Welcome to Aberdeen 1 Welcome to Level 1 Computing Science

2 Where is Computing Science? Meston Building CSD: 2 nd Floor

3 People Level 1 Coordinators: Tim Norman, Roly Lishman, Kathleen Christie, Frank Guerin Advisers: See your Adviser to register for or change courses! You: Need to elect 2 class reps! Two staff/student meetings per year (in week 5) We need YOUR feedback!

4 Attendance Good attendance => Good exam results For example, CS2006 (Databases): 2001/02: 50% attendance, 50% pass rate 2002/03: 75% attendance, 80% pass rate 2003/04: 60% attendance, 60% pass rate Have to sign-in for practicals Registry still send C5, C6 “warning” letters etc… See on-line CSD Handbook for rules…

5 Assessment & Progression Examination & Continuous Assessment Feedback from CAs should help you measure how well you’re doing… Typically: exam 50% + continuous 50% Passes in CS1014 and CS1512 are required for entry to Level 2 Computing Resits – August (best to avoid!)

6 Absences & Medical Notes Please notify Course Organiser if you miss a deadline due to illness (before deadline) Only Level Coordinators (for HoD) can grant “extensions” to deadlines But illness can be taken into account… You must supply written evidence of illness (GP’s note) if absent for more than 7 days Hand in doctor’s note to Meston Reception or Student Reception (main uni office)

7 Mentoring The University is concerned about drop-outs and poor attendance, esp in Level 1, so now: Mentoring Scheme: Groups of about 10 Level 1 CS students Two Level 3 student mentors (CS3021) One PhD/Postdoc supervisor Friendly faces, similar experiences… Advice/discussion on issues/problems… Compulsory for all Level 1 CS students Very successful/popular last year – try it and see!

8 Plagiarism Very serious issue! In simple English: cheating, copying, etc. With computers, plagiarism is easy! With the Internet, plagiarism is increasing! Staff obliged to report suspected plagiarism Penalties: Zero for assignment … zero for course!!

9 Plagiarism – How to Avoid Read assignment instructions carefully Usually, this means do the work on your own Note: it is OK to discuss assignments in general terms with your colleagues… Read the Level 1 Handbook! Leave plenty of time for assignments Most copying happens the night before the deadline Occasional missed assignments won’t hurt Consider risk v’s reward!

10 Information & Contacts Bookmark the Level 1 Home Page: - check regularly for announcements CSD: Plasma screen & Level 1 notice board Regulations Booklet & Online Level 1 Handbook Talk to us! Course Tutors, Demonstrators & Lecturers Head of Teaching (Judith Masthoff, by appointment)