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Student Handbook for Biosciences BSc (hons) BSc (hons) including Professional Training Year BSc (hons) including Preliminary Year

MSci (hons) MSci (hons) including Professional Training Year MSci (hons) including Preliminary Year

1. Welcome to Cardiff University At Cardiff you are studying in a successful, vibrant, multicultural, bilingual and diverse University, set in the capital city of Wales. Founded in 1883, Cardiff University is established as one of Britain’s leading universities and our ambition is to be among the top 100 universities in the world and top 20 in the UK by 2017. Our research has global impact and is led by internationally recognised staff who share their knowledge with you through their teaching. There are 26 Academic Schools organised into three Colleges (Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences, Biomedical & Life Sciences and Physical Sciences & Engineering). We have over 30,000 students, from over 100 countries of which:

21,495 are undergraduates,

8,685 are postgraduates,

6,605 are international students. [2013/14 data from HESA] We have over 1,000 students volunteering in the local community each year and our graduates are sought after by employers, with 96% entering employment or professional training/postgraduate study within six months of graduating.

There is a strong sense of community that is characterised by the balance we achieve between our educational, social, cultural and sporting experiences, within a culture that fosters, promotes and respects equality, dignity and diversity. The Cardiff University community creates an environment where expectations can be met and ambitions realised. Your experience will be unique to you, based on the choices you make and your level of engagement with the range of opportunities available. We hope you take full advantage of your time here.

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Welcome from the Cardiff University School of Biosciences We are very pleased to welcome you to the School of Biosciences. It is the largest Science School at Cardiff University, with over 1600 students, and is one of the major academic teaching and research units of the University. Our Degree portfolio is led by the world-leading research in our School. We have around 350 research active personnel, working in four main divisions: Molecular Biosciences, Neuroscience, Organisms and Environment, and Pathophysiology and Repair. Your courses will have contributions from a range of academic staff who have different roles within the School. Some will be focussed primarily on scientific research, amongst whom are those recognised at the very highest national and international levels, including Fellows of the Royal Society, the Academy of Medical Sciences and the Learned Society of Wales. Others specialise in Teaching and Scholarship, including research within the educational field. These include Fellows of the UK Higher Education Academy, which champions excellence in learning and teaching. The School has an outstanding record in assessments of teaching quality and high rankings in the National Student Survey. Staff are committed to maintaining the highest quality standards. In addition to high scientific standards our degrees have significant emphasis on employability through key and transferable skills, and will provide you with well-respected qualifications from which you can develop satisfying and worthwhile careers. We wish you all the very best for your studies. We look forward to meeting you and hope that you have an interesting, enjoyable and successful time with us.

Prof Jim Murray Dr Jim Ralphs Head of School Director of Undergraduate Education

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CROESO! … i Ysgol y Biowyddorau, Caerdydd

Pleser mawr yw eich croesawu i Ysgol y Biowyddorau. Dyma Ysgol Wyddonol fwyaf Prifysgol Caerdydd

gyda 1,600 o fyfyrwyr; mae hefyd yn un o brif unedau addysg ac ymchwil academaidd y Brifysgol.

Ffocws ein portffolio Gradd yw ymchwil flaengar, ryngwladol. Ymysg ein staff ceir rhyw 350 o

ymchwilwyr wedi eu dosrannu mewn pedair adran: Biowyddorau Moleciwlaidd, Niwrowyddoniaeth,

Organebau ac Amgylchedd, ac Adfer a Phathoffisioleg. Cyfrennir at eich cyrsiau gan ystod eang o

academyddion. Canolbwyntio ar ymchwil gwyddonol a wna rhai, gan gynnwys ymchwilwyr a

gydnabuwyd yn genedlaethol a rhyngwladol - Cymrodyr y Gymdeithas Frenhinol, yr Academi

Gwyddorau Meddygol a Chymdeithas Ddysgedig Cymru. Arbeniga eraill mewn Dysgu ac Ysgolheictod,

gan gynnwys ymchwil mewn Addysg. Mae nifer ohonynt yn Gymrodorion Academi Addysg Uwch y DU,

sy’n goruchwylio a sicrhau rhagoriaeth mewn addysgu a dysgu.

