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MASTERS IN
GEOGRAPHY
COURSE HANDBOOK
2014-2015
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Contents
Dates To Note 3
Academic Calendar 2014-2015
Contact Details 4
Introduction to the Department of Geography 5
Facilities and Support 7
SSiD, English Language… 8
Departmental Facilities, Email and Post… 9
Telephone, IT Help and Support, 10
Library Facilities, MUSE, MOLE… 11
Equipment… 12
Assessment, Marking and Submission of Work 13
E-Marking, Extension Requests… 14
Marking Scales, Late Submission… 15
Turn-It-In Submission… 16
Penalties for Over Length Work, Assessment Feedback… 17
Assessment Criteria…
Submission of (re)Assessment, Examination Boards… 18
Criteria for Degree Awards… 18
Ethics… 19
The Use of Unfair Means 20
Academic and Personal Welfare 24
Appeals, Reporting Special Circumstances… 24
Leave of Absence, Confidentiality… 25
Equal Opportunities, Making a Complaint, Student Welfare… 26
Disabled and Dyslexic Students… 27
Teaching and Learning 29
Safety Notice 31
Departmental Safety Information… 31
First Aid… 32
Accident Reporting, Out of Hours… 33
Field Classes and Fieldwork 34
Field Classes Abroad… 34
Alcohol, Fieldwork Safety Guidelines… 35
Laboratory Safety Guidelines… 40
Postgraduate Community 42
Beyond a Masters 43
PhD Study… 43
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Dates To Note 2014-15
Autumn Semester
Monday 29 September 2014 – Saturday 20 December 2014
(4 weeks Christmas vacation)
Monday 19 January 2015 – Saturday 7 February 2015
Spring Semester
Monday 9 February 2015 – Saturday 21 March 2015
(3 weeks Easter vacation)
Monday 13 April 2015 – Saturday 13 June 2015
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UK Bank Holidays during Semester:
Monday 4th May 2015 Monday 25th May 2015
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Daylight Saving Hours:
Clocks Fall Back 1 Hour On:
Sunday 26th October 2014
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Clocks Spring Forward 1 Hour On:
Sunday 29th March 2015
Semester Week
Timetable Week
Semester Week
Timetable Week
Semester Week
Timetable Week
SEP 2014 OCT NOV DEC JAN 2015
FEB MAR MAY JUN
JUL AUG SEP 2015 OCT NOV
APR
Timetabling Support & Room
Bookings
29060
SEP 2014to
NOV 2015
Key
Bank Holidays in England and Wales
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Contact Details
Departmental Office: Department of Geography
University of Sheffield Sheffield S10 2TN
[email protected] : 0114 222 7900
Room C15a
Head of Department: Professor Andy Hodson
: [email protected] : 0114 222 7942
Room C7
Masters Director: Dr Deborah Sporton
: [email protected] : 0114 222 7953
Room E16
Masters Course Convenors:
MA International Development MPH International Development
MSc Environmental Change & International Development
Dr Chasca Twyman
: [email protected] : 0114 222 7963
Room E4
MSc Polar & Alpine Change
Dr Felix Ng : [email protected] : 0114 222 7905
Room E19
Postgraduate Programmes Officer: Miss Laura Wright
: [email protected] : 0114 222 7922
Departmental Office, C15a
Welfare & Extension Help: [email protected]
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Introduction to the Department of Geography
As one of the largest Geography departments in the UK, the Department of
Geography at the University of Sheffield has a vibrant community of undergraduates,
postgraduates, and post-doctoral researchers. As one of the top ten Geography
Departments in the country you will be taught by academic staff who are
international research leaders in their field, and as such, your course will introduce
you to cutting-edge research and encourage you to engage with the latest
developments in the discipline. You will be taught through a combination of lectures,
seminars, workshops and tutorials and will be assessed through a variety of methods
including project work, essays, practical reports and presentations. All our Masters
courses include a core Field Class which enables you to apply your knowledge and
skills to real world field settings. By the end of your degree you will be able to
critically engage with complex problems in your field, develop and learn new
research skills, and be able to apply theory to practice.
We are committed to ensuring that you maximise your potential and make the very
most of your time as a student with us. Our postgraduate taught programmes team,
involving both academic and professional support staff, will provide you with learning
and teaching support as well as help you adjust to life at the University. The
Department is housed in an award-winning, purpose-built six-floor building on the
edge of Weston Park, lying close to the University Library, the Union of Students and
central lecture theatres. The University of Sheffield's Students' Union has also been
voted the best in the UK for the third year running in the National Student Survey
(NSS) 2014. You will have access to dedicated desk space as well as computing and
printing resources. The Department also has a state of the art social media suite, a
new GIS and Remote Sensing Lab equipped with the latest specialist software as well
as laboratories for environmental and geochemical research and teaching. Through
regular meetings, your personal academic tutor will provide you with course
feedback and help to support your professional development planning.
There are four taught postgraduate courses led by the Department of Geography:
the MA International Development; the Masters Public Health and International
Development; the MSc Environmental Change and International Development and the
MSc Polar and Alpine Change. In addition, we contribute substantially to the MSc in
Applied GIS and the Undergraduate Masters in Environmental Science.
Throughout your course we will equip you with the academic, professional and
personal skills so that you can make the most of opportunities you encounter in the
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future. Whether you wish to embark on a future research career, return to your
employment or enter a particular profession, we aim to provide you with the best
possible training and support throughout your course. We organise postgraduate
research events, advertise internship and job opportunities and through our Careers
Officer, ensure that you are best placed to make the most of opportunities that arise.
Our relationship with you does not end when you graduate but continues through
our alumni networks that extend across the globe!
Welcome to the Department!
Professor Andy Hodson
Head of Department
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Facilities and Support
Staff Office Hours
During the teaching semesters, the Department of Geography operates an ‘office
hours’ system. This is designed to:
Guarantee students reasonable access to all teaching staff
Protect staff time for research and other activities
Contact with the Masters Director, Course Convenor, your Personal Tutor
Dissertation Supervisors, or the Head of Department is usually during office hours
but may be arranged for a time outside these hours in advance. All teaching staff are
available in their offices for three one hour periods within normal working hours on
at least two days each week. These times are posted on staff doors (and are available
on MOLE) and as far as possible they are fixed for a semester at a time. Please note
that Geography staff are frequently required to attend urgent meetings at short
notice; whilst every effort is made to be available, this is not always possible. If the
person you need to see is not around at a designated time, please leave a note or
email them and they will get back to you. You should always adhere to the office
hours of staff when seeking to consult them. If a student has classes that clash with
all 3 office hours of a particular member of staff, that staff member will be available
by appointment at some other time.
Personal Tutors
The Department of Geography operates a Personal Tutor scheme for all students. As
soon as you arrive in Sheffield you will be allocated a member of the teaching staff
who will be your personal tutor throughout your time in Sheffield. In the case of
students studying MSc Polar and Alpine Change, your personal tutor will be your
Course Convenor. Students studying on the MA International Development, the MPH
Public Health and International Development, and the MSc Environmental Change
and International Development will be allocated a personal tutor at the beginning of
Autumn semester.
Your personal tutor will also meet with you at the beginning of each Semester to plan
your personal and professional development, help with module choice and feedback
on Module results. Your tutor will also play a key role in dealing with any personal or
medical circumstances which may adversely affect your health or your ability to
study. Please feel free to contact them if you encounter any personal or medical
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problems. It is always in your best interest to keep the department informed of
anything which might be adversely affecting your health or your ability to study. We
can direct you to the appropriate support services which exist in the University (and
which are described under Support and Welfare). The department can also make
some allowance for situations in which you are unable to study or to submit work.
All personal tutors have office hours, but are willing to see students outside these
times to deal with serious matters. It is usually easiest to email your tutor first to
arrange a suitable time to meet.
Student Services Information Desk (SSiD)
This is located in the Students Union Building and provides a central point for general
information on many University services and online access to the University database
for updating your own personal records. You can access much of the material by
visiting the SSiD web pages. In addition to letting you access your record, SSiD’s web
pages contain virtually all the information you are likely to need as you progress
through your studies. It is well worth spending an hour exploring their pages so that
you are aware at first-hand what is there and how to find it. SSiD can deal with
queries such as replacing lost UCards, changing module registration, changing
degree school, examinations timetables and regulations.
Further information: http://www.sheffield.ac.uk/ssid
Got Questions? Ask Sheffield!
