Thread: University Coursework - NOT ASKING FOR CODE!

At UWE Bristol [UK], we have been given this coursework; I am in the process of complaining as out of about 20 students, that I know of, only 1 or 2 have managed to complete the coursework, I haven't managed to even start as I don't have a clue where to start and the lecturer is never available to ask for help (he's a total waste of time, and if you are thinking of coming to UWE, his name is Peter Martin; you have been warned if you have a module with him, you will have to teach yourself everything!

well, here is the coursework, none of us have ever done C++ programming modules at university (some may have previous c++ experience, but most of us do not!) ...I was just wandering how complex this coursework really is as for me it is impossible! I will be taking the resit, the deadline is now passed so posting code is not necessary! well, here is a link to the specification! I would just like to know; is this a bit unfair for a second year module (note; this module is worth a quater of the second year credits (30), and we only started it in January, and teaching time was 4hours a week and the lecturer is never available, and never replies to emails) I am very angry, it has ruined my chances of getting a 1st for my second year! I am very tempted to take this story to the national press!

NOTE: We have never been taught anything about XML parsing in any of the lectures! its just all teach yourself!

here is the url....

http://www.cems.uwe.ac.uk/~pcsmarti/...assignment.htm

If you have time, your opinions would be much appriciated! - I can put any points forward in my complaint to the university.

Originally Posted by ahluka

Isn't this related to something you posted a little earlier?
http://cboard.cprogramming.com/showthread.php?t=78784

Yep! it is indeed!!! ...but i need to hand in something just so i can do the resit coursework! ...have been busy writing a device driver and haven't had enough time to do both! ...as have many of my fellow students!

Bob,

This really belongs on the General Discussion board...

Does the Computer Science department have a list of tutors? Or, maybe you can form a study group and "bribe" one of the successful students to give you some guidance.

Complaining is fine, but you need to find a strategy for success. In the unlikely event that something does get changed at the University, it will probably be too late for you.... after they realize that 18 students have failed!

Ok ok. I don't think a lecturer can be that bad can he? Maybe you're all misunderstanding him. Hmm.

Uhhhh... Yes, they can!!!!

I went to California State Universities (Cal Poly SLO and San Jose State). In the State University system, most of the classes are actually taught by the professor, and the professor is required to have "office hours" when the students can stop by. At the time, I didn't appreciate how unique this was.

At the more elite universities, the classes are often taught by assistants. The professors are not very accessible. If you need help, probably have to find a tutor.

At community colleges, your instructor might have a "day job" (or night job) as a programmer. He/she will usually be very accessible and friendly with the students.

Doug.

As far as the "your on your own, learn it yourself" mentality, my advice is get used to it. I encounter this type of thing all the time, and the more you do it, the better you get at it. You are learning a skill by doing this. When you graduate and get a job which uses a technology your not familiar with, what are you going to do? Do you expect someone to hold your hand and walk you through your work? You need to quickly adapt and learn on the fly.

Now, before I sound like too much of an .............., there is a limit to the *neglect* a professor should give. They should definately have office hours or have a TA available to help. Most of the ones I've dealt with will also point to a chapter in a book or post a link on their website to give you some type of insight into the domain of the work.