student handbook 2014-15 - university of dundee
TRANSCRIPT
Student Handbook 2014-15 Master of Architecture Programme School of The Environment University of Dundee
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Academic Calendar 2014-5 Week 0, Matriculation: 8 – 12 Sept Semester 1 15 September -
19 December 2014 Semester 2 19 January -
29 May 2015 Easter Vacation
6 Apri l - 26 Apri l 2015
Degree Show 22 May – 31 May 2015
Graduation Ceremonies
23 – 25 June 2015
Res it Exams 6 – 10 July 2015
Introduction/Welcome The primary ambition of the integrated masters
in architecture (M.Arch) at Dundee is to allow
graduating students to position themselves as
principled and skilled individuals within an
increasingly complex and diverse profession.
Study is organised thematically, centering on
the relationship between mankind and the
environment – architecture as a mediation
device - considering the individual to the
collective, from the locale to the city.
Dundee and its environs encapsulate a breadth
of physical contexts from the agrarian, through
post-industrial city, to the disfigured marine
edge. Many of our design projects engage with
these local issues through the lens of
intellectual enquiry and an understanding of
how these issues are transcribed at a global
scale. Interpreting and re-imagining the city as
an important human artefact and exploring the
relationships between the city and its region
are inherently Geddesian principles which
guide new thought and practice in relation to
the built environment at Dundee.
Central is a continuing concern for making
buildings, spaces and places that are critically
robust in terms of their cultural context,
intellectual aspiration and technological
resolve. We centralise teaching around a
vibrant studio culture where design tutorials,
peer learning and the critical review remain the
cornerstones.
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Contents
Staff........................................................................................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
Academic staff:................................................................................................................................................ 5 Part time academic staff ................................................................................................................................ 6 Administrative and support staff: .................................................................................................................. 6
Guidance ................................................................................................................................................................... 7
Matriculation .................................................................................................................................................... 7 Architecture Office .......................................................................................................................................... 7 Attendance and Registers ............................................................................................................................. 7 Emails ............................................................................................................................................................... 7 VLE ................................................................................................................................................................... 8 Notice Boards and Timetables ..................................................................................................................... 8
The Learning Environment ................................................................................................................................... 8
Methods ................................................................................................................................................................. 8 Studio projects................................................................................................................................................. 9 Lectures............................................................................................................................................................ 9 Seminars and Workshops. ..........................................................................................................................10 Study Visits ....................................................................................................................................................10
Facilities and Resources...................................................................................................................................12 Studios............................................................................................................................................................12 Review space ................................................................................................................................................12 CAD Suite ......................................................................................................................................................12 Workshop .......................................................................................................................................................13 Laser Cutter ...................................................................................................................................................14 Physical Modeling Lab .................................................................................................................................13 Library.............................................................................................................................................................14 Advance@dundee ........................................................................................................................................15
Programme Description ......................................................................................................................................16
ARB/RIBA criteria ...................................................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined. Part 1....................................................................................................................................................................17 Part 2....................................................................................................................................................................19 Module Pathway.................................................................................................................................................21
Assessment and Progression ...........................................................................................................................22
Assessment of Design Work/Studio Projects...........................................................................................22 Assessment of written coursework ............................................................................................................22 Feedback .......................................................................................................................................................22 Academic Portfolios......................................................................................................................................22 ARB Criteria Assessments ..........................................................................................................................23 Internal Moderation.......................................................................................................................................23 External Examination ...................................................................................................................................23 Late submissions ..........................................................................................................................................23 Plagiarism and Academic Dishonesty .......................................................................................................24 Mitigating Circumstances ............................................................................................................................24 Marking Scale................................................................................................................................................25 Degree Classification ...................................................................................................................................26 Merit and Distinction.....................................................................................................................................26 Complaints and Appeals..............................................................................................................................26 Re-sits and Resubmissions.........................................................................................................................26 Regulations ....................................................................................................................................................27
