Examination Regulations for the Mastercourse. Systems Engineering and Engineering Management

Transcription

1 Examination Regulations for the Mastercourse Systems Engineering and Engineering Management at the Fachhochschule Südwestfalen Hochschule für Technik und Wirtschaft University of Applied Sciences, Division Soest This is an English translation for information purposes only. For all legal purposes reference should be made to the German original. Preamble: According to 2 Paragraph 4 and 94 paragraph 1 of the Law on the universities of North Rhine- Westphalia (Higher Education - HG), as amended, 14 March 2000 (GV.NRW. P. 190), as amended by Law of 16 December 2003 (GV. NRW. P. 772), the following regulations have been acceptilated as statutes by the University of Applied Sciences South Westphalia.

2 Section 1 Scope (1) This examination regulations apply to the Master Course "Systems Engineering and Engineering Management of the Faculty of Electrical Power Engineering, University of Technology and Economics, University of Applied Sciences, Department of Soest, hereinafter referred to as University. (2) The examination regulations may be amended by the study rules of the faculty of Electrical Power Engineering for the course of System Engineering and Engineering Management, which administer content and structure of the study, taking into account the technical and didactical developments as well as the requirements of professional practice. Section 2 Aims of study (1) The objective of the Master Course is to deepen and expand the skills acquired in engineering courses. The graduates of the Master Course Electronic Systems and Engineering Management should be able to analyze independently problems of electrical, mechanical and mechatronics engineering and to work out scientific methods to their description and solution. The research oriented course has its priorities in theory-based seminars and deepening classes, which procure the ability to independent scientific work based on the previous contents. (2) Besides the technical knowledge the course should bring forward social competence, willingness of cooperation, communication and team skills as well as entrepreneurial thinking and preparation for working in international fields. The master examination is both a scientific and professional qualifying graduation. With the master examination should be determined whether the student has acquired the necessary solid knowledge for a scientific activity and is able to work independently and successfully on a technical problem on the basis of scientific knowledge and methods. It includes the qualification for doctoral programmes. Section 3 Qualification for the study (1) Qualification preconditions for admission to the course are: 1. a) A successful final examination after a Bachelor course of at least 7 semesters or diploma-course in Electrical, Mechanical or Mechatronics Engineering. b) A successful final examination after a 6-semester bachelor course and an additional qualification study of one semester according to the conditions specified by the examination board e.g. an additional homework and module. The registration takes place during this additional qualification for one semester. 2. A good command of spoken and written English 3. Proof of aptitude. (2) Proof of aptitude and knowledge of English language is considered effected when 1. The applicant has concluded his studies according to section 3, section 1 and received at least a "Good" as a grade average and 2. Proficiency in English has been demonstrated by a TOEFL-test with a minimum of 550 points or a comparable language test. In all other cases, proof of suitability has to be furnished in accordance with section 4.

3 Section 4 Admission procedures (1) The application must be submitted until 30 June for the winter semester and up to 31 December for the summer semester to the university along with: 1. Diploma or bachelor's certificate 2. Certificate of a language test according section 3 paragraph 2 3. the statement of whether the applicant has already failed a master examination in the same branch of study, maybe finally, (2) In cases where the aptitude has not been proven according to section 3 paragraph 2 the applicant will be invited to an oral examination to verify his/her aptitude for the course. English language skills and knowledge in the areas of the modules in the master course will be assessed. The written invitation to this viva is sent at least one week before the date of the examination to the applicant. The examination is conducted by two professors of the faculties of Electric Power Engineering or Mechanical Engineering Automation Technology. The examiners are appointed by the chairman of the Examination Board. The examination lasts up to 45 minutes. (3) The result of the admission procedure is sent to the candidate. In the case of rejection the decision is justified and includes legal advice to appeal. (4) In case of a rejection a new application after the fulfilment of conditions is possible at a later date. A third application is excluded. Section 5 Structure of studies (1) The course has a regular study period of three semesters. It covers a total volume of 92 hours per week (SWS) and 90 ECTS credits. The modules, their hours per week, the number and type of courses are listed in Appendix 1. (2) The students have the choice between the four pathways: a) Mechatronic Systems, b) Mechanical Systems, c) Electronic Systems d) Renewable Systems The choice of the pathway is done at enrolment. The examination board can approve a change of the pathway upon request of the candidate. A change of the pathway after the begin of the second semester of study is not possible. (3) The classes are in the form of seminars, training and practical work. Seminars serve the common development of a substance to the area and should give the students the opportunity to deal independently with topics. Exercises are intended to deepen the subject, e.g. using examples. Practical work allows a deepening of knowledge working on practical tasks. (4) All classes and assessments including examinations will be conducted in English. (5) The course can be started at the beginning of the winter or summer semester. Section 6 Modules and examination (1) The master examination consists of module examinations and the master project. Module examinations consist of one or more examination items in a module. The form and extent of

