CARDIFF SCHOOL OF HEALTH SCIENCES DEPARTMENT OF APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES POSTGRADUATE CERTIFICATE POSTGRADUATE DIPLOMA MASTER OF SCIENCE

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1 CARDIFF SCHOOL OF HEALTH SCIENCES DEPARTMENT OF APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES POSTGRADUATE CERTIFICATE POSTGRADUATE DIPLOMA MASTER OF SCIENCE IN BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES (MEDICAL BIOCHEMISTRY) BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES (MEDICAL MICROBIOLOGY) BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES (IMMUNOHAEMATOLOGY) BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES (CELLULAR and MOLECULAR PATHOLOGY) PRE-ENROLMENT INFORMATION PLEASE BRING THIS DOCUMENT WITH YOU TO THE INDUCTION DAY 2015/2016 Session

2 CONTENTS 1. General Information 2. Welcome from the Dean, Cardiff School of Health Sciences 3. The School of Health Sciences 4. Welcome from the Programme Director 5. Programme Information 6. Assessment 7. Codes of Conduct 8. Health and Safety 9. Induction and Enrolment 10. Term dates 11. Students with disabilities

3 1. General Information Title of Awards: Postgraduate Certificate (PGC) Postgraduate Diploma (PGD) Master of Science (MSc) Validating Body: Cardiff Metropolitan University Awarding Body: Cardiff Metropolitan University Accredited By: Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) Length of Programme: 1 year full-time 2 years part-time Mode of Operation: 2 days a week full-time 1 day a week part-time School: Cardiff School of Health Sciences Dean of School: Prof A Peters Programme Director: Dr Maninder Ahluwalia

4 2. Welcome from the Dean - Professor Adrian Peters The Cardiff School of Health Sciences improving health through education and research A very warm welcome to the Cardiff School of Health Sciences. You will be joining a vibrant community of over 2000 students with 160 staff committed to delivering a first class education on our broad portfolio of health courses. Most of our degrees are professionally recognised allowing direct entry into your chosen profession and forming an excellent springboard for your career. You are entering the University at an exciting time in our 150 th year, following a multimillion pound investment in the Llandaff Campus that has included a 5 million development of the School s facilities, a new Cardiff School of Art and Design, Cardiff School of Management, Learning Centre extension and Student Centre with gym facilities and excellent student support services. The information in this pack will give you a feel for the School and the course you are joining. Please do not hesitate to contact your Programme Director if there are any questions that we have not answered. Your time at University is important and will give you the opportunity to develop lifelong friendships and a range of skills and experiences that endure. We provide an environment in which your academic, professional and social developments thrive and Cardiff, as the capital city of Wales with a large student population, is well placed to meet all your social needs. Finally, I look forward to welcoming you in person during Freshers week in September. I encourage you to play a full role in the School and take every opportunity afforded you. I am certain you will find your time at this University highly rewarding and the start of a lifelong relationship with us.

5 3. The Cardiff School of Health Sciences improving health through education and research The School is located on the Llandaff Campus and has four Departments offering courses at BSc and MSc level, many of which offer both an academic and professional qualification. We also offer a foundation degree, two foundation year certificates that lead to specific undergraduate programmes and a small number of Higher Certificates and Diplomas validated by BTEC/EDEXCEL. In addition to professional body accreditation our programmes are approved by the appropriate regulatory bodies including the Health Care and Professions Council, Care Council for Wales and General Dental Council where this is required. The departments and examples of the courses they offer are detailed below: Department of Applied Community Sciences - Environmental Health (BSc, HND) - Health and Social Care (BSc, HND, HNC) - Housing (BSc, HND, HNC) - Social Work (BSc) - Applied Public Health (MSc) - Food Safety Management Hong Kong (MSc) - Occupational Health, Safety and Wellbeing (MSc) Department of Applied Psychology - Foundation Social Sciences (Foundation Certificate) - Psychology (BSc) - Forensic Psychology (MSc) - Health Psychology (MSc) - Practitioner in Forensic Psychology (PGD) - Doctorate in Forensic Psychology (DForen. Psych.) Department of Biomedical Sciences - Foundation Health Sciences (Foundation Certificate) - Biomedical Science (BSc, HND, MSc) - Sports Biomedicine and Nutrition (BSc) - Healthcare Science (Life Sciences) (BSc) Department of Healthcare - Complementary Therapies (BSc) - Dental Technology (FD, BSc, MSc) - Food Science and Technology (BSc, HND, MSc) - Human Nutrition and Dietetics (BSc, Post Graduate Diploma, MSc) - Podiatry (BSc) - Public Health Nutrition (BSc) - Speech & Language Therapy (BSc) - Musculoskeletal Studies [Lower Limb] (MSc) - Advanced Dietetic Practice (MSc) - Food Technology for Industry (MSc) Each Department has a Head who sits on the School Management and Planning Team with the Deputy Dean (Learning and Teaching), Associate Dean (Research), Associate Dean (Enterprise), Associate Dean (Internationalisation) and School Business Support Manager. This team, chaired by the Dean, is responsible for the strategic and operational management of the School. Each programme has a Programme Director, many will have year tutors and all students are assigned a Personal Tutor as part of our academic support framework. It is important that you

