Spinning Plates

Level 9 & level 8 modules....

From day 1 on campus it was made very clear that all coursework submissions were to be treated with high importance.  In year 3 all marks obtained for level 9 modules go towards your degree classification.  Essentially every percentage counts and with this in mind I have set my goals to gain the highest marks possible for every outcome for each module.  You have to do 6 modules in the 3rd year (3 each trimester) and the best 4 module results are used to calculate your average mark.  I have opted to do 4 'level 9' modules and 2 'level 8' modules with  the logic being that I can focus 100% on the 4 critical modules and, whilst I still have to pass the 'level 8' subjects, the results won't affect my degree mark.

This has allowed me to gain new skills through my level 8 modules without the necessary stress of the end mark.

Th analogy I use is that I am effectively spinning 6 plates and I can't afford to drop any of them.  4 of the plates are made of expensive bone china and 2 plates are inexpensive plates from Ikea.

If for any reason a plate was to drop and smash, I can afford (to a certain degree) for one of the inexpensive plates to smash as a 'capped' re-sit result won't affect my overall percentage average.  If I drop one of the expensive plates any 'capped' re-set mark would have devastating consequences on my overall average.

I appreciate that this maybe isn't the best approach but for me it works.

Honours project proposal

As I near the end of my 3rd year my thoughts are already leaning towards my 4th year (honours year).  In tandem with my modules I will have to undertake a suitable project which requires a sizeable dissertation to accompany it.

Throughout 3rd year we are regularly asked to start considering what we look to carry out and in April we were asked to submit a proposal for our project.  This is a lengthy proposal and gets assessed as a piece of coursework.

Whilst it does seem a little daunting, we have been supported throughout the proposal process and received lectures which have given us the tools to achieve this task.  One of the most challenging aspects was to provide academic paper appraisals to support our choice of project.  Napier has a great on-line library resource which is very useful in helping find such papers and articles.  

The challenge is breaking down the report and summarising appropriately in a short paragraph.  We were also asked to reference the sources we used in a bibliography using the Harvard referencing technique and, whilst I was aware of this technique, as a direct entrant from College I had never actually carried it out.

"I read this from a website on the internet" doesn't really work any more! 

There are many places to get information on how to use Harvard referencing and once you get to grips with it it isn't quite as laborious.  I would urge anyone reading this who is planning on going to University to familiarise themselves with this technique.

The Jack Kilby Computing Centre (JKCC)

Very much the nerve-centre of the Merchiston campus.  This is often a hive of activity and a place where students can come and work away on their coursework and studies.  Open 24/7 almost all year round,  it's like the Nasa's mission command centre with the sound of keyboards tapping away and enthusiastic conversations.  

 

Nasa

JKCC

It really is a brilliant facility which provides a base away from lectures.  I also find it a very inspiring place to work as you can feed of other peoples energy.  If you don't feel in the mood for working you will when you sit in the JKCC.

JKCC 2015?

Questionnaires were recently issued to students relating to how they found it and what improvements they would like to see.  I can only hope they listen to my pleas for pool tables, a bar and live music!