4 the examination in the modules are listed in the Annex 2. The examinations accompany the modules. The registration for the module examination takes place at the beginning of the module. A withdrawal from the module examination without any special reasons is only possible before the first examination in the module will take place. Registration for the repetition of module examinations is done automatically when an examination is not passed. A withdrawal from the repetition of the examination without any special reasons is only possible before the assessment is offered again. If a candidate takes not part in an offered examination, the regulations regarding failure or withdrawal in accordance with section 14 will be applied. (2) In the written examinations, the candidates should demonstrate that they are able to apply scientific methods to describe a problem and find a solution in limited time and with limited means. The exam papers may include problems from which the students can choose. The duration of written exams is 2 to 3 hours. (3) In oral examinations the candidate should demonstrate his or her broad range of sciencebased knowledge, the ability to link this knowledge to adjacent subject areas and the ability to analyse problems systematically and solve them methodically. The duration of oral test is about 30 minutes. (4) In a written homework the candidate should demonstrate that he or she is able to analyse and solve an application oriented problem within the subject area within limited time on a scientific basis with sufficient depth. The workload of homework is 15 to 30 working hours, the total time allocated is 2 to 4 weeks. The assignment is assessed by the examiner who handed out the assignment. (5) A seminar work consists of a written homework and a seminar presentation. The seminar should demonstrate that the candidate is able to present the results of the work and defend them in a subsequent discussion. The duration of the seminar presentation is about minutes. Written homework and presentation are assessed by the examiner who handed out the assignment. (6) If the candidate proves that he or she is unable to attend assessments wholly or partly due to prolonged or permanent physical disability, the examination board may extend the deadlines for assessments or substitute assessments by equivalent assessments in a different form. For this the submission of a medical certificate or a severe disability card may be required. Section 7 Master Project (1) The master project is a scientific work, which has to be conducted by the candidate autonomously within a specified period of time. Through applied research or development, concepts or complex application systems have to be developed or improved. The project regularly starts after the second semester. (2) The handout of the theme of the master project and the definition of the duration is done by the examination board upon application of the candidate. The application can be approved if the candidate has achieved at least 50 credits in the modules of the chosen pathway. The date of issue is the day on which the candidate is informed of the theme and the supervisor and has to be registered. (3) The master project will be specified and supervised by a professor of the participating faculties. The supervisor of the project is also examiner. The examination board appoints an additional professor as a second examiner.

5 (4) The allocated time (period issue until delivery of the thesis) is at least 16 and a maximum of 26 weeks. Upon request, in justified cases, the examination board can extend the time to a maximum of 30 weeks. The definition of the project must be such that it can be completed within the specified period of time. On a justified request of the candidate prior to the deadline, the examination board can extend the time up to four weeks. The supervisor should be heard to this request. (5) The master's project includes several assessment items, the nature and weighting for the overall grade is included in Annex 2. (6) The assessment of all individual items of the master project is done jointly by the examiners of the master project. (7) Two copies of the master thesis have to be submitted in due time to the student service or the chairman of the examination board. At submission of their master thesis the students have to assure in written form that their work was written by themselves and no other sources than the specified were used and the sources of citations were indicated. The delivery time of the master project has to be registered. By delivery by post the receipt stamp is decisive. If the master project is not delivered in due time, the work will be considered as "not sufficient". Section 8 Colloquium The colloquium completes the master project. It is held as an oral exam. The oral exam usually lasts 45 minutes. Only students who achieved 60 credits in the modules are admitted to the colloquium. Section 9 Accreditation of study and examination results (1) Study and examination results, that have been obtained at the university here or at other universities within the scope of the Basic Law, as well as equal study and examination results which have been obtained in other study courses within the scope of the Basic Law will be accredited officially. (2) Equivalent study and examination results from universities outside the scope of the constitution will be accredited upon request. The credit is decided by the examination board. Agreements about the accreditation of study and examination results within the learning agreement under the European Credit Transfer Systems are binding. If study and examination results are taken into account, the grades are to be adopted. Section 10 Repetition of examinations (1) A "not sufficient" graded assessment (written examinations, seminar- or homework) as part of a module or the master project and the colloquium can be repeated once. For seminaror homework, the repetition is done with a new topic. (2) As a result of the repetition of an assessment it is determined whether the grade in the examination is "sufficient" (4.0) or "not sufficient" (5.0). (3) The repetition should be taken within the next offered date for the written examination or coursework. (4) In case of a repeated written examination the candidate may take an additional oral examination before the grade of the repeated written examination is determined as "not sufficient" (5.0). This additional oral examination is possible for not more than two modules. The additional oral examination takes place immediately after the candidate has been informed about the result of the repeated written examination upon request of the candidate.