Find answers to the most commonly asked questions about student related issues
using the Ask Sheffield FAQ database: http://ask.sheffield.ac.uk.
English Language
The Department has a dedicated member of the University’s English Language
Teaching Centre staff, Nick Northall ([email protected]) who runs academic
reading and writing sessions every Monday 2-4pm for our international students for
whom English is not their first language. If you are taking one of our 3 International
Development Masters courses you will gain credits for taking the course as part of
the GEO6803 Professional Skills module.
In addition the English Language Teaching Centre offers a range of additional
language-related services for students and these include:
- One to One tutorial advice (by appointment)
- Online language support materials
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For more information please consult their website:
http://www.sheffield.ac.uk/eltc/languagesupport
Departmental Facilities
The Departmental Office (room C15a) is normally open Monday-Friday 9am-5pm. Any
question or query should be directed to the Learning and Teaching team in this
office, who will be happy to assist and advise you. We have a dedicated Postgraduate
Administrator, Laura Wright who can be contacted via email [email protected]
or telephone on 0114 222 7922.
Within the Geography Building students have access to the Ron Johnston Research
Room (RJRR) and its adjoining Wi-Fi enabled café area. The building also houses a
lecture theatre with a capacity of 65 and a computer room with a capacity of 45. All
rooms are available to book by contacting the Departmental Office.
The allocated Postgraduate office space within the Geography and Planning building
is currently undergoing refurbishment; this is due for completion in September /
October 2014. Further information regarding desk space and rooms for will be made
available to you on arrival in your Welcome Talk.
The department has a computer laboratory (room GB-B4) equipped with a large
number of IBM PC compatible computers, and laser printers. When not in use for
teaching, this room is available for Masters and postgraduate research students to
use for their own computing work. Students have access to black and white as well
as a colour printer. We also have a new Social Media suite on A Floor which can be
booked by students through the Departmental Office.
When you register with the university, you will be assigned a computer username and
password and an email address for use throughout your time as a student at
Sheffield. It is important that you check your email regularly as we use email to
communicate important information about your course. The Sheffield University
email address should be used in all correspondence that relates to your course.
Please note that the sending of offensive email messages is not permitted. They can
be easily traced by CiCS and may lead to disciplinary action.
Post
Postage for research purposes is paid for by the department. Unstamped envelopes
should be placed in the outgoing mail trays in the cupboard by the door and the staff
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pigeon holes. All mail is sent second class. If you intend to post survey material (e.g.
questionnaires), this must be agreed in your dissertation proposal and you must give
the office at least one month’s notice before the despatch date (this is necessary to
ensure sufficient postage funds are released).
Telephone
If you need to make a work related telephone call you will need to ask permission
from your Module Convenor to use their telephone. Telephone based dissertation
projects must have been agreed in your research proposal. International calls or
extensive use of the telephones must be paid for by you or cleared beforehand by
your dissertation supervisor, specifying who is paying for the call. If you are using
skype for your research, we have a dedicated social media room which you can book
from the departmental office.
IT Help and Support
If there is a problem with a University computer in the Geography building, please
contact Steven Norburn ([email protected]) or Peter Bragg
([email protected]), our departmental IT officers or come to the departmental
office. If you have any problems using any other University computers or your
personal computer, contact the CiCS Helpdesk:
Tel: 0114 222 111 (Available Monday - Friday 8am - 6pm)
Email: [email protected]
Use the self-service helpdesk in MUSE
Visit the drop-in service at the Information Commons, or at the Residences IT
Centres. Bring your laptop or desktop computer and CiCS staff will repair
software faults and diagnose hardware faults.
Further information: http://www.sheffield.ac.uk/cics/students
Computing Facilities
CiCS provide a full range of documentation on all aspects of computing at Sheffield.
The best source of up to date information about computer facilities, documents and
courses is the CiCS website: http://www.shef.ac.uk/cics/index. As a University of
Sheffield student you will be able to access copies of licensed software from the
CICS help desk, available to students on Level 1 in the Information Commons Library
during staffed hours.
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Library Facilities
The University Library has four sites: the Information Commons; Western Bank
Library; St George’s Library; and the Health Sciences Library. The Information
Commons holds the majority of core texts found on reading lists. This 24-hour facility
has 1,300 seats, 550 PCs, complete wireless networking, flexible spaces to enable
group study, a café and access to all the Library’s electronic resources.
If you have problems locating material in the Library, accessing electronic resources,
or need help with your Library account, Library staff are on hand to offer advice and
assistance. Alternatively, you can email [email protected]. Our Faculty Librarians
offer subject-specific guidance (see http://www.shef.ac.uk/library/libstaff/sllist.html
for a full list) and specialist staff can advise with disability and additional support
requirements.
The Library web pages (http://www.shef.ac.uk/library) offer extensive information
about making the best use of resources and services.
MUSE
All our departmental information, course information and teaching materials are
uploaded on the University’s intranet system called MUSE (My University of Sheffield
Environment). MUSE will allow you to:
Look at the timetable for modules
Look at your marks from modules you have taken
Update your personal information using ‘myRecord’. You should ensure your
address and phone numbers are kept up to date in case we need to contact
you urgently
You can update your details using ‘myRecord’ in MUSE.
MOLE (My Online Learning Environment)
MOLE is an online learning environment which allows you to access course materials
from anywhere in the world. Developed with different learning and teaching styles in
mind, MOLE has over 25 tools, ranging from chat rooms to grading forms, discussion
forums to surveys. You can access MOLE by logging into MUSE. You will find a link in
your course list to ‘Geography Postgraduates 2014-15’ where you will find useful
information such as timetables, assessment guidelines, and forms.
There will also be a link within each module page to TURNITIN, which is where you
should submit the digital copy of your assessed work (see Submission of Work)
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Additional Support
The Academic Skills Hub (TASH) provides additional guidance and learning
resources to support you in developing many of these skills.
Further information: http://www.shef.ac.uk/tash/tash_intro
Maths and Statistics Help (MASH) provides face to face support and online
learning resources for developing your skills in maths or statistics.
Further information: http://www.shef.ac.uk/mash/
Equipment
Fieldwork equipment, including digital recorders and transcribers, as well as video
cameras and digital still cameras can be borrowed from the department. Laptop
computers are available for two types of use: (1) for fieldwork where frequent data
entry or analysis is necessary and there is no alternative access to computing
facilities; (2) for periods of up to 48 hours for other departmental work (e.g. word
processing, data analysis).
In order to borrow equipment, you should contact Alan Smalley
([email protected]) to check availability. The Geography Field Store is open
and staffed by a technician 10am-12pm on Monday, Wednesday and Friday in term
time.
Viewing Past Dissertations
A sample of previous Masters Dissertations that achieved a grade of 65 or above can
be viewed by students. These will be made available electronically on MOLE.
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Assessment, Marking, and Submission of Work
Assessment Geography modules will be assessed by the submission of coursework, or by formal
examination. The particular requirements for coursework vary across modules. You
will find that submission deadlines cluster towards the end of each teaching
semester. One of your key tasks is to manage your workload across each semester
to accommodate these requirements.
Marking Procedures
The Department carries out quality control of marking procedures in line with Social Science Faculty policies. In particular
Assessed coursework should be identified using your University registration
number only (the number can be found on your UCard). This means your
work will be marked anonymously. In all formal examinations you will be asked
to identify yourself on the examination script solely by means of your
university registration number.
A sample of the marking on all modules is checked by a second member of
staff to ensure consistency of marking standards.
All dissertations are independently marked by two members of staff.
Marking standards in all modules are subject to a system of independent
checks carried out by staff from other universities who are appointed as
External Examiners.
Submission of Work
An assessment outline for each module will be available on the module MOLE page or
within the module handbook. Students will usually be issued a written description of
the material they are expected to prepare for the module assessment either on the
relevant module MOLE page or during the first lecture, and will include:
Details of the nature of the work, length, and the proportion it forms of the
module assessment
Deadline for submission
For modules taken within the Department of Geography, students are required to
submit assessed coursework to the Departmental Office. One paper copy needs to
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be submitted to the office by 4pm. One electronic copy needs to be submitted to
Turnitin on MOLE by 11.59pm. Please ensure that you submit both copies by the
deadline as failure to do this will result in penalties (as detailed on page 14).
