academic year 2011-2012 undergraduate programme handbook...

VERSION 1 - 26 July 2011

Academic Year 2011-2012 Undergraduate Programme Handbook for

B511 - BEng Mechanical Engineering

B531 - MEng Mechanical Engineering

B542 - BEng Mechanical Engineering and Energy Engineering

B54M - MEng Mechanical Engineering and Energy Engineering

B5D1 - BEng Robotics and Cybertronics

B5E1 - MEng Robotics and Cybertronics

B564 - BEng Automotive Engineering

B514 - Mechanical Engineering Exchange Student

B571 - BEng Mechanical Engineering and DIT

B581 - MEng Mechanical Engineering and DIT

B553 - BEng Mechanical Engineering and Energy Engineering and DIT

B55M - MEng Mechanical Engineering and Energy Engineering and DIT

B566 - BEng Automotive Engineering and DIT

Note: As this handbook is updated yearly all Freshers are issued with a paper copy; in subsequent years you should refer to the copy on the electronic noticeboard


PART A – SCHOOL INFORMATION

1 SUMMARY OF KEY INFORMATION

2 WELCOME AND INTRODUCTION

3 GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE SCHOOL/INSTITUTE

4 KEY STAFF AND OFFICE LOCATIONS

5 PROGRAMME OVERVIEW

6 PROGRAMME STRUCTURE AND DELIVERY

PART B – UNIVERSITY INFORMATION

B1 ORDINANCES AND REGULATIONS

B2 QUICK FINDER GUIGE TO ACADEMIC SUPPORT SERVICES

B3 QUICK FINDER GUIDE TO STUDENT ADMINISTRATION AND SU PPORT SERVICES


PART A – SCHOOL INFORMATION

1 Summary of Key Information

KEY CONTACTS

Professor K. J. McCullough, Director of Teaching and Learning, School of Engineering and Physical Sciences

([email protected])

Professor J.M. Ritchie, Academic Head, Mechanical Engineering (NS2.33)

([email protected])

Dr. P. A. Kew, Teaching Group Convener, Mechanical Engineering (NS2.31)

([email protected])

Mr. I. Black, Assistant Teaching Group Convener, Mechanical Engineering (NS2.29)

([email protected])

Secretaries : Ms J. Jones NS1.21 [email protected] Miss K. Sinclair NS1.21 [email protected] Ms R. Crawford NS1.21 [email protected] MECHANICAL ENGINEERING MAIN OFFICE LOCATION NS1.21: Mechanical Engineering Main Office (0131 451 3131) KEY CONTACTS ELSEWHERE IN THE UNIVERSITY Student Support and Accommodation Services : Ms Morag Patten, Hugh Nisbet Bldg [email protected]

For Student Support and Accommodation Services, see : http://www.hw.ac.uk/welfare/

SIGNIFICANT DATES IN THE ACADEMIC YEAR Heriot-Watt University operates a two twelve-week semester system as shown below. All examinations take place during the assessment blocks. Please note that the dates of the April/May exam diet may change. Full details of examination timetables are published at the campus and can be found at: www.hw.ac.uk/registry/examination-timetables.php

Semester Starting Date Finishing Date Semester 1 (12 weeks) 12 September 2011 2 December 2011 Block 1 Assessment (2 weeks) 5 December 2011 16 December 2011 Break 1 (3 weeks) 19 December 2011 6 January 2012 Semester 2 (12 weeks) 9 January 2012 30 March 2012 Break 2 (3 weeks) 2 April 2012 19 April 2012 Block 2 Assessment (4 weeks) 23 April 2012 18 May 2012 Graduations (4 days) 19 June 2012 22 June 2012 Resits (7 working days) 2 August 2012 10 August 2012 Graduations ( 2 days) 15 November 2012 16 November 2012

Buildings are closed on 19 September 2011, 23 Decem ber 2011 – 4 January 2012 (Christmas and New Year), 6 April 2012 (Good Friday), 9 April 2012 (Easter Monday), 4 – 5 June 2012 (Victoria Day and Queen’s Diamond Jubilee)


LINKS TO FURTHER INFORMATION/SERVICES/SUPPORT University Website: http://www.hw.ac.uk/home/

University Academic Registry: http://www.hw.ac.uk/registry/ Mechanical Engineering: http://www.eps.hw.ac.uk/departments/mech-eng.htm

Mechanical Engineering Safety Information: http://www.mec.hw.ac.uk/privatedocs/safety.htm Online Course Material VLE Vision address: http://vision.hw.ac.uk

The Institution of Mechanical Engineers: http://www.imeche.org/ The Energy Institute: http://www.energyinst.org

The American Society of Mechanical Engineers: http://www.asme.org/ Student Welfare Services http://www.hw.ac.uk/welfare/

It is important to note that from August 2010:

• ‘Module’ has been replaced by ‘Course’ • ‘Course’ has been replaced by ‘Programme’

In addition, Mechanical Engineering is considered a ‘Discipline’ within the School of Engineering & Physical Sciences. Please ensure that you are familiar with this termi nology when making a request to transfer onto another programme or changes to your course registration.

2 Welcome and Introduction

2.1 Welcome from the Principal of Heriot-Watt Unive rsity

I am delighted to welcome you as a student of Heriot-Watt University!

Heriot-Watt University has a well earned reputation as Scotland's most international and outward-looking University. With three campuses in Scotland (attended by a high percentage of students from across the world), our new Campus in Dubai, and Learning Partner institutions across the world, we have a vibrant and diverse learning culture which is unique and unmatched by other universities in the United Kingdom. We are keen to give our students the opportunity to develop an international dimension to their studies which will enhance their opportunities for future growth. Students at all our campus locations are an important part of our global community and I very much hope you enjoy your time with us. Professor Steve Chapman Principal and Vice-Chancellor

2.2 Welcome to the School of Engineering and Ph ysical Sciences from the Director of Teaching and Learning, Professor Kevin McCullough

Whether you are a new or continuing student, you will, we hope, find it useful to have a one-stop source of information. This handbook is our attempt to provide with such a source. You will find the most immediately useful information in the first few sections, and these have been written by staff in your subject area. The later sections contain essential general University information and Web references where you can find more detail, should you need it. If you have any questions that are not answered, or if anything is at all unclear, do please ask your mentor or any other member of academic or support staff. They will be pleased to help if they can; if they cannot, they will refer you to someone who can!

3 General Information about the School/Institute The abbreviation for our School, the School of Engineering and Physical Sciences , is EPS.

Your School discipline is Mechanical Engineering .

Personnel: The Head of School has overall responsibility for the School’s many activities. Undergraduate programmes are organised through a Programme Co-ordinator and Directors of


Studies for each year of the programme. Section 4 of this booklet lists the current holders of these posts and other staff closely involved with the programmes in Mechanical Engineering. Communications: Notices relating to course organisation and administration are displayed on the year notice boards on the ground floor corridor of the Nasmyth Building and should be checked regularly. Regular electronic notices are provided on the electronic year notice boards which you can find on the Mechanical Engineering homepage at: http://www.mec.hw.ac.uk/publicdocs/noticeboards.htm. Note that all results for examinations and class tests will be published on these pages, so please bookmark them. Timetables: Timetable information for each programme of study and stage will be available to students from the Heriot-Watt University Timetable website

http://www.hw.ac.uk/timetabling/teaching-timetables.htm

Semester 1 and Semester 2 timetables will be available two weeks before the start of Semester 1 and two weeks before the end of Semester 1 respectively.

Information on the location of rooms on the published timetables can be found from

http://www.hw.ac.uk/timetabling/building-information.htm

all students are advised to ensure that they know the location of each timetabled activity that they are required to attend.

Students will be alerted to changes to the timetables made during semester from the course responsible person.

Postal mail for students is placed in the pigeon-holes at the end of the crush area. Students should check pigeon-holes and University e-mail accounts regularly.

