Modules, Credits and Other

Animals

Modules & Credits• What is a module?

– Self-contained assessed period of

learning in programme of study

– Mixture of lectures, tutorials and practical

sessions

• What are credits?

– Each module has a credit value,

L1 modules have 10 or 30 credits

– 1 credit = about 10 hours of study

Assessment

• Assessment is by a mixture of coursework, tests and exams

• Exams are at the end of a semester • Coursework can be assignments,

projects, exercises sheets, etc.• No coursework = 0 marks (at best)• Assessed coursework should be done

individually.

Modules in Level 1• For all students:

• MAT1015 Calculus

• MAT1016 Linear algebra

• MAT1025 Probability and experiment

• Programme dependent modules:

M,MM,MS MC MB,MMa FM MMuMAT1003

MAT1026

MAT1026 MAT1026 MAT1003 MAT1026

MAT1009 COM1017 MAN1042 MAT1022

MAT1023

MUS1004/9p

MUS1008/3c

Plagiarism• Plagiarism = passing off someone else’s

work/ideas as your own. This includes texts from the WWW !

• See handbook for guidelines how to avoid plagiarism.

• Penalties for plagiarism:– Academic Misconduct Panel– Plagiarised work = 0 marks (also for

allowing work to be plagiarised)– Repeated plagiarism can lead to

termination

Passing Modules• Need 40% overall for assessment in order to

pass a module (60% for music performance)

• If you fail, you are allowed to resit ONCE only

• No resits on passed modules

• Some Level 1 resits in Spring/Summer

• If you pass, you get the credits associated with

this module

• Need 120 credits to pass a Level

Compensation Credits

• If you fail, the exam board may give compensation

credits, if

– You have at least 90 credits

– Average mark > 40% and at least 30% is scored in

the module

or

Average mark > 50% and at least 25% is scored in

the module

• See student handbook for details.

• Compensation is not automatic!

Progress

• If you have 120 credits, you progress to the next Level

• If you have 90 credits at the current Level, you can

progress to the next one, but may have to do resits.

• You will be “course suspended” if you can’t progress;

you will need to do resits at present Level.

Information on the WWW

• Undergraduate tab

• Module catalogue

- Module outline; description; general info

• Options and Prerequisites

• Past exam papers

• Guidelines on Plagiarism

Other Remarks• Approved calculators in the exam (Casio FX115MS,

FX115W or FX115S – see campus bookstore)

• Mark of resit is averaged with pass mark Resit mark

• Final qualification:

MMath: 24%(L2)+36%(L3)+40%(LM)

Everyone else: 35%(Level 2) + 65%(Level 3)

• First year is basis, try do as well as you can!

• Volunteers for note taking and for SSLC

What Next ?

www.toolscenter.org

Study

• Lectures are a start, afterwards read through notes and do assignments

• Work during all of the semester

• Don’t be afraid to ask questions during lectures and afterwards

• Talk to other students and your tutor

Feedback

• Unassessed exercises to help you see what is expected. (No grade, but comments given.) Do take them seriously!

• Be active at your weekly tutor meeting.

• PDP can help you to reflect on your progress

PDP PDP = Personal Development Plan

It is meant to help you…

• reflect on your progress

• think about your study skills and transferable skills

• prepare for writing CVs, obtaining references and job interviews

MMath Seminars

• Tuesdays

• Open to all

• General interest maths seminars

• See Maths website

Questions & Problems• If you have questions, the UG office has

many answers• If you have problems with a module, go to

the lecturer• If you have other problems, go to your

tutor or Level 1 Coordinator or Director of Studies

• If you want to switch degree course, come to discuss this as soon as possible.

Other Support• Study skills guide on web (see UG tab on

departmental www)

• Maple (available from Kelly, 31AA04)

• Additional Learning Support Centre in Library

• Special arrangements for exams deadline:

2 November 2009 (and 8 March for the Spring Semester)

• English for FEPS

– compulsory for some (will be notified by email/letter)

– if interested, email j.bolding

• Student Care Services

Opportunities

• Exchange schemes– USA: North Texas, Michigan, Cincinnati, North Carolina

– Australia: Swinburne

– Singapore: Nanyang

See www.surrey.ac.uk/exchanges/incoming/partners.htm

• Professional Placement Year– If in doubt, switch to 4 year programme. UG

office has forms– Do take part in CV/job interview workshops

Student Representatives

• Three/four student reps– Involvement:

• Student-staff liaison committee (1 or 2 times per semester) + lunch

• Board of Studies (once per semester)

– Training and advice provided by University of Surrey (provided by Student Union)

– Looks good on CV

For details see www.ussu.co.uk/reps

Don’t forget• Form with personal details to UG office. (08AA02)

• Check email, pigeon holes and notice boards regularly.

• If you need special (exam) arrangements, hand in your special needs form (deadline: 2 Nov.)

• Booking flights for Christmas asap is a good idea, flying asap is NOT a good idea.

• Enjoy your time at the University of Surrey!