Assessment
Broadly speaking, learning evaluation (assessment of learning outcomes) in the Master in Computer Science Program can be grouped into three parts, namely assessment for theoretical courses, assessment for special assignments, and assessment for final assignments. Learning Evaluation is carried out to assess competency achievement based on predetermined learning outcomes.
Q.1. Assessment for Theoretical Courses
In accordance with the Rector Decree Number 14 of 2020 concerning the Basic Framework for the UGM Curriculum, course assessments can be carried out through and are not limited to mid-term exams (MTE), final-term exams (FTE), quizzes, practical examinations, and structured assignments. For structured assignment, it can be both individual assignments and group assignments which consist of case study, writing or publication of scientific papers, response, performance or design, and/or reflection. The weight of each assessment component is adjusted to the learning method, and is explicitly stated in the module handbook. To ensure the alignment of the MTE/FTE exam questions with the module handbook, MPCS conducts a review of the MTE and FTE questions before they are used as test material for students. Referring to the Decree of the UGM Rector’s Regulation No. 7 of 2022 concerning the UGM Higher Education Standard, the measurement scale for the course assessment process and student learning outcomes is stated in table below.
| Letter Grade | Numeric Grade | Designation |
| A | 4 | Excellent |
| A- | 3.75 | Very Good |
| A/B | 3.5 | Good |
| B+ | 3.25 | Good Enough |
| B | 3 | Enough |
| B- | 2.75 | Fair |
| C | 2 | Poor |
| D | 1 | Very Poor |
| E | 0 | Failed |
If a student is not satisfied with their assessment results, they have the opportunity to appeal the grade within a week of the results being announced. To do this, the student should reach out to the course lecturer and discuss their concerns. If the appeal is accepted, the lecturer must inform the program administration to request a change in the grade.
Q.2. Assessment for Assistantship
Assistantship in the MPCS can be in the form of Research Assistantship or Teaching Assistantship, each with a load of 1 credit. In the Special Research Assignments, students become research assistants in one of the research laboratories in the Department of Computer Science and Electronics. In the Special Teaching Assignments, students become assistant practicum instructors in the service laboratory or become tutors for courses in the Department of Computer Science and Electronics. In taking this Assistantship course, students are guided by a supervisor/mentor assigned by the Study Program. Assessment for Assistantship uses an assessment rubric set by the Study Program. The assessment components at least include creativity,independence, and discipline. The assessment is carried out by the supervisor of the Research Assistantship. Like the assessment for Research Assistantship, Assessment for Teaching Assistantship also uses the assessment rubric set by the Study Program. The assessment component at least includes discipline and teaching ability. The assessment is carried out by the supervisor of the Teaching Assistantship.
Q.3. Assessment for Research Activities
The research assessment process is divided into several stages, specifically the Thesis Proposal Exam, the Master Thesis Seminar (Pre-Defense), and the Thesis Exam (Final Defense). Each stage adheres to the guidelines set by the Study Program.
- Thesis Proposal Exam
The proposal examination assesses students’ ability and readiness to conduct research by evaluating their research proposals and related studies. This assessment is conducted by a team of experts, including a thesis supervisor and two lecturers with relevant expertise, and students must have completed certain course requirements and be studying or have studied relevant elective courses. The assessment criteria include the research topic and its contributions or novelties, and a rubric is used to grade the proposal. To pass the exam, students must receive a minimum grade of B- and may have the opportunity to revise their proposal and continue with their research if approved. If there are significant changes to the research topic, students may need to retake the proposal exam, and may also have additional opportunities to retake the exam if they do not pass initially.
- Thesis Seminar Exam
After completing their research and drafting research reports, students must take a thesis seminar exam (Pre-defense). This exam is designed to evaluate the students’ research activities, the completeness of their report documents, and how well it aligns with their research proposals, so that students can receive feedback for improvement. The exam is conducted by an examination team consisting of a thesis supervisor and three lecturers with expertise in the research topic. The components of the thesis seminar assessment include the research topic, presentation, mastery of research materials, and overall quality of the thesis report writing. The scores of the thesis seminar exam are given in the form of grades, as shown in Table 7, and there is no pass or fail decision. Students must then make revisions based on the examiners’ suggestions. Before they can register the thesis examination (final defense), students must
receive approval for the revised results of the thesis seminar examination.
- Thesis Exam
The thesis exam is designed to assess the quality of the research and any scientific publications produced, as well as the changes and enhancements made to the thesis report in comparison to the previous version. During this exam, students will be evaluated by the same examination team that assessed them during the thesis seminar exam. The scores for the thesis exam will be given in the form of letter grades ranging from A to B, or E. If a student passes the exam, they will have up to 30 days to make revisions based on the examiners’ suggestions. If a student does not pass the exam (receiving an E grade), they will have to retake the thesis exam within a maximum of three months. While conducting the research, starting from the preparation of the thesis proposal to the thesis examination, students are guided by the same team of supervisors (one or two lecturers). Students are required to report on the progress of their research in monitoring and evaluating thesis research activities organized by the Study Program twice each semester. Research supervisor for the thesis can be replaced by the Study Program if one of the following conditions is met:
- Students apply for a replacement of supervisor with the approval of the previous supervisor team;
- The supervisor submitted the resignation because the student did not show research progress for two consecutive semesters
- Supervisors cannot continue their duties due to health reasons or other reasons.
