UNIVERSITY OF ABERDEEN SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING UNDERGRADUATE STUDENT HANDBOOK 2014-2015 Booklet revised as at 19.05.15. Updates will be posted on School of Engineering website.
CONTENTS PARAGRAPH NUMBER PAGE NUMBER INTRODUCTION 1 AIM OF THE PROGRAMMES 4 2 PERSONAL TUTORS/STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES 5 3 DEGREE STRUCTURE 6 4 INSTITUTIONAL POLICIES 6 5 STUDENT PROGRESS 14 6 EXAMINATIONS AND ASSESSMENT 16 7 SELF CERTIFICATION, MEDICAL CAUSE OR GOOD CAUSE APPLICATIONS 17 8 DEGREE OF MASTER OF ENGINEERING 18 9 DEGREE OF BACHELOR OF ENGINEERING 24 10 DEGREE OF BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN ENGINEERING 27 11 SUPPLEMENTARY REGULATIONS FOR THE INTERNATIONAL FOUNDATION 29 PROGRAMME 12 MAKING CHANGES TO YOUR PROGRAMME OF STUDY 30 13 POLICY ON STUDENTS WORK AFFECTED BY THEIR UNDERTAKING 31 14 STUDENT REPRESENTATION 31 15 LIBRARY 32 APPENDICES I. LEARNING OUTCOMES OF BEng AND MEng PROGRAMMES p.34 II. STRUCTURE OF ACADEMIC YEAR & WEEK NUMBERS p.35 III. COMMON GRADING SCALE p.37 IV. COMMON GRADING SCALE AND ENGINEERING PERCENTAGE MAPPING p.38 V. HONOURS CLASSIFICATIONS GRADE SPECTRUM & ELEMENTS p.41 OF ASSESSMENT FOR HONOURS CLASSIFICATION VI. CODE OF PRACTICE ON CONTINUOUS ASSESSMENT p.76 VII. SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING STAFF-STUDENT LIAISON COMMITTEE p.77 CONSTITUTION VIII. STAFF: p.79 Full-Time Members of School Administrative and Secretarial Erasmus Co-ordinator, Admission Selector IX APPROVED CALCULATOR IN EXAMINATIONS p.80
INTRODUCTION The School of Engineering is one of the constituents of the College of Physical Sciences, one of three Colleges in the University structure. The day-to-day administration of matters relating to your registration, degree programme and student record is undertaken by your Registry Officer. Your Registry Officer is responsible for details of your registration arrangements, and will also correspond with you throughout the year, as required, in regard to your attendance and academic progress. If you have any queries at any time throughout the year in regard to your registration, degree programme, student record or progress (including personal difficulties affecting your study), please do not hesitate to contact:- Melanie Viney Registry Officer (Engineering), Registry Student Services The Hub Elphinstone Road King s College Old Aberdeen, AB24 3TU Telephone 01224-273505 or just dial extension 3505 if telephoning internally E-mail engineeringregistryofficer@abdn.ac.uk Further, the Info Hub offers a Duty Registry Officer service, available from 10:00am to 4:00pm Monday to Thursdays, and 10:30am to 4:00pm on Fridays. You are welcome to drop in to the Info Hub at any time during these hours and see the Registry Officer on duty. 3
1. AIM OF THE PROGRAMMES The aim of the School of Engineering is to provide a distinctive, high-quality research driven experience for all of our students and to foster in our students reasoning, communication, entrepreneurial and analytical skills that will enable them to adapt to change throughout their lives. The detailed aims and benchmarks of the degrees are laid out in Appendix I. Broadly speaking, the aims and objectives of all our programmes are as follows. Aims To educate students to the highest standards, and encourage in them the enterprise competencies of innovative and independent thinking. Learning Outcomes Students will: Acquire the necessary engineering knowledge, understanding and skills for a successful professional career in industry or research; Acquire the necessary practical and intellectual skills so that they are able to identify and apply relevant quantitative methods and computer software to the analysis of engineering problems, and design and conduct experiments for understanding the performance of engineering systems; Develop transferrable and personal skills so that they are able to work effectively both individually and as part of a group to successfully implement engineering projects and communicate findings to a wide audience; Appreciate and understand the social, health and safety, sustainability and environmental constraints associated with their chosen engineering discipline, as well as the role of engineers in society; Graduate with increased depth of knowledge and understanding of their chosen engineering discipline so that they are able to apply them effectively to the development and implementation of complex engineering projects (MEng); and Develop imaginative, creative, innovative, management and leadership skills so that they are ready soon after graduation to take up a position of technical leadership with full appreciation of commercial and industrial constraints in the development of new technologies (MEng). All the undergraduate Engineering programmes are available on the web at: A Note About Courses http://www.abdn.ac.uk/registry/calendar Courses taken within the School of Engineering will consist of any combination of lectures, tutorials, and design or laboratory sessions. Attendance is expected at all classes (see Section 6 on Class Certificates for further information). Note that all tutorial questions must be attempted prior to the tutorial rather than during it. The purpose of the tutorial sessions is to discuss any problems you may have had with the work, and for you to be able to ask for feedback on your progress. 4
2. PERSONAL TUTORS/STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES 2.1 Personal Tutors Information for Engineering Students Each student on joining the School will also be allocated a Personal Tutor. Your tutor will meet with you several times throughout each year of study, possibly individually, possibly in groups. The role of the tutor is to provide pastoral support, and to guide you towards others who might be able to help you. The tutor will also work with you in ensuring that you gain as much as you can from your time at the university in terms of achieving graduate attributes, pursuing co-curricular opportunities, reviewing and learning from feedback, exam preparation and considering your career, including providing references. A structured programme is provided, yet students should take a proactive approach in engaging with the opportunities it provides. The Senior Personal Tutor in the School of Engineering is Dr John Cavanagh. If you have significant concerns about the manner in which the Personal Tutor system is progressing for you, please contact him on j.cavanagh@abdn.ac.uk. 2.2 Student Support Services This is the umbrella organisation for various areas: University Counselling Service; University Chaplaincy; Wardennial staff and the Student Advice and Support Office. The latter office has staff including the Student Support Officer, the Disability Adviser, the International Students Adviser, and the Student Support Adviser. Further details about Student Support Services can be found at: http://www.abdn.ac.uk/student-support/index.php 2.3 Student Learning Service If, at any stage of your academic career, you wish to enhance your study skills effective listening and reading, note taking, assignment/essay writing, presentation skills, exam preparation