MSc Building Services Engineering

Transcription

1 MSc Building Services Engineering 2015/16 Online Students Award title MSc Building Services Engineering Programme code(s) MSBSE Faculty Arts, Environment and Technology School Built Environment and Engineering

2 Leeds Beckett University Student Charter Working together for success Leeds Beckett University and our Students Union are committed to working in partnership with our students to ensure that our University is an inclusive, safe and engaging learning environment which is conducive to study for its students and work life for its staff. Our Student Charter sets out how we aim to achieve this by working together to understand and fulfil our commitments to one another. Our Student Charter has been produced jointly with the Students Union and we will review it, together, every year. Our University s Vision seeks to put students at the centre of all our activities and this Student Charter is a contribution towards that goal. The Leeds Beckett Student Charter is not a contractual document, but provides a guide to what members of the Leeds Beckett Community can expect of each other in terms of engagement and behaviour. We work to shape and sustain a supportive, safe, inclusive community for active learning and the building of skills for life. We will Work together within a progressive, independent, and active environment which promotes lifelong learning. Support a culture of personal and academic resilience. Collaborate to build partnerships for learning. Work together to sustain our bold, industrious spirit. We forge an environment which builds trust, accountability and transparency. We will Maintain mutually respectful codes of behaviour. 2015/16 Handbook (Distance Learning) 2

3 Promote the availability of information and support for all. Ask each other for help when we need it. Be honest, clear and assertive with each other. Use the means available to give a compliment, raise a concern or make a complaint. Take advantage of opportunities for formal and informal learning. We foster inclusive academic, cultural, social, emotional and creative development for all. We will Share an exciting and challenging curriculum which is contemporary and relevant. Promote a culture of critical enquiry and rigorous scholarship. Support participation in extracurricular opportunities which enhance career and personal development Enable one another to plan, develop, and drive forward our individual educational and career goals. Acknowledge and celebrate our joint and separate successes. We are responsible, diligent, reliable and considerate in our academic and professional actions and behaviours. We will Act with academic integrity. Listen to, and respect, differing perspectives, including those from different cultures and backgrounds. Work together within a positive collaborative learning and working environment, wherever, and however, we engage. Take care with our personal and professional digital identity and recognise the impact it may have on us and others. We seek active engagement, feedback and participation in the issues that affect us. We will Work together to enhance our experience of our University. Collaborate to promote learning and support enhancement, through mutual reflection and feedback. Build partnerships to enable our University communities to engage with our external stakeholders. 2015/16 Handbook (Distance Learning) 3

4 Support the development of courses which prepare our graduates to be ready for work, ready for life and ready to seize the opportunities that lie ahead. Use our knowledge of local and world issues to strengthen our global outlook and build a sustainable environment for a thriving future for all. 2015/16 Handbook (Distance Learning) 4

5 Contents 1 Welcome to the Course Studying on this Course Assessment and Feedback Where to get help What to do if you Relevant Policies Appendix A Programme Specification /16 Handbook (Distance Learning) 5

6 1 Welcome to the Course 1.1 Message from the Dean Whether you are joining us as a new student or returning to continue your studies, we hope you will enjoy your experience with us and find your studies interesting, challenging and relevant to your development and future career plans. The Faculty of Arts, Environment and Technology, is the largest faculty within Leeds Beckett University and covers a wide range of subjects areas. The faculty is divided into the following five academic schools: Art, Architecture, and Design Built Environment and Engineering Computing and Creative Technologies Cultural Studies and Humanities Film, Music and Performing Arts Our aim is to provide students with a research- informed, innovative and relevant curriculum that is linked to current industry practices and standards. Our provision is highly valued by employers, professional bodies and other stakeholders. Through our approach to student support and to teaching and learning we aim to place you, our students, at the heart of everything we do. You will experience a diverse range of teaching approaches. We also use a variety of different methods of assessment and attach considerable importance to providing you with prompt feedback on your assessments to help with your future learning. As a faculty we strive to be student-centred and value your opinions and feedback. We want to hear about the things you enjoy and that you think we do well, but also want to know when you think there are ways in which we can improve your experience. There are many ways in which you can provide feedback including through your student academic representatives (STARs), through written or on-line module evaluation feedback forms and through student open meetings and forums with staff. 6

