September 2009 Computing induction School of Computing Studying at University

Computing induction September 2009

School of Computing

Studying at University


Taking notes …

… is an essential skill– If there are handouts

• An extra aid to memory• Reinforce key points

– If there aren’t handouts• The only aid to memory

• Make notes in your own words and style– Not necessarily the same format for every lecture– Not necessarily the same format as others use

• Try to file notes ASAP after the lecture• Copy up notes from missed sessions ASAP


Taking notes …

… is an essential skill

• Skills are acquired through practice– Practice this one nowImportant information can be found

• in handbook• on CSWeb

BUT your notes will• be easier to understand• contain only the info of relevance to you• contain updates to printed material

Try to pick out the key points


Structure of Year

• Autumn: 28 September – 18 December Weeks 1 – 12 Week 7 (9 – 13 Nov) is project week

• Spring: 18 January – 9 April Weeks 13 – 24 Week 21 (15 – 19 March) is project week

• Summer: 10 May – 18 June Weeks 25 – 30 No teaching – exam term


Project Weeks

• Two project weeks per year– Weeks 7 and 21

• Normal timetable is suspended– No teaching on COxxx modules– No teaching on CBxxx modules– Other modules may have some teaching

• A variety of different activities– projects– workshops– tests

Not a holiday!


Project Week this term

• Activities Monday – Wednesday – Talk by Simon Ritter (Sun technology

evangelist)– Exam preparation & techniques session– CO320 practice test– CO321 & CO322 revision/help sessions


Time Management

• You want to:– Get a degree– Have fun

• You may need to:– Do paid work– Commute – Look after children

• Time planning is essential to fit it all in


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Assessment and Examination (1)

• Each module is assessed separately by continuous assessment and examination

• Weighting varies from module to module• Exams are in May

– Each module has a separate exam paper– Rubrics and exam lengths are displayed on

notice-boards and on CSWeb– Past papers are available on the web

• Re-sit exams are in August



• 20% Assess 80% Exam– CB343– CB586– CB680– EC309

• 30% Assess 70% Exam – CB302– CB675

• 40% Assess 60% Exam– CO357– EC313

• 50% Assess 50% Exam– CO321– CO322– CO324– CO325– CO327– CO520– EL331

• 60% Assess 40% Exam– EL336

• 100% Assess NO exam– CO320– CB671– PL302



To pass: At least 40% in every module

• An average of ≥ 40% but < 60% gains a PASS• An average of ≥ 60% but < 70% gains a MERIT• An average of ≥ 70% gains a DISTINCTION



To pass: At least 40% in every module• If you don’t quite manage to pass:

If your average over all modules is ≥ 40%You may be allowed to progress

• Compensation: • Up to 2 modules allowed to be < 40% but ≥ 30%

A mark < 30% in any module means a fail overall

• Condonement:• Module specific • For illness/exceptional circumstances• Up to 2 modules allowed to be < 40%

You only have to resit failed modules



• CS / CS(xyz) / WCo– To pass:

• At least 40% in every module– To progress:

• An average ≥ 40%• ≥ 40% in 6 modules • ≥ 30% in 2 modules

• Any module compensatable or condonable• CO320 is only compensatable if you pass

the compulsory test



• Computer Science & Man Science– To pass:


• An average ≥ 40%• ≥ 40% in CB586• ≥ 40% in 5 other modules • ≥ 30% in 2 other modules

• CB586 is not compensatable or condonable• CO320 is only compensatable if you pass

the compulsory test



• Computing & Business Admin– To pass:


• An average ≥ 40%• A mark ≥ 40% in CO357 (if taken)• ≥ 30% in 2 modules and ≥ 40% in rest

• CO357 is not compensatable or condonable• CO320 is only compensatable if you pass

the compulsory test



• Other students– To pass:

• At least 40% in every module– To progress

• CO357 is neither compensatable nor condonable• Any other Stage 1 COxxx module is compensatable

or condonable – CO320 is only compensatable if you pass the

compulsory test Check with your home department about the status of other modules you are taking


Maximising Final Outcome

• Stage 1 marks do not count towards final degree classification

• Stage 1 learning does• Higher stage 1 marks lead to higher

stage 2 & 3 marks• Stage 1 marks are the only indicator

available to employers when applying for Year in Industry placements


Progression

Stage 1 v Stage 2

0102030405060708090

100

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100

stage 1

sta

ge

2

Correlation: r = 0.7


Doing the work

• Do attend lectures– Not simply following the handouts– Do take notes– They help you to learn

• Do attend classes– They are compulsory– They are based upon lectures– They help you to learn

• Do attempt the assessments– They count towards the module mark– They are compulsory– They help you to learn



Punctuality is important

• Perpetually running late does not mark you out as either a very busy (for which read unbelievably important) person or an insouciant maverick. It exposes you as an arrogant incompetent who thinks that his time is more valuable than other people’s.

Times 2, 24th September 2007


Illness

• You may not always be able to attend lectures or classes or submit work on time – Illness, family emergency, …

• Let us know– Email tutor, class supervisors, lecturers, me– Tell course admin if you have swine flu

• If it is serious– Try to provide some sort of evidence

Note from GP, letter from family member, …


Taking notes …

• Have you noted?– Project week dates– Changes to coursework weightings– Non-compensatable modules you are taking


Keeping Up To date

• Email – read it regularly

• CS Web – www.cs.kent.ac.uk

• Electronic forums – ukc.cs.undergrads – ukc.cs.canterbury– ukc.cs.coXXX


Where to go for Help

• Tutor• Senior Tutor• Class supervisors, Lecturers & Convenors• Homework club• Stage Director• The Learning Resources Centre (UELT)• Student RepresentativesGo sooner rather than later!



Documents

September 2009 Computing induction School of Computing Studying at University