2. School Procedures

2.6. Independent study

University study is not just about learning a set of facts which have been dictated to you and then repeating them back in an exam. It is a process for which you take responsibility, and should equip you with several important skills:

  • The ability to evaluate data and arguments critically and to form your own opinions about them.
  • The ability to present your work to an audience, which you will have a chance to practice in many of our modules.
  • The ability to argue your case effectively, both orally and in writing.
  • The ability to understand and to formulate mathematical and statistical arguments.

To equip you with these skills we use a variety of teaching methods, but we also emphasise the importance of independent study. You will have up to 12 hours of lectures and classes per week. The remainder of the time you should use for your own study, and should plan to do the following:

  • Complete and understand the exercises set in your modules.
  • Complete the assigned readings.
  • Follow up in more depth the ideas, issues, or techniques that interest you.
  • Be self-aware: Do not simply cover masses of material without evaluating whether or not you are taking it in.