modules and honours award
TRANSCRIPT
ROUGH GUIDEto the
MODULAR
SCHEME
september
2012
Foreword
Welcome to the University of Abertay Dundee
This brief guide explains some of the main features of the University’s Modular Scheme.
All of the University’s students on taught programmes are subject to the regulations of
the Modular Scheme. All programmes are modular and this means that they are designed
in the same way and follow the same rules and regulations.
Please keep your copy of the guide, so that you can refer back to it whenever the need
arises.
Enjoy your study with us and remember to ask about anything that isn't clear to you! You
can always get good advice on “who to ask” from Student Services or from your
programme's School Office.
Colin Fraser
Registrar
September 2012
1
2
3
Index
Further information, advice and OASIS 4
What is the Modular Scheme? 5
What is a Module? 5
What do the following terms mean? 6
How many modules will I study? 6
Do I have any choice in the modules I study? 7
Who is responsible for my programme? 7
How do I know if my registration details are correct? 7
What if I want to change the modules I’ve chosen? 8
How do I know what will be taught on a module and how I will be assessed? 8
How will my work be graded? 9
Example of how a module grade is calculated 9
How is the Honours Degree classification arrived at? 10
What do I need to progress to the next stage of my programme? 11
What reassessment opportunities are available? 11
When will I get my module and programme results? 12
What happens if I hand in an assessment after the deadline? 12
What do I do if I have special needs for exams? 13
Is there anything I need to know about examinations? 13
What if I’m ill or, for any other good reason, can’t do the assessments? 13
The University provides a wide range of important information through its student web
portal: OASIS
Online Abertay Student Information System (OASIS) https://oasis.abertay.ac.uk
OASIS is the online system through which you can access information about modules and
programmes and your own student record. It also provides access to a range of other useful
and important information. It is available on and off campus using a web browser; we
recommend Internet Explorer.
Here is an example of an OASIS screenshot:
Further information, advice and OASIS
4
A 15-credit module represents roughly 150 hours of academic effort on your part.
Similarly, a 30 credit module represents roughly 300 hours of academic effort on your
part, and so on. These can be broken down into activities such as lectures, tutorials,
seminars, laboratories, assessment and private study. The number of hours allocated to
lectures and other types of formal learning may vary from module to module. The
number of hours spent on private study is a matter for you to decide, but each module
provides a guide to the recommended number of hours.
What is a Module?
The modular scheme is a comprehensive framework that, in conjunction with the
University's Academic Regulations, governs all aspects of the University's programmes of study
(sometimes referred to as courses). Each programme is made up of individual modules and
these may be worth 15, 30 or possibly even 45 credits (more information on credits is given
below). There are two semesters in the academic session, which runs from September to
the end of May and students following a full time programme will take a total of 120
credits over the whole year. The table below shows a sample programme structure with
some module combinations for each semester of full time study making a total of 120
credits for the year.
Printed copies of the University’s Academic Regulations (i.e. the assessment regulations
for your modules and for your programme) are available from the Student Services Reception
on Level 2 of the Library. Printed copies of key information on the Modular Scheme are also
available on the Modular Scheme Notice Board on Level 3 of Old College.
Advice regarding any aspect of the Modular Scheme and its assessment regulations can be
provided by your Programme Tutor, Year Tutor, Academic Tutor or from Registry via the
Student Services Reception.
What is the Modular Scheme?
5
Programme XYZ Semester 1 Programme XYZ Semester 2
Module 1 (30 credits - this runs over both semesters)
Module 5 (15 credits)
Module 6 (30 credits)
Module 2 (15 credits)
Module 3 (15 credits)
Module 4 (15 credits)
If you want to find out about programme structures, module descriptors or the
assessment regulations, simply ‘click’ the relevant link to find out more.
Your OASIS username and password are the same as your University login. These details
will be given to you on successful completion of enrolment and registration.
If you are a full-time undergraduate student you will normally take a maximum of eight
15-credit modules in each academic session though this may be less if your programme includes
double (ie 30-credit) modules. Students who are repeating modules that they have failed may
take up to a maximum of 150 credits in an academic session.
How many modules will I study?
6
A programme of study (or course) is all of the taught modules that lead to a named award
such as 'BA (Hons) in Business Studies' or 'BSc in Engineering'. The most common full-time
programme is a four-year honours degree with 120 module credits for each of the four
stages.
