COLLEGE OF

SCIENCE

Academic Year 2009/2010

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Undergraduate Programmes

FirstUniversity Examination in Science

SecondUniversity Examination in Science

ThirdUniversity Examination in Science

Detailed Distribution of Marks for Written and Practical Examinations in the

ThirdUniversity Examination in Science and in the B.Sc. Degree Examination (Honours)

Four Year B.Sc. Honours Degree in Mathematics

Four Year B.Sc. Honours Degree in Applied Mathematics

Four Year B.Sc. Honours Degree in Subjects other than Mathematics and Applied Mathematics

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)

Postgraduate Programmes

Higher Diploma in Applied Science (Analytical Biochemistry/Chemistry)

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 PROGRAMMES

COLLEGE OF SCIENCE

FIRST UNIVERSITY EXAMINATION IN SCIENCE

(including Denominated Degrees)

Marks Maxima: 100 marks for each subject (15 ECTS Credits).

Pass Standard:40% in each subject.

Honours Standard:First Class70%

Second Class Grade 160%

Second Class Grade 1150%

Progression to Next Level of Course:

Students are required to achieve an overall result of pass in their first year examinations before being permitted to progress to the second year of the programme.

Award of Honours:

Honours may be awarded in separate subjects provided the examination is passed as a whole. Candidates who pass by compensation are not eligible for Honours. Honours are awarded at the Summer examination only.

Passing on the Aggregate

A student can pass on the aggregate within a subject (only) from Level 2 to Level 1 where the student has excess credits in the other modules equal to single deficiency.

Carry Forward:

The First University Examination in Science must be passed as a whole. However, in the case where a candidate fails in the examination as a whole, but has obtained a mark of 40% or more in one or more subjects/components of subjects (either at Level 1 or Level 2), these marks will be carried forward to ALL succeeding examinations within the following time-limit: two years from the date of entering the course.

Compensation:

Compensation may only be used to enable a candidate to pass the examination as a whole. Compensation may be allowed in one subject only. Candidates who do not fall below 35 per cent may be passed, at the discretion of the Board, if they obtain in the other subjects excess marks above the pass standard equal to double the deficiency. Marks carried forward from Summer to Autumn at the first sitting of the examination may count for compensation but marks carried forward to subsequent years do not, except in exceptional circumstances, count for this purpose.

Return of Marks:

Marks will be returned at Level 2. Level 1 and Level 2 marks will be shown on examination broadsheets / student transcripts.

Subject Groupings:

All students taking the Undenominated B.Sc. Degree in Science must present for one of the following groups.

Group A - Mathematics, Applied Mathematics, Chemistry and Physics.

Group B - Mathematics, Applied Mathematics Physics and Computer Science.

Group C -Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics or Applied Mathematics

Group D -Biology, Chemistry, Earth and Ocean Science, Mathematics or Applied Mathematics

Group E - Chemistry, Computer Science, Physics, Mathematics or Applied Mathematics

Group F -Earth and Ocean Science, Physics, Computer Science, Mathematics or

Applied Mathematics

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 ...60%40%

[Biotechnology l A proportion of marks, up to a[Health & Safety Systems and maximum of 30% may be awarded

Policy I for any combination of course work,

orals, practicals and projects.

In all examinations for courses given by the Department of 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 by the Department of Mathematical Physics, 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 (Physics, Applied Physics) up to 10% of the 70% allotted to the written examination may be derived from continuous assessment and all of the 30% allotted to the practical component may be derived from the Year's Work and other related forms of continuous assessment.

Progression to Second Year:

Students are required to achieve an overall result of pass in their first year examinations before being permitted to progress to the second year of the programme.

Calculation of 4th Year (Honours) Degree Results

For information: to be implemented in the calculation of 4th Year results 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.

SECONDUNIVERSITY EXAMINATION IN SCIENCE

(Including Denominated Degree Programmes)

Each student must study 60 ECTS Credits in the combination 20+20+20 or 20+20+10+10

Marks Maxima: 100 marks for each module.

Pass Standard:40% in each course module (20 or 10 ECTS Credits).

Honours Standard:First Class70%

Second Class Grade 160%

Second Class Grade 1150%

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 20 ECTS Credit subject on the average between Semester I and Semester II whilst failing a 10 ECTS Credit component, will not be required to repeat the failed component. A candidate who fails a 20 ECTS Credit subject on the average between Semester I and Semester II will be permitted to retain the passing mark, 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.

Award of Honours:

Provided the candidate attains the standard at the first attempt at examination in that subject, Honours may be awarded in individual subjects provided that the candidate passes the examination as a whole. Candidates who pass by compensation are not eligible for Honours.

Honours are normally awarded at the Summer Examination only.

In the 20 ECTS Credit subject MM292 Mathematical Science (Option) of the Denominated Degree Programme in Computing Studies (Mathematical Science/Computing Option), honours may only be awarded if the candidate has taken all of the components of the subject at Honours level.

Honours will not be awarded in any mathematical options other than MA280.

Passing on the Aggregate

A student can pass on the aggregate within a subject (only) from Level 2 to Level 1 where the student has excess credits in the other modules equal to single deficiency.

Carry Forward:

The Second University Examination in Science must be passed as a whole. However, in the case where a candidate fails in the examination as a whole, but has obtained a mark of 40% or more in one or more stand-alone modules or subjects/components of subjects (either at Level 1 or Level 2), these marks will be carried forward to ALL succeeding examinations within the following time-limit: two years from the date of entering the course.

