MSc Engineering PGT Handbook 2011-12

Postgraduate Handbook for students studying on taught programmes

School of Engineering University of Aberdeen

Session 2011/2012

Please ensure you read this document carefully as it contains important information about your studies

UNIVERSITY OF ABERDEEN SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING POSTGRADUATE HANDBOOK

Session 2010/2011

i

Before You Begin

This Student Handbook aims to provide full-time taught

postgraduate students within the School of Engineering with items

of general information relevant to their programme of study.

This document consists of a number of sections and it is important

that you familiarise yourself with the content within each of them

so that you may be sufficiently prepared for carrying out your

studies at the University of Aberdeen. Please retain a copy of this

document in order that you may refer to it as necessary throughout

the year.

While we endeavour to ensure the Student Handbook covers as

wide a breadth of relevant subjects as possible, it is by no means a

comprehensive document and as such, should you have any queries

at any time relating to any aspect of the course or your studies,

please contact the School of Engineering Postgraduate Office

directly.

Academic regulations and policies will change with time, and while

the University of Aberdeen makes every effort to ensure this

Student Handbook reflects these changes there may be instances in

which this document does not reflect the most current University

policy or regulation. In such instances, when the Student Handbook

differs from that which has most recently been approved by the

University Senate or Court, the latter will prevail.

It is recommended that you read the Student

Handbook in conjunction with other

documents circulated by the University, in

particular the Academic Quality Handbook

(www.abdn.ac.uk/registry/quality). This is

a weighty document and so we would

suggest focussing you main attention on

section 5 (Student Guidance and Learner

Support).

You attention is drawn in particular to

appendix 5.3 - Code of Practice For

Postgraduate Taught Students, Programme

Co-Coordinators, Heads of School, Heads of

Graduate School And College Postgraduate

Officers which this document has been

designed to supplement rather than repeat

(www.abdn.ac.uk/registry/quality/appendi

x5x3.pdf).

You should also be aware of the general

principles set out in the Student Charter

(www.abdn.ac.uk/registry/charter.shtml).


Session 2010/2011

ii

Equality and Diversity Policy Statement

The University of Aberdeen is committed to a comprehensive policy on

Equality and Diversity for all its staff and students. This policy aims to

prevent discriminatory practices and seeks to create a culture where

staff and students can reach their full potential.

It is the Universitys policy to select and treat staff and students on the

basis of their merits only and irrespective of colour, race, nationality,

national origins, disability, sexual orientation, religion or belief, family

circumstances, political beliefs, gender, gender reassignment, trade

union membership, age or any other unfair distinction.

The University is committed to providing a learning, working and social

environment in which the rights and dignity of all its members are

respected, and which is free from discrimination, prejudice,

intimidation and all forms of harassment and bullying.

This Equality and Diversity Policy will be monitored and reviewed by

the University regularly and promoted throughout the University.

Equality and Diversity issues (including

equal opportunity issues) relating to both

staff and students are the responsibility of

the Joint Committee on Equality and

Diversity

(www.abdn.ac.uk/ppg/index.php?id=61&to

p=2).

Please visit the University's Equality and

Diversity web pages

(www.abdn.ac.uk/ppg/diversity) which

contain information on University strategy

and policy; and facts and figures relating to

Equality and Diversity.


Session 2010/2011

iii

Student Responsibility Statement

Students enrolled at the University of Aberdeen are expected to study this document (and all other documents

linked within the text) carefully to become familiar with all policies, procedures, and regulations.

Knowledge of the information contained in this document is the responsibility of each student.

The provisions of this document are subject to change and should be considered to be for informational purposes

rather than to be an irrevocable contract between the university and the student.

Student Email

Please Note: from the commencement of your studies, all email correspondence for our programmes will be

sent out using your university allocated email address.

If you do not regularly check your university email account you will miss important information regarding the

programme, coursework and examinations. Failure to check email will not be accepted as a reason for missing

deadlines.


Session 2010/2011

iv

Contents

1 WELCOME & GENERAL INFORMATION 1

1.1 WELCOME FROM HEAD OF SCHOOL 1

1.2 YOUR CONTACT DETAILS 2

1.3 GENERAL ENQUIRIES 2

1.4 ACADEMIC ENQUIRIES 3

1.5 CLASS REPRESENTATIVES 3

1.6 TIMETABLES 4

1.7 INDUSTRY PLACEMENT/STUDENT DISSERTATIONS 4

1.8 THE CO-CURRICULUM 5

1.9 ONLINE LEARNING ENVIRONMENT 6

1.10 EMAIL 6

1.11 FIREWALL & SPAM FILTERS 7

1.12 COURSE CODES EXPLAINED 8

1.13 UNIVERSITY LIBRARY SERVICE 8

1.13.1 LIBRARY STUDENT GUIDES 9

1.13.2 ACCESSING ELECTRONIC RESOURCES 10

2 POLICIES & PROCEDURES 12

2.1 ENGLISH PROFICIENCY 12

2.2 ID CARDS 12

2.3 FEE PAYMENT & REFUNDS 12

2.4 STUDENT REPRESENTATION AND FEEDBACK 13

2.5 ACADEMIC APPEALS & STUDENT COMPLAINTS 13

2.6 CHEATING & PLAGIARISM 15

2.7 HEALTH & SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES AFFECTING PROGRESS 18

2.7.1 MEDICAL 18


Session 2010/2011

v

2.7.2 SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES 18

2.7.3 DYSLEXIA AND OTHER LONG-TERM PROBLEMS 19

2.7.4 HELP 19

2.8 INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY 19

2.9 DATA PROTECTION AND FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACTS 20

2.10 PAID EMPLOYMENT WHILE STUDYING 20

2.11 ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS 21

2.11.1 FULL-TIME STUDENTS 21

2.11.2 TIER 4 INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS 21

2.11.3 PART-TIME STUDENTS 22

2.12 STUDY ARRANGEMENTS 23

2.13 RESPECT FOR STAFF AND FELLOW STUDENTS 23

3 EXAMINATIONS AND ASSESSMENTS 26

3.1 ASSESSMENT 26

3.2 COURSEWORK SUBMISSION 26

3.3 AWARD OF CERTIFICATE OR DIPLOMA 27

3.4 THE COMMON ASSESSMENT SCALE 27

3.5 STUDENT PROGRESSION REQUIREMENTS 29

3.5.1 GRADE SPECTRUM 29

3.5.2 CLASS CERTIFICATES 29

3.6 FEEDBACK ON ASSESSMENTS 29

3.7 EXAMINATION ARRANGEMENTS 30

3.7.1 FULL-TIME STUDENTS 30

3.7.2 PART-TIME STUDENTS 30

3.7.3 RE-ASSESSMENT EXAMINATIONS (RESITS) 31

3.7.4 PAST EXAMINATION PAPERS 32

3.8 REFERENCING SOURCES 33


Session 2010/2011

vi

4 GETTING STARTED 34

4.1 MYABERDEEN ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.

4.2 STUDENT PORTAL 34

4.3 UNIVERSITY SERVICEDESK 35

4.4 E-REGISTRATION 36

5 OTHER INFORMATION FOR STUDENTS 37

5.1 GRADUATION 37

5.2 REGISTRY WEBSITE 37

5.3 TURNITINUK 37

5.4 SELECTING AND CITING INTERNET INFORMATION 38

I. AUTHORITY 39

II. ACCURACY 40

III. OBJECTIVITY 40

IV. CURRENCY 40

V. COVERAGE 41

5.5 NETIQUETTE FOR ONLINE SESSIONS 41

5.6 WORKING WITH YOUR TUTOR 43

5.7 TACKLING ASSIGNMENTS 44

5.7.1 INTRODUCTION 44

5.7.2 TYPES OF ASSIGNMENTS 44

5.7.3 PRINCIPLES OF ESSAY WRITING 45

6 COURSE DESCRIPTORS 51


Session 2011/2012

Page 1

1 Welcome & General Information

1.1 Welcome from Head of School

On behalf of the School of Engineering I would like to welcome you to the University of Aberdeen.

