In the Chair: Dr J Sawkins Date: 12 March 2008

Transcription

1 APPROVED/ CIRCULATED Heriot-Watt University UNDERGRADUATE STUDIES COMMITTEE MINUTES In the Chair: Dr J Sawkins Date: 12 March 2008 Present also: In attendance: Apologies: Prof P F G Banfill, Dr S D Houston, Dr P Morris, Dr G B Thomson, Dr S J Dewar, Dr P Green, Dr J Sanders, Dr N Taylor, Dr C Tinker, Dr M Youngson, Mr R Webb Ms H A Crosby (Clerk), Dr K E Brown, Mr R Burton, Prof P John, Prof R Pooley, Dr J J Raemaekers, Mrs T Wilkinson 18 MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING ( 13 February 2008) Approved as an accurate record. 19 MATTERS ARISING (USC/08/13) 19.1 Items 10.1, 1.1, 72.1, 64, 57.4 Modified Courses (RAY): BSc (Hons) Sport & Exercise Science with Management (stage 4 only) A signature would be provided by the School of Management and Languages once the School s modules are approved Items 10.2, 1.2, 72.3, 65.2 Modified Programme: Biology BSc (Hons) in Biological Sciences (Food Science) BSc (Hons) in Biological Sciences (Cell and Molecular Biology ) BSc (Hons) in Biological Sciences (Microbiology) BSc (Hons) in Food Science, Technology & Management BSc (Hons) in Applied Marine Biology BSc (Hons) in Biological Sciences BSc (Hons) in Biochemistry BSc (Hons) in Brewing and Distilling BSc (Hons) in Microbiology Revised documentation was submitted and the Chair confirmed approval on behalf of the Committee Items 10,4, 1.3, 72.5, 65.5 Degree Entry Programme (Dubai) Revised course documentation had yet to be submitted along with proposals for external examiners. / 19.4 Items 10.5, 1.5, 73.1 Modified Programme: Languages Programme (Undergraduate), C4LN MA (Hons) Applied Languages and Translation (ALT), C43M MA (Hons) Foreign Languages and Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (FL- TESOL), C45M MA (Hons) Languages, Interpreting and Translation (LINT), C41M MA (Hons) International Management and Languages (IML), C46M Revised documentation for the Languages Programme had been submitted and was being considered by the Chair. Documentation for the Language Studies Courses had yet to be submitted. (Clerk s note: Language Studies courses within the Languages Programme are not being offered post RAY).

2 19.5 Items 10.6, 1.6, 73.2 Modified Programme: Management Programme (Undergraduate), C1MT Modified Course: MA (Hons) Management, C12M MA (Hons) Management with Marketing, C13M MA (Hons) Management with Human Resource Management, C14M MA (Hons) Management with Operations Management, C15M MA (Hons) International Management, C17M MA (Hons) Management with Business Law, C16M Revised documentation had yet to be submitted Item 10.7, 4.1 Modified Programme: Computer Science Undergraduate Programme BSc (Hons) Computer Science BSc (Hons) Computer Science (Artificial Intelligence) BSc (Hons) Computer Science (Mulitmedia Systems) BSc (Hons) Computer Science (Software Engineering) MEng Software Engineering New Course: BSc (Hons) Information Systems Revised documentation had been submitted and the Chair confirmed approval on behalf of the Committee. MACS 19.7 Item 11.3 Guidance on Post-Approval Course Modifications Under RAY In February 2008 the Committee approved a proposed procedure for the approval of modifications to courses already approved for RAY, in order to manage the workload of the Studies Committees up to the implementation of RAY in September The Studies Committee submitted a joint report to the Senate, recommending that the procedure was approved. The Senate approved the procedure until the end of September 2008, after which the University s Approval Guidelines would be applied Item 11.4 RAY Regulations Members were informed that on 5 March 2008, the Senate considered a report on the proposed RAY Regulations and made the following decisions: i. The Senate approved the RAY Regulations with exception to proposals 3, 12 and 13 which were not supported by USC. The Senate requested that the Undergraduate Studies Committee and Quality Enhancement and Standards Committee work together to resolve the outstanding issues. The possibility of a joint meeting of the two Committees had been suggested. ii. The Senate confirmed that in relation to the requirement for all Honours degree courses and Integrated Masters courses to offer a project/dissertation of at least 30 credits, the Undergraduate Studies Committee was empowered to give exemptions on a case-by-case basis. iii. The Senate noted that in relation to and and with degrees, Schools should comply with the spirit of the QAA guidance: a. where the degree title is in the form of A and B there should be a broadly equal balance between the two components, and b. where the degree title is in the form of A with B, the minor subject should account for at least a quarter of the course. 2