A stage of a programme is normally equivalent to studying 120 module credits. For full-
time programmes, this is the same as one academic session, but one stage of a part-
time programme may be delivered over two or more academic sessions. At the end of any
stage, you may be allowed to progress to the next stage, but this is not automatic and this is
explained later in the guide. To be eligible for an award, you must have successfully
completed a stage of a programme as follows (for an undergraduate course):
Stage 1: Certificate of Higher Education (120 credits)
Stage 2: Diploma of Higher Education (240 credits)
Stage 3: Degree (360 credits)
Stage 4: Honours Degree (480 credits)
Each module is allocated an academic level, which is indicated by the first two digits in the
module code (for example, module MB0704A is at level 07). The levels follow the Scottish
Credit and Qualifications Framework and the higher the level, the greater is the level of
demand in terms of complexity, depth of knowledge and understanding, integrating
different ideas and so on that is expected of you. Level 07 is the starting level for stage 1
of undergraduate programmes with the final honours year (stage 4) of a programme
equating to level 10.
Credit points are awarded for the achievement of appropriate learning outcomes. Most
undergraduate modules are worth 15 credit points, so if you successfully complete 8 such
modules, you will have accumulated 120 credit points. The University's Modular Scheme
conforms to the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) and the European
Credit Transfer System (ECTS), which means that the credit points you achieve are
recognised throughout European higher education institutions.
What do the following terms mean?
You may check on your module registration details at any time using OASIS.
It is vital that you ensure that your module registrations are correct.
You will receive academic credit for only those modules on
which you are registered properly, regardless of which modules you
may have attended or for which you have submitted assessments.
How do I know if my registration details are correct?
The majority of modules on a programme are core and there is no choice in these. Many
programmes also have option modules, especially in the later stages. These modules form
part of a limited selection from which you choose and are usually in the same subject area
as your programme. There may be timetabling constraints that restrict your choice of
option modules.
To check the core and option modules for the programme you are on, you can look up
the programme structure, using OASIS, and you can also get the information from your
Programme Tutor.
Do I have any choice in the modules I study?
You, since it is your responsibility to enrol at the University for a target award and
to register for individual modules.
You must attend for enrolment and registration at the time and place advised to you
in the correspondence sent to you prior to the start of the academic session in
September of each year.
Who is responsible for my programme?
7
how I will be assessed?
The aims and content of modules are contained in Module Descriptors (these may be
accessed using OASIS).
The assessment types, timings and weightings are also included in the Module Assessment
Profile which is included in the Module Descriptor.
H o w d o I k n o w w h a t w i l l b e t a u g h tHow do I know what will be taught on a module and
8
You have up to the end of the third week of taught classes at the start of each semester
to make changes to your registrations for that semester, either because you have changed
your registration, or to correct any errors. This applies to both part-time and to full-time
students.
OASIS allows you to check your registrations online, and to confirm that any changes you
have requested have been processed.
If you need to change your module registrations, you will find the “Module Change” form
on OASIS in the “Forms” container. Print off the form, complete, and seek authorisation
from your Programme Tutor and, where you are adding a module, the appropriate Division
Leader.
You must submit this form, fully completed and authorised, to your School Office by the
deadlines specified within the regulations, the deadlines for session 2011/12 being given
below:
Semester 1 Semester 2
5th October 2012 8th Febuary 2013
It is your responsibility to check the details of your registrations and to take action by the
deadline to ensure any changes are made or errors corrected. Failure to do so may impact
on your assessments, award and fees.
Remember you cannot change the core modules on your programme.
What if I want to change the modules I’ve chosen?
A module contains a coursework unit with a
weighting of 30% and an examination with a
weighting of 70%. If a student performs at the top
end of the B grade and at the bottom end of the
C grade then the corresponding grades will be
Coursework = B17 and Examination = C12.
Combining the coursework and examination
numerical grades gives 17*0.3 + 12*0.7 = 13.5,
which will be recorded as a module grade of C.
For further information on the grading
scheme you are advised to consult the
Assessment Procedures on Abertay
Knowledge, which is accessible from the
University intranet front page.
