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Programme Handbook
for Plant Engineering
Leading to a University of Cumbria award
BEng Honours Degree in Plant Engineering
Named pathways include:
Electrical Engineering
Mechanical Engineering Instrumentation & Control
Quality Engineering Nuclear Plant & Process Technology
Date: January 2017
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The handbook is a guide to the programme you are studying. A concise summary of the
programme is contained in the Programme Specification, available on your VLE. The
definitive and updated version is held on the Plant Engineering section of your VLE site.
The programme operates under University of Cumbria Academic Regulations – accessible
at www.cumbria.ac.uk/Public/AQS/Documents/AcademicRegulations/AcRegs.pdf
In the event of any information contained in this handbook conflicting with that in the
Academic Regulations, then the Academic Regulations should be taken as the definitive
version.
Important Note:
The University and Gen2 have taken all reasonable steps to ensure the accuracy of the
information contained in this programme handbook and will use all reasonable
endeavours to deliver programmes in accordance with the descriptions set out within the
handbook. Nevertheless, circumstances outside the University’s and Gen2’s reasonable
control may arise which limit its ability to deliver the programme as described (For
example, placement arrangements may vary from student to student depending on the
circumstances of the particular placement provider, including if a particular placement
provider were to withdraw or vary the conditions of the placement; there may be
changes in the availability, or withdrawal of funding). Where reasonable and appropriate
to do so, the University and Gen2 will make all reasonable endeavours to put in place
alternative arrangements to achieve the relevant learning outcomes, and provided the
University and Gen2 does so, it will not be responsible to the student for any failure to
provide the programme in accordance with this handbook.
Glossary
Some commonly used acronyms are listed below:
AQD Academic Quality & Development Service
CAT Credit Accumulation and Transfer
CIP Course Information Point
EAB Faculty of Education, Arts & Business
EE External Examiner
FAQSC Faculty Academic Quality & Standards Committee
FDL Flexible Distributed Learning
H&W Faculty of Health & Wellbeing
LiSS Library & Student Services
MAB Module Assessment Board
PT Personal Tutor
SaMIS Student & Management Information Service
UAB University Assessment Board
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Contents
Glossary
1 Introduction
1.1 Welcome to the Programme
1.2
1.3
Data Protection and sharing of information
Programme Team
1.4
Who to contact when issues arise
2 About the Programme
2.1 Titles of the Awards
2.2 Professional Qualifications
2.3 Academic Regulations
2.4 Programme Rationale and Philosophy
2.5 Programme Aims and Outcomes
2.6 Structure of the Programme
2.7 Attendance
2.8 Evaluation of the Programme
2.9 External Examiner Role
3 Teaching, Learning and Assessment
3.1 Programme Teaching and Learning Methods
3.2 Placement/Work Experience
3.3
3.4
Resources
Employability & Personal Development Planning
3.5 Programme Assessment Strategy
3.6 Referencing
3.7 Confidentiality Policy
3.8 Assessment Word Limit
3.9 Assessment Submission and Deadlines
3.10 Examinations
3.11 Extensions and Extenuating Circumstances
3.12
3.13
Marking, Moderation and Feedback
Module Reassessment
3.14
3.15
Condonement
Academic Malpractice (including Plagiarism)
4 Student Support and Guidance
4.1 Induction
4.2 Communication
4.3 Personal Tutor
4.4 Student Policies and Procedures
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1. Introduction
1.1 Welcome to the Programme
Well done. You have succeeded in your studies at level 5 and the course team would
like to welcome you to the BEng Honours Plant Engineering course. The course team
wishes you every success and is committed to making your time of study a happy
and rewarding experience. We are delighted to be an approved partner of the
University of Cumbria and are authorised to offer this award in its name. The
programme you are studying leads to a University of Cumbria award.
You will find that there is a step change from level 5 to level 6 and this is particularly
evident in the increasing emphasis on self study and research. At Honours level you
will be expected to research and apply your learning from levels 4 and 5 and also
extend your existing knowledge and understanding to a level required of a
professional engineer.
There are exciting opportunities within the plant engineering sector with the
requirement for well qualified plant engineers to enable the operation, commissioning
and design of new and existing plant installations. There are key skills shortages
within the engineering industry and to enable these new developments to flourish the
shortages have to be addressed. This programme addresses some of these issues.
In 2011, the University of Cumbria and Gen2 entered into a partnership agreement
to collaborate in developing and delivering higher education engineering
programmes. This programme is managed and delivered by Gen2 whilst quality is
assured within the Faculty of Health and Science of the University of Cumbria.
The primary purpose of this handbook is to provide sufficient basic information to
allow you to safely negotiate the rules and regulations governing the Honours Degree
in Plant Engineering delivered by Gen2.