etc. you can meet with an Academic Skills Adviser to discuss such concerns and develop a plan of action. Further details can be found at: http://www.abdn.ac.uk/sls 2.4 Procedures Relating to Students with Disabilities If you have a disability such as a hearing or visual impairment, dyslexia or any other condition which may affect your studies or your performance in continuously assessed work and in examinations, you should notify the Disability Adviser (tel +44 (0)1224 273935, e-mail: student.disability@abdn.ac.uk) at the earliest opportunity. You may also contact the School s Disability Co-ordinator, Dr Srinivas Sriramula, email s.sriramula@abdn.ac.uk. Documentary evidence of any arrangements to support you in your studies and any medical evidence you provide will be filed under confidential cover in Student Support Services. A form indicating the provisions you require will be circulated to the relevant Schools/Departments in which you will be studying but will also be treated confidentially. Students with dyslexia must submit an assessment that has been carried out within the last two years. Assessments can be arranged through Student Support Services. It is University policy to take specific disabilities into account when assessing students performance. The onus is, however, on students to notify the University of such difficulties at the earliest opportunity. Please contact the Disability Adviser in the first instance. If you have a disability and are sponsored by the SAAS or an LEA, you may be eligible for a Disabled Students Allowance. The Allowance is intended to cover extra expenditure incurred because of needs arising from your disability, for example, special equipment. Details of this allowance can be obtained from the Disability Adviser, who will also be glad to answer any other query regarding disabilities and support arrangements. 2.5 Student Accommodation If you wish information or need advice on living in Halls of Residence contact the Accommodation Office by dropping into the Info Hub or via http://www.abdn.ac.uk/accommodation 5
3. DEGREE STRUCTURE 3.1 The Academic Year (see Appendix II) Term dates for Academic Year 2014-2015 can be accessed at: http://www.abdn.ac.uk/infohub/study/term-dates.php The academic year is divided into two half-sessions. Most courses are of one half-session s duration and comprise eleven teaching weeks, followed first by a revision week and then by an assessment period. Apart from those courses which are specifically described in the Course Catalogue as yearlong, all courses taught during the first half-session are assessed in December (weeks 22 and 23), courses in the second half-session are assessed in May (weeks 43 to 45). There is a further opportunity of assessment for all non-honours courses (the resit diet ) in July. 3.2 Course Choice and Degree Structure In order to be eligible to graduate, you must earn a minimum number of credits overall, with more detailed requirements at each level (see the Supplementary Regulations for the Degrees in Engineering). You cannot simply choose any courses you like in order to make up your degree. Each degree has a specific programme of study that has been carefully thought out. Degree programmes normally consist of compulsory courses, some choice between set options and some completely free choice. For information on courses available, please consult the Catalogue of Courses which is on the worldwide web at: http://www.abdn.ac.uk/registry/courses/ The University Calendar which contains all degree regulations and the prescriptions for all degrees offered by the University can be accessed on the world-wide web at the web address below. http://www.abdn.ac.uk/registry/calendar/ 4. INSTITUTIONAL POLICIES Students are asked to make themselves familiar with the information on key institutional policies which have been made available within MyAberdeen: https://abdn.blackboard.com/bbcswebdav/institution/policies These policies are relevant to all students and will be useful to you throughout your studies. They contain important information and address issues such as what to do if you are absent, how to raise an appeal or a complaint and how seriously the University takes your feedback. These institutional policies should be read in conjunction with this programme and/or course handbook, in which School and College specific policies are detailed. Further information can be found on the University s Infohub webpage or by visiting the Infohub. The information included in the institutional area for 2014/15 includes the following: Absence Academic Appeals & Complaints Common Grading Scale Codes of Practice on Student Discipline (Academic and Non-Academic) Class Certificates Transcripts MyAberdeen TurnitinUK Feedback Framework Communication 6
Aberdeen Graduate Attributes The Co-Curriculum 4.1 Absence The University places a high value on the health and wellbeing of all its students. The University is keen to ensure that appropriate arrangements are in place to maximise the welfare of students but also to limit the consequences for students when genuine absences do occur. The University s policy on requiring a medical or self-certificate for absence on medical grounds or other good cause can be found at: www.abdn.ac.uk/staffnet/teaching/aqh/appendix7x5.pdf You are strongly advised to make yourself fully aware of your responsibilities if absent due to illness or other good cause. In particular, you are asked to note when self-certification of absence is permitted or if you are required to submit a medical certificate. All absences (medical or otherwise) should be reported through MyAberdeen, where you can access a student absence form for completion. MyAberdeen will allow you to upload any required supporting documentation, such as a medical certificate. The University expects that you will normally attend all classes. Some teaching sessions (e.g. tutorials, seminars and laboratories) are compulsory. You are required to attend all examinations that contribute to summative assessment. Please familiarise yourself with the University s absence policy available at: 4.2 Academic Appeals & Complaints www.abdn.ac.uk/ staffnet/teaching/aqh/appendix7x5.pdf The University operates a Policy on Academic Appeals and a Complaints Handling Procedure, providing frameworks through which you can formalise any concerns you may have about aspects of your academic or non-academic experience. These processes have been designed to ensure that lodging an appeal or a complaint is accessible and simple and that robust, fair mechanisms exist for their consideration. A major feature of both processes is the emphasis placed on early or informal resolution. You should note that there is an expectation under both processes that you will take responsibility for seeking resolution of any academic or non-academic concerns they may have. You are encouraged to do this by raising and discussing them at the earliest possible stage with the relevant individuals in an academic school or administrative service. Further information on both processes and the steps to take should you wish to pursue an academic appeal or a complaint can be found here: http://www.abdn.ac.uk/infohub/study/appeals-and-complaints-procedures.php Both policies are also available in the Academic Quality Handbook. 4.3 Common Grading Scale CGS and Classification from September 2014: Undergraduate levels 1-3 The University s Common Grading Scale (CGS) provides a common, alpha-numeric marking scale which is used across the University. This enables students to compare their performance in different disciplines and courses and ensures consistency in assessment. 7