Table 1: The Grading of Assessments
9
Excellent
Brief Description
of the Quality of
Performance
Module
Grade
Equivalent
NumericalScale for
CombiningAssessments
A20
19
18
Very Good B17
16
15
Satisfactory D11
10
9
Marginal Fail MF8
7
6
Clear Fail CF 3
Little Evidence ofany Achievement
or No work submitted
LA
or
NS
0
Good C14
13
12
There are just four pass grades for modules - Excellent (A), Very Good (B), Good (C) and
Satisfactory (D) and four fail grades - Marginal Fail (MF), Clear Fail (CF), Little Evidence
of Achievement (LA), and No Work Submitted (NS). There is also a grade Incomplete (IN )
when one or more of your module assessments have not been completed due to valid
mitigating circumstances (this is explained later in more detail)
In order to allow the grades for individual assessments in a module to be combined, these
grades are given numerical values. For example, the module C grade is subdivided into unit
grades C14, C13 and C12. The relation between literal grades (A, B, …) and the numerical
unit grades (20, 19, 18, ….) is shown in table 1 below. The results for each individual
assessment are weighted and the aggregate module grade worked out, so that, for each
individual module, you will receive a single overall literal grade (A, B, ….).
If a module is assessed by both examination and coursework, you will normally need to have
reached at least a marginal fail level of performance in both the aggregated coursework and in
the examination components as well as gaining an overall pass grade for the module.
How will my work be graded?
Example of how a module
grade is calculated
10
Table 2 below gives a general description of each of the grades and shows how they are
related to the honours classification system. The right hand column shows the equivalent
ECTS grades for use in credit transfer throughout the European Union.
Grade Description of the Grade
Outstanding performance - an excellent grasp ofthe subject matter.
[Honours StageEquivalent]
A [First]Excellent
Satisfactory
MarginalFail
Good
Very Good A very good grasp of the subject matter.B [Upper Second]
[Lower Second]Generally sound grasp of the subject matter,exceeds threshold standard.C
[Third]A satisfactory performance overall, but limitedgrasp of some areas of the subject matter. Hasachieved the threshold level.
D
Performance just below the threshold standard. Areasonable expectation that a pass is achievableby resassessment without the need to repeat themodule.
MF
A
B
C
No WorkSubmitted No assessments submitted.NS
IncompleteAssessment incomplete due to valid mitigatingcircumstances.IN
F
D
FX
ClearFail
Performance well below the threshold level. Somelimited evidence of achievement of the outcomes.
CF F
LittleEvidence of
AnyAchievement
Little evidence of achievement of the learningoutcomes. Work presented is skeletal and/orirrelevant.
LA F
ECTS
Table 2: Definition of Module Grades
Remember that to be eligible for the award of an honours degree, you need to have 480
module credits. The Honours classification for all degree programmes will normally be
based on the following profile of grades obtained in level 10 modules and the honours
stage (see paragraph E6.2 of the Modular Scheme Academic Regulations).
How is the Honours Degree classification arrived at?
To progress to the next stage you need to obtain 120 credits from the stage as described
in the programme specification. Reassessment opportunities may be made available for
those students who fail assessments so that they can get up to the standard required to
progress to the next stage of their programmes. {see below}
Exceptionally a Programme Assessment Board may allow a student to continue to the
next stage with a failure of at most 30 credits. If you are not able to progress to the next
stage you may enrol in a subsequent session to repeat the failed modules. You may also be
able to take modules from the next stage if you have passed the prerequisite modules.
What do I need to progress to the next stage
of my programme?
Reassessment refers to a further opportunity before the start of the next academic session to
pass a module for which a fail grade has been obtained.
If you do not pass a module then you may be offered reassessment by the Programme
Assessment Board. It is important for you to take up the opportunity of any reassess-
ment.
For further information on reassessment and progression you are advised to consult section
D of the University’s Academic Regulations available on ‘Abertay Knowledge’ which is the
area of the University’s online portal for the source of all regulations, policies and procedures.
Teaching staff will explain to you how to obtain comprehensive details on individual
assessments and on reassessments by accessing the University’s Intranet – this is the normal
way in which you will obtain full details of these assessments (not by paper copies being
either handed, or posted, to you). However, if you experience any difficulties or problems
in accessing the assessment requirements, please contact your School Office immediately.
What reassessment opportunities are available?
11
Class Calculation
At least 60 level 10 module credits at first class andAt least 90 level 10 module credits at upper second or better andAll stage 4 module credits at third class or better at first attempt
At least 60 level 10 module credits at upper second or better and At least 90 level 10 module credits at lower second or better and120 stage 4 module credits at third class or better
At least 60 level 10 module credits at lower second or better andAt least 90 stage 4 module credits at third or better
At least 90 level 10 module credits at third or above
First
Upper Second
Lower Second
Third
Results and Programme Assessment Board decisions (that is, the decision on whether you
are permitted to continue with your studies at the end of each academic session) are
issued only via OASIS. This applies whether you are full- or part-time, based on- or off-
campus, and whether you are an undergraduate or taught postgraduate student. You will
find on OASIS a full explanation of what your grades and decision mean.