7 The courses in the Faculty of Arts Environment and Technology are based at both City Campus and Headingley Campus. Our City Campus courses are situated in the heart of the city, where our accommodation includes the award-winning Broadcasting Place development, our impressive Built Environment laboratories, dedicated film and performing arts studios and extensive IT facilities. Our University s Headingley Campus is leafy parkland setting housing our industry standard music performance studios, visual media, IT labs and dedicated Computing facilities. In joining MSc Building Services Engineering, you become part of the Faculty s community. I would like to wish you well in your chosen studies and hope you have an enjoyable and successful year. Professor Mohammad Dastbaz Dean, Faculty of Arts, Environment and Technology 1.2 Message from your Course Leader This handbook provides you with information that you will need to succeed on your course. You should find it helpful when you first start, when you are preparing for assessment and at any time that you need help or advice in connection with your studies here. You will also receive a Module Handbook for each module you study on your course. The course team is looking forward to working with you this year and we hope that your time studying with us at Leeds Beckett University is both enjoyable and successful. On behalf of our University and the whole course team I would like to wish you well in your studies. Michael White Course Leader MSc Building Services Engineering 7

8 1.3 Message from your Head of School Dear student, you are an important member of the community that makes up the School of the Built Environment & Engineering, and our success is entwined with your success. This community extends to several franchise institutions across the globe and is underpinned by impressive list of undergraduate and postgraduate courses, as well as, inspiring research and enterprising activities. This hand book is designed to help you by providing the essential information about your course. The handbook is not the only source of information and you should make use of other documents and online provisions as well as communications and feedbacks from the course team, including student admin support. If there are issues that require further clarification then please do not hesitate to discuss them with your personal / year tutor, course leader or indeed myself. 8

9 1.4 Academic Calendar and Timetable Our standard student calendar is summarised below: Week Commencing Monday Student Calendar Bank Holiday Student Welcome and Induction Week Semester 1 Teaching Starts UG Christmas Break Formal Examinations Period Student Welcome and Induction Week Semester 2 Teaching Starts UG Easter Break Bank Holiday Bank Holiday Formal Examinations Period Spring Bank Holiday

10 Full details of this and future standard student academic calendars are available at: Once you have enrolled, you will have a student login. You can then find confirmation of your personal timetable by selecting the appropriate link after logging on the Student Hub from Key Contacts You will be assigned a Personal Tutor during your first week at Leeds Beckett University. This will be an academic member of staff from the Building Services Engineering group. The Course Leader will ensure that you are given the name and contact details of your personal tutor at the beginning of each Academic Year. If you wish to discuss any matters with either your Personal Tutors or any other member of the Building Services Engineering Group you can either approach them directly at the end of a lecture or visit them in their offices or contact via . The Building Services Engineering Group is based at the Northern Terrace building. In order to gain access to these offices, students should firstly contact the relevant member of staff from a telephone located in the General Office that is situated on the ground floor of Northern Terrace. Because academic members of staff teach on other levels of the course and have other, nonteaching commitments, they may not be immediately available to meet students during the day. To avoid disappointment, it is strongly recommended that any students who are experiencing non-urgent problems initially contact the relevant member of staff via to request an appointment. This will allow the student and member of staff to arrange a mutually convenient time. Students will be entitled to have one meeting per semester with their personal tutor in each year of their course. The meetings will include discussion about career aspirations, the course, and their progression on the course. It should be noted that personal tutors are not trained counsellors and will signpost you to other University services if they can t help them. These services may, for example, be the Students Union, the counselling service or the student hub. In the first year personal tutors will initiate communication to set up the meetings at a mutually convenient time, but later in your course it will be the student s responsibility to set up the meeting. Students may ask for information to be kept confidential. The following members of staff are first contacts although please feel free but please feel free to contact any member of the Building Services Engineering Group. 10

11 Course Leader Michael White Room 216, Northern terrace Tel. No (0113) Student Administrator Andrew Winterburn Room G10, Northern Terrace Tel. No (0113) Andrew.Winterburn@leedsbeckett.ac.uk Personal Tutor Michael White Academic Librarian Jennifer Wilson Libraries and learning Innovation 314, Leslie Silver Building Tel. No (0113) J.L.Wilson@leedsbeckett.ac.uk 11

12 Student Liaison Officers Aaron Bell Caedmon G07, Headingley campus Tel. No (0113) Zainah Khan Broadcasting place, reception Desk City Campus Tel. No (0113) Course Representative Course Representatives are student volunteers who represent your views at course-level, at Faculty Forums and in meetings with academic and administrative staff. Details about being a Course Representative are available at and on the Students Union website 12

