Framework Provisions (Translation)

Engineering Programmes

Chartered Surveyor Programme

Science Programmes

Faculty of Engineering and Science Aalborg University 2005

Preface The engineering programmes at Aalborg University are offered by a number of study boards in conformity with the traditional departmentalization of engineering programmes. The programmes within science are the responsibility of a common study board for all of the programmes, and the chartered surveyor programme is the responsibility of a separate study board. To ensure consistency in the programmes at the Faculty of Engineering and Science, to ensure a high standard of quality, and to optimize resource allocation, the Faculty Council has adopted a set of framework provisions as an overall set of rules specifying the procedure by which the individual study boards are to prepare their own study regulations. The Framework Provisions set out the rules for the structure and organization of the programmes as well as terms of admission and examination. These Framework Provisions comprise the joint provisions for the engineering programmes, the science programmes, and the chartered surveyor programme at Aalborg University (AAU). The Framework Provisions are in accordance with the ministerial orders on:

the B.Eng. programmes undergraduate and graduate programmes at the universities examinations external examiners marks

Aalborg University’s website containing rules and regulations at http://www.aau.dk/regelsamling/index.htm has links to all of the above orders which are available at the website of Retsinformation - ‘Legal Information’ - which is the official on-line legal information system of the Danish State. The Framework Provisions are a part of the Faculty’s quality assurance programme, a complete description of which is contained in the Faculty’s quality manual, cf.: http://www.kvalitet.aau.dk The Framework Provisions were adopted by the Faculty Council of Engineering and Science in January 2005. Aalborg University, January 2005 Finn Kjærsdam dean

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Table of contents Preface .................................................................................................................................................2 Table of contents..................................................................................................................................3 1 The administrative structure of the programmes .........................................................................5 2 Objectives and contents of the programmes................................................................................5

2.1 Objectives of the B.Eng. programme ...................................................................................5 2.2 Objectives of the M.Sc. (engineering) programme ..............................................................5 2.3 Objectives of the science programmes .................................................................................6 2.4 Objectives of the chartered surveyor programme.................................................................6 2.5 Skills .....................................................................................................................................6

3 Structure of the programmes .......................................................................................................7 3.1 The basic study programme..................................................................................................7 3.2 The sectors ............................................................................................................................8 3.3 The Bachelor of Engineering programmes: professional bachelor ......................................9 3.3.1 Contents of the B.Eng. specializations .................................................................................9 3.3.2 B.Eng. traineeship...............................................................................................................10 3.4 The M.Sc. (engineering) programme..................................................................................10 3.4.1 Contents of the 1st to 4th semesters of the M.Sc. (engineering) routes ...............................10 3.5 The science programmes ....................................................................................................11 3.5.1 Contents of the science programmes (B.Sc. and M.Sc.) ....................................................11 3.6 The chartered surveyor programme....................................................................................12 3.6.1 Contents of the chartered surveyor programme (B.Sc. and M.Sc.) ....................................12 3.7 Recommended study routes................................................................................................14

4 Structure of the programmes .....................................................................................................15 4.1 Project units, project work, and project courses .................................................................15 4.1.1 Project-unit descriptions .....................................................................................................15 4.1.2 Project work........................................................................................................................16 4.1.3 Project courses ....................................................................................................................16 4.1.4 Choice of project.................................................................................................................16 4.1.5 Bachelor project/thesis........................................................................................................17 4.1.6 The B.Eng. project ..............................................................................................................18 4.1.7 The bachelor project ...........................................................................................................18 4.1.8 Thesis for the master’s programmes...................................................................................18 4.2 General courses...................................................................................................................18 4.2.1 Study circles........................................................................................................................19 4.2.2 Optional electives (’free study activities’)..........................................................................19

5 Special aspects relating to the study regulations .......................................................................19 5.1 Special programme design on the undergraduate programmes..........................................19 5.2 1st semester of the master’s programmes...........................................................................19 5.3 3rd semester of the master’s programmes ..........................................................................20 5.4 Voluntary traineeships ........................................................................................................20 5.5 Study periods at other educational institutions...................................................................20 5.6 Workshop traineeship .........................................................................................................20 5.7 Integrated traineeships ........................................................................................................20

6 Scope of the programmes in ECTS ...........................................................................................21 6.1 The European Credit Transfer System (ECTS system)......................................................21 6.2 Scope of the programmes ...................................................................................................21

7 Admission ..................................................................................................................................22 7.1 Third semester ....................................................................................................................22 7.2 Sixth semester of the B.Eng. programme ...........................................................................22

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7.3 Seventh semester of the M.Sc. (engineering) programmes ................................................22 7.4 Transfers from the B.Eng. to the M.Sc. (engineering) programme....................................23 7.5 Transfers from the M.Sc. (engineering) to the B.Eng. programme....................................23 7.6 Sector/specialization transfers and transfers of students from other institutions ...............23 7.7 M.Sc. (engineering) programme for B.Eng. graduates.......................................................23 7.8 Foreign students wishing to enrol on a master’s programme .............................................24

8 Organization and quality assurance ...........................................................................................25 8.1 Organization of project groups, the project-unit group and the steering group..................25 8.1.1 Project groups .....................................................................................................................25 8.1.2 The project-unit group ........................................................................................................26 8.1.3 Semester and student coordinator .......................................................................................26 8.1.4 The steering group ..............................................................................................................26 8.2 Planning and evaluation of the programmes ......................................................................26 8.2.1 Quality development...........................................................................................................26 8.2.2 Module planning.................................................................................................................27 8.2.3 Semester handbook (student handbook).............................................................................27 8.2.4 Module evaluation ..............................................................................................................28

9. Examinations .............................................................................................................................28 9.1 General examination provisions .........................................................................................28 9.2 Examinations in project units .............................................................................................30 9.3 External examinations, bachelor project and thesis............................................................32 9.4 Examinations in general courses ........................................................................................32 9.5 Re-sit examinations ............................................................................................................33 9.6 Registration for examinations.............................................................................................35 9.7 De-registration from examinations .....................................................................................35 9.8 Non-attendance at examinations.........................................................................................35 9.9 Re-sit examinations owing to illness ..................................................................................35 9.10 Conditions in connection with examinations......................................................................35 9.11 Examiners ...........................................................................................................................36 9.12 Examination complaints .....................................................................................................37 9.13 Examination certificates .....................................................................................................37 9.14 Project-unit certificates.......................................................................................................37

10 Additional provisions.............................................................................................................38 10.1 Exemptions .........................................................................................................................38 10.2 Period of validity ................................................................................................................38 10.3 Revision ..............................................................................................................................38

ANNEXE 1: Bloom’s taxonomy .......................................................................................................39 ANNEXE 2: Amendments made to the Framework Provisions .......................................................40

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1 The administrative structure of the programmes The ordinary programmes within the Faculty of Engineering and Science comprise the B.Eng. programmes, cf. the ministerial order on the B.Eng. programme; the M.Sc. (engineering) programme, cf. the ministerial order on the M.Sc. (engineering) programmes; science programmes, cf. the ministerial order on the science programmes; and the chartered surveyor programme, cf. the ministerial order on the chartered surveyor programmes. These Framework Provisions contain the common set of rules that apply to the above programmes at Aalborg University. The study regulations for the individual programmes comprise a general part, which is common to all programmes at the Faculty, as well as a programme-specific part. The Framework Provisions herein are subject to approval by the Faculty Council following consultations with the study boards as well as the Dean’s Advisory Educational Committee, whereas the programme-specific part of the Study Regulations of the individudal programmes is prepared by the individual study boards subject to the subsequent approval by the Dean. 2 Objectives and contents of the programmes 2.1 Objectives of the B.Eng. programme The overall objectives of the B.Eng. programme, cf. section 1 of the ministerial order on B.Eng. programmes, are to qualify the students to handle professional functions, nationally as well as internationally, in which they must

1. convert the results of technical research as well as scientific and technical knowledge into practical applications, both in connection with R&D projects and when solving technical problems

2. acquire new knowledge in a judicious manner within relevant areas of engineering, 3. independently solve common engineering tasks 4. plan, realize, and manage technical and technological plants, i.e. tasks which include the

ability to take into account social, economic, and environmental consequences, including consequences for the working environment, in connection with the solution of technical problems

5. enter into cooperative and managerial functions and relationships at a professional level with people with different educational, linguistic and cultural backgrounds.

The specific part of the study regulations stipulates the professional and academic objectives of the individual B.Eng. programmes. 2.2 Objectives of the M.Sc. (engineering) programme The overall objectives of the M.Sc. (engineering) programme, cf. section 1 of the ministerial order on engineering programmes, are to qualify the students to handle professional functions, nationally as well as internationally, in which they must

1. apply scientific methods within the fields of technology and natural science and undertake technological research and development

2. solve complex technical problems while taking into account scientific and technological knowledge

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3. participate in the planning, realization, and management of complex technological systems, i.e. tasks which include the ability to take into account social, economic, and environmental consequences of the solutions to technical problems

4. enter into managerial and cooperative relationships with people with different educational and cultural backgrounds.