6 engage with your tutor as they can signpost you to other services as required. Our students elect student representatives for each programme who make an active and important contribution to Programme Committee meetings. There are also opportunities for students to have a voice in the management of the School; through the Staff Student Liaison panel; Learning and Teaching Committees; Health and Safety Committees Whole School meetings and at a number of events across the University. The School promotes active engagement in sport as a social exercise or competitive endeavour. Campus Sport in conjunction with the Athletics Union provide a range of intramural sports opportunities and students can access the gym in the Student Centre at Llandaff Campus, an outdoor exercise area and the excellent sporting facilities at the Cyncoed Campus, which houses the National Indoor Athletics Centre, tennis centre, gym and swimming pool. The award winning Cardiff Met Rider bus runs a regular service between the Student Accommodation, Llandaff and Cyncoed Campuses and into the city centre. Included in this pack is specific information for your chosen programme. For more information on our School or programme, please visit our website or contact your programme director. Research in the Cardiff School of Health Sciences The Cardiff School of Health Sciences has a strong research culture; informing your curriculum and teaching and extending knowledge and evidence base for professional practice development. In the most recent UK wide Research Excellence Framework, (REF) 2014, 74% of our research was rated as internationally excellent or world leading. This contributed to the University s position as top new university in the UK for research quality. We have invested heavily in our research infrastructure with new research laboratories for biomedical science and food science and technology, a psychology research centre, health assessment suite and a post-graduate centre for our PhD students, who now number over 60 with strong research groups in Biomedical Science, Environmental Health, Food Science & Technology and Psychology with a growing number of practitioner PhDs in Dietetics, Podiatry and Speech and Language Therapy. Our great strength is our multidisciplinary, collaborative approach and we produce world-class applied research that informs practice in Wales and beyond. For example, our work on exercise, diabetes, and healthy ageing includes collaborations between biomedical science, psychology and physiologists to better understand the complex relationships between lifestyle the ageing process and illness associated with ageing; extending our knowledge in this critically important area and influencing healthy ageing initiatives. Recent research grants awarded in this area include Welsh Government funded work on growing a healthy older population in Wales looking at the influence of gardening and allotment keeping on healthy aging and a large European funded study, Frailomics, examining biomarkers of frailty, an important indicator of health in the older population. Research across the School is extensive and varied. For more information on our research please visit and follow the link to research. Working with Partners We are proud of our work with local communities, employers and industry in Wales and beyond. From developing homework clubs on science with black and minority ethnic communities in Cardiff to working with the pharmaceutical industry on drug discovery methods, we make a significant contribution to the social, cultural and economic well-being of Wales and the UK. We work in partnership with the Cardiff and Vale University Hospital Board to deliver key collaborative projects including running NHS Podiatry Clinics in our own Wales Centre for Podiatric Studies, improving patient care and clinical education for our students.

7 The internationally recognized Food Industry Centre based in the School is supported by the Welsh Government to engage with Welsh food manufacturers to ensure they are competitive players in the food sector. To date this has led to the development of over 100 jobs in the industry and benefitted our students with opportunities for work placements, industry projects and innovative employment in the food industry. We work closely with industry on waste, pollution and occupational health and safety, and host one of the specialist chemical centres of Public Health England s Centre for Radiation, Chemical and Environmental Hazards and the World Health Organisation Collaborating Centre for Public Health Management of Chemical Incidents. Staff from the School contribute to the work of a new Cardiff Met International Training Centre announced by the World Health Organisation in May 2011 in Thailand and officially launched here in April Our role in providing lifelong learning opportunities through Continuing Personal and Professional Development is important and we have excellent relationships with employers providing a host of CPD opportunities across the School s disciplines. We have strong links with local authorities and the third sector, providing post qualification training for Social Workers, Continuing Professional Development (CPD) in health and social care and working closely with housing associations, including a recent Knowledge Transfer Partnership with a major local supported-housing organisation. Our strong links with partners is key to our ability to provide you with relevant work experience placements critical to your professional development and employability.