3 19.9 Item 12.1 Modified Programme: Textile and Design Programme BA (Hons) In Design for Textiles (Fashion, Interiors and Art) BA (Hons) in Fashion Design For Industry BSc (Hons) in Textile and Fashion Design Management BSc (Hons) in Fashion Technology BSc in Clothing Design and Manufacture (Vietnam) New Course: BA in International Fashion and Retailing Revised documentation was yet to be submitted. TEX Items 12.2, 12.3, 12.4 Modified Programmes and Courses: Electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineering (see endnote i ) Chemistry Programme (see endnote ii ) The Clerk had yet to draft a memorandum from the Chair to the Head of School in the School of Engineering and Physical Sciences regarding the delivery of mathematics modules in-house; this would be done as a matter of priority. Revised documentation had been submitted for the Electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineering programme and courses; a signature from the School of Management & Languages was required before approval could be given. Revised paperwork was yet to be submitted for the Chemistry Programme and courses, and the School had yet to confirm the percentage of the with element of the degrees Item 14 Appointment of External Examiners The Chair had contacted the Heads of School in the Schools of Management & Languages and Life Sciences to underline the importance of seeking prior approval of appointments. 20 DEAN S BUSINESS 20.1 Tabling of Papers The Chair informed that the Senate had agreed that the practice of tabling papers at meetings should be avoided; in order for a Committee to do its work effectively papers should be distributed on time RAY Transition Arrangements Members were informed that the Deans and Clerks to the Studies Committees would be meeting to discuss the principles that the University might wish to apply when dealing with the transitional arrangements for students who fail to progress after the 2008 resit diet (for moving to a new semesterised structure and from 10 to 15 credit modules). The outcome of the meeting will be taken to each of the Studies Committees for further discussion and refinement before reporting to Schools Timetabling Dr Houston provided an update on progress with the new semesterised timetable and explained that depending on the number of module changes being made, a decision had yet to be made as to whether a new timetable would be developed or whether the current timetable would be revised. Schools were encouraged to submit completed course structures as soon as possible in order that the timetable 2008/09 can be completed. It was explained that where course structures allow students to make selections from large lists of 3

4 optional modules, Schools should be aware that timetabling restrictions may prevent the availability of every single option. 21 RAY SUBMISSIONS, NEW COURSE(S) AND MODIFICATIONS TO COURSE(S) FOR APPROVALS (USC/08/07) The Sub-Committee considered proposals for modified programmes, modified and new courses for the purposes of restructuing the academic year (RAY). The decisions made by the Sub-Committee were later ratified by the main Committee. Proposals detailed under items 12.8 to inclusive, were discussed by the full Committee. School of Engineering and Computer Sciences 21.1 Modified Programmes: Mechanical Engineering Chemical Engineering BEng/MEng Physics (See also minutes 21.2, 21.3, 21.4) As with the Electrical, Electronic & Computer Engineering Programme and the Chemistry Programme considered at the February meeting (minute 12.2), some courses within the programmes included mathematics modules to be delivered in-house, but which had previously been delivered by the School of Mathematical & Computer Sciences. The Committee had expressed concern of operational efficiency and had agreed that the Chair would contact the Head of School in and MACS to inform of the Committee s concern; this would be completed as a priority. Programme documentation included a statement confirming that the only modifications proposed were related to RAY. If the School proposes to deliver a mathematics module in-house, it is a significant change that should be explained within the documentation. The Committee requested that the School details within the paperwork for the Diploma in Industrial Training courses, the method of assessment for year in industrial placement. / JWS 21.2 Modified Programme: Mechanical Engineering Programme (Undergraduate) See endnote iii (See also minute 21.1) The Committee noted that one External Examiner was appointed to the whole programme and was concerned that this was a significant workload for one person. Some courses did not provide any optional modules in stages 1 and 2; the Committee expressed that it was unfortunate for students, particularly at stage 1. It was noted that the stages notes for stages 4 and 5 did not allow students to resit examinations. The Committee informed that stage 4 continuing students are entitled to a resit opportunity (qualifying modules being resat for credit only). An Artificial Intelligence module was offered within the Robotics courses; representatives from the School of Mathematical & Computer Sciences informed of the possibility that the module might have a pre-requisite. The School of Engineering & Physical Sciences should check the requirement and report the outcome to the Committee. It was also noted that content of Robotics modules within the Robotics courses seemed quite low. The School was asked to confirm the percentage of the Robotics element of the courses. Other required revisions, including the provision of module codes (or SCQF levels where not available) would be reported to the School by the Clerk. The documentation required signatures from the Schools of Management & Languages, Mathematical & Computer Sciences, Textiles & Design and the Institute of Petroleum Engineering. The proposals were not approved. The School was requested to submit revised documentation for consideration by the Chair on behalf of the Committee, with a view to formal approval. 4

