MBARARA UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
Examination Regulations
For Semester System
SUCCEED WE MUST
FORWARD
MbararaUniversity of Science and Technology introduced the semester system in October 2006 with Bachelor of Business Administration.The following year all other undergraduate programmes offered here started on the system. As a result, the beginning of the academic year, which used to start on the first Monday of October every year, shifted to mid-August.
The e-booklet on the examination regulations should be read by both staff and students. The semester system introduces new concepts on how the structure works.The programmes are divided into a number of courses. Each course is awarded a particular credit value and a student works toward achieving the programme graduation load by accumulating credit.
Mbarara University regulations differ slightly from other Universities operating the semester system which students and staff should not lose sight of. The variation which has been introduced at Mbarara University relates to failure in course units. A student who fails a course unit(s) is allowed a supplementary examination. A student who fails at a supplementary/special examination is not allowed to go forward with the failed course unit into the next year of study. That student is allowed to repeat the failed course unit(s) when they are next offered, does assignments and sits for the examinations. The interpretation of these regulations rests with Senate.
I am duty bound to record the University’s indebtedness to Mr. Simon Anguma, Dean of the Faculty of Science and his team for the excellent work they have done to work out these examination regulations as well as other semester rules which have been endorsed by Senate.
SUCCEED WE MUST
S B Bazirake
ACADEMIC REGISTRAR
TABLE OF CONTENTS Page
FORWARD
1.0 The Semester System
1.1 Academic Periods
1.1.1 Academic year
1.1.2 Semester
1.1.3 Recess term
1.2 Courses
1.2.1 Core courses
1.2.2 Elective
1.2.3 Group of elective courses
1.2.4 Substitution for a failed elective(s)
1.2.5 Number of elective courses
1.2.6 Ceiling for elective courses
1.3 Pre-requisite
1.3.1 Pre-requisite course
1.4 Audited course
1.4.1 Conversion of Audited courses
1.4.2 Audited courses on the transcript
1.5 Content of courses
1.6 Size of a course
1.6.1 Courses with practical component
1.7 Major
1.7.1 Minor
1.7.2 Contact hour
1.7.3 Credit or Credit Unit
1.8 Course Size
1.8.1 Smallest course size
1.8.2 Largest course size
1.9 Programme
1.9.1 Academic programme
1.9.2 Structure of academic Programmes
1.9.3 Specialization in academic programmes
1.10 Academic programme load
1.10.1 Semester load
1.10.2 Normal semester load
1.10.3 Maximum semester load
1.10.4 Graduation programme load
1.10.5 Maximum durations for the various programmes
1.11 Course identification system
1.11.1 The letter codes
1.11.2 The number codes
1.11.3 Letter codes for courses in Faculty of Science
1.11.4 Letter codes for courses in Faculty of Medicine
1.11.5 Letter codes for courses in Faculty of Development Studies
1.11.6 Letter codes for courses in Institute of Computer Science
1.11.7 Interpretation of number codes
1.11.8 The first digit
1.11.9 The second digit
1.11.20 The last two digits
2.0 Examination regulations, assessment, grading, and classifications of awards
2.1 Faculty or Institute Board of Examiners
2.1.1 Membership of Faculty or Institute Board of Examiners
2.1.2 Faculty or Institute Board of Examiners Meetings
2.1.3 Minutes Secretary
2.2 Assessment
2.3 Coursework
2.3.1 Coursework components
2.3.2 Contribution from coursework to the total mark
2.3.3 Administration of coursework
2.3.4 Coursework scripts
2.3.5 Publication of coursework marks
2.4 Certificate of due performance
2.4.1 Minimum class attendance required for certificate of due performance
2.4.2 Coursework requirements for certificate of due performance
2.4.3 Certificate of due performance as a qualification to sit university examinations
2.4.4 Contents of Certificate of Due Performance
2.5 University examinations
2.5.1 University examinations period
2.5.2 Timetable Committee for university examinations
2.5.3 Examination timetable
2.5.4 Publication of examination timetables
2.5.5 Administration of examinations outside the approved time table
2.5.6 Reporting time for examinations
2.5.7 Examination venues
2.5.8
2.5.9 Pass mark
2.5.10 Examination Contribution to the total marks
2.5.11 Contravention of Examination Regulations
2.6 Absence from university examinations
2.7 Examination Results
2.7.1 Submission of examination marks
2.7.2 Approval of examinations results by departments
2.7.3 The Faculty or Institute Examinations Committee
2.7.4 Approval of examinations results by the Faculty or Institute Board of Examiners
2.7.5 Publication of provisional examinations results