8 4. Welcome from the Programme Director Dear Student I am Maninder Ahluwalia, the Programme Director for the MSc Biomedical Sciences at Cardiff Metropolitan University and I would like to welcome you in advance to the programme. I hope that your plans to come to Cardiff Metropolitan University are progressing well, and the teaching team are really looking forward to meeting you in September. Dedicated to our students At Cardiff Metropolitan University we value our relationship with our students very highly. In a recent external review by the Institute of Biomedical Sciences of the MSc BMS programme we were commended for our excellent student support systems. Our external examiners also commented in the end of year report that our support for all students from a variety of backgrounds was to be commended - the way the course deals with the range of students, from mature part-time students in the NHS, to international students who do not have English as a first language, is a strong feature of the course. Taught by professionals Students benefit from being taught by an excellent academic team which has a wide range of experience. Many of the team are Fellows or Members of the IBMS, six members of staff are registered to practice by the Health Care Professions Council (HCPC) and have close links with the BMS profession, and many are prominent and active researchers in the field of Biomedical Sciences. The contemporary and relevant research interests of the academic team in areas of diabetes mellitus, cancer, wound healing, leukaemia and coronary heart disease have provided the opportunity for students to carry out research at a very high standard over a wide range of topics and this had been commended by external examiners with the high standard of experimental work being undertaken highlighted. Programme aims The programme aims and outcomes are informed by the requirements of the University and of a number of external stakeholders, such as the healthcare scientist, the IBMS, the HCPC, employers and our International students. The programme aims to provide a route of career development for the biomedical scientist. It aims to build upon and develop the knowledge and skills gained at undergraduate study and at the workplace to empower the biomedical scientist to progress in their chosen career. This could be to gain a senior or management position, or to progress onto a higher research degree, or as part of the professional pathway to a Higher Specialist Diploma or as a stepping stone to a taught doctorate programme. The programme also provides a course of advanced study and research for full time students not yet employed. It develops in depth knowledge in a particular specialism whilst still retaining an integrated approach to diagnostic medicine and biomedical science. The practical elements of the taught programme and the research project provide an opportunity for all students to gain and develop analytical and research skills which will prepare students for further research. However, it is particularly important for some of our International students who aspire to fill a practical skills gap from previous study which is required for the transition to the next level of learning. Excellent employment opportunities Students have an excellent employment record, with some students gaining promotions to senior management positions within the NHS or local Pharmaceutical or Biotechnology companies, whilst others have gone on to pursue a PhD or a research post and many International students have returned home armed with new technical and transferable skills which will enable them to contribute to the advancement of biomedical sciences in their home countries. I look forward to meeting you in the Cardiff School of Health Sciences Induction event which will be held on Wednesday 23 rd of September 2015 from 2-5pm in Room A019.

9 5. POSTGRADUATE PROGRAMMES IN BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES Programme Information The rationale for the programme is concerned with the definition of study at Master's level and, in particular, focuses on the relationship of theoretical knowledge to the practice of Biomedical Science. As a result, the modular Master's scheme in Biomedical Science has a portfolio of modules which enables a student to pursue a programme of advanced enquiry. The programme serves to develop an analytical mode of enquiry which will promote a range of professional aptitudes, attitudes and scientific perspectives. Emphasis will be placed on the development of analytical and critical skills and on problem identification and analysis within a Biomedical Science context. Research and enquiry methods will permeate all of the modules. Specific aims are:- To prepare students for the next stage of their careers, whether pursuing further research, or professional study, or entering employment in the field of Biomedical Science. To utilise and value existing skills and knowledge To improve upon and extend existing communication, analytical, conceptual and research skills and abilities. To enhance personal and professional understanding of the Biomedical Science through a programme of directed and self directed learning. To engage in and critically evaluate relevant current issues through the application and theoretical analysis of practical laboratory based activities and research at post-graduate level. To conduct research activities to effectively investigate issues of interest to the personal and professional needs of the student. Awards A student who is admitted to the modular Master s scheme but is subsequently unable or not permitted to progress to completion may, depending upon the number of credits attained at the time of exit, qualify for one of the following awards of the University: Credits at M Level not fewer than 60 not fewer than 120 not fewer than 180* Award Postgraduate Certificate (PGC) Postgraduate Diploma (PGD) Master of Science (MSc) *at least 60 of which shall be for the dissertation element of the scheme A student who elects to exit the scheme with an intermediate qualification of PGC or PGD may re-enrol on to the scheme to continue their studies up to Master s level provided that: 1. there are no academic barriers to progression 2. the intermediate award be surrendered to the University 3. re-enrolment and successful completion of the scheme of study occurs within the student s Period of Candidature from the date of initial registration.