Ymfalchïa Ysgol y Biowyddorau yn ei thraddodiad nodedig o safonau uchel mewn addysgu ynghyd â

chanlyniadau clodfawr yn Arolwg Cenedlaethol y Myfyrwyr. Mae staff yr Ysgol wedi ymrwymo i

sicrhau'r safon uchaf mewn safonau ansawdd dysgu. Ceisiwn hefyd sicrhau bod ein Graddau yn

berthnasol i fywyd cyfoes, yn canolbwyntio ar sgiliau trosglwyddadwy, ac a fydd yn sicrhau, ar ddiwedd

y cwrs, cymwysterau teilwng a fydd yn cynnig cyfleoedd i ddatblygu gyrfaoedd a fydd yn bodloni ac yn

werth chweil.

Pob dymuniad da i chi wrth gychwyn ar eich astudiaethau. Edrychwn ymlaen at eich cyfarfod a

gobeithiwn y cewch amser diddorol, hwylus a llwyddiannus yn ein plith.

Athro Jim Murray Dr Jim Ralphs

Pennaeth yr Ysgol Cyfarwyddwr Addysg Isradd

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Our Partnership – The Student Charter Our Student Charter, developed through a partnership between students, the Students’ Union and the University, outlines what you can expect from the University and the Students’ Union, what is expected of you and what to do if things do not meet your expectations. You should take a look at all the expectations of the Student Charter, which are outlined at the following link: http://www.cardiff.ac.uk/for/current/student-charter/index.html

Valuing your Student Voice We pride ourselves on the high level of engagement that exists between our students, the Students’ Union and the University, and we work together to enhance the Cardiff experience. We give students the opportunity to express their opinions and be partners in the decision-making of the University. In particular, we have Student Academic Representatives in every School who meet with Staff to feed back what you like and don’t like about your programme. We ensure you have adequate opportunities to provide feedback on all elements of your course and hold a number of student surveys throughout the year to make sure we are always working in the best interests of our students. The feedback you provide is listened to and valued, and we endeavour to make it clear how students’ views and comments have been acted upon. We also engage our students in the planning, implementation and evaluation of programmes, through which we continue to enrich the educational experience at the University. http://www.cardiff.ac.uk/learning/engaging-students/

Communicating with your School and the University You can expect the University to communicate with you clearly and accurately, and to respond in a timely manner to correspondence from you. You should check your official University student email regularly to ensure you are kept informed. Make sure you inform the University promptly of any changes to your circumstances, including changes to your mobile phone number in case we need to send you a text message. The Student Intranet is your communication hub and makes it easier for you to find information about the University, news and updates. https://intranet.cardiff.ac.uk/students

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Communication Please Note: Changes of address or personal circumstances It is vital that you inform us of changes of address (home or term-time), telephone numbers, name, next of kin etc. This information should be updated in SIMS online. https://sims.cf.ac.uk There are a number of ways in which staff will communicate with students and students can contact staff.

Email Staff and students communicate readily and conveniently by email. You must remember to check your Cardiff University email account for messages regularly. If your messages are redirected to an alternative private account, please ensure that this is emptied regularly, otherwise important messages may not be delivered. The email system may also be used to inform you on an individual basis of your coursework assessment marks during the year. You are expected to regularly check your email account. Please use only your Cardiff University email account to contact university staff. Insert a subject line in the email, otherwise your email might be considered SPAM. Please include your student number in your email message to allow yourself to be easily identified. Address your email directly to the member of staff you are contacting. The appropriate, professional way to begin an email is “Dear Dr xxxx” or “Dear Prof xxxx”. You should never start an email to a member of academic staff or professional services with “Hi” or the equivalent.

Pigeonholes All pigeonholes are located in Sir Martin Evans Building Foyer area adjacent to the Undergraduate Office (East Wing). Pigeonholes are arranged in order of your School ID code. Personal mail should be directed to your semester time/ non-semester time address. You are advised to check for and remove items on a regular basis. Any work not collected from pigeonholes will be removed after a reasonable interval by the Undergraduate office. The School takes no responsibility for the safe-keeping of any communication or coursework deposited in a pigeonhole.