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Student support.....................................................................................................................................................27
Personal Tutors.............................................................................................................................................27 University Support Structures .....................................................................................................................27 Equality and Diversity...................................................................................................................................27 Security, Health and Safety.........................................................................................................................28
Student representation and feedback. ............................................................................................................29
Staff/Student meetings.................................................................................................................................29 ADAS ..............................................................................................................................................................29 School President...........................................................................................................................................29 End of Module Feedback.............................................................................................................................29
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Academic staff:
Graeme Hutton Head of Architecture & Planning Professor of Architecture Associate Dean M.Arch Unit tutor (Architecture & The City) [email protected]
Lorens Holm Architecture Research leader M.Arch Unit tutor (rooms + cities) Module leader: humanities year 4 [email protected]
Neil Burford Director of Post-graduate Programmes M.Arch Unit tutor (Micro-Macro) [email protected]
Helen O’Connor Part 2 Programme Director M.Arch unit tutor (material + form) [email protected]
Cameron Wilson Part 1 Programme Director Admissions tutor Erasmus co-ordinator Year 3 Tutor, Year 4 Tutor c.m.w [email protected]
Jim Robertson Year 1 Leader Technology Co-ordinator (years 1-3) [email protected]
Joe Thurrott Year 2 Leader Between Thinking and Making co-ordinator (years 2&3) Technology Co-ordinator (year 4) [email protected]
Ralph Tilston Year 3 leader [email protected]
Neil Verow Year 4 leader M.Arch Unit Tutor (Architecture & Regeneration) Learning & Teaching Co-ordinator n.verow @dundee.ac.uk
Carol Robertson Year 5 leader M.Arch Unit tutor (Micro-Macro) Year 4 Tutor c.w [email protected]
Charles Rattray Humanities co-ordinator (1-3) M.Arch Unit tutor (Architecture & The City) Year 1 studio tutor [email protected]
David Sutherland M.Arch Unit Tutor (Architecture & Regeneration) Year 1 studio tutor [email protected]
Richard White Communications Co-ordinator CAD and IT teaching and support r.w [email protected]
Garry Adam Management Practice and Law Co-ordinator Practical training advisor [email protected]
Husam Al-Waer Lecturer, environmental design h.alw [email protected]
Graham Cruickshank: Year 2 studio tutor Year 4 studio tutor [email protected]
Brian Adams Year 1 & 2 studio tutor Disability support off icer b.w [email protected]
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Part time academic staff
Ruth Lonsdale Year 1 studio tutor
Doug Pearson Year 1 studio tutor
Kirsty Maguire Year 2 studio tutor
Mark O’Connor Year 2 studio tutor
Nick Mills Year 2 studio tutor
Jamie Brown Year 4 studio tutor
Neil Cruickshank Year 3 studio tutor
Tim Ingleby M.Arch unit tutor (material + form)
Cameron McEwan M.Arch Unit tutor (rooms + cities)
Alex Pearson Teaching assistant years 2 & 5
Administrative and support staff:
Pat Michie School Secretary (School of the Environment)
Audrey Bruce Architecture office
Lyle McCance Workshop Technician
Hugh Campbell Computing Technician
[email protected] Mairi Robb Library Liaison
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Guidance Matriculation Every academic session you are required to matriculate during week 0 of semester 1. In addition to the
university matriculation process we will also ask you to complete contact forms annually for the
architecture office and your photograph will be taken for our records. Staff usually arrange for a year
introduction to coincide with matriculation so if for any reason you cannot attend please notify the
architecture office or your year leader as soon as possible.
Continuing students who cannot attend during week 0 can complete the formal matriculation process
on-line and you should ensure you do so to avoid the late-matriculation fine levied by the university
registry.
Once you have matriculated you should automatically have access to the Virtual Learning Environment
detailing your course, and to the E-Vision system which allows you access to your grades transcript.
Architecture Office The architecture office on level 7 is staffed by Audrey Bruce. The office holds access to student records
and student contact details. It is your responsibility to ensure that the university has details of new
addresses if you move either your home or local residence. You should also ensure that the office has a
current telephone number.
Any queries or difficulties regarding academic course requirements and procedures should be directed
to the school of the environment school secretary, Pat Michie. [email protected]
Attendance and Registers You are expected to attend all tutorials, lectures and workshops scheduled for your course, including
working in the studio space on designated studio days. Attendance is monitored by registers for all
scheduled teaching and submissions and these are held by the architecture office. Absence will be
recorded by staff during the first hour of studio teaching on studio teaching days.
If you cannot attend any part of your course you should inform the tutor concerned as soon as possible.
Extended absences for personal reasons or illness must be supported by documentation (doctor’s letter
etc) which must be submitted to the school office. Where attendance falls below 80% students will be
required to attend a meeting with their year leader to explain their absence. Where attendance falls
below 65%, unless there are extenuating circumstances, your class certificate may be withdrawn and
your studies effectively terminated. Any student absent for a continuous period of four weeks or more is
liable to have their class certificate withdrawn.
If your absence is likely to affect your attendance or performance in examinations please refer to the
section on Mitigating Circumstances in the handbook section on Assessment and Progression.
Emails The school uses email as a means of correspondence with students and you should therefore ensure
you check your email regularly. You have been issued with a university e-mail account (@dundee.ac.uk)
and this is the only account which will be used.
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VLE The University of Dundee uses a “virtual learning environment” known as Blackboard. Blackboard is
used by all modules to publish module guides and timetables, some lecturers also use it to publish
more detailed module information and announcements so you should check those blackboards
applicable to you on a regular basis.
Notice Boards and Timetables Each year group has a physical notice board adjacent to the mid-entrance to the main studio. In
addition, the weekly timetable is displayed on the screen in the South lobby of level 6.
Many of our specialist lectures and workshops are delivered by professionals from outside the University
whose other commitments may make changes to the published timetable necessary. Wherever possible
late changes will be communicated by email, but please ensure that you check the timetable on a
regular basis to ensure you are aware of any changes in good time.
The Learning Environment
Methods Architecture is primarily a studio-based discipline. Teaching is predominantly carried out in small groups
and individual tutorials in the studio, supported by formal lectures and group seminars.