Your grades for the first attempt at any unit of assessment (this may involve several
courseworks and/or laboratory reports, etc) will appear on OASIS as soon as staff enter
the data, and usually before the Subject Assessment Board has decided your overall module
grade. This procedure enables you to contact the module deliverer with feedback on matters
which have materially affected your performance. If you have any concerns about a grade
for a unit of assessment when it first appears on OASIS, please check the grade again on
the following day before considering an approach to members of staff (to allow staff some
time to check their initially entered grades).
Reassessment grades for units of assessment also appear on OASIS before the Subject
Assessment Board has formally decided that a reassessment is required.
When will I get my module and programme results?
12
What happens if I hand in an assessment after the deadline?
You must always try to meet deadlines. However, if problems outwith your control arise that
might make it difficult to meet a deadline, you should contact your School Office or Student
Services, in the first instance, for advice on the Mitigating Circumstances Procedures to request
an extension. All foreseeable claims must normally be made at least 3 days before the
assessment deadline. It is solely your responsibility to obtain and submit any supporting evidence.
If you miss a deadline without a valid reason or permission having been granted, there will be
a limit to the grade you can get and you may not be eligible for a pass grade at all.
13
You must familiarise yourself with the University's rules for the conduct of examinations.
These are included in the University’s online Abertay Knowledge under Examinations Rules
for Candidates in Modular Examinations. In particular, you should note that you may only
use a calculator if the examination paper specifically allows you to do so.
Any electronic devices capable of displaying text (such as PDAs or calculators with text
memories) or being used for communicating outside the examinations room (e.g. mobile
phones) must be switched off before you enter the examinations room. During your exam,
such items must not be placed on your desk or in your bag, but must be left where
indicated by the exam invigilator. The University has no responsibility for the safekeeping of
your personal property.
Is there anything I need to know about examinations?
If you have been ill and have not been able to complete assessments, then you should
immediately inform your Programme Tutor, Module Deliverer(s), and also your Academic
Tutor or a Student Adviser in Student Services. This is also the case if you feel that there
is another reasonable cause (such as family bereavement). You may need to provide
documentary evidence to support any claim to defer a coursework or examination. The
necessary forms to make a claim are available from your School Office.
If there is good evidence and the cause is accepted, the module will be allocated a grade
IN. This means that it is 'incomplete with good cause' and you will be given another
opportunity to be assessed. This opportunity for further assessment must be completed
as soon as practicable - normally before the next scheduled meeting of the relevant
Subject Assessment Board.
What if I’m ill or, for any other good reason, can’t
do the assessments?
If you have a learning or physical disability and have special needs when taking
examinations, you should contact the Disability Adviser via Student Services (phone
01382 308051) in good time - for example, at least two months before an exam. It is your
responsibility to ensure that appropriate arrangements can be made.
What do I do if I have special needs for exams?
END OF
ROUGH GUIDEto the
MODULAR
SCHEME
flip to read the
ROUGH GUIDE
to University
RULES & REGULATIONS
ROUGH GUIDEto University
RULES
REGULATIONS
september
2012
&
Foreword
The purpose of rules and regulations
By enrolling at the University of Abertay Dundee, you agree to abide by our rules
and regulations. The University tries to avoid unnecessary rules, but some are needed so
that we can live and work together to the benefit of everyone.
Rules are also there to protect our community against individuals whose behaviour
does not reach the standard that we expect and to safeguard the University’s name and
reputation.
We therefore ask all students and staff to observe certain standards of behaviour and to
meet certain obligations. In the main, you are unlikely to encounter problems if you use
your common sense, have a sensible appreciation of what is right and wrong, show
respect for other students and staff, do not misuse the facilities available to you and
respect the University and its property.
About this booklet
The purpose of this booklet is to provide a Rough Guide to some of the most important
areas covered by the University’s regulatory policies and procedures.
It is important that you familiarise yourself with the policies themselves and are aware
of the consequences of infringing them.
This Guide also contains information on what to do in situations where you feel that your
educational experience has been unfairly affected by the actions of one or more individuals,
be they staff or fellow students.
