Exam revision and exam technique Alison McEntee Learning Developer

This session will provide guidance on: How to identify topics for revision using the module summary, learning outcomes and past papers Planning your revision Exam day strategy

Preparation Ideally, you are aiming to p roduce, 4 – 5 pages of condensed material for each key element of the module And then to use this as a basis for further revision/consolidation of your knowledge Form study groups – remember, you are NOT in competition with each other

Know what is being examined Choose what to study; Take a systematic approach: How many topics/sub topics? In what depth/level of detail? Look at Module aims/learning outcomes to identify key topics/sub topics Look at past papers ; Exam format and instructions (number of questions/time) Module content – what is asked about? Approach – how is it asked? Recurring themes/issues/questions

Module Summary This module covers the structures and properties of proteins from basic amino acid structure up to quaternary structure and allosteric proteins. A significant part of the module relates to the properties of enzymes including enzyme specificity, the influence of pH and temperature on enzyme reaction rates, enzyme kinetics and enzyme inhibitors. An introduction to enzyme mechanism is dealt with by examining the serine proteases. This is expanded to look at non-enzyme proteins by discussion of immunoassay techniques. The theoretical work is backed up by appropriate laboratory exercises. This information is available for all modules at:

Module Summary – Key topics This module covers the structures and properties of proteins from basic amino acid structure up to quaternary structure and allosteric proteins. A significant part of the module relates to the properties of enzymes including enzyme specificity, the influence of pH and temperature on enzyme reaction rates, enzyme kinetics and enzyme inhibitors. An introduction to enzyme mechanism is dealt with by examining the serine proteases. This is expanded to look at non-enzyme proteins by discussion of immunoassay techniques. The theoretical work is backed up by appropriate laboratory exercises.

Module summary – sub topics This module covers the structures and properties of proteins from basic amino acid structure up to quaternary structure and allosteric proteins. A significant part of the module relates to the properties of enzymes including enzyme specificity, the influence of pH and temperature on enzyme reaction rates, enzyme kinetics and enzyme inhibitors. An introduction to enzyme mechanism is dealt with by examining the serine proteases. This is expanded to look at non-enzyme proteins by discussion of immunoassay techniques. The theoretical work is backed up by appropriate laboratory exercises.

Learning Outcomes At the end of this module the student will be able to: L1. Describe in detail the key aspects of protein structure L2. Explain the principal properties of proteins in relation to their structure L3. Describe the applications of immunoassays and develop the ability to identify and analyse routine professional problems L4. Carry out, and produce appropriate reports on, laboratory experiments on enzymes and other proteins

Learning Outcomes At the end of this module the student will be able to: L1. Describe in detail the key aspects of protein structure L2. Explain the principal properties of proteins in relation to their structure L3. Describe the applications of immunoassays and develop the ability to identify and analyse routine professional problems L4. Carry out, and produce appropriate reports on, laboratory experiments on enzymes and other proteins

Plan your revision Once you have identified the topics for revision, organise your revision materials: Lecture and tutorial notes Previous assignments Books, journals and other sources When doing this, think about: Main points and key themes Central issues, questions and debates Relevant information that you might need to locate Have module summary, learning outcomes and exam questions in mind when you do this

Plan your revision - timing Set a schedule for revision Switch between topics/subject to avoid boredom Avoid long sessions – split revision into shorter chunks of time. Be realistic – allow time for other things

Approaches to Revision Focus on understanding Summarise, re-process and analyse notes (with module summary, learning outcomes and exam questions in mind). Use recall strategies that work for you – acronyms, numbers and lists, mind maps, file cards, post its, tables, diagrams, read things out loud, ask questions, explain to yourself, test yourself. Work with others – discussion helps you to understand and memorise information Practice past paper questions Full answers and plans/notes Complete paper under exam conditions

EXAM DAY TECHNIQUE

Read the paper Take time to carefully read the instructions on the exam paper Check how many questions you are required to answer, and whether any of these of compulsory, and the time allowed Follow any rules relating to format – for example, each answer might need to start on a new page

Read the questions If you have to select questions - take time to read all the questions before deciding which ones to answer Take time to read the questions carefully before starting to write; Rule out the questions that you know you cannot answer, or can answer only badly, and then decide carefully which questions you are going to answer, and the order you are going to answer them in

Types of question Some questions are longer on the exam paper, but this does not mean they are hard to answer ‘What is the meaning of life?’ This is a very short question, but is it an easy one? Longer questions give you more information, and a structure to work with For shorter questions you may have to determine your own approach and structure to the answer Write a short bullet point plan for essay style answers – this helps you to structure your answer.

Things to remember… Answer the question. This sounds obvious but doesn’t always appear to be so! Re-read the question before writing to make sure you are not diverting from the question Think about the most appropriate way to present your answer: Text Illustration Table A combination of these Show working clearly where the question/allocation of marks indicates this is required.