Test Date & Importance

The Mid-Semester Test is scheduled for Friday, 6th September (Week 7) during our regular lecture times. This test will contribute 10% of your final mark, so it’s an important milestone in your learning journey.

Test Format & Location

The test will be held in-person and is closed book, meaning no notes or external resources are allowed. You will take the test during your assigned lecture time, but please note that multiple venues will be used. To find out where you’ve been allocated, you need to download the venue allocation file from the link below. Double-check your assigned location before test day to avoid any confusion.

Download Venue Allocations

Why Pen and Paper?

In job interviews, you will often be asked to write code on a whiteboard, on paper, or without a compiler. This test is designed to help you practice that skill.

Also, writing on pen and paper helps assess your problem solving skills, independent of your coding ability—while in the day to day of a job, you may have access to a computer, you will still need to be able to think through problems and write out your solutions. The literature suggests that practicing on paper can help students improve their coding skills more than if they only practiced on a computer.

What to Bring

Don’t forget to bring your Student Card and a reliable pen (or two!). The test is written on paper, so make sure you come prepared.

Practice Lecture

On Wednesday, 28th August, we will hold an MST preparation lecture. We highly recommend attending the lecture in person. We will explain everything you need to know, including what to do if you are unwell on the day of the test. In case you miss it, we highly recommend watching the Lecture Capture recordings once available. The slides from that lecture, which will cover what to expect in the test, will be also available on the COMP10001 website.

Special Arrangements

If you have an Academic Adjustment Plan that you haven’t shared with us yet, please do so as soon as possible via comp10001.com/aap so we can make any necessary arrangements.

Clashing Classes

If you have a mandatory tutorial or lab in another subject that conflicts with our test, please contact the coordinator of that subject to arrange an alternative time. You can show them this announcement as proof that the COMP10001 test is compulsory and counts for 10% of your final mark.

Past Tests

Below are links to past mid-semester tests. These exams are intended to help you prepare for the upcoming test. Make sure to review them and understand the type of questions that are asked.

Please note that the content of the exam may vary slightly from year to year, so it’s important to also review the material covered this year in the course.

Past Exam Papers

Make sure you are familiar with the format and style of questions. It is also beneficial to attempt these exams under timed conditions to simulate the actual exam experience.

Additional Resources

In addition to past exams, make sure you review lecture notes, tutorial problems, and other materials provided during the course.

Good luck with your studies!

Test Instructions Preview

The following is a preview of the instructions that will be provided on the day of the test. Make sure you read and understand them before the test.

    Time Allowed: 40 minutes

    Authorized Materials: None

    Instructions to Students:

    The test is worth 40 marks and counts for 10% of your final grade.

    Be sure to write your student number clearly on the answer sheet.

    The test is closed book—no resources, electronic devices, or calculators are allowed.

    Answer all questions in the spaces provided on the answer sheet, which you’ll hand in at the end.

    You must remain in the test venue until the test ends and avoid communicating with others during the test.

    Your work must be entirely your own, completed within the allotted time.

    You can use the back of the instruction page for rough work, but only what’s on the answer sheet will be marked.

Frequently Asked Questions for the Test

1. What happens if I am unwell on the day of the test?

If you are unwell on the day of the test, please notify us as soon as possible via the appropriate channels (e.g., LMS, email). You will need to provide a medical certificate, and alternative arrangements may be made depending on your circumstances.

2. How can I find out where my test venue is?

The venue mapping will be available by Tuesday, 3rd September, on LMS and Ed. It is essential to check your assigned location before the test day, as we will be using multiple venues.

3. What time does the test start, and how long does it last?

The test starts promptly at 9:05 AM and will finish at 9:45 AM. You should aim to arrive at your assigned venue between 8:40 AM and 9:00 AM to ensure you are seated and ready before the test begins.

4. What if I arrive late to the test?

If you arrive late, you will still be allowed to take the test if there is an available seat and a test paper in the room. However, you will need to finish by 9:45 AM, regardless of when you start. It is your responsibility to be on time and fully prepared.

5. What should I bring to the test?

You should bring your Student Card and a reliable pen (or two). Pens are preferred, but pencils are allowed. Only pens and your ID are allowed on the desk; bags should be placed on the floor.

6. Can I use any additional materials or electronic devices during the test?

No, the test is closed book, and you are not allowed to use any notes, electronic devices, or calculators. Only your pen and Student Card should be on your desk during the test. Phones should be completely switched off.

7. What happens if I forget my Student Card?

If you forget your Student Card, you can still take the test, but you will need to present another form of ID. The invigilator will take a photo of you, your ID, and the front page of your test paper for verification purposes.

8. What should I do if I have an Academic Adjustment Plan (AAP)?

If you have an AAP and have not yet informed us, please do so immediately by submitting it via comp10001.com/aap. This will allow us to make any necessary arrangements, such as providing extra time or a separate room if required.

9. How will the test be invigilated?

The test will be invigilated by assigned invigilators in each venue. They will ensure that the test runs smoothly and that all procedures are followed. If you have any concerns during the test, you can raise them with an invigilator.

10. Can I leave the test early?

No, you are required to remain in the test venue until the test ends at 9:45 AM. No early departures are permitted unless there is a medical emergency.

11. What should I do if I need to go to the bathroom during the test?

If you need to go to the bathroom during the test, you must raise your hand and wait for an invigilator to assist you. You are not allowed to leave in groups, and you must leave all your belongings, including your phone, at your allocated seat.

12. Is there space for rough work during the test?

Yes, the exam paper includes a blank page behind the cover that can be used for rough work or as scratch paper. Remember that only your answers on the provided answer sheet will be marked.

13. What should I do if I miss the test due to illness or another valid reason?

If you miss the test due to illness or another valid reason you may be able to apply for Special Consideration. There are strict deadlines for submitting a Special Consideration application. If you are unsure what to do, call Stop 1 as soon as possible to discuss your situation and options.

14. How can I best prepare for the test?

Review the lecture notes, tutorial problems, and other materials provided during the course. Make use of past mid-semester tests available on the course website to familiarize yourself with the format and style of questions. Attempting these exams under timed conditions is also recommended.

If you have any additional questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out via the course communication channels. Good luck with your preparation and the test!