5 21.3 Modified Programme: Chemical Engineering BEng/MEng See endnote iv (See also minute 21.1) It was noted that the MEng courses required students to achieve 55% in order to progress between stages 3 and 4, and 4 and 5. The documentation should indicate the route available to students if the minimum progression requirements are not achieved. It was also noted that the progression requirements for each of the courses required students to successfully complete each stage before progressing. It was considered that the arrangements should offer some flexibility and the Committee suggested that, in line with other courses, progression from stages 1 to 2 and 2 to 3 could be allowed with 30 credits outstanding. The School is asked to either revise the documentation as suggested or to provide an explanation as to why a full complement of credits is required in order to progress. Other required revisions, including the provision of module codes (or SCQF levels where not available) would be reported to the School by the Clerk. The documentation required signatures from the Schools of Management & Languages, Life Sciences and the Institute of Petroleum Engineering. The proposals were not approved. The School was requested to submit revised documentation for consideration by the Chair on behalf of the Committee, with a view to formal approval Modified Programme: Physics See endnote v (See also minute 21.1) There were a number of inconsistencies and points of clarification required within the progression requirements of each of the courses. The details would be reported to the School by the Clerk. The educational aims and the learning outcomes within the course description template did not differentiate between the of BSc Ord, BSc Hons and MPhys courses. The School was requested to revise the documentation. Although the aims and learning outcomes for the Engineering Physics courses were different to the Physics courses, the structures were identcal. The School was requested to clarify the difference between the degrees. With reference to the BSc (Hons) Physics with Environmental Science course, it was noted that the only apparent difference between the course structure and the Physics course structures was the Remote Sensing and Energy Studies module being offered as mandatory, rather than optional. The School was asked to confirm the justification for the different educational aims and the use of a title that implies approximately 25% contribution from the Environmental Science discipline. The BSc (Hons) Physics with professional Education and BSc (Hons) Physics with Education courses included a 15 credit research project at stage 4 of the course; the School was informed that the project should be 30 credits. Other required revisions would be reported to the School by the Clerk. The documentation required signatures from the Schools of Life Sciences and Mathematical & Computer Sciences. The proposals were not approved. The School was requested to submit revised documentation for consideration by the Chair on behalf of the Committee, with a view to formal approval. 5

