Department of Computer Science

Learning and Teaching Strategy

Delivery

The Department is committed to the use of a range of delivery methods intended to reflect a mixture of traditional and new approaches. The majority of modules are taught using the conventional 50 minute lecture (with combination of whiteboard and PC-based presentations). Practical and/or lab-based elements are a central element of ensuring students acquire the key skills fundamental to their chosen programme of study. The Department aims to emphasise student-directed learning through a growing use of group-work centered modules, and student presentations. The individual pro ject that students undertake in their final year is a key element in which student-directed initiative plays a part and provides a valuable opportunity for students to enhance presentation skills.

Assessment

Programmes are assessed by a combination of traditional written examinations and continuous assessment, including marked essays and computer programming problems. The second year group project, the final year individual project and the M.Sc. project all include an element of assessment by oral presentation and demonstration of project work. All modules are assessed at the end of the semester in which they are taught. The mark produced for a module is subject to scrutiny at the meetings of Departmental Examiners, by the External Examiner and by the Faculty Board of Examiners' meeting. Decisions on progress are also controlled by the University's published regulations.

Modules are assessed (according to the nature of the module) in one of three ways as follows:

• Examination only where the assessment is based entirely on examination, which is held at the end of the semester in which the module is taught.
• Continuous Assessment
• Examination and continuous assessment

Details of the assessment method for each module can be found in the individual module specifications.

Assessment and Exam administration