School telephones may not be used by students except in an emergency or with permission from a member of staff.

The Mechanical Engineering Main Office (Room NS1.21) is normally open from 9am-5pm during the Semester but closes for lunch from 1pm-2pm.

Mentoring Scheme: Students starting in the School are assigned to a member of academic staff, known as a mentor. The mentor's role is to offer academic and personal help as well as monitoring progress on certain courseworks by their 1st Year mentees. In Years 1, 2 and 3 the mentor provides you with an opportunity for a formal private meeting, nominally at the start of each term, where the previous term's progress is discussed; please make sure you attend this!!

Safety: Students are issued with a copy of EPS’s Safety Regulations and Procedures; these can be found at http://www.mec.hw.ac.uk/privatedocs/safety.htm. Further specific instructions on safety matters will be given where appropriate; however, students should be aware that for workshop activities they will be required to purchase personal protective equipment (PPE) in the form of safety shoes, safety glasses and overalls. It is compulsory for students to procure and wear these ; any student not having the proper PPE will not be allowed on the workshop floor. As a consequence of this they could be marked down in an assessment, so purchase these as soon as possible after being advised accordingly. Illness and Absence: Students are expected to attend classes regularly and may be de-registered from courses for unsatisfactory attendance and/or performance. Due to this, it is important for students to inform their Mentor or Director of Studies about personal or other factors which may adversely affect their studies. For any absence up to four working days due to illness or accident students should complete a Self-Certification Form, available from the Main Office (Room NS1.21). A Medical Certificate must be handed in to account for any longer period of absence. Students are also advised to inform their Mentor or Director of Studies about significant periods of absence for any other reason.


Feedback from Students: Part of the role of Mentors and Directors of Studies is to receive feedback from students. The School also receives feedback by term questionnaires and through meetings of the Staff/Student Committee. The School's policy is to resolve problems raised by students as expeditiously as possible.

Points of concern about particular courses should be raised directly with the staff involved or can be discussed informally with your Director of Studies. Alternatively students can record their comments on questionnaires or ask one of their Year Class Representatives to raise the matter on their behalf with the individual responsible or at a meeting of the Staff/Student Committee. The latter meets twice per semester and also considers wider matters relating to course organisation and provision.

Sometimes other commitments may prevent staff from attending classes as timetabled. If suitable alternative arrangements are not made then students should report immediately to the Main Office (Room NS1.21) and inform one of the secretaries that the lecture/tutorial/laboratory did not take place. Appeals: Details of the procedure for appeals against academic decisions are given in the booklet "General Information for First Degree Students". However, this procedure should only be used when attempts to resolve the matter within the School have proved unsatisfactory. For advice on using this procedure see your Programme Coordinator or Director of Studies. Late coursework submissions: For all courses where there is a coursework element you must make a reasonable attempt at completing the assessment(s) and also, most importantly, hand it/them in on time .

COMPUTER FACILITIES There are a number of computer labs within EPS which form part of the University’s Desktop

Service (UDS). You can also use other UDS computer laboratories in other Schools if necessary. There is also a wireless network provision which allows students to connect their own laptops and gain internet access.

Courses are provided in programming languages and computer applications and students are

encouraged to become familiar with the facilities available.

UDS Labs There are a number of UDS labs across the EPS and in other Schools, ranging in size from about

10 to 80 PCs. Some of these labs are centrally timetabled and are therefore used by students at designated times. Depending on the layout of the lab, and at the discretion of the academic in charge, it may be possible for EPS students to use these labs even if there is another class running. Other labs are mainly intended for specific groups of students, for example those doing a certain course. Other students may use free machines but could be asked to leave if the machine is required by someone else..

Wireless Network Currently each of the 5 buildings which make up the school has wireless access points which

allow students to connect their own computers to the Internet. Additional points are likely to be added in future. A number of fixed network points in certain research labs and lecture rooms are also connected to the same facility, allowing people who do not have a wireless card on their machine to connect in. Details of the location of the wireless points and additional information can be found at

http://www.hw.ac.uk/it/Guide_to_Services/Students/Wi_Fi.html

Rules for Use These are available on the School’s website, at: http://support.eps.hw.ac.uk/IT/rules.htm. A copy of this page at the date of printing of this document follows.

Use of the computing facilities is governed by University Regulation 29, which applies mainly to central University facilities, and by the terms and conditions set out in a similar document


applicable specifically to the Department (see the form 'Computer Regulations and Authorisation').

The School network is connected to the Campus Network, which is in turn connected to the UK academic network JANET. Thus the JANET acceptable use policy also applies.

Users are authorised to use certain facilities at certain times, as appropriate to their employment or programme of study. Many lab facilities are booked at certain periods for certain groups or may operate under a scheme where certain groups have priority without excluding others from using a free workstation. Details are posted in the appropriate areas.

Access to workstations is available during 'normal working hours' as defined in the student handbook. Access during certain periods outwith normal working hours may be permitted to key holders - currently members of staff, postgraduate, 4th Year project students and 5th Year MEng students. Out-of-hours passes can be obtained from School Health and Safety personnel, see your academic supervisor for advice and help if this is required.

As mentioned above, users are bound by regulations in respect of their use of computing resources. Users should also be aware that they are also bound by the law of the land in this area, specifically the Data Protection Act and the Computer Misuse Act. The latter makes it a criminal offence to make, or attempt to make, unauthorised access to computing facilities or datasets.

The School and the University take a very serious view of this type of activity or any of the other activities loosely known as 'hacking'. Any action of this nature is considered at the very least to be a serious disciplinary offence, and at most a criminal offence which may be the subject of criminal proceedings. You have been warned!

Further operational procedures which users must observe include:

• No food or drink should be consumed in a computing laboratory.

• Do not boot a computer from your own personal diskette or CD.

• Do not install unauthorised software or alter any system files on disk.

• Do not attempt to move any computer equipment without permission.

• Do not connect your own personal computer equipment to the School network, except at approved points, such as the wireless access points.

• Users must log out after use. However, the machine must be left switched on and must not be re-booted by users.

The computing facilities are provided in support of users' employment or programme of study at Heriot-Watt. These facilities will be denied if abuses take place. Examples of abuse include (but are not limited to):

• Importing large 'recreational' files (programs, graphical images, etc) which eat up disk space.

• Laser printing of personal or non-essential documents.

• Importing and/or display of offensive images.

• Forwarding 'chain email' messages, junk mail, etc.

• Use of 'peer-to-peer' file sharing software.

Game playing is not permitted on University comput ing facilities.

Users must not cause or allow their accounts to be used in any way which may tarnish the good name and reputation of the School or the University. The University holds individual users responsible for unofficial information published electronically by them and professional codes of behaviour are expected.


Particularly unacceptable practices, likely to lead to disciplinary proceedings, are abusive or libellous mail or news articles, or any activity resulting in pornographic material being imported, displayed or published within the University.

Information and Assistance Additional information on the computing facilities, etc is available on School’s website http://support.eps.hw.ac.uk/IT/index.htm. Requests for assistance should be directed either to EPS support staff or to Computing Services,

depending on the nature of the problem. If the problem relates to use of one of the core software packages on UDS then contact Computing Services directly. This would include Microsoft Office software, electronic mail, etc. You can send an email to [email protected] or telephone x4045.

For problems relating to specialist software for use by EPS students, problems with printing or any non UDS issues, such as the wireless network, then email the school support staff at [email protected] or phone x3290 and leave a voicemail message.

4 Key staff and office locations A full list of Mechanical Engineering staff can be found at: http://www.mec.hw.ac.uk/people/acad_staff.htm . Directors of Studies Each Year of your programme has a Director of Studies (DoS) allocated to it as shown below. If you have any programme-related queries or enquiries , e.g. registration, course transfers, etc, then the DoS for your academic year will be your first point of contact . For general enquiries you should initially go to the Undergraduate Office (NS1.21) for advice and for course-related enquiries you should approach the lecturer in charge.