10 5.1 POSTGRADUATE CERTIFICATE (PGC) STRUCTURE A Postgraduate Certificate may be awarded to a student who successfully completes three specified taught modules equivalent to 60 credit points. The specified modules are defined below together with named awards. TWO compulsory core modules must be successfully completed in Research Methods and Molecular Biology, together with ONE specialist option module selected from the following table: OPTION MODULES Medical Biochemistry Medical Microbiology Immunohaematology Cellular and MolecularPathology NAMED AWARD PGC BMS (Medical Biochemistry) PGC BMS (Medical Microbiology) PGC BMS (Immunohaematology) PGC BMS (Cellular and MolecularPathology) Please note there is no guarantee that all modules will be offered every year. Provision is subject to student numbers and viability. Aims and objectives The award of Postgraduate Certificate is intended primarily, but not exclusively, for practioners within Health Service pathology laboratories. Progression requirements A student wishing to progress from the PGC element of the programme must fulfill the following academic requirements: PROGRESSION TO: Postgraduate Diploma (PGD) Master of Science (MSc) ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS: A minimum pass mark of 40% for all three taught modules A minimum pass mark of 40% for all three taught modules

11 5.2 POSTGRADUATE DIPLOMA (PGD) STRUCTURE A Postgraduate Diploma may be awarded to a student who successfully completes all six specified modules of the taught element equivalent to 120 credit points. The specified modules are defined below together with named awards. FOUR compulsory core modules must be successfully completed in Research Methods, Molecular Biology, Immunology, Analytical and Diagnostic Techniques with ONE specialist option module selected from the PGC element, together with a SECOND specialist option module # selected from the following table: OPTION MODULE Advanced Topics in Medical Biochemistry Advanced Topics in Medical Microbiology & Infection Advanced Topics in Immunohaematology Advanced Topics in Cellular and Molecular Pathology NAMED AWARD PGD BMS (Medical Biochemistry) PGD BMS (Medical Microbiology) PGD BMS (Immunohaematology) PGD BMS (Cellular and MolecularPathology) # Please note In order to be eligible for the named awards defined above, students are required to choose option modules in the same specialist discipline areas, for example, Medical Biochemistry from the PGC element and Advanced Topics in Medical Biochemistry from the PGD element. Please note there is no guarantee that all modules will be offered every year. Provision is subject to student numbers and viability. Aims and objectives The Postgraduate Diploma is intended to educate students to a level which allows progression to the dissertation element. The PGD in Biomedical Sciences will provide a balanced and comprehensive body of scientific knowledge for students wishing to work in senior posts within diagnostic pathology laboratories and related sectors. The Specialist Option PGD in Biomedical Sciences will provide a comprehensive and in depth knowledge of the specialist option area which can be applied at senior levels in diagnostic pathology laboratories. Progression requirements A student wishing to progress from the PGD element of the programme must fulfil the following academic requirements: PROGRESSION TO: Master of Science (MSc) ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS: A minimum pass mark of 40% for all six taught modules

