Study Methods at LUAS
In addition to planning your studies with care, please familiarize yourself with ground rules and practices of LUAS. This will help you to progress and succeed in your studies.
The independent nature of UAS studies in Finland presupposes that students show initiative and take responsibility for the planning of their studies and for keeping to their own schedules. LUAS being a university of applied sciences also means that the approach is very practical, including less theory and more projects.
Teamwork skills are essential in today's working life. Furthermore, studying in a multicultural group is a great opportunity to learn about different ways of thinking and doing, and to develop your intercultural competencies.
The study methods at LUAS support self-guided development, which creates a basis for comprehensive learning:
- Lectures
- Teamwork
- Projects
- Independent study, e.g. reading assignments, essay
In addition to face-to-face lectures, LUAS also offers many online courses in Moodle learning platform. Students receive user IDs, passwords and training for Moodle during the orientation. Teacher will also send enrolled students an instruction e-mail before the course starts.
Our study methods and open learning environment encourage and activate the student. The student will develop a positive attitude, social and good behaviour and communication skills. Applying, critical, persistent, future-oriented and investigating approach to work is emphasized from the very beginning.
The relationship between students and teachers is normally quite informal and equal. Students are encouraged to ask questions during lectures and also outside of the classroom. It is acceptable to express your opinion on the themes discussed during the courses. However, the informality does not mean that an overly relaxed attitude towards studies would be accepted.
Course Attendance
Course attendance is usually mandatory. The lecturer will give detailed instructions about participation and assessment during the first lecture. It is polite to arrive for class on time; being late for class is discourteous to both the teacher and fellow students. Professional and courteous conduct also includes turning off your mobile phone during classroom work. Exchange students are expected to attend all courses signed and agreed within the Learning Agreement.
Assesment
Information on how much the assignment, project work and exams count towards the final grade will be provided by the teachers in the beginning of each course. All assignments and project reports must be returned by the set deadline. Teachers also give information about exam dates.
Please note that plagiarism is an offence. Please make sure that all quotations you use in your written assignments, including texts taken from the internet, are properly referenced.
Credit system
The duration of undergraduate studies at Lahti University of Applied Sciences is, depending on the faculty, 3.5 - 4.5 years, which is equivalent to 210 - 270 credits (1 credit = 1 ECTS point). One credit refers to a notional input of approximately 27 hours of work by the student for the attainment of set objectives. Lectures, exercises, seminars and other forms of instruction as well as independent research are all regarded as work. One semester of full time studies is usually worth 30 credits.
Grading
The grading system applied at LUAS can be transformed into ECTS grades as follows:
| ECTS grade | Lahti grade | Definition |
| A | 5 | Excellent: outstanding performance with only minor errors |
| B | 4 | Very good: above the average standard but with some errors |
| C | 3 | Good: generally sound work with a number of notable errors |
| D | 2 | Satisfactory: fair but with significant notable errors |
| E | 1 | Sufficient: performance meets the minimum criteria |
| F | below 1 | Fail: considerable further work is required |
Courses can also be assessed passed or failed.
Language requirements
Exchange students are expected to have to good knowledge of both written and spoken English (B1) to be able to conduct their studies in Lahti University of Applied Sciences.
Academic Abbreviations
lk = lukukausi = semester
slk = syyslukukausi = autumn semester
klk = kevätlukukausi = spring term
slk + klk = opetus kestää koko lukukauden = the instruction lasts the whole year
slk/klk = sama lukukauden kestävä opetus kummallakin lukukaudella = the same instruction is given on both semesters
lkv = lukuvuosi = academic year
pv = päivä(ä) = day(s)
t = tunti(a) = hour(s)
vk = viikko(a) = week(s)
vt = viikkotunti(a) = hour(s) per week
kk = kuukausi = month
v = vuosi = year
ma = maanantai = Monday
ti = tiistai = Tuesday
ke = keskiviikko = Wednesday
to = torstai = Thursday
pe = perjantai = Friday