Postgraduate students make a substantial contribution to the intellectual activity of the School and to its

reputation. We hope that you will find your time studying with us both enjoyable and stimulating, and that it will

enhance your career opportunities. The School of Engineering is committed to excellent postgraduate education

that is both a rewarding and stimulating experience for students and programme staff alike. Equally, we aim to

deliver programmes that will enable students to become leaders in their chosen field anywhere in the world.

This Handbook gives information about our degree programmes and courses, it is intended to facilitate and

enhance your educational experience within the School and the University of Aberdeen. Please take the

opportunity to read through it and to have it with you during your programme of studies.

I hope that you have a successful and enjoyable year working towards your chosen degree.

Best wishes for your future studies,

Professor Tom ODonoghue

Head of School of Engineering

University of Aberdeen


Session 2011/2012

Page 2

1.2 Your Contact Details

It is essential that we have up-to-date contact details. If your details change for any reason ensure you have

updated your University record via the Student Portal (http://www.abdn.ac.uk/studentportal). Failure to do so

may result in you not receiving important information about your studies.

1.3 General Enquiries

In most circumstances students with general queries relating to

administrative matters should contact the School of Engineering

Postgraduate Office which is located in Room 188 of the Fraser Noble

Building. The office opening hours are from 10am-12.30pm and

1.30pm-4pm.

MSc Subsea Engineering MSc Safety and Reliability Engineering MSc Oil & Gas Engineering MSc Renewable Energy MSc Project Management MSc Oil & Gas Structural Engineering

Mrs Debbie McKenzie, Secretary

[email protected] Tel: 01224 272975

Ms Yvonne Buckingham, Postgraduate Coordinator

[email protected] Tel: 01224 272513

PLEASE REMEMBER TO INCLUDE

IDENTIFYING INFORMATION INCLUDING

YOUR FULL NAME, LEVEL OF COURSE AND

COURSE NAME WHEN CONTACTING A

MEMBER OF STAFF. THIS WILL GREATLY

SPEED THE RESPONSE TIME TO YOUR

QUERY. TO MAKE THIS EASIER YOU MAY

WISH TO SET UP A CUSTOM SIGNATURE ON

YOUR EMAIL ACCOUNT FOR USE WHEN

CONTACTING THE UNIVERSITY.


Session 2011/2012

Page 3

1.4 Academic Enquiries For questions or problems of an academic nature please contact your course tutor in the first instance. If this

fails to satisfactorily resolve the issue/problem please contact the Engineering Postgraduate Office who will make

arrangements for you to speak to the programme secretary. Please note: If you have not contacted your tutor first

the administrative staff have been instructed to pass you back to your tutor.

1.5 Class Representatives

The University values students opinions in regard to enhancing the quality of teaching and its delivery; therefore

in conjunction with the Students Association we support the operation of a Class Representative system.

The students within each course, year, or programme elect representatives by the end of the fourth week of

teaching within each half-session. In this school we operate a system of programme representatives. Any

student registered within a programme that wishes to represent a given group of students can stand for election

as a class representative. You will be informed when the elections for class representative will take place.

What will it involve?

It will involve speaking to your fellow students about the programme you represent. This can include any

comments that they may have. You will attend a Staff-Student Liaison Committee and you should represent the

views and concerns of the students within this meeting. As a representative you will also be able to contribute to

the agenda. You will then feedback to the students after this meeting with any actions that are being taken.


Session 2011/2012

Page 4

Training

Training for class representatives will be run by the Students Association. Training will take place in the fourth or

fifth week of teaching each half-session. For more information about the Class representative system visit

www.ausa.org.uk or email the VP Education & Employability [email protected]. Class representatives are also

eligible to undertake the STAR (Students Taking Active Roles) Award, further information about the co-curricular

award is available at: www.abdn.ac.uk/careers.

Please note: for distance learning programmes arrangements are made to facilitate the class representative

system as best the School can manage given the off-campus nature of the programme.

1.6 Timetables

For campus based students a timetable detailing the structure of your learning experience will be issued at the

start of each semester [ie September and January]. It is important that you retain this document for reference

during the year and regularly check your University email account for information concerning any amendments. It

should be noted that the timetable only details general programme dates and that individual tutors will issue

their own dates in addition for the submission of course work.

1.7 Industry Placement/Student Dissertations

For full-time students taking the MSc Programme over 12 months a dissertation is to be prepared on work

undertaken during the final individual project. This project will normally be specified in collaboration with

industrial partners, supervised either in the School of Engineering or in the companys premises, and carried out

from June to September. The School works together with the local companies, the Energy Institute (EI) and

Industry Technology Facilitator (ITF) to try and secure a number of placements. Industry placements are not


Session 2011/2012

Page 5

compulsory and cannot be guaranteed. The School, the EI and the ITF do their level best to find placements for

students; however students should not assume that a placement will be arranged for them and are therefore free

to approach local companies as individuals. Students should refrain from approaching as a group as this has

shown to be counterproductive and risks the ability of the School to find future placements.

For part-time students who are sponsored by their company or who are working for a company approved by the

University, a dissertation is to be prepared on approved project work carried out within that company during the

second or third year of the Programme. If you are not currently employed, you must inform the School straight

away so a suitable project can be allocated with an academic supervisor.

1.8 The Co-curriculum

The co-curriculum enhances a students employability and provides opportunities to develop and achieve

Aberdeen Graduate Attributes. Co-curricular activities complement a students degree programme and include:

work placements, study abroad, enterprise and entrepreneurship activities, the BP Student Tutoring Scheme and

the STAR (Students Taking Active Roles) Award initiative. Below are examples of credit-bearing co-curricular

activities.

ERASMUS is 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. Eligible students will receive a grant to

help with extra costs while abroad and a number of our partner institutions teach through English. For more

information, visit www.abdn.ac.uk/erasmus.

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 (www.abdn.ac.uk/undergraduate/international-exchange.php). The University

aims to ensure full academic recognition for study periods abroad, therefore the credits gained from study

abroad will count towards the Aberdeen degree programme for students participating in both ERASMUS and the

International Exchange Programme.


Session 2011/2012

Page 6

Work placements can also 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.

Further information about the co-curriculum is available at: www.abdn.ac.uk/careers

1.9 Online Learning Environment

When you register at the start of the year through the e-registration portal (www.abdn.ac.uk/ereg) you will

receive a University UserID (e.g. t01abc) which will act as your login for the MyAberdeen online learning

environment. Please ensure you take note of this and your password so you can access online teaching materials.

You can change your password whenever you want to at: https://www.abdn.ac.uk/local/passwd/.

1.10 Email

When you register for the programme you will be asked

to choose an e-mail address. This address will be similar

to [email protected] Note: aberdeen.ac.uk

not abdn.ac.uk.

If you forget your email address log into your Student

Portal (www.abdn.ac.uk/studentportal) and click on the

Personal Details tab. You will see your e-mail address

listed under DIT Computing Centre Details (right).


Session 2011/2012

Page 7

Please use this email address for all your University

correspondence. Details on the StudentMail system can be

found at: www.abdn.ac.uk/studentmail.

You must check your University email account on a regular

basis, all communication sent from the University will be

sent to your University Account.

Your University email address remains open even after you

graduate, but you will need to change the password. Once

the password has been changed following your graduation

it is no longer under the ownership of the University. The

email address will remain yours as long as you login on a

regular basis.

1.11 Firewall & Spam Filters

Experience has shown many (but not all) of the problems students have experienced in terms of receiving emails

or accessing the online learning environment tend to originate at their end. Corporate or personal firewalls can

sometimes prevent java from running or block pop-ups on your browser. To ensure you can access the online

learning environment from the very start of the programme please refer to section 4 of this document.