The specific part of the study regulations stipulates the professional and academic objectives of the individual M.Sc. (engineering) programmes. 2.3 Objectives of the science programmes The descriptions of the science programmes are divided into separate descriptions of the B.Sc. and M.Sc. programmes, respectively. The objectives of the B.Sc. programme, cf. the ministerial order on science programmes, are to qualify the students to handle professional functions on the basis of scientific knowledge and skills, and to provide the students with knowledge of and insight into the methods on which the M.Sc. programmes are based. The specific part of the study regulations stipulates the professional and academic objectives of the individual B.Sc. programmes. The objectives of the M.Sc. programme, cf. the ministerial order on science programmes, are to qualify the students to independently handle professional functions on the basis of scientific knowledge as well as insight into theoretical and/or experimental methods within science, and to qualify the students to participate in scientific research and development. The specific parts of the individual study regulations stipulate the professional and academic objectives of the individual M.Sc. programmes. The objectives include that of ensuring that the graduates obtain the professional competence required for employment in upper secondary education (in particular the Danish ’gymnasium’ (the Danish equivalent of sixth-form colleges (UK) and high schools (US)) and ‘hf’, i.e. the higher preparatory examination course), cf. Ministry of Education order no. 477 of 18th June 2002. 2.4 Objectives of the chartered surveyor programme The objectives of the chartered surveyor programme, cf. the ministerial order on the chartered surveyor programme at Aalborg University, are to educate chartered surveyors who

1. possess the fundamental professional and academic qualifications within the professional functions of chartered surveyors

2. are able to apply surveying methods to the solution of practical problems within the professional functions

3. are qualified to independently process new and complex problems within surveying, 4. are qualified to apply scientific theories and methods to the development of the surveying

disciplines 5. are qualified to subsequently obtain official authorization as practising chartered surveyors,

cf. the act on chartered surveyors.

The specific part of the study regulations stipulates the professional and academic objectives of the chartered surveyor programme. 2.5 Skills Through continuous development and updating of the entire range of programmes within the Faculty of Engineering and Science, above all of the problem-centered project work, which is the

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corner-stone of the programmes of the Faculty, the programmes should strive to develop the students’ capacity of confronting new problems logical reasoning critical and independent analysis understanding the theory of science of the profession interdisciplinary synthesis promotion of sustainable and ethically sound technology creative problem solution application of modern information technology communication group work and cooperation management continuing professional development innovation and commercialization via entrepreneurship

The individual study regulations must enable students to include an international dimension in their programme. The design of the study regulations for the programmes must ensure that all students, through project units and general courses - normally in the last part of their individual programme - acquire knowledge and skills that are particularly aimed at subsequent career functions. In addition, it is desirable that the last semesters of any programme should be closely linked to the research areas of the relevant department. The programmes must contain a solid basis of relevant scientific and technical subjects as well as necessary subjects within social science and humanities. 3 Structure of the programmes In general, the programmes of the Faculty consist of three elements: a foundational course within the area during the first-year basic study programme, a broad introduction to the disciplinary sector chosen by the student during the undergraduate programme, and in-depth studies within the chosen route or the chosen major during the graduate programme. At the end of the undergraduate programme, the student may choose to specialize within one of the routes offered on the graduate programme, and at the end of the graduate programme the student may choose to specialize within one of the research areas of the Faculty. The programmes of the Faculty are modularized into one-semester units (30 ECTS). Cf. section 6. Progression through the programmes is ensured by the modularization, as subsequent modules build on the knowledge acquired in previous modules. 3.1 The basic study programme The first year of all the undergraduate programmes of the Faculty is the responsibility of a common study board and is referred to as the basic study programme. The basic study programme is divided into a number of disciplinary units characterized partly by being associated with the programme the students have enrolled on, partly by the students’ 3rd-semester study intentions. The overall objectives of the basic study programme are:

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1. To develop the students’ ability, on a scientifically and contextually oriented basis, to undertake and communicate project work of relevance to a programme within technology and science as well as to develop the students’ ability to reflect on the learning process.

2. To impart to students the basic knowledge and understanding relevant to a programme within technology and science

3. To function as an integral part of the specific study programme that the individual student has enrolled in, through the fulfilment of items 1 and 2 above.

3.2 The sectors On the 3rd – 6th1 semesters, the programmes offered by the Faculty are organized in a number of sectors which, together with the basic study programme, provide the basis of the undergraduate programmes. The sectors cover wide and interdisciplinary areas and are structured in common for all students within the sector, irrespective of the students’ admission areas. The aim is to ensure a common disciplinary core-knowledge within the individual sector. The sectors provide admission to at least one, but normally several specializations. Teaching activities within a sector comprise 4 semesters of project units (cf. section 4.1) and a number of general courses (cf. section 4.2). On the first semester, the project units of a sector are common to all students within the sector, whereas students may branch off in the final semesters of the undergraduate programmes. The objectives of a sector are to: provide students with disciplinary core knowledge within the subjects of the sectors, provide students with an overview of the career functions within the sector, provide students with a solid basis for making their study decisions.

Within the provisions of the ministerial orders, the Faculty Council organizes a number of sectors providing the options available to students on their 3rd semester:

Aalborg: Esbjerg: Architecture and Design Chemical technology and Biotechnology Building technology and Structural

engineering Building technology

Chartered surveyor Industry Development and planning Electronics, IT, and Computer

engineering Electrical and electronic engineering Medialogy Health technology Computer engineering Chemistry, Environmental engineering,

Bio-tech. Copenhagen:

Industry and production Medialogy Global business development Nanotechnology Physics and Technical Physics Software Computer science

1 3rd-5th semesters of the B.Eng. programmes.

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Informatics Mathematics Geography

The sector must provide the possibility of admission to several M.Sc. programmes as well as professional compentences within the specific B.Sc. programme, where relevant. 3.3 The Bachelor of Engineering programmes: professional bachelor The B.Eng. programmes consist of the basic study programme (1st and 2nd semesters), a bachelor part (3rd to 5th semesters) and a specialization (6th and 7th semesters). Specialization 7 Bachelor project 6

Specialization and traineeship

5 Bachelor part 4 Sectors 3 Basic Study 2 Programme 1

Disciplinary units

The B.Eng. programme The bachelor part is divided into a number of disciplinary sectors (3rd-5th semesters), with the possibility of specialization towards the end of a sector, cf. section 3.2. The specialization part consists of the 6th and 7th semesters, including a specialization (15 ECTS) and the bachelor project (15 ECTS). The specialization requirement is normally met through the 6th-semester project unit plus a number of general courses. Furthermore, the specialization part ensures that the traineeship requirement (30 ECTS) is met by the student undertaking an industrial traineeship or by requiring that projects on these semesters must be undertaken in cooperation with a business organization, cf. section 3.3.2. The traineeship requirement may be fulfilled in previous semesters. The basic study programme plus the bachelor part meet the requirement of compulsory subjects amounting to 150 ECTS. The 6th and 7th semesters must ensure the fulfilment of the requirement that optional electives, traineeship, and the bachelor project must total 60 ECTS. Sections 7.4 and 7.5 describe the prerequisites for transfers between the B.Eng. and M.Sc. (engineering) programmes. 3.3.1 Contents of the B.Eng. specializations The 6th-7th semester B.Eng. specializations are designed as well-defined career profiles within engineering and comprise professionally coherent educational elements. The study regulations stipulate which sectors provide admission to the individual B.Eng. specializations in engineering (recommended study routes). The B.Eng. specializations are described in the study regulations for the routes: Building technology and Structural engineering Development and planning Electrical engineering and Electronic engineering Computer engineering and IT Chemistry and Biotechnology Environmental engineering Nanotechnology Industry and production

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Export (Global business development) After each sector at least one B.Eng. option is offered within the same route. 3.3.2 B.Eng. traineeship The 6th-semester project work focuses on practical application of the engineering knowledge obtained. The 6th-7th semesters must ensure that the traineeship requirement is met, cf. section 5.7. If the student does not choose engineering traineeship with a company and if the student likewise has not fulfilled the traineeship through the programme so far, the traineeship requirement is met by the student undertaking engineering traineeship as project work with external parties on the 6th or 7th semester, or possibly a previous semester, cf. section 5.7. The bachelor project is placed on the 7th semester. 3.4 The M.Sc. (engineering) programme The M.Sc. (engineering) programmes comprise the basic study programme (1st - 2nd semesters), an undergraduate part (3rd - 6th semesters) and a graduate part (1st – 4th semesters). 4 Thesis M.Sc. part 3 (graduate part) 2 1

Routes

6 Bachelor project B.Sc. part 5 (undergraduate 4 part) 3

Sectors

Basic study programme

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1

Disciplinary units

The M.Sc. (engineering) programme The undergraduate part is divided into a number of disciplinary sectors (3rd – 6th semesters), cf. section 3.2. The graduate part consists of the 1st – 4th semesters and is divided into a number of routes and specializations. The thesis is written on the 10th semester. 3.4.1 Contents of the 1st to 4th semesters of the M.Sc. (engineering) routes The M.Sc. (engineering) specializations are designed as well-defined career profiles within engineering and comprise professionally coherent elements. The study regulations stipulate which sectors provide admission to the individual M.Sc. (engineering) routes (recommended study routes). The 1st-4th semesters of the M.Sc. (engineering) programmes are the responsibility of the following study boards:

A: Architecture and design B: Building technology and Structural

engineering L: Development and planning E: Electronic engineering, Electrical

engineering, Computer technology, and IT S: Health technology F: Technical physics and Nanotechnology Software