This booklet is not intended to take the place of all of the University’s regulatory policies
and procedures. Rather, it aims to ensure that you are aware of the broad areas in which
we have rules and regulations and to let you know where you can find more detailed
information on them.
Nicholas Terry
Acting Principal & Vice-Chancellor
August 2012
1
2
3
Index
Further information & advice 4
Absences & other personal difficulties 4
Academic appeals 4
Academic deceit & plagiarism 5
Academic regulations 5
Attendance 6
Bullying & harassment 6
Children in the University 7
Complaints 7
Computer systems & facilities 7
Copyright 8
Data Protection Act 9
Discipline 9
Disclosure Scotland 10
Equality and Diversity Policy 10
Fees & other charges 11
Health & safety 11
Intellectual Property Policy 11
The Bernard King Library 12
Matriculation cards 12
Residences 12
Security & lost property 13
Smoking 13
Student charter 13
Suspension 13
Whistleblowing 13
Further information & advice
Throughout this Guide, where a detailed policy or procedure document exists on a
particular topic, it is highlighted in bold typeface. The full text of each of these
documents is available from the ‘Abertay Knowledge’ , the area of the University’s online
portal which is the information source for all regulations, policies and procedures.
If you have any problems accessing them, would like a paper copy, or need further
information and advice, please contact Student Services on level 2 of The Bernard King
Library.
Absences & other personal difficulties
Most students encounter few major problems during their studies, but the unexpected can
happen and you may experience a change in circumstances which affects your ability to
study or attend classes. Health, relationships, family and financial problems are the most
common. If you experience difficulties, it is vital that you inform your School or Student
Services as soon as possible. The way to do this will be explained to you by your School.
If the problem is related to your health, you must consult a doctor at the time, because
medical evidence may be required later on. There is more information about this on the
section below on Attendance.
Academic appeals
Under certain circumstances you have the right to submit an appeal against an adverse
decision you have received from an Assessment Board. These circumstances are explained
in the University’s Academic Appeals Policy and Procedures and you have to
prove that either:
(a) your performance was affected by illness or some other reason which you
were unwilling or unable to divulge prior to the Board; or
(b) your assessments were not conducted in accordance with the
relevant regulations or an administrative error or other irregularity occurred.
If you think you have grounds for appeal, contact Student Services or the Students’
Association for advice and help.
After your results are published, there are clearly-defined and very strict timescales within
which you must submit notice of your intention to appeal.
4
Academic deceit & plagiarism
The University takes very seriously its responsibilities for ensuring that all work
submitted by students is a result of their own unaided efforts. It therefore deals severely
with incidences of copying, plagiarism and other forms of cheating in coursework and
examinations. Such ‘academic deceit’ is an offence under the University’s Student
Disciplinary Code and is dealt with either through School arrangements or the
Student Disciplinary Committee.
You will receive detailed advice and guidance about what constitutes academic deceit
from academic staff at the beginning of your course. However, it is important that you
understand this and that you read the University’s Academic Deceit Policy and
Procedures.
Academic regulations
There are detailed assessment regulations in the University’s Academic Regulations.
A useful introduction to the main points that are relevant to students can be found in the
Rough Guide to the Modular Scheme (on the flip-side of this Guide).
In particular you should note that you must complete registration for all modules in which
you expect to be assessed by the end of the third week of each semester. Any
requests for amendments thereafter must be submitted to the Registrar in writing
and will only be accepted if you can show good reason.
It is vital that you ensure that your module registrations are correct, because you
will only receive credit for those modules for which you are properly registered,
regardless of which modules you have attended or submitted assessments for.
You must familiarise yourself with the University’s rules for the conduct of examinations,
which are included in ‘Abertay Knowledge’ under Rules for Candidates in Modular
Examinations. In particular, you should be aware that you may only use a calculator if
the examination paper specifically allows you to.
Any electronic devices capable of displaying text (such as PDAs, mobile phones and calculators
with text memories) or being used for communicating outside the examinations room
(such as mobile phones) must be switched off before you enter. During your exam, these
items must not be placed on your desk or in your bag, but must be left where indicated
by the exam invigilator. The University has no responsibility for the safekeeping of your
personal property.
5
Attendance
Once you have enrolled at the University, you must attend regularly, carry out the work
assigned to you and sit any exams that are required.
Students whose attendance record is poor are much more likely to fail than those who
attend regularly.
All Schools have systems in place to monitor attendance and will take action to follow
up students whose attendance record is poor.