12 5.3 MASTER OF SCIENCE (MSc) For the Part-time route, the Programme Director will require written confirmation from the employer that adequate resources (with respect to time, finance and facilities) will be made available to the students as appropriate for Postgraduate research projects. The provisional title and subject area will be jointly agreed in writing between the student, laboratory supervisor, college supervisor and Programme Director prior to commencement of the programme and a Learning Agreement completed by all parties. For the Full-time route the Postgraduate research project will be undertaken in the University. STRUCTURE The degree of Master of Science may be awarded to a student who successfully completes: (a) all six specified modules of the taught element equivalent to 120 credit points (b) plus a research dissertation # equivalent to 60 credit points # Please note: In order to be eligible for the named Master of Science awards defined below, a student is required to elect to undertake a research project in a scientific discipline which reflects elements of the same specialist option modules studied during the taught element, as shown in the following table: SPECIALIST OPTION MODULES Medical Biochemistry (x2) Medical Microbiology (x2) Immunohaematology (x2) Cellular Pathology (x2) SCIENTIFIC DISCIPLINE OF RESEARCH PROJECT Medical Biochemistry Medical Microbiology Immunohaematology Cellular Pathology NAMED AWARD MSc BMS (Medical Biochemistry) MSc BMS (Medical Microbiology) MSc BMS (Immunohaematology) MSc BMS (Cellular Pathology) Aims and objectives The award of Master of Science is intended to utilise and extend a student s existing skills and knowledge which reflects the contemporary state of his/her scientific discipline. Emphasis will be placed on the development of analytical and critical skills and on problem identification and analysis within a Biomedical Sciences context. A student s personal and professional understanding of Biomedical Sciences will be enhanced through an academically coherent programme of directed and self directed learning. This will empower a student to engage in and critically evaluate relevant contemporary issues through the application and theoretical analysis of practical laboratory based activities and research at Postgraduate level.

13 5.4 The taught modules offered The taught element of the programme consists of four common core modules and two option modules. Appropriate choice of the two option modules will enable students to graduate with specialist option Master degree in Biomedical Sciences, for example, MSc in Biomedical Sciences with Medical Biochemistry. (a) Core Modules 1. Research Methods 2. Molecular Biology 3. Immunology 4. Analytical and Diagnostic Techniques (b) Option Modules 1. Medical Biochemistry & Advanced Topics in Medical Biochemistry or 2. or 3. or 4. Immunohaematology & Advanced Topics in Immunohaematology Cellular Pathology & Advanced Topics in Cellular Pathology Medical Microbiology & Advanced Topics in Medical Microbiology and Infection All the modules have a standard class contact of 40 hours for a (20 credit) module

14 The Distribution of Taught Hours and Total Student Effort MODULE Core Modules: No. of Taught Hours Total Student Effort (hours) Credit Points Research Methods Molecular Biology Immunology Analytical and Diagnostic Techniques Option Modules: Medical Biochemistry Advanced Topics in Medical Biochemistry Immunohaematology Advanced Topics in Immunohaematology Cellular Pathology Advanced Topics in Cellular Pathology Medical Microbiology Advanced Topics in Medical Microbiology & Infection

15 Structure of Taught Element for PGC/PGD/MSc Biomedical Sciences Part Time Route Full Time Route (2 years) (1 year) Research Methods Molecular Biology Option Year 1 (PGC) Year 1 Research Methods Molecular Biology Immunology Analytical and DiagnosticTechniques Option Advanced Option Year 2 (PGD/MSc) Immunology Biotechnology Contemporary Diagnostic Systems Advanced Option Project/Dissertation * (equivalent to 60 credits) undertaken at Cardiff Metropolitan University. (MSc) Project/Dissertation * (equivalent to 6.0 modules) undertaken in students laboratory.

16 5.5 How the Programme is Managed The Programme Director is responsible for the organisation and overall operation of the programme and to provide academic leadership. The Module Leaders will co-ordinate the delivery and assessment of their modules. Project supervisors will liaise on a one to one basis with students during the dissertation element of the programme. The projects undertaken by Fulltime students will be coordinated by the Project manager. Part time students will have a university supervisor and a laboratory based supervisor and the process will be coordinated by the programme director. During your time on the programme you will experience a number of teaching and learning methods. These will include lectures, seminars, tutorials and practical laboratory exercises and laboratory demonstrations, students are expected to attend all laboratory sessions. Programme Staffing Room Ext.No Programme Director Dr Maninder Ahluwalia D204c 1145 Module Leaders Molecular Biology Dr Neil Rushmere D2.04c 1145 Research Methods Dr Claire Kelly D2.04a 6871 Immunology Dr Julia Rey Nores T Analytical and Diagnostic Prof Keith Morris D2.04a 6871 Techniques Medical Biochemistry Dr Lowri Mainwaring D2.01d 5608 Advanced Topics in Medical Biochemistry Dr Lowri Mainwaring D2.01d 5608 Immunohaematology Ms Amanda Davies D2.01a 5999 Advanced Topics in Immunohaematology Prof Keith Morris D2.04a 6871 Cellular and Molecular Pathology Dr Andrew Evered T Advanced Topics in Cellular and Molecular Pathology Dr Andrew Evered T Medical Microbiology Dr Rowena Jenkins D2.01e 5996 Advanced Topics in Medical Microbiology & Infection Dr Rowena Jenkins D201e 5996