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K: Chemistry and Biotechnology Environmental engineering M: Industry and International technology

management Project work as well as the choice of general courses may allow for a certain specialization within the specific programme. The 1st-3rd semesters are designed to allow for professional progression through the course of the programme. On the recommendation of the relevant study board, the Faculty Council decides on routes and specializations and their disciplinary core areas. After each sector at least one M.Sc. (engineering) option is offered within the same route. In the study regulations for an M.Sc. (engineering) specialization, the study board may stipulate a minimum number of students required for tuition to be delivered on the specialization, unless the students have been guaranteed a specific specialization by admission via a special admissions area. The study regulations stipulate the routes, the designations of the specializations, and the relevant rules therefore. 3.5 The science programmes The science programmes consist of the basic study programme (1st - 2nd semesters), an undergraduate part (3rd – 6th semesters) and a graduate part (1st – 4th semesters). 4 Thesis M.Sc. part 3 (graduate part) 2 1

Specialization (1st subject/major)

6 Bachelor project B.Sc. part 5 (undergrad. part) 4 3

Sectors

(1st/major subject and 2nd/minor subject)

Basic study prog. 2 1

Disciplinary units

Science programmes The undergraduate part normally consists of two subjects (3rd-6th semesters), cf.section 3.2. The graduate part consists of 1st – 4th semesters within one of these subjects. The thesis is written on the 4th semester. The programmes may be structured differently if they do not have competences within upper-secondary education as one of their objectives. This must appear from the study regulations. 3.5.1 Contents of the science programmes (B.Sc. and M.Sc.) The undergraduate and graduate programmes within science are structured as professionally well-defined profiles within one or two subjects. The possible subject combinations are described in the study regulations (recommended study routes). The programmes may include subjects from the Humanities and Social Sciences for a maximum of 2 semesters during the undergraduate programme and 3 semesters during the combined undergraduate plus graduate programme. (Supplementary subjects and minor.) Science programmes are offered within the following fields:

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Chemistry (with biology) Physics (with nanotechnology) Geography Computer science Informatics IT Mathematics (with statistics)

The programmes are structured to provide for disciplinary progression through the programme. Through projects and the availability of general courses, there may be a certain specialization within individual subjects. In the study regulations for a specialization, the study board may stipulate a minimum number of students required for tuition on the specialization to be delivered. The study regulations stipulate the routes, the designations of the specializations, and the relevant rules therefore. 3.6 The chartered surveyor programme The chartered surveyor programmes consist of the basic study programme (1st - 2nd semesters), an undergraduate part (3rd - 6th semesters) and a graduate part (1st – 4th semesters). 4 Thesis M.Sc. part 3 Specializations (graduate part) 2 1 6 Bachelor project B.Sc. part 5 (undergraduate 4 part) 3

The L sector

Basic study prog. 2 1

Disciplinary units

The chartered surveyor programme The undergraduate part of the programme consists of the chartered surveyor sector (3rd - 6th semesters), cf. section 3.5. The graduate part of the programmes consists of 1st - 4th semesters and is divided into a number of specializations/routes. The thesis is written on the 10th semester. The prerequisite for official authorization as a chartered surveyor is a B.Sc. degree from the L sector and an associated M.Sc. degree within surveying. 3.6.1 Contents of the chartered surveyor programme (B.Sc. and M.Sc.) The undergraduate part comprises the fundamental disciplinary areas constituting the professional identity of the profession of chartered surveyors. The bachelor project consists of the 6th-semester project work. The graduate part comprises a number of specilizations stipulated in the study regulations. The 1st-3rd semesters are structured to provide for disciplinary progression through the programme. The master’s thesis consists of the 4th semester project work.

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In the study regulations, the study board may stipulate a minimum number of students required for tuition to be delivered on the specialization. The study regulations stipulate the designations of the specializations and the relevant rules therefore.

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3.7 Recommended study routes The disciplinary part of the study regulations describes the recommended study routes based on the basic study programme, a sector, and the subsequent programme elements. This part of the study regulations must state the degree which the student will be awarded on completion of the study route. The study regulations for the individual programmes must exemplify the recommended study route(s), indicating the title obtained on completion. Furthermore, a diagrammatic list must show the distribution of ECTS (cf. section 6) on the individual semesters, broken down into project units (project course and project work) and general courses. The study regulations must ensure that a minimum of 1/3 of the programme is documented by external examinations and that the Passed/Failed criterion is used in a maximum of 1/3 of the examinations - in both cases ECTS-weighted. A recommended B.Eng. route describes an approved combination of the basic study programme, a sector and a subsequent specialization. On completion of a recommended study route the graduate is awarded the B.Eng. (x) degree, ‘x’ being the sector designation. The sector designations are specified in the study regulations. The disciplinary part of the study regulations describe the recommended study route(s) on completion of the basic study programme, one or more sectors, and the subsequent B.Eng. specializations. If a student does not follow a recommended study route the study board must, when approving the study route, decide if the student can be awarded the sector and/or specialization designation on completion of the B.Eng. programme. Otherwise the general degree of B.Eng. is given. A recommended M.Sc. (engineering) route describes an approved combination of the basic study programme, a sector and a subsequent specialization. On completion of a recommended study route the graduate is awarded the M.Sc. (x) degree, ‘x’ being the sector designation. The sector designations are specified in the study regulations and must be sufficiently general to be recognized within the world of engineering, also in the long term. The disciplinary part of the study regulations for an M.Sc. (engineering) programme describes the recommended study route(s) based on the basic study programme, one or more sectors and subsequent routes and specializations, if any. If a student does not follw a recommended study route the study board must, when approving the study route, decide if the student can be awarded the sector and/or specialization designation on completion of the M.Sc. (engineering) programme. Otherwise the general title of M.Sc. (engineering) is given. A recommended study route for the science programmes describes an approved combination of study components on the basic study programme as well as the bachelor part as regards the B.Sc. programme, and an approved combination of study components on the B.Sc. programme as well as the M.Sc. programme insofar as the M.Sc. programme is concerned. The study regulations must specify the conditions required for the award of the B.Sc. and M.Sc. degrees as well as the designations of any specializations.

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A recommended study route for a chartered surveyor programme describes an approved combination of study components on the basic study programme as well as the bachelor part (as regards the B.Sc. programme) and an approved combination of study components on the B.Sc. programme as well as the M.Sc. programme as regards the M.Sc. programme. All candidates that pass the undergraduate plus graduate parts of the programme obtain the Danish title of Landinspektør (Chartered Surveyor), candidatus(a) geometriae (cand.geom.), with the attendant possibility of obtaining official authorization as a practising chartered surveyor. Combination programmes A student may design a 3-year bachelor’s programme or a 5-year master’s programme (3-year undergraduate plus 2-year graduate programmes) as a combination programme by combining components from among the total curricula offered by the university and other institutions of higher education. In such cases the study route requires approval by the Dean in consultation with the study boards involved. Upon completion of a combination programme with the main emphasis within the technical or scientific areas, the degrees of B.Sc. or M.Sc. for the 3-year and 5-year programmes, respectively, are awarded, without designation of specialization. 4 Structure of the programmes 4.1 Project units, project work, and project courses The main element of the programmes is the project unit consisting of problem-oriented project work and the courses associated with the project work (project courses, often referred to by their Danish abbreviation: PE-courses). The purpose of the project courses is to support the project work and give it the necessary disciplinary level. Cf. also section 6.2 about the scope of the programmes. 4.1.1 Project-unit descriptions The specific part of the study regulations for the individual programmes contains descriptions of the project units in terms of: the title (in Danish and English) a theme (may be identical with the title) which constitutes the subject of the project unit, a statement of objectives describing the learning objectives of the project unit, a statement of contents describing the contents and nature of the project work, the number of ECTS points describing the scope of the project unit, a language section describing the language of instruction and examination, an examination section describing whether internal or external examiners participate, an assessment section describing whether the asssessment is made in accordance with the

Danish 13-scale or by “Passed”/”Failed”, an examination format section describing whether the examination is oral or in writing.

An appendix to the study regulations – or to the student’s handbook or the semester handbook - must include a list of the project courses by title, objectives, contents, and scope. This appendix is approved by the study board and is not subject to the Dean’s approval. Depth of learning The objectives regarding the desired/expected depth of learning must be described in accordance with Bloom’s taxonomy (see annexe 1) or other similar taxonomy describing competences and progression in the programme. Bloom’s taxonomy is divided into 6 levels. Attaining a higher level requires that the level immediately below has been fulfilled (or reasonably fulfilled): 6 Evaluation 5 Synthesis

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4 Analysis 3 Application 2 Comprehension 1 Knowledge The description of objectives must be graded so that the aim for students, during the initial semesters or the first time they confront a specific topic, should especially be to acquire knowledge and understanding of each discipline and the ability to apply the acquired theories, methods and techniques. In subsequent semesters there will be an additional focus on the development of students’ ability to analyse and assess relevant problems within the specific course of study. If a taxonomy other than Bloom’s is used, the study regulations must specify which one is used instead. 4.1.2 Project work The project work consists of a group of students working to solve a delimited problem within the theme of the project unit. (Or, alternatively, a student working individually.) The project work is usually concluded with a project report which forms the basis of the final project-unit examination. The project supervisor must ensure that, in the light of the thematic framework and the learning objectives, a relevant problem is defined as the basis of the project work. It is expected that the project supervisor will read and comment on the project group’s working papers and interim project report on a continuous basis, for instance at regular meetings (eg weekly). If the project supervisor is going to be away for a lengthy period of time, arrangements must be made for the supervision to continue (e-mail contact or similar). Any further details on the role of the supervisor may be given in the study regulations. A timetable should be prepared to help plan and manage the project work. 4.1.3 Project courses In connection with a project unit, project courses must be offered to provide inspiration as well as the required disciplinary foundations to engage with the problems covered by the project unit. It is desirable that project courses are offered which, in terms of number and contents, provide students with a real choice when defining their project. An appendix to the study regulations or the student’s handbook or the semester handbook must contain a list of the project courses in terms of title, objectives, contents, and scope in ECTS. A project course in a project unit can not at the same time function as a general course for the students within the project unit. On the other hand, a project course within a project unit may have the status of a general course for students from a different project unit. 4.1.4 Choice of project2

Based on the project-unit description in the study regulations, the supervisors assigned to the project unit will draft a number of project themes3. The students will normally make their choice of project for the next project period from among these proposals. The specifics of the individual project will be worked out in cooperation between the project group and the supervisors.

