Level 0 Study Guide 2012-13 Biosciencex - Swansea University

Work of 1 st class quality - 70 to 100%
Work of 2(i) quality - 60 to 69%
Work of 2(ii) quality - 50 to 59%
Work of 3rd class quality - 40 to 49%
Work of Fail standard - 0 to 39%
(below standard required for award of credit)
Marked work is usually returned to students via the Level 1 'pigeon-holes' in the Basement Level
of the Wallace Building.
Certain practicals will involve exercises using living or dead animals. These form an essential
part of the practical work and students who decide not to participate in such exercises will not
earn the appropriate academic credit. The full policy statement on the use of animals in teaching
forms Page 22 of this guide.
Students failing to attend practical classes may be prevented from sitting theory examinations.
Details of the consequences of missing practical classes without good reason are to be found in
page 26 of this guide.
Comment [UoWS1]: Page number
needs checking
Individual Study
Much of the week is left free for the reading of books and journal articles relevant to the
modules, and the preparation of essays. Reading material is held in the Main Library. Many
books are in heavy demand and there are procedures for reserving books.
The Importance of Reading for a Degree
A prime difference between being taught at school and university is the importance of reading for
a degree. As well as attending lectures and other types of classes (practical and field classes,
tutorial, seminars, etc.) you are expected to read widely and reflect upon what you have read.
You may be able to ‘get by’ on lecture notes but you will not reach your full potential unless you
read the recommended text and follow this up with additional reading. A typical 10 credit module
involves about 20 hours of class contact but 80 hours of reading and preparation for
assessment. It is departmental policy to recommend one textbook for each module or group of
modules. Such preferred texts are listed in the Student Study Guides. However, alternative
texts and other forms of supplementary reading, such as journal articles, will be suggested on
separate reading lists during the course. You are expected to purchase or otherwise have
access to the course text and to read a large sample of the other reading material suggested.
The importance of this can be gauged by looking at the marking criteria (see Student Handbook)
that are used by the department in assessing your work.
Managing your reading is an important part of your studies and university life. Allocate sufficient
time to reading. The department will provide advice and guidance on how to take notes from
journal articles and books. You should also consider building up a photocopy collection of the
most useful articles and chapters. You should also consider purchasing a variety of books in
collaboration with some of your friends in the department: the price of books may preclude the
purchase of all the relevant recommended texts.
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