Grade Band Descriptor Honours Class Grade Point A1, A2, A3, A4, A5 Excellent First 22, 21, 20, 19, 18 B1, B2, B3 Very Good Upper Second 17,16,15 C1, C2, C3 Good Lower Second 14, 13, 12 D1, D2, D3 Pass Third 11, 10, 9 (pass grade = D3) E1, E2, E3 Marginal Fail Below Third Class 8,7,6 Honours F1, F2, F3 Fail Below Third Class 5,4,3 G1, G2, G3 Fail, Token, or no Submission Honours Below Third Class Honours The Scale comprises 23 discrete Grades grouped into seven Bands with an associated Grade Point for each grade. These Grade Points are used for the purposes of aggregation to (i) determine the overall course mark from a number of components (e.g. end of course exam and essay mark) and (ii) determine overall honours degree classification. Each band has associated Descriptors; in looking at the Grade received, students should refer to these descriptors to help them understand their Grade. 2,1,0 The Common Grading Scale in full, with associated detailed descriptors, is available at: www.abdn.ac.uk/staffnet/teaching/common-grading-scale-2840.php NB: For students in level 2 and above, their student record and transcript will reflect both the CAS marks and CGS grades that they have received. There will be an explanatory note on transcripts regarding the change from CAS marks to CGS grades. Honours Classification Honours degree classification is determined by the calculation of an aggregate Grade Point Average (GPA). The GPA and hence the honours degree classification that should be awarded is determined by aggregating the Grade Points for each course taking account of the relative course weightings in terms of both credit and level of study. Only level 3 and above courses will count towards honours classification. Details of the GPA bands associated with each honours degree classification are provided below: Grade Point Average Degree Classification 18.0-22.0 First Class greater than 17.0, less than 18.0 Borderline First / Upper Second Class 15.0 17.0 Upper Second Class greater than 14.0, less than 15.0 Borderline Upper Second / Lower Second Class 12.0 14.0 Lower Second Class greater than 11.0, less than 12.0 Borderline Lower Second / Third Class 9.0-11.0 Third Class greater than 8.0, less than 9.0 Borderline Third Class / Fail 0 8.0 Fail Where the overall GPA for the award falls within a borderline zone, Examiners will examine the overall Grade Profile, unrounded GPA and, if applicable, any mitigating circumstances that may have impaired a student s performance in order to determine final classification. For further details please see: www.abdn.ac.uk/staffnet/teaching/ug-entering-honours-201415-onwards-2922.php Resit examinations Students who fail, or who fail to attend or complete, a course for whatever reason and who wish to be awarded credit for the relevant course will be required to resit. In order to be eligible to take a resit examination, a candidate must hold a valid class certificate. The validity of a class certificate is limited to the academic year in which it is awarded and to the academic 8
year immediately following. Students holding a valid class certificate are normally permitted a total of three opportunities of assessment within this period. CGS and Classification from September 2014: Undergraduate levels 4 and 5 The University s Common Grading Scale (CGS) provides a common, alpha-numeric marking scale which is used across the University. This enables students to compare their performance in different disciplines and courses and ensures consistency in assessment. Grade Band Descriptor Honours Class Grade Point A1, A2, A3, A4, A5 Excellent First 22, 21, 20, 19, 18 B1, B2, B3 Very Good Upper Second 17,16,15 C1, C2, C3 Good Lower Second 14, 13, 12 D1, D2, D3 Pass Third 11, 10, 9 (pass grade = D3) E1, E2, E3 Marginal Fail Below Third Class 8,7,6 Honours F1, F2, F3 Fail Below Third Class 5,4,3 G1, G2, G3 Fail, Token, or no Submission Honours Below Third Class Honours The Scale comprises 23 discrete Grades grouped into seven Bands with an associated Grade Point for each grade. These Grade Points are used for the purposes of aggregation to determine the overall course mark from a number of components (e.g. end-of-course exam and essay mark). Each band has associated Descriptors; in looking at the Grade awarded, students should refer to these descriptors to help them understand their Grade. The Common Grading Scale in full, with associated detailed descriptors, is available at www.abdn.ac.uk/staffnet/teaching/common-grading-scale- 2840.php NB: For students in level 2 and above, their student record and transcript will reflect both the CAS marks and CGS grades that they have received. There will be an explanatory note on transcripts regarding the change from CAS marks to CGS grades. 2,1,0 Honours Classification All Honours Degrees are classified using the University s Grade Spectrum, (www.abdn.ac.uk/staffnet/teaching/aqh/appendix7x4.pdf). The Grade Spectrum, an extract of which is outlined below, is used to determine degree classification on the basis of the CAS mark or CGS mark awarded for each element of Honours Degree Assessment. First: Grades at 18 or A5 or better in elements constituting half the total elements and Grades at 15 or B3 or better in elements constituting three quarters of the total elements and Normally marks at 12 or C3 or better in all elements 2i: Grades at 15 or B3 or better in elements constituting half the total elements and Grades at 12 or C3 or better in elements constituting three quarters of the total elements and 2ii: Normally marks at 9 or D3 or better in all elements Grades at 12 or C3 or better in elements constituting half the total elements and Grades at 9 or D3 or better in elements constituting three quarters of the total elements Third: Grades at 9 or D3 or better in elements constituting three quarters of the total elements. The Grade Spectrum defines the threshold standards against which the different classes of honours degree are awarded. Examiners, however, have discretion (in some circumstances) to depart from this and may choose to award a higher degree than that indicated by the Grade Spectrum. 9