When handing in paper copy assignments, you should complete the blue assignment
cover sheet (available from the department office) and attach this to their
assignment. Please ensure that your registration number is on all pieces of
work. The registration number can be found on the student UCard (please do not
mistake this for the UCard number). If you are taking a module in another
department, the hand in procedure may be different; the relevant department
should be consulted for procedural details.
Students are reminded that they must submit all assessed work. The staff co-
ordinator of each module will return information to the Department concerning
students who have not completed coursework (without satisfactory explanation).
Unsatisfactory performance will be indicated by a warning letter from the
department indicating the penalties of failing to complete work to a satisfactory
standard within the specific deadlines. Details may be passed on to Taught
Programmes Office if these deadlines are exceeded (unless a reasonable case can be
made by the student for an explanation) and penalties will be recorded.
E-Marking
The Department is currently piloting an e-marking scheme which means some
modules only require an electronic copy to be submitted. All marking will be take
place online, and all feedback and grades will be returned online. You will be notified
when feedback and grades are ready to view. Please note that e-marking only applies
to some modules; the module handbook and the course convenor will outline the
modules that this applies to.
If E-Marking is not mentioned, you should submit a paper copy and an electronic
version through Turnitin as stated in the previous section.
Requesting an Extension to a Submission Deadline If medical problems or unforeseen family or personal problems mean that you are
unable to submit work by the submission date, you may apply for an extension to the
deadline. Extensions will not normally be granted for reasons beyond health and
unforeseen family or personal problems. An extension application must be made
before the submission deadline.
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Students seeking an extension to the deadline for any assignment should complete
the Assignment Extension Form (available on the Geography Postgraduates page
on MOLE or from the Departmental Office). Applications on medical grounds must be
supported by documentation (see pages 23-27). The completed form should be
emailed to [email protected] or submitted in person to the Departmental
Office. Your extension request will be considered and you will be informed of the
outcome by email.
If you would like to speak with someone in person about arranging an extension
please contact Miss Catherine Humphreys ([email protected]);
Learning and Teaching Team Leader.
Note that when working to deadlines you should always allow time for printing your
work and ensure that you maintain backup copies. Last-minute computer-related
problems are not acceptable grounds for an extension.
Marking Scales At the University of Sheffield, all assessments are marked on a scale of 0-100. The
pass mark at Masters Level is 50 (not 40, which is the pass mark at undergraduate
level).
Distinction 70-100
Merit 60-69
Pass 50-59
Fail 1-49
A mark of 0 is returned for work which is felt to be of no academic merit. Any work
not submitted will be deemed Not Completed (NC).
A detailed outline of assessment criteria can be found on MOLE. Late Submissions A scale of penalties will be imposed for the late submission of coursework as follows:
Day (s) late Multiply Mark by Mark Awarded After Penalty
Original Mark 60 Original Mark 50
1 0.95 57 48
2 0.9 54 45
3 0.85 51 43
4 0.8 48 40
5 0.75 45 38
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Penalties apply to late submission of both electronic and paper versions of the
assessment:
Copies submitted Penalties applied
EITHER one copy is submitted on time
and the other late (but within five
working days)
OR both copies are submitted late (and
both within five working days).
The standard penalty is applied, based
on the later of the two submissions.
One copy is submitted on time or within
five working days AND the other is
submitted after five working days or not
at all.
Strict application of the rules would
mean a mark of 0 for the assessment.
However, since one copy has been
submitted, a 25% penalty is applied.
Both copies are submitted after five
working days. A mark of 0 is awarded.
Neither copy of work submitted at all. Module deemed Not Completed (NC).
For paper copies, ‘working days’ do not include weekends, but do include days
within vacation periods. For example, if a submission day falls on the last Friday
before the Easter vacation, penalties for late submission of the paper copy would be
applied from the first Monday of the vacation period. For electronic copies, every
day counts as a working day, including weekends and vacations. Late work MUST be
submitted to the Department Office (C Floor) and NOT directly to any staff member.
Proof of Turnitin Submission You must keep your Turnitin email receipt as proof of electronic submission for each
piece of non-invigilated coursework. The receipt will confirm that you have
successfully submitted your work. If the electronic copy of your work is not
submitted onto Turnitin, and you cannot provide a receipt to evidence that you made
a submission, late penalties will be applied.
Note that the system can sometimes take a couple of hours to generate a receipt, so
do not leave it until the last minute to submit the electronic copy of your work. In
case of any problem with Turnitin, you should contact the departmental office
immediately ([email protected]). If a problem occurs after 5pm on the day
of submission, you should email the departmental office the electronic copy of your
work. To avoid any late penalty, the work must be received by email by the electronic
copy deadline.
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Penalties for Over-Length Work The length limit for each piece of non-invigilated assessment work associated with a
particular module will be issued to each student at the start of the module. The
length limit varies between modules. There is normally an allowance for the main
body of the document, and an additional allowance for pages of diagrams, tables,
references, etc. It is your responsibility to check what is required for each module.
Length limits will be specified by word limits. The table below shows the penalties
that will be imposed on over-length work.
Words Over Limit Multiply Mark By Mark Awarded After Penalty
Original Mark 60 Original Mark 50
0.1 - 10% over 0.95 57 48
10.1 - 20% over 0.90 54 45
20.1 - 30% over 0.85 51 43
30.1 - 40% over 0.80 48 40
40.1 - 50% over 0.75 45 38
> 50% over 0 0 0
In order to standardise the number of words on a page, the material should normally
be formatted as follows (unless otherwise stated):
A4 paper 2.5cm top and bottom margins
12-point Times New Roman font 2cm side margins
1.5 line-spacing
Assessment Feedback Students will be emailed when feedback on marked assignments becomes available
to collect from the Departmental Office. Please note that if students fail to submit
both paper and electronic copies, no feedback will be available until both copies of
the work are received in the Departmental Office and penalties have been applied.
CLASS OR GRADE
%
EXAMINATION (ESSAY) COURSE
PROJECT/ESSAY DISSERTATION
ORAL PRESENTATION
DISTINCTION
86 and
above
An outstanding piece of work that demonstrates independence of thought originality and critical insight; shows evidence of extensive and critical reading, is extremely well written and presented, often with some flair and originality.
An outstanding piece of work that is worthy of retaining for future reference and application to teaching or research. Comprises excellent work based on a critical appraisal of a high volume of material that makes an original contribution to the subject.
An outstanding piece of work that may be publishable as a journal paper with minor editing and/or revision, and certainly worthy of retaining for future reference. A dissertation gaining this mark will unambiguously demonstrate the ability to pursue research at doctoral level.
An outstanding presentation. Very well-produced slides/overheads. Timing good. Questions answered clearly and well. Comparable to a good research or subject-specific presentation given by an early-stage doctoral student at an academic conference.
76-85
Work demonstrating an excellent level of understanding of complex issues and methodologies at the forefront of the subject; the work displays independent critical thought, and a strong and well organised argument; using a wide range of sources including key primary sources and recent research.
Work of high quality which shows clear evidence of a deep understanding of and insight into the full range of ideas, principles, themes and/or techniques in question and independence of thought. It demonstrates a full and systematic understanding of knowledge, and a critical awareness of current problems and/or new insights, at or informed by the forefront of the discipline, field of study, or area of professional practice.
Excellent work that demonstrates originality in conceptual understanding; critical insight; hypotheses; use of methodology, or application of knowledge. Includes evidence of attainment in some or most of the following areas: (1) subtlety of interpretation, (2) power of critical analysis, (3) critical evaluation of current research, (4) understanding of research methodology and its implications, and (5) mastery of a significant body of data. Such work will be written and presented to high academic standards. A dissertation gaining this mark indicates very strong potential for pursuing research at doctoral level
An excellent presentation All component parts presented and explained with an exceptional degree of clarity. Very well-produced slides/overheads. Timing good. Clear engagement with the audience. Questions answered clearly and well. Indicates clear potential for presentation of research material to an academic audience.
70-75
Goes beyond simply answering the question. Provides a perceptive argument and focus, which is backed up with reference to good body of material. Evidence of originality, good structure of argument and independent critical evaluation of a well referenced literature. Evaluates relevant examples where appropriate.
