ROUGH GUIDE

to the

MODULAR SCHEME

september 2012

Foreword
Welcome to the University of Abertay Dundee This brief guide explains some of the main features of the Universitys Modular Scheme. All of the Universitys 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

Index
Further information, advice and OASIS What is the Modular Scheme? What is a Module? What do the following terms mean? How many modules will I study? Do I have any choice in the modules I study? Who is responsible for my programme? How do I know if my registration details are correct? What if I want to change the modules Ive chosen? How do I know what will be taught on a module and how I will be assessed? How will my work be graded? Example of how a module grade is calculated How is the Honours Degree classification arrived at? What do I need to progress to the next stage of my programme? What reassessment opportunities are available? When will I get my module and programme results? What happens if I hand in an assessment after the deadline? What do I do if I have special needs for exams? Is there anything I need to know about examinations? What if Im ill or, for any other good reason, cant do the assessments? 4 5 5 6 6 7 7 7 8 8 9 9 10 11 11 12 12 13 13 13

Further information, advice and OASIS

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:

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. Printed copies of the Universitys 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?

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. Programme XYZ Semester 1 Module 2 (15 credits) Module 3 (15 credits) Module 4 (15 credits) Programme XYZ Semester 2 Module 5 (15 credits) Module 6 (30 credits)

Module 1 (30 credits - this runs over both semesters)

What is a Module?
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. 5

What do the following terms mean?

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 fulltime programmes, this is the same as one academic session, but one stage of a parttime 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 Stage Stage Stage 1: Certificate of Higher Education (120 credits) 2: Diploma of Higher Education (240 credits) 3: Degree (360 credits) 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.

How many modules will I study?

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.

Do I have any choice in the modules I study?

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.

Who is responsible for my programme?

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.

How do I know if my registration details are correct?

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.

What if I want to change the modules Ive chosen?

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 5th October 2012 Semester 2 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.

How do Ioknow n o w willh bet taught onea module tand How d I k what w a w i l l b taugh 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.

How will my work be graded?

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.
Brief Description Module of the Quality of Grade Performance Equivalent Excellent A Numerical Scale for Combining Assessments 20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 3 0

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.

Very Good

Example of how a module grade is calculated

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.

Good

Satisfactory

Marginal Fail Clear Fail Little Evidence of any Achievement or No work submitted

MF CF LA or NS

Table 1: The Grading of Assessments

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.
Description of the Grade Excellent Very Good Good Satisfactory Marginal Fail Clear Fail Outstanding performance - an excellent grasp of the subject matter. A very good grasp of the subject matter. [Honours Stage Equivalent] [First] [Upper Second]

Grade

ECTS

A B C D MF CF

A B C D

Generally sound grasp of the subject matter, [Lower Second] exceeds threshold standard. A satisfactory performance overall, but limited [Third] grasp of some areas of the subject matter. Has achieved the threshold level. Performance just below the threshold standard. A reasonable expectation that a pass is achievable by resassessment without the need to repeat the module. Performance well below the threshold level. Some limited evidence of achievement of the outcomes. Little evidence of achievement of the learning outcomes. Work presented is skeletal and/or irrelevant. No assessments submitted. Assessment incomplete due to valid mitigating circumstances.

FX F F

Little Evidence of Any Achievement No Work NS Submitted

LA

IN

Incomplete

Table 2: Definition of Module Grades

How is the Honours Degree classification arrived at?

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).

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Class
First

Calculation
At least 60 level 10 module credits at first class and At least 90 level 10 module credits at upper second or better and All 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 and 120 stage 4 module credits at third class or better At least 60 level 10 module credits at lower second or better and At least 90 stage 4 module credits at third or better At least 90 level 10 module credits at third or above

Upper Second

Lower Second Third

What do I need to progress to the next stage of my programme?

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 reassessment opportunities are available?

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 reassessment. For further information on reassessment and progression you are advised to consult section D of the Universitys Academic Regulations available on Abertay Knowledge which is the area of the Universitys 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 Universitys 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. 11

When will I get my module and programme results?

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 offcampus, 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.

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.

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What do I do if I have special needs for exams?

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.

Is there anything I need to know about examinations?

You must familiarise yourself with the University's rules for the conduct of examinations. These are included in the Universitys 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.

What if Im ill or, for any other good reason, cant do the assessments?
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.

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END OF

ROUGH GUIDE
to the

MODULAR SCHEME
flip to read the ROUGH GUIDE to University RULES & REGULATIONS

ROUGH GUIDE
to 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 Universitys 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 Universitys 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 Universitys 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

Index
Further information & advice Absences & other personal difficulties Academic appeals Academic deceit & plagiarism Academic regulations Attendance Bullying & harassment Children in the University Complaints Computer systems & facilities Copyright Data Protection Act Discipline Disclosure Scotland Equality and Diversity Policy Fees & other charges Health & safety Intellectual Property Policy The Bernard King Library Matriculation cards Residences Security & lost property Smoking Student charter Suspension Whistleblowing 4 4 4 5 5 6 6 7 7 7 8 9 9 10 10 11 11 11 12 12 12 13 13 13 13 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 Universitys 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 Universitys 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.

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 Universitys 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 Universitys Academic Deceit Policy and Procedures.

Academic regulations
There are detailed assessment regulations in the Universitys 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 Universitys 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.

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 Universitys 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.

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.

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.

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.

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 Universitys 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 Abertays 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 users 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 Universitys 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.

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. 8

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 Universitys Data Protection Policy.

Discipline
While thankfully relatively uncommon, from time to time problems of student behaviour do arise. The Universitys 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. 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.

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 Universitys 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 Universitys 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 Universitys 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 Universitys disciplinary procedures.

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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 Universitys 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.

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 Universitys 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

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.

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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 Universitys 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.

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.

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.

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

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 safekeeping of your personal property.

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.

Student charter
The Universitys 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.

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. 13

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