The course is structured into modules. In years one and two these are of either 20 or 40 credits and are
taught and examined within one semester. In years three and four they carry 30, 60 or 90 credits and
extend across the whole academic session. The thesis module in year 5 is a comprehensive body of
work which accounts for 120 credits. Each module represents a cohesive package of teaching and
learning which may include studio projects and supporting lecture delivery, or in the case of some
humanities modules purely lecture-based delivery. Module guides outline the aims and content of each
module you will study, all the work you do is assessed against the learning outcomes stated in the
relevant module guide which is available on the module blackboard VLE.
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Studio projects Each year is split into a number of studio groups led by a studio tutor (usually between 11 and 15
students as appropriate). In the early years of the course students will have regular contact time with
their studio tutors who will help them to structure and direct their learning. As students progress, they
will be expected to take greater responsibility for their own learning but will still have the opportunity to
engage with studio staff (either individually or in a group tutorial context) usually once per week.
Studio projects are your opportunity to test and explore the knowledge gained through taught courses in
the context of real design problems set by the staff. You will be given the outline of a design brief
(usually based upon a schedule of accommodation required by a client/user) and usually, though not
always, a real site upon which to base your proposals. The studio programme is then structured to
assist you to meet a series of suggested project stages in the development of your proposals.
Studio projects at levels one and two of the course are usually relatively short and limited in their scope.
They will ask you to consider quite specific problems, and in some cases may also be more analytical
than design-based.
At levels 3 and 4 you will engage in major integrated design projects. These extend for the full academic
session and will ask you to complete the design of a relatively complex building in an urban context. You
will be required to demonstrate an integration of the knowledge gained in all your taught courses into the
project portfolio you present for assessment.
At level 5 students are usually asked to develop their own programme of study (in discussion with their
tutors) designed to allow them to test a research hypothesis.
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Lectures Supporting the practical application of skills in the studio, you will be required to attend Lectures which
cover a broad spectrum of subjects including architectural technology, management practice and law,
architectural history and theory and communication skills. Lectures are usually one hour in duration and
begin on the hour. Please ensure that you arrive in good time. If you arrive late you are likely to disrupt
the lecture for other students and you may therefore not be permitted to enter. Attendance at all lectures
is recorded. You may be asked to read material in advance of a lecture and it is expected that you read
around the subject to further extend your knowledge. Check the module guides for suggested reference
material.
Assessment of the knowledge delivered in lectures will either be done through the submission of specific
coursework, or through integration into a studio design project where this is appropriate.
Seminars and Workshops. The practical application of the ideas discussed in lectures is often tested through short, focused
workshops and seminars. Attendance at workshops is mandatory and you will often be asked to prepare
work in advance or during the course of the workshop.
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Study Visits Study visits are valuable opportunities to experience architecture first-hand and they often play a part in
supporting the studio programme. Visits can vary between an organised bus trip of one day duration, to
a week long overseas visit which may require students to engage in an element of structured self-
directed study. Study visits will usually involve some form of associated, graded submission, however
given that they incur additional costs, students are always offered an alternative study based in
Scotland.
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Facilities and Resources
Studios We are fortunate to have extensive and high quality studio space, an increasingly rare resource among
architecture schools in the UK and you are encouraged to make the best possible use of it. Years 1-4
normally occupy the large space to the East of Level 6, Years 1 and 2 to the North and 3 and 4 to the
South of the central stair.
The space is designed to encourage dialogue and collaboration between students of different tutorial
and year groups. However, its successful operation requires students to be considerate in their use of
the studio. This means not unnecessarily occupying a space with personal possessions and “work in
progress” when you are not actually working in studio; ensuring that you keep the space as tidy as
possible; and keeping noise to an acceptable level.
Year 5 students are allocated individual unit studios on the West side of level 6.
All spaces are wireless networked to facilitate working on laptops.
Review space Architecture has a dedicated Review Space and Gallery on Level 6. The space is booked by individual
years for all formative reviews and you are encouraged to take the opportunity to look at the work
displayed and where possible attend reviews for your own and other year groups. When not in use for
reviews the space will be used for workshops and seminars. Please ensure that work hung in the review
space has your name clearly displayed and that as soon as your year leader has confirmed that you can
do so, you remove all work and store it carefully for inclusion in your portfolio.
CAD Suite The Architecture CAD suite is situated to the South of the main studio space and is accessed by a
swipecard system. Cards are available to all architecture students for a deposit of £5 from the technician
(Hugh Campbell). An induction is given to new students on use of the facility. The suite's primary use
is for teaching, but at any time machines not in use are available for project work. Please respect those
being taught in classes and keep noise to a minimum.
The suite is a PC facility (i.e. no Apple Macs) as the majority of the software packages used in the
Architecture industry are PC based. The main software packages available for use are AutoCAD,
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Revit, 3D Studio Max, Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Cloud Software (PhotoShop, InDesign, etc.) and
SketchUp. We have a number of 'one-off' licenses e.g. Vectorworks, Rhino. A personal backup storage
device is advised as the University can only provide limited drive space.
