Skip to main content Skip to navigation

Mathematics Institute

Support Classes

Many modules will have support classes associated with them - especially core second year modules, and most third year modules and some fourth year modules.

Support classes will vary depending on the material, and how they support the lectures. Some will spend most of the time going over the assignments sheets (assessed or otherwise), and if these sheets are assessed it is usually the Teaching Assistant (TA) of the support class that marks them. Other classes will go over particularly tricky parts of the module, or additional examples that give a better insight.

Preparation

Don't go to a support class expecting the TA to know what you have been struggling with; they will welcome feedback from you on what you would like help with and would probably be happy to receive an email ahead of time to give them sufficient time to prepare.

Also, try to make sure you are prepared: this means attending the lectures beforehand, and attempting the assignment sheets that are going to be covered.

Expectations

What you can expect from the TA of your support class:

  • They should turn up to the classes promptly and be well prepared.
  • The style and the teaching may vary but you should expect the TA to be have good subject knowledge and be well-prepared to answer relevant questions In particular, most of the TAs will not be experts on the course they are covering so cannot be expected to answer questions outside of the material covered in lectures (although of course many will still do so).
  • The TA will mark any assessed work and return marks to the lecturer promptly. The University expects all work to be returned within 20 working days of the submission deadline, but for support classes you should typically get it returned within at least 2 weeks.
  • If you have minor concerns about your support class (can't hear the TA, can't read writing, don't feel they're going over the things you need help with) then talk to the TA! Often this could be the first time they have taught a support class and would welcome any feedback that would improve their performance.
  • If you have any serious concerns about your support class you should address complaints to the Director of Undergraduate Studies immediately.
  • You are encouraged to email your TA with suggestions for topics you are particularly having problems with, but it is not the TAs job to email individual solutions to students. That is what the support classes are for.
  • If the TA will unavoidably miss a support class they or the lecturer will notify you beforehand and if possible arrange a replacement class.

New for 24/25 - Year 2 mathXchange

In 24/25 we are introducing a series of two-hour sessions to support second year students with their Core Modules, known as mathXchange.

At these sessions, which will take place in the Undergraduate Workroom, second year students can:

  1. Access one-to-one support from teaching staff with problems and queries. These could be very specific queries about content from the module or you could just ask teaching staff to help you build confidence the module in general.
  2. Work with other second year students on the material in their Core Modules, knowing that support is on hand if necessary.
  3. Work alone, knowing that support is on hand if necessary.

Year 2 mathXchange will take place in the Undergraduate Workroom at the following times (when second year students will have priority access to the room):

  • Monday 1000 – 1200
  • Tuesday 1400 – 1600
  • Thursday 1000 – 1200
  • Friday 1400 – 1600.

Second year students are strongly encouraged to attend mathXchange. You can attend as many sessions as you like each week and you can drop-in for just a part of any session. We hope to provide a very supportive, friendly environment to help students make confident progress with the core year 2 material.

Note that support classes will still exists for second year core modules but these will be restricted to two per week per module. One of the classes will go at a slightly faster pace to the other, you should attend the one that feels right for you. More detail will be provided on the year 2 core module pages.