Mechanical Engineering Directors of Studies

Year Name Room E-mail 1st Dr Tadhg O’Donovan NS2.24 T.S.O’[email protected]

2nd Dr Will Shu NS2.09 [email protected] 3rd Dr Jon Shephard NS1.15 [email protected] 4th Dr Peter Cumber NS1.16 [email protected] 5th Dr David McNeil NS2.30 [email protected]

For the Robotics and Cybertronics and Automotive Engineering Programmes, which have substantial input from Electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineering, any enquiries relating to their specific courses should be addressed initially to the following people:

Electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineering (EECE)

Directors of Studies relevant to Robotics and Cyber tronics and Automotive Programmes 1st Year Dr Matt Dunnigan EM2.25 [email protected]

2nd Year Dr Alexander Belyaev EM2.29 [email protected]

3rd Year Dr Xu Wang EM2.07 [email protected]

4th Year Prof Jiasheng Hong EM2.13 [email protected]


Finally, every programme has a programme coordinator, should your DoS advise you then you may contact these people for further information regarding any query you may have.

Programme Coordinators

DIT (Industrial Placement Co-ordinator) Dr Peter Cumber NS1.16 [email protected]

Automotive Engineering Dr Baixin Chen NS1.08 [email protected]

Robotic and Cybertronics (R&C) Dr Xianwen Kong NS2.26 [email protected] Mechanical Engineering and Energy

Engineerng Dr Bryce Richards NS2.02 [email protected]

Mechanical Engineering Dr Theo Lim NSG.04 [email protected]

Miscellaneous Contacts

Postgraduate Research Director Prof. Andrew Moore NS1.19 [email protected]

International Officer Dr Tadhg O’Donovan NS2.24 T.S.O’[email protected]

Staff-Student Liaison Committee Dr Jon Shephard NS1.15 [email protected]

5 Programme Overview The following full-time programmes leading to degrees in Mechanical Engineering are offered:

Degree Title and Academic Level Code Normal

Duration (Years)

Accreditation Bodies

MEng Mechanical Engineering Masters B531 5 IMechE MEng Mechanical Engineering with DIT Masters B581 6 IMechE BEng Mechanical Engineering Honours B511 4 IMechE BEng Mechanical Engineering with DIT Honours B571 5 IMechE

BEng Mechanical Engineering and Energy Engineering

Honours B542 4 IMechE & EI

MEng Mechanical Engineering and Energy Engineering

Masters B54M 5 IMechE & EI

BEng Mechanical Engineering and Energy Engineering with DIT Honours B553 5 IMechE & EI

MEng Mechanical Engineering and Energy Engineering with DIT

Masters B55M 6 IMechE & EI

BEng Automotive Engineering Honours B564 4 IMechE BEng Automotive Engineering with DIT Honours B566 5 IMechE MEng Robotics and Cybertronics Masters B5E1 5 IMechE & IET MEng Robotics and Cybertronics with DIT Masters B5E3 6 IMechE & IET BEng Robotics and Cybertronics Honours B5D1 4 IMechE & IET BEng Robotics and Cybertronics with DIT Honours B5D3 5 IMechE & IET

Abbreviations Auto Automotive Engineering BEng Bachelor of Engineering BSc Bachelor of Science CAPS Common Assessment and Progression System DIT Diploma in Industrial Training EE Energy Engineering EI Energy Institute EPS School of Engineering and Physical Sciences Hon Honours Degree IET Institute of Engineering and Technology IMechE Institution of Mechanical Engineers ME Mechanical Engineering MEng Master of Engineering Ord Ordinary Degree SA Students' Association R&C Robotics and Cybertronics


Accreditation: All the BEng and MEng programmes listed above are accredited and professionally recognised by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) as noted in the table above. The IMechE require that you are informed about the following: Students who are awarded an MEng will have met the academic criteria for Chartered Engineer (CEng) status. Although the BEng(Hons) will contribute towards the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered Engineer it will be necessary to complete an acceptable Matching Section as approved by the IMechE. The Energy Engineering programmes are also accredited in the same manner by the Energy Institute (EI). Diploma in Industrial Training (DIT) The Diploma in Industrial Training (DIT) is awarded for a ten-month period of approved industrial experience carried out between successive years of a degree programme. The aims are to motivate further study and enhance employability. The DIT Director of Studies will provide assistance to students trying to acquire suitable salaried placements – note that it is the student’s responsibility to obtain this - and will carry out supervision and assessment if the company is deemed to be suitable. Students wishing to take part should contact the DIT Director of Studies early in the preceding academic year (i.e. 3rd Year for BEng or 3rd/4th Year for MEng). The minimum qualification for entry to the DIT is the same as that for progress into the final year of the BEng.

YEAR >>>> 1 2 3 DIT 4 DIT 5

PROGRAMME

MEng Mechanical Engineering*

MEng

BEng Mechanical Engineering*

BEng (Hons)

MEng Mechanical Eng. and Energy Eng.*

MEng

BEng Mechanical Eng.

and Energy Eng.*

BEng (Hons)

MEng Robotics and

Cybertronics*

MEng BEng Robotics and

Cybertronics*

BEng (Hons)

BEng Automotive Eng.*

BEng (Hons)

*Students are eligible to graduate with an ordinary degree after successful completion of year 3 of any programme.

Transfer between Programmes Programme transfers must be approved by the relevant Director of Studies for your year (listed in Section 4). Transfer forms for this purpose can be obtained from the Main Office (Room NS1.21). (a) Transfers between BEng and MEng degree programm es in Mechanical Engineering Programmes With the exception of Automotive Engineering and Robotics and Cybertronics, all BEng and MEng programmes have common first and second years; therefore, students may select a particular programme before entry to Year 4 with transfer between programmes possible. Students failing to make satisfactory progress on a BEng programme may be given the opportunity to transfer to Combined Studies. Likewise students failing to make satisfactory progress on a MEng programme will be required to transfer to a BEng programme in the Mechanical Engineering programme.


After Year 3, students from any of the BEng degree programmes may transfer to the MEng programme if they meet the progress requirements, pass all Year 3 courses at the first attempt and obtain an average mark of 60% or above. The same criteria are also applied to students already registered on the MEng programme in Year 3 (Students should note that, subject to approval by the Undergraduate Studies Committee progression to MEng from academic year 2012/13 will require all courses to be passed at Grade C). (b) Transfers between other programmes Transfer between other programmes run both within EPS and external to the School is often possible the earlier such programme transfers take place. In all cases, the possibility of a programme transfer of any kind should be discussed with the relevant Director of Studies (DoS) before a formal application is made.

(d) Ordinary degrees Students intending to graduate on completion of Year 3 with an Ordinary Degree should see the Yr 3 Director of Studies. Every effort will be made to ensure that such students will be able to graduate at the June ceremony, but the formal award of the degree will usually be at the next November ceremony.

Note: all students are registered on an Honours or MEng programme on initial enrlolment. Students intending to graduate with BEng must inform the DoS.

Heriot-Watt University reserves the right to update materials from time to time and will ensure that advance notification concerning changes to materials is provided to students on the relevant section of the University website. It is the responsibility of students to check the website, particularly if they are returning to studies after a period during which their studies have been in abeyance.

6 Programme Structure and Delivery The academic year consists of two semesters each of 12 weeks duration plus an assessment period. Students normally study four courses in each term. Each course is worth 15 credits. The number of credits accumulated is an important criterion for progress and graduation. Programme Structure The courses available in each term of a degree programme are defined in the Programme Structure that also provides information about the means of assessment for each course and notes on the operation of the programme. Course Descriptors

Each course has a formal descriptor document that briefly summarises the intended content of the course. This information also normally forms part of an introductory lecture at the start of the course. Descriptors for courses can be obtain from the main Mechanical Engineering Office (NS1.21) A summary is available at http://www.mec.hw.ac.uk/undergraduate/descriptors.htm. Each course is identified by a code number such as B57EA1 which defines: the discipline offering it (B5=Mechanical Engineering), the SCQF level it is taken at "7", two letters and a final number specifying the semester in which it takes place "1".