Further information is available from: www.abdn.ac.uk/staffnet/teaching/ug-students-already-in-honours-prior-to-201415-2921.php Resits Students who fail, or who fail to attend or complete, a course for whatever reason and who wish to be awarded credit for the relevant course will be required to resit. In order to be eligible to take a resit examination, a candidate must hold a valid class certificate. The validity of a class certificate is limited to the academic year in which it is awarded and to the academic year immediately following. Students holding a valid class certificate are normally permitted a total of three opportunities of assessment within this period. For candidates in the final year of an Honours programme, there are three categories of exception: Candidates who achieve a Grade of E1, E2 or E3 in courses at level 4 or above taken as part of an Honours programme may be eligible for the award of compensatory level 1 credit to a maximum of 30 credit points. Such compensatory credit can only be awarded where the candidate has already achieved 90 Credit points at level 4 including passes in compulsory courses. A pass at the first attempt in certain courses may be stipulated as a requirement for achieving the award in question. Candidates who fail such a compulsory course will not be eligible to resit the course and would not be eligible to receive the Honours degree concerned. Where a candidate has achieved a Grade of F1 or below in a course at level 4 or above, they may elect, subject to having achieved 90 credit points at level 4, to take an alternative course or courses of the same credit value at a lower level to make up their credit shortfall rather than resitting the failed course(s). 4.4 Codes of Practice on Student Discipline (Academic and Non-Academic) Code of Practice on Student Discipline (Non-Academic) The University operates two codes of practice on student discipline, which set out the procedures to be followed in the case of disciplinary offences by students. These may be Academic or Non- Academic and are defined as such. Disciplinary offences are defined in academic and non-academic terms. Non-academic offences include, for instance, damaging University property. The University s Code of Practice on Student Discipline (Non-Academic) can be found at: www.abdn.ac.uk/staffnet/teaching/aqh/appendix5x15b.pdf Code of Practice on Student Discipline (Academic) Academic offences include, for instance, plagiarism. The definition of Plagiarism is the use, without adequate acknowledgement, of the intellectual work of another person in work submitted for assessment. A student cannot be found to have committed plagiarism where it can be shown that the student has taken all reasonable care to avoid representing the work of others as his or her own. The University s Code of Practice on Student Discipline (Academic) which covers issues including plagiarism can be found at: www.abdn.ac.uk/staffnet/teaching/aqh/appendix5x15a.pdf 10
4.5 Class Certificates If you attend and complete the work required for a course, you will be considered to have been awarded a Class Certificate. Being in possession of a valid Class Certificate for a course entitles you to sit the examination(s) for that course. Class certificates are valid for two years and usually permit a total of three attempts at the required assessment within the two year period i.e. the first attempt plus up to two resit examinations. Through non-attendance or a failure to submit coursework, it is possible to lose your class certificate and therefore, your right to sit an exam. You may hear this referred to as a C7. Your programme/course handbook(s) will provide further information on the attendance requirements for your programme/course. 4.6 Transcripts at Graduation Students who commenced their studies in, or after, 2009/10, will receive a more detailed transcript of their studies on graduation. The increased details will include a record of all examination results attained. For students graduating after 2012/13, transcripts will show details of all CAS marks awarded, including marks which are fails. Where a resit examination has been required as a result of medical circumstances or other good cause (MC/GC) this will not be shown, but all other circumstances (i.e. No Paper NP ) will be included. For students graduating after 2013/14, transcripts will show details of all CAS marks and CGS grades awarded, including those which are fails. There will also be an explanatory note regarding the change from CAS marks to CGS grades. Students graduating from July 2014 will receive a transcript which will include recognition of certain co-curricular activities. The University recognises student activities outside the academic curriculum which broaden knowledge, enhance career development learning and contribute to the University community. All activities enable students to develop Aberdeen Graduate Attributes. Co-curricular student roles or achievements that the University verifies and records on the transcript include: Accredited or assessed performance in non-academic contexts, e.g. the STAR (Students Taking Active Roles) Award, University of Aberdeen Internship. Other activities not formally accredited or assessed by the University, e.g. Students Association roles, Class Representatives. Institutional prizes and awards in academic and non-academic contexts. 4.7 MyAberdeen MyAberdeen is the University of Aberdeen s Virtual Learning Environment. This is where you will find learning materials and resources associated with the courses you are studying. MyAberdeen also provides direct access to TurnitinUK, an originality checking service, through which you may be asked to submit completed assignments. You can log in to MyAberdeen by going to www.abdn.ac.uk/myaberdeen and entering your University username and password (which you use to access the University network). Further information on MyAberdeen including Quick Guides, Video Tutorials, Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs), along with information about TurnitinUK, can be found in the Help tab of MyAberdeen: 11
Information about academic writing and how to avoid plagiarism can be found at: www.abdn.ac.uk/sls/online-resources/avoiding-plagiarism 4.8 TurnitinUK TurnitinUK is an online service which compares student assignments with online sources including web pages, databases of reference material, and content previously submitted by other users across the UK. The software makes no decision as to whether plagiarism has occurred; it is simply a tool which highlights sections of text that have been found in other sources thereby helping academic staff decide whether plagiarism has occurred. For most courses, TurnitinUK is accessed directly through MyAberdeen. Advice about avoiding plagiarism, the University s Definition of Plagiarism, a Checklist for Students, Referencing and Citing guidance, and instructions for TurnitinUK, can be found in the following area of the Student Learning Service website: 4.9 Feedback Framework Feedback on Assessment www.abdn.ac.uk/sls/online-resources/avoiding-plagiarism The University acknowledges that feedback on pieces of work is important and valuable to you and that it must be clear, full and helpful. FAQs, guidance and resources about feedback can be found on the University s Enhancing Feedback website at: www.abdn.ac.uk/feedback/student/ In acknowledging that effective feedback is crucial to improving student performance and to sustaining student morale, the University has developed a Feedback Framework detailing what you can expect from the University in terms of feedback. The University has also developed a website for students on feedback. Feedback and You The University also recognises the importance of enabling you to voice views on your learning experience through channels such as Student Course Evaluation Forms (SCEFs) and Class Representatives. The You Said, We Did tab in MyAberdeen provides an area for the University to respond to the feedback received from you, and to outline the actions taken by the University in response to this feedback. A key forum for student feedback is the Staff-Student Liaison Committee (SSLC). SSLCs meet at least once each half-session and aim to consider any issues arising from the previous half-session s Student Course Evaluation Form Exercise, SCEF and annual course review. Your route to provide feedback to the SSLC is via the Class representative for your course or programme or level of study. You can access the minutes of the SSLC meetings for your School(s) through the SSLC minutes tab in MyAberdeen. 12