Demonstrates evidence of deep understanding of and insight into the range of ideas, principles, themes and/or techniques in question and independence of thought. It demonstrates a full and systematic understanding, and a critical awareness of current problems and/or new insights, at or informed by the forefront of the discipline or field of study,
Demonstrates a professional research approach, and full completion of task as well as achievement of stated objectives and awareness of shortcomings. Includes evidence of attainment in one or more of the following areas: (1) subtlety of interpretation, (2) power of critical analysis, (3) critical evaluation of current research, (4) understanding of research methodology and its implications, and (5) mastery of a significant body of data. A dissertation gaining this mark indicates potential for pursuing research at doctoral level
A very good presentation with clear background and rationale; showing a thorough understanding of the wider context of the work. Methods are explained very clearly and results interpreted fully and succinctly. Discussion approached with some flair. Very well-produced slides/overheads. Timing good. Questions answered clearly and well; perhaps suggesting wider knowledge. Indicates potential for presentation of research material to an academic audience.
MERIT 60-69
A well argued piece of work that is logical, well structured and demonstrates understanding of the key concepts, theories, and literature; includes evidence of critical reading and uses this material or examples to support the student's own arguments; shows some critical abilities and originality, though lacks the level of originality or insight of distinction level work; is written in good English and neatly presented.
Demonstrates very good understanding of the main ideas, principles, themes and/or techniques in question coupled with some insight and the expression of some independent thought. It demonstrates a systematic understanding, and a critical awareness of current problems and/or new insights, much of which is at, or informed by, the forefront of the discipline or field of study,
Demonstrates a clear programme of study supported by evidence of hard work in pursuit of worthwhile objectives. A highly satisfactory piece of work, but with identifiable unfulfilled potential. Includes evidence of attainment in one of the following areas: (1) subtlety of interpretation, (2) power of critical analysis, (3) critical evaluation of current research, (4) understanding of research methodology and its implications, and (5) mastery of a significant body of data. A dissertation gaining this mark suggests at least some possibility of pursuing research at doctoral level
Good presentation. Background and rationale well explained within the immediate context of the work. Methods explained well. Results presented clearly. Discussion covers main aspects of study clearly. Slides/overheads well produced .Timing is most likely to be good. Questions answered well and clearly.
PASS 50-59
A reasonable piece of work that reveals a limited awareness of the literature; little or no critical insight; provides a reasonably
Demonstrates some evidence of appropriate study, presented clearly and adequately marshalled to
Diligent execution and sound outcome but modest intellectual framework and lacking critical insight.
Reasonable presentation. Background and rationale presented in an understandable manner.
structured account but shows some signs of confusion or a lack of understanding of key concepts/theories/literatures; possibly contains errors of fact or interpretation; weak writing style and/or presentation.
illustrate the most significant of the main ideas, principles, themes and/or techniques in question and to demonstrate a sound grasp of them. It demonstrates a good understanding, and a critical awareness of current problems and/or new insights, some of which is at, or informed by, the forefront of the discipline, field of study.
Objectives may not have been fully achieved. Programme of work relatively unambitious, of limited scope and not innovative.
Methods and Results explained adequately and presented reasonably. Discussion limited. Slides/overheads adequate. Timing reasonable. Questions answered adequately.
FAIL
40-49
Does not address the task set; is short and irrelevant; shows little or no sign of reading; shows signs of a lack of understanding of concepts/theory/ literature; contains errors; is un- or-poorly structured; has bad spelling and grammar.
Work that is lacking in some respects or contains flaws (in argument, approach, use of literature and critical thinking) which are noticeable and serious enough to undermine the project/essay.
Deficient in effort or arguments/discussion poorly resourced. Over reliance on an existing literature. Little depth or grasp of analytical technique. Programme of work unclear, incomplete or absent. Objectives inadequately framed.
Weak presentation. Some aspects of presentation missing or inadequate. Background and rationale not clearly explained. Methods and Results not presented well and may be unclear. Discussion very limited. Overheads/slides inadequate. Timing and answers to questions weak.
<40
This is a clear fail. This is for work which fails to meet or in significant ways does not approach the criteria described for a pass. There may be some attempt to answer the question, but with little grasp of material or appropriate skills awareness of the subject and with major errors, omissions, or misconceptions.
This work displays obvious omission or an error in the choice material used and is either incomplete or obviously unbalanced in judgement. A weak structure, limited argument and conclusions are likely. Often scrappily presented with inadequate citation of sources.
This work displays minimal knowledge of the subject. It shows major errors or omissions, or substantially irrelevant material. It lacks overall structure, and is characterized by unsupported assertion. It lacks critical appraisal of material, and does not acknowledge its sources,
A very poor presentation. Inadequate argument, structure content and delivery. Little or no discursive or critical content apparent. Poor use of visual aids. Extremely short or over-long in duration.
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Re-Submission of Failed Work If you receive an overall mark of a fail (less than 50) on a module this will be classed
as a FAIL. Within the regulations, you are allowed to resubmit the piece of work once
only to achieve a PASS. If you do not pass the re-assessment, you will carry a FAIL
through to the final exam Board. If you pass the re-assessment, you will carry a mark
of 50 forward.
If you fail a module, you will be contacted by the Postgraduate Programmes Officer
with instructions on how to re-submit your assessment for that module. You should
expect to receive these instructions after the internal examination boards have met,
(usually around March and July).
More information regarding Postgraduate re-examination and re-assessment,
including the fees to be paid for this can be found here:
http://www.sheffield.ac.uk/ssid/exams/reassessment_pg
Examination Board An external examination board will take place at the end of the Graduate Year
(usually October) where final marks will be approved and degree recommendations
sent to Faculty for approval. Final Statements of Results are posted out to students in
late November on completion of the degree.
Please note that all assessment marks remain provisional until you receive your
statement of results. After this, you may also request a formal copy of your
transcripts from the following web link: http://www.sheffield.ac.uk/ssid/transcript
Criteria for Degree Award… Students are only awarded credits in those modules where they have achieved a pass
(50 or above). A candidate who is awarded 180 credits shall thereby pass the
Examination for a Master’s Degree. A candidate who is awarded 120 credits shall be
eligible for the award of Postgraduate Diploma, and a candidate who is awarded 60
credits shall be eligible for the award of the Postgraduate Certificate.*
*Please note that Polar and Alpine Change students will be awarded the
Postgraduate Certificate and not the Postgraduate Diploma upon successful
completion.
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The University offers three categories of degree: Distinction, Merit, and Pass. The
Examiners may in their discretion recommend the award of a mark of distinction or
merit to a candidate for a Master’s degree, such that:
a) a candidate who obtains a weighted mean grade of not less than 69.5 in the
Examination as a whole and a grade of not less than 70 in units to the value of
not less than 90 credits, including the dissertation, may be recommended for
the award of the Degree with distinction; and
b) a candidate who obtains a weighted mean grade of not less than 59.5 in the
Examination as a whole and a grade of not less than 60 in units to the value of
not less than 90 credits, including the dissertation, may be recommended for
the award of the Degree with merit.
Dissertation research takes place over the summer and the deadline for the
submission of dissertations is in September. Students will be notified of their
dissertation mark and overall degree result in late October when the final
examination board has met.
Ethics… All research involving human subjects must be carried out under ethical principles
and is subject to ethics review. For further information please see the University
Ethics Policy at: http://www.shef.ac.uk/geography/research/ethics.html. Dissertation
supervisors will also discuss this with students. The ethics form is available for
download on MOLE.
Page | 20
The Use of Unfair Means Assessment, whatever form it takes, is the means by which the University tests
whether a student has achieved the objectives of a course and the standards of an
award. It is fundamentally important that students are assessed fairly, and on equal
terms with each other for the same award.
Any attempt by a student to use unfair means to gain advantage over another
student in the completion of an assessment, or to assist someone else to gain an
unfair advantage, is cheating. Cheating undermines the standards of the University’s
awards and disadvantages those students who have attempted to complete
assessments honestly and fairly. It is an offence against the values of the academic
community of which students and staff are both part.
The basic principle underlying the preparation of any piece of academic work is that
the work submitted must be your own original work. Plagiarism, collusion,
double submission (or self-plagiarism), submitting bought or commissioned work,
and fabrication of results are not allowed because they go against this principle.
Rules about these forms of cheating apply to all assessed and non-assessed work,
including essays, experimental results and computer code. Cutting and pasting from
web sites would also be considered unacceptable.
What constitutes unfair means…?
