European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS) is a student oriented credit system based on the workload of the student for a specific course. It is a value which represents all the studies (theoretical courses, applications, seminars, independent studies, examinations, assignments, etc.) that a student needs to complete in order to achieve the defined programme key learning outcomes.
At Duzce University, each course has both local and ECTS credits. The local credit hours of an undergraduate course are composed of all the weekly hours in theoretical courses, plus half the weekly hours in practical, studio, laboratory, and workshop sessions. The courses, which are not included in the grade average as determined by the Senate. Only the weekly theoretical and practical hours of such courses are to be specified.
European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS) is also used as credit accumulation system in Europe at institutional, regional, national levels. In Duzce University, following the description of the learning outcomes and competencies for a specific course, ECTS credits, are determined according to the exact workload of the student that s/he needs to acquire in order to succeed in a course.
For the initial ECTS credit allocation, the instructors envisioned the students’ average workload in order to be successful. The workload of each course has been checked with data collected from students using Workload Questionnaires at the end of each term. It is decided in the Senate that 1 ECTS credit equal to 25 hours and ECTS credits of each course is calculated accordingly. The procedure for calculation of ECTS credits for each course was as follows: After collection of Workload Questionnaires, from students, workload means are calculated for each course. By taking into account compulsory courses, departmental, field and university elective courses and also keeping in mind 30 ECTS credits per semester, the workload means are entered into an Excel Program developed for this purpose, resulting in a redistribution of ECTS credits of each course.
At dU, the minimum ECTS credits for a successful completion of a programme per term (16 weeks including the examination period) is 30 ECTS credits which is equivalent to 750 hours workload per semester including all the activities of the students (lectures, assignments, projects, midterms, finals, etc.).
In the course load calculation, 1 ECTS value is equal to 25.5 hours.
The calculation of Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) is made according to the local credit and grade of the students. It should be noted that presently both local credits and ECTS credits along with the grades are displayed on the students’ official transcript.