The rules and regulations on course structure, progression, and exit award criteria
are covered. The course structure and outlines of the modules are provided in brief
and more specific details are provided in the module handbooks.
The Degree is offered on a part-time basis over a 1 day per week period. The Degree
will be delivered at the Energy Coast Campus in Lillyhall, near Workington. The Gen2
Higher Education Department area of the campus has a library and resource centre
specifically designed for higher education students. This facility has a full stock of
course books for the degree that is available as a mix of reference and short loan
resources. The resource centre has computer facilities installed with Microsoft
applications with internet access.
Gen2 Higher Education Department also has a number of engineering laboratories
and extensive workshops that will be utilised throughout the programme.
1.2 Data Protection and sharing of information
Please note that Gen2 and University of Cumbria will routinely share information in
order to facilitate your studies, including:
Application and registration details (e.g. name, contact details, date of birth,
education etc)
Coursework and exam marks
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This information will be kept securely and in line with the Data Protection Act by both
Gen2 and the University of Cumbria. Please get in touch if you would like any further
details about this. Please note that as you are sponsored through the degree
programme by an employer, Gen2 is required to share data such as coursework and
exam results.
1.3 Programme Team
Within the next section you will find the contact details of key people involved in the
running of the course. Do not hesitate to contact them if you are unclear about
anything.
Whilst we will try to give you as much information about the programme as possible,
there will be times throughout the programme when you will have some questions or
queries.
Name Contact details University
role
Area of academic
interest
Nick
McGrath [email protected]
Thermodynamics &
Fluid Dynamics
John
Foster [email protected] Mechatronics
Brendan
Grehan [email protected] Course Tutor Reprocessing
Zoltan
Hiezl [email protected]
Nuclear reactor
technology
Bill
Hocking [email protected]
Electrical Machines &
Drives
Sarah
Jones [email protected]
Programme
Administrator
Chris Lee [email protected] Course Tutor Plant Automation
Plant Control
Pat
Liddicot [email protected] Materials Performance
Nick
McGrath [email protected] Thermodynamics
John
Robertson [email protected]
Processing Irradiated
Materials, Nuclear
Reactor Operations &
Fuel Technology
Kevin
Rumney [email protected]
Programme
Leader
Electrical Machines &
Drives, Plant Design &
Simulation,
Mechatronics &
System Integration
Dr Robert
Shaw [email protected] Waste Management
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1.4 Who to contact when issues arise
You should ask:
Your Personal Tutor (PT)for all personal and general academic support.
You are allocated a PT as soon as you start on the programme. These tutors
are responsible for giving pastoral support and overseeing your personal,
academic, technical and physical skills progress in the role of a supportive, yet
critical, friend.
The Module Leader, if you need particular or subject specific support for a
module and its assessment. Each module within the programme has a
designated Module Leader. This person is responsible for the content and
assessment of a module, and has specialist knowledge of the module
discipline. They will liaise with your PT if you run into difficulties; and your PT
will contact them (though only with your consent) if there are outside factors
affecting your work that they need to take into account.
The Course Tutor for module selection issues, personal issues which may
lead to extenuating circumstances, issues regarding results of Boards and
general course administration issues. Your PT, with your permission, or a
Module Leader may contact the Course Tutor if there are factors which are
affecting your studies. You may approach the Course Tutor regarding a
delivery or assessment issue if you have already discussed the matter with
the Module Leader and the matter has not been addressed to your
satisfaction.
The Programme Leader if you have issues relating to your whole
programme as they have responsibility for overall management of the
programme. You may be asked to discuss your overall progress with the
Programme Leader. You may approach the Programme Leader regarding a
delivery or assessment issue if you have already discussed the matter with
the Module Leader and the Course Tutor and the matter has not been
addressed to your satisfaction. You may also approach the Programme Leader
if there are operational problems regarding your course and the Course Tutor
has not been able to address the matter to your satisfaction.
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2. About the Programme
2.1 Titles of the Awards
Academic Awards Level Credit
points
Professional
Qualifications (if any)
BEng Honours Plant Engineering
(Nuclear Plant & Process Technology)
BEng Honours Plant Engineering
(Electrical Engineering)
BEng Honours Plant Engineering
(Mechanical Engineering)
BEng Honours Plant Engineering
(Instrumentation & Control)
BEng Honours Plant Engineering
(Quality Engineering)
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6
6
6
6
120
120
120
120
120
Accredited by:
The Institute of
Measurement and Control
The Society of Plant
Engineers
2.2 Professional Qualifications
The Honours Degree has received Engineering Council accreditation through the
Institute of Measurement & Control, the Society of Plant Engineers and the Institution
of Plant Engineering; this covers the academic requirements for Incorporate Engineer
(IEng) registration and partial Chartered Engineer (CEng) registration with the UK
Engineering Council.