Bullying & harassment
The University seeks to ensure that all individuals are treated with dignity and respect. It
regards harassment as unacceptable and has a Personal Harassment Policy
designed to protect its students and staff. Harassment can take many forms, but is generally
regarded as behaviour which:
• is unwanted by the recipient;
• and/or is hostile and/or offensive to the recipient or to others who have been
exposed to it;
• and/or would be regarded by any reasonable person as harassment.
Such behaviour may be physical, psychological, verbal or non-verbal and can also be carried
out in written form or electronically. It may be based on sexual, racial, age or disability
grounds, and can include bullying or other forms of harassment that result from personal
dislike or incompatibility.
If you feel that you are being subjected to harassment you are encouraged at the earliest
possible stage to tell the person concerned that their behaviour is unwelcome and ask
them to stop. You should be polite but firm, advise them that their conduct is unacceptable
and unwanted, and indicate that you consider it to be in breach of the University’s Policy
and therefore a serious matter.
If you feel unable to speak to the person concerned, you may wish to seek assistance from
the Students’ Association or from Student Services.
The University also has a network of trained Harassment Advisers who are identified at
the end of the Policy. If you approach any of these individuals, your complaint will be handled
sensitively and in confidence and further action involving you will not be taken without
your permission.
6
Complaints
We hope that you will never need to complain about the way you have been treated by
the University or the level of service that you have received. However, if you
encounter a problem and have reason to complain, the University has a Student
Complaints Procedure that provides details of how to go about doing so.
The procedure aims in the first instance to resolve your complaint at the earliest possible stage
on an informal basis.
Should it not be possible to do so, the procedure outlines how to raise a more formal
complaint.
Should you remain dissatisfied having exhausted the internal University process, the procedure
tells you how to approach the Scottish Public Ombudsman.
Children in the University
Children are not normally permitted within any part of the University other than in public
areas, where they must be accompanied at all times by a parent or other responsible adult.
If the harassment is serious or if it is impossible to resolve on an informal basis then you
should make a formal written complaint to the Deputy University Secretary.
Your complaint will be acknowledged in writing and will be fully investigated. As a result
of the investigation, the Vice-Principal & Deputy Vice Chancellor may decide to refer the
case for disciplinary action.
Where a student or member of staff is found guilty of the bullying or harassment of
another student or member of staff, the University will treat the matter extremely
seriously.
7
Computer systems & facilities
As a student you are given access to our computer systems and network facilities, which
provide a very powerful information, communication and learning resource. You must only
use these facilities for appropriate authorised purposes and must accept certain
responsibilities and obligations. These are detailed in the University’s Regulations
Governing the Use of University Computer Systems & Network
Facilities, available through the “IT Policies and Procedures” tab of the “IS Service Desk”
link on Abertay’s Intranet homepage.
Breaching these regulations may result in the withdrawal of access to our facilities or to
disciplinary action under the Student Disciplinary Code. Under the Regulations
you are prohibited from:
• attempting to gain unauthorised access to computer held information
• attempting to decode passwords or bypass other security restrictions
• degrading system performance by deliberately consuming excessive computer resources
• storing, creating or propagating viruses or similar types of software
• disrupting services by damaging files or equipment
• damaging any part of the computer systems
• gaining unauthorised access to the system by obtaining extra unauthorised resources
• using another user’s password whether to deprive that user from authorised
access or to make unauthorised use of the facilities
• sharing passwords with unauthorised users and
• monitoring network communications.
In addition, you must not use the University’s facilities to access the Internet or other networks
for purposes reasonably considered by us to be illegal, immoral, for financial gain, for
political or other campaigning purposes or for the purposes of causing harassment. You
must also not use our facilities to send or store offensive or obscene material, annoy,
harass, intimidate, threaten or offend others, disrupt or damage the academic research or
administrative pursuits of others, invade the privacy of others, send material which a recipient
reasonably deems to be unwelcome, obscene or defamatory or to bring the University
into disrepute.
You are responsible for the security of your own passwords, and should ensure that
you never leave computers logged on and unattended.
8
Copyright
The University has a licence which enables its students and staff to photocopy materials
subject to certain permissions and restrictions imposed by the Copyright Licensing
Agency. All staff and students are responsible for copyright and for remaining within the
law. There can be serious implications in breaching the copyright licence for both you and
the University.