Progress and Graduation A Common Assessment and Progression Scheme (CAPS) has been implemented and decisions are returned as letter grades (A-F). Grade D will represent a mark of approximately 40%-49%; however, credits will be awarded down to and including Grade E which represents a level of performance insufficient for a continuing subject in a programme.

Note that, where several components contribute to the assessment of performance in a course, there is a general requirement to complete all components. Therefore, in a continuously assessed subject all programme assignments (large and small) must be submitted to obtain a grade D (or better) pass in the course. A reasonable attempt must be made at all relevant courseworks.

The following table summarises the minimum credit requirements for progress and graduation. Important additional requirements for progress and graduation are specified in Programme Structures and University Regulations.


Note that an ordinary degree may be awarded as the outcome of study on an honours’ programme. Similarly, a honours’ degree may be awarded as the outcome of study on the masters’ programme. Honours Classification

Honours classification is based on an overall grade derived from performance in courses designated as qualifying courses. In addition, the individual project in the fourth y ear MUST be passed. Where relevant, all Y4 and Y5 courses are qualifying courses BEng/BSc Class:1 Grade: A Mark Range: 70% - 100%

2:1 B 60% - 69% 2:2 C 50% - 59% 3 D 40% - 49% MEng Distinction 70% - 100% MEng Pass 55% - 69% Progression requirements

Degree title Degree type Minimum credits to progres s Minimum

credits to graduate Progression>>> Y1 to Y2 Y2 to Y3 Y3 to Y4 Y4 to Y5

MEng ME

ME and EE R&C

Specialist Masters

90 at grade D or better

210 including 90 at

grade D or better from Y2

330 including 120 at

grade D or better from Y3

and an average Y3

mark of 60% or better with no

resits*.

480 and an

acceptable average mark in

Y4.

600

BEng ME

ME with CAE ME and EE

AE R&C

Specialist Honours

330 including 90 at

grade D or better from Y3*.

480 (Honours)

360

(Ordinary)

* Students should note that, subject to approval by the Undergraduate Studies Committee from academic year 2012/13 progression to MEng Y4 will require all Y3 courses to be passed at Grade C with an average of 60%. Progression from Y3 to Y4 (Hons) in any of the BEng degree programmes will require passes in all Y3 courses at the first attempt at Grade D or better, or an average mark of 50% or above (including resit or first attempt marks for each Year 3 course whichever is the higher) and 120 credits after resits.

Note: The examiners may award passes in up to two courses (Discretionary Credits), normally in the final year, to allow students to reach the required minimum credits for the award of a degree. A student permitted to proceed with less than 120 credits (including those gained at grade E) from the preceding year will normally be expected to re-attend the failed courses. Assessment Opportunities

Except for qualifying courses in 4th year and 5th Year, CAPS allows students two opportunities to pass each course. The second opportunity should be taken in the summer/autumn diet. Exam Boards have the discretion to allow students to re-attend courses. Note that it is the student's responsibility to ensure that they are registered for the correct courses at each opportunity and is aware of the requirements and any changes to the course since a previous opportunity.


EPS First Year Programme Structure

The first year of each programme in the School of Engineering and Physical Sciences comprises four components:

Core: Subject specialism and mandatory component of programme.

EPS Maths: Mathematical Methods and Applications relevant to the core subject.

Praxis: Skills-based methods and applications relating to the core subject.

Option If relevant, a free choice of subject from EPS or other University Schools. EPS Maths The Mathematics courses comprise two main parts: (i) (mathematical) methods where you are taught the theory and principles of mathematical techniques; and (ii) applications where you apply these methods to problems in your core subject (putting your mathematics knowledge into practice). These courses are taught by staff from the School of Mathematics and Computer Sciences (MACS) and are assessed by examination and coursework. There will be tutorials for both the methods and applications components of the course.

Praxis The Praxis skills-based course is closely associated with the core subject area. In your case it is either B57VA (Praxis Mechanical) or B37VA (Praxis Electronic Design) for Robotics and Cybertronics. This is particularly concerned with ensuring that all students have a basic understanding of computers for communication (email), analysis of data (spreadsheets), creating of reports (Word™) and accessing information (www/virtual learning environment) as well as containing some practical laboratories. These skills are fundamental and will be built on throughout your programme. The Praxis courses also have an element of Professional Development Planning (PDP) which is the method by which you record evidence of your skills and abilities. Employers are not only looking to employ graduates based on a degree classification but to differentiate between applicants based on whether or not they can demonstrate other attributes such as leadership, the ability to take decisions, their communication skills, group working and independence. Unless you record your experiences throughout your programme you are unlikely to convince a recruitment panel of your suitability for employment. PDP is an integral part of your programme but it is your responsibility to keep it current. In the first term you will start a PDP by recording evidence of skills (collection of assignments and laboratory reports) and the completion of exercises reflecting on experiences and performance throughout the first year. Virtual Learning Environment - Vision Virtual Learning Environments (VLEs) are systems that support a range of learning contexts, ranging from conventional, classroom implementation to off-line, distance learning and online learning. The University’s VLE is called Vision and is based on a commercial software package called Blackboard. Many of the courses that you are taking have a presence on the VLE and therefore you may be required to access information or complete and submit on-line assignments within courses on the VLE. You will automatically be registered for a VLE course based on the courses that you register for either at the start of the year or any changes made after registration. The VLE can be accessed from any computer with internet access although not all browsers will support the functionality of Vision. It is best to access Vision from on-campus UDS machines. The VLE can be accessed from the webpage http://vision.hw.ac.uk. Questionnaires EPS is interested in the opinion of students and will gain student feedback from management questionnaires or course questionnaires. Management questionnaires relate to the organisation of the programme and course questionnaires ask specific questions about each course. These questionnaires will either be made available in Vision or in hard copy, and any conclusions to these questionnaires will be made available in the same formats. The school appreciates and values all student comment and encourages students to participate in questionnaires.


Staff-Student Liaison Committees and School Officer s In addition to student representation in undergraduate matters, there is a School Officer for each subject group in the School of Engineering and Physical Sciences who is able to represent student opinion at a higher level. The School Officers are co-ordinated by the Student Association and have a contribution to University policy decisions. School Officers are also part of the staff student liaison committee for each subject group and can update this forum on University matters. The School Officer for Mechanical Engineering in session 2010-11 will be announced at the beginning of the new academic year. Mechanical Engineering Degree Programme Structures These are given overleaf and relate to all of the degree programmes offered by Mechanical Engineering in 2011/2012. Students taking a DIT include a year’s industrial placement: B50YB - Mechanical Engineering Industrial Placement between Year 3 and 4 (BEng) or Year 4 and 5 MEng of the appropriate programme.