The course team has members of each organisation and will actively support your
application through one of these institutes and if required provide mentorships for
registration applications.
2.3 Academic Regulations
This programme is governed by the University of Cumbria’s Academic Regulations,
which can be found at:
http://www.cumbria.ac.uk/Public/AQS/Documents/AcademicRegulations/AcRegs.pdf
You should read the Regulations so you are familiar with them.
Exceptions to the regulations:
The requirements to pass each module are as stipulated in the Module Descriptor. In
some modules there is a requirement to achieve a minimum of 40% in all pieces of
assessment. Where this is stated it is a requirement that 40% or more must be
achieved in all assessed work in order to pass the module.
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2.4 Programme Rationale and Philosophy
Plant is typically a site of machinery and equipment operated for industrial or
manufacturing processes. Examples of plant are chemical plants, nuclear
reprocessing plants, heating and ventilation plants, mills, power & energy plants,
quarries and water treatment plants.
Professional Plant Engineers and Technicians use their skills to enable systems and
equipment to operate safely, efficiently and in an environmentally sustainable way.
They work in an extremely broad range of industries, but typically a plant engineer or
technician will work in organisations where machinery and equipment operates,
including manufacturing, processing or in utilities (such as the power and water
industries).
Plant engineering skills include specifying, designing, evaluating, acquisition,
commissioning, design, operation, management, inspection and testing, maintenance
and repair, refurbishment, development and disposal of machinery and equipment
that is typically used in industrial, manufacturing and utility processes.
Nuclear Electricity Generation in 2010 stands on the verge of the largest change of all
of the process & plant industries. Against an on-going decommissioning programme
which will see the UK capacity fall from 10 GWe to 1 GWe, three private consortia
have proposed investment which would result in the construction of 16 GWe of new
capacity. This amounts to a major collaborative, privately financed, infrastructure
project with a huge demand for high level science and technology plant skills.
Planning to underpin it took a specific step forward in October 2010 with the coalition
government’s identification of 8 potential sites in its revised draft National Policy
Statement. One of these sites includes West Cumbria.
An extract from a recent report authored by the Sector Skills Council (COGENT)
relating to future skills needs in the nuclear industry and supply chain is given below:
‘As part of the development of the business plan extensive workforce planning
analysis has been undertaken. The Skills Report (Cogent 2010) provides detail to
support the need for a continued skilled nuclear workforce.
The industry needs 1000 apprentices and 400 graduates every year if the current
level of power generation is to be maintained to 2025 and beyond. Without new
build, the UK faces a reduction of 90% in the workforce employed in electricity
generation. New build to match the current plans of the vendors and utilities, for 16
GWe capacity, would require between 110,000-140,000 person years of skilled
nuclear work over 13 years.’
To meet the higher education technical requirements identified within sector skills
analysis documents (COGENT and SEMTA), this degree includes relevant
underpinning scientific and mathematical principles, generic engineering,
management and specific coverage of plant design and nuclear plant technology. The
specific content of each module in the course has been developed to ensure that
future graduates are given the appropriate skills and knowledge to meet the current
and future skill demands of the plant engineering industry.
A key requirement of the programme is to integrate traditional engineering with
energy and plant technologies through case study development supported by
practical activities.
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2.5 Programme Aims and Outcomes
The overall aims of the Programme are:
To provide students with an opportunity to assimilate a coherent body of knowledge
appropriate to the discipline of either:
Electrical Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Instrumentation & Control
Nuclear Plant & Process Technology
Quality Engineering
To provide students with an experience of higher education that reflects the
requirements for innovation and inter-related activities in a changing plant
engineering industry
To encourage development of reasoning powers and stimulate analytical thinking
To inculcate work-related and transferable skills
To provide opportunity for the development and expression of creative and
innovative thought when designing systems or processes within an engineering plant
To provide graduates with a technical knowledge and skill that enables them to
practice as an individual or as a member of a team when applying engineering within
an industrial plant and to interact with a wider audience
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2.6 Structure of the Programme
The course is delivered over two years part-time with each year having two
semesters. Some modules are year long whilst others are delivered over a single
semester. The tables given below show the semester based structure.
The specific pathway and optional modules within each pathway will be selected by
the employer.
All modules are at level 6. 80 credits are compulsory and common to both the
engineering systems and nuclear pathways. 40 credits of optional modules are to be
selected from the option lists that are identified within the curriculum map.
All Level 6 modules contribute to the final honours degree classification.
