[major=SE | course_id=SSA101 | syllabus_id=13785 | semester=1 | combo=core | title=Academic skills]
Course ID: SSA101
Title EN: Academic skills
Title VI: 
Credits: 3.0
Prerequisites: 
Description: This course introduces essential academic skills for university success, focusing on effective study habits, critical and creative thinking, academic communication, and the responsible use of AI. Students will explore three key areas: AI and academic integrity, thinking skills for the digital age, and learning and communication at university. The course emphasizes self-directed learning and helps students manage their study, time, and learning strategies effectively in both traditional and online settings.
Student tasks: - Students must attend more than 80% of contact slots in order to be accepted to the final examination.
- Student is responsible to do all exercises, assignments and labs given by instructor in class or at home and submit on time
- Use laptop in class only for learning purpose
- Promptly access the FLM system at https://flm.fpt.edu.vn
for up-to-date course information.
Tools: - Internet
Course type: coursera_hybrid
Decision: 1318/QĐ-ĐHFPT dated 11/27/2025
Approved date: 2025-11-27
CLO1: Understand concepts of university learning expectations and student responsibilities.
[1] category=Individual Progress Test; type=on-going; weight=10.0; duration=60-90', week 9; question_type=LO1-10; grading_guide=concepts, algorithms; all studied chapters; completion_criteria=; clos=>0
[2] category=Participation; type=on-going; weight=10.0; duration=week 1 - 10; question_type=LO1-10; grading_guide=; completion_criteria=; clos=>0
[3] category=Project Part 1 – Proposal & Presentation; type=on-going; weight=10.0; duration=60-90'; week 3-4; question_type=LO1,2,3,4,5; grading_guide=Project the acquainted knowledge which student obtained in the delivered chapters; completion_criteria=; clos=>0
[4] category=Project Part 2 – Project Execution; type=on-going; weight=20.0; duration=60-90'; week 7; question_type=LO5,6,7,8; grading_guide=Project the acquainted knowledge which student obtained in the delivered chapters; completion_criteria=; clos=>0
[5] category=Project Part 3 – Final Report & Presentation; type=on-going; weight=20.0; duration=60-90'; week 10; question_type=LO1-10; grading_guide=Project the acquainted knowledge which student obtained in the delivered chapters; completion_criteria=; clos=>0
[6] category=Quiz; type=on-going; weight=5.0; duration=30', week 4-5; question_type=LO2, LO4, LO8; grading_guide=Assess students’ understanding of the content covered in the “Learning to Learn Online” course.; completion_criteria=; clos=>0
[7] category=Final Exam; type=Final exam; weight=25.0; duration=60'; question_type=LO1-LO10; grading_guide=concepts, algorithms;
all studied chapters; completion_criteria=; clos=4
[1] desc=College Success; author=Senior Contributing Authors: Amy Baldwin, University of Central Arkansas; publisher=University of Kansas Libraries; edition=2th; isbn=; main=True; online=True; note=https://openstax.org/details/books/college-success?Book%20details
[2] desc=AI and Ethics in Higher Education; author=Hepler, R. C., Vecchione, A., Hensley, R., Fensie, A., Sinha, S., Otero, L., Riechers, D., Long, L., Liang, L., Randall, R., & Gladd, J.; publisher=EdTech Books; edition=; isbn=; main=; online=True; note=https://edtechbooks.org/introduction_to_ai_and_ethics_in_higher_education
[3] desc=Learning to Learn Online; author=Kwantlen Polytechnic University Learning Centres, Christina Page, Adam Vincent; publisher=Kwantlen Polytechnic University; edition=; isbn=; main=; online=True; note=https://open.umn.edu/opentextbooks/textbooks/learning-to-learn-online?
[4] desc=Academic Skills for University Success Specialization; author=Katherine Olston,
Jessica Blackburn, Luke Alexander, Lydia Dutcher; publisher=The University of Sydney; edition=; isbn=; main=; online=True; note=https://www.coursera.org/specializations/academic-skills?
[5] desc=Modern Blueprint for College and Career Success; author=Dave Dillon; publisher=Creative Commons Attribution; edition=; isbn=; main=; online=True; note=https://pressbooks.pub/modernblueprint
[6] desc=AI for everyone on Coursera; author=Andrew Ng; publisher=Coursera; edition=; isbn=; main=; online=True; note=https://www.coursera.org/learn/ai-for-everyone
Session 1: Ice-breaking and Course introductions
Session I. Effective Learning Skills
Exploring College:
Introduction
Why College?
The First Year of College Will Be an Experience
Topic: offline; Teaching type: LO1; LO: IT
ITU: College Success
AI and Ethics in Higher Education
Learning to Learn Online
Materials: SSA101_1
Download: https://flm.fpt.edu.vn/gui/role/student/Reading syllabus overview; Introduce yourself and discuss expectations.Note: Students are required to complete the online course “Learning to Learn Online” before Session 21