Detailed information on the permissions and restrictions applicable to photocopying is
provided on posters next to photocopiers around the University and in the Copyshop. It
is important that you read this and that you seek further guidance if you are at all uncertain
about what you may copy.
Discipline
While thankfully relatively uncommon, from time to time problems of student behaviour
do arise. The University’s Student Disciplinary Code sets out the processes by
which allegations of misconduct against students are investigated and dealt with. Under
the terms of the Code, misconduct constitutes:
(a) improper interference with the proper functioning or activities of the
University or with those who work or study in the University; or
(b) action which otherwise might damage the University.
Examples of the types of behaviour which constitute misconduct can be found in the Code.
Data Protection Act
The University treats all student records as confidential and the strictest control is exercised
over the release of any information relating to students. The records are maintained in
accordance with the terms of our registration under the Data Protection Act.
Any student holding or intending to keep personal data of any kind must comply with the
provisions of the Act, under which it is a criminal offence to process personal data on
computers without being a registered user. This is an individual responsibility. Further
details are available in the University’s Data Protection Policy.
9
When an allegation is made against a student, the University Secretary & Vice Principal
(Planning & Resources) carries out an investigation. Where this indicates that formal
disciplinary procedures are necessary, the matter is referred to the Student Disciplinary
Committee, which hears the case.
In the event of misconduct being admitted, or found proven, the Code specifies a range
of disciplinary sanctions. Depending on the level of seriousness of the offence, these
include reprimands, withdrawal of privileges, financial penalties, and ultimately expulsion
from the University.
If you find yourself involved in a disciplinary matter, you are strongly advised to seek
confidential and impartial help and advice from the Students’ Association or an advisor in
Student Services.
The Students’ Association regulates its own internal affairs in a similar way and has separate
disciplinary procedures.
10
Disclosure Scotland
Disclosure Scotland provides criminal history information on anyone seeking employment
or voluntary posts which involve positions of trust such as working with children and
vulnerable adults. The University seeks Disclosures from its undergraduate, postgraduate
and research students where, as a result of the programme on which they are enrolled,
they will:
• be involved in regular contact with children and young people under the age
of 18, elderly, sick and handicapped people; and/or
• be seeking to gain admission to professional groups in health, pharmacy and law
The University prospectus clearly indicates those programmes for which we seek
Disclosures. In the case of research students, decisions as to whether a Disclosure is
required will be made on a case by case basis depending on the nature of their research.
We also seek Disclosures for students involved in a paid or voluntary basis with school
children.
When receiving a Disclosure that shows a conviction, the University may decide that this
provides grounds for requiring a student to de-register from a programme or for refusing
permission for a student to be involved in certain activities. In reaching such a decision,
the person considering the Disclosure will take into account a number of factors, including
the relevance of any conviction to the programme, the seriousness of the offence, the time
since it took place and whether or not it has been spent.
Further details can be found in the University’s Policy on the use of Disclosure
Scotland information in respect of students.
Equality and Diversity Policy
The University believes that equality of opportunity is fundamental to the achievement of its
Mission and its Strategic Plan.
The University’s Equality and Diversity Policy aims to ensure that staff and students
are selected and treated on the basis of their relative merit and abilities, and that
unlawful and unfair discrimination is not tolerated. Implementation of the Policy is the
responsibility of the whole University community.
Amongst other things, the Policy outlines the University’s commitment to ensuring that
students are treated equitably and fairly in relation to their selection, teaching and
assessment, that we monitor those policies effectively, that all students and staff have
equal access to University facilities wherever this can be achieved, and that serious
breaches of the Policy are dealt with through the University’s disciplinary procedures.
Health & safety
It is vitally important that you pay careful attention to the briefing on health and safety
that you receive as part of induction, along with any further information you receive in
terms of individual elements of your course, such as working in laboratories. The
University’s Health & Safety Policy and Procedures provides specific aspects of
health and safety and on the respective responsibilities of students, staff and the
University.
You must familiarise yourself with the procedure for evacuating the University in the case
of the fire alarm being sounded. Failure to obey an alarm, even if you believe it to be a
false alarm or test, not only places yourself and others at risk but will lead to disciplinary
action being taken against you.
Tampering with the fire safety equipment or deliberately triggering fire alarms are serious
disciplinary offences under the Student Disciplinary Code.
Intellectual Property Policy
Fees & other charges
You are responsible at all times for any tuition fees or other amounts owed to the
University, and should be aware that we will take action to follow up on non-payment.
