How to model 3 Study Programs divided into 3 Lab Groups (Capacity 15) in FET 7.7

[ptrdtznr]

Hi everyone,

I am currently setting up a timetable in FET 7.7.0 and I need some advice on the best student structure and constraint setup.

My Setup:
- Cycle: 14-day rhythm (10-day cycle in FET: Week A and Week B).
- Time Slots: Each slot represents a 90-minute block (Duration = 1).
- Students: Total of approx. 45 students, divided into 3 Study Programs (e.g., BSc_A (with 14 Students, BSc_B (in total with 29 students), and BSc_C (in total 2 students)).

The Challenge:
I have two different types of activities:
- Common Lectures: All 45 students attending together.
- Lab Sessions: Since the lab room has a maximum capacity of 15, I need to split the 45 students into 3 Lab Groups (approx. 14-15 students each). These lab groups will consist of a mix of students from all 3 programs. Thus, I've created 4 subgroups, where each subgroup has BSc_A = 14, BSc_B_1 = 15, BSc_B_2 = 14, BSc_C = 2 number of students. Each Lab is bi-weekly, thus two labs shall be on the same weekday/timeslot.

I noticed that the "Total number of students" in the "Add Activity" dialog is not showing up (it is always -1).

What am I doing here wrong?!

[Liviu Lalescu]

Hello, ptrdtznr,

I would advise you to update to FET-7.7.7.

What means bi-weekly, exactly? To make two activities at the same real day and hour, add min+max days between them =  5, and same starting hour (any days).

-1 means "automatically computed", and will show the correct number in the activity's description, not in the add activity dialog.

[ptrdtznr]

Thanks for the fast reply - I've updated to 7.7.7 - thanks for the hint.

Yeah, you got it right w.r.t. to have same activies on the same day.

But when I'm planning, how do I ensure that I am never have more than 15 students in one activity?
Is it possible to have an activity with 14 student of BSc_A and 1 student of BSc_C (in sum 15)?

[Liviu Lalescu]

I think you need to decide exactly which students belong to which group. Maybe you could add each individual student as a FET subgroup, then create any FET groups you like (edit the group, click "Add existing subgroup", and double click this real-life student to add it into a group).

FET in the Official mode cannot divide the students and put them in the timetable automatically. It is you who needs to create the correct students sets structure. Then FET will put each activity in a time slot and in a room. It is FET in the Block planning mode allocating students to teachers and time slots, but I think it is not suitable for you.

Or, add all students in an activity and, using virtual rooms, make that activity occupy 3 or 4 real rooms at the same time slot. But I think this is not what you want.

[ptrdtznr]

I see...the problem is that some teachers want to have a maximum of 15 students per lab, others 10 students.... any idea how to model that appropriate?!

[Liviu Lalescu]

If you can create exactly the specified students sets for each activity, it is easy. You can for instance create these overlapping students sets:

Year        Group      Subgroups
Y1          G1          Student 1, Student 2, Student 3,
Y1          G2          Student 2, Student 4,
etc.

You can then use groups G1 or G2 in an activity.

I think this above is what you need, but if you need FET automatically to assign 15 or 10 activities, each with a single student, to a teacher and to a time slot, you might need the Block planing mode. Note: it is more complicated.

Note: I might go to sleep soon; I might not answer until morning.

[ptrdtznr]

Alright, have a good night -- sleep well and thanks for your help

[Liviu Lalescu]

You're welcome! Good night!

I hope you will be able to solve your problem. Let me know!