Learning and teaching

Lectures

Lectures will likely make up the bulk of your teaching time, and lecture sizes can be significantly larger than a class size at school. Lectures are not typically interactive, but instead the lecturer will usually present information using PowerPoint slides or providing worked examples in subjects like mathematics.

Things to consider:

• Would you prefer to sit in a specific area of the class, perhaps near the lecturer to reduce distraction, or near to the door if you feel overwhelmed and need to take yourself out of class. Perhaps consider arriving early if this would help.
• How will you take notes? Perhaps you prefer to have a print-out of the lecture slides that you can then add any additional notes to, or maybe you prefer to use a mindmapping style of notetaking.
• Students don’t always arrive on time, so there may be some distraction as people enter the room and get to their seat.
• If you’re late, you can still go into the classroom and participate. Whilst it might feel difficult to walk in late, remember that most other people won’t mind, and some probably won’t even notice.

Tutorials

A tutorial is a small group meeting designed to complement lectures and course content. Students and a tutor engage in discussions on specific topics that are closely tied to the lecture material or introduced as a way to enhance understanding.

A key benefit of attending these sessions is the opportunity to connect with fellow students who may share similar concerns and challenges. This can offer a valuable perspective and insight into different reactions and viewpoints.

Engaging with other students during tutorials can also expose you to a variety of approaches to a topic. Understanding how others research and analyse information can enhance your own learning experience and can help you make new friends.

Things to consider:

• What steps/reading should you do to get ready for the tutorial?
• Do you have the necessary information regarding the location and timing of the session?
• Do you anticipate any problems taking part in group discussions or being asked to speak in front of the class? Make sure you speak with the Disability Service if you do.

Lab sessions

In technical and scientific courses, students will be expected to spend a significant amount of time in laboratory settings, this may be an engineering or a computer style lab. In addition to practical projects and experiments, students may also engage in discussions and group tasks during a lab session.

Things to consider:

• Review the guidelines provided by your school or tutor regarding necessary safety equipment, such as lab coats or safety goggles, as well as any equipment you may need to purchase and bring to your first class.
• Is there anything that may pose a health and safety risk to yourself or others during a lab session – be sure to discuss this with your lecturer if you haven’t already discussed with the Disability Service.
• Will working with a partner or a group present any challenges for you? If so, please discuss with the Disability Service.
• Is there anything you can do in advance such as pre-reading.

Once enrolled, you can access our studying at university page on the Skills Hub, with masses of information, including  guidance on ‘how to make good notes’, ‘adjusting to university’ and ‘what to expect in class’. 

Each student is assigned a named-contact to support you and who will serve as a primary source of guidance, advice, and support throughout your academic journey at Heriot-Watt.

Depending on your course/stage of studies you will either be assigned a Personal Tutor, or a Student Advisor and an Academic Advisor.

Early into your first semester, your named contact(s) will be listed on your student record, and they should contact you to introduce themselves. If you don’t hear from them, we would encourage you to reach out and arrange an initial meeting – this can make it easier should you need to discuss anything with them in the future.

For more information about whether you will have a Personal Tutor or Student and Academic Advisor, as well as further guidance on their role, please visit our Personal Tutor webpage.

Teaching Timetables

Teaching timetables are usually released from mid-August, but remain subject to change. You will be able to view these after you have completed online enrolment and have registered for your classes. Please don’t worry if you are unsure what to register for, or how to register – there will be opportunity at your induction events to discuss this and get help.

Access to course registration may vary depending on your programme, as you may require guidance before making your choices, so if you have questions about your courses, make sure you discuss these with academic staff at your induction.

Examinations

Examinations will usually be in-person, or online via Canvas. It is possible you will have a mix of the two throughout your degree. We have three exam diets for on-campus students, at the end of semesters one and two, and another in August where students can sit reassessments.

Timetables can be viewed on our examinations webpages but remain subject to change. Please note that more than one exam can be scheduled on the same day.

Class tests details will be communicated via your course leader.

Reasonable adjustments for assessments

If you have reasonable adjustments for examinations, such as extra time or a quiet shared room, these adjustments will be detailed on your student record which you can view via Student Self-Service.

Students who have different exam locations arranged, should be mindful to check their seating plan on their student record, as this will tell you where to go for your exam. Please do not go to the location detailed on the central timetable if you have alternative arrangements. If you are unsure, you can contact the examinations team or disability service.