SE251:Study guidelines

Study guidelines

• Assignment preparation. At a minumum, study assignment briefs before scheduled practical sessions. You should also attempt the solution prior to the scheduled lab session. This way, you will know what you need help with and will be able to maximise the benefit of lab supervisors. If you come to the practical session and only then start to read the brief, you'll waste the opportunity to get quality help.

• Supplement lectures with your own reading. The lecture notes are intended to be be comprehensive, but if you are struggling with material you must undertake additional reading. There is no shortage of Java texts in the library. Similarly, the web is packed with articles on object-oriented programming and Java - use Google to locate them. Add links to articles you have found helpful in developing your own understanding on the SE251 wiki so they will benefit others.

• Help yourselves. If you have a question about course material, you are unlikely to be alone. Post the question using either the SE second year forum or on the SE251 wiki page. If you can help in answering the question, add a response. This way you will be using the power of the group to resolve misconceptions.

• Undertake work outside of scheduled meeting times. For a full-time student, working 40 hours per week, and taking 4 courses, you should be allocating 10 hours per week per course. Thus, for SE251 with 5 contact hours per week you should be working around 5 extra hours a week. Note that this is a guideline - depending on how easy you find the course you may need to work more or less than an extra 5 hours each week.

• Getting help outside of scheduled sessions. The lecturer has an open-door policy and is happy to see students outside of scheduled sessions. If you require extra help with a programming assignment feel free to see the lecturer - but please make sure you have attempted the assignment and have clear questions in mind. The course tutor is also generally available to answer questions if necessary.

Use the forums to post any questions that you might have and use it as a medium of exchanging ideas and for course related discussions.

• Course issues. If you have issues with the course, you should, in the first instance, bring these up with your course reps who will talk to the lecturer. The lecturer will consider these issues and, if necessary, take action.

• Really struggling? If you are really struggling you should see the lecturer - within good time of assignment deadlines.