Email spam filters can also be a problem when receiving class emails. Please ensure the email addresses of your

programme coordinator and the Engineering postgraduate secretaries are included within your safe senders list.

PLEASE NOTE: ALL EMAIL CORRESPONDENCE FOR

THE PROGRAMME WILL BE SENT OUT USING YOUR

UNIVERSITY EMAIL ADDRESS. FAILURE TO

ADEQUATELY CHECK YOUR UNIVERSITY EMAIL WILL

NOT BE ACCEPTED AS A REASON FOR MISSING

DEADLINES OR IMPORTANT INFORMATION.


Session 2011/2012

Page 8

1.12 Course Codes Explained

All University of Aberdeen courses follow a simple naming convention. The initial letters denote the Department

or School which coordinates the course, while the 4 digit code denotes the level of study (first number 5

denotes level 5 MSc level studies), the time of year it runs (second number 0 denotes the first half session

and 5 the second half session) and the course itself (last 2 numbers unique for each programme).

For example:

Students undertaking a programme with a campus-taught stream will notice there are two different course codes

given to each module. One code is allocated to campus-based students while the other is allocated to distance

learning students. This is for administrative purposes only and does not indicate that students under the different

modes of study are studying different module content.

1.13 University Library Service

The main University Library is the Queen Mother Library at Old Aberdeen, with generous reading space. Access to

the main library requires the use of your student ID card. There are also a number of other libraries within the

University, such as the medical library at Foresterhill and the Taylor Law Library at Old Aberdeen. In addition, the

City of Aberdeen has a technical reference library which has a good collection of material.

The University Library provides instruction in the use of Library facilities, at three different levels (i) for all users at

the beginning of the academic year, (ii) for those needing to search the literature in a particular field, (iii) for

those wishing to make a complete investigation of literature in a research topic.

EG 5 0 41 Coordinated by the

School of Engineering

MSc (level 5)

course

Runs in the 1st-

half session

Course 41 within the

Engineering level 5

programmes


Session 2011/2012

Page 9

Details of the Universitys library service can be found at: www.abdn.ac.uk/library.

Please note: students wishing to borrow books from the library must do so in person and take their University ID

Card with them in order to gain access. For those students who are distance learners, the library website hosts a

section which can be found at: www.abdn.ac.uk/library/distance.shtml.

Title and other details of most of the materials held by the library (including electronic journals and electronic

books) are recorded in the library catalogue at http://aulib.abdn.ac.uk/. Electronic journals are also listed at:

www.abdn.ac.uk/library/ejournals.shtml. Information on databases and other resources are included in MetaLib,

The Library subscribes to over 18,000 electronic journals and just over 2,000 paper journals. Most e-journals are

listed in the library catalogue with links to the full-text. MetaLib, the Library's electronic information portal

(http://metalib.abdn.ac.uk), also lists most of our full-text e-journals with holdings and links. Journal titles can be

listed alphabetically, by keyword or multiple journals can be searched for articles. Staff and students of the

University can access our e-journals from both on and off campus. Instructions for setting up your computer are

available. In addition Metalib provides useful links to databases in your subject area that will enable efficient

searching across published research in topics to support assignments and dissertations.

Copyright regulations apply to electronic material in the same way that they do to printed books and journals. In

addition, with electronic journals and databases, our access is based on license agreements with publishers.

Please read the guidance on downloading from electronic resources.

1.13.1 Library Student Guides

The Library also produces a number of guides for students which can be found at:

www.abdn.ac.uk/library/guides. The following guides are of particular interest to distance learners:

Library and Information Resources for Distance Learners

o www.abdn.ac.uk/library/guides/gen/qggen003.pdf

Accessing Electronic Information


Session 2011/2012

Page 10

o www.abdn.ac.uk/library/guides/dbs/qgdbs005.pdf

Ebrary

o http://www.abdn.ac.uk/library/guides/dbs/qgdbs004.pdf

Attention is also drawn to the following guides:

Referencing and Citing

o www.abdn.ac.uk/library/guides/gen/uggen007.pdf

Photocopying and Copyright - Your Responsibilities

o www.abdn.ac.uk/library/guides/gen/qggen008.pdf

1.13.2 Accessing Electronic Resources

The University is part of a national, unified user authorisation scheme that enables access to a range of electronic

information resources including Web of Knowledge, ScienceDirect, Scopus etc.

There are two routes our staff and students use to access electronic information: recognition through IP address

and the password controlled Shibboleth or UK Federation. Each resource uses one or other of these and details

are in our subject gateway MetaLib (http://metalib.abdn.ac.uk):

IP address

On a campus based computer (in a classroom, library or office) or a mobile device via Wireless (which

must have been set up to use the Wireless network - www.abdn.ac.uk/wireless/guides.shtml) you will be

able to access an IP authenticated resources without the need to log in.

Off campus the provider of any database you attempt to access will not recognise you as being part of

the University of Aberdeen. You will need to set the web proxy (www.abdn.ac.uk/proxy/). By following

the proxy instructions you will be prompted for your University computer username and password and

be able to use most IP authenticated resources away from campus.


Session 2011/2012

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Shibboleth or UK Federation

This route prompts you to login using your University computer username and password both on and off

campus. You should look for the word 'Shibboleth' or 'UK Federation', choose 'UK' from the list

displayed, then 'University of Aberdeen' from the next list - you will then log in.

Now you are ready to see what resources are available in your subject area. Follow the links to either:

MetaLib our subject gateway or our Subject A-Z (www.abdn.ac.uk/library/subjectaz). Please note: a few journal

titles have individual usernames and passwords. Login details available only to University of Aberdeen staff and

students can be obtained online (www.abdn.ac.uk/library/passwords/passwords.shtml).


Session 2010/2011

Page 12

2 Policies & Procedures

2.1 English Proficiency

Candidates for whom English is not a native language are accepted on condition that their proficiency allows

them to learn from Lectures, take part in Tutorials, and write essays and examinations in the prescribed time.

Candidates may be asked to present proof of the required proficiency.

2.2 ID Cards

In order to receive your ID card, you must have fully registered, reached agreement with the finance department

concerning your payment plan and have sent in a UK passport approved type photograph to the programme

office. Once your photo is received a student ID card can be generated within two working days.

Currently, a new student ID card is issued at the beginning of each academic year on re-registration although the

University is exploring the possibility of issuing a single ID card for the duration of the programme.

2.3 Fee Payment & Refunds

The University will automatically raise an invoice for due fees based on your registration information. It is

therefore of the utmost importance that you take time to ensure your information is correct at registration.

A payment of 50% of the total fee is required at registration followed by 3 further equal instalments in

November, December and January.

You should ensure that prior to the commencement of your studies you have read the Universitys Tuition Fee

Policy for 2011/12 and specifically the section relating to Modular credit-based programmes on the Refunds page.


Session 2010/2011

Page 13

This details the costs relating to suspension or withdrawal from modular courses and can be found within the

pages at http://www.abdn.ac.uk/registry/tuitionfees/PgPolicy.shtml

Students can track their financial payments through the student portal (see below). Please direct any queries on

the policy to [email protected]

Please note: Staff within the School of Engineering are unable to help on financial matters as they do not have

authority to access your financial records.

2.4 Student Representation and Feedback

Throughout the Programme student views on all aspects of teaching, assessment and general course operation

will be actively sought by the staff. Students are encouraged to complete a questionnaire (the Student Course

Evaluation Form, SCEF) after each module to assist with course monitoring and evaluation. It is important to

remember that if you experience any difficulties you should contact the programme office as soon as possible.

The School of Engineering has a Staff/Student Liaison Committee on which each MSc/PgDip Programme has one

or two representatives. Procedures for selection of these representatives will be discussed with you at the start of

the academic year. The Committees meet regularly and are convened by the Schools Director for Postgraduate

Teaching. It has an open remit, allowing discussion of all matters of concern to the student body.

