University of Southampton Calendar 2013/14


University Calendar 2013/14 Section IX : Academic Regulations - Faculty of Natural and Environmental Sciences

Academic Unit	Centre for Biological Sciences
Final Award	Bachelor of Science (Honours) (BSc) Bachelor of Science (Ordinary) (BSc) Master of Biomedical Science (MBioMedSci) Master of Ecology (MEcol) with exit awards of: Bachelor of Science (Honours) Bachelor of Science (Ordinary) Certificate in Higher Education Diploma in Higher Education
Programme(s)	These regulations apply to all undergraduate programmes in the Centre for Biological Sciences.
Last modified	July 2013

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.

Admissions

1.1	In addition to the information given in the University’s General Regulations, specific admissions criteria for each programme are given on the CfBS website and Undergraduate Brochure.
1.2	Applications from mature candidates and international candidates are welcome and will be considered on an individual basis.
1.3	All individuals are selected and treated on their relative merits and abilities in line with the University's Equal Opportunities Policy. Disabled applicants will be treated according to the same procedures as any other applicant with the added involvement of the Enabling Services to assess their needs. Such applicants are therefore encouraged to make contact early and discuss their needs. The Faculty will make reasonable adjustments for students with disabilities (eg: hearing impairment, visual impairment, mobility difficulties, dyslexia), particularly the practical laboratory sessions, and we will attempt to accommodate students wherever possible.
1.4	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.

Structure of Programme(s)

2.1	All BSc programmes are available full or part time.
2.2	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 MBioMedSci and MEcol programmes is 4 years full time.
2.3	Transfer from BSc to the Masters is normally permitted up to the end of Part 2. Transfer is conditional on the student having taken any modules that are compulsory for the relevant Masters programme and their having met the entry requirements and/or progression hurdles.
2.4	A full-time student will normally take 60 ECTS per academic year (usually 4 per semester). A part-time student will normally take 30 ECTS per year (usually 15 ECTS per semester but not more than 45 ECTS per year). First year students on the BSc Biology with Zoology programme who do not have an A-level in Chemistry at Grade B or above will additionally be required to take an appropriate 7.5 ECTS Chemistry module.
2.5	The programmes consist of a number of core, compulsory modules and optional modules. Some modules have pre-requisites and some modules are mutually exclusive. Detailed information can be found in the programme and module specifications which can be found on the CfBS website.
2.6	Students must select their option choices for each semester of study by the deadline notified by the Faculty Student Office.
2.7	It is the responsibility of each student to ensure that the combination of modules they have selected is valid and meets the requirements of their programme of study.
2.8	Students have until the end of week two of a semester in which to change their selections.
2.9	Students must submit their project preferences on or before the deadline as notified by the project coordinator so that a project supervisor can be allocated.

Progression

3.1	The Programmes follow the University Regulations for Progression, Determination and Classification of Results specified in Section IV of the University Calendar. Exceptions to these regulations are detailed below:
	*Master of Biomedical Sciences and Master of Ecology* A candidate enrolled on this programme must achieve an aggregate mark of 55% at the end of Part 2.

Assessment

4.1	The Programmes follow the University Regulations for Progression, Determination and Classification of Results specified in Section IV of the University Calendar.
4.2	The performance of candidates shall be assessed by the Board of Examiners in accordance with the University’s regulations governing examinations for the relevant programme(s) of study. Details of the assessment for individual modules are given in module specifications (synopses) held on the CfBSwebsite.
4.3	Students who do not achieve the appropriate level of performance will be required to successfully undertake additional study and/or re-examination during either the summer vacation or the following academic year before proceeding.
4.4	Modules are assessed by both coursework and/or formal examination, and submission dates for coursework are advertised in the module booklets or Blackboard. 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 marks will be included in the overall mark for the module because it is not normally possible to repeat practical classes.

Award of Qualification(s)

5.1	The class of Honours awarded is determined by the weighted final average mark in accordance with University Regulations for Progression, Determination and Classification of Results specified in Section IV of the University Calendar.
5.2	To qualify for the award of a BSc or Masters Honours degree students must normally take 60 ECTS per level and achieve a minimum of 320 marks out of a maximum of 800 at each level, as well as the module pass mark in a minimum total of 45 ECTS and the module pass mark in all core modules specified for the relevant programme of study. Students must attain the minimum qualifying mark in all optional modules.
5.3	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.
5.4	On the recommendation of the Faculty, 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.
5.5	Any appeals should follow the University guidelines available in Section IV of the University Calendar.
5.6	Exit Awards: Are available in accordance with University Regulations for Progression, Determination and Classification of Results specified in Section IV of the University Calendar.
5.7	Regulations for a BSc Ordinary Degree: Students who fail to achieve the aggregate pass part mark in Part II (NQF level 5) in order to progress to Part III (NQF level 6) of an Honours degree, may be permitted to progress to a restricted programme for an Ordinary Degree, provided they have achieved a minimum aggregate part pass mark of 35% at the end of Part II and achieved the required pass mark in modules equivalent to 30 ECTS (60 CP). The aggregate part pass mark used from Part II will be the higher of (a) the original mark or (b) the mark obtained following a referral examination, up to a maximum of 40%. Students following an Ordinary degree programme in Part III (NQF 6): are not permitted to take level 3 modules equivalent to more than 30 ECTS (60 CP); are not permitted to take level 1 modules equivalent to more than 15 ECTS (30 CP); may be required to repeat failed level 2 modules equivalent to no more than 15 ECTS (30 CP); are normally required to take four 7.5 ECTS (15 CP) modules in each semester in year 3. The Academic Unit Board of Examiners will approve the scheme of study to be taken by an Ordinary degree student. No subject other than 'Biological Science'/'Chemistry'/'Ocean and Earth Science' is specified when an Ordinary degree is awarded. Students who progressed to Part III (NQF 6) of an Honours degree, but have failed to meet the requirements for the award of an Honours degree (Part III NQF 6) may, on the recommendation of the Academic Unit Board of Examiners, be recommended for the award of an Ordinary degree. In order to qualify for the award of an Ordinary Degree, students must obtain the following: at the end of Part II (NQF Level 5) a minimum aggregate part pass mark of 35% and achieved the required pass mark in modules equivalent to 30 ECTS (60 CP); at the end of Part III (NQF Level 6) a minimum aggregate part pass mark of 35% and achieved the required pass mark in modules equivalent to 30 ECTS (60 CP).

Placements/Study Abroad/Exchange/Fieldwork

6.1	The BSc Biology, BSc Zoology and Master of Ecology programmes have a compulsory fieldwork element. Students registered on these programmes must have a valid passport/visa and be available to attend this part of the programme which usually takes place over the Easter vacation.
6.2	Students in the Faculty have the opportunity to suspend their registration at the end of year 2 and spend a year working in industry.

Other

7.1	Any other specific requirements for individual programmes are included in programme specifications.
7.2	Candidates are required to satisfy the academic and attendance requirements of the programme as laid out in the Programme Specification and the Student Handbook for the programme. Those failing to do so may have their course terminated.
7.3	Attendance at tutorials, lectures and practical classes is essential and may be monitored. Persistent absentees may receive a warning from the Faculty.
7.4	These regulations may be revised during the student's period of registration in accordance with the procedures approved by Senate.