HCS 504 Starting With The Basics

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University of Phoenix

HCS 504 Introduction to Graduate Study in Health Sciences/Nursing

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Date

University of Phoenix Learning Resources and Student Success Guide

Students at the University of Phoenix have access to a comprehensive collection of academic support services designed to improve writing, mathematics, research, collaboration, and technical skills. Key resources include the Center for Mathematics Excellence, Center for Writing Excellence, University Library, Learning Team Toolkit, and Student Technical Support. These services help students strengthen academic performance, master APA formatting, maintain academic integrity, and successfully complete coursework.

Center for Mathematics Excellence

The Center for Mathematics Excellence (CME) provides online learning tools that help students build mathematical confidence and improve problem-solving skills before completing coursework.

Available Math Labs

Students can access six self-paced math labs:

• Self-Assessment

• ALEKS Math Refresher

• Pre-Algebra Review

• Algebra 1

• Algebra 2

• Introduction to Statistics

These resources allow students to identify learning gaps, review essential concepts, and strengthen foundational and advanced mathematics skills.

Center for Writing Excellence

The Center for Writing Excellence (CWE) supports students in developing strong academic writing, accurate citations, and ethical research practices.

Writing Support Tools

The Center offers several valuable resources:

• RiverPoint Writer – Assists with APA formatting, title pages, in-text citations, reference lists, and document formatting according to University of Phoenix guidelines.

• WritePoint – Reviews grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, writing style, and formatting while providing detailed feedback.

• Plagiarism Checker – Helps verify originality by identifying similarities with published sources and previously submitted work.

APA Formatting Resources

The University of Phoenix provides dedicated APA resources to help students create properly formatted academic papers.

APA Resources Include

• APA formatting guidelines

• Reference and citation examples

• Citation generator

• APA title page templates

• Tables and figures formatting guidance

• APA manual comparisons

• RiverPoint Writer access

APA Book Reference Examples

Green, M. A., & Rowell, J. C. (2008). Understanding health insurance: A guide to billing and reimbursement (9th ed.). Delmar Cengage Learning.

Chabner, D. E. (2009). Medical terminology: A short course (5th ed.). Saunders.

Grammar and Writing Guides

The Grammar and Writing Guides help students improve writing quality and academic communication.

Main Learning Areas

• Writing Style

• Grammar Mechanics

• Grammar Glossary

• English Language Learners

• Plagiarism

These resources improve sentence clarity, grammar accuracy, and professional academic writing.

Active Voice vs. Passive Voice

Using active voice makes writing more concise and easier to understand.

Passive Voice Example

Some of the content of this document was submitted by Mary.

Active Voice Example

Mary submitted some of the content of this document.

Understanding Plagiarism

Plagiarism occurs when someone presents another person’s words, ideas, or work as their own without proper acknowledgment. Maintaining academic integrity requires proper citation whenever outside sources are used.

Summarizing

Summarizing condenses the main ideas of a source into a shorter version using original language while preserving the overall meaning.

Paraphrasing

Paraphrasing restates another author’s ideas using different wording without changing the original meaning. Proper citation is still required.

Plagiarizing

Plagiarism includes copying, closely imitating, or presenting another person’s work without giving appropriate credit.

How to Avoid Plagiarism

Students can reduce the risk of plagiarism by:

• Citing all borrowed ideas, quotations, and data.

• Writing in their own words after understanding the source material.

• Using RiverPoint Writer for APA formatting.

• Checking originality with the Plagiarism Checker before submitting assignments.

Punctuation Examples

Correct punctuation improves readability and sentence flow.

Examples:

• Karen is a knowledgeable, intelligent person.

• Roger left the bookstore; he met the Learning Team at the coffee shop.

University Library Resources

The University Library provides research support, scholarly databases, academic tutorials, and librarian assistance to help students complete assignments efficiently.

Library Services

Students can access:

• Center for Writing Excellence

• Center for Mathematics Excellence

• Academic databases

• Research guides

• Librarian support

University Library Handbook

The University Library Handbook is available through the University Library tab under Library Services.

Information Required When Contacting a Librarian

Students should provide:

• First Name

• Last Name

• University of Phoenix affiliation

• Course Number

• Email Address

• Inquiry details

Providing complete information allows librarians to respond more efficiently.