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Twitter Follow us on Twitter @Biosi_Cardiff for the latest updates.

Mobile Phones Mobile phones MUST be switched off during lectures, practical classes, seminars and tutorials and you are responsible for ensuring that your mobile phone is switched off before entering the lecture theatre, tutorial room or laboratory. Mobile phones/tablets with cameras are NOT permitted in the Anatomy Centre. Do not bring them with you. You are also asked not to use mobile phones where others may be disturbed e.g. outside lecture theatres and offices. Mobile phones or similar devices may not be used as calculators in class tests or exams. Students are reminded that disruption of any learning and teaching activity in any way may be subject to disciplinary action. Key Staff For each of the degree schemes, your point of contact is related to the scheme being followed during that academic session. Each degree scheme has a Scheme Coordinator (see page 34). In addition each year has an overall Year Tutor who has responsibility for the organisation of that year of study. Contact your Year Tutor if you are unable to contact your Personal Tutor. Each module has a Module Coordinator who is a member of staff responsible for the design, organisation, delivery, and assessment of that module. If you have a problem, then this is the person to contact. Detailed information about modules is contained in year specific Module Timetable Handbooks. The Director of Undergraduate Education, Dr Jim Ralphs, has overall responsibility for the delivery of all the degree schemes in Biosciences. A full list of Biosciences staff contact details can be found at http://www.cardiff.ac.uk/biosciences/people

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Title Name Room

029208

Email

@cf.ac.uk

Director of School Prof Jim Murray E/3.32 Sir Martin Evans Building 76676 MurrayJA1

Deputy Director of

School Prof Daniela Riccardi C/3.15 Sir Martin Evans Building 79132 Riccardi

Director of

Undergraduate

Education

Dr Jim Ralphs C1.22 Sir Martin Evans Building 74954 Ralphs

Deputy Director of

Undergraduate

Education

Dr Stephen

Rutherford C/1.21 Sir Martin Evans Building 70251 RutherfordS

PA to the Directors of

Education Ms Adriana Filice C/1.23 Sir Martin Evans Building 74031 Filice

Assistant to the

Directors of

Undergraduate

Education

Dr Beatrix Fahnert C/1.18 Sir Martin Evans Building 70250 FahnertB

School Manager Mrs Sharon Burgess E/3.29 Sir Martin Evans Building 74089 BurgessSC

Deputy School Manager Mrs Carline

Beaumont W/2.04 Sir Martin Evans Building 76107 BeaumontCP

Executive Officer

(Learning & Teaching) Miss Catherine Jones E/0.25 Sir Martin Evans Building 74541 JonesCA

Undergraduate Team

Leader

Mr Mike Simmonds-

Dickens E/0.25 Sir Martin Evans Building 74129 SimmondsML1

The Undergraduate

Office General Enquiries E/0.25 Sir Martin Evans Building 75883 OfficeUG

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Title Name Room

029208

Email

@cf.ac.uk

Year Tutors

Preliminary Year Tutor Dr Helen Jones C/1.14 Sir Martin Evans Building 74771 JonesHE1

Year 1 Tutor Dr Louise Woodgate C/1.15 Sir Martin Evans Building 76292 WoodgateLJ

Year 2 Tutor Dr Glen Sweeney W/3.16 Sir Martin Evans Building 74123 SweeneyGE

PTY Coordinator –

Biological Schemes Dr Sarah Perkins C/7.29 Sir Martin Evans Building 75384 PerkinsS

PTY Coordinator –

Biomolecular Schemes Dr Simon Scofield W/3.13 Sir Martin Evans Building 79396 ScofieldS

PTY Coordinator –

Biomedical Schemes Dr Sarah Hall C/1.07 Sir Martin Evans Building 75164 HallSK

PTY Coordinator –

Biotechnology Schemes Prof Trevor Dale E/3.08 Sir Martin Evans Building 74652 DaleTC

