University Calendar 2011/12
Section IX : Academic Regulations - Faculty of Natural and Environmental Sciences



PREFACE
CONTENTS
SEMESTERS
SECTION I
SECTION II
SECTION III
SECTION IV
SECTION V
SECTION VI
SECTION VII
SECTION VIII
SECTION IX
SECTION X
SECTION XI
SECTION XII
SECTION XIII
SECTION XIV
 
ARCHIVE 2004/5
ARCHIVE 2005/6
ARCHIVE 2006/7
ARCHIVE 2007/8
ARCHIVE 2008/9
ARCHIVE 2009/10
Academic Unit Biological Sciences
Final Award

Bachelor of Science (Honours)
Bachelor of Science (Ordinary)
Master of Biomedical Science
Certificate in Higher Education
Diploma in Higher Education

Programme(s)

BSc (Hons) Biology
BSc (Hons) Biology (part time)
BSc (Hons) Zoology
BSc (Hons) Zoology (part time)
BSc (Hons) Biochemistry
BSc (Hons) Biochemistry (part time)
BSc (Hons) Pharmacology
BSc (Hons) Pharmacology (part time)
BSc (Hons) Biomedical Sciences
BSc (Hons) Biomedical Sciences (part time)
BSc (Ord) Biological Science
BSc (Hons) Biomedical Sciences (Intercalated)
MBMedsMaster of Biomedical Science

Last modified June 2010

Reference should be made to the University's General Regulations found in Section IV and Section V (Higher Degree Regulations) of the University Calendar.

Except where an opt-out has been granted by the University (see below) the following academic regulations apply in addition to the General Regulations.

1. Admissions
 
In addition to the information given in the University’s General Regulations, please consult the University Prospectus for the current entry requirements for each degree programme.

The University and the School are committed to a comprehensive policy of equal opportunities in which students are recruited on the basis of their relevant merits and abilities and are given equal opportunities within the University. Applications from candidates with disabilities are always considered and assessment of their abilities and needs undertaken sensitively.

Applicants who have studied elsewhere, and completed modules that are considered to be equivalent to relevant modules in the programme, may be given credit for this prior learning.


2. Structure of Programme(s)
 
All programmes are available full or part time.

The normal length of study for BSc programmes is 3 years full-time and 6 years part-time. The normal length of study for the MBMedsMaster programme is 4 years full time or 8 years part time and the normal length of the BSc Biomedical Sciences (Intercalated) is 2 years.

A full-time student will normally take 120 credit points (8 modules) per academic year (usually 4 per semester). A part-time student will normally take 60 credit points (4 modules) per year (usually 30 credit points per semester but not more than 90 credit points per year).

The selection of first, second and third year option modules by each candidate is subject to the approval of the relevant Programme Manager or Deputy Head of Academic Group (Education).

Further information is given in the programme specifications at the Academic Group’s website.  


3. Progression
 
The School follows the University regulations on progression as laid down in the University Calendar, except where modified for the 2 year Biomedical Sciences Intercalated BSc programme.


4. Assessment
 
For 3 and 4 year programmes the School follows the University regulations on Progression and Classification in the University Calendar, and a modification of these rules for the 2 year Biomedical Sciences Intercalated BSc programme.

The performance of candidates is assessed by the Board of Examiners in accordance with the School ’s regulations governing examinations for the relevant programmes of study.

Students sit examinations during the standard University examination periods. The School follows the rules on examinations as described in the University Calendar.

Modules are assessed by both coursework and/or formal examination, and submission dates for coursework are advertised in the module booklets. All coursework must be submitted in a legible and timely manner. If a student is required to take a supplementary examination then his or her original practical mark will be included in the overall mark for the module because it is not normally possible to repeat practical classes.


5. Award of Qualification(s)
 
Full details are given in the School's Undergraduate Handbook.

To qualify for the award of a BSc Honours degree or MBMedsMaster from Biological Sciences students must normally take 120 credit points per level and achieve a minimum of 320 marks out of a maximum of 800, passes in a minimum total of 90 credit points (6 modules) and passes in all core modules specified for the relevant programme of study. Students must attain the minimum qualifying mark in all optional modules. Further details on progression, including the weighting given to each year in determining the final mark and the criteria for deciding the degree classifications of candidates with borderline marks are given in Section IV of the University Calendar.

On the recommendation of the School, the final award is awarded by Senate to candidates who have satisfactorily completed an approved course of study and have satisfied the assessment requirements. The results are published by number and classification on the specified date as stated in the University Calendar.

Any appeals should follow the University guidelines available in the University Calendar.

Students who leave the University after successful completion of level one may apply to the School for a Certificate in Higher Education. Students who leave after level two may apply for a Diploma in Higher Education.

Students identified as failing or weak in year 2 may be invited to enrol for the Ordinary degree programme in year 3. No subject other than 'Biological Science' is specified when an Ordinary degree is awarded, and the minimum aggregate pass mark is 40% (320/800). Students following an Ordinary degree programme:
  1. are not permitted to take level 3 modules equivalent to more than 60 credit points;
  2. are not permitted to take level 1 modules equivalent to more than 30 credit points in their third year;
  3. may be required to repeat failed level 2 modules equivalent to no more than 30 credit points;
  4. are normally required to take four 15 credit point modules in each semester in year 3.


6. Placements/Study Abroad/Exchange/Fieldwork
 
The BSc Biology and BSc Zoology programmes have a compulsory fieldwork element. Students registered on these programmes must have a valid passport and be available to attend this part of the programme which usually takes place over the Easter vacation. Students in the School have the opportunity to suspend their registration in year 2 and spend a year working in industry.


7. Other
 
Unless admitted to a part-time programme of study, students are required to keep to the University's three terms and to attend for such additional periods of study as may be required by the regulations of the programme for which they are registered.

Attendance at tutorials, lectures and practical classes is essential and is often recorded. Persistent absentees will receive a warning from the School.

These regulations may be revised during the student's period of registration in accordance with the procedures approved by Senate.




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Last reviewed: 12-Jul-2010
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