PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION

Transcription

1 PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION COURSE TITLE: PG DIPLOMA/MSc FIRE SAFETY ENGINEERING (with Postgraduate Certificate exit award) F/T (3180/3145), P/T (1284/1286), P/T Block Release (1285/128) PLEASE NOTE: This specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the course and the learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate if he or she takes full advantage of the learning opportunities provided. More detailed information on the specific learning outcomes, content and the learning, teaching and assessment methods of each module can be found in the Programme Handbook at 1 AWARDING INSTITUTION/BODY: University of Ulster 2 TEACHING INSTITUTION: University of Ulster 3 LOCATION: Jordanstown Campus 4 ACCREDITED BY: N/A 5 FINAL AWARD: PG Diploma/MSc Fire Safety Engineering 6 MODE OF ATTENDANCE: Full time, part-time, part-time block release SPECIALISMS: N/A 8 COURSE CODES: 3145, 3180, 1284, 1285, 1286, DATE REVISED: Effective from EDUCATIONAL AIMS AND OBJECTIVES OF THE COURSE The aims of the course are: to provide an opportunity for graduates and professionals to acquire advanced knowledge of fire safety science and engineering and to develop high level skills appropriate to fire safety engineering practice to encourage efficient and effective professional interfacing and creativity in the process of designing and managing complex environments and unpredictable situations The objectives of the Post Graduate Certificate are: to produce graduates with a high capacity for understanding theoretical and practical fundamental concepts of fire safety engineering. to enable graduates to develop limited knowledge of fire and fire related phenomena. The additional objectives of the Post Graduate Diploma are: to produce graduates with an increased capacity for understanding theoretical concepts and contemporary issues of selected aspects of fire safety engineering and for appreciating the uncertainty, ambiguity and limits of knowledge to produce graduates who have a systematic understanding and critical awareness of the scientific, technological, psychological, physiological and socio-economic principles and established techniques upon which fire safety engineering applications are founded B-1

2 to produce graduates with an extended capability in decision making, self-direction and originality in applying knowledge and skills to identify complex fire safety problems, developing, analysing and appraising fire safety engineering solutions and to communicate their conclusions clearly to specialist and non- specialist audiences to produce graduates who can apply advanced skills and knowledge acquired in the course in a mature professional manner at the forefront of a field of work appropriate to their chosen career and to make sound judgments in the absence of complete data The additional objectives of the MSc are: to produce graduates who have developed a high level of experience and ability in managing their own learning through a supervised independent investigation in an area related to fire safety science and engineering, using appropriate methodology to develop graduates with the independent learning ability to pursue a career in research and professional development through independence, self motivation and initiative in research 11 MAIN LEARNING OUTCOMES The following reference points were used to inform the development of the programme and its learning outcomes: the University s Vision and core strategic aims, teaching and learning strategy and policies (Mission Statement, Corporate Plan ( ), the University s Teaching and Learning Strategy (2008/9-2012/13) current research and other advanced scholarship carried out by academic staff QAA Subject Benchmark Statement Engineering 2006 requirements for academic exemption from the professional examinations of the Institution of Fire Safety Engineers and views of industrial partners national Framework for Higher Education Qualifications (FHEQ) and University s Qualifications and Credit Framework The course provides opportunities for students to achieve and demonstrate the following learning (C Certificate, D-Diploma, M MSc). Successful students will be able to: 11K KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING OF SUBJECT K1 K2 K3 K4 K5 K6 K demonstrate a systematic understanding of the complex inter-relationships between the key chemical and thermo-physical and processes relevant to fire initiation, growth and spread (C,D,M) demonstrate a critical awareness of the essential aspects of modern scientific investigation and the analysis and interpretation thereof (D,M) display mastery in evaluating the behaviour of the principal structural elements and materials at elevated temperatures associated with fires taking into account the complex interacting factors (D,M) demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the social, psychological, physiological and environmental factors which influence human behaviour in fire and their complex inter-relationships (D,M) demonstrate a critical awareness and professional evaluation of the impacts of traditional and modern methods of fire detection, alarm, suppression and smoke management, and their complex interactions (D,M) demonstrate a systematic understanding and critical awareness of traditional and fire safety engineering approaches to the provision of fire safety in buildings (C,D,M) display mastery in specialist areas of engineering analysis or areas of application relevant to fire safety engineering design (D,M) B-2

