Foundations
Handling of student data
The regulations governing student data (only in German) address the handling of data accrued in the context of teaching operations. This data may, for example, serve the application and admissions processes, the issuing of academic titles or planning and statistics.
The regulations governing student data do not address the handling of data arising in the context of actual teaching, e.g. verifications of academic achievement.
Detailed clarifications regarding the new regulations governing student data answering the follwing questions:
The «course unit» concept
The basic unit of teaching at ETH Zurich is the «course unit». A course unit consists of one or more courses (e.g. lecture + practical exercise).
A course unit is assessed as a whole, generating credits.
Every course unit has a main responsible member of the teaching staff. Further teaching staff can also be entered in eDoz.
Learning objectives
The learning objectives of a course unit show what students will know / be able to do after the course. They also illustrate how the course is embedded in the curriculum.
Learning objectives should be formulated BEFORE course planning proceeds: Backward course design
Ideally, performance assessments and learning activities derive from learning objectives: Constructive alignment
Learning objectives are listed in English and German in the Course Catalogue. They also form part of the Diploma Supplement, which students receive with their final academic record.
Using new teaching and learning methods
If new teaching methods are to be deployed in a course, early planning is recommended. Depending on the undertaking, special training or technical help may be required.
«Innovedum» programme
Financing may be requested from the Innovedum programme for major innovation projects.
Defining performance assessments
The form of the examination determines when it will take place with relation to the semester.
Examinations take place within a clearly defined time framework.
Unless the programme regulations stipulate otherwise, the examination form and mode (oral, written) and its duration are set by the department teaching commission in consultation with the teaching staff, and confirmed by the department conference (department offering the course).
Examination blocks
Examinations which are grouped in examination blocks must be conducted as session examinations.
Continuous performance assessments
It is also possible to test or quiz students for teaching purposes with continuous performance assessments during the semester itself.
Grading scale
ETH Zurich uses a grading scale of 6.0 to 1.0, divided into quarter grades. 6.0 is the highest grade, 1.0 the lowest. Grades of 4.0 and above are pass grades.
Semester performance can also be graded on a pass/fail basis. For further information, including the relationship of the ETH grading system to ECTS grades, see Download ETH Zurich’s Grading System and ECTS Grades (PDF, 54 KB)
The grade is to be understood as the absolute assessment of performance achieved. The grading key is set such that the grade of one student does not depend on the grades of other students.
Insufficient performance: Margin of discretion
In certain cases, insufficient performance may result in exclusion from a degree programme.
If the case involves a near-pass (particularly grade 3.75), you should consider whether you might apply your allotted margin of discretion before setting the grade.
Correcting a grade retrospectively on humanitarian grounds is not allowed.
Maximum care
The correctness and binding nature of grading defines the quality of our scoring system. ETH relies on examiners’ exercise of maximum care with this fact in mind.
Two heads are better than one
The entire process, from correction of the examination to communication of grades, is by nature prone to error.
For this reason, measures must be taken to recognise and correct errors as far as possible.
Applying the principle of “two heads are better than one” to each step in the process has proven effective. It is urgently recommended that all examiners take this approach.
Disciplinary offences in the context of performance assessments
- If lecturers suspect possible improper conduct during an examination they should speak to the person in question. If said person is in possession of an unauthorised aid the lecturers should take it from them. The affected person may, however, continue with the examination.
- Afterwards the lecturers should report the case via the online form Improper conduct.
Further disciplinary offences
ll further forms of disciplinary offence should be reported by .
Declaration of originality
The signed Download declaration of originality (PDF, 183 KB) is a component of every written paper or thesis authored during the course of studies.