13 1.6 Keeping in Touch Academic and administrative staff at our University use your student address to contact you. It is important that you check this account regularly. You can forward s from your student address to a preferred personal address, however, quarantine and spam filters needed by our University mean that s sent from external addresses may be delayed, blocked or deleted. It is therefore important that your student address is the only address that you use to contact University staff. You can find how to forward your student address to a preferred personal address or mobile device from: We will inform you of course notices or cancellations as soon as possible.. It may be via to your student address or via the on-line module or hub noticeboards. For each module, the Module Handbook will include the preferred method of communicating general information about that module to you. Please make sure that you inform your Student Administration team whenever you change your address and contact details. It is important that you also update your records yourself. You can do this via the My Account/Update my Data tab on MyBeckett. This will ensure we can always contact you in an emergency, and that you receive any important University communications that we may need to send you. 13

14 2 Studying on this Course The major aim of the course leading to the award is to provide an education for engineering graduates who will then be capable of accepting extensive engineering design and management responsibility and to be able to undertake independent critical thought, enhancing and extending their intellectual development whilst becoming conversant with the nature of the industry, thereby developing the ability to arrive at optimal solutions to complex engineering, technological, organisational and managerial problems. 2.1 Programme Specification The programme specification is a concise description of your course's aims and objectives and how you will be taught and assessed to achieve the required learning outcomes. It includes information on course structure and the maintenance of academic standards. The full programme specification for this course can be found in appendix A of this handbook. Course Structure The course structure outlines the modules that will be delivered on this course. Full details of the structure for this course can be found in the programme specification. Course Learning Outcomes All courses are benchmarked against the Frameworks for Higher Education Qualifications of UK Degree-Awarding Bodies (FHEQ-DAB). The FHEQ-DAB can be viewed on the Quality Assurance Agency website: For more details on the Course Learning Outcomes specific to this course please view the programme specification. 2.2 Course Resources The programme specification specifies the physical and online resources available to students on this course. available to you. Where possible, all required resources will be made digitally 14

15 Your course will primarily be delivered through our virtual learning environment (VLE), MyBeckett. Via this platform, you will be able to access all learning materials, interact with your course colleagues and submit all your assessments. 2.3 Skills you will Gain during the Course Skills Developed Generic Skills On completion of the MSc. Building Services Engineering programme, you can expect to refine and develop the following skills: a systematic understanding of knowledge, and a critical awareness of current problems and/or new insights, much of which is at, or informed by, the forefront of their academic discipline, field of study or area of professional practice a comprehensive understanding of techniques applicable to their own research or advanced scholarship originality in the application of knowledge, together with a practical understanding of how established techniques of research and enquiry are used to create and interpret knowledge in the discipline conceptual understanding that enables the student: to evaluate critically current research and advanced scholarship in the discipline to evaluate methodologies and develop critiques of them and, where appropriate, to propose new hypotheses deal with complex issues both systematically and creatively, make sound judgements in the absence of complete data, and communicate their conclusions clearly to specialist and non-specialist audiences demonstrate self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems, and act autonomously in planning and implementing tasks at a professional or equivalent level continue to advance their knowledge and understanding, and to develop new skills to a high level the qualities and transferable skills necessary for employment requiring: the exercise of initiative and personal responsibility 15

16 decision-making in complex and unpredictable situations the independent learning ability required for continuing professional development Specific Building Services Engineering Skills critically evaluate, select and apply sustainable technologies, methodologies and software tools to implement Low and Zero Carbon designs conduct an energy audit, take strategic and critical views of the issues and technologies pertinent to the current and future development of building services engineering applications, technologies and solutions conduct directed research into the applicability, limitations and enhancement of current developments in the fields of sustainable building services engineering projects demonstrate a responsible, ethical approach as building services engineering professionals A list of other skills that you are expected to acquire from completion of the award are: planning, organisation and management; communication; academic writing; data collection, analysis, and interpretation; critical thinking; team working; problem solving; presentation; lifelong learning. Additional Activities/Recognition You will have opportunities to gain recognition during your time at Leeds Beckett University for the extra activities you do in addition to your studies, including volunteering, student societies, playing in our University sports teams and being a Course Representative. 16

