Assessment in UCD may be different to your experience of assessment to date where there may have been greater emphasis on end of year examinations rather than continuous assessment. Under the UCD Horizons curriculum, assessment is based on a learning outcomes approach which measures what you are able to do after completing a module rather than simply testing your ability to memorise the content of the module. A wide and diverse variety of assessment methods are used in UCD which include – but are not limited to – continuous assessment, projects, essays, laboratory tests, laboratory reports, practical assignments, fieldwork assignments, clinical assessments, group assessments, MCQ examinations, mid-semester examinations and terminal examinations.
Normally each of your modules in UCD will have at least one type of assessment, these are called components e.g. essay, exam, MCQ. You will find the key information about how each component of a module will be assessed and also what to do if you fail (remediation) in the Assessment section of the Module Descriptor for each of your registered modules. Once you register to a module, the published assessment will only change in exceptional circumstances, this should be communicated to you in advance of the assessment. All assessments are important in developing your learning. For example, assessments in the early weeks are designed to give you an early indication of your own progress. In order to do well in a module you will need to:
- Undertake and submit all of your assignments/assessments, not forgetting those assessments required early in the module.
- Ask for assistance from your lecturers/tutors if you have difficulty understanding what you’re expected to do.
- Use the indicated readings and other learning resources to prepare for your assessments.
- Ensure that the assessment is your own work and that you correctly acknowledge the work/ideas of other people.
Learn more about how to avoid plagiarism. - Understand the assessment criteria and check your own work to see how well it meets these before you hand it in.
- Ask your lecturer for feedback on assessed work and guidance on how to improve your next piece of work.
There are a number of books which provide advice on how to be successful at university; here are two Irish books:
- How to be a Student: 100 great ideas and practical habits for students everywhere, Moore, S. & Murphy. (2005)
- Managing Your Own Learning at University: A Practical Guide,Moran, A. (2000)
Visit the Assessment web page for more information.