UBT BSc Teaching and Learning Concept
The academic calendar describes the study cycle by showing specific dates, which contain information on the start and end of studies, exam periods, deadlines for enrollment in the course and submission of final papers/exams.
The Academic Calendar is approved at the beginning of each year. The academic year has two semesters and is divided into autumn and spring semesters (15 weeks each), three regular test periods (January, June and September) and two extraordinary test periods (April and November). Between each semester a week is set aside for individual work and taking midterm exams. The normal study load is 30 ECTS per semester. Students must receive at least 45 ECTS per academic year to maintain full-time student status.
Teaching: Teaching is provided through interactive lectures, seminars and individual lessons. The academic and administrative staff is responsible for providing assistance, services and guidance on academic and student affairs. The usual practice is to have a lecture and two exercises each week. In line with pedagogical approaches, some units may require more direct instructions. In many subjects, students have to read obligatory materials. Also, the work usually required should contain up to 15 pages of research papers. Seminar sessions are an opportunity for students to discuss the topics of the week and get additional thoughts on specific topics. Therefore participation in seminars is mandatory. Learning Management System (Moodle) electronic platform makes professor-student communication much easier. On this platform, professors can put all relevant materials in their subject, organize online quizzes, communicate test results, send out different announcements to students and answer student questions. The study program for the first and second year is the same for all the students, while in the third year students are profiled in the orientation of their choice.
Evaluation:
Assessment of student grades is done throughout the semester and is based on teamwork, individual work, presentations and written exams. Each subject has its specific syllabuses where the evaluations methods are described. Usually, the written exam has a weight of 50-60%, while other activities also meet 40-50% of the final grade while student counseling assistance is provided as needed. The SMIS platform, created by UBT, helps students to take the final exam results in their respective UBT-created emails in order to respect the full privacy of students.