17 2.4 Employability The emergence of sustainable energy technologies, together with targets for implementation, mean that specialist Building services engineers will increasingly be in demand to specify, design and manage these systems. Many engineering consultancies and building services companies are developing specialist sustainability teams, and already there is a shortage of skilled personnel Opportunities for Graduates The programme specification includes details of any accreditations, career paths, further study options and other opportunities for graduates. 2.5 External Examiner The External Examiner assures that you are assessed fairly in relation to other students on the same course and also that the standard of your own award is comparable to similar courses taken by students in other higher education institutions within the United Kingdom. The details of the External Examiner for this course are as follows: Mr Lawrence Hughes Programme Leader MEng (Hons) Architectural Engineering / Building Services Engineering Northumberland University Your Student Administrator can provide details of the External Examiner s report on request. Further details on all External Examiners reports can be located here: 17

18 3 Assessment and Feedback 3.1 Assessment Assessment Strategy Information on the various methods of assessment can be found in the programme specification (appendix A). University Assessment Regulations Our University s assessment regulations are contained within the Academic Principles and Regulations (sections C3 and C4 in particular). The regulations are available at: Assessment Schedule Please note the exam/assessment periods in the academic calendar (see Section 1) and make sure that you are available during those periods. Examination If your module requires you to undertake any exams, details of these will be published in advance within your module on MyBeckett. You will also find these details within your Module Handbook. Coursework If your module requires you to undertake coursework, details of this will be published in advance within your module on MyBeckett. You will also find these details within your Module Handbook. Submitting Assignments Assignments and coursework should be submitted online via the VLE. Submission details and deadlines will be announced during lectures/tutorials and noted on MyBeckett (VLE) for each module. It is important that you keep copies of all work submitted until after you have graduated. You should also keep any receipts confirming the submission of assignments. In the event of 18

19 your submitted work being lost you may be required to produce a copy of the work and submission receipt. If you are unable to do so, your work will not be marked. You will find details of submission deadlines within your module on MyBeckett. You will hand in your work online, and where possible will use a system called TurnItIn which allows you to check that you have correctly academically referenced your work. TurnItIn provides you with a submission receipt which you should keep for your records. It is important for your progression and achievement that you submit all work for all assignments in a timely manner. It is also important that you keep copies of all work submitted until after you have graduated. You should also keep any receipts confirming the submission of assignments. In the event of your submitted work being lost you may be required to produce a copy of the work and submission receipt. If you are unable to do so, your work will not be marked. It is important to note that submitting all assignments is a requirement of your course. Should you experience extenuating circumstances which prevent you from submitting on time please make yourself aware of section 3.6 of this handbook. Without any form of extenuating circumstances, standard penalties apply for late submission of assessed work. These range from 5% to 100% of the possible total mark, depending on the number of days late. Full details (section C1.5) of the penalties for late submission of course work are available at: Giving your Feedback about this Course We are keen to work with you to enhance your course. Opportunities for you to feedback to us formally include: course meetings, end of module evaluation, mid module review, internal student experience surveys, Course Rep forums (through MyVoice in MyBeckett), the National Student Survey and other student surveys. Informal feedback is also welcome at any time either via your personal or module tutor or via your Couse Representative. 3.3 What Happens with your Feedback about this Course? Your feedback helps us to continually enhance this course. You can find out what actions have been taken in response to your feedback through your Course Representative, the Students Union, your tutors or through the Library. Your Faculty also provides updates on 19

20 action taken through the Better Beckett posters prominently displayed around our University. 3.4 Getting Feedback on your Assessed Work Our University has committed to a four week turnaround for feedback. Each Module Handbook will provide you with specific guidelines on how and when you will receive this. The programme specification explains how feedback will be provided on both formative and summative assessments (see appendix A). Feedback on formative or online, assessments will be provided. Feedback on summative assessments will be provided by the module tutor. Feedback may include annotated scripts, model answers. Industry is a close partner to this course and as such is invited to speak to students and share working practices. 3.5 How do I Get my Results? Results from module assessments are available on the Results Online system from: Results will only appear within Results Online five working days after the date of the Board of Examiners meeting (the meeting where your end of year outcome will be decided) or the Examination Committee meeting (the meeting where modular outcomes are decided). If you are unsure about when you might receive your results or have queries relating to your results, you should contact your Student Administrator. 3.6 Extenuating Circumstances and Mitigation If you are experiencing problems which are adversely affecting your ability to study (called 'extenuating circumstances'), then you can apply for mitigation. The University operates a fit to sit/fit to submit approach to extenuating circumstances which means students who take their assessment are declaring themselves fit to do so. 20