Compensation:

Compensation may only be used to enable a candidate to pass the examination as a whole. Compensation may only be allowed in a 20 ECTS Credit subject or in two 10 ECTS Credit stand-alone subjects. Candidates who do not fall below 35 per cent may be passed, at the discretion of the Board, if they obtain in the other subjects excess marks above the pass standard equal to double the deficiency. Marks carried forward from Summer to Autumn at the first sitting of the examination may count for compensation but marks carried forward from previous years do not, except in exceptional circumstances, count for this purpose.

Return of Marks:

Marks will be returned at Level 2. Level 1 and Level 2 marks will be shown on examination broadsheets / student transcripts.

Progression to Third Year:

Students are required to achieve an overall result of pass in their second year examinations before being permitted to progress to the third year of the programme.

NOTE: Students who wish to take a biological subject in third year must select another 24 or 36 ECTS subject. Students who wish to specialise in the following subjects will be exempt from this requirement: Chemistry, Computer Science, Earth and Ocean Sciences, 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 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

Earth and Ocean Sciences60%40%

Mathematical Physics80%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 40% 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%

THIRD UNIVERSITY EXAMINATION IN SCIENCE

(Including Denominated Degree Programmes)

Each student must study 60 ECTS Credits, with each subject comprising between 12 and 36 ECTS Credits

Marks Maxima:100 marks for each module.

Pass Standard:40% in each subject (12 or 24 or 36 ECTS Credits)

Compensation:None.

Honours Standard:First Class70%

Second Class, Grade 160%

Second Class, Grade 1150%

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 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 24 ECTS Credit or 36 ECTS Credit subject on the average between Semester I and Semester II will not be required to repeat any failed component. A candidate who fails a 24 ECTS Credit subject or 36 ECTS Credit subject on the average between Semester I and Semester II will be permitted to retain any passing mark in a component module, 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.

Award of Honours:

Honours may be awarded in individual subjects of 12, 24 or 36 ECTS Credits. Honours may be awarded in individual subjects provided that the candidate passes the examination as a whole.

Honours are awarded at the Summer Examination only.

Honours will not be awarded in subjects taken at the pass level.

Standard for Distinction:

Candidates who attain a total of about 600 marks, but who are ineligible to proceed to 4th Year Honours, may be awarded the Degree with Distinction. The Board of Examiners may decline to award the degree with Distinction notwithstanding the attainment of the required aggregate mark if an inadequate standard is shown in one of the subjects.

Pass on 40% Average Rule

A student who has failed a 12/10 ECTS Credit stand-alone subject 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 12/10 ECTS Credit 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.

Carry Forward:

The Third University Examination in Science must be passed as a whole. However, in the case where a candidate fails in the examination as a whole, but has obtained a mark of 40% or more in one or more stand-alone modules or subjects/components of subjects (either at Level 1 or Level 2), these marks will be carried forward to ALL succeeding examinations within the following time-limit: two years from the date of entering the course.

Passing on the Aggregate

A student can pass on the aggregate within a subject (only) from Level 2 to Level 1 where the student has excess credits in the other modules equal to single deficiency.

Return of Marks:

Marks will be returned at Level 2. Level 1 and Level 2 marks will be shown on examination broadsheets / student transcripts.

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 12/10/9 ECTS stand-alone subject provided that a minimum of 30% has been obtained in the failed module.

NOTE: Students taking a biological subject are required to take another major subject in their third year. Students who wish to specialise in the following subjects will be exempt from this requirement: Chemistry, Computer Science, Earth and Ocean Sciences, 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, 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.

Special Requirements

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 (24ECTS) at the Summer examination board, will not normally be allowed to re-sit at that Autumn's examinations.

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 THIRD

UNIVERSITY EXAMINATION IN SCIENCE

Written Practical

and/or

Oral

Anatomy, Applied Physics and Electronics,

Experimental Physics, Physics and Astronomy,

Chemistry (Third Year only), Zoology70% 30%

Physiology (Third Year only)85%15%

Botany, Earth and Ocean Sciences60% 40%

Modules involving

Practical Work 70% 30%

FOURTH (HONOURS) UNIVERSITY EXAMINATION IN SCIENCE

(Including Denominated Degree Programmes)

Each student must study 60 ECTS Credits.

Marks Maxima:100 marks for each module.

Pass Standard:40% in each subject

Compensation:None.

Honours Standard:First Class70%

Second Class, Grade 160%

Second Class, Grade 1150%

General Standards (except where Special Requirements apply):

  • Honours are awarded only on basis of the first sitting of the examinations.
  • 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.
  • Results will be returned at Level 2.Both Level 1 and Level 2 results will appear on examination broadsheets/student transcripts.

Award of Honours:

A candidate who fails to gain admission to Fourth Year Honours course in accordance with the standards laid down above 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 does not obtain Honours 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 in 2009/2010: The overall degree result will be based on 80% of overall 4th Year results + 20 % of overall 3rd Year results.
  • 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.

4BS2: Fourth Year B.Sc HonoursDegree (other than Mathematics and Applied Mathematics):

AN402: Anatomy; AX401: Applied Physics and Electronics; BI401: Biochemistry; BT401: Botany; CH401: Chemistry; CS421: Computer Science; EOS420: Earth and Ocean Sciences; EP402: Experimental Physics; MI401: Microbiology; PM417: Pharmacology; SI401: Physiology; ZO401: Zoology.