6 21.5 Modified Programme: Combined Studies See endnote vi It was explained that although the intention was to offer all final year students the opportunity to complete a 30 credit research project, this would be dependent upon the availability of support from other disciplines which may not always be possible. As confirmed by the Senate, the Undergraduate Studies Committee is empowered to give exemptions to the requirement to complete a 30 credit research project. The Committee was content that the justification for exemption was acceptable. The programme documentation indicated that Completion of stage 2 of a Combined Studies degree with minimum requirements does not qualify for a DipHE. The Committee questioned why this was the case and it was agreed that the School would re-check the University Regulations. (Clerk s note: the minimum requirements to progress from stage 2 to stage 3 is 200 SCQF credits; a Diploma of Higher Education requires a minimum of 240 SCQF credits, 90 of which must be at SCQF level 8). The School was requested to revise the programme documentation so that there was a clear distinction between the BSc and BA awards and to detail the minimum requirements for achieving a named award. Other required revisions would be reported to the School by the Clerk. The documentation required signatures from the Schools of Life Sciences and Mathematical & Computer Sciences. The proposals were not approved. The School was requested to submit revised documentation for consideration by the Chair on behalf of the Committee, with a view to formal approval. School of Management and Languages 21.6 Modified Programmes: Accountancy & Finance Programme Economics programme (See also minutes 21.7, 21.8) The Accountancy & Finance and Economics Programmes were originally submitted for consideration in November 2007 but were not approved. Revised documentation was presented to the Committee for consideration. Stages 3 and 4 of the courses allowed students to select from an unlimited number of optional modules; the School should be aware that timetabling restrictions might prevent the availability of all options Modified Programme: Accountancy & Finance Programme MA(Hons)Business and Finance MA(Hons)Accountancy and Finance MA(Hons)Finance and Business Law MA(Hons)Management and Finance MA(Hons)Accountancy and Business Law MA(Hons)Accountancy (See also minute 21.6) It was noted that stage 2 students in 2007/08 would study Corporate Finance and the module was also being offered on stage 3 of the course in 2008/09. The School was asked to clarify whether the Corporate Finance modules in the stage 2 of the 2007/08 structure were different modules to those in stage 3 of the 2008/09 structure, and if not, whether transitional arrangements were in place for students who would progress from stage 2 to stage 3 in 2008/09. The Business & Finance and the Management & Finance courses appeared to be identical; the School was requested to confirm which could it intended delivering. 6

7 Other required revisions would be reported to the School by the Clerk. The documentation required a signature from the School of Mathematical & Computer Sciences. The proposals were not approved. The School was requested to submit revised documentation for consideration by the Chair on behalf of the Committee, with a view to formal approval Modified Programme: Economics programme MA (Hons) Economics and Marketing MA (Hons) Economics and Accountancy MA (Hons) Economics and Business Law MA (Hons) Economics and Finance MA (Hons) Economics and Management (formerly Business and Economics) MA (Hons) Economics (See also minute 21.6) The paperwork required some revision which would be reported to the School by the Clerk. The documentation required a signature from the School of Mathematical & Computer Sciences. The proposals were not approved. The School was requested to submit revised documentation for consideration by the Chair on behalf of the Committee, with a view to formal approval Modified Programme: Management (Dubai) Undergraduate Programme BA Business Administration BA Accountancy and Finance BA Business and Finance BA Management The Committee noted that there were certain award requirements for the courses which were higher than other University courses, which were historical and specific to the degrees which were offered to ordinary level only. Members expressed the importance that students should be aware of the specific requirements and be informed that the E grade does not count towards the degree award. The School had informed that the arrangements were required to continue for an interim period as two subject linked modules were to be synoptically assessed together. It was noted that examinations were written in Dubai; the School was asked to confirm why the same examinations were not being used for Dubai and other delivery locations of the courses. The paperwork required other revisions which would be reported to the School by the Clerk. The proposals were not approved. The School was requested to submit revised documentation for consideration by the Chair on behalf of the Committee, with a view to formal approval. / Modified Programme: Heriot Watt Management Programme (Undergraduate) BBA Business Administration BA Accountancy and Finance BA Business and Accounting BA Business and Finance BA Management Academic English for Business (Access course to Heriot Watt Management Programme) The Committee noted that there were certain award requirements for the courses which were higher than other University courses, which were historical and specific to the degrees which were offered to ordinary level only. Members expressed the importance that students should be aware of the specific requirements and be informed that the E grade does not count towards the degree award. The School had informed that the arrangements were required to continue for an interim period as two subject linked modules were to be synoptically assessed together. 7