21 Examples of extenuating circumstances include personal or family illness, bereavement, family problems or being a victim of crime. You will need to provide evidence to prove your situation; the Students Union Advice Service can offer guidance on what evidence you will need to present. Further information can be found at Re-assessment If you have not passed a module at the first attempt you will be eligible for re-assessment. See your Module Handbook for details of the relevant re-assessment process (e.g. whether it is coursework, an examination, a presentation or other form of assessment/when it will take place/what the deadline is). You will be advised via Results Online of your options for re-assessment. You are advised to contact your Course Leader, Student Administrator or personal tutor for any necessary clarification. 3.8 Student Appeals If you feel that you have in some way been disadvantaged during your studies and this is reflected in your results, then you may have grounds for an academic appeal. After your results are available on Results Online you have 15 working days to submit a request for an appeal hearing. You will find the information you need, including grounds for appeal, when and how to appeal and frequently asked questions at: You are strongly advised to seek guidance from the Student Union Advice Service on whether you have grounds for an appeal and the completion of the paperwork see Section 4 for Student Union Advice Service contact details. 3.9 Academic Integrity Our University wants to give you credit for your learning and for work which you have done yourself. Unfair practice occurs when you have not done the work yourself. 21

22 Any attempt to gain an unfair advantage, whether intentional or unintentional, is a matter of academic judgement and may be considered to be unfair practice. Examples of unfair practice include, but are not limited to cheating, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, ghostwriting and falsification of data. Definitions of these offences and the serious consequences of unfair practice can be found in our Academic Principles and Regulations, Section C9: Academic Integrity: There are a range of resources available to help you understand what is and what is not permitted and how to use other people s ideas in your assessed work. These include the Skills for Learning website which can be found at If you are unsure on how to reference your work correctly please seek advice from your tutors or access the Skills for Learning resources online (see section 4). 4 Where to get help 4.1 Personal tutors Your personal tutor (see Key contacts in Section 1) will usually be an academic member of staff who teaches you on your course. Your Course Leader will make sure that you are given the name and contact details of your personal tutor at the beginning of each year, usually in your course induction. duration of your course. Normally, your tutor will aim to follow you right through the Your personal tutor has an important role to play in supporting you in academic and personal matters while you are studying on this course. The meetings will include discussion about career aspirations, your course, your progress, and your academic results. You may want to set objectives for academic and life goals which you can store on your e-portfolio. Personal tutors are not trained counsellors and will signpost you to other University services if they can t help you. These services may, for example, be the Students Union, the counselling service or the Student Hub. 22

23 In the first year your tutor will probably initiate communication to request a meeting at a mutually convenient time, but later in your course it should be your responsibility to set up the meeting. If you ask for information to be kept confidential it will be and a note will be kept securely in your University notes with an indication of who can access the information. You are entitled to have one meeting per semester with your personal tutor in each year of your course. But your personal tutor may ask you to come to contact them more frequently and you should feel free to get in touch if you need to speak them urgently. Please see Section 6 for details of our personal tutor policy. 4.2 Online Learning Tutor Your course is supported by an Online Learning Tutor, who will be your first point of contact during your module studies, following up on student engagement and providing support and feedback. They will answer everyday module issues, and are usually available outside of normal office hours and over the weekend. 4.3 Student Hub If you have any questions about or problems with life at our University, the first place to call or is the Student Hub. The team can help with a broad range of enquiries including: funding and money advice, being an international student, disability, counselling and wellbeing support, student cards, accommodation, fee payments, support from the Students Union, how to access on-line services, getting help with your CV, preparing for an interview, careers guidance and getting a part-time job. Details of these and other services are available at The Student Hub telephone number is +44 (0) and the address is StudentHub@leedsbeckett.ac.uk. For Distance Learning students in the vicinity of Leeds, there is a Student Hub on the ground floor of the Rose Bowl at City Campus and one also in Campus Central at Headingley. The Student Hub works closely with Faculties, the Students Union, all University Services and external organisations to make sure that if they don t know the answer to your question they will know who will. 23