Session 2: Exploring College (cont):
College culture and expectations
Discussion and Practice
Topic: offline; Teaching type: LO1; LO: IT
ITU: - College Success: Chapter 1. Exploring College
Download: https://flm.fpt.edu.vn/gui/role/student/Read the materials at home and prepare in-depth discussion questions for class.

Session 3: Exploring College (cont):
College culture and expectations
Discussion and Practice
Topic: offline; Teaching type: LO1, LO11; LO: ITU
ITU: - College Success: Chapter 1. Exploring College
Download: https://flm.fpt.edu.vn/gui/role/student/Read the materials at home and prepare in-depth discussion questions for class.

Session 4: Studying, memory and Test taking:
Introduction
Memory
Discussion and Practice
Topic: offline; Teaching type: LO1, LO11; LO: ITU
ITU: - College Success: Chapter 6.Studying, Memory, and Test Taking
Download: https://flm.fpt.edu.vn/gui/role/student/Read the materials at home and prepare in-depth discussion questions for class.
CLO10: Apply thinking skills to analyze learning problems using critical or creative approaches.
Session 1: Studying, memory and Test taking:
Introduction
Studying
Discussion and Practice
Topic: offline; Teaching type: LO2, LO11; LO: ITU
ITU: - College Success: Chapter 6.Studying, Memory, and Test Taking
Download: https://flm.fpt.edu.vn/gui/role/student/Read the materials at home and prepare in-depth discussion questions for class.

Session 2: Studying, memory and Test taking (cont):
Test taking
Discussion and Practice
Topic: offline; Teaching type: LO2, LO11; LO: ITU
ITU: - College Success: Chapter 3. Managing Your Time and Priorities
Chapter 11.3 Taking Care of Your Emotional Health
Download: https://flm.fpt.edu.vn/gui/role/student/Read the materials at home and prepare in-depth discussion questions for class.

Session 3: Time Management Skills:
Introduction
The Benefits of Time Management
Discussion and Practice
Topic: offline; Teaching type: LO3, LO11; LO: ITU
ITU: - College Success: Chapter 3. Managing Your Time and Priorities
Chapter 11.3 Taking Care of Your Emotional Health
Download: https://flm.fpt.edu.vn/gui/role/student/Read the materials at home and prepare in-depth discussion questions for class.

Session 4: Time Management Skills (cont.)
Time Management in College
Discussion and Practice
Topic: offline; Teaching type: LO4, LO11; LO: ITU
ITU: - College Success: Chapter 3. Managing Your Time and Priorities
Chapter 11.3 Taking Care of Your Emotional Health
Download: https://flm.fpt.edu.vn/gui/role/student/Read the materials at home and prepare in-depth discussion questions for class.
CLO11: Integrate academic skills in practical learning tasks or project work.
Session 1: Time Management Skills (cont.):
Procrastination: The Enemy Within
How to Manage Time
Discussion and Practice
Topic: offline; Teaching type: LO4, LO11; LO: ITU
ITU: - College Success: Chapter 3. Managing Your Time and Priorities
Chapter 11.3 Taking Care of Your Emotional Health
Download: https://flm.fpt.edu.vn/gui/role/student/Read the materials at home and prepare in-depth discussion questions for class.

Session 2: Time Management Skills (cont.):
Prioritization: Self-Management of What You Do and When You Do It
Goal Setting and Motivation
Discussion and Practice
Topic: offline; Teaching type: LO4, LO11; LO: ITU
ITU: - College Success: Chapter 3. Managing Your Time and Priorities
Chapter 11.3 Taking Care of Your Emotional Health
Download: https://flm.fpt.edu.vn/gui/role/student/Read the materials at home and prepare in-depth discussion questions for class.