2 Choice of project on the basic study programme is described in the study regulations. 3 If these are listed in a project catalogue, the study board must announce when this will be available.

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a) If a project group wishes to undertake another project than one of those proposed by the supervisors it should be approved insofar as the supervisory resources are available and it allows for attainment of the objectives of the project unit, which includes that it comes within the description of the project unit.

b) If students in a sector wish to undertake a project which falls outside the description of the project unit, the study board may exceptionally, on the recommendation of teaching staff specializing in the subject, grant its approval if it comes within the objectives of the programme and if the necessary resources are available.

c) If students on an engineering specialization (M.Sc. or B.Eng.) wish to undertake a project which falls outside the description of the project unit, the study board should nevertheless approve the project, subject to the recommendation of teaching staff specializing in the subject, provided that it comes within the objectives of the programme and the necessary resources are available.

In case of b) or c) above, applications for such projects must be accompanied by: A description of the project in conformity with the standard description in the study

regulations/the student handbook not later than 1 month prior to the start of the semester. The commitment to act as main supervisor from a teacher at Aalborg University who

specializes in the core area of the project.

When making its decision the study board must also decide whether the approval of the project will have an effect on the award of a specialization title. The decision must be made prior to the start of the semester. To ensure that teaching is research-based, the director of studies must ensure that at least four of the students’ project themes match staff research activities; in other words, there must be a minimum of two research-relevant project themes at the undergraduate level and two at the graduate level. 4.1.5 Bachelor project/thesis The bachelor project/thesis normally follows the semester structure, but it does not necessarily coincide with any of the various sub-divisions of the academic year. In that case the study board will stipulate another project period. In connection with the approval of the final project/thesis, the study board will stipulate a deadline for the submission of the bachelor project/thesis, taking into account already planned holidays. The study board may grant an extension of the deadline for submission in case of extraordinary circumstances justifying such an extension, subject to an application from the student(s) stating the grounds for the extension and a statement in support of the extension from the supervisor. The subject of the bachelor project/thesis is chosen by the student(s), subject to the approval of the study board. When considering its approval, the study board must take into account: Whether the subject provides an opportunity to work at a sufficiently high level, Whether the subject is relevant to the area of specialization in question, Whether the project can be completed within the timeframe available, and Whether the necessary supervisory and other resources are available.

Bachelor projects/theses prepared in Danish must contain a summary in English and vice versa. The study board may approve another foreign language than English. The summary forms part of the assessment. Cf. rules for the summary at: http://www.aau.dk/fak-tekn/regler/regl_index.htm.

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4.1.6 The B.Eng. project The bachelor project on the B.Eng programme consists of independent project work carried out by a maximum of 3 students on the 7th semester of the B.Eng. programme. The project comprises a minimum of 15 ECTS. The purpose of the B.Eng. project is to give students an opportunity to independently undertake a project comprising experimental, empirical and/or theoretical exploration of a practical problem within key areas of their programme. The project may be carried out in – or in collaboration with – a business organization. The project is documented in a project report. 4.1.7 The bachelor project The bachelor project consists of independent project work carried out by a maximum of 44 students on the 6th semester of the undergraduate programme. The project comprises a minimum of 15 ECTS. The purpose of the bachelor project is to give students an opportunity to demonstrate independent critical reflection within a subject approved by the university. The project is documented in a project report. 4.1.8 Thesis for the master’s programmes A thesis consists of independent project work carried out by a maximum of 3 students on the 4th semester of the master’s programme. It comprises 30 ECTS. The thesis may be completed as a long final project on the 1st - 4th semesters, with the same purpose and level as that of an ordinary final project of 30 ECTS, but with a wider scope and an ECTS weight of up to 60 ECTS. The objective of the thesis is to give the student an opportunity to independently carry out project work comprising experimental, empirical and/or theoretical exploration of one or more problems within core areas of the programme. The thesis must document the student’s ability to apply scientific theories and methods at a sufficiently high level. The project must be documented in a project report. 4.2 General courses General courses (often referred to by their Danish abbreviation, SE-courses) are courses which, independently of the individual project unit, aim to meet part of the objectives of the study unit. General courses fall into 3 groups: Courses in basic subjects within the natural science disciplines: mathematics, physics,

computer science, chemistry, etc. These courses serve three functions: partly as independent subjects, partly as foundational courses for a number of technical subjects, and partly as foundational courses for insight into scientific contexts and model formation.

Courses in basic technical subjects aiming at providing a theoretical understanding of technical-scientific problems as a prerequisite for practical applications.

Other subjects that can not be fitted into a project context. The study regulations stipulate which general courses relate to a recommended study route. General courses may be common to two or more recommended study routes. 4 Any exceptions herefrom require the approval of the study board.

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If a student wishes to substitute one general course for another, the study board may approve this: If the course is substituted by an equivalent course in terms of contents, If the course is substituted by another course at a similar level and of a similar weight,

without affecting the objectives of the recommended study route. The general courses are described by their: title in Danish and English description of objectives and depth of learning (see section 7.1) contents weight in ECTS level, including any prerequisites for the course place in the course of study language: Danish, English, or other examination: internal or external assessment: Danish 13-scale or “Passed”/”Failed” examination format: oral or written

4.2.1 Study circles The study board may decide that courses are arranged as study circles based on student presentations, assignments and exercises, for groups of max. 12 students. 4.2.2 Optional electives (’free study activities’) Optional electives are activities that are freely available to students from among the course offerings of the university, in addition to the activities stipulated in the study regulations. For instance, the student may follow non-compulsory general courses, courses at other engineering programmes, and courses in general at Aalborg University, but in addition study boards and the Faculty may offer special study activities not associated with a specific programme. They are reported separately as passed study activities. Optional electives may be included in the examination certificate. The examination format stipulated by the study board for the activity in question also applies when the activity is undertaken as an optional elective. The Faculty offers general optional electives subject to the Dean’s approval. 5 Special aspects relating to the study regulations 5.1 Special programme design on the undergraduate programmes The study regulations for the research-based undergraduate programmes must state that students who have followed a recommended study route at AAU are entitled to design a programme for any given semester in which the project work is replaced by other study activities, provided the activities are within the objectives of the programme This could for instance be achieved through courses, study circles, independent studies, weekly assignments, excursions, study trips, or laboratory experiments that are subsequently documented, for instance through articles, papers, mini projects, weekly tests, or examinations in courses. 5.2 1st semester of the master’s programmes In addition to the specific disciplinary contents, the 1st semester has the special function of harmonizing the qualifications of students from different undergraduate programmes.

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The 1st semester must include 5 ECTS of tuition in the theory of science of the disciplines – the disciplines being seen in a broader context – for students who are enrolled with a bachelor’s degree from AAU and who have followed a recommended study route. This might for instance be organized as a specially arranged course during the 1st period of the 1st semester (5 weeks). In parallel with this, other bachelors will, on their 1st semester, practise their ability to participate in problem-based learning in groups (5 ECTS). In addition, students who are foreign citizens will receive lectures on aspects of Danish culture. 5.3 3rd semester of the master’s programmes Study regulations for the 3rd semester must be arranged to enable students who have followed a recommended study route to independently tailor their individual programme profile, depending on the students’ previous study programme. The study board must ensure that the individual students, on their own initiative, are given the possibility of: Individual project involving the writing of a report or scientific paper Interdisciplinary programme elements Relevant internship/voluntary traineeship; cf. section 5.4 Relevant study period at a Danish or foreign university; cf. section 5.5 Long final project on 3rd -4th semesters

The student’s special preferences for the semester must be approved by the study board in advance. 5.4 Voluntary traineeships During the 1st, 2nd or 3rd semesters, students in a project unit may transfer the project work to businesses or industrial organizations – including foreign ones. Such traineeships are subject to the approval of the study board while taking into account the learning objectives of the semester. If the relevant study regulations contain no specific provisions on traineeships, all applications are considered as applications for exemptions (individual study programme). 5.5 Study periods at other educational institutions Study periods at other education institutions should primarily be undertaken at institutions with which Aalborg University cooperates and whose programmes are known by the study boards. On the 1st, 2nd or 3rd semesters of the master’s programmes, students are entitled to transfer their studies to another relevant university. The study board may decide that this opportunity is available on a specific semester. The study board must ensure the relevance. If the individual study regulations do not include specific provisions thereon, all applications must be considered individually by the study board. 5.6 Workshop traineeship The study regulations for a sector (3rd-6th semesters) must contain provisions on workshop traineeship (workshop courses) of a total of up to 5 weeks’ duration in connection with periods without scheduled teaching activities. Completion of workshop traineeship is included in the examination certificate. 5.7 Integrated traineeships The B.Eng. programme comprises integrated traineeships. The students may comply with this requirement in either of two ways:

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Project work during a minimum of two months undertaken in cooperation with a business or industrial organization, an institution, a public-sector authority or agency, or a similar organization.