24 You can also use 'my Hub' which is an online resource available 24/7 where you can: access information and guidance about a range of services, register and make appointments with Services, register for workshops and employability tutorials, search for job vacancies and use a range of careers resources. 4.4 Disability Support Disability Support is available from our Disability Advice Team. The Disability Advisers will work with students to ensure support is provided to meet their individual needs: Disabled students can also access the Disability Resource Areas in each library and the support provided by the Library Learning Support Officer, more information is available at Library Help The Library Our Library has invested in a wealth of electronic resources, and maintains these so that you can access a wide range of digital resources. The website (library.leedsbeckett.ac.uk) provides access to thousands more resources, plus extensive information about Library services. If you are able to visit Leeds Beckett, there are two Libraries: Sheila Silver Library at City Campus and Headingley Library both open 24/7, 365 days a year. Additionally, if you are in the UK, you may be able to access your local education institution s library using SCONUL access. Offsite Service As you are registered on a Distance Learning course, you are eligible for the Library s Offsite service. This offers help with accessing electronic resources, access to other libraries, postal book loans and journal article supply. See the Library website for details of eligibility and more information. 24

25 Academic Librarian Your academic librarian (see contacts in Section 1) liaises with your lecturers to ensure physical and electronic information resources for your subject are available in the Library and they work with you throughout your time here to help you develop information and digital literacy skills. Help and Information If you have any questions about using the library or need IT support you can get help: online: library.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/contact-us by phone: +44(0) (including 24/7 IT support). Skills for Learning Skills for Learning provides a wide range of web resources and publications on topics including plagiarism, group skills, research, maths, Harvard referencing, essay writing and time management. Information about workshops and one-to-one tutorials can be found at MyBeckett MyBeckett, the portal and virtual learning environment (VLE), is the gateway to all the information you will need to support your studies during your time at University. It provides access to your modules and timetables; your account; your personal storage area on our University IT servers and a wide range of other information. 4.6 Students Union Advice Service The Students Union advice service offers free, independent and confidential advice and representation to students. Professional advisers are employed directly by the Students Union to represent your interests even if you are in dispute with our University. Advice is available on a large number of issues, for example: Academic Problems including: mitigation, complaints, appeals, disciplinary procedures & academic misconduct. 25

26 Money Issues including: problems with any loans and debt Health and Wellbeing. Tel: +44 (0) There are full details of all services available at: Leeds Beckett Distance Learning Community Connect with other Distance Learners here at Leeds Beckett to discuss your experiences and communicate with peers from fellow courses. You can find our Leeds Beckett Distance Learning Community on Google Communities by searching for Leeds Beckett Distance Learning Community (you will need a Google account to do this). Once you ve found it, simply click to join, and start getting to know fellow students from both your course and other distance learning courses at Leeds Beckett. 5 What to do if you 5.1 are absent for a significant period of time Whilst we understand that as a Distance Learner you will most likely be balancing your study time alongside other commitments such as work and family, you must notify your Student Administrator and Online Learning Tutor if you are absent for a significant period of time that will affect your study. If you are going to apply for mitigation you will need to provide written evidence of the reason for your absence (see section 3). 26

27 International students Please be aware that our University fully complies with United Kingdom Visas & Immigration (UKVI) policy at all times. There are legal reporting requirements for all students in the UK on a Tier 4 student visa, and full attendance is mandatory for all Tier 4 students. Failure to meet UKVI attendance requirements could lead to your academic sponsorship being withdrawn and your visa being revoked. Tier 4 students need to be aware of their responsibilities whilst in the UK, please see for full information. For up to date information about visas, immigration issues and other matters relating to international students, please contact the International Student Advice Centre at internationalstudentadvice@leedsbeckett.ac.uk. 5.2 are ill If you are unable to study because of illness for more than seven consecutive days (including weekends), you must provide us with a Fit Note. You can send a digital copy of your Fit Note to your Course Leader or Student Administrator [delete as appropriate], and then send the original by post. Further information is available in the General Regulations (section 6) at: If you are absent through illness on the day of an examination or assignment deadline and you intend to apply for mitigation, you must also provide us with details and any available evidence as soon as possible. Contact your Student Administrator to get a copy of the appropriate extenuating circumstances form. For more details on mitigation please visit have a comment, compliment or complaint We are committed to providing a high quality experience for all our students. We welcome comments and compliments from students, and find them valuable for on-going improvements to our provision. Comments and compliments about your course can be raised with your course representative or directly with your personal tutor. If you have a specific complaint about an act or omission of our University, you may be able to make a complaint under the Student Complaints Procedure. In the first instance, you 27

