COLLEGE OF

SCIENCE

Academic Year 2010/2011

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Undergraduate Programmes

First, Second and ThirdUniversity Examination in Science

Additional Information: FirstUniversity Examination in Science

Additional Information: SecondUniversity Examination in Science

Additional Information: ThirdUniversity Examination in Science

Four Year B.Sc. Honours Degree

Additional Information: FourthUniversity Examination in Science

B.Sc. Degree Examination in Medical Subjects

Minor Awards in Science and Technology

  • Diploma in Medical Device Science
  • Diploma in Form & Function of the Human Body
  • Diploma in Bio-processing Technology
  • Diploma in Biomedical Informatics
  • Diploma in Environmental Sustainability

Online Diploma in Science and Technology Studies

Online BSc in Science and Technology Studies

Diploma in Scientific Studies (Gemmology)

Diploma in Scientific Studies (Geology)

Certificate in Continuing Professional Development (Science and Technology)

Certificate in Continuing Professional Development (Biodiversity Conservation Management)

Postgraduate Programmes

Higher Diploma in Applied Science (Analytical Biochemistry/Chemistry)

Higher Diploma in Applied Science (Applied Mathematics)

Higher Diploma in Applied Science (Mathematics)

Higher Diploma in Applied Science (Occupational Health & Safety and Hygiene)

Higher Diploma in Applied Science (Mathematical Physics)

Postgraduate Certificate in Biomedical Science – via Distance Learning

Postgraduate Diploma in Biomedical Science – via Distance Learning

Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Microbiology

M.Sc. Qualifying Examination

M.Sc. Degree Examination

M.Sc. Analytical Biochemistry/Chemistry

M.Sc. Analytical Biochemistry/Chemistry (part-time)

M.Sc. Biomedical Science

M.Sc. Biomedical Science – via Distance Learning

M.Sc. Biotechnology

M.Sc. Biotechnology (part-time)

M.Sc. Mathematics

M.Sc. Medical Physics

M.Sc. Neuropharmacology

M.Sc. Occupational Health & Safety and Ergonomics

M.Sc. Quality and Reliability

M.Sc. in Toxicology

UNDERGRADUATE MARKS & STANDARDS

FIRST UNIVERSITY EXAMINATION IN SCIENCE(Including Denominated Degree Programmes)

SECOND UNIVERSITY EXAMINATION IN SCIENCE(Including Denominated Degree Programmes)

THIRD UNIVERSITY EXAMINATION IN SCIENCE(Including Denominated Degree Programmes)

Course Instance /
  • 1BO1, 1BMS1, 1BPA1, 1BPC1, 1BPM1, 1BPP1, 1BS1, 1BY1, 1CS1, 1EH1, 1EV1, 1FM1, 1HF1, 1MR1
  • 2BO1, 2BPA1, 2BPC1, 2BPM1, 2BPP1, 2BS1, 2BY1, 2CS1, 2EH1, 2EV1, 2FM1, 2HF1, 2MR1,
  • 3BO2, 3BPA2, 3BPC2, 3BPM1, 3BPP2, 3BS3, 3BS4, 3BS9, 3BS10, 3BY2, 3CS2, 3EH2, 3EL2, 3EV2, 3FM2, 3HF2, 3MR3, 3PT2
/ Duration of Course / 12 months
Course Type / BachelorDiplomaCertificate / NQAI Level / Level 8Level 1Level 2Level 3Level 4Level 5Level 6Level 7Level 9
Title (in full) / Full/Part Time / Full TimePart TimeAdult EducationDistance
ECTS (per yr) / 60 ECTS150 ECTS120 ECTS90 ECTS45 ECTS30 ECTS15 ECTS35 ECTS40 ECTS50 ECTS55 ECTS / Mode of Study / TaughtDistance EducationAdult Learning
Marks / Marks returned out of 100%
Board Meetings / 1st Sitting - Spring Summer Autumn Winter
2nd Sitting - Spring Summer Autumn Winter
Marks Entry / Results will be returned at level 2 and an aggregated result will be calculated up to Level 1.
Honours / Honours awarded at the subject level (level 1)Honours awarded at the overall levelPass or Fail only at the overall LevelHonours at subject and overall level (Med only)Hons awarded at subject and Award Level (Med only)Honours Awarded at the Award Level
Honours and Pass Standards
Please choose the appropriate % for each Grade relevant to this course instances / H170%N/A
H2N/A60%
H2160%N/A
H2250%N/A
Pass40%50% (Medicine and Nursing Only)N/A
Honours will be removed at every level where a student fails overall.
All Years: 1/2/3/4th
Passing on the Aggregate Rules / A student can reach a 40% pass on the aggregate mark within a group or subject (from level 2 to level 1 only) where a student has excess credits in other modules within that same group / subject which are equal to single deficiency, minimum mark 30%.
Years 1 and 2 only
Pass by Compensation / Candidates who do not fall below 35% (at level 1 only) in 15 ECTS (Year 1) / 20 ECTS (Year 2) may be deemed to have passed if they obtain excess marks above the pass standard in the other groups / subjects equivalent to double the deficiency
Year 3 only
Pass on 40% Average Rule / A student who has failed a Level 1 stand-alone subject of 12 ECTS value or less will be deemed to have passed the Third Year Examination provided:
  • An average mark of 40% or more is obtained across all 60 ECTS Credits and
  • Provided that a minimum mark of 30% has been obtained in the failed Level 1 stand-alone subject. The above concession will not apply to any 12/10 ECTS Credit component other than a 12/10 ECTS Credit stand-alone subject. It will not apply to a 12 ECTS Credit component which forms part of a 24 ECTS Credit or 36 ECTS Credit subject.