Industrial engineering traineeship on the sixth/seventh semester of 1/2 year’s duration (normally salaried) in a business or industrial organization, an institution, a public-sector authority or agency, or a similar organization. Each traineeship host organization is subject to the study board’s approval.

In each individual case the study board must consider: The company’s possibilities of ensuring sufficient professional content, supervision during the traineeship, reporting of the project work, and assessment.

6 Scope of the programmes in ECTS 6.1 The European Credit Transfer System (ECTS system) A semester constitutes 1 module (30 ECTS). A semester normally spans 20 weeks. A semester is normally divided into 3 periods of approx. 5 weeks each plus approx. 5 weeks for independent studies, preparation for exams, and examinations. The autumn semester runs from 1 September to 31 January. The spring semester runs from 1 February to 30 June. 1 ECTS is defined as 30 hours. These normally break down as 20 hours of scheduled teaching (normally 5 x 4 hours)5 + 10 hours of independent studies and preparation for examinations. A semester thus comprises a study load of 30 x 30 = 900 hours. All study regulations describe 30 ECTS of scheduled teaching per semester, divided into project work, project courses, and general courses. A student’s work in one year thus equals 60 ECTS. The examination certificates define the ECTS weight of the project units as the sum of project work and project courses. For instance: 15 ECTS of project work + 8 ECTS of project courses = 23 ECTS. The general courses make up the difference between 30 ECTS and the project unit. For instance: 30 - 23 = 7 ECTS of general courses. Consequently, in this case the semester comprises 30 ECTS in total, consisting of a project unit of 23 ECTS and general courses of 7 ECTS. Half a day per week is cleared of scheduled courses (Wednesday afternoon), and normally Wednesday morning is similarly cleared in the 2nd and 3rd periods to allow for participation in optional electives (‘free study activities’). 6.2 Scope of the programmes The framework for the planning of the teaching activities is fixed in accordance with the Faculty’s general learning model, in which approx. half of the time is dedicated to project work and half of the time to courses:

5 The study board can decide to arrange teaching to be delivered in other ways.

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Undergraduate Graduate 1st-2nd

semesters 3rd-6th

semesters 1st-2nd

semesters 3rd semester6 4th semester

ECTS ECTS ECTS ECTS ECTS Project work 30 Minimum 60 Minimum 30 Minimum 15 Minimum 27General courses7 Maximum 15 Maximum 30 Maximum 15 Maximum 8 None Total 60 120 60 30 30 There must be one project with at least 10 ECTS project work per semester. Subject, however, to the exceptions in section 5.1. In special circumstances, an individual contribution may be arranged within the project unit of maximum 3 ECTS of the project unit (cf. also section 8.1.1 on individual project parts). All project units exceeding the normal semesterization (autumn and spring) must normally be completed by the end of the spring semester. . 7 Admission 7.1 Third semester The study regulations for the individual sectors (the equivalent of departments) are designed in such a way that the students, on completion of the basic study programme, are normally able to enrol on the sector without additional study units. Students who have obtained the required upper-secondary-education qualifications and have completed the basic study programme in engineering and science8 are entitled to enrol on any of the sectors whatsoever to which the 2nd semester of the basic study programme provides access. However, certain combinations of 2nd-semester study routes and a given sector may require that the student, to a minor extent, must supplement his or her knowledge foundation in parallel with the ordinary activities of the sector. The study boards must prepare rules for such students, including syllabi and examination requirements. The annual briefing of 1st-semester students provides information on which 2nd-semester theme(s) provide access to the sector without supplementary activities. 7.2 Sixth semester of the B.Eng. programme On completion of a sector, 6th-semester students must normally be able to choose among several B.Eng. specializations. The study regulations of the individual specializations must stipulate the sectors providing access. It is a precondition for continued studies that the conditions listed in section 9.10 have been met. 7.3 Seventh semester of the M.Sc. (engineering) programmes On completion of the undergraduate programme, students on the 1st semester of the graduate programme must normally be given a choice of a number of specializations. The study regulations

6 The 3rd and 4th semesters may be arranged as a long final project. 7 As regards the science programmes, the Dean may approve additional general courses. 8 The basic study programme must be completed before the end of the student’s 4th semester after commencement of studies, cf. section 23 of the order on examinations (‘eksamensbekendtgørelsen’).

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for the individual specializations stipulate the sectors providing access. It is a precondition for continued studies that the conditions listed in section 9.10 have been met. 7.4 Transfers from the B.Eng. to the M.Sc. (engineering) programme B.Eng. students who have completed the basic study programme, and who have not enrolled in an M.Sc. (engineering) programme, can transfer to the M.Sc. (engineering) programme, provided they fulfil the enrolment criteria for the M.Sc. (engineering) programme in question. B.Eng. students can transfer to an M.Sc. (engineering) programme within a recommended study route, provided they have completed all the 3rd–5th semester study units with an average mark of at least 7.0. Students who have completed the 6 theoretical semesters at a Danish college of engineering and have obtained an average mark of at least 7.0, are entitled to enrol on the M.Sc. (engineering) programmes. Other students may be admitted to the engineering programmes subject to an individual approval process (credit transfers). 7.5 Transfers from the M.Sc. (engineering) to the B.Eng. programme M.Sc. (engineering) students can transfer to a B.Eng. programme on completion of the 3rd-5th semesters and provided the conditions listed in section 9.10 have been met. The study board must ensure that the required engineering traineeship period is undertaken prior to the completion of the programme. 7.6 Sector/specialization transfers and transfers of students from other institutions Students who do not wish to follow a recommended study route can transfer to another sector/specialization, subject to the approval of the receiving study board. When giving its approval, the study board may require that such students complete supplementary study activities or that they start on a previous semester. Similarly, students from other educational institutions may be admitted to a sector/specialization, subject to the approval of the receiving study board (credit transfer). The criteria for the credit transfer is the ability to complete the programme rather than the completion of similar study activities. 7.7 M.Sc. (engineering) programme for B.Eng. graduates The B.Eng. programme must be designed to allow for enrolment on the M.Sc. (engineering) programme and completion of it after 2 years of study. Enrolment on the M.Sc. (engineering) programme will, among other things, depend on the combination of disciplinary elements in the B.Eng. programme, cf.section 26, subsection 2, item 3, of the Ministerial Order on Engineering Programmes (‘Ingeniørbekendtgørelsen’). In their study regulations for the M.Sc. (engineering) programmes for each of the traditional engineering specializations, the study boards must indicate at least one possibility for B.Eng. graduates to continue their studies for the M.Sc. (engineering) degree in 2 years. B.Eng. graduates seeking admission to the M.Sc. (engineering) programme and applying for a specialization will be enrolled on the 1st semester of the M.Sc. (engineering) programme and will complete 1st-4th semesters of the M.Sc. (engineering) programmes.

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In the study regulations for the individual M.Sc. (engineering) specializations, the study boards must stipulate which professional qualifications regarding subjects and levels must be fulfilled by applying students to ensure admission to the M.Sc. (engineering) specialization. If the professional requirements have not been met, the student must, as decided by the study board, complete supplementary study activities to ensure the fulfilment of the professional requirements stipulated. Alternatively, the student may be required to enrol on a previous semester. 7.8 Foreign students wishing to enrol on a master’s programme Foreign students wishing to follow an English-language study programme on the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th semesters of a master’s programme will be considered individually by the study board on the basis of their previous study record and work experience.

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8 Organization and quality assurance9

The individual module (the semester) constitutes the key planning unit in AAU’s learning model, and likewise it is key to the organization of the programmes. Consequently, the module is the touchstone of the continuing quality development of the programmes. This development involves a number of actors described in greater detail below. 8.1 Organization of project groups, the project-unit group and the steering group The figure below shows the organization and thus the linkages among project groups, the project-unit group, the semester and student coordinators as well as the steering group. The following sections describe the various units present in all programmes.

Project groups of up to 6 students

The project-unit for the semester

The semester coordinator

The Steering group for the semester

Appointet from among all the lecturers:

1 student coordinator plus -optionally -one student from each project-group

Figure: The semester structure

8.1.1 Project groups The project group is the professional/educational work unit of the programme. It consists of a maximum of 6 students10. The students form the project groups on their own at the start of the semester. The study board must stipulate procedures for group formation and allocate time for the group-formation process. One main supervisor, possibly assisted by one or more deputy supervisors, will be assigned to each project group. Students are entitled to work individually. Project supervision will be adapted in accordance with the allocated resources. The study boards may stipulate an optional elective in which a project group also functions as a moderator group in connection with another group’s project work. In that case, the moderator group must participate in progress seminars and examinations, actively contributing critique. The complementary group will be appointed by supervisors and students at an early stage of the project period. 9 Cf. the Faculty’s quality-assurance handbook: www.kvalitet.aau.dk 10 On the basic study programme: normally max. 7 students.