2.7.6 Publication avenues
2.8 Supplementary examinations
2.8.1 Qualification to sit supplementary examinations
2.8.2 Supplementary examinations in Clinical courses
2.8.3 Supplementary Examination season
2.8.4 Failure of Supplementary Examinations
2.9 Special examinations
3.0 Grades and Classification of Awards
3.1 Progression
3.1.1 Normal progression
3.1.2 Vice Chancellors list
3.1.3 Dean’s list
3.2 Discontinuation
3.3 Appeals
3.4 Grading
3.4.1 Abbreviations Describing Grades
3.4.2 Grade point average
3.4.3 Cumulative grade point average (CGPA)
3.3.4 Rules and regulations governing the computation of GPA
3.5 Grievances related to grades
3.5.1 Award of Marks
3.5.2 Reporting Grievances
3.5.3 Unresolved Cases
3.5.4 Appeal to Senate
3.5.5 Mode of Appeal
3.6 Classification of Awards
3.6.1 Degree Classification
3.6.2 Diploma and Certificate Classification
3.6.3 Aegrotat award
1.0The Semester System
The semester system at Mbarara University of Science and Technology shall be defined as the arrangement where each academic year is divided into two main parts, where each part is called a semester.
1.1Academic Periods
1.1.1Academic year
Under the semester system at MUST, the academic year shall consist of two (2) semesters and one (1) recess term.
1.1.2Semester
The length of each semester shall be seventeen (17) weeks in which fifteen weeks shall be used for lecturers and the last two (2) weeks of each semester for examinations.
1.1.3Recess term
The recess term shall consist of ten (10) weeks.
1.2Courses
A course is a unit of work in a particular field or area of study, normally covering a semester to completion and attracts credit(s) towards the fulfillment of the requirements leading to the award of Degrees, Diplomas or Certificates. Under the semester system, courses shall be arranged according to the following categories:
1.2.1Core courses
A core course shall be a course which is essential to a programme and gives a programme its unique characteristic features. The core courses MUST be offered and passed by all students registered for the programme in which the courses are offered.
1.2.2Elective
An elective course shall be a course offered in order to broaden an academic programme or to allow for specialization.
1.2.3Group of elective courses
Electives shall be selected from a group of courses at the convenience of the student and they have to be passed.
1.2.4Substitution for a failed elective(s)
Another elective course may substitute a failed elective course.
1.2.5Number of elective courses
The number of elective courses each student shall be required to register for in every academic programme shall be clearly stated so as to guide the students during selection of such courses from a set.
1.2.6Ceiling for elective courses
There shall always be a ceiling for the number of undergraduate students who shall be allowed to register for particular elective courses.
1.3Pre-requisite
A pre-requisite is a condition (either a course or classification), which must be satisfied prior to enrolling for the course in question.
1.3.1Pre-requisite course
A pre-requisite course shall be a course offered in preparation or prior to the commencement of a higher-level course in the same area of study.
1.4Audited course
An audited course shall be a course offered by a student for which a credit is not awarded.
1.4.1Conversion of Audited courses
An Audited course cannot be converted to a regular course.
1.4.2Audited courses on the transcript
An Audited course shall be indicated on the transcript.
1.5Content of courses
The level of content of a particular course has to match the credit units allocated to the course.
1.6Size of a course
The smallest course shall be one (1) credit units and the largest course shall have five (5) credit units.
1.6.1Courses with practical component
A course that has a practical component within it shall have a maximum of five (5) credit units and a course without practical component within it shall have a maximum of four (4) credit units.
1.7Major
A major shall be a set of courses in a field or area in which students are encouraged to explore the field or area in a considerable depth.
1.7.1Minor
A minor is a set of courses in a field or area that is of lesser importance than the major.
1.7.2Contact hour
A contact hour is equivalent to one (1) hour of lecture or two (2) hours of practical sessions, tutorials, junior, senior clerkship, and fieldwork.
1.7.3Credit or Credit Unit
A credit Unit (CU) is a measure used to reflect the relative weight of a course.
1.8Course Size
The smallest course shall be one (1) credit unit and the largest course shall have five (5) credit units. A course that has a practical component within it shall have a maximum of five (5) credit units and a course without a practical component within it shall have a maximum of four (4) credit units.