3 Teaching and Learning Methods: Knowledge and understanding are acquired primarily through lectures, seminars, directed reading, videos, IT-based resources, case studies and project work. Assessment Methods: Assessment of the above is principally through formal closed book examinations, and coursework assignments comprising essays, laboratory reports, individual and group exercises, oral presentations. Assessment is followed by detailed formative feedback to students. 11I I1 I2 I3 I4 I5 INTELLECTUAL QUALITIES demonstrate self-direction and originality in analysing and synthesising advanced problems and processes associated with various aspects of fire safety science and engineering (C,D,M) display expertise in synthesising and integrating information and data from a variety of sources (C,D,M) critically evaluate and interpret data, and make sound judgements in the absence of complete data, in the field of fire safety science/engineering (C,D,M) critically evaluate, select and apply appropriate research methodologies to a systematic, independent research investigation (MSc only) demonstrate self direction and originality in the initiation, planning, and conduct of an original programme of research (MSc only) Teaching and Learning Methods: Intellectual qualities are developed mainly through tutorials, laboratory based work, computer laboratories, design projects and Dissertation. Assessment Methods: Assessment is focussed on coursework assignments, laboratory and design project reports, and research dissertation. Some of these skills are also assessed in the formal examinations. Assessment is followed by formative feedback to students. 11P PROFESSIONAL/PRACTICAL SKILLS P1 professionally select, apply and interpret appropriate scientific based techniques/models for analysing fire safety engineering related problems (C,D,M) P2 display mastery in developing and specifying innovative, safe and cost effective fire safety systems and strategies to meet specified design objectives (C,D,M) P3 professionally prepare and interpret technical reports relevant to fire safety science /design (C,D,M) P4 source, critically evaluate and utilise current and relevant research material (D,M) P5 utilise contemporary methods/techniques/apparatus to investigate complex fire science and engineering phenomena (D,M) P6 act autonomously in the planning and execution of a significant innovative programme of research and report thereon (MSc only) Teaching and Learning Methods: Professional and practical skills are primarily acquired through laboratory project, design project work, and research dissertation. Some of these skills are addressed in lectures and also developed through seminar discussions. Assessment Methods: These are assessed through laboratory and design project reports, essay type coursework assignments, research dissertations and oral presentations. Assessment is followed by formative feedback to students. B-3

4 11T T1 T2 T3 T4 T5 T6 T TRANSFERABLE/KEY SKILLS demonstrate a high level of expertise in communicating effectively to engineering and nonengineering professionals (C,D,M) exercise informed judgement and taken responsibility for decision making across a range of functions in complex and unpredictable contexts (D,M) collect, analyse and present complex data in a professional manner using a range of advanced computer and interfacing techniques (D,M) exercise initiative and personal responsibility, independent learning, open mindedness and critical enquiry (C,D,M) demonstrate a high level of creativity and innovation in solving complex problems (C,D,M) work effectively as part of a team (D,M) manage time and resources effectively (MSc only) Teaching and Learning Methods: Transferable and key skills are acquired throughout the course through lectures, seminars, laboratory work and project work. Assessment Methods: Assessment is principally through design project reports, oral presentations, laboratory reports and research dissertation. Assessment is followed by formative feedback to students. B-4