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The director of studies may approve that groups split up. Likewise, the director of studies may stipulate rules regarding deadlines, progress reports, etc. Cf. also section 4.1.2 about project work. 8.1.2 The project-unit group The project-unit group is an organizational and administrative unit comprising the students that follow the same project unit. The project unit is managed by a steering group consisting of students and teachers, cf. section 8.1.4. 8.1.3 Semester and student coordinator For each semester and for each theme/specialization, a member of faculty is appointed as the semester coordinator. The semester coordinator is responsible towards the students on the semester as well as the director of studies in terms of planning, arranging and subsequently reporting the evaluation of the semester. On some semesters, an additional joint coordinator may be appointed to have overall responsibility for the organization of the semester across routes and specializations. In addition, a student coordinator is appointed as co-coordinator for each semester or theme/specialization. The student coordinator shares responsibility for the organization of the semester, but primarily has an informative and coordinating role towards the other students in the project-unit group. 8.1.4 The steering group A steering group consists of a semester coordinator and a student coordinator or a student representative from each of the semester’s project group. The steering group will normally hold monthly meetings, attended also by that semester’s teachers and students. The steering group decides its own rules of procedure and the division of tasks. It is the steering group’s duty to manage the allocated resources to organize the continuous indicative evaluation, cf. section 8.2.4, and to solve the tasks defined by the study board. 8.2 Planning and evaluation of the programmes The programmes must be subject to continuing quality assurance through planning and evaluation. 8.2.1 Quality development11

The development of programme quality is effected through the study boards’ planning groups, steering groups, semester and student coordinators. Quality management deals with processes for the continuing monitoring and evaluation of programmes and individual semesters as the basis of ongoing adjustment and improvement of the programme contents. Quality assurance deals with the external feedback from external examiners as well as the internal monitoring of completion rates, qualifications of graduates, and the numbers of graduates in relation to the needs of industry. Quality improvement deals with the further development of the pedagogical/didactic qualifications of faculty as well as the recognition of fine teaching.

11 See the Faculty’s quality handbook at: www.kvalitet.aau.dk

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The Faculty prepares and updates a handbook on quality management which details the concept of quality and its scope. 8.2.2 Module planning12

Planning of the project units and general courses on individual semesters is handled by planning groups consisting of teachers and students organized at the initiative of the study boards. The planning groups shall: go through the student handbook and the preceding year’s module evaluation, cf. section

8.2.4, of the project unit and general courses and propose any adjustments, if required plan the project unit, which includes the design of project proposals and project courses plan the implementation of the project unit, including time-tabling, resource budgeting etc. plan the implementation of the general courses.

Module Planning (Carried out by the planning group consisting of

lecturers and students, optionally both coming and former students on the semester)

Follow-up by the study

board

Final evaluation (Carried out by the semester and student

coordinators + the steering group)

Continuous evaluation/course evaluation (Carried out by the semester and student coordinator + the steering group)

Figure:The semester cycle

8.2.3 Semester handbook (student handbook) In order to give a detailed explanation of the individual programme, the study board has a duty to issue a handbook and to keep it up to date. In addition to the provisions in the study regulations, the handbook contains information on project units and general courses, broader information on the programme as well as exhaustive descriptions of the contents of the project units. The handbook also gives practical advice to the students in terms of exemplification of project contents, levels, and lengths, as well as descriptions of the project courses and any optional electives (‘free study activities’) offered. Finally, the handbook contains information on other aspects relevant to the students’ planning of their education.

12 On the basic study programme (1st year), module planning is effected by the study board and the administration.

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8.2.4 Module evaluation Indicative evaluation of the form and contents of the study activities as well as students’ work performance and skills must be undertaken on a continuous basis, with the aim of ensuring necessary adjustment of study activities and to help individual students and groups plan their work. At the end of the semester, the steering group will undertake an evaluation of the semester. The study board must prepare guidelines on procedures for the evaluation of teaching activities. In that connection, the study board may request the steering group to make a report on the semester. 9. Examinations13

9.1 General examination provisions The purpose of examinations is to assess whether and to which degree the student’s qualifications match the objectives, competencies and professional requirements stipulated for the programme in the ministerial order on university programmes, the study regulations, etc. The final examination provides the basis for the issuing of the examination certificate. Examinations are either internal or external. Subject to other provisions in the study regulations, the language of the examination is Danish. If a course or a project unit has been taught in English, the language of the examination is English. The study board may dispense with this rule. If teaching has been delivered in both Danish and English, for instance in the project unit, the study board must – at the end of the 1st period at the latest – inform each individual group/student of the language in which the report must be written as well as the language of the examination. It is stated in the study regulations if the examinations consist of any number of part examinations, cf. the ministerial order on examinations, sections 14-16. In addition, the study regulations stipulate if it is a requirement that the student has participated in courses, etc. The date of the examination in the project unit must normally be communicated to the students by the end of the 3rd period at the latest. The dates of written examinations in general courses should be communicated to the students not later than the 2nd session of the course. The dates of oral examinations in general courses should be communicated to the students not later than the 2nd session of the course. It the examination format is not stipulated in the study regulations but is decided by the 2nd session of the course at the latest, the date for the examination must be decided as soon as possible after the decision on the examination format. Students who have been granted leave of absence can not register for or participate in examinations. Ordinary examinations are normally placed at the end of the semester by the decision of the study board with not less than 4 weeks’ notice. The examination format must match the objectives of the programme and must ensure individual assessment of students’ performances. Examinations may be arranged as individual examinations or group examinations. The study regulations must stipulate the maximum number of students who may partipate in a group examination. For students enrolled as part-time independent students, examinations and other types of assessment may be arranged separately, cf. the order on part-time education. 13 Cf. also the university’s Examination Regulations of 1 September, 1983

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Internal examinations Internal examinations are examinations where the assessment is carried out by the teacher(s)/supervisor(s) or by the teacher(s)/supervisor(s) acting together with normally one examiner approved by Rector from among the teaching staff at the institution or institutions with the same programme. An internal examiner at the Faculty is a teacher who has teaching duties in the area in question at Aalborg University and who has not lectured/supervised the student(s) on the course/project unit in question14. (Full professor, associate professor, assistant professor, Ph.D., part-time teacher, teaching assistant). External examinations External examinations are examinations where the assessment is carried out by the teacher(s) and an examiner normally appointed by the Ministry. An external examiner at the Faculty is an examiner appointed by the Ministry who is not employed at Aalborg University. If a student designs a combination programme by combining elements that are internally asssessed in accordance with one set of study regulations and externally assessed in accordance with another set of study regulations, the external examiner will function as an internal examiner subject to the approval by the study board, which must ensure that a minimum of 1/3 of the programme is documented by external examinations. The project units are assessed by internal or external examinations. The general courses are normally assessed by internal examinations. A minimum of 1/3 of the total programme must be assessed by external examinations. The assessment The study boards decide the assessment criteria for the individual activities on the basis of the common guidelines below. As regards examinations in which the result is not communicated to the examinee immediately after the examination, the result must be made available not later than 4 weeks after the examination. In order for a project unit or a general course to be passed it is required that the mark of either 6 (as a minimum) or “Passed” has been obtained. The assessment is individual, irrespective of the examination format. The result of the examination is private. Students are entitled to receive their oral marks in private and their written marks via examination code numbers or the like. Project units are assessed by a mark in accordance with the Danish 00-13 marking scale. General courses are asssessed as ‘Passed’ or ‘Failed’. However, in connection with the approval of the study regulations, the Dean may grant exemptions form this provision.

14 Teaching duties amounting to 1-2 mini-modules of a project course are not considered to bar a person from functioning as an internal examiner on the project unit.

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The assessment of ‘Passed’/‘Failed’ can be used in examinations covering max. 1/3 of the programme. When giving a mark in accordance with the 00-13 scale the following rules apply: If the teacher/supervisor and the examiner fail to agree on a mark, they will both give one mark. The resulting mark for the examination is the average of these marks rounded off to the nearest mark on the marking scale. If the average is halfway between two marks, the resulting mark is the nearest higher mark, provided the examiner has given the higher mark, otherwise the result is the nearest lower mark. When giving the assessment of ‘Passed’/‘Failed’: In case of disagreement as to whether the level of attainment or the performance should be assessed as ‘Passed’/‘Failed’, the internal or external examiner’s assessment is decisive. When more than one examiner or more than one teacher/supervisor participate in the examination, each group of participants have a joint responsibility as examiners, respectively teachers/ supervisors. In the case of internal disagreement on a mark within either group, the mark given by the group is the average of the group members’ marks rounded off to the nearest mark on the marking scale. If the average is halfway between two marks, the resulting mark is the nearest higher mark if the higher mark was given by the examiner(s), otherwise the resulting mark is the nearest lower mark. In case of disagreement regarding the pass criteria the study board must be notified. Special examination matters In connection with written examinations, students must produce their study cards and proof of identity (with photo) to gain entry to the examination room. Oral examinations are public. If required, the study boards may dispense with this rule, either out of consideration for the student or in the light of signed agreements of confidentiality. The study board may restrict access to the examination room owing to capacity problems, and individuals may be turned away or expelled if this is deemed necessary to ensure orderly proceedings. Students are entitled to make sound recordings of their own oral examinations. Substitution/Term papers The study board may allow substitution/term papers to be handed in as substitution for examinations defined in the individual study regulations, the length and level of the paper to be decided in relation to the scope and level of the examination. In connection with a student’s application for approval of a study period abroad, any application for such substitution/term papers must be approved by the study board in advance. See also the orders on examinations for further specific stipulations to be met in connection with examinations. 9.2 Examinations in project units (see also section 9.3 on bachelor project/thesis) To provide a foundation for the assessment of each student’s depth of learning within a project unit, each project group prepares a project report containing the results of the project work, an account of the work phases of the project, as well as an account of theory and the use of methods. (The study board may, on a semester basis, approve another type of reporting.)