Session 3: Time Management Skills (cont.):
Enhanced Strategies for Time and
Discussion and Practice
Topic: offline; Teaching type: LO4, LO5, LO11; LO: ITU
ITU: - College Success: Chapter 3. Managing Your Time and Priorities
Chapter 11.3 Taking Care of Your Emotional Health
Download: https://flm.fpt.edu.vn/gui/role/student/Read the materials at home and prepare in-depth discussion questions for class.

Session 4: Time Management Skills (cont.):
Identifying and Managing Stress
Discussion and Practice
Topic: offline; Teaching type: LO6, LO11; LO: IU
ITU: - College Success: Chapter 3. Managing Your Time and Priorities
Chapter 11.3 Taking Care of Your Emotional Health
Download: https://flm.fpt.edu.vn/gui/role/student/Read the materials at home and prepare in-depth discussion questions for class.
CLO2: Apply effective study and memory strategies.
Session 1: Part1 Project - Topic selection and planning
Topic: offline; Teaching type: LO6, LO11; LO: IU
ITU: Project Guidelines
Download: https://flm.fpt.edu.vn/gui/role/student/Read, comprehend, discuss, and collaborate in groups based on the Project Guidelines.

Session 2: Part1 Project - Research and preparation
Topic: offline; Teaching type: LO6, LO11; LO: IU
ITU: Project Guidelines
Download: https://flm.fpt.edu.vn/gui/role/student/Read, comprehend, discuss, and collaborate in groups based on the Project Guidelines.

Session 3: Part1 Project - Research and preparation
Topic: offline; Teaching type: LO6; LO: IT
ITU: Project Guidelines
Download: https://flm.fpt.edu.vn/gui/role/student/Read, comprehend, discuss, and collaborate in groups based on the Project Guidelines.

Session 4: Communication Skills:
Introduction
An Overview of Communication
Purpose of Communication
Communication and Technology
Topic: offline; Teaching type: LO6, LO11; LO: ITU
ITU: - College Success: Chapter 8 Communicating
Download: Reading; Review College Success Chapter 8
CLO3: Identify test-taking strategies used in academic assessments.
Session 1: Communication Skills (cont.):
Communication and Technology
Discussion and Practice
Topic: offline; Teaching type: LO6, LO11; LO: ITU
ITU: - College Success: Chapter 8 Communicating
Download: Reading; Review College Success Chapter 8

Session 2: Communication Skills (cont.):
The Context of Communication
Barriers to Effective Communication
Discussion and Practice
Topic: offline; Teaching type: LO6, LO11; LO: IU
ITU: - College Success: Chapter 8 Communicating
Download: Reading; Review College Success Chapter 8

Session 3: Learning to Learn Online:
1. Who am I as an online learner?
2. Who am I on my learning journey with?
3. Who are my instructors? What is their role?
Topic: offline; Teaching type: LO6, LO11; LO: IU
ITU: Learning to Learn Online: Part 1 to Part 7
Download: https://flm.fpt.edu.vn/gui/role/student/Complete the online course “Learning to Learn Online” before starting this module.Review Learning to Learn Online: Parts 1–7

Session 4: Learning to Learn Online:
1. Who am I as an online learner?
2. Who am I on my learning journey with?
3. Who are my instructors? What is their role?
Topic: offline; Teaching type: LO6, LO11; LO: IU
ITU: Learning to Learn Online: Part 1 to Part 7
Download: https://flm.fpt.edu.vn/gui/role/student/Complete the online course “Learning to Learn Online” before starting this module.Review Learning to Learn Online: Parts 1–7
CLO4: Plan academic goals and manage study time effectively.
Session 1: Learning to Learn Online:
1. Who am I as an online learner?
2. Who am I on my learning journey with?
3. Who are my instructors? What is their role?
Topic: offline; Teaching type: LO7, LO11; LO: ITU
ITU: Learning to Learn Online: Part 1 to Part 7
Download: https://flm.fpt.edu.vn/gui/role/student/Complete the online course “Learning to Learn Online” before starting this module.Review Learning to Learn Online: Parts 1–7

Session 2: Information Literacy
Discussion and Practice
Topic: offline; Teaching type: LO7, LO11; LO: IU
ITU: - College Success: 7.7 Information Literacy of Chapter 7
Download: Reading; Reflect: Information Literacy

Session 3: Information Literacy
Discussion and Practice
Topic: offline; Teaching type: LO1–LO7; LO: ITU
ITU: - College Success: 7.7 Information Literacy of Chapter 7
Download: Reading; Review Session II

