On the first day of class, your instructor will present a course outline or syllabus that you will follow throughout the term. It will provide important details on class readings, exams, assignments, due dates, and grading criteria.
In university, you are expected to take charge of your own learning and success, so be sure to contact your professor for the syllabus if you missed the first lecture. You will also be responsible for any course material you may miss during the term.
There are 3 main methods of student evaluation at UBC:
- Class participation
- Assignments
- Exams
Class participation
In many courses, you will be expected to discuss your opinions, ideas, and perspectives related to the coursework, readings, and assignments. You may also be graded on your participation.
The goals of class participation are to develop academic skills of critical thinking, connect and create ideas, and defend perspectives or arguments. Memorizing lecture notes and course materials is important but often not sufficient for the best results.
Assignments
Instructors may assign term papers, essays, problem sets, or other assignments like group projects, class presentations, or lab projects. Read your syllabus at the start of the term for assignment due dates and grading criteria.
Exams
Many courses have 2 major exams: midterms and final exams. Your courses may have one midterm halfway in the course or several midterms throughout the term.
Exams will test your knowledge using varying formats, such as short or long answers, essay questions, true or false, and multiple choice.