1. Plagiarism (either intentional or unintentional) is the stealing of ideas or work
of another person (including experts and fellow or former students) and is
considered dishonest and unprofessional. Plagiarism may take the form of cutting
and pasting, taking or closely paraphrasing ideas, passages, sections, sentences,
paragraphs, drawings, graphs and other graphical material from books, articles,
internet sites or any other source and submitting them for assessment without
appropriate acknowledgement.
2. Submitting bought or commissioned work (for example from internet sites,
essay “banks” or “mills”) is an extremely serious form of plagiarism. This may take the
form of buying or commissioning either the whole assignment or part of it and
implies a clear intention to deceive the examiners. The University also takes an
extremely serious view of any student who sells, offers to sell or passes on their own
assignments to other students.
3. Double submission (or self-plagiarism) is resubmitting previously submitted
work on one or more occasions (without proper acknowledgement). This may take
Page | 21
the form of copying either the whole assignment or part of it. Normally credit will
already have been given for this work.
4. Collusion is where two or more people work together to produce a piece of work,
all or part of which is then submitted by each of them as their own individual work.
This includes passing on work in any format to another student. Collusion does not
occur where students involved in group work are encouraged to work together to
produce a single piece of work as part of the assessment process.
5. Fabrication is submitting work (for example, practical or laboratory work) any
part of which is untrue, made up, falsified or fabricated in any way. This is regarded
as fraudulent and dishonest.
How Can I Avoid the Use of Unfair Means…?
To avoid using unfair means, any work submitted must be your own and must not
include the work of any other person, unless it is properly acknowledged and
referenced. Turnitin allows you to check your piece of work for plagiarism before
you submit it. It is the responsibility of all students to check their work through
Turnitin before submitting a final version.
As part of your programme of studies you will learn how to reference sources
appropriately in order to avoid plagiarism. This is an essential skill that you will need
throughout your University career and beyond. You should follow any guidance on
the preparation of assessed work given by the academic department setting the
assignment.
If you have any concerned about appropriate academic practices or if you are
experiencing any personal difficulties which are affecting your work, you should
consult the Module Convenor or Course Convenor.
The Library provides online information literacy skills tutorials:
http://www.shef.ac.uk/library/services/infoskills
The Library also has information on reference management software:
http://www.shef.ac.uk/library/refmant/refmant
The English Language Teaching Centre (ELTC) operates a Writing Advisory Service
through which students can make individual appointments to discuss a piece of
writing. This is available for all students, both native and non-native speakers of
English. http://www.sheffield.ac.uk/eltc/services
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The department runs English language courses once a week throughout each
semester in conjunction with the ELTC. Students will be informed of the
arrangements for these seminars at the beginning of the Autumn semester.
What happens if I use unfair means…?
Any form of unfair means is treated as a serious academic offence and action may be
taken under the Disciplinary Regulations. Where unfair means is found to have been
used, the University may impose penalties ranging from awarding a grade of zero for
the assignment through to expulsion from the University in extremely serious cases.
Detection of Unfair Means and Penalties…
The University subscribes to a national plagiarism detection service which helps
academic staff identify the original source of material submitted by students.
Academic staff have access to specialist software that searches a database of
reference material gathered from professional publications, student essay websites
and other work submitted by students. It is also a resource which can help tutors to
advise students on ways of improving their referencing techniques. Your work is
likely to be submitted to this service.
Cheating in examinations…
During closed book examinations, candidates are expressly forbidden to copy from
another candidate or from notes. They are also forbidden to communicate with
anyone other than the invigilators. During open book examinations, students are
allowed to use reference material such as notes but they must not communicate with
anyone other than the invigilators.
Use of Material from the World Wide Web…
The World Wide Web represents an extremely useful source of information for your
studies. It is a useful source of online data and of reports from major organisations,
such as the European Union and the United Nations. It is also a useful tool in
undertaking initial research into a new topic, which will be necessary for some pieces
of coursework. However, there are two dangers associated with the use of web-
based material:
1 It is easy to be tempted to cut-and-paste text from web pages into your own
work. If this is done without proper attribution of the source, it represents
plagiarism, which is viewed very seriously (see above). Even when the source is
properly attributed, it is not good practice to use large sections of text taken
Page | 23
directly from other people’s work and if you do this too much you will lose
marks.
2 Information on the web is not always reliable. The quality controls which exist
for printed material, such as peer review and editing, do not always exist on the
web. It is best to regard web-based research as a useful first step to obtaining
an overview of a subject and pointers to other reading in books and journals.
The department expects that the majority of reading on which the final work is
based (and which is therefore cited within the work itself) should come from
reliable, academic sources. Typically this will mean academic books and articles
in peer-reviewed journals. Citations to web-based material within the final
piece of work should only be used when this is the only or the most appropriate
source of the information being referenced.
For example it is appropriate to use web references in the following situations;
When the web is the simplest way of obtaining a copy of something which is
also available in printed form. For example, much of the material produced by
central and local government and various NGOs is made available this way.
To refer to material from newspapers.
When the information on the webpage is itself the focus of the discussion e.g.
when considering the views expressed by pressure groups via their web
pages.
Examples of inappropriate use of web-based sources include:
The use of material from sites with no control on the quality of the
information. The best current example is Wikipedia, which can be freely
edited by anyone. Such sites are useful to obtain background information, but
this should always be verified from a more reliable source.
To refer to research work from people’s homepages. Seek out a publication
on the work in a refereed journal.
The inappropriate use of web-based material is likely to lead to a loss of marks.
Page | 24
Academic and Personal Welfare Student Representatives… The University places great value on the opinions of its students and there are
various opportunities to get involved, both to have your say and also to represent the
views of other students. Being a student representative is rewarding work; it can help
you develop useful skills, give you a greater understanding of how the University
works; and enable you to play a role in decision making in the Department and
Faculty.
The Department of Geography Masters Committee is made up of student
representatives and a number of academic staff. The Department usually appoints
three Masters Reps to attend the Masters Committee and to be a point of contact for
other students. Getting involved means you will be able to take part in discussions
and decision making about a range of issues, such as teaching, departmental services,
and communication with students.
Masters representatives from each course will be elected during intro week.
Appeals… Appeals will not be considered against the academic judgement of the examiners or
in respect of the quality of teaching or supervision prior to the examination unless
the student could not reasonably have been expected to have made this a subject of
a complaint before the examination. Students must be able to show that either there
has been a procedural error or that there is new evidence concerning mitigating
circumstances that was not made available to the examiners and that it could not
have been produced at an earlier stage.
A student who wishes to make an academic appeal, should write, in the first instance,
to the Head of the Geography Department indicating the grounds for the appeal.
Reporting Special Circumstances…
During your studies, you may experience difficulties which could affect your
academic performance. Such difficulties are known as ‘special circumstances’.
Page | 25
Special circumstances could include:
Medical circumstances, including long-term circumstances (e.g. anxiety) or
short spells of illness (e.g. flu).
Personal circumstances (e.g. bereavement).
It is important that you report any special circumstances to the department as soon
as you can. If you are ill for a period of less than seven days during the semester
(excluding the examination periods), you need to complete a Special Circumstances
Form available from SSiD, the SSiD website (www.sheffield.ac.uk/ssid/forms/special)
and the Geography Hub. The form should be completed and emailed to geo-
[email protected] or submit to the Departmental Office. No medical evidence
is required in such instances. If your illness has lasted for longer than seven days, you
will need to provide documented medical evidence to go with your form.
Any special circumstances which you report by the last day of the examination period
(February and June respectively) will be considered by the examination board and
may be taken into account when calculating your results and determining your final
degree classification. Any information you submit will be treated as confidential.
Leave of Absence…
If you wish to apply for a leave of absence at any time, you will need to first discuss
your intentions with your Course Convenor. To apply for leave you will need to obtain
a Change of Status Form from the SSID webpage, which can be found here:
www.sheffield.ac.uk/ssid/record/status. Once the form has been completed and
signed off by your Course Convenor, please return it to the Departmental Office.
Students will be notified of the outcome of their application in due course.
Taking leave of absence can have significant financial and immigration implications.
International students’ leave of absence applications must be signed by an
immigration adviser in Student Services. We may have to inform immigration
authorities that you are not attending University. For more information you can
email: [email protected].
Confidentiality of Personal Circumstances…
All information given by you to a member of staff in strict confidence is covered by a
Code of Practice and will not be divulged to any third party without your permission
except where there is a legal obligation to do so or where issues of personal safety
arise.