The CAD suite includes printing facilities from A4 black and white up to A0 colour plots, using a system
called Pay2Print to cover printing costs. The student adds funds to their own account using credit or
debit card (and cash at certain locations), when a print is sent to one of our various machines a set
amount is deducted. The amount charged covers costs only and is solely dependent on the size of the
print. There is no differentiation between colour and black and white. Any excess money in an account
cannot currently be refunded so only put enough into your account as it is needed. This is a campus-
wide system which enables printing in the libraries in addition to our own facilities.
NB. Any problems with printing (e.g. poor quality output) has initially to be taken up with our ICS
service at the level 2 helpdesk in the main library. Also, please remember that demand for
printing facilities can be heavy around key submission times, and plan your work accordingly.
No allowance is made for late submissions caused by foreseeable printing delays.
Physical Modelling Lab The School has a physical modelling lab that includes an artificial sky and a heliodon, light meters and a
digital photo-capturing system. The School also has a well established monitoring lab that includes:
temperature, humidity, light and carbon dioxide data loggers, hand held sound meters and
anonometers. Also the lab has a HOBO® Micro Station for multi-channel monitoring of microclimates.
The labs and equipment are for undergraduate teaching, student project work, postgraduates and staff
research. Access to these facilities is by appointment which you should arrange through your year
leader. .
Workshop The workshop situated to the North end of level 5 is shared with the design disciplines of Duncan of
Jordanstone College of Art and Design. The workshop is well-equipped with hand and machine tools
and staffed by experienced technicians. To ensure compliance with health and safety guidance there
are strict limits on the number of students who can use the facility at any one time, all students must
sign in and out, and all students must complete an induction session which will scheduled for all new
students early in the first semester of study. Any queries on use of the workshop should be directed to
the architecture technician, Lyle McCance.
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Laser Cutter The laser cutter is located at the north end of the level 6 review space to allow for more
continuous access – if you are using the machine during assessments/reviews please ensure
that you keep the door closed and as far as possible try to minimize disturbance. You must
complete an induction and access to the CADCAM laser cutter must be booked in advance
on the sign-in sheet outside the room; please note demand can be high prior to assessments.
Library Students may use both the library situated on level 4 of the Matthew building (which holds the
architecture, art and design collections) and the main campus library on Smalls Wynd. The library
website http://library.dundee.ac.uk/F gives access to the library catalogue and to any publications held
as electronic resources. There is a designated School of the Environment librarian, Mairi Robb
([email protected]) available to students for consultations by appointment.
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Advance@dundee The advance@dundee website covers key skills for undergraduate students including:
Studying and Learning,
Research and Problem Solving,
Effective Writing,
Information and Communications Technology
The site is a rich source of information including access to more than 300 articles and links into web
pages within the University and beyond.
Access to the Matthew Building The Perth Road Entrance (including the Reception and Gallery) and Level 5 entrance at the North of the
Building (including the Lecture Theatre concourse) are open during working hours as listed below.
Between 9 and 5 on weekdays the Entrances are unrestricted.
At other times Matriculation cards must be used to gain access to the building.
AT ALL TIMES access to all stairs and lifts is restricted to bona fide occupants of the building, and
Matriculation cards must be swiped to enter. ON NO ACCOUNT should you allow others to tailgate.
Semester 1: 15 Sep to 19 Dec
Mon to Fri 6.30am to 9pm Sat 9am to 5pm
X-mas vacation: 20 Dec to 18 Jan
20-24 Dec 6.30am to 9pm 6 -18 Jan Mon to Fri 6.30am to 9pm; Sat 9am to 5pm
Semester 2: 19 Jan to 5 Apr
Mon to Fri 6.30am to 9pm Sat 9am to 5pm
Easter vacation: 6 Apr-26 Apr
Mon to Fri 6.30am to 9pm Sat 9am to 5pm
Semester 2: 27 Apr to 29 May
Mon to Fri 6.30am to 9pm Sat 9am to 5pm Sun 9am to 5pm by arrangement prior to Degree Show.
ANYONE FOUND IN THE BUILDING OUTSIDE THESE TIMES IS LIABLE TO WITHDRAWAL OF THEIR CLASS CERTIFICATE.
Pets: Animals, other than Guide Dogs may not be brought into the Building.
Bicycles: Bicycles must not be brought into the building. Racks are provided by both entrances,
and a limited number of secure enclosures. To obtain a key, contact Trudy Cunningham,
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Programme Description
Cities and Their Regions The course at Dundee at all levels places at its centre the relationship between mankind and the
environment – architecture as a mediation device:
- In year 1: Habitat and the Physical Environment
- In year 2: Communities and the Social Environment
- In year 3: Localism and the Intellectual Environment
- And Year 4. Cities and the Cultural Environment
Thereafter the post-grad level M. Arch Year 5 comprises self-directed research in areas of student
interest within thematically focused studios, under the broad theme of Architecture and the Research
Environment.