How to Access Course Reading Assignments

Students can locate assigned readings by following these steps:

1. Log in to the student portal.

2. Open the appropriate course.

3. Select the weekly objectives.

4. Open the Assigned Readings section.

5. View or download the required materials.

Participating in Discussion Forums

Discussion responses are submitted through the Main Forum.

To reply to classmates:

1. Open the discussion question.

2. Select a student’s discussion thread.

3. Click Reply.

4. Submit the response.

Learning Team Toolkit

The Learning Team Toolkit provides resources that promote collaboration and effective teamwork.

Included Documents

• Learning Team Handbook

• Online Learning Team Campus Handbook

• Guide to Completing the Learning Team Charter

• Learning Team Log

• Learning Team Evaluation

• Learning Team Charter

Conflict Resolution Strategies

Successful teamwork depends on respectful communication and collaborative problem-solving.

A practical conflict resolution process includes:

• Assume positive intentions.

• Clearly identify the issue.

• Express concerns respectfully.

• Discuss desired outcomes.

• Agree on a mutually acceptable solution.

Following these steps helps minimize misunderstandings and strengthens team collaboration.

Student Technical Support

Students experiencing technical issues can contact University of Phoenix Student Technical Support at 1-877-832-4867.

Updating Personal Information

Students can update their contact information by selecting the My Profile tab within the student portal.

Schedule and Grades

The Schedule and Grades section includes:

• Schedule and Grades

• Current and Upcoming Courses

• Programs and Credits

• Transfer Credits

Quick Reference

• The Center for Mathematics Excellence offers six online math labs.

• RiverPoint Writer is the University’s primary APA formatting tool.

• WritePoint provides grammar and writing feedback.

• The Plagiarism Checker helps maintain academic integrity.

• The University Library offers research assistance and librarian support.

• The Learning Team Toolkit strengthens collaboration and conflict resolution skills.

• Student Technical Support is available at 1-877-832-4867.

Frequently Asked Questions

What math labs are available in the Center for Mathematics Excellence?

Students can access Self-Assessment, ALEKS Math Refresher, Pre-Algebra Review, Algebra 1, Algebra 2, and Introduction to Statistics.

Which writing tools are available in the Center for Writing Excellence?

The primary writing tools include RiverPoint Writer, WritePoint, and the Plagiarism Checker.

Which tool helps students format APA papers?

RiverPoint Writer is the University’s primary APA formatting tool and assists with citations, references, title pages, and document formatting.

What is the difference between summarizing and paraphrasing?

Summarizing condenses the main ideas into a shorter version, while paraphrasing rewrites the original content using different wording without changing its meaning. Both require proper citation.

How can students avoid plagiarism?

Students should cite all borrowed material, write in their own words, use RiverPoint Writer for APA formatting, and verify originality with the Plagiarism Checker before submitting assignments.

Where can students update their personal information?

Students can update their contact information through the My Profile section of the University of Phoenix student portal.

How do students access assigned course readings?

Course readings are available inside each course under the weekly objectives and Assigned Readings section.

University of Phoenix Learning Resources at a Glance

The University of Phoenix provides students with academic support through the Center for Mathematics Excellence, Center for Writing Excellence, University Library, Learning Team Toolkit, and Student Technical Support. These services improve mathematics, writing, research, APA formatting, academic integrity, collaboration, and overall student success.

Key Takeaways

Students can improve academic performance by using University of Phoenix learning resources throughout their coursework. The Center for Mathematics Excellence strengthens quantitative skills, while the Center for Writing Excellence supports academic writing, APA style, grammar, and plagiarism prevention. The University Library provides research assistance and scholarly resources, and the Learning Team Toolkit promotes effective collaboration and conflict resolution. Together, these services help students complete assignments with greater confidence and academic integrity.

References

American Psychological Association. (2020). Publication manual of the American Psychological Association (7th ed.). https://apastyle.apa.org/

Chabner, D. E. (2009). Medical terminology: A short course (5th ed.). Saunders.

Green, M. A., & Rowell, J. C. (2008). Understanding health insurance: A guide to billing and reimbursement (9th ed.). Delmar Cengage Learning.

University of Phoenix. (n.d.). Center for Writing Excellence. https://www.phoenix.edu/

University of Phoenix. (n.d.). University Library. https://www.phoenix.edu/

Wisinski, J. (1993). Resolving conflicts on the job. American Management Association.