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Schol Workshop

Schol Workshop. STUDENT ECONOMIC REVIEW 2008. CONTACTS. Rules/Conventions/Grades: Adnan Velic: velica@tcd.ie Mgt. 1 & 2, Law: Aoife Cunningham: cunninao@tcd.ie Int. Econ., Maths & Stats: Kieran Curtis: curtisk@tcd.ie

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Schol Workshop

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  1. Schol Workshop STUDENT ECONOMIC REVIEW 2008

  2. CONTACTS • Rules/Conventions/Grades: Adnan Velic: velica@tcd.ie • Mgt. 1 & 2, Law: Aoife Cunningham: cunninao@tcd.ie • Int. Econ., Maths & Stats: Kieran Curtis: curtisk@tcd.ie • Econ. of Ire., Econ. of PP, Gen. paper: Nathalie Ennis: ennisnb@tcd.ie • Hist. of Pol. Thought, W.E.P: Anne Byrne: byrnea2@tcd.ie • Russian & E.E.P: Caoilfhionn Nic Conmara nicconmc@tcd.ie • Intro. to S.R., Euro. Soc., The Soc. Imag: Alesya Krit: krita@tcd.ie

  3. Some general points on schol • It’s a marathon, not a sprint! • It’s a test of endurance as well as ability. • Be rational and efficient. • Don’t quit if one exam goes badly, you owe it to yourself to finish all of the exams. • Treat all subjects with equal importance. • Additional reading outside course content is crucial for essay exams (be unique). • Understanding, not regurgitation, is the key to success in general!

  4. Why sit the exams? Incentives • Intangible benefits – the prestige, honour etc associated with becoming a scholar. • Tangible benefits – • Meals free of charge every weekday in the commons. • Scholars are entitled to rooms on campus for up to nine months of the year (Oct.-June). • If you do not wish to take the rooms, you may then instead accept cash in lieu of rooms. • In addition to this, scholars are granted an annual salary.

  5. Why sit the exams? Incentives • Tuition fees paid (including registration fee and postgraduate fees). However in the case of scholars from non-EU countries, fees will be reduced by an amount corresponding to the appropriate fee level of an Irish student. • Scholars are entitled to all of the above benefits for a maximum of 5 years (that is if they continue with their studies as a postgraduate). • Furthermore, if you obtain an overall 2.1 grade (SF year) in the schol exams, you will be exempted from the summer examinations i.e. longer summer holidays.

  6. Schol exam conventions • An overall I (70%+) is necessary in order to become a scholar. • MAJOR CHANGE THIS YEAR – BESS students will no longer be able to get exemptions in individual subjects. In other words, you can either get schol or full exemptions or no exemptions at all. • For full exemptions, an overall II.I (60%+) is required.

  7. Schol exam conventions • Those BESS students doing courses worth 10 ECTS each will sit 6 exams (one in each subject) + a general paper. • Recommendations for scholarship will be based on your best six marks from the seven papers subject to all seven papers being passed. • Those BESS students doing 5 courses worth 10 ECTS each and 2 worth 5 ECTS each (courses from the BESS programme-Broad Curr. not included) will sit seven exams + the general paper (8 papers in total).

  8. Schol exam conventions • Where students make up the equivalent of a 10 ECTS course by taking two 5 ECTS courses, then the results of those two courses will be averaged and the resulting average will be treated as a single observation for the purposes of applying the examination conventions. • Best 6 observations from the 7 count towards schol.

  9. Schol exam conventions • Where students take a 15 ECTS course and combine it with a 5 ECTS course (from BESS programme), the normal “grade count” convention will apply but the Court of Examiners, at its discretion, may choose to take into account the higher weighting of the 15 ECTS course where this would work to the benefit of the student. • Where in the above case the 5 ECTS course is BC, then the student will only sit 6 exams including the general paper and all 6 will count towards schol.

  10. Schol exam conventions • If you make up 10 ECTS with 2 x 5 ECTS BC courses, then you will sit 6 papers (inc. general paper) • The same applies if in the above case one of the 5 ECTS courses is from the BESS programme.

  11. Schol exam conventions • How to get a first? Two ways • 4 I’s and 2 II.I’s (provided the 7th paper is passed) or higher. In terms of observations, the same convention is applied. • 3 I’s and 3 II.I’s provided that the arithmetic average is 70%+ and the 7th paper is passed. Again the same convention applies in terms of observations. • Up to the department at the end of the day!