ARB/RIBA criteria
The five year integrated M.Arch degree is
professionally recognised by the Architects
Registration Board (ARB) and Royal Institute of
British Architects (RIBA) entitling the successful
MArch graduate exemption from both
ARB/RIBA Part 1 (year 3) and ARB/RIBA Part
2 (year 5). The programme is designed to meet
the ARB/RIBA criteria for prescription (a full
transcript is available at arb.org.uk.). All
students will be asked to complete a critical
self-evaluation to show how their portfolio
reflects these criteria at appropriate points
within their studies.
In order to register as an architect you are
obliged to complete 24 months of supervised
practical experience in an architectural office. It
is usual for students to take a year out of their
full time studies and undertake the first 12
months of this between years 3 and 4, and this
option is open to you. However, the integrated
masters structure allows you to complete your
initial “year out” between any two years of
study, or alternatively as a series of 3 month
periods over successive summers.
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Part 1
Year 1 Year 1 is a broad introduction to the subject of
Architecture introducing a wide range of issues
which are then developed throughout the
M.Arch course. You will be introduced to the
working methods that will allow you to analyse,
experiment, propose and test ideas, before
arriving at a considered response to a question;
engaging in a series of design projects and
exercises ranging in duration from one day to
several weeks. The first semester design
projects consider the familiar territory of” the
house” and seek to dispel any pre-conceived
thoughts relating to the discipline. The second
semester projects build upon this learning, but
also introduce a number of new challenges,
and building typologies with which you may be
less familiar. From the beginning of the MArch
course students are required to think creatively,
investigate rigorously, work independently and
aspire to demonstrate a high standard of
intellectual ability throughout all of their work.
Year 2
Central to Year 2 are the themes of urban
communities and ‘making’. These themes are
explored through a series of studio design
projects designed to place an emphasis on the
relationship between people and the built
environment. Collaboration with the local
community integrates the reality of designing
for specific building user needs and
communicating with non-architects in the
design process, bringing the studio project out
of a purely theoretical context. Students work
individually and with their peers to integrate
practical design considerations with project
ideas, and engage in ‘thinking through making’
to explore material, structure and detail. History
& Theory module written submissions ask
students to consider the relationship between
historical context, conceptual thinking and
construction (‘making’), encouraging students
to find their own critical position.
A consolidated Year 1 & Year 2 end-of-year portfolio offers students the chance for effective reflection
on personal strengths and areas for improvement.
Year 3
Study in year 3 is centred on a major integrated design project which offers the opportunity to
incorporate many of the complex ideas and concepts studied in the Part 1 course. The project is
situated with a historically rich urban context and requires you to deal with interior and exterior space, at
both a civic and a domestic scale. To broaden the design portfolio you will also engage with a series
short design projects which encourage risk-taking and the wider exploration of ideas. In parallel to your
studio work you will undertake an extended essay on an area of architectural practice of your choice.
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Part 2 The part 2 element of the course requires students to build on the skills and knowledge gained in part 1,
and develop their ideas and individual position through engagement with complex architectural
design/thesis projects.
Year 4 In a similar way to year 3, the year works towards a major integrated design project sited within an
urban context. Following a series of introductory Urban and Planning Studies, investigating the urban
imagination, the city, and design, they work initially within small, elective tutorial groups developing a
strategy for an area of their given city area, and briefs appropriate to their site, and are encouraged
to explore & evaluate alternative proposals and key design parameters.
The project is developed independently in the second semester to an appropriate level of technical and
programmatic resolution.
In parallel with the sketched, drawn and modelled exploration of ideas students compile an integrated
design report which places the work within an intellectual context, draws out the central ideas and
explains their detailed resolution.
Alongside the integrated design project students in year 4 develop a body of work within separate
“Design Research Units”: seminar groups exploring themes within architectural theory such as typology,
representation, thinking and making; and landscape. The DRUs are aligned to, and run by the Masters
Level Design Units. They make physical experiments known as “thinking machines” and write
accompanying texts which define and contextualise their ideas.
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Year 5 Students in year 5 formulate and resolve a major, individual, thesis project, defined as “a proposition
sustained by argument”. Students opt to work within one of four thematic units, shaped around staff
specialism and research interests, which offer them a range of possible areas and structures for
independent study.
Propositions are tested through conventional design and text based methods and also through other
media (drawing, making, modelling etc). The work is contextualised and recorded through the
production of a written thesis which is developed in parallel. The thematic groups work with related
agendas, sites or programmes in order to benefit from complementary research and collective synergy
within and across areas of study. Units this session include:
- Architecture & The City
- Material and Form
- Rooms and Cities
- Architecture & Regeneration
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Module Pathway
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Assessment and Progression Assessment of Design Work/Studio Projects The majority of work completed in the M.Arch programme takes the form of studio design projects.
These projects are most often individual design work carried out with the support of a tutor in studio. In
the earlier part of the course you may be given precise guidance as to the content of submissions for
assessment, however, as you move up the school you will be expected to take more responsibility for
defining and structuring your submissions to ensure they best illustrate your work.