2.5 Academic Appeals & Student Complaints

Universitys appeals and complaints procedures provide students with a framework through which to formalise their

concerns about aspects of their academic experience or to complain when they feel that standards of non-academic

service have fallen short of that which they expected.


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The process has been designed to make the appeals and complaints process as accessible and simple as possible and to

provide a robust, fair mechanism through which to ensure that all appeals and complaints are considered in the

appropriate way at the appropriate level.

A major feature of the process is the emphasis it places on early or informal resolution. All students should note that

there is an expectation that they will take responsibility for seeking resolution of their academic or non-academic

concerns by raising and discussing them at the earliest possible stage with the relevant individuals in an academic

School or administrative Service.

A student who considers that she or he may have reason to pursue an appeal or complaint should begin by familiarizing

themselves with the Appeals and Complaints Procedures

http://www.abdn.ac.uk/registry/documents/FullProcedures.pdf

The procedures outlines:

the difference between an appeal (against an academic decision) and a complaint (about an aspect of non-academic service);

the principles upon which the appeals and complaints process is based; the grounds upon which appeals and/or complaints can be pursued; the process to be followed in pursuing an appeal or complaint; who to talk to for additional information; what informal steps you should take before submitting a formal appeal or complaint; how to submit an appeal or complaint and when; the likely timescale involved in conducting an appeal or complaint; the types of behaviour that are considered unacceptable in pursuing an appeal or complaint;

In addition to the detailed Appeals and Complaints Procedures further information for students considering an appeal

or complaint can be found at the following useful links:

The Frequently Asked Questions are available at

http://w3.abdn.ac.uk/studentcentrefaq/FAQViewer/

A Glossary of Terms is included as part of the Appeals and Complaints Procedures

http://www.abdn.ac.uk/registry/documents/GLOSSARYOFTERMS.pdf

An Appeals and Complaints Procedure Graphic provides a simplified version of the procedure

http://www.abdn.ac.uk/registry/documents/AppealsFlowDiagram.pdf .

The Universitys Appeals and Complaints Flyer is available at

http://www.abdn.ac.uk/registry/documents/New_Appeals_Policy_Flyer.pdf


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Page 15

Students wishing to submit an appeal or complaint should do so using Part A of an Appeal or Complaint Form

http://www.abdn.ac.uk/registry/quality/appendix5x18c.pdf

Information, Support and Advice for Students

The Aberdeen University Students Association (AUSA) provides independent, student-focused advice, information and

assistance at every stage of the appeals and complaints process. Any student who is unsure where to go, who to speak

to or what to do next you can contact the AUSA in person or at the contact details:

Aberdeen University Students Association

Information and Advice Centre

Butchart Centre

University Road

Aberdeen, AB24 3TU

T: 01224 274200

E: [email protected]

Students can also contact the Universitys Infohub on the Ground Floor of the Hub ([email protected] or telephone

01224 273040) for advice on the appeals and complaints process.

2.6 Cheating & Plagiarism

Good academic work involves making good use of other peoples'

ideas, but also making it absolutely clear which ideas are one's own

and which come from somebody else. It is important to realise that it

is relatively easy to unintentionally commit plagiarism, and that this is

a serious disciplinary offence.

Cheating in any assessment, whether formative or summative, can

result in disciplinary action being taken by the University. For these

purposes Cheating includes:

YOU ARE RECOMMENDED TO REFER TO THE

UNIVERSITYS CODE OF PRACTICE ON

STUDENT DISCIPLINE WHICH CAN BE

DOWNLOADED FROM:

www.abdn.ac.uk/registry/quality/appendix

5x15.pdf


Session 2010/2011

Page 16

(a) Possession in an examination of material which has not been authorised in writing by the

relevant Course Co-ordinator. Students whose first language is not English may, however, refer

to a dictionary where this is approved by the Head of the School responsible for the

examination;

(b) Copying from another student in an examination;

(c) Removing an examination book from an examination room;

(d) Impersonating another candidate in relation to any assessment;

(e) Permitting another person to impersonate oneself in relation to any assessment;

(f) Paying or otherwise rewarding another person for writing or preparing work to be submitted

for assessment;

(g) Colluding with another person in the preparation or submission of work which is to be

assessed. This does not apply to collaborative work authorised by the relevant course

coordinator.

(h) Plagiarism - Plagiarism is the use, without adequate

acknowledgment, 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.

If you wish to quote or paraphrase other authors you must ensure

all usages are clearly identifiable as being such (for example using quotation marks) and the originating author

acknowledged. Certain modules will require you to work in groups; in such cases your tutor will clearly set out

any specific additional guidelines. In general, a written report on work carried out by a team must unambiguously

PLEASE NOTE: UNINTENTIONAL

PLAGIARISM IS STILL CONSIDERED

PLAGIARISM. WE WOULD RECOMMEND

THAT YOU TAKE GREAT CARE IN

PREPARING YOUR WORK TO AVOID SUCH

AN ISSUE ARISING.


Session 2010/2011

Page 17

distinguish between work to be accredited to the author alone and work to be accredited to another person or

the team as a whole.


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2.7 Health & Special Circumstances Affecting Progress

If you are ill, or unable to attend lectures or temporarily find your circumstances impede your progress for any

other vital reason, please ring or leave a message with the Engineering Postgraduate Office.

2.7.1 Medical

Candidates who wish to establish that their academic performance has been adversely affected by their health

are required to secure medical certificates relating to the relevant periods of ill health (see General Regulation

17.3). The Universitys policy on requiring certification for absence on medical grounds or other good cause can

be accessed at: www.abdn.ac.uk/registry/quality/appendix7x5.pdf. You are strongly advised to make yourself

fully aware of your responsibilities if you are absent due to illness or other good cause. In particular, you are

asked to note that self-certification of absence for periods of absence up to and including eleven weekdays is

permissible. However, where absence has prevented attendance at an examination or where it may have

affected your performance in an element of assessment or where you have been unable to attend a specified

teaching session, you are strongly advised to provide medical certification (see section 3 of the Policy on

Certification of Absence for Medical Reasons or Other Good Cause -

www.abdn.ac.uk/registry/quality/appendix7x5.pdf).

2.7.2 Special Circumstances

You should document any other special factors that you think may have affected your performance, e.g. a family

bereavement. It cannot be emphasised too strongly that any such problems must be notified to the Engineering

Postgraduate Office in writing as soon as possible and in any case before any deadline which may apply to the

course work in question or by the end of the examination period concerned. Failure to ensure timely notification

may result in your circumstances being deemed inadmissible.


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2.7.3 Dyslexia and other long-term problems

If you suffer from dyslexia, it is your responsibility, as soon as possible in your University career, to consult a

medical professional to arrange an assessment to be made and for them to notify the University of any special

action that is required.

If you have any other long-term problems or disability that may have special requirements, please arrange for

appropriate medical information to be provided to the Engineering Postgraduate Office and discuss your special

needs with your Programme Co-ordinator.

2.7.4 Help

If you are experiencing difficulties in performing any aspect of the work for your programme due to personal

circumstances or medical reasons you are urged to take the initiative and contact your Programme Co-ordinator

for advice and assistance. The University has a Counselling Service which exists to provide help with problems

that are not specifically-related. (Tel: 272139; web: www.abdn.ac.uk/counselling). Please also see other

information for students at: www.abdn.ac.uk/central/students.shtml.

2.8 Intellectual Property

Intellectual property comprises all products created by individuals through the use of human intelligence, insight,

imagination and knowledge to achieve a specific end. Intellectual Property Rights are those rights resulting from

ownership and informal or formal protection of intellectual property. At Registration, you are asked to confirm

that you agree to abide by the University's rules on Intellectual Property Rights. You are therefore strongly

advised to familiarise yourself with these rules which can be accessed at:

www.abdn.ac.uk/r&i/research/intellectual-property/.