Page | 26
Equal Opportunities…
The Department endorses the University’s commitment to equal opportunities for all
staff and students. A full version of the University’s Equal Opportunities Policy is
available on the SSID webpages: http://www.shef.ac.uk/ssid/admin/equal.
Making a Complaint…
Where possible, students should try to resolve matters informally, for example, by
talking with their Personal Tutor, Course Convenor, or the Director of Masters
programmes, who will aim to discuss and respond to any complaint within seven
working days. If no resolution is achieved, a student can make use of the University
complaints procedure which is described here:
http://www.sheffield.ac.uk/ssd/sca/complaints.
At this stage, the complaint is considered first by the Head of Department (unless the
complaint relates to that individual). If it is not resolved at that point, a student can
then submit a further second stage Complaints Form which will be referred by a
nominee of the Registrar and Secretary to the appropriate Faculty Officer or other
person.
Further information on the complaints procedure can be found here:
http://www.shef.ac.uk/polopoly_fs/1.156811!/file/Flowchart_of_Formal_Procedures.p
df
Student Welfare…
The University provides a very wide range of supportive welfare services. A separate
directory of such services is available from the Students Union and should be
consulted for further details.
Counselling Service
Fully-trained counsellors are available for confidential individual sessions to help
students and others in the university deal with all kinds of problems. This service also
offers group sessions and workshops (e.g. on stress reduction).
Further information: http://www.shef.ac.uk/counselling/
Careers Services
The Careers Service supports students’ career and employability skills in the form of
talks and workshops, as well as offering advice sessions, CV clinics, and an email
enquiry service. The University Careers Service has an advisor with special
responsibility for Geography students. The advisor is available for consultation at the
Page | 27
Careers Advisory Centre. Within the Department, Dr Julie Jones
([email protected]) acts as Liaison Officer to ensure that all students are
made aware of relevant careers events and that vacancy information and publicity
material is disseminated effectively.
Further information: http://www.shef.ac.uk/careers/index.html
Health Service
The University Health Service is an NHS, PMS General Practice (10 Doctors working
in partnership), which offers full GP services to all students at the University of
Sheffield if they choose to register, and, in some cases, their dependents. The
University Health Service is a modern, friendly practice, situated on the corner of
Gell Street and Glossop Road (Tel: 0114 2222100).
Further information: http://www.shef.ac.uk/health/uhshomepage.html
Student Advice Centre
The Students Union operates an active Advice Centre, staffed by a team of
professional advisors, to deal with student welfare issues such as finance, housing,
legal matters, and international student issues. The Centre is housed in 285 Glossop
Road.
Further information: http://www.shef.ac.uk/union/advice/
Facilities for Children
The Students Union and the University jointly provide a number of childcare facilities
for students.
Further information: http://www.shef.ac.uk/ssid/contacts/child
Information for Disabled and Dyslexic Students…
If you have a disability, medical condition, or specific learning difficulty, we strongly
encourage you to contact the Disability and Dyslexia Support Service (DDSS). The
DDSS is a confidential and friendly service which offers a range of support, including:
Liaising with academic staff and central services about disabled students’
support needs.
Helping students to apply for Disabled Students’ Allowances.
Organising support workers, e.g. note takers, readers, library support, scribes,
interpreters.
Advising on specialist equipment and technology.
Referring dyslexic students for study skills support, at the English Language
Teaching Centre.
Referring students who think that they might be dyslexic for diagnostic
assessments with an Educational Psychologist.
Page | 28
Putting students in contact with local and national external agencies who offer
support and advice to disabled people on specific issues.
Formalising alternative arrangements for examinations and assessments, e.g.
extra time in examinations; reasonable adjustments to assessment tasks; or
alternative assessment formats.
The Geography Department’s Disability Liaison Officer (DLO) is Catherine
Humphreys is you wish to speak with someone regarding disability please email her
at the following address: [email protected].
If you require alternative exam arrangements, please make sure that you contact the
DDSS at the earliest opportunity. Further information is available at the following
address: http://www.shef.ac.uk/disability/
Page | 29
Teaching and Learning
Workload Guide… Contact time per week will vary throughout the year and depend upon the modules
that you are studying. Taught sessions can be between 2 and 80 hours per semester,
but it is anticipated that you will undertake a substantial amount of independent
study. The total workload for a 15 credit module is approximately 150 hours. There is
no teaching outside of the two semesters, apart from the courses wherein field work
takes place, and you will have individual sessions with your dissertation supervisor as
appropriate in the summer. The Masters programmes run for the full calendar year,
with dissertations submitted in September. Overall, the department provides a range
of taught learning opportunities, but what you achieve is in your hands, as your
personal input, outside of formal contact times, is a critical part of your workload.
Student Attendance Monitoring… It is expected that you will attend all term time classes except in event of illness or for
other good reasons (if this is the case, please notify the module convenor
concerned). It is important that you regularly attend all the scheduled classes and
meetings that are listed in your timetable or that are communicated to you as the
semester proceeds. It is only by attending all of the scheduled sessions you will be
able to learn effectively, and it is for this reason that the Student Charter notes
that students are expected "to attend throughout each semester, including the full
examination period. This means turning up on time to all designated teaching
sessions, tutorials, laboratory sessions and all assessment".
To help ensure that you make full use of the learning opportunities that are available,
the department will be monitoring the attendance of students at twelve or more
sessions throughout the year. The monitoring will be carried out using systems that
have been developed by the University specifically to help departments identify and
support students who are having difficulty with their study programme. It is
important that students regularly check their emails.
Discipline… The department regards students as mature and responsible individuals, aware of
the self-discipline necessary for good relations in a community; therefore there is no
published disciplinary code other than that relating to examinations and assessment
(see pages 11-17). The Head of Department can and does take action if individuals
cause serious annoyance or danger to others and there are procedures in place to
deal with behaviour that is liable to bring the University into disrepute.
Page | 30
Student Module and Programme Evaluations The department constantly evaluates the quality of its teaching programmes and
modules. You may be asked to complete a questionnaire or attend a feedback
session about each module that you take, as well as your degree programme. Your
feedback lets us know what is going well and if there are things that should be
changed. In this way we can ensure that we continue to offer a high quality
programme. If you have any immediate feedback, you should contact either your
course convenor, personal tutor, or your student representative.
Page | 31
SAFETY NOTICE
The Departmental Safety Officer is Rob Ashurst, Senior Lab Technician, Room B11c. Rob is responsible for ensuring that details of appropriate health and safety requirements are made known to students. Should you have any health and safety related queries please see Rob in the first instance. All University premises, property and vehicles are no smoking. If you must smoke, do so well outside the building – not next to the front or side doors.
DEPARTMENTAL SAFETY INFORMATION Fire Procedure…
The blue notices located around the building give clear instructions of what to do in
the event of fire. Any person discovering a fire should:
Sound the alarm at one of the break glass points
Dial 4444 on internal telephone
State location and nature of fire
State special hazards if any
State casualties if any
Any disabled people?
Tackle fire with appliance IF YOU FEEL SAFE AND ABLE TO DO SO
Close the doors if the fire is to be left
Evacuation Procedure…
The evacuation alarm consists of a continuous sounder. On hearing it you should:
Shut down services, close all doors and windows if safe to do so
Leave the building by the nearest safe available exit (not necessarily the main
entrance). Do not use the lift
Assemble at the Department of Geography evacuation assembly point:
Lower Ground Floor in the Arts Tower
Do not congregate around the building and cause obstruction
Do not re-enter the building until you are authorised to do so.
The alarm can be activated by one of the red break glass call points located all
around the Geography/TRP Building. The emergency telephone number, which is
used to contact Emergency Services is:
4444
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The Fire Alarm is tested at regular intervals – there will be notifications on the plasma
display screens and at the Porters Lodge at the entrance to the building giving details
of the day and time for such tests.
The emergency exits in the Department of Geography are listed below. The main
entrance isn't the only way out - so on your travels around the department have a
look and remember where all the exits are.