Depending on the level of debt, such action might range from withdrawal of access to
facilities (for example computer facilities or library facilities) to de-registration from your
programme. Non-payment of accommodation fees may lead to you being asked to leave the
University’s halls of residence. If you do not clear your debts to the University at the completion
of your studies, you may not be permitted to graduate or receive your award certificate.
In certain cases the University will put the debt in the hands of a debt collection agency.
If you encounter financial problems, you are strongly urged to contact Student Services
to seek help and advice at the earliest possible stage.
11
“Intellectual Property” (IP) is the ownership of ideas and the control over tangible or virtual
representation of these ideas.
The University encourages the development of IP and our Intellectual Property
Policy provides a framework for the development of IP and its commercialisation where
appropriate.
In order to enable IP generated by students carrying out research, or projects, or other
University work (whether or not in conjuction with members of University staff) to be
adequately protected and developed, it is assigned to the University.
Residences
The University has a separate Guide to Staying in Student Accommodation.
This document includes information about the standards of service you can expect to receive
from us, as well as our expectations of your behaviour when living in residences. Breaking these
rules could lead to you being subject to disciplinary procedures under the Student
Disciplinary Code and ultimately to you being suspended or excluded from residences.
There is a copy of the Guide in every bedroom in the halls of residence. However if you
lose your copy, or you find that it is not available in your hall room, you can obtain a further
copy from Student Services.
12
Matriculation cards
For safety and security purposes, the University requires students to carry their matriculation
(ID) cards at all times and to display them, or surrender them, if asked to do so by a member
of staff. You will not obtain access to certain laboratories, computer facilities or the
Library if you do not have your card with you.
The Bernard King Library
The University Library is a place for students to study and to use learning resources. You
must therefore respect the right of other students to pursue their studies quietly and in
a scholarly environment. In particular, you should adhere to the zoning policy and refrain
from talking in silent study areas.
All Library materials must be issued before leaving the Library building. No hot food is
permitted in the building. Failure to comply with Library policies may result in you being
asked to leave and ultimately could lead to Library and IT facilities being withdrawn from
you and to further disciplinary action under the Student Disciplinary Code.
One of the main reasons for the University taking this approach is to protect the many
industrial and business partners who either sponsor research or provide access to their assets
for student projects. It is the University’s policy to share any returns from the commercialisation
of IP with the students who have developed it and, in the case of IP generated entirely by
the student or graduate without third party involvement, to assign it fully with no requirement
for a return to Abertay.
Students wishing to record (audio and/or video) any part of a lecture or other meeting
must first seek the permission of all those attending through the presenter of the lecture,
etc. Recording has no IP or copyright benefit and it is a disciplinary offence to employ any
recording for other than private and personal use.
Suspension
Students who have been accused of misconduct may be suspended from all or part of the
University and its property (including student residences) if the Principal decides that
their continued access is likely to be detrimental to the interests of other students, staff,
or University property.
Suspension remains in effect until the investigation has been completed and, where appropriate,
until the outcome has been determined by the Student Disciplinary Committee (or in the
case of a student who is the subject of a Police investigation, by the Courts).
Whistleblowing
The University has a Whistleblowing Policy which enables students and staff to raise
concerns (or ‘blow the whistle’) about, for example, matters such as impropriety, financial
misconduct, or the behaviour of a senior officer. The Policy enables staff and students to
raise such concerns in a way that protects their status and protects their confidentiality,
providing such a concern has not been raised maliciously or frivolously.
Student charter
The University’s Student Charter aims to promote a good relationship between the
University and its students. It outlines our commitment to provide you with accurate
information and advice and to treat you promptly, fairly and courteously at all times.
The Charter also tells you what you should do if you want to exercise your statutory right
not to be a member of the Students’ Association.
13
Smoking
The University has a No Smoking Policy which extends to all its academic and
research premises across the campus. Smoking is not permitted in any of these University
buildings or around their entrances.
Smoking may be permitted in certain areas within some halls of residence, but you are
advised to check the detail of the arrangements that apply to your specific hall of residence.
Security & lost property
The University operates a Campus Security Service which maintains a 24 hour Contact
Point on the ground floor of the Kydd Building (telephone Dundee 01382 308008). This
can be contacted for help and advice, or to report an incident or emergency, at any time
around the clock. The Contact Point also maintains a store of lost property that has been
recovered from across the University. The University has no responsibility for the safe-
keeping of your personal property.
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