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It is a precondition for participation in the project-unit examination that the project was submitted to the study secretary on time. The deadline for submission of projects must be decided by the study board not later than 4 weeks after the start of the semester. The examination, which is a group examination, is arranged as a presentation seminar consisting of: the project group’s presentation of the project (all members of the project participating

equally). If an individual project part has been prepared, it is to be presented individually. Discussion and examination based on the project report and the presentation.

Through the discussion and examination it must be established if the student’s knowledge meets the disciplinary objectives of the project unit. The duration of the examination is normally 1 hour plus 3/4 hour per member of the group participating in the examination, subject however to a maximum of 6 hours. The participants in the examination are: the project group the supplementary group, if any the main supervisor and the deputy supervisor(s), if any an examiner

In the case of oral group examinations, the examination is performed through a discussion between the students and the teacher. The internal/external examiner(s) may participate in the discussion. Each student must be examined in order to ensure individual assessment. In the case of written group projects not followed by an oral group examination with individual assessment, the individual student’s contribution must be identifiable in order to ensure individual assessment. However, throughout the course of the programme one external examination may be arranged as a group examination with joint assessment. The examination is chaired by the main supervisor. The main supervisor must ensure that all members of the group are included in the examination proceedings in such a way and to such an extent as to allow for individual assessment. The discussion/examination may be supplemented by questions prepared in advance by the supervisor(s) and the examiner. Such questions must be based on the project at hand and should involve key issues relating to the objectives of the project unit. When assessing the bachelor’s project, the master’s thesis, the master’s project and other major written works, attention must also be given to the student’s spelling and communicative skills, irrespective of the language of the work. Exceptions from this requirement may be granted for students who document a relevant specific functional reduction, unless the spelling and communicative skills are part of the overall assesssment of the student’s examination performance. However, the disciplinary contents should always be given the greatest weight in the assessment. In addition, the bachelor’s project, the master’s thesis, and the master’s project must include a summary in a foreign language. If the bachelor’s project, the master’s thesis, or the master’s project are written in a foreing language, apart from Norwegian or Swedish, the summary may be written in Danish. The study regulations contain provisions on the weight of the summary in the overall assessment of the examination as well as on the language(s) in which the summary can or must be written.

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Marks The examination requires an individual assessment of each student reflected in a mark according to the Danish 00-13 scale. When considering the result of the examination, the teacher(s)/ supervisor(s) and the examiner participating in the examination must initially decide whether either of the two elements of the examination comes within the pass criteria, since a satisfactory examination performance requires that both elements have been passed: the report and the project group’s presentation of the project (all the members of the project

group participating equally) discussion and examination (discussion) based on the project report and the presentation.

If this is not the case, one of the following fail marks is given: 00, 03, 05. If both elements come within the pass criteria, the mark to be given will be 6 or higher. The mark is decided on the basis of a total assessment of the project report, the presentation, and the oral discussion, taking into account the degree to which the objectives of the project unit have been achieved. The assessment should take into account the following aspects: the achieved breadth and depth of the project report relative to the description of the

objectives and contents of the project unit and its place in the study programme the knowledge and methods that were included in the project work the professional quality of the project within a study context

The assessment of the student’s comprehension of the contents of the project courses which have – or ought to have – been relied on is carried out on the basis of the examination described above. Thus there is no separate assessment of the project courses which provide the necessary professional knowledge basis for the achievement of the part-objectives of the project unit, cf. section 4.1.1. 9.3 External examinations, bachelor project and thesis The external examination format with an external examiner is always used for the project units on the 2nd, 6th of the undergraduate programme and 4th semester of the graduate programme as well as the 7th semester of the the B.Eng. programme, where the external examination on the 6th semester may consequently be dispensed with. The further provisions are included in the study regulations for the individual programme. This examination normally requires the participation of 1 external examiner as stipulated by the study board. The examination consists of the presentation of the report (approx. 1 hour; in the case of the 6th-semester bachelor project: ½-1 hour) and a subsequent discussion and examination (discussion) of max. 1½ hours per student. If the project was prepared jointly by a group of students, the examination is arranged as a group examination, cf.9.2. 9.4 Examinations in general courses The purpose of the examination is to establish to which extent the knowledge of the individual student is satisfactory in the light of the objectives stipulated.

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The students must be informed about the syllabus for the examination at the last session but three of the course at the latest. At the same time, students must be informed of necessary as well as other aids allowed at the examination. The general courses are assessed by internal examinations, independently of the project units. The dean may exceptionally, in connection with the approval of study regulations, allow the use of an external examiner. The assessment (’mark’) of ‘Passed’/‘Failed’ is given. However, the Dean may exceptionally, when approving the study regulations, allow a mark to be given in accordance with the Danish 00-13 scale. The assessment is individual irrespective of the format of the examination. Written and oral examinations are held with or without an internal examiner subject to the provisions of the study board. The result of the assessment must be made available to the students at the end of the course in case of continuous assessment, not later than 4 weeks after the date of the examination in case of written examinations, and immediately after the examination in case of oral examinations. Decision on election format If the study board does not stipulate the form of the assessment in the study regulations, the lecturer decides, in consultation with the students, which of the following 3 assessment methods should be used. The decision on the assessment method must be made not later than at the second session of the course: A. Continuous assessment In case of class sizes of up to 12 students, the lecturer’s decision as to whether the individual student’s knowledge is satisfactory in the light of the objectives of the course may be made while the course is progressing. Keeping checks on the student’s presence is not sufficient assessment criteria. B. Written examination The written examination has a duration of 2-4 hours. The format of the examination must be such as to optimize the possibility of establishing to which extent the individual student’s knowledge is satisfactory in the light of the course objectives. C. Oral examination The oral examination is based on a discussion of a mini-project or coursework portfolio at seminars of 1-3 hours per project group. The mini-project is a major written assignment within the syllabus of the course. The mini-project is prepared during the time of the course, including the time for independent studies. 9.5 Re-sit examinations A student is entitled to 2 re-sit examinations (a total of 3 examination attempts). It is a precondition for participation in the 1st re-sit examination that the student has previously participated in an ordinary examination in the same examination period without having passed, or that the study board has granted its permission. (De-registration does not count as previous participation.) The study board may permit a 4th attempt (3rd re-sit examination) in case of exceptional circumstances justifying the permission. In the case of students enrolled on an undergraduate or graduate programme (and thus subject to the examination orders issued by the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation) the study board may, in quite extraordinary circumstances, permit a 5th attempt (4th re-sit examination). When assessing the question of whether extraordinary

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circumstances apply, suitability for studies can not be an issue. In the case of 3rd, 4th, and 5th examination in internal examinations that are solely assessed by the teacher, the student is entitled to request the participation of an examiner. A student whose participation in courses comes up for assessment a second time can request an examination instead. In the event of a third and fourth (and, in the case of students subject to the examination orders issued by the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, a fifth) examination attempt, the student is entitled to request the participation of an examiner. Participation in courses which include practical exercises can not, however, be substituted by an examination. The university may exceptionally grant its approval for more than five examination attempts, in particular if the student is only one examination short of having completed the programme. Project units If a student does not pass a project unit, a written report must be prepared to the student at the main supervisor’s initiative not later than 8 days after the examination, explaining the deficiences found in terms of the student failing to meet the objectives of the project unit. In this connection, the student must be given advice on how these deficiencies may be corrected, alternatively whether the student ought to undertake the project anew. Cf. section 9.12 on the deadline for examination complaints. When a student tries to pass a project unit for the second time (1st re-sit examination), this may be done according to one of the following 3 examination formats:

1. The student is assessed by a presentation seminar in accordance with rules similar to those that applied to the first examination on the basis of the original project report.

2. The student submits, within a deadline agreed with the main supervisor, a revised/expanded project report to the supervisors involved as well as the examiner. On the basis of the new project, a presentation seminar is arranged in accordance with rules identical to those that applied to the first examination.

3. The student may participate in the project unit anew and may then be assessed on the basis of a new project at a presentation seminar.

The student must submit an account to the study board stating the preferred examination format in connection with the re-sit examination in the project unit. In the light of this account the study board decides the format of the examination. The time for the examination is decided by the study board on the recommendation of the main supervisor and the student, normally at 4 weeks’ notice. A similar procedure applies in case of any further re-sit examinations. General courses The 1st re-sit examination is normally held 8 working weeks after the ordinary examination at the latest. Only a written or oral examination format may be used. The examination is scheduled by the study board subject to minimum 4 weeks’ notice. The examination is always with the participation of an internal examiner. Students must register for the examination individually and in writing. The 2nd re-sit examination is normally held after the next delivery of the course. If the student follows the course again, the normal rules for the format of the examination apply. In that case the student must register for the course with the study secretary before the second session of the course.