Session 4: Review session I
Quiz 1
Topic: offline; Teaching type: LO8, LO11; LO: ITU
ITU: College Success: Chapter 1, 6, 3, 8
& Learning to Learn Online: Part 1 to Part 7
Download: Review previous lessons; prepare reflection
CLO5: Implement strategies to manage academic stress and maintain well-being.
Session 1: Session II. Issues in AI Use and Academic Ethics
Introduction AI and Ethics in Higher Education
Topic: offline; Teaching type: LO8, LO11; LO: IU
ITU: AI and Ethics in Higher Education: Introduction AI and Ethics in Higher Education
Download: Applied Practice

Session 2: AI and Digital Literacy
What is Digital Literacy?
AI Literacy
The Benefits and Drawbacks of AI
Topic: offline; Teaching type: LO8, LO11; LO: ITU
ITU: Foundations of AI and Ethics, Section I
Download: Reading; Reflect: AI and digital literacy

Session 3: AI and Digital Literacy (cont.)
Privacy
AI Hallucinations
AI Accountability
Discussion and Practice
Topic: offline; Teaching type: LO8, LO11; LO: IU
ITU: Foundations of AI and Ethics, Section I
Download: Applied Practice

Session 4: Ethics of Using AI in Higher Education and Its Impact on Academic Integrity
-Implications of Using AI in Higher Education
- Ethical Challenges of Using AI in Higher Education
- Ethical Concerns About Biases and Surveillance in AI Algorithms
Topic: offline; Teaching type: LO8, LO11; LO: IT
ITU: Foundations of AI and Ethics, Section I
Download: Reading; Reflect: Ethics of Using AI in Higher Education and Its Impact on Academic Integrity
CLO6: Demonstrate effective communication in academic contexts.
Session 1: Ethics of Using AI in Higher Education and Its Impact on Academic Integrity (Cont)
Academic Integrity in Higher Education Under the Lens of AI
Impact on Academic Integrity in the Form of Plagiarism Due to AI Tools
Topic: offline; Teaching type: LO8, LO11; LO: ITU
ITU: Foundations of AI and Ethics, Section I
Download: Applied Practice

Session 2: Ethics of Using AI in Higher Education and Its Impact on Academic Integrity (Cont)
Impact on Academic Integrity Due to Efficacy of AI Detection Tools
Impact on Academic Integrity Due to Human Biases Generated By AI tools
Topic: offline; Teaching type: LO8, LO11; LO: ITU
ITU: Foundations of AI and Ethics, Section I
Download: Applied Practice

Session 3: How to use AI to Help, Not Hinder, Your Learning
Topic: offline; Teaching type: LO9, LO11; LO: ITU
ITU: Foundations of AI and Ethics, Section I
Download: Applied Practice

Session 4: How to use AI to Help, Not Hinder, Your Learning (cont.)
Discussion and Practice
Topic: offline; Teaching type: LO9, LO11; LO: IU
ITU: Foundations of AI and Ethics, Section I
Download: Applied Practice
CLO7: Utilize digital learning tools and online learning strategies.
Session 1: Review session II
Topic: offline; Teaching type: LO8 - LO9; LO: ITU
ITU: AI and Ethics in Higher Education: Session I
Download: Review previous lessons; prepare reflection

Session 2: Part2 Project - Application of knowledge to practice
Topic: offline; Teaching type: LO6, LO11; LO: IU
ITU: Project Guidelines
In or outside
Download: Conduct a mid-project review and preparation for the final phase

Session 3: Part2 Project - Application of knowledge to practice
Topic: offline; Teaching type: LO6, LO11; LO: IU
ITU: Project Guidelines
In or outside
Download: Conduct a mid-project review and preparation for the final phase

Session 4: Part2 Project - Application of knowledge to practice
Topic: offline; Teaching type: LO6, LO11; LO: IU
ITU: Project Guidelines
In or outside
Download: Conduct a mid-project review and preparation for the final phase
CLO8: Practice responsible and ethical use of AI in academic work.
Session 1: Session III. Thinking Skills for the Digital Age
What thinking means
Analytical Thinking
Topic: offline; Teaching type: LO10; LO: ITU
ITU: College Success, chapter 7
Download: https://flm.fpt.edu.vn/gui/role/student/Read the materials at home and prepare in-depth discussion questions for class.