YEAR 1 Programme Structure
Year 1 (Electrical Engineering Pathway)
Semester 1 Semester 2
PLEN6001 Plant Automation
(20 credits)
Compulsory
PLEN6011 Mechatronics & System
Integration
(20 Credits)
Compulsory
PLEN6002 Plant Design & Simulation
Compulsory
(20 credits)
PLEN6013 Electrical Machines & Drives (20 credits)
Compulsory
Year 1 (Mechanical Engineering Pathway)
Semester 1 Semester 2
PLEN6009 Fluid Mechanics and CFD
(20 credits)
Compulsory
PLEN6004 Structural Integrity & Materials
Performance
(20 credits)
Compulsory
PLEN6002 Plant Design & Simulation
Compulsory
(20 credits)
PLEN6008 Advanced Thermo-hydraulics
(20 credits)
Compulsory
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Year 1 (Instrumentation & Control Pathway)
Semester 1 Semester 2
PLEN6001 Plant Automation
(20 credits)
Compulsory
PLEN6011 Mechatronics & System
Integration
(20 Credits)
Compulsory
PLEN6002 Plant Design & Simulation
Compulsory
(20 credits)
PLEN6006 Plant Control Engineering
(20 credits)
Compulsory
Year 1 (Quality Engineering Pathway)
Semester 1 Semester 2
PLEN6001 Plant Automation
or
PLEN6009 Fluid Mechanics & CFD
(20 credits)
Or
PLEN6012 Principles of Design in Civil
Engineering
Option
PLEN6011 Mechatronics & System
Integration
(20 Credits)
or
PLEN6004 Structural Integrity & Materials
Performance
(20 credits)
Option
PLEN6002 Plant Design & Simulation
Compulsory
(20 credits)
PLEN6010 Management of Quality Engineering in Projects
(20 credits)
Compulsory
Year 1 (Nuclear Plant & Process Pathway)
Semester 1 Semester 2
PLEN6014 Nuclear Waste Management
(20 credits)
Compulsory
PLEN6004 Structural Integrity & Materials
Performance
(20 credits)
Compulsory
PLEN6002 Plant Design & Simulation
Compulsory
(20 credits)
PLEN6005 Processing of Irradiated Fuels and Materials
(20 credits)
Compulsory
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YEAR 2 Programme Structure
Year 2 (Common Project Module)
Semester 1 Semester 2
PLEN6003 Industrial Project
Core
(40 credits)
Please Note:
Core Modules – must be taken and successfully passed.
Compulsory Modules – must be taken but can be carried as fails (if the award permits).
Optional Modules – students would be required to take an appropriate number of
optional modules
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2.7 Attendance
For information regarding attendance can be found in Section D5 of the Academic
Regulations (see
www.cumbria.ac.uk/Public/AQS/Documents/AcademicRegulations/AcRegs.pdf)
Gen2 expects 100% attendance at all delivery sessions. If you do not achieve the
expected attendance levels this may seriously affect your performance on the course.
Your employer will be advised of any non-authorised absence. If you cannot attend,
please contact one of the Course Tutors.
If you require time away from Gen2 on your programmed day-release day, you must
get the permission of your employer; Gen2 cannot, and will not, grant any form of
leave of absence. You will be provided with an academic programme calendar, which
gives delivery, examination and resit dates, each June for the following twelve
months. We ask that you do not book holidays or courses on the days you are
required to be in attendance at Gen2 or during exam reassessment periods.
2.8 Evaluation of the Programme
The Programme Leader and Module Tutors form the Course Team, which meets
regularly to review the progress of the Course and take account of your comments -
both positive and negative through student liaison meetings. Adjustments will be
made to the delivery of the Course if the Team feel that changes are necessary to
make delivery and/or organisation better. At the end of the academic year all
modules undergo review.
Gen2 and the University operate a quality assurance scheme, which requires the
Programme Leaders to report to the GEN II Executive and the Universities Dean of
Faculty to keep them in touch with progress. Every year the Programme Leaders
submits a detailed report containing information from an individual site of delivery
point of view.
Student Representation
The Student Representative system is in place to provide an opportunity for you to
give feedback on the quality of your learning experience whilst at Gen2. Your
student group will be asked for nominations for these positions early in the course.
The role of the Student Representative is an important one; you need to know that
the person representing your group is the right one for the job.
There are usually one or two Representatives for each group, and they are there for
you to pass on any issues (both positive and negative!) relating to your programme
and to feed those issues back to the Programme staff. This is done through
Staff/Student Liaison Meetings.
All the Student Representatives are invited to meet with the Programme Leader and
other staff each semester in an informal setting, to feedback the views of their
year/programme group. This includes both positive aspects of the programme, and
any concerns the group may have.
We also encourage you to feed back comments to the Course Team on an ad hoc
basis. Your feelings and thoughts are valuable and we want to hear them.
