School of Mathematics & Statistics Welcome to...

School of Mathematics & Statistics Stage 1 Induction Information 23 rd September 2013 I am... Stage 0/1 Degree Programme Director: Dr Peter Avery I am also... Degree Programme Director (Student Welfare and Progression) I answer to... Director of Learning & Teaching: Dr Graeme Sarson and … Head of School: Prof Rob Henderson

Contact Details Dr Peter Avery Room 3.04

General Rules and Guidance The essential reference is: Degree Programme Handbook for 1 st Year Students School of Mathematics & Statistics which is on your data card. More information (and breaking news): If you need more detailed advice:  Personal Tutor  DPD (Degree Programme Director)  School Office

Sources of Information  The School website: PEC form DPD Request Form  NESS:  Blackboard:

Communication  You can use to contact your tutor or lecturers. Tell your tutor if you have personal/ health problems that affect your academic work.  Please use your University address to contact us, not a private address (you might not get a reply).  Please don’t expect a running conversation or ask for detailed mathematical explanations.  Check your University regularly – this is how we communicate important information.

Overview of Stage 1  Stage 1 is essentially a qualifying exam for Stage 2.  In order to do well in Stage 2 you need a very good understanding of the Stage 1 topics.  As the material gets more difficult, it gets progressively more difficult to teach yourself from the lecture material. Thus it is crucially important to attend lectures and other classes and to attempt all the set work in order to do well.

Coursework  Written Assignments: In Stage 1, usually weeks 3, 6, 9 and11 Deadline is strict (1.00pm (NOT 1.05pm!), normally on a Friday) If ill, complete a PEC Form and take to the Stage DPD  Computer Based Assignments (CBA) Regular assessment using Numbas Plenty of practice available Relatively easy Deadline is strict (midnight on Fridays)  Do not take marks on these assignments as a guide to exam performance (particularly CBAs). Assignments are designed to help you learn and to give you confidence.

Feedback  Feedback on coursework: indications where things have gone wrong, some general feedback, access to correct solutions. Feedback sessions, where you can ask questions.  Feedback on exams: General feedback is given: mark distribution, scaling, Individual feedback on your scripts is available on request.

 All coursework submission sheets will be available to print from NESS at the beginning of each Semester.  All coursework must be submitted using the correct personalised Header Sheet.  All coursework must be submitted in the Homework Hand-in letterboxes before 13:00 on the due date.  Individual Coursework/Project-work: Staple the correct personalised Header Sheet to the top left hand corner of the coursework.  Please do not submit coursework in plastic folders/covers.  Acknowledgement of receipt will be ed to students within one working day of the deadline. NESS will also indicate that a piece of coursework has been submitted.  It is the responsibility of the student to check submission receipts and notify any anomalies to the General Office within 24 hours of the submission deadline. Submission of Coursework

Passing exams  Exams are in January, May/June (and August)  Stage 1 Exams are Pass/Fail where Pass=40  They do not count to your final degree class  (First = 70+, II-1 = 60+, II-2=50+, III = 40+)  You must 'pass Stage 1' to continue  You need to pass any failed modules at Resits in August.  Only two attempts are normally allowed at each module.  Don’t book a holiday in August  PEC if major illness or personal problems affect your exam performance

Staff-Student Committee  Meets about twice a Semester to discuss any issue affecting undergraduate students. For example proposals to change degree programmes or problems with a specific module.  Usually meets at 1.00pm on a Wednesday. Lunch is provided.  Good thing to put on your CV.  Volunteers?

Attendance – University Regulations The University wishes to support student completion on their programme of study. Monitoring student attendance is a key method of support and applies to all students on all programmes of study.

Attendance – University Regulations Students are, except for absence with good cause, expected to attend all elements of their programme of study, including lectures, tutorials and examinations. A student who is absent between 2 and 7 calendar days must submit a self-certification form. For absences longer than 7 days, a student must submit a medical certificate. (University General Regulation)

Attendance – Absence Notice Form  Complete the absence notice form.  Include additional evidence if appropriate.  Complete a PEC form if the absence is significant enough to affect your assessments.

Monitoring attendance  Some classes are monitored.  Registers will be sent around lectures and MUST be returned at the end of the lectures.  If you do not manage to sign an attendance register, please sign the form at the front of the lecture theatre at the end of the class.