Accessing Module Information
How much is my coursework worth? What will I be assessed on? Who is the best to contact if I need help with an assignment? I missed a lecture in week 5 and I’m not sure what was covered! I need an extension, how do I go about it?
Almost every question you may have about your module can be found in a module handbook. However, not every course provides a module handbook and therefore you can find out more about the individual modules through your schools website.
In the video below we will walk you through how to find out about important details in regards to your course and how to find contact details for key staff members.
How do I find the information on the website?
- Go to your Faculty website e.g. Faculty of Science and Engineering.
- Select your department e.g. Department of Mathematics.
- Select the specific course you are on e.g. BSc in Mathematics, here you will find the overview of the entire course.
- Select Course Details and scroll down to find a list of modules and select your module.
What information can I find out online?
Overview and Aims
Gives a broad description of the module itself.
The Learning Outcomes
Provides a list of what a student is expected to know by the end of the course and is a good way to find out what you will be assessed on. This is useful when organising revision and reflecting on whether or not you meet the outcomes and help you identify where you can improve.
The Syllabus
Offers a more detailed overview of the course and often reflects weekly content. If a module lasts 12 weeks including reading/assessment week and the last week is for revision this leaves 10 weeks of teaching. If you’ve missed any lectures or need a reminder of what you did in any given week here is a good way to find out what was covered.
Assessment Methods
Every module is assessed differently so it is good idea to check how each module is assessed so you know what to expect and make a plan. The different methods can include: attendance of certain tutorials or supervisions and demonstrating participation may contribute to your grade. You can also be assessed through weekly tests, a mid-semester test during reading week, Coursework where you are giving time to answer a specific question, computer sessions and labs that may require a practical element. Here you will find out the percentages of each assessment method which can help you manage your time and focus your energy.
Feedback
Courses provide feedback in a variety of different ways. A Lecture is usually within a theatre with the rest of your course and is where you are given information whereas support classes are smaller classes and are there to provide feedback to students. The lecturer may work through an example with the class or students may be expected to have attempted exercise sheets prior to the tutorial and either present feedback to a smaller group or ask the Lecturer or a postgraduate for help. Lecturers also hold office hours, never feel scared to approach your lecturer for help, they will be more than happy to help you.
Recommended Reading
Lecturers sometimes provide notes for their lectures or sometimes they expect students to create their own during the lecture. Although lecturers’ generally only assess content delivered within their lectures, the recommended reading may be your first point of call to clarify or add to your notes made during lectures. Sometimes lecturer’s provide no notes which is problematic if you ever miss a lecture, most lectures are recorded but if you feel you learn better through reading material the recommended reading section is the place to look.
Study Hours and Independent Hours
Here you will find out how many hours over the semester is designated for your lectures and tutorials, tutorials or examples classes are usually once per week. They also give you a suggested amount of independent study hours but obviously that is completely up to you with how you manage your time.
Teaching Staff
Here you will find who will be leading the class and who is best to contact if you need any help. Hopefully in your first lecture you will be given their contact details but if not if you go back to your department website and go to about and then people, you may be able to find some contact details for your lecturer.