Session 2010/2011

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2.9 Data Protection and Freedom of Information Acts

The University requires a certain amount of personal information for the administration of your studies and to

ensure the proper completion of your chosen courses or degree programme. All personal information provided

by you will be treated strictly in terms of the Data Protection Act 1998: your confidentiality will be respected and

all appropriate measures will be taken to prevent unauthorised disclosure. The data you provide will be used for

stated purposes only and you would be advised about any further uses.

The University does all it can to ensure that all data remains up-to-date and accurate, but there are some areas in

which we must emphasise our reliance on students to inform us of changes which occur between updates and it

is important that you keep us informed of any such changes, to avoid situations where (for example) we might

send vital mail to the wrong address.

Students who require to process personal data as part of their studies must also ensure that they abide by the

Data Protection Act. Further information on the Act can be accessed at: www.abdn.ac.uk/dataprotection/.

2.10 Paid Employment While Studying

Your attention is drawn to the following policy statement:

The University acknowledges the financial burden placed upon students and sympathises with those who

encounter financial difficulties. It recognises that many full-time students have to undertake part-time

paid employment to provide financial support for their studies. The Universitys guideline is that full-time

students should spend no more than 20 hours per week undertaking employment during term-time.

Where a potential conflict may arise in regard to fulfilling the attendance and/or performance

requirements of a particular course, students should seek advice from the relevant Course Co-ordinator or

Head of School/Department, as appropriate, at the earliest opportunity. Notwithstanding this, academic

standards cannot be compromised and students first priority must be to fulfil the academic obligations


Session 2010/2011

Page 21

of their studies. Consequently, students must ensure that their employment commitments do not conflict

with the requirements of their studies.

2.11 Attendance Requirements

2.11.1 Full-Time Students

Full-time students are normally expected to stay in Aberdeen for the duration of the Programme except for

specified holiday periods. These holidays are at Christmas/New Year, Easter, and before the start of the Individual

Project Placement. It is important that you note the dates of these periods carefully since you must be back at

the specified time at the end of each break.

Term dates are available from www.abdn.ac.uk/registry/calendar/termdates.shtml

If for any reason, you need to be away at other times, you must ask permission from the Programme Co-

ordinator before you leave.

Good attendance at classes for all students is necessary. You should familiarise yourselves with the Code of

Practice for Taught Postgraduate students, Section 9.2, available from

http://www.abdn.ac.uk/registry/quality/appendix5x3.pdf

2.11.2 Tier 4 International Students

The immigration authorities now require the University to report any student who does not comply with the

terms of their student visa. To avoid us from doing this you must

let the Admissions Office know if you are deferring the start date of your studies,

inform the Admissions Office if you want to transfer your studies to another university,


Session 2010/2011

Page 22

keep good attendance,

ensure that you have written permission to take any time off from your studies,

keep your address up-to-date and correct through your Student Portal,

let us know immediately if you shorten the duration of your studies,

not change your status from full-time student to part-time student,

inform Registry if you decide to go home to write-up your dissertation or thesis.

It is important that you make every effort to pass each stage of your studies, and progress well. If you need an

immigration extension because you have spent longer than usual finishing your studies this will be expensive for

you and the UKBA will require an explanation as to why you were unable to complete your studies during the

expected registration period.

If you need to discuss your immigration status please go to our Student Advice and Support Office, based in The

Hub, and make an appointment to speak with an International Student Adviser.

2.11.3 Part-Time Students

Part-time students who study on-campus are expected to attend all teaching sessions unless special

circumstances dictate otherwise. Students who fail to attend at least 75% of the scheduled formal teaching

sessions without due cause and notification to the Engineering Postgraduate Office may be refused the

opportunity to complete the course and sit the end examination.


Session 2010/2011

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2.12 Study Arrangements

A timetable for first half-session courses will be issued at the beginning of your programme. The second half-

session timetable will be issued in January. Any special arrangements will be communicated to you by individual

lecturers, as necessary.

It is expected that students will carry out approximately two hours of additional private study for each hour for

each hour of timetabled effort.

It is particularly important that students hand in coursework by the required dates, and keep up-to-date with any

tutorial exercises. It is our experience that students who do not spend time working on tutorial exercises will not

be successful in the examinations. However, tutorial examples can range from being very simple to quite

complex problems and are not necessarily the same as the questions set in the examinations.

2.13 Respect for Staff and Fellow Students

You should familiarise yourselves with the Code of Practice for Student Discipline, available from

www.abdn.ac.uk/registry/quality/appendix5x15.pdf. This document includes full information on academic and

other misconduct and the penalties which will be imposed.

In particular, for the purpose of this document please note the contents of Section 3:

3. OTHER FORMS OF MISCONDUCT

3.1 A person who, without good cause, does any of the following is guilty of misconduct under this

Code:

3.1.1 Seriously disrupts, or seriously interferes with, the academic, administrative, sporting, social or

other activities of the University, whether on University premises or elsewhere;


Session 2010/2011

Page 24

3.1.2 Obstructs, or seriously interferes with, the functions, duties or activities of any student, member

of staff or other employee of the University or any authorised visitor to the University;

3.1.3 (a) Behaves in a violent, indecent, disorderly, threatening or offensive manner whilst on

University premises or engaged in any University activity;

(b) Uses threatening, abusive or offensive language whilst on University premises or engaged in

any University activity;

3.1.4 Engages in deception or other forms of dishonesty in relation to the University or its staff or in

connection with holding any office in the University or in relation to being a student of the

University;

3.1.5 Behaves in a way likely to cause injury to any person or impair safety on University premises or

while engaged in any University activity;

3.1.6 Harasses any student, member of staff or other employee of the University or any authorised

visitor to the University. For these purposes harassment means behaviour or language which

is regarded by the person to whom it is directed as harassment and which would be regarded as

harassment by any reasonable person.

3.1.7 Discriminates against any student, member of staff or other employee of the University or any

authorised visitor to the University on any ground such as colour, race, nationality, national

origins, disability, sexual orientation, religion or belief, family circumstances, political beliefs,

gender, gender reassignment, trade union membership, age or any other unfair distinction.

3.1.8 Intentionally or recklessly damages University property or the property of other members of the

University community, or of any authorised visitor to the University.

3.1.9 Steals University property, or the property of other members of the University or of any

authorised visitor to the University.


Session 2010/2011

Page 25

3.1.10 Misuses or makes unauthorised use of University premises or items of property, including

computer misuse, infringement of copyright when copying or downloading published

information and the misuse of safety equipment.

3.1.11 Deliberately does, or fails to do, anything which thereby causes the University to be in breach of

a statutory obligation.

3.1.12 Fails, upon request, to disclose name, address and programme of study to an officer or

employee of the University in circumstances where it is reasonable to require that such

information be given.

3.1.13 Fails to comply with a previously-imposed penalty under this Code.

Staff at the School of Engineering and our colleagues in other Disciplines and Schools are here to assist you over

the period of your studies and unreasonable behaviour will not be tolerated. You are expected to show respect

and maturity in your dealings with all persons, staff and students alike, while you are studying with the University.


Session 2010/2011

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3 Examinations and Assessments

3.1 Assessment

Most courses are assessed either by coursework and examination or by coursework only. The exact balance of

assessment within each course will vary both between and within programmes. You should consult the relevant

course descriptor for more information.

Marks for assignments or exams will be given in terms of the Common Assessment Scale (CAS) see appendix 1.

3.2 Coursework Submission

The School of Engineerings rules on submission of coursework are:

1. Late submission of coursework is not acceptable except under special circumstances and with the

prior permission of the Course Co-ordinator and Course Tutor. The term special circumstances

covers, for example, the death of an immediate family member or personal hospitalisation.

More than 50% of all coursework must be submitted for a student to be eligible to sit the exam.

Coursework must be submitted and accompanied by a signed Continuous Assessment Cover sheet

in time to meet the stated hand-in deadline.