4.10 Communication You will receive a University e-mail account when you register with the University. The University will use e-mail to communicate with you during term-time. It is your responsibility to check your email on a regular (at least weekly) basis and to tidy the contents of your email inbox. You should note that failure to check your e-mail or failure to receive an email due to being over quota or due to non-delivery of an email forwarded to a non-university email account will not be accepted as grounds for appeal. 4.11 Aberdeen Graduate Attributes Graduate Attributes are a wide-ranging set of qualities which you will develop during your time at Aberdeen in preparation for employment, further study and citizenship. There are four main areas of the Graduate Attributes: Academic excellence Critical thinking and communication Learning and personal development Active citizenship You will have many opportunities to develop and achieve these attributes. These include learning experiences on credit-bearing courses and co-curricular activities such as work placements, study abroad and volunteering. In accordance with the University s commitment to Equality and Diversity, you can request support with any aspect of the Graduate Attributes framework. The ACHIEVE website offers resources to enable you to assess and reflect upon your present skills and development needs. The website also contains resources to help you to improve your skills and links to a range of University services such as the Careers Service and the Student Learning Service. 4.12 The Co-Curriculum The co-curriculum provides opportunities for students to enhance their employability and develop and achieve Aberdeen Graduate Attributes. Co-curricular activities include: work placements, study abroad, enterprise and entrepreneurship activities, volunteering, the BP Student Tutoring Scheme, career mentoring and the STAR (Students Taking Active Roles) Award initiative. A range of approved co-curricular activities are now included on the University s graduate transcript. Co-curricular recognition via the transcript is intended to help students demonstrate their wider University learning and achievements to employers and postgraduate recruiters. A number of co-curricular activities are credit-bearing, namely: Erasmus: An exchange programme funded by the European Commission which enables students to study or work in another European country as part of their degree programme. Students receive a grant to help with extra costs while abroad and a number of our partner institutions teach through English. The University also has opportunities for students to study in a non-european country as part of their degree through the International Exchange Programme. International partners include universities and colleges in North America, Hong Kong and Japan. The University aims to ensure full academic recognition for study periods abroad, therefore the credits gained from study abroad count towards the Aberdeen degree programme for students participating in both Erasmus and the International Exchange Programme. Work placements: These can form an integral part of a degree programme and attract academic credit. Placements are available locally, nationally and internationally, lasting from a few weeks to a full year and are generally paid. Visit the Careers Service website for further placement information and to find available work placements. 13
5 STUDENT PROGRESS 5.1 Monitoring Students Progress The University operates a system for monitoring students progress to identify students who may be experiencing difficulties in a particular course and who may be at risk of losing their class certificate. Set criteria are used to determine when a student should be reported via the monitoring system. You will be reported through the monitoring system: either (i) if you are absent from two tutorials or other small group sessions (such as labs) without good cause being reported; or (ii) if you fail to submit a piece of summative (e.g. class test) or a substantial piece of formative (e.g. essay, presentation) in-course assessment by the stated deadline. If the School has concerns about your attendance and/or performance, the Registry will be informed and you will be issued with a C6. The Registry will then email you to ask you to contact the School in the first instance. If you fail to respond within the prescribed timescale (as set out in the email), your Class Certificate(s) for the course(s) concerned will be refused (this shows as a C7 in your Student Portal). This means that you have been formally withdrawn from this/these course(s). You will no longer have access to the course materials available through MyAberdeen and will not be eligible for the degree examinations or assessments (including resit examinations and reassessments) for the course(s) concerned. As a result you may have to re-take the whole course(s) in the next academic year, if it is permitted. If you wish to discuss your situation and try to have the refusal overturned, you should contact the Head of School, via the School Office, as soon as possible and no later than 8 days from the date of the email you receive. Unless your class certificate is reinstated on to the course by the Head of School you will not receive marks for the assessment or credit points for completing the course. 