B511- BEng Mechanical Engineering

B531 – MEng Mechanical Engineering B542 – BEng Mechanical Engineering and Energy Engin eering B531 – MEng Mechanical Engineering and Energy Engin eering

B564 – BEng Automotive Engineering

YEARS 1-3

YEAR 1 YEAR 2 Semester 1 Semester 2 Semester 1 Semester 2

B87AM EPS Mathematics 1

B87AN EPS Mathematics 2

B88AO EPS Mathematics 3

B88AP EPS Mathematics 4

B57EA Mechanical Engineering Science 1

B57EB Mechanical

Engineering Science 2

B58EC Mechanical


B58ED Mechanical


B57VA Praxis (Mechanical)

B57DA Design and

Manufacture 1

B58DB Design and

Manufacture 2

B38EI Electric Circuits and

Machines B37EA

Introduction to Electrical Engineering

and Circuits

B57CA Computing for Engineers 1

B58EE Mechanical


B58EF Mechanical


YEAR 3 Semester 1 Semester 2

B59EG Mechanical Engineering Science 7

B59EH Mechanical


B59EI Mechanical Engineering Science 9

B59EJ Mechanical


B59DE Design and

Manufacture 3

B59DF Design and

Manufacture 4

B49CB Business Awareness,

Safety and Sustainability

**Option**

OPTIONS NOTES

- B59AA

Automotive Technologies 1

Compulsory for Automotive Engineering

- B59ES Energy Studies

Compulsory for Mech. Eng. and

Energy Eng.

- B59CC

Computing for Engineers 2

-

BE

ng ME

CH

AN

ICA

L EN

G./E

NE

RG

Y/A

UT

OM

OT

IVE

(Years 1-3)


B511- BEng in Mechanical Engineering

4th YEAR


B50PA Project 1

B50PB Project 2

B50DE Engineering Design

**Option**

**Option** **Option**


OPTIONS B50EM

Advanced Mechanics of Materials 1

B50EN Advanced Mechanics

of Materials 2

B50EO Dynamics 1

B50EP Dynamics 2

B50EK Fluids 1

B50EL Fluids 2

B50EQ Thermodynamics 1

B50ER Thermodynamics 2

G10UG Petroleum

Engineering

B50DF Engineering Manufacture

B542- BEng in Mechanical Engineering and Energy Eng ineering

4th YEAR


B50PA Project 1

B50PB Project 2


**Option**



G10UG Petroleum

Engineering **Option**

OPTIONS

- B50EN


- B50EP

Dynamics 2

- B50EL Fluids 2

- B50DF

Engineering Manufacture

BE

ng ME

CH

AN

ICA

L EN

G. (Y

ear 4) BE

ng EN

ER

GY

(Year 4)


B531- MEng in Mechanical Engineering

4th YEAR


B50PA Project 1

B50PB Project 2


B50JA Group Project 1



OPTIONS B51EM



of Materials 2

B51EO Dynamics 1

B51EP Dynamics 2

B51EK Fluids 1

B51EL Fluids 2



G10UG Petroleum

Engineering


5th YEAR

Note: 5 th Year options chosen cannot be the same as previous ly taken 4 th Year options.


B51JB Group Project 2

B51JC Group Project 3

B51GS Specialist Engineering

Technology 1

B51GT Specialist

Engineering Technology 2

B81NP New Product and

Process Development

B51HB Failure and Accident

Analysis


Options B51EM



of Materials 2

B51EO Dynamics 1

B51EP Dynamics 2

B51EK Fluids 1

B51EL Fluids 2



G10UG Petroleum Engineering


ME

ng ME

CH

AN

ICA

L EN

G. (Y

ears 4 and 5)


B531- MEng in Mechanical Engineering and Energy Eng ineering

4th YEAR

YEAR 4

Semester 1 Semester 2

B50PA Project 1

B50PB Project 2





G10UG Petroleum

Engineering **Option**

OPTIONS

- B51EN


- B51EP Dynamics 2

- B51EL Fluids 2

- B51DF


5th YEAR

Note: 5 th Year options chosen cannot be the same as previous ly taken 4 th Year options.




B51GS Specialist Engineering

Technology 1

B51GT Specialist

Engineering Technology 2


Process Development **Option**

B51GE Renewable Energy

Technologies **Option**

Options

- B51EN


- B51EP Dynamics 2

- B51EL Fluids 2

- B51HB

Failure and Accident Analysis

- B51DF


ME

ng EN

ER

GY

(Years 4 and 5)


B564- BEng in Automotive Engineering

4th YEAR


B50PA Project 1

B50PB Project 2



B50EO Dynamics 1

B50EP Dynamics 2

**Option** B50AB

Automotive Technologies 2

OPTIONS B50EM


-

B50EK Fluids 1 -

B50EQ Thermodynamics 1 -

ROBOTICS AND CYBERTRONICS OVERLEAF.

BE

ng AU

TO

MO

TIV

E (Y

ear 4)


B5D1 - BEng Robotics and Cybertronics B5E1 – MEng Robotics and Cybertronics

YEARS 1-3

YEAR 1 YEAR 2

Semester 1 Semester 2 Semester 1 Semester 2

B87AM EPS Mathematics 1

B87AN EPS Mathematics 2

B88AO EPS Mathematics 3

B88AP EPS Mathematics 4

B57EA Mechanical Engineering Science 1

B57EB Mechanical Engineering Science 2

B58EC Mechanical Engineering Science 3

B58ED Mechanical Engineering Science 4

B37VA Praxis Electronic

Design

B57DA Design and

Manufacture 1

B58DB Design and

Manufacture 2

B37VB Praxis

Programming for Engineers

B37EA Introduction to

Electrical Engineering and Circuits

B57CA Computing for Engineers 1

B38EB Circuits and

Analysis

B38SA Signals and

Systems


B59EG Mechanical Engineering Science 7

B59EH Mechanical Engineering Science 8

B38DB Digital Design and

Programming

B38DF Computer

Architecture and Embedded Systems


B59DE Design and

Manufacture 3

B59RM Robotic Mechanical

Systems 1

OPTIONS F29AI

Artificial Intelligence and Intelligent

Agents

B59AA Automotive

Technologies 1

B39SB Time Frequency

and Signal Analysis

B59CC Computing for Engineers 2

B39AX Engineering

Mathematics and Statics

B39EE Analogue

Electronics

RO

BO

TIC

S A

ND

CY

BE

RT

RO

NIC

S (Y

ears 1-3)


B5D1 - BEng Robotics and Cybertronics

4th YEAR


B50PA Project 1

B50PB Project 2

B31DD Embedded Systems

**Option**




B50RN Robotic Mechanical

Systems 2

OPTIONS

B31SC Digital Signal Processing


of Materials 2

B50EO Dynamics 1

B50EP Dynamics 2


B31SE Image Processing

B30EJ Linear Control

-

F21RO Robotics and Automation

-

MEng ROBOTICS AND CYBERTRONICS OVERLEAF.

BE

ng RO

BO

TIC

S A

ND

CY

BE

RT

RO

NIC

S (Y

ear 4)


B5E1 - MEng Robotics and Cybertronics

4th YEAR and 5 th YEAR

YEAR 4 YEAR 5 Semester 1 Semester 2 Semester 1 Semester 2

B50PA Project 1

B50PB Project 2


B31DD Embedded Systems




**Option** **Option** **Option** **Option**



B50RN Robotic Mechanical

Systems 2


Process Development **Option**

OPTIONS B31SC

Digital Signal Processing


of Materials 2

B31SC Digital Signal Processing

B31RA Advanced Reading

B51EO Dynamics 1

B51EP Dynamics 2

B51EO Dynamics 1

B51RA Advanced Reading




B51EP Dynamics 2

B30EJ Linear Control

- B31EF Linear Control


F21RO Robotics and Automation

- F21RO

Robotics and Automation

B31DG Embedded Software

Note: 5 th Year options chosen cannot be the same as previous ly taken 3 rd or 4 th Year options.