At the same time it's also a good idea to note the location of any fire extinguishers:
A Floor Main entrance and side door
B Floor Main entrance, side door, down short corridor through door B7 into park
C Floor Main entrance, rear staircase to back yard, through Ron Johnston Research Room (C3) into park
D Floor Main staircase, rear staircase to back yard and access roof via short corridor through door D4 (between doors D3 and D5) down steps and out into back yard
E Floor Main staircase and back staircase to back yard
F Floor Main staircase and back staircase to back yard
First Aid Box Locations:
A Floor Porters Lodge A2
Geography Postgraduate Study Room A5
B Floor
Physical Geography Teaching Lab B6
Workshop B10
Lab Complex B11 – B11A, B11H,
B11J, B11K C Floor Geography Department Office C15a D Floor Postgraduate Room D5 F Floor Stairwell, rear stairs
Qualified First-Aiders… In the event you require first aid, please seek out the following people:
Alan Smalley B11c Ext: 27927
Catherine Humphreys C15a Ext: 27901
Dr Dan Hammett E14 Ext: 27956
Dr Deborah Sporton E16 Ext: 27923
Dr Dimitris Ballas E20 Ext: 27923
Dr Jessica Dubow F03 Ext: 27957
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Accident Reporting…
All accidents within the Department must be reported to a member of staff. The
Policy within the University of Sheffield is that all accidents, incidents, dangerous
occurrences and near misses arising out of, or in connection with work shall be
reported via the University’s online reporting system within 24 hours of occurrence.
http://www.sheffield.ac.uk/hs/accident
Safety Services must be informed by telephone immediately (26198) if a person
requires any form of hospital treatment.
Out of Hours…
Out of hours is before 08.30 and after 17.30 weekdays and all day Saturday and
Sunday. Masters students are not normally allowed to work out of hours in the
Geography building. Late working can normally be accommodated in the Libraries,
particularly in the Information Commons (which is open 24 hours, 7 days a week).
If you absolutely need to work in the building out of hours (evenings and weekends)
you must have gained an Out of Hours Certificate and attended a General Fire
Training Session.
Please contact Steven Norburn, C5, Ext: 27934 if you have any questions regarding
Out of Hours training.
Page | 34
Field Classes and Fieldwork Each student must behave responsibly when attending a field class or completing
independent fieldwork, in order to reduce the risk of accidents and other harmful
incidents. This includes behaving responsibly toward staff, your fellow students, and
others you encounter, including staff and other guests in field class accommodation.
Each individual is responsible for their own safety and all students are required to
comply with the University’s Health and Safety Codes of Practice, which provide a
general framework for safe working in the University.
Report any disability or inability before attending a field class.
Report any injury or illness to the field class leader. Stay with the main party.
If you are taking any medication, please inform the field class leader and
ensure that you take sufficient medication with you at all times.
Observe all instructions from the field class leader. Anyone acting contrary to
safety requirements may be dismissed from the course.
Special instructions may be given for particular environments. Please read
carefully the relevant module handbook or field class hand-out.
A declaration form must be completed prior to each field class to confirm that
you have read and understood the relevant safety instructions and risk
assessments.
A written risk assessment must be completed and approved before any
independent fieldwork is undertaken.
The University asks for your commitment to behaving responsibly while you are a
student, taking account of the diversity of the University community and the values of
truth, toleration and justice. This requirement extends beyond the University campus
to the field classes and fieldwork you undertake as part of your course, and includes
engaging positively with the individuals and local communities that you encounter.
The University takes a very serious view of inappropriate behaviour and the Student
Discipline Regulations explain the action that might be taken in cases of misconduct.
Field Classes Abroad…
All students will be required to complete a medical and dietary form before leaving
on a fieldtrip. It is essential that you make the module convenor or the Postgraduate
Officer aware if you have any pre-existing medical conditions (i.e. asthma, diabetes,
epilepsy), have taken / are taking any prescribed medication and / or have
undergone any surgical procedure within the last 12 months.
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ALL STUDENTS WILL BE REQUIRED TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY OF
ORGANISING THEIR OWN VACCINATIONS AND ANTI-MALARIAL DRUGS
(where needed) FOR OVERSEAS FIELDTRIPS.
You should speak with your module convenor about required vaccinations and seek
out medical advice from your local doctor or through the University Health Service.
A copy of your passport may also be required as well as emergency contacts (name,
address, email and telephone number) of your nominate person/s.
Alcohol…
Alcohol must not be consumed during field class activities and at all other times
students are expected to behave responsibly and exercise moderation. Irresponsible
or inappropriate behaviour, including being under the influence of alcohol during
field class activities, will be reported to the University and disciplinary action may
ensue. Each individual is responsible for their own safety where alcohol is consumed
away from approved field centre/accommodation or special instructions to students
regarding alcohol consumption are broken.
FURTHER INFORMATION:
Safety Services (www.sheffield.ac.uk/hs)
Security Services (www.sheffield.ac.uk/security)
University’s Health and Safety Code of Practice
(www.sheffield.ac.uk/hs/policies)
FIELDWORK SAFETY GUIDELINES…
Each student must behave responsibly during field work in order to reduce the risk
of accidents. Each individual is responsible for their own safety.
A written risk assessment for dissertations (Form FS1) must be completed
and approved before any fieldwork is undertaken.
Report any disability or inability before starting a course and report any injury
or illness to the member of staff in charge. Stay with the main party.
If you are taking any medication, please ensure that you take it with you on the
field trip.
Observe all instructions from the field course leader. Anyone acting contrary
to safety requirements may be dismissed from the course.
Special instructions may be given for particular environments.
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A CLOTHING, PROTECTION, EQUIPMENT AND INSURANCE…
A1 CLOTHING
Wear and carry clothing and footwear as appropriate to the fieldwork
situation.
Waterproof outer garments, e.g. anorak, over- trousers, warm pullover or
fleece/jacket and stout boots are basic essentials.
A woollen hat is desirable as considerable heat loss occurs via the head.
Wellington boots are only suitable for shallow wading.
Walking boots should have mountaineering soles.
Sports shoes and jeans are unsuitable.
Thigh waders can be used for fluvial work.
Chest waders in particular require care if they take in water.
In hot climates wear a protective hat.
A2 PROTECTION
Safety helmets must be worn, by law, when visiting quarries, mines, building
sites, cliffs and screes wherever there is a risk of falling objects.
Safety goggles should be worn when hammering.
A3 EQUIPMENT
Never hit one geological hammer with another as they may splinter.
Always carry a whistle, map, compass, watch, torch, first aid, mobile phone,
emergency supplies (e.g. water, chocolate, glucose), survival bag (e.g. large
polythene bag) or commercially available survival bag.
In hot weather use an appropriate factored sun lotion, and carry adequate
drink and salt tablets.
A4 INSURANCE
Individual personal insurance should be considered for accident or illness,
especially when abroad. Ensure there is adequate equipment insurance.
B HAZARDS…
B1 GENERAL
Do not climb cliffs, rock faces or crags unless this has been approved as an
essential part of the work.
Avoid the edges of cliffs and quarries and other steep or sheer faces.
Ensure that rocks above are safe before venturing below.
Quarries with rock faces loosened by explosives are especially dangerous.
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Never work:
a. under an overhang
b. in deep cuttings
c. in trenches - unless adequate shoring is in place in deep pits
Avoid loosening rocks on steep slopes.
Never roll rocks down slopes or over cliffs for amusement.
Do not run down steep slopes.
Take great care when walking or climbing over slippery rocks below high
water mark on rocky shores.
Do not work directly above another person.
Beware of landslides.
Beware of adders in heathland.
In hot climates take care to avoid prolonged direct sunshine, thorny vegetation
and poisonous plants and animals.
Be aware of indigenous plants and animals.
PERSONAL SAFETY MUST TAKE PRIORITY, but as fieldwork equipment is often
expensive attempt to ensure its survival where it is safe to do so.
B2 VEHICLES AND ROADS
Beware of traffic when examining road cuttings.
Avoid hammering and do not leave rock debris on the roadway or verges.
Take special care of traffic at all times.
B3 QUARRIES, MINES, CAVES, ETC
Do not enter old mineworks or cave systems unless it has been approved as an
essential part of the work. Only do so by arrangement with the group leader
with proper lighting and headgear. NEVER GO ALONE.
When entering old mineworks ensure that someone on the surface knows
your location and expected time of return. Always report to the group leader
after returning to the surface.
Comply with safety rules, blast warning procedures and any instructions given
by officials.
Avoid touching any machinery or equipment in quarries, mines, building sites
or fields.
Never pick up any unexploded explosives, wires or detonators from rock piles.
If found, inform the group leader immediately.
Keep a sharp lookout for moving vehicles.
Beware of sludge lagoons.
Avoid mires and bright green patches of moss.