5.2 Degree Examinations (i) (ii) The degree examination is the concluding examination of most law courses (for Honours see below). It is a Pass in this examination which normally certifies that a student has successfully completed a course and that its credit point value may now be counted towards the total number of credit points required for the award of the degree. For credit accumulation and values see Supplementary Regulations 2 and 3 for the Degrees in Law (as printed in the University Calendar). For each degree examination there are internal examiners and an external examiner. The internal examiners are the lecturers who have taught the course, and the external examiner is an expert in the subject from outside the University, either an academic or someone in legal practice. The role of the external examiner is to ensure that standards of marking are fair, and in particular, to adjudicate on borderline or difficult cases. In order to obtain a Pass in a degree examination a student has to obtain at least a mark of D3 on the Common Grading Scale. The mark is the numerical expression of an assessment, not a mathematically derived figure. Consequently, the final assessment of a paper is not a simple average of marks of the separate questions, but an assessment of that paper as a whole, that decision being taken by the external and internal examiners. Students who fail to attend without good cause (see section 7) will automatically be awarded a result of No Paper. For the marking scales and Guidance Note see Appendix III. (iii) Merit certificates will be awarded to those who achieve a high standard in the appropriate assessment in non-honours courses. A First Class Merit Certificate will be awarded to those obtaining an A Grade on the Common Grading Scale (see Appendix III), and a Second Class Merit Certificate to those obtaining a B Grade. Merit Certificates are not physically issued, but are noted on a student s academic transcript, available from the University Registry upon completion of their studies. Class Prizes are awarded in many subjects; details can be found in the University Calendar. 14
(iv) (v) (vi) (vii) If a student fails to secure a Pass in the first degree examination in a particular non-honours course, whether that degree examination took place in December or May, there is an opportunity to re-sit the examination in June/July. Students must register for resits with the University Registry. A resit fee is payable unless the reason for failure is recorded as Good Cause or Medical Certificate. University policy is that all class and degree exam marks are to be disclosed to students. In the case of level 4 courses taking place in the first half-session, the mark disclosed may be provisional and subject to alteration by the external examiners at the end of the academic year. Marks are made available on Student Portals (http://www.abdn.ac.uk/studentportal) as they are not confirmed by Schools/Departments and are not obtainable from Course Coordinators or Personal Tutors. University policy is that all class and degree exam course marks are to be disclosed to students. In the case of level 4 and 5 courses taking place in the first half-session, the mark disclosed may be provisional and subject to alteration by the external examiners at the end of the academic year. Course marks are made available on Student Portals (http://www.abdn.ac.uk/studentportal) as they are confirmed by Schools/Departments and are not obtainable from Course Co-ordinators or Personal Tutors. Assessment marks however, in line with the University s policy on feedback, will be communicated to you via MyAberdeen or email from the School. Passes in degree examinations and their credit points are important in determining whether a student will be permitted to proceed to the next year of the degree programme. The Supplementary Regulations for the Degrees in Engineering provide that a student must obtain at least 105 credit points (120 credit points for the Master of Engineering degree) in order to proceed from programme year 1 to programme year 2 and 240 credit points to proceed from programme year 2 to 3. A student needs 240 credit points including all compulsory courses at the end of year 2 for entry to Honours. General Regulation 17.1 requires that students must achieve: (a) (b) (c) a total of 120 credit points within 4 half sessions of full-time study or the equivalent from their first entry to programme year 1 of the degree for which they are currently registered; 240 credit points within 4 half sessions of full-time study or the equivalent from their first entry to programme year 2 of the degree for which they are currently registered, and the non-honours requirements within 4 half sessions or their equivalent from their first entry to programme year 3 of the degree for which they are currently registered. 5.3 Premature Termination of Studies (i) (ii) The third stage at which progress and performance is monitored is designed to permit the termination of studies of extremely unsatisfactory students at any stage before the completion of the academic year. Regulation 18 of the General Regulations for First Degrees gives the Senatus Academicus power, to terminate, during the session, the studies of candidates who persistently fail to attend, or perform the required work of, the course for which they are registered. This regulation is aimed primarily at the student who, having matriculated and registered for classes, is not prepared to attend classes or perform the other required work of the class. The studies of such a student may be terminated at any time during the course of the session. It must be stressed that this rarely exercised power is not intended to operate in the case of a student who is genuinely attempting to perform the work of the class, but is experiencing difficulty in coping with it. 15
6. EXAMINATIONS AND ASSESSMENTS 6.1 Entry for Examinations If you are registered for, and attending, a course for the first time, you will automatically be entered for your first attempt at the degree exam there is no need for you to take any further action in that respect. If, however, you have to re-sit an exam either at a second diet of examinations in the same session, or at a diet in a later session you have formally to enter for that exam, by filling in a form and paying the appropriate exam fee. If you withdraw from your studies, and decided to sit exams as an external candidate, you have again to register for those exams, and pay the appropriate fees which include a registration fee. Information on resit examinations, and procedures for applying are available through the Info Hub. 6.2 Attention is drawn in particular to the following rules for the conduct of examinations: Candidates will not be admitted to an examination hall after the examination has been in progress for thirty minutes. Candidates will not be permitted to leave during the first thirty minutes and the last thirty minutes of their examination. (i) (ii) Candidates must bring their student identity cards to the examination. Candidates may not take any materials into an examination hall unless it has previously been advertised by the School/Department and it is stated in the rubric to the question paper that such material may be used. 6.3 Cheating and Plagiarism The rules approved by the University for the conduct of examinations are set out in a separate document entitled Rules for the Conduct of Written Examinations for Degrees and Diplomas which can be found at: http://www.abdn.ac.uk/staffnet/teaching/aqh/appendix7x1.pdf Where there is reason to believe that cheating in a prescribed degree assessment has occurred this will be dealt with in accordance with the Code of Practice on Student Discipline, which can be found at: http://www.abdn.ac.uk/staffnet/teaching/aqh/appendix5x15a.pdf The Senate approved definition of Plagiarism is the use, without adequate acknowledgement, of the intellectual work of another person in work submitted for assessment. A student cannot be found to have committed plagiarism where it can be shown that the student has taken all reasonable care to avoid representing the work of others as his or her own. 6.4 Examination Results Examination results are made available on Student Portals as they are confirmed by Schools/Departments (http://www.abdn.ac.uk/studentportal). They are not available from Course Coordinators, Office Staff or Personal Tutors before then. 16
