Degree questions.

mboro

I am due to start my BSc Honours degree course in Crime Scene Science in September, and I have heard people say that the first year does not count toward a degree??:eek:

What do they mean by that? Better still how are degrees marked?

sodajazz

Thats correct, the 1st year of a degree course sort of filters out those who are not suited and can highlight any difficulties you may have. You must pass year 1 to continue.
The qualifing marks start in year 2 and 3, it works as a point system each grade A,B,C etc is awarded a grade point, you need to achieve a certain set of grade points to get a degree classification. Your institution will have the criteria laid out.

Don't wory about it just enjoy yourself

The_One_Who

It means that the mark you get won't be included in the calculation for your final degree classification. Less pressure to do well, basically. So you can settle in and get used to university level work and standards. Although, some universities DO count first year so I'd check with the university rather than just listening to what some people say.

Degrees are marked in different ways depending on the course. I am going to assume that you will be based both in the lecture theatre and in a lab? So you'll have lectures and possibly tutorials and then at the end of the year get an exam, most likely essay-based. You will probably also get a practical, or lab, assessment. And there will be continuous assessment in the form of essays and lab work. Although that is all speculation since every university is different and every course is different. You should a little handbook of some description when you start telling you all of this.

Blacksheep1979

Do not take your first year as a slacking year and just aim to pass. You'll find most of the stuff later on is based on it and also it's easier to get a good reputation with the lecturers/tutors earlier than later.

Colxfile

Furthermore, if you are planning on taking a year out to do an industrial placement year as part of your degree, not doing well in your first year may send the wrong signal to a potential employer, as it may be the only marker for how well you're doing in your degree programme. (Aside from references, I suppose)

FreheitOverture

In my degree we needed 40% to pass the first year and get on to the second year. Then the degree classification is worked out from 25% of second year and 75% of final year

Lokolo

FreheitOverture wrote: »

In my degree we needed 40% to pass the first year and get on to the second year. Then the degree classification is worked out from 25% of second year and 75% of final year

Almost same as mine. Mine is 30/70.

melancholly

just check if you've only 'heard people say' this as it doesn't always apply to every subject or at every institution. your course will give you a handbook or something explaining how much each module contributes to your end result. some places do count the first year (maybe only 10% of the final grade) or other places use first/second year marks to enable you to get onto the options you want in the first year. i'd wait til you start and then all the specifics for your course will be spelt out for you!

your first and second year marks will also be all that you have to put down on your CV when you apply for jobs in your final year, so having good grades can help there as well.

celyn90

It will depend on your degree and your institution. Some don't count anything but final exams, other count all years but they are weighted differently. Some only count the last two and so on. My degree was modular, every single module counted towards the degree classification - it's just our first year was worth less than the fourth and so on. You needed aboove a certain percentage each year to progress to the next year and of that percentage certain core subjects had to be passed. When you start, you should be told how it is graded - or you can ask one of your tutors.

Even if it isn't counted towards your mark, you should still need to study in order to get develop the skills you need and having good grades as you go along can really help you convince potential employers that what you think you will qualify with is a realistic assumption. bets of luck, cel x

mboro

Thanks, I do intend to work just as hard in my 1st year as in years 2 and 3.
Cant wait!!!!

foofi22

It's best just to check with the institution when you arrive. My first year was 6.8% of my degree - personally I wouldn't be worrying about this now!
Just because the first year is generally 'worth less' it doesn't mean it should be treated as such. Later years build on this and have the potential to bite you on the 'you know what' later.
Above all don't forget to enjoy yourself though! You only get your first year at uni once...;) I'm very jealous!