Distance Learning students need only complete the cover sheet and return with their assignment

using their University email account as verification.

Coursework is date stamped and collated by the Secretaries and passed to the course co-ordinator

for marking. Work submitted for continuous assessment will not be marked without a completed

Cover Sheet. Such work will be deemed late until a completed cover Sheet is submitted and will

be subject to the published penalty for late submission.


Session 2010/2011

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2. Individual tutors will indicate how and where they expect the coursework to be delivered. You will

receive a mark on the CAS Scale (see Appendix 2).

3. If coursework is submitted late without prior arrangement as in 1 above, CAS marks will be

deducted from the assessed mark as follows:

up to one week late 2 CAS points will be deducted

up to 2 weeks late, 3 CAS points will be deducted

thereafter no mark will be awarded.

In addition to submitting a hard copy of your continuous assessment to the office, you will also be

required to submit your work electronically via the Turnitin-UK website as part of the Universitys

plagiarism avoidance procedures. Refer to Section 7.3 for further information.

3.3 Award of Certificate or Diploma

The Certificate and Diploma will be awarded to those candidates who satisfy the examiners in the relevant

modules but who fail to satisfy the requirements of, or elect not to proceed to, the Diploma or MSc stages,

respectively. It should be noted that it is not possible to receive both the certificate and diploma, and neither

can be awarded in addition to the MSc. The level of award given is the decision of the School examination board

in conjunction with the external examiner.

3.4 The Common Assessment Scale

To enable students and the University to compare more easily the level of performance in different subjects, and

as part of the Universitys mechanisms for monitoring academic standards, the University employs a Common


Session 2010/2011

Page 28

Assessment Scale (CAS) for the reporting of marks obtained in coursework and class examinations. The scale can be viewed in more detail below:

CAS CAS Descriptor 20 An excellent understanding of all the general and specialist theories, principles and concepts in subject. Good awareness of wider context.

Excellence in using of the range of skills, practices and/or materials that are associated with the subject/discipline. Practical and project work of highest academic standard. Excellence demonstrated in critical review, consolidation & development of knowledge, skills and practices in subject Exceptional in all areas of working with others, can provide inspirational leadership and is an original, autonomous learner.

19 18

17 A very good understanding of all the general and specialist theories, principles and concepts in subject.

Very good use of the range of skills, practices and/or materials that are associated with the subject/discipline. Practical and project work shows reasonable flair and some originality. Very good ability to critically review consolidate and extend knowledge, skills and practices in subject/discipline Very good organisational and presentational skills as appropriate to discipline. Good ability in evaluating a wide range of data Very good self directed learner. Good in using initiative, and is a good leader in professional and equivalent activities

16 15

14 A solid understanding of all the general and specialist theories, principles and concepts in subject.

Demonstrates confidence in applying a range of skills, practices and/or materials that are associated with the subject. Practical and project work shows some flair Good average ability to critically review consolidate and extend knowledge, skills and practices in subject Good organisational and presentational skills as appropriate to discipline. Above average ability to evaluate a wide range of data Confidence in working independently and some initiative/ leadership in professional and equivalent activities

13 12

11 Demonstrates understanding of most, if not all, the general and specialist theories, principles and concepts in subject.

Able to apply a range of skills, practices and/or materials that are associated with the subject/discipline. Practical work reasonable. Plan and execute a significant project Able to critically review consolidate and extend knowledge, skills and practices in subject/discipline Competent organisational and presentational skills as appropriate to discipline. Able to undertake evaluations of a wide range of data Exercise significant autonomy. Demonstrate initiative/ leadership in professional and equivalent activities.

10 9

8 Some grasp of the general and specialist theories, principles and concepts in subject

A limited ability in applying the general and specialist theories, principles and concepts in subject/discipline. Practical work and project only adequate. Limited ability to critically review consolidate and extend knowledge, skills and practices in subject/discipline Weak in organisational and presentational skills relevant to discipline. Difficulty undertaking evaluations of a wide range of data Problems working independently and lacking initiative/leadership in professional and equivalent activities

7 6

5 Very limited understanding of the general and specialist theories, principles and concepts in subject

Inability to apply the range of skills, practices and/or materials that are associated with the subject/discipline. Weak practical and project work. Unable to critically review consolidate and extend knowledge, skills and practices in subject/discipline Inadequate in organisational and presentational skills relevant to discipline. Unable to undertake evaluations of a wide range of data No evidence of ability to work independently , leadership or use of initiative in professional and equivalent activities

4 3

2 Token or no submission 1 0


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3.5 Student Progression Requirements

3.5.1 Grade Spectrum

Progression and awards in Taught Postgraduate programmes are governed by the Grade Spectrum

(Postgraduate), full details of which can be found at: http://www.abdn.ac.uk/registry/quality/appendix7x7.pdf.

In assessing your performance throughout the year, the rules set out in the Grade Spectrum will be applied,

3.5.2 Class Certificates

Students who attend and complete the work required for a course are considered to have been awarded a Class

Certificate. Being in possession of a valid Class Certificate for a course entitles a student to sit degree

examinations for that course. From 2010/11 class certificates are valid for two years and permit a total of three

attempts at the required assessment within that two year period i.e. the first attempt plus up to two resits

[please note, reference to re-sits applies only to MSc Project Management and MSc Oil & Gas Structural

Engineering programmes].

3.6 Feedback on Assessments

The University recognises that the provision of timely and appropriate feedback on assessment plays a key part

in students learning and teaching. The guiding principles for the provision of feedback within the University are

detailed in the Institutional Framework for the Provision of Feedback on Assessment available at:

www.abdn.ac.uk/registry/quality/appendix7x8.pdf


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3.7 Examination Arrangements

EXAMINATION TIMETABLES WILL BE AVAILABLE VIA YOUR STUDENT PORTALS APPROXIMATELY TWO

WEEKS PRIOR TO YOUR EXAMS TAKING PLACE. PLEASE REFER TO http://www.abdn.ac.uk/students/week-

numbers-2011-2012.php FOR THE DATES OF THE EXAMINATION PERIOD

3.7.1 Full-Time Students

Full-time students must sit their examination at the on-campus time and place indicated by the School of

Engineering.

3.7.2 Part-Time Students

It is the responsibility of part-time students to ensure they have an

examination venue organised in plenty of time before examination time

each semester and to inform the relevant postgraduate secretary of

your choice so arrangements can be made to have the exam packs to

the examination centre in advance of your exam/s. It is expected that

an examination venue will be either an academic institution (preferably

a University or College) or a British Council/High Commission office.

However other options may be considered if no viable alternative exists

(note: alternative locations will only be acceptable if agreed by the

programme coordinator in consultation with the Head of School).

It is the responsibility of individual students to contact examination

venues to make arrangements for sitting examinations. If you are a

campus-taught student or a distance learner local to Aberdeen and intend to sit your examinations at the

University of Aberdeen you should still confirm this. Failure to make suitable arrangements will not be

considered an acceptable reason for not sitting an exam.

PLEASE ENSURE YOU PROVIDE THE SCHOOL

OF ENGINEERING POSTGRADUATE OFFICE

DETAILS OF YOUR EXAMINATION CENTRE AS

SOON AS POSSIBLE.

STUDENT ID CARDS MUST BE DISPLAYED ON

THE CORNER OF THE EXAMINATION DESKS

DURING ALL EXAMINATIONS. FAILURE TO

PRODUCE YOUR STUDENT ID CARD MAY

RESULT IN YOU NOT BEING ALLOWED TO SIT

THE EXAM.


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It should be noted that students are responsible for covering all costs associated with sitting the examination.

This includes examination venue charges and travel costs.