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Module Evaluation Questionnaire
We will give you questionnaires to complete at the end of each module. Your
comments will be taken into account by the Course Team and, where appropriate,
actions taken.
Annual Programme Leader’s Report
The Programme Leader is responsible for writing an annual Programme Team
Leader’s Report and this feeds into the Annual Review Report for the Department.
The Programme Leader’s Report takes into account the comments provided by
student evaluations, tutor evaluations and the External Examiner’s Report, together
with assessment results and ‘first destination’ information for former students. In
addition, the Programme Leader is responsible for formulating an Action Plan that
identifies curriculum development priorities for the following academic year.
National Student Survey (NSS)
Each year the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) carry out a
National Student Survey (NSS) relating to quality and standards on degree
programmes. The aim of the NSS is to gather feedback on the quality of students'
programmes, to help inform the choices of future applicants to higher education, and
to contribute to public accountability. The results of this survey provide useful
feedback to enable us to develop our delivery and programme curriculum. We,
therefore, encourage all students to take part in this survey. Honours degree top-up
students will complete the NSS at the end of the Foundation Degree.
2.9 External Examiner Role
All HE programmes in the UK make use of independent, impartial academic advisers
call external examiners. These are usually drawn from similar programmes in other
institutions. Using their experience, external examiners provide authoritative (and
external) comments on the standards of your programme and its comparability with
similar programmes elsewhere. The aim is to help ensure that student performance
at the Gen2 and at the University of Cumbria is comparable with that of students
following similar programmes in other UK universities. External Examiners produce
an annual report that will be shared with you. Details of the External Examiner for
your programme can be found in Module Guides. External Examiner Reports for your
programme can be found on your programme VLE.
The External Examiner’s report is used by programme staff and the Department to
evaluate the curriculum, and to provide substance to the Annual Review Report and
its accompanying action plan. Thus the assurance of quality and standards is robust
and transparent.
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3. Teaching, Learning and Assessment
3.1 Programme Teaching and Learning Methods (including learning which
is not delivered through face to face lectures)
The Lecture is the most formal teaching method and serves primarily to define the
syllabus. It should not be regarded as providing all you need to know, but rather as
the 'skeleton' of knowledge. The responsibility for providing the 'flesh' rests largely
with you and this is discharged through private study.
Practical and Laboratory classes are a very important element of the course. They
are primarily intended to train you in the principles and methods of empirical
enquiry, and in the conventions of reporting investigations. You will receive
comprehensive written guidelines in relation to the latter.
The major purpose of the Seminar is to encourage students to publicly discuss topics
and issues, and through this develop the skills of criticism, argumentation and
communication.
Tutorials support for lectures and allow student to cover areas to a more in depth
level or gain support in learning in a less formal atmosphere than a lecture.
Workshops will provide opportunities for interactive or 'hands on' learning in a less
formal setting than the lecture.
As with all degree level education you are responsible for your own learning; the
lectures are merely the starting point and you will have to undertake a substantial
amount of study in order to succeed.
Gen2 Higher Education Department manages and operates a virtual learning
environment (VLE) that will be available to enhance your studies. Each module will
be supported on the VLE and will give you access via your home computer. Some
learning materials will be accessible and in addition a library of central resources.
The web address and login details will be provided to you at induction.
The aim of the Programme is to promote deep and active learning and for the
students to achieve an appropriate balance between (a) the accumulation of subject
specific knowledge (b) the understanding of subject-specific concepts (c) the
application of these, and (d) the development of general investigative and
presentational skills.
3.2 Placement/Work Experience
A Foundation Degree would in many respects benefit from a name change to
‘Vocational Degree’. Work based academic elements are a core part of the
programme. 40 credits worth of learning are covered by workplace tasks and
projects.
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3.3 Resources
3.3.1 IT Support
Within Gen2 a range of IT resources will be available to support the delivered
content as well as your own study. This provision includes relevant hardware and
software (including major office packages as well as specialized software
packages). Wireless codes are available from reception providing students with
internet access from their own devices. You will also receive a personal log-on
through which you can utilise Microsoft Office packages on and off campus
through the internet.
3.3.2 Library
The library contains the required core texts to support your learning.
To borrow an item fill out a ‘loan form’. To return an item - fill out a ‘return form’.
General Terms and conditions for use of the library:
• Once you have booked the item out of the library, you are responsible for
the safety of the item
• Any damage must be reported before loaning the item / upon its return
• The loan period is 14 days, after which it can be re-loaned for a further 14
days (filling in a re-loan form)
• Failure to return the item, or re-loan after 14 days may result in a fine
• Loans of over 14 days can be arranged but MUST be done in advance
• Loans must be booked out using appropriate paperwork and posted in the
‘post box’ found in the Higher Education Department office
• Books returned must have a ‘return form’ filled in (placed in the front
cover) and left with the administrator in the Higher Education
Department office
• PLEASE NOTE: IF AN ITEM IS NOT RETURNED AN INVOICE FOR THE
REPLACEMENT COST WILL BE RAISED. YOUR AWARD MAY NOT BE
CONFERRED IF YOU HAVE ANY OUTSTANDING DEBTS.