28 should raise the matter as soon as possible with the member of staff most directly concerned, or with the person who can best resolve it. If this does not resolve the matter, or if the complaint is too serious to be addressed in this way, then you should make a formal complaint in writing. Information about how to make a complaint, including the student complaints procedure and a complaints form, is available online at: are considering suspending studies or withdrawing from the course If you are considering withdrawal from your course you should speak to your personal tutor, a member of staff at our Student Hub or the Students Union to discuss your reasons. If there is a problem, University or Students Union staff may be able to help. It may be possible to arrange suspension of studies from your course. If you are considering withdrawing, permanently or temporarily, you must complete a withdrawal form. This form must be submitted as soon as possible to your faculty office as withdrawals cannot normally be backdated. For further details see General Student Regulations at: 6 Relevant Policies 6.1 Student Charter Our University and Students Union recently agreed upon the Student Charter which outlines what is expected of students of Leeds Beckett University and what students can expect from our University. The most recent version of our Student Charter is at: Personal Tutors You are entitled to have one meeting per semester with your personal tutor in each year of your course. See Key contacts in Section 1 for details of how to contact your personal tutor. See Section 4 for an overview of the support you can expect from your personal tutor. 28

29 You can find full details of our personal tutor policy from the Student Hub webpages: Safety, Health and Wellbeing Policy Statement Our University is committed to providing a vibrant, ethical and sustainable working environment that values wellbeing and diversity. This commitment exists alongside our wider legal and moral obligations to provide a safe and healthy working environment for our staff, students and members of the public who may be affected by our activities. There are further details at (see H - Health and Safety Policy Policy Statement). 6.4 University Regulations There are two sets of regulations you need to be aware of, the University Academic Principles and Regulations and the General Regulations: Leeds Beckett University Students. The Academic Principles and Regulations relate specifically to your studies and your course. They cover issues such as assessment, progression and award requirements amongst a range of other issues. The General Student Regulations deal with a range of issues which apply to all students of our University. 6.5 Academic Principles and Regulations Our University Academic Principles and Regulations can be found at: You should familiarise yourself with the Academic Principles and Regulations. The following sections are of particular relevance to your course: Assurance of Academic Standards: Assessment (C1) Achievement of Credit (C2) Student Progression (C3) 29

30 Conferment of Awards (C4) Management of Assessment (C5) Conduct of Assessment: Coursework and Other Assessed Work (C6) Administration and Conduct of Examinations (C7) Written Examinations: Regulations for Candidates (C8) Academic Integrity (C9) Disabled Students (C10) Boards of Examiners and Examination Committees (C12) Disclosure of Assessment Results (C14) Extenuating Circumstances and Mitigation (C15) Request for an Appeal Hearing (C16) The Students Union Advice Service ( is able to offer advice and guidance on how to understand and use the Academic Principles and Regulations. Where students are undertaking any form of research project, reference should be made to the Research Ethics Policy and Research Ethics Procedures which can be found at: General Regulations The General Student Regulations are available at the following web link: yourself with the student regulations relevant to you. You should familiarise 30

31 Appendix A Programme Specification Course Overview and Aims This course has been designed to provide a Master s programme of studies for those persons who wish to develop their design and project management skills and abilities in the context of building services engineering. Aims The course aims to develop and provide the following learning aims: 1. To focus upon systems design and implementation; 2. Extend knowledge of sustainable technologies and resolution of emerging issues in the built environment; 3. Develop project management, leadership and team skills; 4. Provide the opportunity for students to complete a range of optional modules which will facilitate the development of their knowledge and problem solving skills suited to their working environment and general interest in the building services field; and 5. Develop the student s research methods and applications. Post Graduate Certificate: the first three modules of the award focus upon low carbon buildings and a work based study element. This is coupled with an optional module including Intelligent Buildings, Energy Systems or Fire Protection. Post Graduate Diploma: this section of the course which emphasises the management skills for engineers and buildings design skills in Systems alongside an optional element to the course. Master of Science: requires a 60 credit module Dissertation/ Major project which is underpinned by a Research Methods. The course is delivered by class contact, which will be either face to face for by on line VLE support. The work base element to the award is a key element and builds upon activity completed under the Engineering Gateways project. This offers opportunities to people who otherwise would not be able to undertake formal face to face education for reasons of employment, or personal circumstances. For example, students may be required to work elsewhere for periods. They can continue their studies anywhere in the world. 31