3.7.3 Re-Assessment Examinations (Resits)

PLEASE NOTE: THE MAJORITY OF THE SCHOOL OF

ENGINEERINGS PROGRAMMES DO NOT PROVIDE THE

OPPORTUNITY FOR RE-SITTING EXAMINATIONS. Within the

School of Engineering only students on the following

programmes may apply to resit an assessment:

MSc Project Management

MSc Oil & Gas Structural Engineering

STUDENTS ON NO OTHER ENGINEERING POSTGRADUATE

PROGRAMMES ARE ELIGIBLE TO APPLY FOR RESIT EXAMINATIONS AS A RESULT OF FAILURE AND SO SHOULD

NOT ASK FOR SUCH AN ALLOWANCE.

The Universitys General Regulation 8 for Taught Postgraduate Awards states that:

unless exemption is approved by the ASC(Pg) [Academic Standards Committee (Postgraduate)], on

application, candidates who do not complete satisfactorily a prescribed element of assessment for any

course at level 5 may be reassessed in that element only in exceptional circumstances, and on the

unanimous recommendation of the Examiners. In no circumstances shall any candidate be permitted to

submit themselves for assessment in any element more than twice.

The above programmes have been granted exemption from Regulation 8 due to their nature. This permission

excludes the project/dissertation as it is a compulsory element of assessment.

PLEASE NOTE: THE RESPONSIBILITY FOR

APPLYING FOR A RESIT LIES WITH THE

STUDENT STUDENTS ARE NOT

AUTOMATICALLY ENTERED FOR RE-

ASSESSMENTS/RE-SUBMISSIONS.


Session 2010/2011

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Students on the above programmes who seek re-assessment due

to failing to attend the exam without an accepted good cause or

medical reason will be liable to pay a fee to cover re-assessment

costs. Students who seek re-assessment for exams missed due to

good cause or medical reasons which have been accepted by the

School of Engineering do not have to pay the re-assessment fee -

please note however any late fee will be applicable.

Students should note, if you are re-sitting following a failure at a

previous sitting, you are permitted to resit no more than 60

credit points over the duration of the Postgraduate Diploma or

Masters programme, with no more than 30 credit points being

re-taken in the first half-session or over the duration of the

Postgraduate Certificate. This permission excludes the

project/dissertation where the project/dissertation is a

compulsory element of assessment. The maximum resit mark

which can be recorded is CAS 9; the result of any resit will count

in determining progression and award. In no circumstances is any

candidate permitted to submit themselves for assessment in any element more than twice. More details

concerning re-assessments can be found at: www.abdn.ac.uk/registry/examinations.shtml and

www.abdn.ac.uk/registry/quality/appendix5x3.pdf

3.7.4 Past Examination Papers

Students wishing to incorporate past paper work as part of their examination revision can access previously set

examination papers through the University Librarys Past Exam Paper Database. This database is only open to

staff and students of the University so you will be asked to enter your normal user ID and password as

verification. The database can be accessed at: www.abdn.ac.uk/library/examdb/

Please note: for courses that rely primarily

on group-working, students are not

permitted to resubmit. Students who fail

these courses will be required to resit them

in their entirety.


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3.8 Referencing Sources

The School of Engineering has adopted the Harvard style of referencing as the format to be followed when citing

sources in submitted work.

The Harvard referencing system makes use of the author and the date of the work in the main body of the text,

and then has a reference list at the end of the submitted work which contains the references cited in

alphabetical order by author. The reference list contains the full details of the book or journal cited. Because you

only refer to a shortened form of works in the submitted work (author, date) your work doesn't get filled with

too much reference material. The use of the author/date shorthand make it easy to locate works in the reference

list.

As a part of an academic community, it is important that you show the reader where you have used someone

elses ideas or words. Failure to properly reference a source is regarded as plagiarism (see section 2 of this

document).

When you make use of a source within a piece of submitted work (remembering it is not just direct quotes but

ideas as well rewording material also needs to be referenced or will be regarded as plagiarism) you should

insert the authors name and year of publication at the point of reference or.

Detail on how to employ the Harvard style of referencing can be found at:

http://www.abdn.ac.uk/library/guides/gen/uggen007.pdf


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4 Getting Started

4.1 MyAberdeen

The University of Aberdeen supports both its full-time and flexible

learning students teaching through the Universitys online Virtual

Learning Environment (MyAberdeen). MyAberdeen is the primary

teaching medium for distance learning students.

Your normal University username and password will allow you

access to the system. Once logged in, you can view any content the

course tutor has decided to make available online, anything from

grades to online discussion boards. As you progress through each

course, the tools provided by MyAberdeen will become more

familiar and more comfortable to use.

To log in to MyAberdeen go to:

https://abdn.blackboard.com/webapps/login/

4.2 Student Portal

Your computer userid and password enables you to access the University of Aberdeen Student Portal, through

which you can view and, where appropriate, update the information in your student record. Data in the Student

Portal is updated nightly from the live student record, so you see your data as it was at the close of the previous

day.

To access the student portal go to: www.abdn.ac.uk/studentportal

You will be taken to the Student Portal Entry Screen from where you can login:

It is strongly recommended that you work

through the Graduate School Induction &

Resources Module when you first register to

familiarise yourself with the MyAberdeen

system.

Please note final exam results are not

published via MyAberdeen but through your

student portals.


Session 2010/2011

Page 35

Your student portal should always be the first point of reference

for administrative information about yourself. It is your

responsibility to make use of the student portal to maintain

your contact details and to ensure your financial commitments

to your programmes of study have been met.

4.3 University ServiceDesk

If you are having technical problems you should always take these to the University ServiceDesk. No matter how

small you may regard your technical problem, the ServiceDesk staff are more than happy to provide assistance

and try to help you resolve it. Please note: Our administrative staff are not trained in technical support and so

are unable to provide the problem solving service available via the ServiceDesk.

To access the ServiceDesk website, and details on how to contact ServiceDesk staff, go to:

www.abdn.ac.uk/servicedesk

Please Note

Results from your Examinations will only be

available via the Exams Results login of

the Student Portals and not via

MyAberdeen.

Results are released on the portal the day

after they have been submitted to Registry

Services by Schools.

STUDENTS SHOULD ALSO NOTE THAT

RESULTS CANNOT, AND WILL NOT, BE GIVEN

OVER THE TELEPHONE.


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4.4 E-Registration

Each year students are required to register for the courses they wish to take over the coming year (please note: if

you are starting your studies in January you will register only for the courses that run until the following

September thereafter you will need to re-register). You will be informed when it is time to access the e-

registration portal (http://eregport.abdn.ac.uk/).


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5 Other Information for Students

5.1 Graduation

Having completed your postgraduate degree programme, the final step is to graduate either in person or in

absentia. Graduation ceremonies are held in July and November (for those completing the full MSc). Information

is circulated before the ceremonies and forms are available from the University Registry. There is a Graduation

Fee for those graduating in person. Graduands are not permitted to graduate if they owe any money to the

University.

The dates of the ceremonies in a given year are included on the Term Dates for each Academic Year available at:

www.abdn.ac.uk/central/termdates.shtml

Further information on the procedures for applying for Graduation can be obtained at:

www.abdn.ac.uk/registry/graduation

5.2 Registry Website

The Registrys Website contains much general information which students will find of use, including the names

and contact details for the Sections offices and administrative staff. Details can be accessed via the Registrys

index at: www.abdn.ac.uk/registry

5.3 TurnitinUK

The University subscribes to the online service TurnitinUK which helps academic staff address a number of

common but difficult to identify issues related to citation and collaboration in coursework assessments. It enables

tutors to identify the original source of material included within student work by searching a database of several


Session 2010/2011

Page 38

billion pages of reference material gathered from professional publications, student essay websites and other

student works. It is used by academics as a tool to help them provide better information and feedback to

students about the work they have submitted. The tool does not make decisions about the intention of

unoriginal work, nor does it determine if unoriginal content is incorrectly cited or indeed plagiarised. It simply

highlights sections of text that have been found in other sources to help academic staff members make these

decisions. In many cases this will lead the academic member of staff to provide feedback to students on how to

improve their coursework submissions and citations. All assessment decisions will continue to be made by the

course tutor who will review the entire work.

