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After the fun of the year's study, it seems a pity to spoil it with examinations, but, sadly, they have to be done.  When I took my first exam in 1990, it had been fifteen years since I'd previously sat an exam.  It was a daunting experience and I certainly made some mistakes.  So I've put some exam tips here, whilch I hope you will find useful.

I think the most important thing to watch in exams is time management and this is where I went wrong in my first sitting.  It is all too easy to spend too long on the first question and then discover that you do not have enough time to complete the rest of the paper.  So time management and strict allocation of time to each question based on the marks awarded are essential.  Once you work out your exam schedule, stick to it ruthlessly - cut off answers in mid-sentence if necessary and do not spend more on a question than it warrants.

The Computing 1 exam is provisionally scheduled for Saturday 11 November 2000 from 2.00 p.m. to 5.00 p.m.  That's 32 weeks from the first tutorial on 1 April 2000.  When you take out about one month for holidays and other events, there will be about 28 weeks available for studying 23 units, reading the textbooks, completing 3 or 4 assignments, and revising for the exams.  For students doing other modules as well, it is clear that the time available is limited, and it is amazing how quickly it passes.  The motto, therefore, is to study hard and early and get all work completed before the final assignment is due.  Then use the remaining time for revision.

For the benefit of other students, the complete provisional examination timetable is as follows:
 

The exam timetable is now on the DCU Top Class Web Site

Do you have any questions or suggestions on the subject of exams?  Use the feedback form to tell me about it.