Task 3

The course or module description document for Physics 152 is a highly useful document for students enrolled for this module, what is mostly expected from a description document is for the document to provide a road map in detail of what lies ahead and also outline goals as to what each components contribute to the greater goal of not only the module but university as a whole, of which the document managed to bring all those points ahead. The first positive out of many that are noted in the document is that in introductory statements it brings awareness to students of what is expected from them in this module, how the module will be taught in terms of content (build up from previous year work) and rate of delivery of the course which is very important for students to note as this determine the effort they need to put and provide them with expectations for them to be successful in the module.

The description document gives students a thorough description of what the module is all about (Goals and skills to be transferred to student) and the philosophy of the module. It provides a description of the teaching methods that will be used in the module, it also informs students of the personnel (Lecturers Laboratory officers and teaching assistants) that will be responsible for the course and their responsibilities (i.e. Lab officers and teaching assistants) this provide students with an idea of who how many people they can expect in the course, and how much help do students have to ensure their success in the module.  In addition to this there is a content outline with relevant task/activities to be given in each topic, and for each topic a there is a certain time allocation which will assist students in their planning for the module.

The idea of highlighting teaching goals and learning is one I note as one of the great positives as this acknowledges that both parties have a role to play and there are expectation for each role each party plays, as the teaching goals gives the teaching staff what they expect from the students, and learning goals gives students what skills and outcomes they can expect primarily from the teaching staff, in addition there is a full description of the tasks/activities that will be given to students and the nature they will be facilitated and also how they will be assessed, this is important as again students have an idea of how things will be done in the module. There is also a description of the laboratory component and how it will be assessed, an addition there is a percentage mark allocation/weighing to each component for the module this gives students a sense of prioritizing in their work to ensure success in the module. Another useful point in the description document is highlighting to students skills learned in previous related modules that will be useful in Physics 152 also highlighting certain academic attributes of paramount importance.

The one point which I feel needs to be included in the document in the document is the brief description of each topic in the content outline as this will give a fill of what each topic entails and might bring exciting expectation to enthusiastic students. I find the description document of Physics 152 highly useful with a caution that if not properly applied by both teaching staff and students it might lose its practicality.