6 Depending on the additional oral examination the grade of the written examination can be only "sufficient" (4.0) or "not sufficient" (5.0). For the additional oral examinations the regulations of section 13 apply. In case of absence, cancellation or deception for the repeated written examination no additional oral examination is possible. (5) If one result of a written examination, seminar- or homework in a module is "not sufficient" even after the repetition, the module is "finally failed." (6) If one module or the Master project is finally failed, the master examination is finally failed." Section 11 Evaluation of work, Credits (1) For the evaluation of work the following marks have to be taken: 1 = very good, outstanding work 2 = good, a work which was substantially above the average requirements 3 = fair, a work which meets the average requirements 4 = sufficient, a work which meets the average requirements, despite its shortcomings, 5 = not enough, a work which does not meet the requirements due to significant deficiencies For differentiated evaluation, the marks may be increased or decreased to plus / minus 0.3. The marks 0.7; 4.3; 4.7; 5.3 are excluded. (2) A module examination is passed if all assessment items of the module have been evaluated with at least sufficient (4.0) in accordance with Annex 2. The overall grade of a module consists of the marks of each assessment result according to the indicated weighting of Appendix 2. Section 10 paragraph 6 remains unaffected. (3) For each with at least "sufficient" evaluated module examination credits will be awarded in accordance with Appendix 1. (4) The master project is considered as passed if all needed examinations have been evaluated with at least sufficient (4.0) in accordance with Annex 2. The overall score for the master project consists of the marks of each examination result according to the indicated weightings in Appendix 2. For passing the master project 25 credits are awarded. (5) The master examination is passed if a total of 90 credits is awarded. (6) The overall grade for the master examination is calculated by the arithmetic average of the individual grades. The grade of the master project will be weighted in triplicate; the grades of module examinations and colloquium are weighted singly. For the overall grade of the master examination only the first decimal place is taken into account: 1.0 to 1.3 "passed with distinction" 1.4 to 1.5 "passed very good" 1.6 to 2.5 "passed good" 2.6 to 3.5 "passed satisfactory 3.6 to 4.0 "passed sufficient" The ECTS grade is relative grade information about the performance of the candidate in comparison to the performance of the other candidates. It will use the following scale: A for the best 10% B for the next 25% C for the next 30% D for the next 25% E for the next 10% of the students who have passed the examination. (7) The announcement of marks is made through a notice on the board.

7 Section 12 Examination board (1) For the organisation of the examinations and by these examination regulation assigned tasks an examination board has to established; the responsibility of the dean according to Section 27 paragraph 1 sentence 2 HG remains unaffected. The examination board consists of: a) four professors, including a chairman and a deputy chairman, b) one or a member of the group of scientific staff in accordance with Section 11, Paragraph 1 and No. 2 HG c) two students. For the members of the Examination Board it is mandatory that they are teaching in the Masters Course, successfully completed the Master Course or have to be enrolled in the Master Course are registered. The members of the Examination Board are appointed by the faculty. The faculty elects from among the professors the chairman and deputy chairman. The term of office of the University staff members is four years, of the student members it is one year. Re-election is possible. In case of resignation of individual members is a by-election. (2) The examination board shall ensure that the provisions of the examination regulations are met and ensure the correct procedure of the examinations. It is primarily responsible for decisions on appeals against decisions in examination processes. It assesses the results of the examination and decides in the assigned affair. (3) The examination board may confer its tasks for all normal cases except for the decision about appeals to its chairman. (4) The examination board shall constitute a quorum, if the chairman or the deputy, at least two further members of the professorate and an additional member are present. Decisions will be made by simple majority of the present members. In the case of a tie, the vote of the chairman shall be decisive. The members of the examination board from the group of students do not participate in educational and scientific decisions, particularly in the validation of study and examination results and the appointment of examiners and assessors. At the consultation and decisions on matters relating to the setting of examination questions or their own examination, the student members do not participate (5) The members of the examination board have the right to attend the examinations, except the student members who will have their examination on the same day. (6) The members of the examination board and their deputies are sworn to secrecy. If they are not employed in the public sector, the chairman of the examination board has to swear them to secrecy. (7) Incriminating decisions of the examination board have to be given immediately to the affected student in written form with reasons. They have the right to be heard before. Section 2, Paragraph 3 No. 3 of the Verwaltungsverfahrensgesetzes for the state of North Rhine- Westphalia remains unaffected, in particular the exception of the duty of hearing and justification for evaluation of scientific and artistic nature. Section 13 Organization of examination (1) The examination board takes all decisions concerning the organizational procedure of examinations. The examination date will be announced by notice at least six weeks prior to the examination. (2) The examination board appoints the examiners. As examiner may only be appointed, who has at least a master degree or equivalent qualifications and has carried out teaching activities