1.8.1Smallest course size
The smallest course shall be one (1) Credit Unit. A one (1) CU course is a course that is taught for one contact hour per week per semester or a course that takes fifteen contact hours to completion.
1.8.2Largest course size
The largest course shall have five (5) Credit Units. A five (5) CU course is a course that is taught for five contact hours per week per semester or a course that takes seventy five (75) contact hours to completion.
1.9Programme
The Degree/Diploma/Certificate awards are attained by offering programmes as described below.
1.9.1Academic programme
An academic programme is a set of courses (core, electives and pre-requisites), which are offered in order to qualify for an award of a Degree/Diploma/Certificate.
1.9.2Structure of academic Programmes
The structure of each academic programme shall clearly indicate the core, elective and pre-requisite courses therein.
1.9.3Specialization in academic programmes
An academic program may allow some degree of specialization. A programme specialization shall consist of a set of courses combined from both major and minor areas.
1.10Academic programme load
Academic programme load shall consist of essential set of courses (both core and electives) registered for or offered for an award.
1.10.1Semester load
A semester load shall comprise the total number of courses offered for a particular academic programme in a semester.
1.10.2Normal semester load
The normal semester load is defined as the quotient of one sixth of the total number of CU required for the award of a degree for which a student has registered.
1.10.3Maximum semester load
The maximum semester load for academic programmes shall cater for all courses prescribed for a semester, including audited courses.
1.10.4Graduation programme load
Each Faculty or Institute shall specify the total number of credit units required sufficient to constitute graduation load, for the awards of Degrees/Diplomas/Certificates offered inthe Faculty or Institute.
1.10.5 Maximum durations for the various programmes
Students registered for programmes offered in Mbarara University of Science and Technology shall complete their programmes of study within the maximum specified programme durations.
a)One year programme
The maximum period a student can spend on a one (1) year programme is four (4) semesters.
b)Two year programme
The maximum period a student can spend on a two year programme is six (6) semesters;
c)Three year programme
The maximum period a student can spend on a three year programme is ten (10) semesters.
d)Four year programme
The maximum period a student can spend on a four year programme is twelve (12) semesters,
e)Five year programme
The maximum period a student can spend on a five (5) year programme is fourteen (14) semesters.
1.11Course identification system
Courses offered shall be identified by a combination of letters and numbers codes.
1.11.1The letter codes
The letters codes shall indicate the field, or area within a subject in which the course if offered.
1.11.2The number codes
The set of number codes shall indicate the level, semester, and the serial number of the course.
1.11.3Letter codes for courses in Faculty of Science
PHYPhysics
CHEChemistry
MTHMathematics
EDUEducation
BIOBiology
PSYPsychology
SLTScience Laboratory Technology
1.11.4Letter codes for courses in Faculty of Medicine
PHSPhysiology
ANAAnatomy
BCHBiochemistry
PHAPharmacology
PATPathology
CMHCommunity health
MCBMicrobiology
MEDMedicine
PEDPaediatrics
SUGSurgery
OBG/GYNObstetrics & Gynaecology
PCYPsychiatry
DEMDermatology
ANSAnesthesia
ENTEar, Nose & Throat
OPTOphthalmology
RADRadiology
PHCPharmacy
MLSMedical Laboratory Science
NSGNursing
COMCommunication skills
SOCSociology
EDMEducational methods
MLCMedical Laboratory Science (completion program)
NSGCNursing Science (Completion program)
1.11.5 Letter codes for courses in Faculty of Development Studies
BDSDevelopment studies
BBABusiness administration
1.11.6Letter codes for courses in Institute of Computer Science
BCSComputer Science
BITInformation Technology
BCEComputer Engineering
1.11.7Interpretation of number codes
The first set of four digits (e.g. written as 2202) shall denote the following information:
1.11.8The first digit
The first digit shall denote the level or the year in which the course is offered. Therefore, 1 for 1st year, 2 for 2nd year, 3 for 3rd year, 4 for 4th year and 5 for 5th year.
1.11.9 The second digit
The second digit shall denote the semester during which the course is offered. Therefore, 1 for 1st semester and 2 for 2nd semester.
1.11.20 The last two digits
The last two digits shall be used to distinguish the courses in a programme.
2.0Examination regulations, assessment, grading, and classifications of awards
This document describes the examination regulations, assessment criteria, grading, and degree classification under semester system in Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
2.1Faculty or Institute Board of Examiners
There shall be a Faculty or Institute Board of Examiners constituted and approved by the University Senate.