5 11 PROGRAMME LEARNING OUTCOME MAPS PGDip FIRE SAFETY ENGINEERING AND MSc FIRE SAFETY ENGINEERING (and PG CERT EXIT AWARD) Please Note: The matrix displays only the main measurable outcomes and where these are developed and assessed within the modules offered in the programme. PGDip FIRE SAFETY ENGINEERING (and PGCert Exit Award) MODULE CODE K1 K2 K3 K4 K5 K6 K I1 I2 I3 P1 P2 P3 P4 P5 T1 T2 T3 T4 T5 T6 Heat Transfer and Thermofluids* a a a a a a a a a a FIR801 Fire Engineering Laboratory* FIR805 a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a Fire Dynamics FIR802 a a a a a a a a a Structural Fire Engineering FIR803 a a a a a a a a a a People and Fire FIR804 a a a a a a a a a a a Active Fire Control Systems FIR806 a a a a a a a a a a Quantitative Risk Asses. FIR80 a a a a a a a a a a a Computer Modelling in Fire FIR809 a a a a a a a a a a a a Engineering Industrial Fire Safety FIR810 a a a a a a a a a a a Fire Safety Engineering Design FIR80 a a a a a a a a a a a a a * Core modules to be taken for the award of the Postgraduate Certificate exit award along with any two of the other modules in the PgD stage of the programme MSc FIRE SAFETY ENGINEERING MODULE CODE K1 K2 K3 K4 K5 K6 K I1 I2 I3 I4 I5 P1 P2 P3 P4 P5 P6 T1 T2 T3 T4 T5 T6 T Heat Transfer and Thermofluids FIR801 a a a a a a a a Fire Engineering Laboratory FIR805 a a a a a a a a a a a a a a Fire Dynamics FIR802 a a a a a a a a a Structural Fire Engineering FIR803 a a a a a a a a a a People and Fire FIR804 a a a a a a a a a a a Active Fire Control Systems FIR806 a a a a a a a a a a Quantitative Risk Assess. FIR808 a a a a a a a a a a a Computer Modelling in Fire FIR809 a a a a a a a a a a a a Engineering Industrial Fire Safety FIR810 a a a a a a a a a a a Fire Safety Engineering Design FIR80 a a a a a a a a a a a a a Dissertation FIR820 a a a a a a a a a a a a a a B-5

6 12 STRUCTURE AND REQUIREMENTS FOR THE AWARD The course is a linked programme of awards leading to either a Postgraduate Diploma or MSc Fire Safety Engineering. The programme is offered in full-time, part-time or part-time block release mode and conforms to the University s Qualifications and Credit Framework. The full-time course is one year s duration (50 weeks). The part-time courses are three academic years duration. An accumulation of 120 and 180 credit points are necessary to complete the PG Diploma and MSc programmes respectively. All modules that comprise the Postgraduate Diploma are credit points and each requires 0 hours of student effort. All students who successfully complete the Post Graduate Diploma (8 modules: compulsory and 1 from options) may progress to the MSc and Dissertation. The Dissertation is a 60-credit point module and requires 600 hours of student effort. An element of choice is offered within the eight modules that comprise the Postgraduate Diploma. Most modules which comprise the Postgraduate Diploma are delivered in Semester 1 or Semester 2, with the exception of FIR80 Fire Safety Engineering Design and FIR804 People and Fire which are delivered across semesters 1 and 2 to facilitate integration and more in-depth learning. Postgraduate Certificate exit award is available on successful completion of 60 credit points of study. Progression, transfer and award criteria are outlined in more detail in Section 16. The language of instruction is English. Details of the modules and their corresponding credit level and points are listed below Module Title Credit Level Credit Points Module Status Awards Postgraduate Diploma FIR801 Heat Transfer & Thermofluids FIR805 Fire Engineering Laboratory FIR802 Fire Dynamics FIR803Structural Fire Engineering FIR806 Active Fire Control Systems FIR804 People and Fire FIR80 Fire Safety Engineering Design FIR808 Quantitative Risk Assessment FIR809 Computer Modelling in Fire Eng. FIR810 Industrial Fire Safety Optional Optional Optional } } } Eight } for PGD, } (Seven } compulsory } and 1 } optional) } } MSc Eight from above plus : FIR820 Dissertation 60 Postgraduate Certificate (Exit Award) Four point modules (60 credit points) to include: FIR801 Heat Transfer and Thermofluids and FIR802 Fire Dynamics plus two other modules in the Postgraduate Diploma stage of the programme. 13 SUPPORT FOR STUDENTS AND THEIR LEARNING Students and their learning are supported in a number of ways: A comprehensive induction programme for new students which includes general and specific (to subject) introduction to Information Services Department (ISD) which includes Learning Resource Centre (LRC) and ICT Services Open access to Course Director and academic staff (informal communication between staff and students via , planned meetings and WebCT) Appointment of personal Studies Advisors for each student Personal Development Planning (supported by PDSystem) B-6