7 SELF CERTIFICATION, MEDICAL CAUSE OR GOOD CAUSE APPLICATIONS The School s policy is that examinations are marked by the Internal Examiner without reference to Medical Certificates or extenuating circumstances. Once the marking process is complete, such matters are considered and decisions made to allow Medical Cause (MC) or Good Cause (GC) as appropriate. Where an MC or GC is permitted the student is allowed a further opportunity to take the assessment. In the case where the retaken assessment is at Honours level, it will be considered as a first attempt. In all instances at every level, such occurrences may affect student progression and graduation. School approval of such circumstances will only result in marks being set aside altogether with Good Cause or Medical Cause. If candidates believe that illness and/or other personal circumstances may have affected their performance in an examination, or they have been unable to attend an examination, they must submit details through MyAberdeen Absence Reporting on the day of the exam and certainly no later than three days following the date of which they were expected to appear for the exam concerned. This is as per the University s Policy and Procedure of Student Absence (http://www.abdn.ac.uk/staffnet/teaching/aqh/appendix7x5.pdf) and the University s Aberdeen Assessment and Examination Policies and Practices: Taught Courses and Programmes (http://www.abdn.ac.uk/staffnet/teaching/aqh/section7.pdf, section 7.10.1) Please note that, subject to the advice below, the three day time limit will be strictly applied. Examination rules are available on the University s website at: http://www.abdn.ac.uk/staffnet/teaching/aqh/appendix7x1.pdf In order to comply with this policy, you are advised of the following procedure: 7.1 Self Certification, Medical Circumstances or Good Cause For Students and Courses at Levels 1 and 2: If illness, injury, or any other condition prevents you from sitting an examination or, having taken the exam, you consider that it may have detrimentally affected your performance, you must: i) Complete the relevant aspects of the Absence Form in MyAberdeen (https://abdn.blackboard.com/). ii) Immediately prior to or following the exam concerned, advise the School Office and the relevant course coordinator(s) that an application will be forthcoming. The time limit will be strictly applied and will be waived only if a student is able to demonstrate that, as a direct consequence of the nature of their condition, it was not reasonably practicable for them to submit the required documentation within three days. Your email should be copied to the appropriate School Secretary (Level 1 students; Avril Rossiter, Level 2 students, Amanda Rae) and sent to engineering@abdn.ac.uk. You should be aware that if you fail to follow this procedure, there is a risk that the relevant circumstances may not be taken into account. 7.2 For Students and Courses at Levels 3, 4 and 5: If illness, injury, or any other condition prevents you from sitting an examination or, having taken the exam, you consider that it may have detrimentally affected your performance, you must: i) Complete the relevant aspects of the Absence Form in MyAberdeen (https://abdn.blackboard.com/) and ensure you attach evidence of your circumstances. If you do not have evidence within three days of your exam, please input the form and indicate evidence is forthcoming. Please note that your application will not be processed without the evidence. ii) Immediately prior to or following the exam concerned, you advise the School Office and the relevant course coordinator(s) that an application will be forthcoming. 17
The time limit will be strictly applied and will be waived only if a student is able to demonstrate that, as a direct consequence of the nature of their condition, it was not reasonably practicable for them to submit the required documentation within three days. Your email should be sent to engineering@abdn.ac.uk. You should be aware that if you fail to follow this procedure, there is a risk that the relevant circumstances may not be taken into account. If you require any further advice, please do not hesitate to contact the School Office or Registry Officer for the School of Engineering for information. You are strongly advised to make yourself fully aware of your responsibilities if absent due to illness or other good cause. 8. DEGREE OF MASTER OF ENGINEERING RESOLUTION The degree of Master of Engineering (MEng) is conferred in accordance with Resolution No. 183 of 1995, which was approved by the University Court and came into force on 12 December 1995. REGULATIONS 1. The Degree of Master of Engineering (MEng) may be conferred as a first degree but only following the completion of an Honours programme. The examiners may recommend that a candidate who has failed to achieve the standard for the award of the Degree with Honours be awarded the Degree of Bachelor of Engineering, or the Degree of Bachelor of Science in Engineering, in accordance with the Supplementary Regulations governing those degrees. 2. Studies for the MEng are organised in five programme years. A full-time student carries out the studies of each programme year within one session. In each programme year the minimum curriculum which must be studied amounts to 120 credit points. Programme years one and two may be undertaken by part-time study, in which case the studies of each of those programme years would normally be spread over two sessions. 3. The courses for the degree are those contained in the Programme Prescription annexed to these regulations; only passes in those courses are recognised for the purpose of these regulations and the award of the degree. Passes obtained under previous versions of the Programme Prescriptions will continue to be valid. 4. All candidates who are admitted to the degree or to the Honours programme must be registered for one of the following degree programmes: Engineering Chemical Engineering Civil and Environmental Engineering Civil and Structural Engineering Civil Engineering Civil Engineering with Management Civil Engineering with Subsea Technologies Electrical and Electronic Engineering Electrical and Electronic Engineering with European Studies Mechanical and Electrical Engineering Mechanical Engineering Mechanical Engineering with European Studies Mechanical Engineering with Management Mechanical Engineering with Subsea Technologies Petroleum Engineering The requirements of the individual degree programmes are set out in the Programme Prescriptions. The Professional Engineering Institutions, in accrediting the degree programme for registration and membership purposes, have accepted the degree programmes as indicated in the Programme Prescriptions. 18