Session 2: Discussion and Practice
Topic: offline; Teaching type: LO10, LO11; LO: IU
ITU: College Success, chapter 7
Download: Applied Practice

Session 3: Discussion and Practice
Topic: offline; Teaching type: LO10; LO: IT
ITU: College Success, chapter 7
Download: Applied Practice

Session 4: Creative thinking
Topic: offline; Teaching type: LO10, LO11; LO: IU
ITU: College Success, chapter 7
Download: https://flm.fpt.edu.vn/gui/role/student/Read the materials at home and prepare in-depth discussion questions for class.
CLO9: Evaluate the credibility of academic information sources.
Session 1: Discussion and Practice
Topic: offline; Teaching type: LO10, LO11; LO: IU
ITU: College Success, chapter 7
Download: Applied Practice

Session 2: Discussion and Practice
Topic: offline; Teaching type: LO10; LO: ITU
ITU: College Success, chapter 7
Download: Applied Practice

Session 3: Critical thinking
Topic: offline; Teaching type: LO10, LO11; LO: IU
ITU: College Success, chapter 7
Download: https://flm.fpt.edu.vn/gui/role/student/Read the materials at home and prepare in-depth discussion questions for class.

Session 4: Discussion and Practice
Topic: offline; Teaching type: LO10, LO11; LO: IU
ITU: College Success, chapter 7
Download: Applied Practice
Session 1: Discussion and Practice
Topic: offline; Teaching type: LO10; LO: ITU
ITU: College Success, chapter 7
Download: Applied Practice

Session 2: Problem - Solving
Topic: offline; Teaching type: LO10, LO11; LO: IU
ITU: College Success, chapter 7
Download: https://flm.fpt.edu.vn/gui/role/student/Read the materials at home and prepare in-depth discussion questions for class.

Session 3: Discussion and Practice
Topic: offline; Teaching type: LO10, LO11; LO: IU
ITU: College Success, chapter 7
Download: Applied Practice

Session 4: Discussion and Practice
Topic: offline; Teaching type: LO10; LO: ITU
ITU: College Success, chapter 5
Download: Applied Practice
Session 1: Metacognition
Topic: offline; Teaching type: LO10, LO11; LO: IU
ITU: College Success, chapter 7
Download: https://flm.fpt.edu.vn/gui/role/student/Read the materials at home and prepare in-depth discussion questions for class.

Session 2: Discussion and Practice
Topic: offline; Teaching type: LO10, LO11; LO: IU
ITU: College Success, chapter 7
Download: Applied Practice

Session 3: Discussion and Practice
Review session III
Topic: offline; Teaching type: LO10; LO: ITU
ITU: College Success, chapter 7
Download: Review previous lessons; prepare reflection

Session 4: Individual Progress Test
Topic: offline; Teaching type: LO1-10; LO: IU
ITU: Revise all materials covered in the course.
Download: Write learning reflection
Session 1: Individual Progress Test
Topic: offline; Teaching type: LO1-10; LO: IU
ITU: Revise all materials covered in the course.
Download: Write learning reflection

Session 2: Individual Progress Test
Topic: offline; Teaching type: LO1-11; LO: IU
ITU: Revise all materials covered in the course.
Download: Write learning reflection

Session 3: Group Project Part 3: Presentation & Final report of group project
Topic: offline; Teaching type: LO1-11; LO: IU
ITU: Course materials
Download: Prepare and present final group report

Session 4: Group Project Part 3: Presentation & Final report of group project
Topic: offline; Teaching type: LO1-11; LO: IU
ITU: Course materials
Download: Prepare and present final group report
Session 1: Group Project Part 3: Presentation & Final report of group project
Topic: offline; Teaching type: LO1-11; LO: IU
ITU: Course materials
Download: Prepare and present final group report

Session 2: Group Project Part 3: Presentation & Final report of group project (cont)
Topic: offline; Teaching type: LO1-11; LO: IU
ITU: Course materials
Download: Prepare and present final group report

Session 3: Group Project Part 3: Presentation & Final report of group project (cont)
Topic: offline; Teaching type: LO1-10; LO: IT
ITU: Course materials
Download: Review previous lessons; prepare reflection

Session 4: Revise course content and prepare for the final examination.
Topic: offline; Teaching type: LO1-10; LO: IT
ITU: Course materials
Download: Review previous lessons; prepare reflection