7 Mathematics support through Mathematics Resource Centre and Support (MARCS) Access to the Careers Development Centre providing careers advice; career opportunities communicated to student by Course Director ( /webct) Facilities and assistance offered by Information Services Department (ISD) - Learning Resources Centre (LRC) and computer services (ISD) Access to Student Support Department providing services related to health, counselling and guidance, careers, childcare, accommodation, finance Support and facilities for students with disabilities and special needs The Sport and Recreation Department provide facilities and opportunities for a wide range of recreational and sporting activity The Student s Union, in conjunction with the International Office runs an orientation programme for oversees students International Office offers advice, support and social activities for international students both prior to and during their studies Students Union enables students to pass through the academic process with support, guidance and representation. Chaplaincy facilities cater for the spiritual needs of students Programme Handbooks and Module Booklets made available on WebCT Clear staff and student commitments and expectations communicated through the University s Teaching and Learning Support Charter (included in Student Handbook) Opportunity to address general course concerns through the Student-Staff Consultative Committees Student representation on Course Committee Access to the Student Portal providing personal on-line services including library services, web-based learning, and support eg study skills packages Access to Fire Safety Engineering section within ViBEL (Virtual Built Environment Library Opportunity for feedback on academic progress both during and at end of each semester Guidance and information on safety related matters Involvement in live research programmes being conducted by research active academic members of staff 14 CRITERIA FOR ADMISSION TO THE COURSE Applicants must hold a degree or equivalent or demonstrate their ability to undertake the course through the accreditation of prior experiential learning. Specific requirements for admission are detailed below: Applicants must: (a) have gained: (i) an Honours or non-honours degree in a related science or engineering discipline from a University of the United Kingdom or the Republic of Ireland, from the Council for National Academic Awards, the National Council for Educational Awards, the Higher Education and Training Awards Council, or from an institution of another country which is recognised as being of an equivalent standard; or (ii) an equivalent standard in a Postgraduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma, Graduate Certificate or an approved alternative qualification; and (b) have A level mathematics at Grade C or higher (in the absence of A Level Mathematics the degree should have a significant mathematics base (to at least A Level standard)). (c) provide evidence of competence in written and spoken English (GCSE grade C or equivalent); or as an alternative to (a) (i) or (a) (ii) and (b) and/or (c) (d) In exceptional circumstances, where an individual has substantial and significant experiential learning, a portfolio of written evidence demonstrating the meeting of graduate qualities (including subject-specific outcomes, as determined by the Course Committee) may be considered as an B-