ME

ng RO

BO

TIC

S A

ND

CY

BE

RT

RO

NIC

S (Y

ears 4-5)


PART B – UNIVERSITY INFORMATION The Academic Registry is responsible for producing Part B of the handbook to provide information and assistance on University po licies and support services. Kathy Patterson is the Academic Registrar and Deput y Secretary. Students should contact the appropriate School/Inst itute in the first instance for any academic query or assistance. Please note that the following sections are standar d sources of information provided to all students. However, certain aspects are programme-specific and students should refer to Part A where directed. B1. ORDINANCES AND REGULATIONS Heriot-Watt University has a detailed set of rules which governs the operation and management of University business. These are referred to as Ordinances and these Ordinances are set by the Court, which is the governing body of the University. The University Ordinances are also supported by University Regulations which detail the rules, policies and practices which Staff and Students must adhere to for all academic matters. The following section on Academic Support Services often refers to Ordinances and Regulations. These links will provide you with information and guidance on all matters relating to your academic life. A full list of Ordinances and Regulations are available at the following weblink:

http://www.hw.ac.uk/ordinances/regulations.pdf

B2. QUICK FINDER GUIDE TO ACADEMIC SUPPORT SERV ICES Subject Area For More Informati on Please Refer to: 1. Academic Support 1.1 Mentoring http://www.hw.ac.uk/quality/studentsupport.htm

and http://www.hw.ac.uk/registry/enrolment.htm Please refer to the programme-specific information i n Part A of this handbook for further details on Mentoring.

1.2

Professional Development Planning

http://www.hw.ac.uk/careers/pdp/index.php Please refer to the programme-specific information i n Part A of this handbook for further details on Professional Develop ment Planning.

1.3 Student Feedback http://www.hw.ac.uk/quality/studentfeedback.htm and http://www.HWUnion.com


Please refer to the programme-specific information i n Part A of this handbook for further details on Student Feedback.

2. Enrolment, Attendance and Periods of Study 2.1

Absence from University

http://www.hw.ac.uk/ordinances/regulations.pdf Regulation 1 – General Regulation, paragraph 6 Regulation 3 (new) – Modular First Degrees, paragraph 11 Regulation 4 – Postgraduate Diplomas and Graduate Diplomas, paragraph 12 Regulation 18 – Postgraduate Certificates and Graduate Certificates, paragraph 12

2.2

Accreditation of Prior Learning

http://www.hw.ac.uk/ordinances/regulations.pdf Regulation 46 – Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL)

2.3

Amendment to Registration

Application Form: http://www.hw.ac.uk/registry/resources/amendmenttoregistration.doc

2.4 Attendance Policy on Student Attendance: http://www.hw.ac.uk/registry/resources/studentattendancepolicy.pdf Withdrawal from University: http://www.hw.ac.uk/registry/resources/withdrawalprocedures.pdf

2.5 Change of Address

Application Form: http://www.hw.ac.uk/registry/resources/ChangeofAddress.pdf

2.6 Enrolment http://www.hw.ac.uk/registry/enrolment.htm Please refer to the programme-specific information i n Part A of this handbook for further details on enrolment.

2.7 Periods of Study http://www.hw.ac.uk/ordinances/regulations.pdf Regulation 3 (new) – Modular First Degrees, paragraph 5 Regulation 4 – Postgraduate Diplomas and Graduate Diplomas, paragraph 10 Regulation 18 – Postgraduate Certificates and Graduate Certificates, paragraph 10

2.8

Student Personal Information (Data Protection)

www.hw.ac.uk/students/data_protection_policy.pdf

2.9

Suspension of Studies

Application Form: http://www.hw.ac.uk/registry/resources/studentappealform.doc

2.10

Teaching Timetables

www.hw.ac.uk/timetabling

3. Guidance on Assessment 3.1 Assessment http://www.hw.ac.uk/ordinances/regulations.pdf

Regulation 3 (new) – Modular First Degrees, paragraphs 13 -19 Regulation 4 – Postgraduate Diplomas and Graduate Diplomas, paragraphs 13 – 19 Regulation 18 – Postgraduate Certificates and Graduate Certificates, paragraphs 13 - 19

3.2 Common http://www.hw.ac.uk/registry/policies.htm


Assessment and Progression System (CAPS)

3.3

Extension to Assessment Deadlines

http://www.hw.ac.uk/registry

Please refer to the programme-specific information in Part A of this handbook for further details on extensions to asses sment deadlines.

3.4

Ill Health and Extenuating Circumstances - Assessment

A University wide policy on Special Circumstance in Relation to Assessment is in the final stages of development. This will be made available on the Registry website as soon as possib le at: http://www.hw.ac.uk/registry/policies.htm http://www.hw.ac.uk/ordinances/regulations.pdf Regulation 1 – General Regulation, paragraph 6 Regulation 3 (new) – Modular First Degrees, paragraph 11, 16, 26 Regulation 4 – Postgraduate Diplomas and Graduate Diplomas, paragraph 12, 17, 21 Regulation 18 – Postgraduate Certificates and Graduate Certificates, paragraph 12, 17, 21

3.5

Non-Submission of Assessment

Please refer to the programme-specific information in Part A of this handbook for further details on non-submission of a ssessments .

3.6

Submission of Assessment

Please refer to the programme-specific information in Part A of this handbook for further details on submission of asse ssment.

4. Examination and Re-assessment Procedures 4.1

Assessment Results

http://www.hw.ac.uk/registry/examinations.htm Please refer to the programme-specific information in Part A of this handbook for further details on assessment results.

4.2

Discretionary Credits

http://www.hw.ac.uk/ordinances/regulations.pdf Regulation 3 – Modular First Degrees, paragraph 23 Regulation 4 – Postgraduate Diplomas and Graduate Diplomas, paragraph 20 Regulation 18 – Postgraduate Certificates and Graduate Certificates, paragraph 20

4.3 Examinations http://www.hw.ac.uk/ordinances/ordinances.pdf Ordinance 2 – Fees, Charges, Fines and Debts Please refer to the programme-specific information in Part A of this handbook for further details on examinations.

4.4 Examination Diets http://www.hw.ac.uk/registry/examinations.htm Please refer to the programme-specific information in Part A of this handbook for further details on examinations diets.

4.5

Examination Timetables

http://www.hw.ac.uk/registry/examinations/timetable.htm Please refer to the programme-specific information in Part A of this handbook for further details on examination timetab les .

4.6

Ill Health and Extenuating Circumstances – Examinations

http://www.hw.ac.uk/ordinances/regulations.pdf Regulation 1 – General Regulation, paragraph 6 Regulation 9 – Assessments and Examinations, paragraphs 9 and 12 Students should refer to the programme-specific inf ormation in Part


A of this handbook for related procedures in School s.

4.7

Policy on Student Fees and Charges

http://www.hw.ac.uk/policy/student_fees.pdf

4.8 Re-assessment Application Form: http://www.hw.ac.uk/registry/examinations/reassessmentprocedures.htm Please refer to the programme-specific information in Part A of this handbook for further details on re-assessment.

4.9

Use of Calculators and Dictionaries in Examinations

http://www.hw.ac.uk/registry/policies.htm http://www.hw.ac.uk/ordinances/regulations.pdf Regulation 9 – Assessments and Examinations, paragraph 8

5. Grading, Awards and Qualifications 5.1

Honours Classification and Grading

http://www.hw.ac.uk/ordinances/regulations.pdf

For information regarding the qualifying courses used to determine honours classifications, please refer to: Regulation 3 (new) – Modular First Degrees, paragraph 15

For information on credit levels relating to degree awards can be found at: Regulation 3 (new) – Modular First Degrees, paragraph 21

5.2 Intermediate Award

http://www.hw.ac.uk/registry/awards/intermediateawards.htm

6. Graduation 6.1

Graduation Information and Application Forms

http://www.hw.ac.uk/registry/graduation.htm

7. Conduct, Discipline and Appeals 7.1

Academic Conduct (including copying, plagiarism and collusion)

Further Information is available from: http://www.hw.ac.uk/ordinances.htm

Ordinance 9 – Student Discipline Regulation 9 – Assessment and Examinations, Paragraph 8 Regulation 50 – Student Discipline

7.2 Appeals Further Information is available from: http://www.hw.ac.uk/ordinances/regulations.pdf Regulation 36 – Student Appeals

