Course Support
Learning to program can be challenging, but you don’t have to do it alone. This page provides information about all the support resources available to help you succeed in IND216.
Support Resources
Course Forum
Access the course forum through module IND216’s Moodle website for:
- Asking questions (conceptual or technical)
- Sharing helpful resources
- Discussing course material
- Finding study partners
Forum Guidelines:
- Search before posting (your question may be answered)
- Use descriptive titles
- Include error messages and code snippets
- Be respectful and helpful
- Don’t share complete assignment solutions
Email Support
Instructor email: Sangseok.Lee@bayes.ac.uk
When to email:
- Personal matters (illness, accommodations)
- Scheduling appointments
- Urgent technical issues
- Administrative questions
Response time: 24-48 hours on weekdays
Email tips:
- Use clear subject line: “IND216: [Topic]”
- Include your student ID
- Be specific about your issue
- Attach relevant files if needed
Common Issues and Solutions
Installation Problems
Coding Challenges
“I don’t know where to start”:
- Break the problem into smaller steps
- Write pseudocode first
- Start with the simplest part
- Use print statements to debug
- Look at similar examples
“My code doesn’t work”:
- Read error messages carefully
- Check for typos and syntax errors
- Verify data types
- Test with simple inputs
- Use debugging tools
“I don’t understand the concept”:
- Review lecture notes
- Try additional examples
- Watch supplementary videos
- Ask on the forum
- Attend office hours
Study Resources
Recommended Learning Path
- Before Class:
- Review previous material
- Read assigned sections
- Note questions
- During Class:
- Take active notes
- Try examples
- Ask questions
- After Class:
- Review notes same day
- Complete exercises
- Practice additional problems
Peer Support
Study Groups:
- Form groups of 3-4 students
- Meet regularly to review material
- Work through problems together
- Share different approaches
Peer Tutoring:
- Advanced students available for tutoring
- Sign up through course website
- Free service for enrolled students
Mental Health and Wellbeing
Programming can be frustrating at times. Remember:
Campus Resources: See “Your halth and wellbeing” page, hosted in the Uni’s website.
Personal Emergencies
Illness or emergency: - Email instructor ASAP - Provide documentation if extended - Discuss makeup options - Don’t fall behind
FAQ
Q: How much time should I spend on this course? A: Plan for 2-3 hours outside class for every hour in class (6-9 hours/week total).
Q: Can I use AI tools like ChatGPT? A: You may use them for learning and understanding concepts, but submitted code must be your own work. Always cite any assistance received.
Q: What if I’m falling behind? A: Seek help immediately. The course builds on itself, so early gaps become bigger problems later.
Q: Do I need a powerful computer? A: No, basic Python programming doesn’t require much computing power. Any computer from the last 5 years should work fine.
Q: Can I use a different IDE than recommended? A: Yes, but you’re responsible for any setup issues. We can only provide support for recommended tools.
Success Tips
Remember: We want you to succeed! Don’t hesitate to reach out when you need help.