Formative assessment is usually carried out at design reviews where you will present and discuss your
work with staff and fellow students. Summative assessment is usually carried out by the submission of
a portfolio of drawings, models and accompanying project report and/or sketchbooks. All submitted work
will be assessed by a panel of staff against the learning outcomes for that module, the grades that this
panel arrive at will then be verified by independent internal examiners.
Assessment of written coursework Most modules include some element of written coursework submission. Where this is the case, you will
be asked to submit work either in a digital format (usually through the VLE or blackboard system), or as
a hard copy which should be handed in at school office at the time specified. Please do not submit work
directly to module leaders either as a hard copy or electronically unless you have been expressly asked
to do so.
Written coursework will be initially marked by the member of staff responsible for setting the work. A
representative sample of the submissions, including all work at threshold boundaries, is then second
marked by an internal examiner. Where more than one member of staff is grading the work in a single
module (i.e. the dissertation, design research and written thesis modules) the representative sample
includes work drawn from of all the individual markers concerned to ensure parity.
Feedback Feedback on your progress is given verbally in formative reviews. A review feedback sheet is completed
by staff participating in the reviews and this will be discussed with you and available to copy at your
subsequent tutorial. You may also on occasion be asked to complete an informal assessment of your
own progress for discussion with your tutor.
Summative assessment feedback sheets, which document how students have performed against the
stated learning outcomes of the module, will also be available for those students who request them but
only once the grades awarded have been agreed by external examiners.
Academic Portfolios The “academic portfolio” includes all work completed by a student during the course of their studies. It is
your responsibility to ensure that your portfolio is complete, that it includes your written coursework as
well as studio projects, and that you retain and include sketch books and photographs of any working
models produced as part of a design process. You may be asked to attend a portfolio review with staff to
discuss your progress and you may also be asked to critically evaluate your portfolio as part of your
assessment.
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ARB Criteria Assessments At appropriate points we need to formally examine all academic portfolios to ensure compliance with
ARB/RIBA criteria. The criteria assessment does not attract a grade; it is designed to help students
ensure that their academic portfolio presented for internal examination will meet the threshold standards
required for professional prescription. This specifically relates to students at Level 3 (Part 1) and Level 5
(Part 2).
Students will be required to complete a “criteria map” explaining where and how their portfolio meets the
appropriate level criteria. The map should be submitted prior to assessment (this is a formal submission
via Blackboard).Feedback will take the form of a pro forma which identifies those criteria not yet met and
outlines the specific action students should take to address these (where it is deemed necessary
additional input may be arranged). These sheets will then be used by the internal portfolio examination
panel to ensure that students have met the criteria.
The criteria assessment in year 3 will normally take place prior to the Easter break – this will allow
students to address those specific areas identified as deficient before the internal examination. Students
at part two will have the opportunity to discuss their portfolio and self-appraisal at an assessment during
semester 1 of year 5, their work will then be re-assessed subsequent to the Christmas vacation.Year 5 students are reminded that they must present their entire Part 2 academic portfolio (including
work carried out in years 4 and 5, and corresponding updated critical self-appraisal) for internal
and external assessment at the end of semester 2.
Internal Moderation All submitted work, whether for design or written coursework is considered by an independent, (i.e. not
the module leader or “first marker”) internal moderation panel or examiner, before grades are agreed
and submitted for consideration by external examiners. The role of the panel or examiner is to consider
the design and execution of the assessment to ensure that the marking is fair, rigorous and reflects the
intended learning outcomes of the module and the standards achieved.
External Examination External examiners are appointed for both the part 1 and the part 2 elements of the course. These
examiners are experienced practitioners and academics who are appointed for a period of three to four
years. Their role is to oversee the examination process within the school to ensure procedures are fair,
they are consistently implemented, and that the grades awarded are appropriate to the level and
subject. In addition examiners comment on the course structure and content and thereby contribute to
module and course monitoring and development.
It should be noted that any marks allocated during the session, are provisional prior to the final external examination and are intended to provide guidance only, the external examiners can
recommend that grades be moderated either up or down.
Late submissions Unless you have documented extenuating circumstances (see below) all late submissions of
coursework will be penalised by one point per day late removed from any mark awarded for up to 5
days (including weekends) – this means that if your assessment was awarded a B1 and it was
submitted 2 days late, the mark would be reduced to a B3.
Any work submitted more than 5 days late will not be marked and a mark of zero (or non-submission)
will be entered onto your student record.
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Summative assessment of studio projects is regarded as an examination. Unless you have documented
mitigating circumstances project work not submitted on the date and at the time stipulated will be
regarded as a non-submission and will not be marked.
Plagiarism and Academic Dishonesty The following is intended as general guidance only, you should refer to the university policy at University
of Dundee - Code of Practice on Plagiarism & Academic Dishonesty.In addition the “advance@Dundee”
website provides useful information on this and other related subjects.
Common forms of academic dishonesty defined by the University’s policy are:
Collusion - the representation of a piece of unauthorized group work as the work of a
single candidate
Commissioning - submitting an assignment done by another person as the student's own work
Duplication - The inclusion in coursework of material identical or substantially similar to
material which has already been submitted for any other assessment.
false declaration making a false declaration in order to receive special consideration or to
obtain extensions to deadlines or exemption from work
falsification of data presentation of data in laboratory reports, projects, etc based on work
purported to have been carried out by the student, which have been
invented, altered or copied by the student
Plagiarism - the unacknowledged use of another's work as if it were one's own.