17 6 Methods of Assessment Each module that you undertake is assessed. The nature of the assessment will vary according to its nature and purpose. Each module has its individual assessment programme. Details are provided in the Student Handbook which will be provided during the first week of the programme, and which will contain the Assessment Regulations for your programme and the Assessment timetable for the academic year. 7 Codes of Conduct pertaining to the Programme what is expected of you Health and safety is a very important issue to all using the laboratories. You are expected to behave responsibly at all times. You will need to follow the obligations laid on you by the Health and Safety at Work Act (1974) and the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH), and these will be given to you when appropriate. You are advised to obtain immunisation against Hepatitis B, TB and Tetanus. You are also advised to inform the Head of School if you are immunocompromised, (e.g. have recently had a transplant) or suspect that you are pregnant, as this could lead to health problems that we may need to take into consideration during practical aspects of your programme. You are expected to attend all of the practical / laboratory demonstration sessions and to this end attendance at practical / laboratory demonstration sessions will be monitored. Please note that it is your responsibility to seek ethical approval for research projects which involve the participation of patients or healthy volunteers and / or the use of patient/volunteer clinical samples. The process will be explained in your project handbook. You will be expected to purchase during your period of study the following A laboratory book A Poster 2 bound copies of your dissertation 8 Health and Safety Issues A student s safety code of conduct will be issued to you before the commencement of practical work in the laboratories. 9 Enrolment and Induction Online Enrolment Enrolment is an important process that confirms your status as a Cardiff Met Student. You can complete the online self enrolment process from any computer through our Self Service system from 1 st September If you applied through Self Service you will already have the necessary login details for self enrolment, otherwise these will be sent to you via . Please note that in order to self enrol your status with Cardiff Met must be Unconditional Firm (UF). To begin your enrolment process, please visit Step-by-step guidance is provided. This process is essential in that it allows you access to payment of fees, programme information systems, and enables you to obtain your Student ID Card during Induction.

18 Induction Induction will take place on Wednesday 23rd of September 2015 at 2pm in Room A019. Please report to Cardiff Metropolitan University main reception at the front of the campus and you will be given directions to the appropriate room. Students will meet the programme director and be given information about the programme. An introduction to the library facilities will be arranged for later in the term. 10. Term dates and attendance First year part-time students will be required to attend University for lectures on Wednesday, normally between 10.00am and 6.00pm and Full-Time students attend University for lectures on both Wednesday and Thursday. Full-Time students will be expected to attend University on a full-time basis and undertake the practical work for the dissertation element. The first date of attendance will be Wednesday 23rd September 2015 for Induction and then Wednesday 30 th of September 2015 for lectures. The Academic year will be of 30 weeks duration organised into 3 Terms: Enrolment / Module Selection and Year 1 Induction: Mon 21 September Fri 25 September 2015 Autumn Term: Mon 28 September Fri 15January 2016 Spring Term: Mon 18 January Fri 18 March 2016 Summer Term: Mon 11 April Fri 11 June 2016 Below is a week by week timetable to help you plan your academic year.

19 For the purposes of timetabling, each week of the year is identified by a specific week number. The following table may be useful to you for this purpose: Week Commencing: Week Term Framework Number 21 September INDUCTION WEEK 28 September Autumn Term Begins 05 October October October October November November November November November December December CHRISTMAS VACATION 21 December CHRISTMAS VACATION 28 December CHRISTMAS VACATION 04 January CHRISTMAS VACATION 11 January Autumn Term Ends 18 January Spring Term Begins 25 January February February February February February March March Spring Term Ends 21 March EASTER VACATION 28 March EASTER VACATION 04 April EASTER VACATION 11 April Summer term begins 18 April April Undergrad Timetabling Pattern Ends 02 May Revision Week 09 May Exams 16 May Exams 23 May Exams 30 May Exam boards 06 June Summer Term Ends