3.3.3 Laboratory Access
Gen2 has a range of mechanical, electrical and control laboratories containing
equipment to support your studies. Access to these laboratories may be arranged
through your module tutor. Please note that these areas cannot be accessed
outside of core working hours.
3.3.4 Self Study
Within the library area are computer and printing facilities which may be utilised
for self study. A quiet area is provided in the Learning Gateway. Please respect
the requirement to maintain a low noise level whilst working in this area.
17
3.4 Employability & Personal Development Planning
Your Employability Skills
By studying the FD Eng Plant Engineering you will not only be gaining extensive
theoretical knowledge of your chosen topic of study but you will also be developing a
range of transferrable skills which you can use in your work
These include presentation skills, planning and organisation, networking as well as
managing projects.
Personal Development Planning
You will be expected to keep track of your personal development through compilation
of a Personal Development Portfolio / Progress File. The File will act as a repository of
any documentary evidence of your development/progress (e.g. grade transcripts)
and documented reflections/conclusions as to your own perception of your academic,
personal, professional development, goals and action plans required to further that
development. Opportunities for reflective learning occur throughout the course, in
particular in modules assessed by thesis and further project work.
3.5 Programme Assessment Strategy
The assessment strategy will follow the University of Cumbria assessment policy and
regulations. These can be found at:
http://www.cumbria.ac.uk/AboutUs/Services/AQS/AcademicReg.aspx
Please note that all modules will be assessed. You are expected to attempt all
required assessments for each module for which you are registered, and to do so at
the times scheduled unless authorised extensions, special arrangements for
disability, or extenuating circumstances allow you to defer your assessment.
The Course team recognise the main purpose of assessment as:
the diagnosis of strengths and weaknesses of individual students;
encouragement to students to be involved in determining their own performance;
evaluation as to whether or not the student has met the learning outcomes of the
module and programme in order to progress to the next level or achieve an exit
award.
Assessment is continuous and uses both formative and summative methods.
Formative Assessment
Formative assessment is designed to help learners learn more effectively by giving
them feedback on their performance and how it can be improved and sustained. It
relates to the continuing and systematic appraisal of the degree of learning. This
helps you by providing feedback on the appropriateness of your study skills in
meeting the learning objectives. Formative assessment includes assessment
strategies that encourage the student and tutor to build on the student’s strengths
and to plan remedial help to correct identified weaknesses. Formative assessment
encourages the development of personal self-awareness and self-evaluation such
that corrective change can be instigated by the individual.
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Summative Assessment
Summative assessment is the process of evaluating (and grading) the learning of
students at a point in time through examinations, presentations, assignments and
practical reports.
Examinations - Short answer questions are usually looking for how well you have
learned factual information. Essay questions are looking for your understanding and
critical analysis skills.
Presentations - Your ability to collect and surmise information and your
presentational skills under pressure are being assessed here, as is the ability to think
on your feet using the facts that you have learned.
Assignments - Non-examination situation assignments assess your understanding of
the subject as well as your research, written communication and critical analysis
skills.
Practical Reports - These assess the application of theory to practical situations.
They also assess either your written or oral presentation skills when communicating
your deliberations to the marker.
You will find a detailed breakdown of the assessments in the module booklets you will
be given at the start of each module.
3.6 Referencing
http://www.cumbria.ac.uk/StudentLife/Learning/Resources/Referencing.aspx
You will be provided with support in report writing and referencing in courses prior to
the degree programme or by a short course within the programme. These sessions
will flag up where to obtain relevant information and personnel who can support you
in report writing and referencing.
3.7 Confidentiality Policy
Gen2 and the University strictly and equitably imposes penalties for confidentiality
breaches. For more information please refer the University’s Confidentiality Policy
found at: www.cumbria.ac.uk/malpractice. In addition to the Gen2 and University
regulations, the course team are fully aware of the confidentiality requirements of
the employers and the areas of work of the students. The course team will comply
with all requirements regarding commercial in confidence. This is particularly
important with Plant Based Modules and Projects.
3.8 Assessment Word Limit
It is expected that you can demonstrate achievement of the learning outcomes for an
assessment within the defined word limit. The upper limit specified may be exceeded
by up to 10% without penalty. There is no lower limit but failure to include
demonstration of the requisite learning outcomes will lead to a fail mark. Any excess
beyond 10% will not be marked. Tutors will draw a clear line in the work to show
where the work exceeded the word count in excess of 10% and the point at which
they ceased to mark. Students who exceed or falsify the word count are subject to a
penalty of 20 marks deducted from the total mark for the assessment item.
