September 2005 Computing induction Computer Science Studying at University

September 2005 Computing induction 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

September 2005 Computing induction Taking notes … … is an essential skill –Skills are acquired through practice Practice this one now –All important information can be found In handbook On CSWeb BUT your notes will be easier to understand will contain only the info of relevance to you will have all the information in one place Try to pick out just the key points

September 2005 Computing induction Structure of Year Autumn: 26 September – 16 December –Weeks 1 – 12 –Week 7 (7 – 11 Nov) is project week Spring: 9 January – 31 March –Weeks 13 – 24 –Week 21 (6 – 10 March) is project week Summer: 2 May – 9 June –Weeks 25 – 30 –No teaching – exam term

September 2005 Computing induction 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!

September 2005 Computing induction Autumn Project Week Stage 1 –Study skills workshops Run by Duncan Langford –Talk on PDP (Personal development plan) Run by placement officer Stage 2 –Possible trip to IBM???

September 2005 Computing induction Spring Project Week Stage 1 –Monday & Tuesday Careers sessions CV writing applying for Year In Industry placements Stage 2 –Project work

September 2005 Computing induction 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

September 2005 Computing induction

September 2005 Computing induction Concentration span Initial distractions Concentration peak Time for a break TIME

September 2005 Computing induction 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

September 2005 Computing induction Assessment and Examination (2) stage 1 20% Assess 80% Exam –CO324 –CO326 –CO327 –CB586 –EC305/6 –EC309 40% Assess 60% Exam –CO357 –EL333 50% Assess 50% Exam –CO321 30% Assess 70% Exam –CO320 –CO322 –CO325 –CO520 –CB300 –CB302 –AC % Assess NO exam –EL331 –EL336

September 2005 Computing induction Assessment and Examination (2) stage 2 20% Assess 80% Exam –CO522 –CO525 –CO526 –CO527 –CO528 –CO531 –CO631 –CO532 –CO639 25% Assess 75% Exam –CO629 40% Assess 60% Exam –CO % Assess NO exam –CO523

September 2005 Computing induction Assessment and Examination (3) 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%

September 2005 Computing induction Assessment and Examination (4) Computer Science / Web Computing –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

September 2005 Computing induction Assessment and Examination (4) Business Computing –To pass: At least 40% in every module –To progress: An average ≥ 40% A mark ≥ 40% in CB300 ≥ 40% in 4 CS modules ≥ 30% in 2 CS modules CB300 is not compensatable or condonable

September 2005 Computing induction Assessment and Examination (4) Computer Science & Man Science –To pass: At least 40% in every module –To progress: An average ≥ 40% ≥ 40% in CB586 ≥ 40% in 5 other modules ≥ 30% in 2 other modules CB586 is not compensatable or condonable

September 2005 Computing induction Assessment and Examination (4) Computing & Business Admin –To pass: At least 40% in every module –To progress: An average ≥ 40% A mark ≥ 40% in CB300 A mark ≥ 40% in CO357 (if taken) ≥ 30% in 2 modules and ≥ 40% in rest CB300 and CO357 are not compensatable or condonable

September 2005 Computing induction 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

September 2005 Computing induction Progression Correlation: r = 0.7

September 2005 Computing induction Doing the work Do attend lectures –Not simply following the handouts –Do take notes Do attend classes –They are compulsory –Attendance is checked Do attempt the assessments –They count towards the module mark –They are compulsory

September 2005 Computing induction Doing the work? Progress monitoring –Occurs several times throughout the year –Class attendance is checked –Coursework submission is checked Poor attendance and submission could lead to formal warnings Most consistent factor in not passing –Poor coursework submission

September 2005 Computing induction Illness You may not always be able to attend lectures or classes or submit work on time –Illness, family emergency, … Let us know – tutor, class supervisors, lecturers Try to provide some sort of evidence –Note from GP, letter from family member, …

September 2005 Computing induction Taking notes … Have you noted? –Project week dates –What you will be doing during project weeks –When exams occur –Non-compensatable modules you are taking –Who to contact if you are ill

September 2005 Computing induction Plagiarism What is it? –Copying the work of another and presenting it as your own –Working jointly on a piece of work and then submitting it as if it is all your own work –Copying work from outside sources (books, internet) without attribution

September 2005 Computing induction Plagiarism Possible penalties – A mark of zero to be awarded for the (part of the) piece of work in which the plagiarism occurs – Situations in which students appear to have collaborated to an unacceptable degree: marks may be divided between the students

September 2005 Computing induction Keeping Up To date Notice boards – read it regularly CS Web – Electronic newsgroups –ukc.cs.announce –ukc.cs.cs1 –ukc.cs.cs2 –ukc.cs.applied Pigeon holes

September 2005 Computing induction Transfers Collect a blue transfer form from the CAS office CS, BCo, CSMS,WCo –Swap between the 4 CS programmes –To add/remove a Year in Industry David Barnes CoBA –CS*  CoBA –To add/remove a Year in Industry Nick Ryan Adding a Year in Industry must be done before September 2006

September 2005 Computing induction Where to go for Help Tutor Class supervisors, Lecturers & Convenors Stage Director Senior Tutor The Learning Resources Centre Student Representatives Staff-Student Liaison Committee Go sooner rather than later!

September 2005 Computing induction