2.1.1Membership of Faculty or Institute Board of Examiners
The membership of Faculty or Institute Board of Examiners shall be composed of internal examiners and such external examiners as may be present.
2.1.2Faculty or Institute Board of Examiners Meetings
The meetings of Faculty or Institute Board of Examiners shall be chaired by the Faculty Dean or Institute Director.
2.1.3Minutes Secretary
The Faculty or Institute Administrator shall be Secretary to the Faculty or Institute Board of Examiners.
2.2Assessment
Each candidate shall be assessed through coursework and examinations.
2.3Coursework
Coursework shall consist of continuous assessment through tests and assignments.
2.3.1Coursework components
In each course, the coursework shall consist of at least two (2) tests or one (1) test and one (1) assignment/take-home test.
2.3.2Contribution from coursework to the total mark
Coursework shall contribute a maximum of 30% of the total mark in each course.
2.3.3Administration of coursework
Tests and assignments shall be administered throughout the first thirteen weeks of the semester.
2.3.4Coursework scripts
Marked coursework scripts shall be returned to the students by individual examiners at least one week to the commencement of the examination period.
2.3.5Publication of coursework marks
The coursework marks shall be published by individual examiners on Notice Boards at least one week to the commencement of examinations.
2.4Certificate of due performance
A Certificate of due performance shall be issued to students who satisfy all the coursework requirements, and have achieved the minimum class attendance in all the courses offered in a semester.
2.4.1Minimum class attendance required for certificate of due performance
The minimum class attendance in each course shall be constituted by attending 80% of lectures, tutorials, and practical sessions as recorded by the individual examiners.
2.4.2Coursework requirements for certificate of due performance
A candidate who does not have coursework marks for a course(s) shall be denied certificate of due performance.
2.4.3Certificate of due performance as a qualification to sit university examinations
The Certificate of due performance shall qualify a candidate(s) to sit for university examinations unless there are other genuine circumstances that impede the candidate(s) from taking these examinations(s).
2.4.4Contents of Certificate of Due Performance
The Certificate of Due Performance shall contain all the courses in which candidates have satisfied the minimum requirements as provided for in 2.4 and 2.4.1.
2.5University examinations
University examinations shall be administered at the end of each semester and exceptions shall be approved in advance by the Faculty Dean or Institute Director.
2.5.1University examinations period
All the courses offered for gaining credit shall be examined during the last two weeks of the semester during which the courses are offered.
2.5.2Timetable Committee for university examinations
The Office of the Academic Registrar shall institute a Central Timetabling Committee, coordinated by the Academic Registrar’s Department.
2.5.3Examination timetable
University examinations shall be administered according to an examination timetable prepared by the Central Timetabling Committee and approved by the Academic Registrar.
2.5.4Publication of examination timetables
The Timetable Committee shall design examinations timetables and publish them on all the relevant Notice Boards four (4) weeks before the examinations period.
2.5.5Administration of examinations outside the approved time table
The Faculty Dean or Institute Director shall approve exceptions to 2.5.3 in advance and the letter of approval shall be copied to the Academic Registrar.
2.5.6Reporting time for examinations
Candidates shall report to the examination room 30 minutes before the commencement of examinations.
2.5.7Examination venues
Examination venues shall be opened 30 minutes before the commencement of examinations.
2.5.8
A candidate who reports fifteen (15) minutes after commencement of a particular examination shall not be allowed to sit for the particular examination.
2.5.9Pass mark
The pass mark for each course shall be 50% corresponding to a grade value (GV) of 2.0.
2.5.10Examination Contribution to the total marks
University examinations shall contribute a maximum of 70% of the total mark in each course.
2.5.11Contravention of Examination Regulations
Contravention of Examination Regulations shall involve among others, unfair practices such copying from or communicating with other candidates, bringing unauthorized materials or found using them, and found indulging in other examination malpractices. The following shall be noted:-
a)A candidate who contravenes the regulations and instructions governing examinations shall be reported to the Academic Registrar.
b)The invigilator/Supervisor shall immediately make a written report to the Academic Registrar including full details of the contravention.
c)The Academic Registrar shall inform the candidate in writing within 24 hours fromthe time the invigilator or supervisor’s report is received,that she or he has contravened examinations regulations. However, if the report is received on a Friday, the Academic Registrar shall inform the candidate in writing on the next working day.
d)The candidate who contravenes examinations regulations and instructions shall be allowed to continue with the examination; however, she or he shall appear before the Examinations Irregularities Committee.