5. The Honours programme of the degree comprises programme years 3, 4 and 5. 6.1 In the case of exemption being granted by the Senatus Academicus, where a candidate is seeking study abroad, the period of study at the University of Aberdeen must be at least four sessions full-time, or the equivalent if part-time study is involved. Study abroad may only be undertaken on presentation of a curriculum of study approved by the Admissions Selector. In the case of candidates who do not follow and achieve the approved curriculum, they will be required to repeat their programme year. 6.2 In the case of exemption being granted by the Senatus Academicus, where a candidate is permitted to enter the programme at the beginning of Level 2, the minimum period of study must be not less than four full-time sessions, or the part-time equivalent. 6.3 In the case of exemption being granted by the Senatus Academicus, where a candidate is permitted to enter the programme at the beginning of Level 3, the minimum period of study must be not less than three full-time sessions, or the part-time equivalent. 6.4 In cases where the Senatus Academicus has approved arrangements made with other specific institutions for Honours projects abroad, candidates may attend courses taken at one of these institutions and these courses may be regarded as part of the Honours programmes. Such courses may not contribute more than one half session of the Honours programme. Such courses may NOT be taken at level 1 for any candidate. Such courses may not be taken at level 2 for any candidate entering the programme at the beginning of level 2. 7. Credit points awarded as part of studies in programme years 1, 2, 3 and 4 of the BEng degree at the University of Aberdeen may be recognised for the purposes of the MEng degree. 8.1 In terms of General Regulation for First Degrees 16.1, except with the permission of the Senatus Academicus, candidates may not progress from programme year 1 to programme year 2 unless they have accumulated by award or recognition, at least 120 credit points, and passed all courses prescribed for their particular degree programme. 8.2 In terms of General Regulations for First Degrees 16.1 and 16.4, except with the permission of the Senatus Academicus, candidates may not proceed to the Honours programme unless they have accumulated by award or recognition, at least 240 credit points and passed all courses prescribed for their particular degree programme. 8.3 In terms of General Regulations for First Degrees 16.3, candidates who do not satisfy the progression requirements in 8.1 or 8.2 above, and who wish to continue study, will normally be required by the Senatus Academicus to transfer to the appropriate programme year of either the Degree of Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) or the Degree of Bachelor of Science in Engineering (BSc Eng), in accordance with the Supplementary Regulations which govern those degrees. 9.1 In terms of General Regulations for First Degrees 16.1(f) and 16.4, except with the permission of the Senatus Academicus, candidates may not progress from programme year 3 to programme year 4 unless they have accumulated by award of recognition, at least 360 credit points from courses attended and passed all courses prescribed for their particular degree programme. (i) Candidates who have achieved the required credit points but not reached the required standard of performance, but who are given the permission of the Senatus Academicus to progress from programme year 3 to programme year 4, will do so provisionally, and the situation will be reviewed following receipt of results for the first half session. 9.2 In terms of General Regulations for First Degrees 16.1(f) and 16.4, except with the permission of the Senatus Academicus, candidates may not progress from programme year 4 to programme year 5 unless they have accumulated by award of recognition, at least 480 credit points and passed all courses prescribed for their particular degree programme. 19
9.3 Every candidate for the Degree of Master of Engineering first enrolled in or after Academic year 1990-1991 must obtain a minimum of 600 credit points, including 120 at Level 5, and including passes at first attempt in Individual Project or Individual Project Abroad, and all required courses as stipulated by Annex A. 9.4 The situation of students who are in programme year 3 will be reviewed following receipt of the results for the second half-session. The situation of students who are in programme year 4 will be reviewed following receipt of the results for the first and second half-session. Those students deemed by the Head of Engineering not to have reached a sufficiently high level of performance may be required to transfer to the Degree of Bachelor of Engineering or the Degree of Bachelor of Science in Engineering. The level of performance which will be expected by the Head of Engineering will be made publicly available to students in the School of Engineering Undergraduate Student Handbook. 10. In determining the award of the degree, the examiners will take into account the candidate s performance in the first opportunity for the degree assessment for courses in Programme Years 3, 4 and 5, unless General Regulation 21 (a) applies. In addition, consideration may be given to the performance in such other tests and assessment of a candidate s previous work as the examiners, with the approval of the Senatus Academicus, may from time to time require. 11. In terms of General Regulations for First Degrees 21(a), MEng candidates who fail to complete satisfactorily an element of Honours degree assessment would not normally be awarded compensatory credit, as per the requirements of Supplementary Regulation 9.2. 12 Certain variants of the Master of Engineering programmes require students to pass specified compulsory course elements, as stipulated in Annex A. ANNEX A Candidates who are admitted directly into Programme Year 2 will be given exemption or recognition for all or most of the courses in Programme Year 1. Candidates who have not been given exemption or recognition will be required to register for the course(s) that they are missing. Candidates who are admitted directly into Programme Year 3 will be given exemption or recognition for all or most of the courses in Programme Years 1 & 2. Candidates who have not been given exemption or recognition will be required to register for the course(s) that they are missing. ACCREDITATION REQUIREMENTS OF SPECIALISED DEGREE PROGRAMMES Students registered for specialised programmes must pass the compulsory courses at Level 4 and Level 5 as specified below and in the programme prescription to be awarded the Degree. Failure to pass the specified courses, as per Regulation 13, will result in an inability to graduate from the specified programme. Degree of Master of Engineering in Chemical Engineering EG 40HA Chemical Reaction Engineering EG 40HC Process Control EG 5565 MEng Group Design Degree of Master of Engineering in Civil and Structural Engineering EG 40JG Advanced Structural Design EG 40JH Advanced Structural Analysis Degree of Master of Engineering in Civil and Structural Engineering with European Studies EG 40JG Advanced Structural Design EG 40JH Advanced Structural Analysis Degree of Master of Engineering in Civil and Environmental Engineering EG 40JI Environmental Engineering 20