First year curriculum issues in CSSE

Dr Richard Lobb

Dept. of CSSE, University of Canterbury

Fri Nov 10 15:10:00 NZDT 2006 in Room 031, MSCS

Abstract

Falling EFTS numbers in CSSE over recent years have put the department under financial stress. Pressure is being exerted from above for us to lift our recruitment and retention performance. In particular, the finger has been pointed at the low pass rates in COSC121 and COSC122. In this talk I look at recruitment and retention issues at stage one and report on an analysis of this year's COSC121S1 outcomes. I suggest that both curriculum changes and changes to our stage 1 teaching methods are called for if we are to improve both recruitment and retention. I will outline a proposal for a modified curriculum with at least one extra stage 1 paper and with COSC122 taught in both semesters. The implications of these proposed changes on higher levels of our curriculum will also be briefly addressed. Time will be left at the end for "frank and open" discussion of the suggestions.