7.3

Detection of Plagiarism

http://www.hw.ac.uk/registry/discipline.htm http://www.hw.ac.uk/registry/resources/plagiarismjiscnote.pdf

7.4

Guidelines for Students and Staff on Student Discipline Procedures

http://www.hw.ac.uk/registry/resources/discguidelines.pdf

7.5 Plagiarism Further Information is available from: http://www.hw.ac.uk/registry/discipline/plagiarism.htm


Plagiarism Guide: For an English language version, please refer to http://www.hw.ac.uk/registry/resources/plagiarismguide.pdf (this document is attached in Appendix A) For the Chinese language version, please refer to http://www.hw.ac.uk/registry/resources/plagiarismguidechinese.pdf

For the Arabic language version, please refer to http://www.hw.ac.uk/registry/resources/plagiarismguidearabic.pdf

8. Deferred Progression, Suspension and Withdrawal 8.1

Deferred Progression

Students should complete an Amendment to Registration Form (Approval by School/Institute) available from: http://www.hw.ac.uk/registry/resources/amendmenttoregistration.doc

8.2 Exit Awards http://www.hw.ac.uk/registry/awards/exitawards.htm

8.3 Suspension Students should complete an Amendment to Registration Form (Approval by School/Institute) in the first instance: http://www.hw.ac.uk/registry/resources/amendmenttoregistration.doc Further Information is available from: http://www.hw.ac.uk/ordinances/regulations.pdf Regulation 3 (new) – Modular First Degrees, paragraph 20 Regulation 4 – Postgraduate Diplomas and Graduate Diplomas, paragraph 10 Regulation 18 – Postgraduate Certificates and Graduate Certificates, paragraph 10

8.4 Withdrawal Application Form to withdraw from studies is available form: http://www.hw.ac.uk/registry/studentrecords.htm

9. Student Fees and Charges 9.1

Charg es for Transcripts, Certifications, Late Enrolment and Student Identity Cards

Follow the link for Additional Notes on Fees at: http://www.hw.ac.uk/registry/resources/additionalfees.pdf

9.2

Fees Status Enquiry Form

http://www.hw.ac.uk/support/isao/docs/Fee%20Form%202011.pdf

9.3

Information on Student Fees

www.hw.ac.uk/student-life/scholarships/tuition-fees.htm and http://www.hw.ac.uk/ordinances/ordinances.pdf Ordinance 2 – Fees, Charges, Fines and Debts

9.4

Policy on Student Fees and Charges

http://www.hw.ac.uk/policy/student_fees.pdf

9.5

Re-assessment Fees and Procedures

http://www.hw.ac.uk/registry/examinations/reassessmentprocedures.htm


9.6 Repeated Courses Policy on Additional Courses: http://www.hw.ac.uk/students/AdditionalCoursesPolicy.pdf

B3. QUICK FINDER GUIDE TO STUDENT ADMINISTRATIO N AND SUPPORT SERVICES Much of the detail this handbook provides guidance and links for the academic operations of a complex institution like Heriot-Watt University. However, as well as helping to inform students, the University also hopes to ensure that students are happy members of a vibrant community. This section outlines the range of services available for students to help them get the most out of their time here and to assist with any problems they may experience along the way. Student Administration and Support Service 1

Academic Counselling and Skills Coaching

http://www.hw.ac.uk/sbc/library/academic_skills/index.htm

2 Academic Registry http://www.hw.ac.uk/registry

3

Careers Advisory Service

http://www.hw.ac.uk/careers

4

Centre for Sport and Exercise

Edinburgh Campus: http://www.hw.ac.uk/sports/

5 Chaplaincy http://www.hw.ac.uk/chaplaincy/

6 Computing Services Regulation 29 ‘Use of Computing Facilities’: http://www.hw.ac.uk/it/Rules_%20Regulations/conditionsofuse.html General IT information and Help : http://www.hw.ac.uk/it/Help_Support/index.html or contact IT Help on +44 (0)130 451 4050 Freewire : http://www.freewiretv.com/hw

7

Development and Alumni Office

http://www.hw.ac.uk/alumni.htm

8

Equality and Diversity Service

http://www.hw.ac.uk/equality

9 Finance Office http://www.hw.ac.uk/student-life/scholarships-fees.htm or contact [email protected]

10 Guide to Student Life http://www.hw.ac.uk/student-life.htm

11 Health Service http://www.hw.ac.uk/health

12

Heriot Watt University Students’ Association

http://HWUnion.com or contact [email protected]

13

Information Security (Data Protection)

To find out more please contact [email protected]


14 International Student http://www.hw.ac.uk/support/isao/about-us.htm

Advice

15 Library http://www.hw.ac.uk/library/

16 Sport s Union http://www.hw.ac.uk/sports/sports-union.htm

17

Student Service Centre

http://www.hw.ac.uk/studentcentre

18

Student Support and Accommodation

http://www.hw.ac.uk/support/isao/accommodation.htm or contact - [email protected]

19 Wider Access Unit Information on the Wider Access Unit can be found at: http://www.undergraduate.hw.ac.uk/wider-access/

University Policy and Guidance The University publishes many policies and reference information on its website that may be of use and of interest to students throughout their programme of studies at Heriot-Watt University

Wherever practicable, University policies are designed to include all members of the University’s community, both in and outwith the main campus environments. Policies of specific interest and relevance to students can be accessed via:

www.hw.ac.uk/registry

and,

Freshers’ Guide

http://www.hw.ac.uk/registry/resources/freshersguide.pdf


STUDENT GUIDE TO PLAGIARISM 1

Plagiarism is intellectual theft and is a major off ence which the University takes seriously in all cases. Students must therefore avo id committing acts of plagiarism by following these guidelines and speaking to academic staff if they are uncertain about what plagiarism means. Those who are found to have plagiarised will be subject to the University’s disciplinary procedures, which may res ult in penalties ranging from the deduction of credits and courses already achieved by students to compulsory termination of studies. Students are advised to ref er to Regulation 50 at http://www.hw.ac.uk/ordinances/regulations.pdf and to the Guidelines for Staff and Students on Discipline at http://www.hw.ac.uk/regis try/discipline.htm for further details of how the University deals with all acts of plagia rism.

1 Introduction 1.1 This guide is intended to provide students at Heriot-Watt University with a clear definition of

plagiarism and examples of how to avoid it. 1.2 The guide may also be of use to members of staff who seek to advise students on the various

issues outlined below.

2 Definition 2.1 Plagiarism involves the act of taking the ideas, writings or inventions of another person and

using these as if they were one’s own, whether intentionally or not. Plagiarism occurs where there is no acknowledgement that the writings or ideas belong to or have come from another source.

2.2 Most academic writing involves building on the work of others and this is acceptable as long as

their contribution is identified and fully acknowledged. It is not wrong in itself to use the ideas, writings or inventions of others, provided that whoever does so is honest about acknowledging the source of that information. Many aspects of plagiarism can be simply avoided through proper referencing. However, plagiarism extends beyond minor errors in referencing the work of others and also includes the reproduction of an entire paper or passage of work or of the ideas and views contained in such pieces of work.

3 Good Practice 3.1 Academic work is almost always drawn from other published information supplemented by the

writer’s own ideas, results or findings. Thus drawing from other work is entirely acceptable, but it is unacceptable not to acknowledge such work. Conventions or methods for making acknowledgements can vary slightly from subject to subject, and students should seek the advice of staff in their own School/Institute about ways of doing this. Generally, referencing systems fall into the Harvard (where the text citation is by author and date) and numeric (where the text citation is by using a number). Both systems refer readers to a list at the end of the piece of work where sufficient information is provided to enable the reader to locate the source for themselves.