8 The Academic English for Business course was approved. The other proposals were not approved; the documentation required other revisions which would be reported to the School by the Clerk. The School was requested to submit revised documentation for consideration by the Chair on behalf of the Committee, with a view to formal approval Modified Programme: FE/HE Link Programme (Undergraduate) Modified Course: BA in Management (Link) The programme and course were approved. School of Mathematical & Computer Sciences BSc Actuarial Science (previously known as Actuarial, Mathematics and Statistics) BSc Statistical Modelling (previously Known as BSc Statistics) BSc Financial Mathematics The courses were originally submitted to the Committee in January 2008 but were not approved. Revised documentation was presented to the Committee for consideration. It was noted that for students who opted to study in Melbourne for one year, the BSc Actuarial Science course offered a 15 credit project module in semester 1 of stage 3 and a further project module in semester 2 of stage 4. The Committee agreed that due to the arrangement of the year abroad placement it was pragmatic to split the project module across two stages and consequently approved an exception to the regulatory requirements to deliver a 30 credit research project. The paperwork required some revision which would be reported to the School by the Clerk. The documentation required a signature from the School of Management & Languages. The proposals were not approved. The School was requested to submit revised documentation for consideration by the Chair on behalf of the Committee, with a view to formal approval. / MACS MACS Modified Programme: Mathematics Modified Course: BSc (Hons) Mathematics The course offered a 15 credit project preparation module in semester 1 of stage 3 and a project module in semester 2 of stage 4. The University regulations require the completion of a project or dissertation of at least 30 credits. It was noted that prior to the approval of the specific regulation the School of Mathematics & Computer Sciences had consistently made the Committee and other University forums aware that this would pose a problem to Mathematics courses. The Undergraduate Studies Committee is empowered to give exemptions on a case-by-case basis and invited the School to provide a pedagogical reason for having to provide a 15 credit project module. The Committee also requested sight of the two module descriptors as background contextual information. The paperwork required some revision which would be reported to the School by the Clerk. MACS The proposals were not approved. The School was requested to submit to the next meeting of the Committee: i. Revised documentation (in liaison with the Clerk); ii. A clear pedagogical justification for the requirement to deliver a 15 credit project module. MACS 8

9 22 MODIFICATIONS TO COURSE(S) FOR APPROVAL The following course modification, to take effect from April 2008, was considered by the Committee. School of Mathematical and Computer Sciences 22.1 Modified Course: BSc (Hons) Mathematics Statistical and Actuarial Science Modifications to the course which included changes to stage 1, term 3: changing module C310C from mandatory to optional and introducing the elective module C21OC. The proposals were approved with effect from April SCHEDULE OF RAY SUBMISSIONS (USC/08/14) The Committee received an updated schedule of programme and course submissions in preparation for RAY. 24 APPOINTMENT OF EXTERNAL EXAMINERS (USC/08/15) The Committee considered and approved the following appointment as outlined in paper USC/08/15. Prof D Bustard It was noted that the School was seeking retrospective approval for the appointment. The Chair would contact the Head of School to inform that it was not acceptable to submit retrospective applications, especially when individuals have commenced their duties. Such circumstances could place the Committee in a difficult situation should it ever feel the need to reject an application. JWS 25 STUDENT APPEALS TO THE UNDERGRADUATE STUDIES COMMITTEE (USC/08/17) The Convener, acting on behalf of the Committee (and in liaison with the Sub Group), had considered and made decisions on appeals submitted by students, as outlined in paper USC/08/ ANY OTHER BUSINESS None. 27 DATE OF NEXT MEETING Tuesday 22 April 2008 in the Court Room, Lord Balerno Building, Edinburgh Campus, at 2.15pm. Items for the agenda, papers and apologies should be submitted to the Clerk no later than Tuesday 8 April H Crosby Clerk 17 Mar 08 i Electrical and Electronic Engineering (MEng, BEng Hons) Electrical and Electronic Engineering - Real-time Control and Robotics (BEng Hons) Electical and Electronic Engineering - Microwave and Photonics Engineering (BEng Hons) Electrical and Electronic Engineering - Mobile and Digital Communication (BEng Hons) Electrical and Electronic Egineering - Computer and Internet Engineering (BEng Hons) Electrical and Electronic Engineering - Sustainable Energy Systems (BEng Hons) Computing and Electronics (MEng, BEng Hons) Information Systems Engineering (BEng Hons) Electronic and Photonics Engineering (MEng, BEng Hons) Electronic Engineering with Imagery Science and Technology MEng, BEng (Hons) Electronic and Electrical Engineering (Dubai) (BEng Hons) 9

