During the first and second year of study at Scottish universities, students take general seminar courses that last for all three terms. For each course, depending on its intensity and approach, there are two to three one-hour lectures per week. In addition, each course typically warrants one to three tutorials a week. Tutorials are more intense, subject-specific meetings that are much smaller and intimate than lectures. Many professors remain removed from students, and don't attempt to incorporate students in lecture discussions.
Tutors are much more personable.
They instruct discussions among six to 20 students, and often provoke conversation. Attendance at tutorials is recorded, and a student will receive a written notice if he misses more than two consecutive sessions. Active participation is an unspoken expectation, and sleepy, inattentive students are definitely noticed. Deadlines are much more stringent, and professors and tutors are much less flexible than American instructors. After the second year of study is completed, a student generally proceeds to an honors program for the remaining terms.