  12. Schol exam conventions • TSM students- • Bottom line: you either get schol or exemptions in both subjects or an exemption in one subject or no exemptions at all. • Schol: requires I in one subject and at least II.I in the other subject + arithmetic average must be 70%+ over the 2 subjects. • Grade in economics: You sit 3 papers + general paper, 4 in total, best 3 count for schol. Overall first in econ. requires 3 I’s or 2 I’s + II.I subject to the 4th paper being passed. • Essentially if econ. = I, then other subject = II.I (at least), & avg. of 70%+ OR if other subject = I, then econ. = II.I (at least) & avg. of 70%+ OR I from both. • Exemption in any subject (1 of 2): requires II.I or higher provided that at least a II.2 is obtained in the other subject.

  13. Management 1

  14. Organisational Behaviour • 4 Questions must answer 2 • Refer to previous JS Summer Exams and last years schols paper • Application, analysis and evaluation of material all required • Analyse from a manager’s perspective • Preparatory seminars will be given by Dr. Fellenz closer to the time • There is no right answer only opinions – Key is it depends! Be sure to back up your opinions with fact!!

  15. Marketing • 4 Questions must answer 2 • Look at course outline and practice writing essays that combine 2 to 3 of the 8 modules • To get a I – MUST combine lecture discussions, text book readings, and journal articles in your answer • With readings - show theory and practical understanding. USE the real world examples given in class • Do NOT stray from class examples as more of a tendency to go off on a tangent!!!

  16. Marketing • Assigned readings are not enough – bringing in new readings will show interest and further understanding. Useful websites: Harvard Business, MIT, Journal of Marketing. • Look at SER website for a breakdown of journal articles – 5 are the same as this year 5 from last year – Recommended to chose a couple of points from each • ICT’s could come up - This is a primary research area for Brady • Be able to answer ‘what is marketing?’ and apply this aspect to other module’s – this is NB!

  17. Marketing • Practice writing essays within time limits. Dr. Brady has agreed that if you write practice essays she will be available to review them with you in her office hours (Wed 12-1:30pm) Do Not Show Up Unprepared! • Brady will have a schols class - Provisionally Wed 20th Jan

  18. Accounting

  19. Basic Info • 3 questions - answer all. • Crucial to correspond % of time spent on a question to the % of marks available. • First is possible with good preparation and importantly good understanding • Attend Pats seminars leading up to schols as they are extremely useful for study preparation

  20. Management 2 Tips • Question 1 – Essay Question (30%) • To Be Confirmed By Pat • Ask Pat if he will be assigning the same essay topic for the general paper! • Prepare essay before hand and just write it out in the exam !!! • PMcC will photocopy recommended readings. • Don’t worry about it until later in term.

  21. Management 2 Tips • Question 2 - Calculation Question (25%) • P+L & Balance Sheet – No Cash Flow last year or the year before! (check with PMcC) ______________________________ • Complex adjustments. • Don’t worry if it doesn’t balance – don’t waste time. • Expect a short general question for 5 marks. • Target full 25% - work hard on this now.

  22. Management 2 Tips • Question 3 – Ratio Analysis (45%) • Full accounts of a plc provided – analyse and discuss using ratio’s. _____________________________ • A lot of information to take in – 5 pages. • Don’t just calculate the ratio’s - look beyond the ratio – e.g. why did the Gross Profit margin increase? • Bring in economic variables – e.g. impact of interest rates on financing.

  23. Introduction To Law

  24. Intro to Law • New Format From Last Year! • 8 questions – answer 4 • Great website to help with the structure of your essays: http://www.lawteacher.net/how-to-write-a-law-essay.html • Think ILAC/IRAC Issue, Law/Rule, Application, Conclusion

  25. Law Paper • Look at 2005 and 2006 exam papers and 2007 schols paper • Read cases on reading list that have not been discussed in class • Approx 4-5 pages for each essay (1,600 words) • Have a clear introduction, main body & conclusion

  26. Intro to Law: Cases • Read cases on reading list that have not been discussed in lectures • Essays should be fact based but an element of personal opinion is also needed • Use relevant details from cases • Avoid giving general long summaries of cases

  27. General Essay (Research) • Irish Judicial database court service • http://www.courts.ie/Judgments.nsf/Webpages/HomePage?OpenDocument&p=220 • House of Lords Judgments • http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/ld/ldjudgmt.htm • British and Irish Legal Information Institute (BAILLI) • College library database

  28. Intermediate Economics

  29. Intermediate Economics:Overview • Two Questions from 4 in each of Micro/Macro • Material covered during the term • Helps if you know maths

  30. Intermediate Economics:Micro • O’Toole has set Schol papers before • Roughly 3 parts to a question • Basic material: right/wrong • Follow-ups: deeper analysis, allow material from other courses/disciplines to be brought in

  31. Intermediate EconomicsMacro • Walti has set papers before • Tutorial questions good preparation • Schols questions tougher last year: really know stuff • Familiarity with macro developments a bonus.