10 ii iii iv v MChem (Hons) in Chemistry MChem (Hons) in Chemistry with Materials MChem (Hons) in Chemistry with Computer Science MChem (Hons) in Chemistry with a European Language MChem (Hons) in Chemistry with Biochemistry MChem (Hons) in Chemistry with Pharmaceutical Chemistry MChem (Hons) in Chemistry with a year in Australia MChem (Hons) in Chemistry with Management MChem (Hons) in Chemistry with a Year in North America MChem (Hons) in Chemistry with a year in Europe MChem (Hons) in Chemistry with a Professional Education MChem (Hons) in Chemistry with a Forensic Science MChem (Hons) in Chemistry with Industrial Experience MChem (Hons) in Chemistry with Nanotechnology BSc (Hons) in Chemistry BSc (Hons) in Chemistry with Materials BSc (Hons) in Chemistry with Computer Science BSc (Hons) in Chemistry Biochemistry BSc (Hons) in Chemistry with Pharmaceutical Chemistry BSc (Hons) in Chemistry with Environmental Economics BSc (Hons) in Chemistry with a year in Australia BSc (Hons) in Chemistry with Management BSc (Ord) in Chemistry BSc (Ord) with Chemistry as Main Subject BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering BEng (Ord) Mechanical Engineering MEng Mechanical Engineering BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering and Diploma in Industrial Training MEng Mechanical Engineering and Diploma in Indutrial Training BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering (Dubai) BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering and Energy Engineering BEng (Ord) Mechanical Engineering and Energy Engineering MEng Mechanical Engineering and Energy Engineering BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering and Energy Engineering and Diploma in Industrial Training MEng Mechanical Engineering and Energy Engineering and Diploma in Industrial Training BEng (Hons) Automative Engineering BEng (Ord) Automative Engineering BEng (Hons) Automative Engineering and Diploma in Industrial Training BEng (Hons) Robotics and Cybertronics BEng (Ord) Robotics and Cybertronics MEng Robotics and Cybertronics BEng (Hons) Robotics and Cybertronics and Diploma in Industrial Training MEng Robotics and Cybertronics and Diploma in Industrial Training BSc (Hons) Engineering and Management BSc (Ord) Engineering and Management BSc (Hons) Intergrated Product Design BSC (Ord) Integrated Product Design BEng Chemical Engineering BEng Chemical Engineering and Diploma in Industrial Training MEng Chemical Engineering with Energy Engineering MEng Chemical Engineering with Energy Engineering and Diploma in Industrial Training MEng Chemical Engineering with Pharmaceutical Chemistry Meng Chemistry Engineering with Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Diploma in Industrial Training MEng Chemical Engineering with Oil and Gas Technology MEng Chemical Engineering with Oil and Gas Technology and Diploma in Industrial Training MEng Chemical Engineering MEng Chemical Engineering and Diploma in Industrial Training MPhys Physics BSc (Hons) Physics MPhys Computational Physics BSc (Hons) Computational Physics MPhys Engineering Physics BSc (Hons) Engineering Physics MPhys Photonics and Lasers BSc (Hons) Photonics and Lasers MPhys Mathematical Physics 10

11 BSc (Hons) Mathematical Physics MPhys Nanoscience BSc (Hons) Nanoscience MPhys Physics with Electronic Engineering BSc (Hons) Physics with Electronic Engineering MPhys Energy Science and Technology BSc (Hons) Energy Science and Technology BSc (Hons) Physics with Environmental Science BSc (Hons) Physics with professional Education BSc (Hons) Physics with Education MPhys in Physical Science BSc (Hons) in Physical Science MPhys Optoelectronics and Laser vi BSc (Hons) Combined Studies BSc Combined Studies BSc Combined Studies (General Scinece) BSc Combined Studies (General Engineering) BSc Combined Studies (General Degree) BEng in Engineering MEng in Engineering BA (Hons) in Combined Studies BA Combined Studies BA Combined Studies (General Degree) 11