20 11. STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES Cardiff Metropolitan University welcomes applications from students with disabilities and we are currently reviewing and improving our facilities to ensure that all students are able to fully enjoy their educational experience. Our philosophy is very much one which addresses individual students' concerns and needs and you should by now be aware of our admissions process which assists us in ensuring that needs can be catered for whenever possible. Much of our four campuses is accessible to students with mobility difficulties; however some of our buildings still need modification and present certain difficulties to some individuals. It is very important that if you have particular needs that these have been discussed with the Admissions Tutor and the Disability Team in Student Services to enable us to make any necessary adjustment before you arrive to start your programme. We have produced a very helpful booklet entitled 'Information for students with disabilities' which gives answers to some common questions asked by prospective students and if you have not yet seen this booklet, we would advise you to request a copy immediately. Additional information will be made available to you on your arrival at Cardiff Metropolitan University Relevant information can also be found in the Handbook within the 'Financial Advice and Assistance' section - in particular section 16 - Students with disabilities. The Dyslexia Protocol at the end of this section should also be read in conjunction with this section if you are dyslexic. As a checklist, if you are a student with disabilities you should: 1) Have informed the Admissions Tutor of your needs and agreed suitable arrangements. 2) Have contacted the Disability Team at Students Services for further advice and assistance, ensuring that all support is arranged prior to your enrolment. 3) Have read this Handbook including the key sections noted, and also read 'Information for students with disabilities' which explains the support available at Cardiff Metropolitan University 4) Ensure that any points suggested by the Disability Staff have been undertaken by you in the timescale recommended. 5) Have checked with the Accommodation Office that any accommodation issues have been agreed. 6) Make an appointment at the beginning of the autumn term to see the Disability Adviser at Student Services to check all arrangements are working appropriately. It is extremely important that all of these points are covered since sometimes it can be difficult to make necessary arrangements after the start of term. If, after joining the programme, you find that you have, or develop a problem which might affect your study, you should inform the Disability Team so they can advise you on the support that may be available. Normally, we would recommend that your Programme Director be informed also. Special examination arrangements can be put in place for students with disabilities, however it is important to emphasise that you must inform the Disability Department before any such arrangements can be agreed with relevant academic departments. Please try to keep your Programme Director and the Disability Department informed; we are all here to help. A Useful Contact is : Disability Department at Student Services Student Centre, Llandaff Campus Western Avenue, Cardiff, CF5 2YB Telephone or Minicom

21 DYSLEXIA PROTOCOL This protocol provides a guide to staff and students about what action to take if a student has concerns with regard to difficulties in reading and writing which may be of a dyslexic nature. Prospective Cardiff Metropolitan students who are, or consider that they may be dyslexic, are encouraged to make contact with the Disability Team prior to their arrival at Cardiff Metropolitan to ensure that they are aware of support measures available prior to the commencement of term. Ideally any difficulties will already have been discussed with the programme/admissions tutor at the time of application. It is vital that the necessary arrangements are initiated early, since the process can take some time. Often a student discovers during their programme that they are having difficulties, thus it is important to be aware of the procedure should you feel you require assistance during your time at Cardiff Metropolitan University. Procedure A) FOR STUDENTS ALREADY HOLDING A DIAGNOSTIC ASSESSMENT FOR DYSLEXIA It is recommended that you contact the Disability Team before you arrive at Cardiff Metropolitan to discuss support measures and anything that you need to do before coming to Cardiff. If you hold a Chartered Educational Psychologist's report, it is only valid for 3 years and if your report is not this recent, you will require a further report to qualify for special exam arrangements and a Disabled Students Allowance. Should you require an updated report please contact the Disability Team to discuss if this can be carried out through the Disability Department. B) FOR STUDENTS WHO EXPERIENCE DIFFICULTIES DURING THEIR PROGRAMME Contact a member of the Disability Team directly. The process will be as follows: 1) Initial Meeting with Disability Adviser or Dyslexia Support Tutor to discuss difficulties and to receive information on what support is available. - to determine whether an assessment conducted by an Educational Psychologist is required (the cost is 160 per student). This can be arranged through the Disability Department and you will be advised of the procedure. 2) Application for funding Most students will find it difficult to pay the fee themselves. These students should apply to the Access Fund. The application is means tested and some students may not receive help. The Disability Department will discuss the application and advise the student accordingly. A prompt application is advisable since the whole process can take some time. 3) Assessment For the students who are able to proceed, an assessment day is arranged by the Disability Team- (most assessments will take place in November, though depending on demand some days are arranged during the year). The Educational Psychologist conducts the assessment and writes a report diagnosing the difficulties and outlining any recommendations. The report is sent to the Disability Adviser who requests the student to attend a follow up interview. 4) Recommendations The student returns to the Disability Department to discuss how the recommendations are to be carded out. These recommendations commonly include: a) That tutors and examiners be informed Letters and copies of the assessment are sent to programme directors to inform them of the difficulties and advice is included to assist them in their teaching. b) That the student be allowed extra time in exams, a separate room, extension to assignments etc. The Disability Department informs the Campus Administrative Officer and the Academic Registrar regarding any practical arrangements that need to be made. It should be pointed out that an assessment only lasts 3 years from date of issue and should a student require extensions to the date, due to length of programme,