  32. Maths and Statistics

  33. Mathematics and Statistics: • Same format as the last two years -2005 & 2006 (See past exam papers) • Part A – Maths • Part B – Statistics • but the marks are unevenly distributed with 60% of the total going to the Stats section (reflecting 10 weeks work) and 40% going to the Maths section (reflecting 6 weeks work)

  34. Mathematics and Statistics: • Note, however, that in 2007 the order of the modules was reversed, so that Maths went first and was weighted60%. This will not be the case this year because Stats went first.

  35. Mathematics and Statistics: • All questions must be attempted on bothsections. • On the Statistics side: Format the same as previous years (7-8 questions) • More emphasis on newer (not JF) material • There will be a few conceptual/theory questions (CLT,etc.) • Best preparation: practice, practice, practice and know theory! • Old papers more or less same material (but won’t have index numbers)

  36. Mathematics and Statistics:Maths • New lecturer - Material much the same • Best prep: practice!

  37. Economy of Ireland

  38. Economy of Ireland:Overview • “Easy” II.1, More Difficult I. • Course structure has been changing – since the book has been changing • Topics remain largely the same, however - as John O'Hagan indicated in his class before Christmas – see exam handout • Tutorials ‘optional’

  39. What/How to study? • Emphasis on originality → read a lot - otherwise II.1 • What is originality? Having your own twist/voice makes a big difference - The Economist online a great source, some great country focus articles on Ireland • John O'Hagan very helpful: voluntary essays, extra classes, advice • Write out essays beforehand – pick your four blocks – 45 mins each – approx 1,200 words

  40. Economics of Public Policy

  41. Economics of Public Policy:Overview • Course structure (i.e. lack of structure), lecture times, etc haven't changed since Botany Bay times! • SB very fond of the schols - talk to him • Remember the “Facts and Figures” • Not that easy to get first - see Xmas exam

  42. Economics of Public Policy:Exam topics • Do topics he has actually covered (i.e. spent more than 15 mins on) • He might even read out the questions to you • Past exam papers very good guide • Structure: 8 exam questions given, answer four (45 mins each – 1,200 words)

  43. Economics of Public Policy:How/What to study? • Read: • His favourite authors (Baumol, Mishan,Tussing, Schultz...) • The Economist • As many of his papers as possible • Extract points supporting his arguments – and again use the “Facts and Figures” • Write out beforehand • Write clearly (NB*)

  44. General BESS Paper

  45. BESS General Paper – What Is It? • Usually the last exam • Three hours - answer one question. • View this paper as a gift – allows you to “drop” your weakest subject. • Should definitely be targeted as one of your 4 required firsts.

  46. BESS General Paper – Who Does It? • BESS – Answer any question. Counts as one of your 7 subjects (Of which the top 6 are counted). • TSM – Answer any economics question. Counts as one of your 4 economics subjects (Of which the top 3 are counted). • BSL – Can’t attempt the language questions.

  47. BESS General Paper – Tips • Ask lectures for the question in advance – don’t attempt unseen questions. • Ask lecturer for advice on how to approach the question – run your ideas past them for a reaction. • Prepare essay before hand and then just write it out in the exam.

  48. BESS General Paper – Tips • Economy of Ireland – same question every year – Discuss any topic on the Irish economy touching on at least three sections of the course. • Vast majority of people attempt this question – as a result possibly more difficult to get a first. • Have to be very unique to get a first. • Relatively “easy” to get a II.1

  49. BESS General Paper – Tips • Some people suggest to avoid Economy of Ireland and be different – My advice: play to your strengths • Scholar’s last year did – Economy of Ireland, Law, Accounting, and Microeconomics. • Essay paper is not a priority in January – worry about it a lot closer to the exams.

  50. History of Political Thought

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