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The 1999-00 course was evaluated all 7 students using the Nominal Group technique. Briefly, the students generated and then prioritised statements in response to two questions:
How might the course be strengthened?
What are the strengths of the course?
The results are shown below. The scores are arbitrary numbers, but represent the relative importance of the statements on the basis of votes by the students.
|
|
How might the course be strengthened? |
|
|
|
Statement |
Total |
|
1 |
Remove irrelevant content from BIOL401 |
98 |
|
2 |
Reorganise exams and deadlines around Christmas |
88 |
|
3 |
Introduce continuous assessment to provide writing experience before Dissertation |
80 |
|
4 |
Make Part I/II practical experience more relevant to Mol Biol projects |
70 |
|
5 |
Increase the weighting of the project |
60 |
|
6 |
Improve the way data handling is teaught in some Part I/II modules |
54 |
|
7 |
Make sure those teaching TACS data handling are familiar with level and format |
51 |
|
8 |
Improve teaching in TACS computer sessions - introduce certification |
49 |
|
9 |
Make TACS sessions more relevant to Mol Biol |
48 |
|
10 |
Provide clear learning objectives for BIOL322 |
47 |
|
11 |
Include more essay-based questions in Part I/II as introduction to Hons. |
41 |
|
12 |
Ask lecturers not to simply read out their handouts |
39 |
|
13 |
Reduce or change the content of BIOL411 |
39 |
|
14 |
Provide more options in Part I/II |
24 |
|
15 |
Make 0.5 pt module exams longer and full module exams shorter |
21 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
What are the strengths of the course? |
|
|
|
Statement |
Total |
|
1 |
Being able to choose own dissertation subject and title |
50 |
|
2 |
Organisation of lectures allowed extra time for projects/revision in Semester 1 |
47 |
|
3 |
Good range of project options |
45 |
|
4 |
Modules in Semester 2 build on those in Semester 1 |
38 |
|
5 |
Lab-based projects encourage independence |
38 |
|
6 |
Small size of class allowed interaction with Director |
34 |
|
7 |
Provision of optional modules allowed students to develop own interests |
33 |
|
8 |
Some of the TACS sessions were relevant and helpful |
23 |
|
9 |
Topics of guest lectures were interesting and relevant |
7 |
The Director would be grateful for any further comments or suggestions students or staff may have concerning the results of this exercise.
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