Examples are:
- inclusion of more than a single phrase from another's work without the
use of quotation marks and acknowledgement of source;
- summarising another's work by changing a few words or altering the
order of presentation without acknowledgement;
- copying another's work;
- use of another's ideas without acknowledgement or the presentation of
work as if it were one's own which is substantially the ideas of another.
Any action on the part of a student which involves plagiarism or other forms of academic dishonesty, in
work which may be assessed as part of the requirements for an academic award, is regarded as a
serious offence. This applies to both written coursework, and todesign projects. The marks and results
of any student who is found to have plagiarised work can be reduced,in some circumstances to zero.
Extreme cases of proven academic dishonesty can be penalised by exclusion from the University and
the refusal to award a degree.
Mitigating Circumstances If you have suffered from any medical or personal difficulties which have affected your progress or ability
to complete a module please ensure that you bring this to the attention of the module leader as soon as
possible. Extenuating circumstances may warrant an extension of time, or if you have been unable to
submit for examination, the exam board may allow you to submit at the subsequent examination diet.
All late work must be submitted as quickly as possible accompanied by any evidence of mitigating
circumstances. If the Programme Examination Board is satisfied that sufficient evidence has been
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produced, they may decide to accept late work, or remove any penalties applied. Documentation of
extenuating circumstances can be submitted to the school office up to seven days after the relevant
examination board.
Staff are sympathetic when a student has problems which affect progress. However, they are not
competent to express judgment on subjects beyond their responsibilities and academic qualifications. In
order to allow us to treat all students fairly and equally, if there are circumstances you would like us to
take into account in assessing your work, you need to inform us in writing and provide supporting
evidence wherever possible. This is especially important where late submission of assessments or non-
attendance at examinations is involved. Supporting evidence of mitigating circumstances might include:
a doctor’s note or medical certificate for the appropriate period; a note from a counselor; or a self-
certification form, which can be used for minor illnesses of up to 7 days. Self Certification and Mitigating
Circumstances forms are available from the School Reception ground floor Tower Building, and
Architecture Reception, 7th floor Matthew Building.
N.B. Computer problems e.g. loss of data, printing problems etc. will not normally constitute valid extenuating circumstances. You are advised to regularly back-up your work required to
plan your submissions in advance to avoid printing your work at the last minute.
Marking Scale The University of Dundee uses an alpha-numeric grading scheme for the assessment of all modules not
designated pass/fail.
Honours classification at level 4 Type of mark
1
Excellent
A1
A2
A3
2.I
Very good
B1
B2
B3
2.II
Good
C1
C2
C3
3
Satisfactory
D1
D2
D3
Ordinary
Pass
Marginal fail
MF
Clear fail
CF
Bad fail
BF
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Degree Classification The Honours classification to awarded on successful completion of Year 4 is calculated by an
aggregation of the three Module Marks, weighted 50% AR40007: Integrated Architectural Design, 25%
HT40003 Architectural Humanities: (Design Research) and 25% AR41001: Urban Theory Analysis and
Strategy.
Classified Honours are only awarded at the first attempt.
Merit and Distinction At year 3, the award of B.A. Arch can be made “with distinction” where a candidate has achieved grades
of B3 or above in both modules. At year 5, the award of Master of Architecture can be made “with merit”
where students achieve a grade of B3 or above in their thesis module, and “with distinction” where they
achieve a grade of A3 or above.
Complaints and Appeals A complaint is a specific concern about the provision of a programme of study or related academic
service, including teaching and academic facilities. An appeal is a request for a review of the decision of
the examination board charged with making decisions on student progression, assessment and awards.
In the first instance you should seek to resolve your complaint or appeal with the staff and/or Dean of
School. If this fails to address your concerns you should then refer to the University appeals procedure.
Undergraduate Appeals Procedure, Regulations - Academic Affairs - The University of Dundee
Please note, appeals or complaints will not be considered unless they are based upon:
- extenuating circumstances affecting your performance and of which the examiners were
unaware when their decision was taken, or
- procedural irregularities (including administrative error) in the conduct of a written or oral
examination of such a nature as to give rise to reasonable doubt whether the examiners would
have reached the same conclusion had they not occurred, or
- prejudice or bias on the part of one or more of the examiners.
Matters of academic judgement are in general not open to review either by complaint or by appeal.
Re-sits and Resubmissions If you fail to meet the required standard in any module you will normally, where the fail is described as
‘marginal’, be offered the opportunity to re-submit work for assessment at the subsequent diet (the
school will write to advise you of exact dates if this is the case). In session 2014-5 the resit examinations
will be between 6 and 10 July 2015. If you have failed studio design modules you will be invited to
attend a meeting with the module leader to discuss your submission and will be given a written record
advising you where your submission needs to be improved.