22 he/she should get in touch with the Disability Team as soon as possible to discuss how to achieve this. This is very important since the Academic Registrar has no authority to extend an assessment and this could result in a student not being able to get the necessary exam arrangements that they require. Ideally a submission for special exam arrangements should be made to the Academic Registrar by 30tn November to enable such arrangements to be established well in advance of ]st semester exams, late applications for special exam arrangements cannot be guaranteed. Therefore students with any sort of disability are encouraged to seek advice as soon as possible, or as soon as the need arises. See also section on Special Exam Arrangements. c) That the student needs Dyslexia tuition or an Irlens Lens test This would be organised by the Dyslexia Support Tutor and the cost for tuition reimbursed from the Disabled Students Allowance (see below). If an Irlens Lens test is recommended this can also be arranged. d) That the student needs extended library loans The librarians have been helpful in agreeing longer loans. e) That the student would benefit from equipment e.g. A computer with a spell check facility to help students organise and present their work; a dictaphone to ensure they have accurate set of lecture notes; help with the cost of photocopying etc. Again, as with the tuition, such equipment can usually be acquired through the Disabled Students Allowance. 5) Application for a Disabled Students Allowance (DSA) In order to acquire the equipment recommended and the dyslexia tuition, a DSA must be applied for and the application is made to the LEA which administers this allowance. Once the necessary information has been acquired the Disability Department can write on the student's behalf to apply for a DSA to cover the incurred costs. There may be considerable communication between the LEA, Disability Team and the student and consequently the allowance can take some time to reach the approval stage. Usually a further assessment will be carried out to ascertain the students exact requirements. This will normally be carried out by a Disability Assessment Officer at Cardiff Metropolitan, but occasionally the student may be required to travel to the other nearest Access Centre in Bridgend. The assessment provides a detailed report which focuses more intently on the needs of the student, suggesting particular equipment or support. At all stages of the process the Disability Team can advise and assist. Not all students are eligible for a DSA. Further information relating to eligibility can be found in Section 16 of 'Financial Advice and Assistance' (Student Handbook) or in the DfEE booklet 'Bridging the Gap'. Should you not be eligible for the Allowance, the Team will advise you of other options available. Prospective students are warned that the process can take sometime and if difficulties are experienced during your programme, you are advised to contact Student Services as soon as possible in order to initiate the process at the earliest opportunity. If you require further advice or information, please do not hesitate to contact us Cardiff Metropolitan University Student Services Student Centre Llandaff Campus Western Avenue Cardiff CF5 2YB disability@cardiffmet.ac.uk Tel

23 12. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF RECEIPT OF JOINING INSTRUCTIONS In order to maintain our standards of provision for students, we would like confirmation that you have received and understood these Joining Instructions. Please complete and return the reply slip at the end of the documentation. You may this to or you may return it by post to the address below. Finally, we hope that you will enjoy your time with us as a student at Cardiff Metropolitan University We look forward to seeing you on Wednesday September 23 rd 2015 at 2pm in Room A019. Yours sincerely, Maninder Ahluwalia MSc BMS Programme Director

24 Please complete and return to the:- Programme Director, MSc Biomedical Sciences, Cardiff School of Health Sciences, Department of Biomedical Sciences Cardiff Metropolitan University, Llandaff Campus, Cardiff, CF5 2YB. I have received and understood the pack of Joining Instructions I will be attending induction commencing Wednesday 23rd September 2015 at 2pm in Room A019. Name: Address: Contact Telephone: