Tutorial/Workshop classes at Cardiff university

Hi all! I am an international student and will study the 1 year MSc in Physics at Cardiff uni. I was wondering what type of classes (if any) besides lecture classes are held at the uni. Are there any tutorial style classes or anything similar, and if so how long are they and what happens there? I am not familiar with class types besides lectures, and this would help me plan my studies at Cardiff.
Thanks in advance!

(edited 2 months ago)

Reply 1

CardiffUni Rep 4

Official Rep

Original post by pnrem

Hi there,

Congratulations on receiving an offer! That's great! I don't do physics, but I can see on their page they run various modes of teaching. So they have lectures, which are 1-2 hours usually. Then tutorials/seminars, which are usually 1 hour long, and you are in smaller groups and it is more of an interactive, discussion based style. Then Physics also have laboratories, (computer or science based), where it would be more practical skills based learning time, which are often tailored a bit more to your assignments maybe - the length of these might vary, i'm not too sure.
Is this helpful?
Any other questions I could help you with?

Grace - Cardiff Uni Student Rep :smile:

Reply 2

pnrem

Hi! Thanks so much for replying. This is really helpful.

In the tutorial class, what is generally discussed? Do they discuss homework/assignment problems, or is it just general discussion about the lecture topic?
Also for each semester, how many assignments are given for each module approximately, (based on the subject that you study)?

Sorry for asking more questions. I am not familiar with the teaching system in the UK.

(edited 2 months ago)

Reply 3

CardiffUni Rep 4

Official Rep

Original post by pnrem

Hi! Thanks so much for replying. This is really helpful.
In the tutorial class, what is generally discussed? Do they discuss homework/assignment problems, or is it just general discussion about the lecture topic?
Also for each semester, how many assignments are given for each module approximately, (based on the subject that you study)?
Sorry for asking more questions. I am not familiar with the teaching system in the UK.

Great i'm so glad to hear that!
Tutorials tend to be about readings (given beforehand), and/or what was discussed in the lectures. But it can also be a good opportunity to ask questions you have about the topic and assignments, and to even receive feedback and check-ins on your progress of your assignments from staff before final submissions. Although if it is more personal, then staff always have weekly office hours, where you can just go to their office and ask any questions you have, or of course you can email them or set up meetings. Throughout your whole time at Cardiff you will also have a personal tutor, which is one member of staff who is your support, for out-of-uni matters (like mental health, and living circumstances etc.), but they will also be a member of staff who is familiar with your course, and so they are also there to help with assignment tips and advice if needed.

I usually have 1 or 2 assignments for each module (i've personally never had more, but my engineering friends have had up to 3 or maybe 4 I think). The assignments and the level of work they require, should be proportional to the number of credits the module is, and the weighting it carries. The more credits a module it worth, the larger weighting it will have on your final grade. The weighting and assignments are usually outlined to you by teachers in the first week of term(s) as well to help you get an idea of what's to come, but I would always suggest checking them all at the start of term and putting the dates down in a calendar or something too.

No worries please ask as many questions as you want!
The university also run free classes open to all students where you can to develop your skills in topics including essay writing, revision and exam tips, and note taking and more.
Anything else I can help you with? Or any other questions about social life or living in Cardiff?

Grace - Cardiff Uni Student Rep :smile:

Reply 4

pnrem