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Further details about assessment word limits can be found in the University’s
Conduct of Assessment at
http://www.cumbria.ac.uk/Public/AQS/Documents/AcademicRegulations/3c.pdf
3.9 Assessment Submission and Deadlines
General assessment guidelines, deadlines and description of assessment for each
module are contained in the Module Guides to this programme.
Hard-copy Submission of Course Work
The module tutor will identify the deadlines for assessments and the process by
which the assessments should be submitted. The normal process is for the
assessments to be signed into the possession of the Departmental Administrator no
later than 4pm on the designated hand in date.
Coursework received up to one week late of the deadline without an extension will
be marked as having been received late and a capped mark of 40% will be applied.
Submission thereafter, without an agreed extension, will be regarded as non-
submission and awarded zero. Where an extension has been agreed, if the work
does not meet the agreed new deadline, then the submission will be marked as a
‘non submission’ and awarded a zero mark.
On submission of course work you will be given a receipt. You should keep this
receipt as proof of submission. Without this you will not be able to claim that your
work has been submitted.
For further information on the University assessment regulations please refer to:
http://www.cumbria.ac.uk/StudentLife/Support/YourStudies/YourCourse/Assignment
s.aspx
3.10 Examinations
You will be provided with examination timetables by your Programme Leader and
these will also be posted on the notice board in the teaching area.
3.11 Extensions and Extenuating Circumstances
For explanation and guidance about extensions and extenuating circumstances refer
to the University’s Extenuating Circumstances procedures available at:
http://www.cumbria.ac.uk/Public/AQS/Documents/AcademicRegulations/3e.pdf
An extension is a short-term authorised arrangement between you and your tutor
based on a limited amount of extra time (normally not exceeding 10 working days),
by which you can submit your work without penalty to the mark. Extenuating
circumstances should be applied for where serious, unforeseeable and/or
unpreventable factors outside your control may have adversely affected your
performance within your programme of study. These factors may have prevented you
from attending examinations or other timed assessments or caused you to miss
assessment submission dates. Examples are illness, accidents or serious family
problems. Everyday occurrences such as colds or known conditions (e.g.
uncomplicated pregnancy, hay fever) will not qualify unless the effects are unusually
severe. You can also make a claim if you have completed your assessment (or
exam), but feel your performance has been affected by extenuating circumstances.
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It is your responsibility for reporting and providing documentary evidence to support
requests.
3.12 Marking, Moderation and Feedback
Module Guides will provide the assessment criteria used to mark your work.
Internally agreed feedback and provisional marks for exams and coursework should
be disclosed to students within 20 working days. This is before moderation by the
External Examiner and confirmation of marks by the Module Assessment Board and
hence marks will only be provisional at this point in time.
For more details about marking, moderation and feedback, please refer to the
University’s Procedures for Marking and Moderation of Assessment, available at:
http://www.cumbria.ac.uk/Public/AQS/Documents/AcademicRegulations/3b.pdf. If
you do fail a piece of assessment or a module, there are a number of things that can
happen. Check out the University of Cumbria website for information about
Reassessment and about Condonation.
3.13 Module Reassessment
Undergraduate students normally have a right to two reassessment opportunities in
the work for any module which has been failed for whatever reason except under the
following circumstances:
1. a student who fails to attend for examination or to submit coursework in
the first reassessment without valid extenuating circumstances, forfeits
the right to a second reassessment;
2. where an irretrievable fail has been confirmed as a result of malpractice;
3. where a placement has been validated with only one reassessment
opportunity.
Reassessment is required in the area of failure only and will be by a method
appropriate to the nature of the validated assessment scheme for the module as
determined by the Module Assessment Board. Where it is not practicable for a
student to be reassessed using the original method or mode of assessment, the
Module Assessment Board may approve an alternative method or timescale.
An assessment contract should be drawn up in the following cases
Students with 40 or more credits of assessed work to be recouped (first or second
reassessment);
All students on their second reassessment (including students readmitted on a
part-time status to complete reassessment, without attendance);
Students who have had a confirmed case of malpractice that has resulted in
reassessment.
Where the student passes all reassessment elements, credit for the module(s) is
awarded. The pass mark is recorded for any module in which reassessment has been
successful (a maximum of 40% for undergraduate).
Where the student fails to improve on the original assessment performance via
reassessment, the final mark for the module will be the highest mark obtained.
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At the discretion of the University Assessment Board, a student who fails at the first
reassessment may be considered for condonement in that module within the limits
outlined in section 3.14.