Honours Rules / Honours can be awarded in 1st and / or 2nd Sitting
NOTE: Candidates who pass by compensation are not eligible for honours.
Award
(where applicable) / Based on final year -or-
Final year and penultimate year to the benefit of the student
Final Year alone (100%)
50%40%35%33.333% of the penultimate year and 50%60%65%66.666% of the final year
Either of the above to the benefit of the student
Carrying Forward / Yes A candidate fails the examination as a whole, but has obtained a passing mark or more in one or more subjects, they can be carried forward.
No
Progression Rules / Candidates must clearly pass one year in order to progress to the next year
Not Applicable
Special Requirements (where applicable)
No longer than 3 lines / 3HF2: Health & Safety Systems
Note:
(i) Third Year Health & Safety Systems (3HF ) students must complete the Professional Experience Programme (PEP) element of the course, or equivalent exercise as specified by the programme director, in the period between Semester II (Spring) examinations and commencement of the following academic year. Except in exceptional circumstances, approved by the College of Science, students who fail to meet this requirement will not be permitted to proceed to Fourth Year.
(ii) Third Year Health & Safety Systems (3HF) Examinations take place in Semester I and in Spring, with supplemental/repeat examinations in Autumn. Students failing more than two Level 2 subjects (24 ECTS) at the Summer examination board, will not normally be allowed to re-sit at that Autumn's examinations.
Note: Where there are specific Course Requirements to be passed outright or 0 ECTS (Pass/Fail) modules on the course structure please give details including the module code

Created by Sheila Coyle and Grainne Morahan on behalf of the Academic Records Office

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

FIRST UNIVERSITY EXAMINATION IN SCIENCE

(including Denominated Degrees)

Capping of Repeat Examination Results:

Repeat Examination Results (for 2nd and subsequent sittings) will be capped at 40% in each module repeated.

Distribution of Marks for Written and Practical Examinations:

Written Practical

Biology ...... 70% 30%

Physics ...... 70% 30%

Chemistry ...... 70% 30%

Computer Science ...60%40%

Earth and Ocean Sciences ...70%30%

[Biotechnology l A proportion of marks, up to a

[Health & Safety Systems andmaximum of 30% may be awarded

Policy I for any combination of course work,

orals, practicals and projects.

In all examinations for courses given in Mathematics, a proportion of the marks, up to a maximum of 30%, may be awarded for (any combination of) course work, orals, practicals, projects.

In all examinations for courses given in Applied Mathematics, a proportion of the marks, up to a maximum of 30% may be awarded for either orals, practicals, projects, tests, or for any combination thereof.

In the First, Second and Third Year Physics courses, a proportion of marks up to a maximum of 60% may be awarded for any combination of course work, orals, tests, practicals and projects.