8 in the related module. If several examiners have to be appointed at least one examiner should have taught the module. The names of the examiners have to be announced to the candidates in time. The examiners are sworn to secrecy. If they are not employed in the public sector, the chairman of the examination board has to swear them to secrecy. (3) To implement the oral examination some examination committees will be formed. At least two examiners belong to an examination committee. The main matters and results of the oral examination should be recorded in minutes. The candidate has to be informed about the result and the justification subsequent to the examination. (4) Written examinations are usually marked by a single examiner. Repetition examinations have to be evaluated by two examiners. In case of non-conforming evaluation of the examination, the total grade will be formed by the arithmetic mean. (5) Enrolment in the Master Course of the university is a requirement for admission to the examination (6) The admission to the examination may only be refused if the candidate has finally failed an examination in the same or a related Master Course Section 14 Absence, cancellation, deception, breach of regulations (1) An examination is considered as not passed, if the candidate does not appear to the examination date without having cogent reasons, withdrawal from an examination or not delivering the work in time. (2) If the candidate has cogent reasons for the withdrawal or the absence of an examination and wants to claim these, the reasons have to be reported credibly and in written form to the examination board without delay. In case of disease the candidate provides a medical certificate showing the physical incapability. If the reasons are accepted by the examination board, the candidate may apply for admission to the corresponding examination again. (3) If the candidate tries to influence the result of his or her examination by deception or use of unauthorised means, the examination can be evaluated with "not sufficient" (5.0). A candidate who disturbs the procedure of the examination can be excluded after warning by the respective examiner from the continuation of the examination; in this case the examination will be evaluated with "not sufficient "(5.0). The reasons for the exclusion have to be put in records. In severe cases the examination board may exclude the candidate from further examinations (4) The candidate has to be informed about the decision in written form without delay, by giving a justification and instruction on right to appeal. Section 15 Nullity of examinations (1) If the candidate deceived during an examination and this fact will become known after handing over of the certificate or confirmation according to Section 16, paragraph 4, it is possible that the Examination Board will amend the mark according Section 14, paragraph 3 and if necessary explain the Master examination as "failed". (2) The candidates have to be given the opportunity to express their views before reaching the decision. (3) The false certificate is to be confiscated and if applicable a new one has to be issued. The same applies for a confirmation in accordance with Section 16, paragraph 4. If the failure of the master examination is ascertained, not only the false testimonial but also the false

9 certification has to be confiscated. A decision under paragraph 1 and paragraph 2 after a period of five years from the date of the certificate is excluded. Section 16 Result of master examination (1) A certificate about the Master examination will be issued immediately, preferably within four weeks. It contains the grades of the individual examinations, subject and grade of the master thesis as well as the total grade. (2) The certificate has to be signed by the chairman of the examination board. The date of the certificate is the day on which the last examination was hold. (3) In parallel with the certificate a Diploma Supplement (English version) is issued. (4) By leaving the university without graduating, or if the candidate failed finally the master examination, on request a confirmation is issued by the chairman of the examination board, which shows the work performed and if applicable a notation that the master examination is finally failed. (4) In the framework of cooperation with foreign universities, a Master certificate is issued after a) all modules required for the degree of the partner university had been successfully completed b) at least 30 credits have been acquired in the modules of the course in Soest. Section 17 Academic degree (1) The graduates of the master course will be awarded the academic degree Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Systems Engineering and Engineering Management". (2) Together with the testimony of the master examination the master certificate with date of the testimony will be handed out to the candidate. Therein the awarding of the Master Degree is certified. The master certificate will be signed by the dean of the faculty and the chairman of the Examination Board and furnished with the seal of the University. Section 18 Inspection of examination records (1) Within one year after the completion of the examination process, the candidate is allowed to inspect his/her examination records upon request. Section 19 Coming into effect This examination regulations become effective on the day after being published. It is published in the bulletin of the University of South Westphalia - public announcement of the University of South Westphalia. These examination regulations will be enacted after verification by the presidium of the University of South Westphalia due to the decision of the dean of the faculty of Electrical Power Engineering from December.2012.