The timing of second reassessment opportunities is at the discretion of the
University. Where approved by the University Assessment Board, a student may be
required or permitted to undergo the second reassessment by retaking a failed
module in entirety with or without attendance.
3.14 Condonement
Credits can be condoned or waived at the discretion of the Board on the basis of 20
credits per 120 at each level. Condonement is not possible for 40 credit modules. It
can only be considered when all reassessment options have been exhausted.
Although a condonement or waiver may allow a student to progress or complete for
an award by receiving credit, the marks achieved in a condoned module are not
altered and this mark will carry forward to any classification calculation if relevant.
Condonement cannot be applied to modules validated on a Pass/Fail basis.
3.15 Academic Malpractice (including Plagiarism)
Academic Malpractice
The majority of students are hard-working and honest and understand the meaning
of academic integrity. However, some students do not and sometimes cheat, for
many reasons and in varying ways.
The University adopts a firm position on academic malpractice (cheating) of any
kind, which can include: cheating in exams; plagiarism (i.e. use of someone else’s
work and trying to pass it off as your own); collusion (e.g. working with other
students inappropriately in the submission of work); fabrication and falsification;
and impersonation. Penalties for academic malpractice may affect your
reassessment opportunities and can, in some cases, mean that you will be required
to leave the University without any award. The malpractice procedures shall
operate on two levels in accordance with whether it is deemed that major or minor
procedures should apply.
Full detail on the academic malpractice procedures can be found at: Malpractice -
University of Cumbria
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4 Student Support and Guidance
4.1 Induction
You will receive an induction to the course and the ENERGUS facilities when you
attend for the first time at Gen2 campus. This will cover course structure and outline,
rules and regulations, information points and contact details of key personnel.
4.2 Communication
All personal correspondence with students will be via letter or the email address
provided by you at registration. Any generic course information will be provided on
the Gen2 bulletin boards within the Higher Education Department teaching area or by
handouts through tutors. It is recommended that you check the bulletin boards
regularly.
In the unlikely event that a tutor has to cancel a scheduled session efforts will be
made to rearrange classes to minimise disruption.
4.3 Personal Tutor
You will be allocated a Personal Tutor when you start your programme. This may be
any individual from the deliver team. Their name and contact details will be made
available to you at the start of the academic year. The role of the personal tutor is
your pastoral care.
The Personal Tutor is a point of contact, an individual to discuss non-academic issues
with if you feel it would help your situation, as well as a one port call to indicate
where to go for further assistance. Meetings may be instigated by either party.
4.4 Student Policies and Procedures
Gen2 has a number of policies and procedures in place, in the event of problems
arising. These include:
Code of Conduct
The Student Complaints Procedure
Bullying Policy & Procedure
You will be expected to abide by the Regulations for the Conduct of Students in the
University Regulations
http://www.cumbria.ac.uk/StudentLife/Support/PuttingThingsRight/Home.aspx
and the house rules and codes of conduct required by Gen2. Gen2 and the
University expects you to behave in a respectful manner demonstrated by using
appropriate language in class, and switching mobile phones / other devices off prior
to attending classes.
If your behaviour is considered unacceptable, any member of academic staff is able
to issue an informal oral warning and the University will support staff by invoking
formal procedures where necessary.
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4.4.1 The Student’s Complaint Procedure
Gen2 and the University of Cumbria are committed to the provision of high
quality academic courses and supporting services for all its enrolled students.
However, Gen2 and the University recognise that things can sometimes go wrong
and that you may have concerns about the delivery of your course or a university
service.
We encourage you to raise your concerns informally wherever possible and you
can do this in a number of ways - for example, you could speak to or get in touch with:
Personal Tutors
Student Representatives who can raise concerns at Staff/Student Forums,
where there are concerns about course delivery
You can also raise your concerns informally by contacting your course tutor, especially if you are not sure who to approach.
The Student Complaints Procedure also enables you to make a formal complaint about:
An action or lack of action on the part of the University.
The delivery of a course of study.
The delivery of a service provided by Gen2 or the University or the application of an established University policy or procedure.
A formal complaint should generally only be made once the Module Tutor and
Course Tutor has had an opportunity to address the complaint. If they cannot
solve the complaint to your satisfaction then you should make a formal written
complaint to the Programme Leader. You will be given a written response within
10 working days.
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The University can consider a complaint from a student enrolled with a Partner
institution, in this case Gen 2. This will normally be when the complaint has been
considered through the Partner’s Complaints, as outlined above, and the student
is not content with the outcome.
To be in scope, complaints must relate to the quality of the delivery of the course
of study. These complaints should be submitted within 10 working days of the
date of the outcome from the Programme Leader was notified to the student, to:
[email protected]. Students will be advised of the steps to be
taken on receipt by the University.