Calculation of 4th Year (Honours) Degree Results

For information: to be implemented in the calculation of 4th Year results from the Academic Year 2011/12: The overall degree result will be based on 80% of the overall 4th Year results + 15 % of the overall 3rd Year results + 5% of the overall 2nd Year results.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

SECONDUNIVERSITY EXAMINATION IN SCIENCE

(Including Denominated Degree Programmes)

Results of Semester I examinations will be communicated to students by means of the following grades:

Percentage / Grade
70-100 / A
60-69 / B
55-59 / C+
50-54 / C-
40-49 / D
35-39 / E+
30-34 / E-
0-29 / F

Examinations for Second Science will be held at the end of Semester I or the end of Semester II. The results of Semester I examinations will be incorporated with Semester II results to give an overall result. A candidate who passes a Level 1 subject on the average between Semester I and Semester II whilst failing a Level 2 module componentat not less than 30%, will not be required to repeat the failed component. A candidate who fails aLevel 1 subject on the average between Semester I and Semester II will be permitted to retain any passed Level 2 module component, but will be required to repeat the failed component. Repeat examinations for subjects failed either in Semester I or Semester II will be held in the Autumn.

Capping of Repeat Examination Results:

Repeat Examination Results (for 2nd and subsequent sittings) will be capped at 40% in each module repeated.

Progression to Third Year:

NOTE: Undenominated Science students who wish to take a biological subject (i.e., Anatomy, Biochemistry, Botany, Microbiology, Pharmacology, Physiology and Zoology) in third year must select another 24 or 36 ECTS major subject. ECTS Credits choices therefore are 36 + 24 or 24 + 24 + 12.

Students who wish to specialise in the following subjects will be exempt from this requirement: Chemistry, Computer Science, Earth and Ocean Sciences(EOS327 with EOS306 or EOS307 or EOS308 or EOS309), Mathematics (Honours), Mathematical Physics (Honours), Physics.

Calculation of 4th Year (Honours) Degree Results

For information: to be implemented in the calculation of 4th Year results from the Academic Year 2011/12: The overall degree result will be based on 80% of overall 4th Year results + 15 % of overall 3rd Year results + 5% overall of 2nd Year results.

Distribution of Marks for Written and Practical Examination:

WrittenPractical

and/or Oral

Mathematical Physics/Applied Mathematics80%20%

CS202 Computer Methods50%50%

CS201 Computer ScienceA proportion of marks up to a maximum of 30%

may be awarded for any combination of course work, orals, practicals and projects.

PH200 AstronomyA proportion of marks, up to a maximum of 60% may be

PH201 Physicsawarded for any combination of course work, orals, practicals and

projects.

All other subjects (except those governed

by note on Mathematics Course).70%30%

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

THIRD UNIVERSITY EXAMINATION IN SCIENCE

(Including Denominated Degree Programmes)

Results of Semester I examinations will be communicated to students by means of the following grades:

Percentage / Grade
70-100 / A
60-69 / B
55-59 / C+
50-54 / C-
40-49 / D
35-39 / E+
30-34 / E-
0-29 / F

Examinations for Third Science will be held at the end of Semester I, Spring or the end of Semester II. The results of Level 2 component modules will be aggregated to Level 1 to give an overall result. A candidate who passes a Level 1 subject on the average whilst failing a Level 2 module componentat not less than 30%, will not be required to repeat the failed component. A candidate who fails aLevel 1 subject on the average will be permitted to retain any passed Level 2 module component, but will be required to repeat the failed component. Repeat examinations for subjects failed either in Semester I, Spring or Semester II will be held in the Autumn.

Capping of Repeat Examination Results:

Repeat Examination Results (for 2nd and subsequent sittings) will be capped at 40% in each module repeated.

Progression to Final Year Honours of the B.Sc. degree on the basis of the ThirdUniversity Examinations in Science

Students are required to achieve an overall result of pass in their third year examinations before being permitted to progress to the fourth year of the programme by attaining one of the standards below:

(i)Candidates who pass 3rd year at the first or subsequent sittings.

(ii)In the case of both the Undenominated and the Denominated programmes, candidates who attain an average mark of 40% or greater across all 60 ECTS whilst failing a Level 1 stand-alone subject of 12 ECTS value or lessprovided that a minimum of 30% has been obtained in the failed module.

NOTE: Undenominated Science students who wish to take a biological subject (i.e., Anatomy, Biochemistry, Botany, Microbiology, Pharmacology, Physiology and Zoology) in third year must select another 24 or 36 ECTS major subject. ECTS Credits choices therefore are 36 + 24 or 24 + 24 + 12.

