1. Intro to Exam System Dr Mike Spann May 3 rd 2011

2. Introduction In this talk I will give you some pointers into how our exam process works Also I will describe the assessment and what you need to do to progress to year 2 Finally I will give you a list of key dates which I would suggest you make a note of

3. Exam Procedure Lecturer writes exam & mark scheme Internal examiner checks it External examiner checks it You do the paper Lecturer marks the paper Marked script is checked for errors

4. Exam Procedure Sample of scripts are checked against mark scheme (all fails & borderlines) Sample of scripts are checked by external examiner

5. Assessment  Pass mark is 40%  Gain credits for modules that you pass  Many modules are 20 credit linked pairs:  EE1A1 & EE1A2 Digital & micros  Share one exam – gain or lose all 20 credits

6. Assessment Many modules are assessed by a combination of exam and coursework If you pass the exam but fail the module overall, you will only be required to resubmit the coursework If you pass the coursework but fail the module overall, you will only be required to retake the exam

7. On the day On entry: Leave your bags in designated area Leave all revision material in bags Switch off mobile phone & leave in bag Pick up question paper Go to allocated desk

8. On the day On reaching desk Fill in attendance slip Leave in corner of desk, with guild card, and desk no. tag Fill in details on answer booklets Begin exam when told to do so

9. On the day You will be warned when there is 10 minutes left When told to stop Stop Fasten all scripts together Take answer scripts to hand-in point

10. Points to watch out for Most of the marks are for working/explanation Use your time wisely Some parts don’t carry many marks Don’t spend too long on 1 question Usually, all questions are compulsory: but in any case, you should revise everything

11. Summer term Weeks 1,2 – revision Weeks 3-6 (inc Sat) – exams Week 8 – examiners meetings & results Please be available the last day of summer term to obtain results from your tutors Overseas students may get permission to be absent on this day but must then take full responsibility for finding out their results We can’t email results outside of the UK Results are available on the web portal (www.My.bham.ac.uk)www.My.bham.ac.uk

12. Summer term Results are provisional Confirmed by post during vacation Make sure the UG office has your correct vacation postal address!

13. Recommendations After the examiners meeting, the decision will (normally) be: Proceed Proceed resitting … Resit … & review

14. Appeals You can appeal against the decision Not against academic judgement Only against your belief that mitigations were not adequately taken into account or new information has arisen But note that mitigations must be declared in advance of examiners meeting

15. Extenuating circumstances (mitigations) Major problems interfering with study Medical Personal Notify us before mitigation panel meeting (see later for dates)

16. Resits ONLY ONE RESIT OPPORTUNITY MAXIMUM MARK AT RESIT IS 40% Must try to pass all modules at first attempt If you are required to resubmit coursework, a special section on WebCT will be launched just after the results come out

17. Qualifying for 2 nd year Must pass At least 100 credits All pre-requisites for year 2 modules Final decisions will be made at the resit examiners meeting on Thursday 8 th Sept Decisions at this meeting will (normally) be: Proceed Proceed but transfer to xxxx Withdraw

18. Remember Don’t panic But Do work hard Good luck!

19. Key dates Exam session Monday 16 th May to Friday 10 th June Examiners meeting Main exam: Tuesday 21 st June Resit exam: Thursday 8 th Sept Personal tutor meetings to feedback results Friday 24 th June Deadline for submission of mitigation forms Main exam: Thursday 16 th June Resit exam: Monday 5 th September

20. Key dates (cont) Resit exam period Monday 22 nd August to Friday 2 nd Sept Appeals deadline Monday 4 th July Overseas resit registration deadline Monday 18 th July Results will be available on the web portal Monday 27 th June Main exam papers and solutions available on WebCT Friday 1 st July

21. Key dates (cont) 2011-2012 Academic Year starts Monday 26 th September There will be an induction event on this day for years 2 & 3 More details will follow by email and on WebCT in early September