You will be required by the university to pay an additional fee for each module assessed for a second
time (where there are no mitigating circumstances). You should also note that staff are not obliged
to provide any additional teaching over the summer period. Where the fail is described as ‘clear’, or
where you have failed more than one module in any one semester, you will be required to repeat the
module(s) with attendance in the subsequent academic session.
Should you fail any resubmitted module at the second sitting you may, in some circumstances, be
offered the opportunity to retrieve the failure during the subsequent academic session. This can take
the form of either a requirement to repeat the module with attendance, or, where the fail is “marginal” a
recommendation to re-sit without attendance. This latter option, means that where the module in
question is not a studio design module, and is of 20 credits or less, it may be possible to continue to
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your next year of study and resubmit coursework for the module alongside studying for the subsequent
years modules. Alternatively you might complete a year in professional practice returning to the
university to submit project work for assessment at the following diet. All decisions on the appropriate
course of action are made in the best interests of the individual student concerned.
Regulations The full programme regulations are available at:
http://www.dundee.ac.uk/media/dundeewebsite/environment/assets/docs/DegreeofMasterofArchitecture
Regs.pdf
Student support
Personal Tutors The studio based teaching provided in architecture means that all students are in regular contact with
staff and have the opportunity to discuss their work and any issues which may be affecting them on a
one-to one basis. If you have any difficulties which you do not wish to discuss directly with your
assigned studio tutor then you are advised to contact your year leader and arrange an appointment.
If in specific circumstances this is not a suitable option then you can make an appointment to see the
undergraduate course co-ordinator Helen O’Connor [email protected]
University Support Structures The University provides confidential assistance over and above that given by the School on health,
social, legal, disability or money matters or any other situation that is causing a student concern.
Students should refer to the Student services website Student Services: Welcome (University of
Dundee)
Equality and Diversity All staff are committed to providing an inclusive curriculum for all students including access to a full
teaching and learning programme for disabled students. The School liaises with the University’s Equality
and Diversity Officer and the Head of Disability Services to determine the most appropriate way to
achieve this and ensure that no group or individual is disadvantaged by the learning environment.
School and Programme Disability Support Officers (Mr Brian Adams, [email protected] and Dr
Edward Hall, [email protected]) support this process and ensure that specific adjustments are
arranged to meet individual disabled students’ needs. Further details of the University’s provision for
disabled students are available at:
http://www.dundee.ac.uk/studentservices/disabilityservices/
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Security, Health and Safety All students are required to attend an introduction to Health, Safety and Security when joining the School.
A student's means of identification is the Matriculation Card. This should at all times be available for
inspection so that persons not authorised to be in the buildings can be identified.
Personal items of value should not be left unattended in the studio or in any other part of the buildings.
The School will accept no responsibility for loss or damage to items left unattended.
Students must make themselves familiar with all instructions concerning their security and health and
safety which are on display in various locations in the Matthew and Crawford Buildings. This is of
particular importance when using the workshop facilities, before which all students must complete an
induction session.
In the event of a fire alarm, students must proceed without delay to the assembly points outwith the
buildings as instructed by staff acting as fire wardens. No-one must re-enter the buildings until instructed
to do so by authorised staff.
The School has a Security and Safety Representative (Neil Verow) who has to be notified in case
assistance is required or notification has to be given. This staff member will also assist, or obtain
assistance, if first aid is required. Designated first-aiders in the School are Audrey Bruce (architecture
office) Lyle McCance (workshop) and Neil Verow.
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Student representation and feedback. Staff/Student meetings To ensure that the course runs smoothly and that any issues that arise can be dealt with quickly, the
school operates a system of student representatives and regular staff/ student meetings. Meetings will
be held a minimum of once per semester, suggested dates are:
Week 5
Week 19
Students or staff can call an additional meeting should a specific issue arise which they feel needs
addressed more urgently.
Meetings will normally comprise:
One student representative per tutorial groupelected by their peers.
The year leader and/or deputy leader
The School Secretary or an alternative member of administrative staff
ADAS ADAS (Association of Dundee Architectural Students) is organised solely by the students and exists
primarily to represent their views. It raises money through social events and programs an extensive
series visiting lectures across the session.
The ADAS committee structure can vary from year to year but usually incorporates appointed education
and entertainments secretaries, and must always include one year representative from each year in the
programme (normally nominated from elected group representatives - see above), and an elected
president and vice president.
The ADAS president and committee hold regular meetings with the Head of Architecture and Planning
to discuss student concerns, a student representative drawn from the ADAS committee is invited to
attend the Architecture Programme Board.
School President The School President is directly elected by the student body of all constituent disciplines in the School of
the Environment, which includes Architecture and Planning, Geography and Environmental Science.
The School President represents the students on the School Board.
End of Module Feedback Towards the end of each session the school gathers student feedback on all modules in order to help
shape course development. This usually done through a system of randomly selected groups who meet
with an independent member of staff to discuss all modules taught across the session.Students are
asked to comment in complete confidence on all aspects of all the modules including course content
and delivery, facilities etc. The information gathered is then used in module and course monitoring.
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