8 alternative entrance route. Evidence used to demonstrate graduate qualities may not be used for exemption against modules within the programme. EVALUATING AND IMPROVING THE QUALITY AND STANDARD OF LEARNING AND TEACHING Mechanisms for gaining student feedback on the quality of their learning experience: Student-Staff Consultative Committee Student representation at Course Committee, and opportunities for representation on School and Faculty Boards Formal meetings with alumni Views of students a expressed in the Post Graduate Taught Experience Survey Feedback on modules via the University s Student Survey on the Quality of Teaching Mechanisms for review and evaluation of teaching, learning, assessment, the curriculum and outcome standards: Formal student feedback is sought on the content and delivery of each module via the Student Survey on the Quality of Teaching Module monitoring (statistical review of module performance) Views of external examiners are sought both informally and formally via External Examiner Reports Feedback from employers via Industrial Panel (representatives from fire safety engineering practice approvals bodies and legislative bodies) inform course development and ensure currency University revalidation (with external representatives) takes place every 5 years Staff members are encouraged to participate in peer observation of their teaching Staff appraisal is carried out on a 2 year cycle with attention given to the development needs of individual staff members Committees with responsibilities for monitoring and evaluating quality: Regular student-staff consultative meetings Course Committees Boards of Examiners School Board Faculty and University Teaching and Learning Committees (including for Quality Assurance and Enhancement). Staff Development: Updating in the subject through research and scholarship Consultancy and knowledge transfer activities by staff Active Staff Development Unit provides specific training/development of all staff All new academic staff members pursue a formal teaching qualification (Post Graduate Certificate in Higher Education Practice (PGCHEP) Alignment to standards and good practice including: QAA subject benchmark statements (Engineering) University s Teaching and Learning and Assessment strategies B-8

9 16 REGULATION OF STANDARDS Assessment rules The pass mark for all modules which comprise the Post Graduate Diploma and MSc is 50%. Award of PG Diploma Candidates who have successfully completed 8 taught modules (pass mark 50% for each module). The Board of Examiners may recommend a Pass with Distinction to a candidate who has an average of 0% or more across the eight modules. Transfer to the MSc course Candidates who have successfully completed 8 modules which comprise the PG Diploma will be eligible to transfer onto the Masters degree course. Award of the MSc Candidates who have successfully completed 8 taught modules (pass mark 50% for each module) and the Dissertation module (pass mark 50%) will be eligible for the award of MSc. The Board of Examiners may recommend the award of MSc with Distinction to candidates who have a mark of 0% or above in Dissertation and an average across all modules (weighted according to credit value) of 0% or above. Award of the PG Certificate exit award Candidates who have successfully completed 4 taught modules (pass mark 50% for each module). The Board of Examiners may recommend a Pass with Distinction to a candidate who has an average of 0% or more across the four modules. External Examiners There is one external examiner appointed for the course. External examiners are academic subject or professional experts appointed from outside the University. Their key functions are to contribute to the assurance of the standards of the award and the fair treatment of students. They are involved in the moderation and approval of assessments and the moderation of the marking undertaken by internal examiners. Detailed duties are as specified in the current University of Ulster Handbook for External Examiners 1 INDICATORS OF QUALITY RELATING TO LEARNING AND TEACHING Most teaching staff have completed or are currently enrolled on the Post Graduate Certificate in Higher Educational Practice (PGCHEP) or equivalent programmes (Post Graduate Certificate in University Teaching). All teaching staff are members of the Institute for Fire Safety Engineering Research and Technology (FireSERT) or HYdrogen SAFety Engineering Research (HYSAFER), members of the Built Environment Research Institute (BERI) and actively engaged in research which is closely aligned with their core teaching disciplines. The majority were included in the 2008 Research Assessment Exercise for Unit 30 Architecture and Built Environment which obtained 65% at 3*/4* quality. Staff hold full membership of appropriate professional bodies including Institution of Fire Engineers, Royal Society of Chemistry, British Psychological Society, Combustion Institute (UK). The School including the Fire Safety Engineering programmes were selected for inspection as a Discipline Audit Trail in the successful Quality Assurance Institutional Audit in A number of staff are Associates/Fellows of the Higher Education Academy (HEA). Graduates from the course have had excellent employment histories and are employed in major fire engineering consultancies and research institutes worldwide. Fire Engineering consultancies regularly target the graduates from the course for appointments within their company. Employers support the programme through an annual prize for the Best Student and Best Dissertation (Jeremy Gardner Associates ) B-9

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