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If in a mire and starting to sink, lie on your back, shout for help, and if no help
comes attempt to back stroke across the surface. You may sink irretrievably if
you flounder about.
C PROCEDURES…
Work out a plan in advance for situations which could be encountered e.g.
illness, accident, bad weather.
Check weather forecasts and keep a constant look out for changes.
Attend to anyone injured and withdraw remaining members of the group to a
safe location.
Send for help – two people where possible – and give information of exact
location of party and nature of injuries.
Take steps to warn others of hazard.
Limit any discussion to a factual report.
When working in a group do not stray off or return without informing the
group or field course leader.
D COMMUNICATION…
Always:
inform someone of your departure, route, activity and return time (friend,
parent, post, office, police, youth hostel, park warden etc).
inform the same person(s) of your return.
It is essential that the person(s) you have informed of your whereabouts and
likely return time knows exactly what procedure to follow in the event of your
non-return.
The emergency signals are:
- Six signals within one minute (whistle blast, torch flashes, shouts, waves
of cloth)
- One minute pause
- Repeat six signals
Reply is:
- Three signals
- One minute pause
Use a mobile telephone (check the battery is fully charged before setting out)
when and where available, remembering to give mobile telephone number to
enable return contact. Make sure the mobile is switched on. Don’t rely on it as it
may be in an area without signal.
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E GENERAL INFORMATION…
Be polite when interviewing the public.
Do not damage property.
Leave gates as found.
Do not trample crops.
Do not worry livestock.
Do not collect specimens from nature reserves without a permit, and only
elsewhere for serious scientific study.
Do not leave litter.
Respect wildlife.
F INDEPENDENT FIELDWORK…
Working alone is undesirable but independent fieldwork may be required for
project or dissertation work. ALWAYS WORK WITH SOMEONE wherever
possible e.g. take a brother, sister, friend when working on a field project. This
also applies to urban interviews and questionnaires as well as to moorland and
other “natural” sites. In foreign environments, ensure a basic competence in
the relevant language for emergency use. In household interviews DO NOT
enter the premises – interview only in the doorway.
Always obtain permission before entering private land/property.
Ensure that you have adequate survival gear and supplies to spend a night in
the open in case you have an accident. If this occurs, lay out your position with
a brightly coloured object.
Discuss your project and any risk with your supervisor/project organiser. No
project that has an undue safety risk will be sanctioned.
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LABORATORY SAFETY GUIDELINES
A risk assessment must be completed before any work is undertaken.
All dissertation and project laboratory work must have the prior approval of the
dissertation or laboratory class supervisor and the timing of such work should be
arranged with the Laboratory Technician before commencing.
You should not use the laboratory facilities, apparatus or chemicals without
the prior approval of a member of staff or technician. Use is normally limited
to taught practicals as arranged as part of the course which you are
undertaking. Use of laboratory facilities, apparatus and chemicals outside
these courses, such as dissertation or project work, requires the prior
approval of a member of staff. Undergraduate work is confined to the
Teaching Laboratory (B6). The Research Laboratory (B11) is heavily used by
research postgraduates;
You should only use the techniques described in the handouts which you will
receive, and you should follow the methods carefully. Failure to do so may
result in an accident. If you need to use any other technique you must obtain
permission and it may be necessary for you to work under direct supervision.
You should not proceed with any technique unless you are fully conversant
with it and any potential hazard. Read the instructions and listen carefully to
instructions before commencing work. You should not work alone (ie without
the presence of someone within shouting distance). You should not work
outside normal hours which are 0900 – 1700 Monday-Friday.
Laboratory coats should be worn at all times in the laboratory and removed
when leaving.
Eating, drinking and the use of mobile phones is not allowed in the laboratory.
Many of the reagents and some of the equipment which you use in the
laboratory are potentially dangerous. For this reason it is essential to become
acquainted with these materials before you use them. Read the instructions
relating to any item of equipment which you use. Read the labels on the
reagent bottles before use, making sure that you have got the correct reagent
(many of their names are very similar), and that you are aware of its hazards.
With dangerous reagents acquaint yourself with the procedures in the event
of an accident; a chart explaining the necessary precautions and safety
measures is displayed on the wall of the B6 laboratory.
Page | 41
Always use a pipette filler when pipetting. The use of the mouth to suck any
solutions up a pipette is expressly forbidden.
Do not pour any solutions at or above eye level.
Do not pour any solutions down the sink without first asking whether it is safe
to do so.
NEVER dispose of sediment down the sinks; use the buckets provided.
In the event of an accident, contact any member of the teaching or technical
staff or a porter. If no one can be found ring 4444 (Internal).
Note that eyewashes and first aid kits are available in both laboratories.
Report any spillages or accidents, however minor.
Wash hands when finished to avoid chemical contamination and maintain good
hygiene.
Students are not allowed to work in the laboratory if no member of staff is
present.
Anyone found contravening these safety regulations will be asked to leave the
practical class or to cease work in the Laboratory.
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Postgraduate Community PROGRESS
PROGRESS is the University of Sheffield’s postgraduate society, run by postgraduate
students for postgraduate students. The primary mandate is to organise and run
social events, thereby creating a casual environment where postgraduates can make
new friends, meet peers and colleagues from other disciplines, and enrich their
University experience.
PROGRESS hosts a variety of regular events every month, including after-work
socials, pub quizzes, and meals out. The monthly special event, selected by
membership vote, has included bowling, African drumming, laser quest, walking in
the Peak District, visiting Lincoln Christmas Market, and picnics in the Botanical
Garden. As the only postgraduate society at the University, PROGRESS also
represents postgraduates within the greater academic community. PROGRESS has
close links with the Students Union and the Academic Secretary serves as a voice on
issues affecting postgraduates.
Further information: https://sites.google.com/a/sheffield.ac.uk/progress/home
PG Café Forum
The PG Café Forum is a student-led initiative, which creates an informal space in
which postgraduate students can share their work, socialize and network. It is
designed to support postgraduates from all disciplines and backgrounds to improve
their presentation skills and gain confidence in communicating their topic to a non-
specialist audience.
Three talks of approximately 15 minutes each are featured per session and cover
various disciplines balancing the arts and sciences. The casual and inquisitive
environment encourages cross-pollination of ideas and lateral thinking. Following
each talk, the speaker will entertain a period of questions and answers, and receive
peer-review from the audience.
For information on dates and venues:
Email: [email protected]
Visit: http://www.pgcafeforum.co.uk/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/PGCafeForum
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Beyond a Masters Career Opportunities
A Masters degree provides training in generic skills and techniques that are
transferable to a wide range of employment opportunities. The University of
Sheffield has a dedicated postgraduate careers advisor who can support you through
the job application process. Please see the Careers Service website for more details:
http://www.shef.ac.uk/careers/
PhD Study in the Department
The Department of Geography is a leading international centre of excellence in
research, renowned for the quality of its PhD degrees, which are supported through
world-class supervision.
We attract high-level students from across the world who go on to successful
careers spanning academia and the public and private sectors. Our students benefit
from participation in a large and active graduate school, and an individually tailored
training program, focused on developing the skills set and knowledge base, required
for each research topic.
Whilst the availability of PhD funding is an important issue for our students, it should
also be remembered that there are other important implications of undertaking a
PhD. PhD research, whilst largely pleasurable, is not without its problems. There can
be frustrations with the research process and the ‘writing up’ stage can be
challenging if you are not organised and self-motivated. At the same time, the PhD
degree, whilst providing you with excellent career prospects, tends to lead you to
research and lecturing jobs in Higher or Further Education. This is still the dominant
career destination for our PhD students, and whilst it can be hugely rewarding,
working in Higher or Further Education is not for everyone.
Applying for a PhD
Before applying you should visit the Departmental website for details and advice on
your application: http://www.sheffield.ac.uk/geography/phd/applications
We ask all applicants to contact a potential supervisor before submitting an
application. Details of current opportunities in the Department can be found here:
http://www.sheffield.ac.uk/geography/phd/opportunities
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Should you choose to apply for PhD funding, or seek general advice on careers after
the Masters, then please contact any member of academic staff or the relevant
Postgraduate Tutor:
Postgraduate Tutor in Physical Geography
Dr Andrew McGonigle
: 0114 222 7961
Room F4
Postgraduate Tutor in Human Geography
Dr Adam Whitworth
: 0114 222 7955
Room E18