Embedded Files
This is the MBB Student Handbook for 2019-20, which has been superseded by this version: https://sites.google.com/sheffield.ac.uk/mbbhandbook20-21/home. Please update your bookmarks and let Rebecca know if you have got here from an old link that we need to update: r.barnes@sheffield.ac.uk.
This is the MBB Student Handbook for 2019-20, which has been superseded by this version: https://sites.google.com/sheffield.ac.uk/mbbhandbook20-21/home. Please update your bookmarks and let Rebecca know if you have got here from an old link that we need to update: r.barnes@sheffield.ac.uk.
Timed Assessments (formerly known as exams)
Timed Assessments (formerly known as exams)
What will happen?
What will happen?
Your exam papers will appear on the Blackboard (MOLE) page for your module at the beginning of the exam time. You should download your exam and start working on your answer offline.
When you have finished, save your answer as a PDF or a word file. Name your document as follows: Module-QuestionNumber-RegNumber: for example, MBB334-Q2-140123456.
You should upload your answer to the Turnitin assignment on the relevant module Blackboard page. Put your registration number (not your name!) in the 'submission title' box. Submit your answer like you would any other Turnitin assignment.
You must upload your answer before the deadline (allow sufficient time for this!).
Will there be an exam timetable?
Will there be an exam timetable?
The University will release an official timetable in early May. In the meantime, a draft timetable is provided on the right. This may change slightly, but it should allow you to plan and prioritise your work.
What is expected of me?
What is expected of me?
We recommend looking at the specimen paper for your modules to learn the detailed instructions
The Level 1 assessment will take the form of a single multiple choice question paper. How this factors in to your overall average will be announced soon.
For Level 2 assessments you must answer all 6 questions and upload your answer as a single document. We expect you to write about a page (up to 400 words) plus a digram for each question. Some questions (such as the data handling questions) can be answered in much fewer words, so don't feel that you need to write 400 words for each question.
For Level 3 assessments you must answer one question from four. There is a word limit of 1500 words and you should write the wordcount at the bottom of your answer. Simple diagrams are welcome. You can insert images of hand-drawn diagrams or produce basic diagrams in powerpoint. You are not expected to produce elaborate figures and you will recieve very little credit from copying images from your lecture slides or review articles. You are not expected to include citations or a reference list.
For MSc assessments vary depending on the module. For MBB6313 you must answer one question from section A and one question from section B. For MBB6340 you will answer one question from four, with a word limit of 2000 words. For MBB6329 and MBB6304 you will be assessed via coursework.
Diagrams
Diagrams
We welcome diagrams in your answer but we expect simple hand-drawn sketches or basic diagrams generated in powerpoint. You do not need to produce elaborate figures. You will receive very limited credit for cutting and pasting figures from other sources (even if you fully cite them). We would much prefer you to produce your own figures as you would in an exam hall situtation. Any figures should be embedded within your answer and your answer should be uploaded as a single document to the module Blackboard site.
Collusion
Collusion
Your exam answers will be tested by the Turnitin software for similarity to pubished papers, the web and other students' work. It is essential that the work you submit for your exams is your own work.
Technical problems?
Technical problems?
If you are unable to access Blackboard you should email your answer to this address: mbb.exams@sheffield.ac.uk. The time stamp on this email address will negate any penalty for late submission.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an open book exam?
This is an exam where you are permitted to take your notes into the exam with you. This means that the questions will require you to demonstrate understanding and critical thinking skills rather than factual recall. Because you will be working from home, you will be able to use your notes, your lecture slides, textbooks and articles when researching for your answer. However, you must write your answers in your own words . Here is a link to the University's advice on unfair means.
Can I work with my friends?
No. You are expected to work alone. Before the exam period you will have to sign a simple document to say that you will submit your own work (no group chatting via Whatsapp all night long!). Here is a link to the University's advice on unfair means.
How long should I spend working on my answer?
We expect you to take about 2 hours preparing your answer, with another couple of hours reading the questions, reading through your notes, planning, checking, uploading your answer etc. In total we expect it might take you 4 hours on the exam (not 4 hours solid writing!).
We have allowed 24 hours to accomodate students living in different time zones and students with very limited internet connections. We are not expecting anyone to work for 24 hours. No need to pull an all nighter!
Can I upload my answer before the deadline?
Yes! Please do. Complete your essay and upload it as soon as you are ready.
What is expected of me?
We expect you to produce exam answers comparable to if you were sitting in an exam hall. Our expectations have not suddenly changed from those in a normal exam situation. You are not expected to include references. For Level 3 exams there is a word limit of 1500 words - we are expecting three sides of text - not a literature review!!! The questions have been written to encourage you to demonstrate your understanding and critical thinking skills.
What about diagrams?
We love diagrams in molecular biology. They don't have to be fancy but they do have to be clear. Draw them with a pencil, take a photo with your phone and add them to your answer. Alternatively, you can produce a very simple diagram (three blobs and an arrow, all labelled) using powerpoint. You will not get extra credit producing elaborate figures, so don't bother. You must upload your answer as a single document, so make sure that any figures are embedded in your answer.
Can I apply for a deadline extension?
No. This is an exam, so there are no deadline extensions. If you are unwell during the exam period, you should fill in an extenuating circumstances form as normal and report the incident to mbb.exams@sheffield.ac.uk.
I have a learning support plan, what will this mean for me for these timed assessments?
The department has been guided by DDSS and the central university when designing the summer assessments, and we have carefully considered the implications of the modified assessment styles for students with disabilities or specific learning difficulties. We know that some of you are concerned about being disadvantaged, and want to reassure you that we are doing everything we can to be fair and inclusive. As you will see from the links below, the 24-hour exams are designed to include time for all students to complete the work; we will not be adding on additional time for those students who usually get extra time in exams.
This link takes you to a DDSS page explaining the implications of online exams for students who normally have exam adjustments in place. This link takes you to some staff pages that have been provided to guide departments in how to be inclusive of all students in the design of assessments.
If you normally use yellow stickers on your work, you can indicate this to the marker by writing at the top of your text document and highlighting it in yellow, as normal for digital use of stickers. Please see here for information.
If you have any concerns about these issues, please contact Dr Jones (emma.jones@sheffield.ac.uk).
What if Blackboard goes down?
If you cannot upload your answer because of an internet failure, do not panic. We have set up an email account (mbb.exams@sheffield.ac.uk) especially for this. The timestamp on this email will serve as evidence that you submitted your answer on time. In the worst case scenario you can take a photo of your answer and email it to mbb.exams@ from your phone.
The Safety Net
The University announced its guidance for departmetns on how to implement the 'no detriment' policy. In MBB we are working out what this means for you and will add more information shortly. Until then you can check out the University's Safety Net FAQs.
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