The University wishes to encourage students to behave with honesty and integrity at all times. The correct

citation of work and the authenticity of submitted work is a

cornerstone, not just of our education system, but of the trust

and value held in each of our education institutions by

employers and the public at large. The use of this service along

with other methods of maintaining the integrity of the academic

process helps the University maintain academic standards and

assessment fairness.

Further information on TurnitinUK and instructions on how to submit an assignment to TurnitinUK can be

obtained from the following area of the Student Learning Service website:

http://www.abdn.ac.uk/sls/plagiarism/. These pages provide information and advice on avoiding plagiarism

including the Universitys Definition of Plagiarism, a Checklist for Students, Referencing and Citing as well as

information on TurnitinUK.

5.4 Selecting and Citing Internet Information

The world-wide web is a particularly powerful source of information for your assignments and course work.

Google (www.google.co.uk) will provide a means of locating a whole range of different resources and sources as

you complete your studies. However, along with all of the valuable resources available there is also a lot of

STUDENTS ON ALL PROGRAMMES SHOULD

ASSUME THEIR SUBMITTED WORK WILL BE

ASSESSED USING TURNITINUK.


Session 2010/2011

Page 39

rubbish. It is important that you are able to differentiate between good and poor sources of information. For

those who have access to the Universitys Library, we strongly recommended that you make it your first source of

research. By collecting articles and books on your topic from the library you can begin to get a feel for the

arguments and styles of good research. Resources found on the Internet can still be used; however, you must

conscientiously evaluate the source and content of the Web page.

When an academic presents a piece of work to a journal for publishing, the paper goes through a peer-review

process to ensure it is accurate and not plagiarised. You can therefore be reasonably sure that any paper

published in a reputable journal is accurate and will provide a credible source for referencing. This does not apply

for much of the information you will find online (unless it is an online version of a published journal). For most

web pages there is no review process and as such there is no guarantee that the information you find is credible.

The temporary nature of much of the world-wide web also means the source may not be around should your

tutor wish to look it up themselves. Nevertheless, the Internet can be a useful source of information, when used

with forethought.

At this point we should emphasise that should you include inaccurate or plagiarised information in any of your

assignments or your dissertation, you are responsible regardless of the fact that you sourced from a website. It is

your responsibility alone to ensure that any sources you make use of and cite in your work are accurate.

In evaluating web-sourced material you can make use of the following 5-point evaluation process:

I. Authority

Is there an author? Is the page signed?

Is the author qualified? An expert?

Who is the sponsor? (i.e. is a company using the source to further its agenda or support its product)

Is the sponsor of the page reputable? How reputable?

Is there a link to information about the author or the sponsor?

If the page includes neither a signature nor indicates a sponsor, is there any other way to determine its origin?

Look for a header or footer showing affiliation.

Look at the URL. http://www.abdn.ac.uk

Look at the domain. .edu, .com, .ac.uk, .org, .net


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Rationale

1. Anyone can publish anything on the web.

2. It is often hard to determine a web page's authorship.

3. Even if a page is signed, qualifications are not usually provided.

4. Sponsorship is not always indicated.

II. Accuracy

Is the information reliable and error-free?

Is there an editor or someone who verifies/checks the information?

Rationale

1. Anyone can publish anything on the web.

2. Unlike traditional print resources, web resources rarely have editors or fact-checkers.

3. Currently, no web standards exist to ensure accuracy.

III. Objectivity

Does the information show a minimum of bias?

Is the page designed to sway opinion?

Is there any advertising on the page?

Rationale

1. Frequently the goals of the sponsors/authors are not clearly stated.

2. Often the Web serves as a virtual "Hyde Park Corner", a soapbox.

IV. Currency

Is the page dated?

If so, when was the last update?

How current are the links? Have some expired or moved?


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Rationale

1. Publication or revision dates are not always provided.

2. If a date is provided, it may have various meanings. For example,

It may indicate when the material was first written

It may indicate when the material was first placed on the Web

It may indicate when the material was last revised

V. Coverage

What topics are covered?

What does this page offer that is not found elsewhere?

What is its intrinsic value?

How in-depth is the material?

Rationale

1. Web coverage often differs from print coverage.

2. Frequently, it's difficult to determine the extent of coverage of a topic from a web page. The page may or may not include links to other web pages or print references.

3. Sometimes web information is "just for fun", a hoax, someone's personal expression that may be of interest to no one, or even outright silliness.

5.5 Netiquette for Online Sessions

Adapted from: www.distancelearning.org/howtosucceed.html

Online learning and interactions are primarily through writing in the discussion boards, communicating via email

and occasional chat-room sessions. In this environment it can be difficult to adhere to the same classroom

conduct that you would in a face-to-face course. Over the years a system for expressing ourselves and exhibiting

acceptable manners as we would in a normal (offline) interaction has developed for the online community.

Known as netiquette, the simple practices involved can help to avoid unintentional conflict or upset.


Session 2010/2011

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Examples of netiquette are:

Dont shout as a general rule, anything written in ALL CAPITAL LETTERS is generally understood to be

shouting.

Be very careful what you write, even if it is an email to one other person. Assume that anyone could read

it. Emails sent to a single person are easily forwarded to other people (even hundreds of others) and will

usually be read out of context.

Grammar and spelling are important - Online courses demand the same standard of academic

communication and use of grammar as face-to-face courses.

Never use profanity in any area of an online course. The transcripts of online course bulletin boards, e-

mail, and chat sessions are saveable and may be come back to haunt you!

When responding to messages, only use "Reply to All" when you really intend to reply to all.

Avoid unkindly public criticism of others. Publicly criticizing others in an inappropriate way is known as

"flaming".

Use sarcasm cautiously. In the absence of nonverbal clues such as facial expressions and voice

inflections, the context for your sarcasm may be lost, and your message may thus be misinterpreted.

In a face-to-face setting, our tone of voice and facial expressions may convey as much of our meaning as

the words we use. In a written message, the subtext of your meaning may be confused or

misinterpreted. "Emoticons" are sometimes used in conjunction with text to overlay emotion in a

written message, to clarify the meaning. It is a good idea to check with your tutor as to when (or if) it is

appropriate in any areas of the online classroom to use emoticons or commonly used Internet slang

abbreviations (e.g., "lol," "brb," etc.). Here are just a few examples of some popular smileys (it helps if

you read them sideways):


Session 2010/2011

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:-) smile |-( late night B-| sunglasses ;-) wink

:-( sad [:-) listening to IPOD :-& tongue-tied :


Session 2010/2011

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5.7 Tackling Assignments

Adapted from: Rawnsley, de Looy, Sanderson Study Skills, National Coaching Foundation and Leeds Metropolitan

University, 1992

5.7.1 Introduction

Your progress through the course is assessed continually by submission of set assignments, and in most cases by

examination. It is obvious that you are going to have to write essays of different types and lengths throughout

your studies and so it is important to remember that the assignment is not just a chore to get through so that

your tutor can assess your performance. Writing an essay is a crucial part of the learning process because it

provides you with the opportunity of expressing your thoughts in your own words which reinforces the learning.

It helps you to assess your own understanding of a topic and gives you the chance to explore other sources of

information.

5.7.2 Types of Assignments

An assignment can be:

A series of questions demanding short, to-the-point answers. These will require you to develop your

ability to express yourself concisely as well as accurately.

A short essay of between 1000 1500 words, about 3 pages of A4 paper.

A report on an article or a study you have been asked to read

A longer essay of between 2000- 5000 words, asking you to do something a little more demanding;

for example, to assess the relevance of a particular idea

A project requiring you to design, carry out and write up a study on a particular self-selected topic


Session 2010/2011

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5.7.3 Principles of Essay Writing

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