32 Postgraduate Employability and Professional Context This is a broad based programme, which is equivalent to one year s full-time study is intended for students who have successfully completed a BEng (Hons) or an equivalent undergraduate award and aims to provide an integrated programme of broadening studies in a quality environment. The programme ultimately leads to the award of Master of Science in Building Services. The level of education provided by the programme is appropriate to those students who will hold senior positions within the building services sector and the related engineering professions. Throughout the programme emphasis will be placed on self-motivation, independent critical thinking and analytical depth. Course Learning Outcomes 1. Demonstrate appropriate skills in order to progress their academic and subsequent professional careers as creative and innovative engineers and managers; 2. Analyse problems and make contribution to advances in engineering, technological and social issues associated with the building services industry; 3. Understand, appraise and analyse project management skills including team working and leadership skills in application to Building Services problems; 4. Analyse issues and concepts in respect to the Building Services technologies and related sciences in the resolution of Building Services problems; 5. Complete studies in a range of optional modules which will facilitate the development of their knowledge and problem solution skills, which are suited to their working environment; 6. Develop the student s research methods and applications and use appropriate communication skills so that the graduates may convey their ideas effectively and imaginatively in a clear and concise manner to both the related professions and to persons outside the industry; Course Structure Expectations at this level for the MSc Building Services Engineering are that the modules will equip students with a thorough working knowledge of Building Services and how this works within a practitioner setting. In particular this should create a background understanding of the principles which may be encountered in the various scenarios related to Building Services. Furthermore, students will be equipped with the skills required to fully engage in research and the application of this research into a professional setting. 32

33 MODULES Year One Semester One Semester Two Sustainable Systems Design Sustainable Buildings Project Management BIM & MEP WBL Developing Engineering Portfolios and Study Methods Year Two Semester One Semester Two Masters Final Project/Dissertation and Research Skills BEM & Intelligent Buildings Learning & Teaching Approaches This course is delivered face to face on site or via web-based distance learning. The educational style is Wrap-Around and Content with Support. Students are directed to learning resources, OLE, textbooks, external websites. The tutor provides directed study guides wrapped around these learning resources. Students are supplied with links and references to this external material and are expected to follow up these links on their own; much as students in a traditional University course are supplied with reading lists and are expected to undertake reading on their own. At times, students may be expected to source their own material, particularly where students are expected to identify relevant law and practice in their own country. Scheduled sessions will include the use of lectures, seminars, tutorials and practical laboratory (IT) sessions. Support for these teaching methods include input from a range of resources examples of which are: past research projects and journal articles which students can crucially review and analyse, also access to specialist practitioner lead case studies and which form the core of the seminar approach. Advantage will be taken of both technology and supportive activities to ensure that effective learning takes place. These activities will include the use of simulations, case studies, projects, practical work, work-based learning, formative face-to-face and online collaborative discussions and student-led learning. The 33

34 main focus of the Building Service Engineering MSc is to develop the students ability to critically analyse and problem solve through the support and application of a diverse research led activity. Students are expected to be able to undertake a significant level of independent and selfdirected study, for example, being able to source additional material from the Web. This reference to researching their own sources also applies to students utilising their own experience, primarily from the work-place, though non-work place experience may relevant. For example, in the module Work-Based Learning students will, by agreement with the tutor, demonstrate how their experience has enabled them to evidence competence in relevant Professional Competencies Learning and Teaching Activities web based material project work directed reading case studies problem solving exercises; reflective learning techniques computer-assisted learning Use of VLE Extensive use is made of the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE), E-Portfolio and both synchronous and asynchronous conferencing tools. Other tools, including Turnitin, may be used as appropriate. The VLE is the primary tool for delivering the study material with extensive links to other reference sites, such as Government Bodies, Trade Associations, Professional Bodies, Company websites, other Universities. The VLE is also the primary tool for submitting assessments. The VLE also provides either internal or external links to self-assessment activities, mainly quizzes, to enable students to check their own progress. There may be other forms of selfassessment facilitated via the VLE, for example, students may be asked to compile a list of FM Activities, and then compare their list to a list on a web-site. 34