10 Attachment 1 Modules and Lectures Pathway Electronic Systems Begin of study in wintersemester Signal Processing Intelligent Systems Sum Microprocessor Based Systems Sum rd Semester Colloquium to Project Begin of study in summersemester Microprocessor Based Systems Sum Signal Processing Intelligent Systems Sum rd Semester Colloquium to Project * Semester hours per week S: Course, Ü: Tutorial, P: laboratory

11 Modules and Lectures Pathway Mechatronic Systems Begin of study in wintersemester Advanced Production Engineering Intelligent Systems Sum Microprocessor Based Systems Sum rd Semester Colloquium to Project Begin of study in summersemester Microprocessor Based Systems Sum Advanced Production Engineering Intelligent Systems Sum rd Semester Colloquium to Project * Semester hours per week S: Course, Ü: Tutorial, P: laboratory

12 Modules and Lectures Pathway Mechanical Systems Begin of study in wintersemester Advanced Production Engineering Intelligent Systems Sum Monitoring of Mechanical Systems Sum rd Semester Colloquium Project Begin of study in summersemester Monitoring of Mechanical Systems Sum Advanced Production Engineering Intelligent Systems Sum rd Semester Colloquium to Project * Semester hours per week S: Course, Ü: Tutorial, P: laboratory

13 Modules and Lectures Pathway Renewables Systems Begin of study in wintersemester Modul SWS Credits S Ü P Photovoltaic, Energy Efficiency Wind Generation, Energy Manag Sum Modul SWS Credits S Ü P Hydrog., Fuel cells, Energy Parks Sum rd Semester Colloquium to Project Begin of study in summersemester Modul SWS Credits S Ü P Hydrog., Fuel cells, Energy Parks Summe Modul SWS Credits S Ü P Photovoltaic, Energy Efficiency Wind Generation, Energy Manag Sum rd Semester Colloquium to Project * Semester hours per week S: Course, Ü: Tutorial, P: laboratory

14 Attachement 2 Form of examination and weighting 1. Modules Module Form of examination and weighting Advanced Control Technology H (30%) H (20%) K (50%) Business in Engineering H (50%) S (50%) Intelligent Systems H (30%) S (20%) K (50%) Technical Publications and Presentations S (50%) S (50%) Project Management S (50%) S (50%) Microprocessor Based Systems H (25%) H (25%) K (50%) Signal Processing H (20%) H (30%) K (50%) Integrated Management H (20%) S (40%) H (40%) Monitoring of Mechanical Systems H (20%) H (30%) K (50%) Advanced Production Engineering H(20%) H(20%) S (60%) Photovoltaic, Energy Efficiency S (50%) K (50%) Wind Generation, Energy Manag. S (50%) K (50%) Hydrog., Fuel cells, Energy Parks S (50%) K (50%) H: Homework (scope of work appr. 15 to 30 hours) K: Written examination (duration: 2 hours) S: Seminar (homework and presentation, duration of presentation minutes) 2. Master-Project The total result of the master project is composed of the following course work: 1. Project plan, seminar und interim report (15%) The project plan covers the planning of the whole project (aims, backgrounds, methods of solution, work packages, planning of resources etc.). It has to be developed at the beginning of the project. The interim report should be done after half of the project term. The actual status of the project has to be presented and evaluated on the basis of the primal project plan. With this analysis the project plan has to be updated. For the seminar the aims of the project, the procedure and the intermediate results have to be presented to the students of the master course and the supervisors of the project. 2. Implementation (10%) This part of the weighting includes the current evaluation of the candidate within his practical activities. Criteria like ability to become acquainted with new topics, the independent development of solutions and their realisation are considered here. 3. Thesis (75%) The Master-Thesis is the final and extensive report of the project and should correspond to a scientific publication. 3. Colloquium Content and results of the project have to be demonstrated to both examiners by a presentation with a discussion afterwards.