Students who wish to specialise in the following subjects will be exempt from this requirement: Chemistry, Computer Science, Earth and Ocean Sciences(EOS327 with EOS306 or EOS307 or EOS308 or EOS309), Mathematics (Honours), Mathematical Physics (Honours), Physics.

Students who pass third year as outlined above will be guaranteed a place in 4th Year. However, students are not necessarily guaranteed their first choice of subject. If a student achieves 45% overall in his/her third year examinations at the first sitting, he/she will be guaranteed his/her first choice of subject. If a student achieves less than 45% overall in his/her third year examinations, he/she will be allocated a subject from the major subjects taken in third year.

Calculation of 4th Year (Honours) Degree Results (to be implemented from 2009/10)

For students in Third Year from 2009/2010: The overall degree result will be based on 80% of overall 4th Year results + 15 % of overall 3rd Year results + 5% of overall 2nd Year results.

Detailed distribution of marks for written and practical examinations in the ThirdUniversity Examination in Science

Written Practical

and/or

Oral

Anatomy, Applied Physics and Electronics,

Experimental Physics, Physics and Astronomy,

Chemistry (Third Year only), Earth and

Ocean Sciences, Zoology70% 30%

Physiology (Third Year only)85%15%

Botany60% 40%

Applied Physics and Electronics,A proportion of marks, up to a maximum of 60% may be

Experimental Physics, Physicsawarded for any combination of course work, orals,

and Astronomypracticals and projects.

Modules involving

Practical Work 70% 30%

FOURTH (HONOURS) UNIVERSITY EXAMINATION IN SCIENCE

(Including Denominated Degree Programmes)

Course Instance / 4BO2, 4BS2, 4BS3, 4BS4, 4BS9, 4BPM2, 4BY2, 4CS2, 4EH2, 4EL3, 4EL4, 4EV2, 4FM2, 4HF2, 4MR2, 4PT2 / Duration of Course / 12 months
Course Type / BachelorDiplomaCertificate / NQAI Level / Level 8Level 1Level 2Level 3Level 4Level 5Level 6Level 7Level 9
Title (in full) / Full/Part Time / Full TimePart TimeAdult EducationDistance
ECTS (per yr) / 60 ECTS150 ECTS120 ECTS90 ECTS45 ECTS30 ECTS15 ECTS35 ECTS40 ECTS50 ECTS55 ECTS / Mode of Study / TaughtDistance EducationAdult Learning
Marks / Marks returned out of 100%
Board Meetings / 1st Sitting - Spring Summer Autumn Winter
2nd Sitting - Spring Summer Autumn Winter
Marks Entry / Results will be returned at level 2 and an aggregated result will be calculated up to Level 1.
Honours / Honours Awarded at the Award LevelHonours awarded at the subject level (level 1)Honours awarded at the overall levelPass or Fail only at the overall LevelHonours at subject and overall level (Med only)Hons awarded at subject and Award Level (Med only)
Honours and Pass Standards
Please choose the appropriate % for each Grade relevant to this course instances / H170%N/A
H2N/A60%
H2160%N/A
H2250%N/A
Pass40%50% (Medicine and Nursing Only)N/A
Honours will be removed at every level where a student fails overall.
All Years: 1/2/3/4th
Passing on the Aggregate Rules / A student can reach a 40% pass on the aggregate mark within a group or subject (from level 2 to level 1 only) where a student has excess credits in other modules within that same group / subject which are equal to single deficiency, minimum mark 0%.
Honours Rules / Honours can be awarded in 1st and / or 2nd Sitting
Award
(where applicable) / Based on final year -or-
Final year and penultimate year to the benefit of the student
Final Year alone (100%)
5% of Year 2 overall results + 15% of the penultimate year (Year 3)+ 80% of the final year (Year 4)
Either of the above to the benefit of the student
Carrying Forward / Yes A candidate fails the examination as a whole, but has obtained a passing mark or more in one or more subjects, they can be carried forward.
No
Progression Rules / Candidates must clearly pass one year in order to progress to the next year
Not Applicable
Special Requirements (where applicable)
No longer than3lines / 4HF2: Denominated Degree Programme in Health & Safety Systems
The level of degree awarded, including the level of Honours applicable, will be based on the Overall/Average Mark (%), over all modules examined, subject to the following condition:
(i)no candidate shall pass, who has failed to reach a satisfactory standard (40%) in either IE452 (Professional Experience Report), or IE453 (Health & Safety Project)
Note: Where there are specific Course Requirements to be passed outright or 0 ECTS (Pass/Fail) modules on the course structure please give details including the module code