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In other cases the 2nd re-sit examination follows the provisions specified for the 1st re-sit examination. A similar procedure applies in case of any further re-sit examinations. 9.6 Registration for examinations15

Registration for examinations must be made via the STADS self-service on-line system in the periods 15th –31st March and 15th –31st October, respectively. Deadlines for any re-sit examinations are announced via the notice board for official notices or at the study board’s website. Students who for some reason or another have failed to register for an examination at the expiry of the deadline may apply for an exemption from the deadline for registration. An exemption will only be granted in case of exceptional circumstances. Applications for exemptions stating grounds for the application must be submitted to the director of the programme in question who will make the decision on the matter. 9.7 De-registration from examinations16

De-registration can be effected via the STADS self-service on-line system during the registration period. Notice of deregistration after the expiry of the registration period must be given in writing to the study secretary. As regards general courses with continuous assessment, de-registration must be effected before the last session of the course. Late de-registration counts as an examination attempt. De-registration must be effected not later than noon (1200 hours) of the last weekday but three (Saturday included) prior to the date of the examination. Late de-registration counts as an examination attempt. In case of de-registration from examinations on account of illness, the student must submit a medical certificate to the study secretary, not later than 2 weeks after the date of the examination. 9.8 Non-attendance at examinations Non-attendance at examinations without valid de-registration is registered as ’absent’ and counts as an examination attempt. 9.9 Re-sit examinations owing to illness Registration for a re-sit examination owing to illness requires that a medical certificate has been submitted to the study secretary, normally not later than 2 weeks after the date of the examination. In case of de-registration from examinations owing to illness the student must submit a medical certificate. 9.10 Conditions in connection with examinations In order to continue the programme, the student must participate in the scheduled examinations before the end of the basic study programme. The basic study programme must be completed before the end of the student’s 4th semester (within 24 months after the start of studies), cf. section 23 of the order on examinations (‘eksamensbekendtgørelsen’). It is important to note that leave of absence is included in the 4 semesters (24 months). In other words, it is a requirement that the basic

15 On the basic study programme registration for examinations (1st attempt) is effected automatically as it is required that all 1st-year students sit for the 1st-year examinations. 16 Students are not allowed to de-register from examinations (1st attempt) during the first year of studies.

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study programme is completed within 4 semesters after the start of studies, EVEN IF the student had leave of absence during the period. It is a precondition for participation in the external examination in the project at the end of the 7th semester (B.Eng.) and 10th semester (graduate programmes) respectively that all study activities of the preceding semesters, in other words both project units and general courses, have been completed. The undergraduate programme must normally have been passed before the graduate programme is begun. The director of studies may allow exceptions from this requirement. The study board may allow exemptions from the provisions mentioned below in case of extraordinary circumstances justifying the exemption. The following provisions apply to the engineering and science programmes: The project units must have been passed before the start of the 2nd semester after the

delivery of the project unit. It is thus a requirement for starting on the 5th semester of the programme that the 3rd semester project unit has been passed.

General courses must be completed before the start of the third semester after the general course was given. For instance, it is a precondition for starting on the 6th semester of the programme that the 3rd-semester general courses have been completed.

In connection with examination, the university has a duty to inform students about: 1) general examination provisions 2) the 1st-year examination on the bachelor’s programmes 3) guidelines in connection with illness 4) special examination provisions for each disciplinary subject, including rules on automatic registration for examination, if any 5) consequences of not observing examination provisions 6) possibilities of complaining about examinations 7) the possibility of making sound recordings of the student’s own oral examination which exists for students who are subject to ministerial order no. 867 of 19 August 2004 but not for students subject to ministerial order no. 1021 of 20 November 2000 8) the possibilities of using computers for examinations. 9.11 Examiners External examinations in project units normally require the participation of 1 external examiner appointed by the chairmanship of the body of examiners in question on the recommendation of the study board. Internal examiners are appointed by the study board, on the recommendation of the steering group, from among the internal examiners nominated by Rector not later than 4 weeks prior to the date of the examination. The examiner’s duties The examiner must ensure:

1) that the contents requirements for the examinations of the programme match the objectives, compentencies, and requirements stipulated in the ministerial order on the programme as well as the study regulations,

2) that the examinations are undertaken in accordance with the rules currently in force, and

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3) that students are treated uniformly and fairly and that their performances are subjected to a reliable assessment in conformity with the provisions contained in the ministerial order on marking scale and other assessment.

When discussing the examinee’s performance, both the teacher/supervisor and the examiner must take notes about the performance and the decision on the grade awarded, such notes to be used when hearing a complaint, if any. The notes must be kept for at least a year and, if there is a complaint, until the conclusion of the hearing of the complaint. 9.12 Examination complaints17

Complaints about internal or external examinations must be filed in writing with the Faculty of Engineering and Science. The complaint, which must include grounds, must be filed by the student not later than 2 weeks after the announcement of the mark. For further information on specific aspects relating to examination complaints, see the ministerial order on examinations (in Danish) at: www.aau.dk/regelsamling/e.htm 9.13 Examination certificates Examination certificates are issued as proof of completed studies, indicating the graduate’s specific degree, cf. the recommended study routes listed in the study regulations, as well as the examination results obtained. The average mark for the student is included in the certificate. If a student has completed a study route that does not entitle him or her to a special title in the form of a sector, specialization, minor subject, major subject or the like, the examination certificate will carry the general title. In the examination certificate the sector and specialization designations for B.Sc.’s (engineering) and M.Sc.’s (engineering) respectively may be supplemented by a professionally specific additional designation provided for in the individual study regulations. The examination certificate comes with a front page identifying the student and stating the title obtained in Danish, English and Latin as well as the route designation, if any. The remaining part of the examination certificate (pages 2- xx) is issued in duplicate: one copy in English and one copy in Danish. Any specialization will appear from page 2. The examination certificate will state the student’s average mark, weighted in accordance with the ECTS system. The examination certificate will include information on the language of the examination, provided the examination was conducted in a foreign language other than Danish or another Scandinavian language. In addition, a Diploma Supplement in English will be issued. 9.14 Project-unit certificates The study board must prepare, for the individual student, a project-unit certificate for each passed project-unit, designed as an insert sheet containing information on: name, personal identification number/social security number, the theme of the project unit, a short outline of the project unit stating the project courses (title and number of ECTS) forming part of the project unit.

17 Cf. guidelines for the submission of complaints at: http://www.aau.dk/fak-tekn/regler/regl_index.htm

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Finally, the date of the passing of the examination. The certificate is signed by the main supervisor and the director of studies. 10 Additional provisions 10.1 Exemptions The various study boards may grant exemptions from the framework provisions and the provisions in the individual study regulations insofar as doing so is not contrary to or precluded by any ministerial order. 10.2 Period of validity The framework regulations have been adopted by the Faculty of Engineering and Science and apply to all students enrolled on the basic study programme as from 1 September 2003 and onwards as regards the structure of the programmes etc. The study boards may opt to let these framework regulations apply to students who enrolled on the basic study programme prior to 1 September 2003. Section 9 about examinations applies as from 1 February 2004 for all students. The provision concerning the undergraduate programmes of the M.Sc. degrees in Engineering and Chartered Surveying applies to students enrolled on the basic study programme as from 1 September 2004 and onwards. The provision concerning the 7th-9th semesters of the graduate programmes applies to 6th-semester students subject to the Dean’s decision. Students have the option of completing their programme in accordance with the study regulations in force when they started their studies, in the absence of other provisions in the study regulations. The Joint Regulations of June 1998 and June 2003 are herewith repealed. 10.3 Revision These Framework Provisions as well as the individual study regulations shall come up for revision by the Dean, respectively the study boards, not later than 5 years after their coming into force. The Framework Provisions will undergo revisions when a new ministerial order on examinations and programmes is issued in 2004.

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ANNEXE 1: Bloom’s taxonomy18

1. Knowledge Definition: Student recalls and reproduces information, ideas, and principles in the approximate form in which they were learned. Levels: 1.1 Knowledge of data

1.2 Knowledge of methods and tools for handling data 1.3 Knowledge of general principles and theories

2. Comprehension Definition: Student uses acquired knowledge, without necessarily being able to relate it to other

material or being able to understand it fully. Levels: 2.1 Translation (into own words and by using examples)

2.2 Interpretation (paraphrasing main aspects) 2.3 Extrapolation (implications and consequences)

3. Application Definition: Student uses general ideas, theories, principles, procedures, and methods in concrete

(new) problems/contexts. 4. Analysis Definition: Student breaks down a communication into its constituent elements or parts. Levels: 4.1 Analysis of elements

4.2 Analysis of contexts 4.3 Analysis of organised principles.

5. Synthesis Definition: Student puts together the analysis to form a new whole. Levels: 5.1 Creating a unique communication (e.g. the final project report). (Preparing a

project report does not necessarily imply a synthesis.) 5.2 Preparation of a plan or planned operations 5.3 Deduction of abstract relations.

6. Evaluation Definition: Student appraises or assesses given material. Levels: 6.1 Evaluation based on internal criteria

6.2 Evaluation based on external criteria.

18 Bloom, B. S. et al. (1956): Taxonomy of Educational Objectives. The Classification of Educational Goals. Handbook 1: Cognitive Domain. New York: David McKay Company, Inc. (7th impression 1972).

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ANNEXE 2: Amendments made to the Framework Provisions 11 January 2005: Sections 9.5 and 9.10, on Re-sit examinations and Conditions in connection with examinations, respectively, have been revised to allow for the distinction between students that are subject to ministerial orders issued by the Ministry of Education and those that are subject to orders issued by the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation.

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