3.2 When a student undertakes a piece of work that involves drawing on the writings or ideas of

others, they must ensure that they acknowledge each contribution in the following manner:

• Citations : when a direct quotation, a figure, a general idea or other piece of information is taken from another source, the work and its source must be acknowledged and identified where it occurs in the text;

1 The author acknowledges the following sources of information used in preparing this guide to Plagiarism: “Plagiarism – A Good Practice Guide”, Carroll, J and Appleton, J (2001) and various extracts from Student/Programme Handbooks 2004/2005, Schools and Institutes at Heriot-Watt University

APPENDIX A

APPENDIX A


• Quotations : inverted commas must always be used to identify direct quotations, and the source of the quotation must be cited;

• References : the full details of all references and other sources must be listed in a section

at the end of any piece of work, such as an essay, together with the full publication details. This is normally referred to as a “List of References” and it must include details of any and all sources of information that the student has referred to in producing their work. (This is slightly different to a Bibliography, which may also contain references and sources which, although not directly referred to in your work, you consulted in producing your work).

3.3 Students may wish to refer to the following examples which illustrate the basic principles of

plagiarism and how students might avoid it in their work by using some very simple techniques:

3.3.1 Example 1: A Clear Case of Plagiarism

Examine the following example in which a student has simply inserted a passage of text (in italics) into their work directly from a book they have read:

University and college managers should consider implementing strategic frameworks if they wish to embrace good management standards. One of the key problems in setting a strategic framework for a college or university is that the individual institution has both positive and negative constraints placed upon its freedom of action. Managers are employed to resolve these issues effectively.

This is an example of bad practice as the student makes no attempt to distinguish the passage they have inserted from their own work. Thus, this constitutes a clear case of plagiarism. Simply changing a few key words in such a passage of text (e.g. replace ‘problems’ with ‘difficulties’) does not make it the student’s work and it is still considered to be an act of plagiarism.

3.4 What follows are examples of the measures that students should employ in order to correctly

cite the words, thought or ideas of others that have influenced their work:

3.4.1 Example 2: Quoting the work of others

If a student wishes to cite a passage of text in order to support their own work, the correct way of doing so is to use quotation marks (e.g. “ “) to show that the passage is someone else’s work, as follows:

“One of the key problems in setting a strategic framework for a college or university is that the individual institution has both positive and negative constraints placed upon its freedom of action”.

3.4.2 Example 3: Referencing the work of others

In addition to using quotation marks as above, students must also use a text citation. If the work being cited is a book, page numbers would also normally be required. Thus, using the Harvard system for a book:

“One of the key problems in setting a strategic framework for a college or university is that the individual institution has both positive and negative constraints placed upon its freedom of action” (Jones, 2001, p121).

The same reference could also be made to a book using the numeric system:

“One of the key problems in setting a strategic framework for a college or university is that the individual institution has both positive and negative constraints placed upon its freedom of action” (Ref.1, p121).

More often, a piece of work will have multiple references and this serves to show an examiner that the student is drawing from a number of sources. For example, articles by Brown and by Smith may be cited as follows in the Harvard system

APPENDIX A


“It has been asserted that Higher Education in the United Kingdom continued to be poorly funded during the 1980’s [Brown, 1991], whereas more modern writers [Smith, 2002] argue that the HE sector actually received, in real terms, more funding during this period than the thirty year period immediately preceding it”. or as follows using the numeric system: “It has been asserted that Higher Education in the United Kingdom continued to be poorly funded during the 1980’s [Ref 1], whereas more modern writers [Ref 2] argue that the HE sector actually received, in real terms, more funding during this period than the thirty year period immediately preceding it”.

3.4.3 Example 4: Use of reference lists Whichever system is used, a list must be included at the end, which allows the reader to locate the works cited for themselves. The Internet is also an increasingly popular source of information for students and details must again be provided. You should adhere to the following guidelines in all cases where you reference the work of others: If the source is a book, the required information is as follows: • Author’s name(s) • Year of Publication • Title of Book • Place of Publication

• Publishers Name • All Page Numbers cited • Edition (if more than one, e.g. 3rd

edition, 2001)

If the source is an article in a journal or periodical, the required information is as follows: • Author’s name(s) • Year of Publication • Title of Journal

• Volume and part number • Page numbers for the article

If the source is from the Internet, the required information is as follows:

• Author’s or Institution’s name

(“Anon”, if not known) • Title of Document • Date last accessed by student

• Full URL (e.g. http://www.lib.utk.edu /instruction/plagiarism/)

• Affiliation of author, if given (e.g. University of Tennessee)

The way in which the information is organised can vary, and there are some types of work (for example edited volumes and conference proceedings) where the required information is slightly different. Essentially, though, it is your responsibility to make it clear where you are citing references within your work and what the source is within your reference list. Failure to do so is an act of plagiarism.

3.5 Students may find the following examples2 of common plagiarism mistakes made by other

students useful when reflecting on their own work:

• “I thought it would be okay as long as I included the source in my bibliography” [without indicating a quotation had been used in the text]

• “I made lots of notes for my essay and couldn't remember where I found the information”

• “I thought it would be okay to use material that I had purchased online” • “I thought it would be okay to copy the text if I changed some of the words into my

own” • “I thought that plagiarism only applied to essays, I didn't know that it also applies to

oral presentations/group projects etc” • “I thought it would be okay just to use my tutor's notes”

2 Extract from ‘Plagiarism at the University of Essex’ advice copyrighted and published by the Learning, Teaching and Quality Unit at the University of Essex (http://www.essex.ac.uk/plagiarism/pages/reasons.htm), reproduced with kind permission.

APPENDIX A


• “I didn't think that you needed to reference material found on the web” • “I left it too late and just didn't have time to reference my sources”

None of the above are acceptable reasons for failin g to acknowledge the use of others’ work and thereby constitute plagiarism.

3.6 Students are encouraged to use a style of acknowledgement that is appropriate to their own

academic discipline and should seek advice from their mentor, programme leader or other appropriate member of academic staff. There are also many reference sources available in the University Library which will provide useful guidance on referencing styles.

4 Managing Plagiarism 4.1 Students, supervisors and institutions have a joint role in ensuring that plagiarism is avoided in

all areas of academic activity. Each role is outlined below as follows:

How you can ensure that you avoid plagiarism in your work:

• Take responsibility for applying the above principles of best practice and integrity within all of your work

• Be aware that your written work will be checked for plagiarism and that all incidents of plagiarism, if found, are likely to result in severe disciplinary action by the University. The standard penalty is to annul all assessments taken in the same diet of examinations (for details please refer to Regulation 50 at http://www.hw.ac.uk/ordinances/regulations.pdf and to the Guidelines for Staff and Students on Discipline at http://www.hw.ac.uk/registry/discipline.htm).

How your School/Institute will help you to avoid plagiarism: • Highlight written guidance on how you can avoid plagiarism and provide you with

supplementary, verbal guidance wherever appropriate • Regularly check student work to ensure that plagiarism has not taken place (this may

involve both manual and electronic methods of checking, an example of the latter being use of the Joint Information Standards Committee (JISC) “TurnitIn” plagiarism detection software).

• Alert you to the procedures that will apply should you be found to have committed or be suspected of having committed an act of plagiarism and explain how further action will be taken in accordance with University policy and procedures.

How the University will endeavour to reduce student plagiarism: • Provide clear written guidance on what constitutes plagiarism and how to avoid it directly to

your School/Institute and to you • Alert you and staff in your School/Institute to the penalties employed when dealing with

plagiarism cases • Take steps to ensure that a consistent approach is applied when dealing with cases of

suspected plagiarism across the institution • Take the issue of academic dishonesty very seriously and routinely investigate cases

where students have plagiarised and apply appropriate penalties in all proven cases.

For information on plagiarism-detection software used across the University, please refer to:

www.hw.ac.uk/registry/resources/plagiarismjiscnote.pdf

APPENDIX A

academic year 2011-2012 undergraduate programme handbook...

Documents