Created by Sheila Coyle and Grainne Morahan on behalf of the Academic Records Office

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Fourth (Honours) University Examination in Science

(Including Denominated Degree Programmes)

General Standards (except where Special Requirements apply):

  • Modules/components passed at the B.Sc. (Honours) examinations may be carried in perpetuity.
  • Normally, no autumn supplemental examinations are allowed for 4th Year (Honours) degree students. Supplemental examinations will be taken in the following academic year at the next normal sitting of the examination. Supplemental examination results will be capped at 40% in each module repeated.
  • In the case of repeat project/thesis, only a re-write and re-submission of the thesis is permitted.

Award of Honours:

A candidate who fails to gain admission to Fourth Year Honours course in accordance with the standards laid down above when the candidate first sat the Third University Examination in Science will be treated as a candidate for the Third University Examination in Science under the rules for that examination as laid down above.

A candidate who fails the 4th Year Examination will be deemed to have failed in the overall B.Sc. Honours Degree (based on the combined 2nd, 3rd and 4th Year marks). A candidate who fails the Fourth Year Honours examination may be awarded the B.Sc. (General) Degree. Such a candidate may be considered for the award of the B.Sc. (General) on the basis of marks obtained in the Third University Examination in Science.

Students taking Fourth Year Honours Examinations and achieving a mark of between 40% and 49% therein (reaching a pass standard, but failing to reach honours) may be awarded a B.Sc. Honours Degree at Pass level.

Note on the Calculation of 4th Year (Honours) Degree Results (excluding 4BS6: Intercalated Degree)

  • For students in Fourth Year from 2010/2011: The overall degree result will be based on 80% of overall 4th Year results + 15 % of overall 3rd Year results + 5% of overall 2nd Year results.

INTERCALATED DEGREE

Course Instance / 4BS6 / Duration of Course / 12 months
Course Type / BachelorDiplomaCertificate / NQAI Level / Level 8Level 1Level 2Level 3Level 4Level 5Level 6Level 7Level 9
Title (in full) / Intercalated Degree / Full/Part Time / Full TimePart TimeAdult EducationDistance
ECTS (per yr) / 60 ECTS150 ECTS120 ECTS90 ECTS45 ECTS30 ECTS15 ECTS35 ECTS40 ECTS50 ECTS55 ECTS / Mode of Study / TaughtDistance EducationAdult Learning
Marks / Marks returned out of 100%
Board Meetings / 1st Sitting - Spring Summer Autumn Winter
2nd Sitting - Spring Summer Autumn Winter
Marks Entry / Results will be returned at level 2and an aggregated result will be calculated up to Level 1.
Honours / Honours awarded at the overall levelHons awarded at subject and Award Level (Med only)Honours awarded at the subject level (level 1)Pass or Fail only at the overall LevelHonours at subject and overall level (Med only)Honours Awarded at the Award Level
Honours and Pass Standards
Please choose the appropriate % for each Grade relevant to this course instances / H170%N/A
H2N/A60%
H2160%N/A
H2250%N/A
Pass40%50% (Medicine and Nursing Only)N/A
Honours will be removed at every level where a student fails overall.
All Years: 1/2/3/4th
Passing on the Aggregate Rules / A student can reach a 40% pass on the aggregate mark within a group or subject (from level 2 to level 1 only) where a student has excess credits in other modules within that same group / subject which are equal to single deficiency, minimum mark 0%.
Honours Rules / Honours can be awarded in 1st and / or 2nd Sitting
Award
(where applicable) / Based on final year -or-
Final year and penultimate year to the benefit of the student
Final Year alone (100%)
of the penultimate year and of the final year
Either of the above to the benefit of the student
Carrying Forward / Yes A candidate fails the examination as a whole, but has obtained a passing mark or more in one or more subjects, they can be carried forward.
No
Progression Rules / Candidates must clearly pass one year in order to progress to the next year
Not Applicable
Special Requirements (where applicable)
No longer than3lines / Note: Where there are specific Course Requirements to be passed outright or 0 ECTS (Pass/Fail) modules on the course structure please give details including the module code

Created by Sheila Coyle and Grainne Morahan on behalf of the Academic Records Office