Introduction > Presenting Science > The Viva Voce > Assessing Your Subject Knowledge

Assessing Your Subject Knowledge If the viva is used solely to assess the quality of your degree programme, your final grade will not be affected by your answers. Nevertheless, the viva may well involve a discussion of topical subjects that are relevant to the degree course content. For example, if your degree programme involves Environmental Sciences: what might be the impacts on vegetation of the removal of large herbivores, as occurred in many areas in the UK following foot and mouth disease? You may be asked what your favourite modules were, and why you found these modules academically interesting and/or challenging. This may lead on to a further discussion based on your favourite modules. For example, if you state that Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) was your favourite module and explain why, you may then be asked a variety of questions, such as: what is the legal backing for EIAs? what are common problems in EIAs? how could the EIA process be improved? can you discuss different examples of where the EIA process could be considered a success and a failure? You may also be asked to comment on the quality of your course. The format of the viva may vary depending on the University or School/Departmental regulations so ask your tutor for advice specific to your course.

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