforest (e.g., the Daintree Rainforest north of Cairns) make JCU a popular destination for students interested in tropical ecology. 

The academic calendar at JCU is the reverse of that at SMCM.  The first semester of the academic year begins in the third week of February and ends in mid-June.  The second semester begins around the second week of August and ends at the beginning of December.  Another difference is that students receive an undergraduate degree after three years of study and can then apply for a fourth postgraduate study year (see http://www.jcu.edu.au/future/idc/groups/public/documents/information_about/jcudev_015759.pdf) during which students are encouraged to conduct research and write a thesis.

The International Student webpage identifies 54 study areas that study abroad students can enroll in.  Study areas that correspond to programs at SMCM include Anthropology, Biochemistry, Biology, Chemistry, Chinese, Computer Science, Economics, Education, English, Environmental Science, French, German, History, Mathematics, Music, Physics, Political Science, Psychology, Sociology, Theatre, Visual Arts and Women's Studies.  In addition students can take courses in Australian Studies, Indigenous Australian Studies, Marine Biology, Rainforest Science, Tropical Biology and in many other areas in which SMCM does not have programs. Study abroad students at JCU are encouraged to gain practical experience through practical sessions and field trips -- JCU has modern laboratories and several research stations (http://www.jcu.edu.au/research/JCUPRD_025777.html).

Tips for Using Course Finder

SMCM students need to select 6-8 subjects/courses in which they are serious about enrolling and list these courses on your JCU application in order of preference.  These subjects/courses will be reviewed by an academic adviser and pre-approved for your enrollment.  You may only enroll in subjects for which you are approved.  It is important to consider the following details when selecting subjects/courses at JCU.  Remember to check:

• The subjects are offered in the study period with dates that you plan to be in Australia (our fall semester matches up with JCU's study period 2, and our spring with their period 1)
• Research subjects/courses using the online studyfinder, using the "subject search" link.  Individual e-mails to faculty members at JCU asking for syllabi are unwelcome.  If you have conducted your research using the studyfinder and need information beyond the course description provided online, you will need to work with International Education to make a special request for syllabi to our colleagues in the International Student Center.
• Check the class timetable to make sure your class schedules don't conflict with each other.  You'll need to attend a combination of lectures, tutorials, and/or practicals for each course.  Each subject/course has its own combination, so you'll need to read the course description. 
• Select 6-8 subjects so that you have a back-up list of pre-approved courses if there are clashes in the timetable, you can make adjustments to your schedule upon arrival.  The International Student Center can help you to navigate the timetable and finalize your schedule with an academic adviser during Orientation Week.

JCU Credit Transfer 

James Cook's 3-credit courses are deemed to be equivalent to SMCM's 4-credit courses. JCU grade equivalencies will appear on your SMCM transcript as follows. The grades will not be mathematically computed in your SMCM GPA.

JCU HD (high distinction) = SMCM A
D (distinction)= A
C (credit) = B
P (pass) = C
Any grade less than P (C) does not transfer back.

The registrar together with department chairs evaluate JCU courses on an ongoing basis for SMCM equivalencies. Please click here to explore a listing of the courses SMCM Students have taken in the past.