Final Year Tutor Dr Alan Watson C/5.12 Sir Martin Evans Building 75156 WatsonA

Senior Personal Tutor Dr Beatrix Fahnert C/1.18 Sir Martin Evans Building 70250 FahnertB

Student/Staff Panels

Coordinator Dr Larissa Nelson C/1.26 Sir Martin Evans Building 76156 NelsonL

Pre-enrolment

Coordinator

Dr Sheila Amici-

Dargan C/1.16 Sir Martin Evans Building 70825 DarganSL

Competencies

Development Scheme Dr Beatrix Fahnert C/1.18 Sir Martin Evans Building 70250 FahnertB

Chairs of the Schemes Boards

Biological Dr Beatrix Fahnert C/1.18 Sir Martin Evans Building 70250 FahnertB

Biomedical Prof David Carter 2.02 Biosi 3 76976 CarterDA

Biomolecular Dr Mike Taylor W/3.23 Sir Martin Evans Building 75881 TaylorMV

Year 1 Board of Studies Dr Louise Woodgate C/1.15 Sir Martin Evans Building 76292 WoodgateLJ

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Title Name Room

029208

Email

@cf.ac.uk

Degree Schemes Coordinators

Biology Dr Andrew Shore C/1.17 Sir Martin Evans Building 76609 ShoreAM2

Biochemistry Dr Matt Baker C/1.19 Sir Martin Evans Building 76201 BakerMD

Biomedical Science Dr Tim Higgins C/1.25 Sir Martin Evans Building 76055 HigginsTP1

Biomedical Sciences –

Anatomy Dr Alvin Kwan C/1.01A Sir Martin Evans Building 74654 KwanAP

Biomedical Sciences –

Neuroscience

Prof Riccardo

Brambilla 1.09 Biosi 3 76807 BrambillaR

Biomedical Sciences-

Physiology

Dr Sheila Amici-

Dargan C/1.16 Sir Martin Evans Building 70825 DarganSL

Biotechnology Dr Zoë Prytherch C/1.34 Sir Martin Evans Building 79159 PrytherchZC

Ecology Dr Hefin Jones C/6.16 Sir Martin Evans Building 75357 JonesTH

Genetics Dr Hilary Rogers 0.11G Main Building 76352 RogersHJ

Microbiology Dr Beatrix Fahnert C/1.18 Sir Martin Evans Building 70250 FahnertB

Molecular Biology Dr Debbie Mason C/4.07 Sir Martin Evans Building 74561 MasonDJ

Zoology Dr Rob Thomas C/5.11 Sir Martin Evans Building 76653 ThomasRJ

Examination Liaison Officers Committee

Chair Dr Tim Higgins C/1.25 Sir Martin Evans Building 76055 HigginsTP1

Chairs of Exam Boards

Biological Sciences Prof Lynne Boddy C/6.11 Sir Martin Evans Building 74776 BoddyL

Biomolecular Science &

Final Year Composite

Board

Dr Colin Berry 2.42 Main Building 74508 Berry

Biomedical Sciences Dr Alan Watson C/5.12 Sir Martin Evans Building 75156 WatsonA

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Title Name Room

029208

Email

@cf.ac.uk

Year 1 and Year 2

Composite Board Dr Jim Ralphs C/1.22 Sir Martin Evans Building 74954 Ralphs

Year 1 Subject Exam

Board Dr Louise Woodgate C/1.15 Sir Martin Evans Building 762925 WoodgateLJ

Chair of Extenuating

Circumstances Group

Dr Stephen

Rutherford C/1.21 Sir Martin Evans Building 70251 RutherfordS

Career Liaison Officer

(Employability) Dr Beatrix Fahnert C/1.18 Sir Martin Evans Building 70250 FahnertB

Employability Advisor Mrs Nicola Vivian 0.18 Main Building 74107 VivianNJ

ERASMUS/IAESTE/Study

Abroad Liaison Officer

Dr Henrietta

Standley C/1.34 Sir Martin Evans Building 76735 StandleyHJ

Ethics Coordinator Dr Richard Clarkson 1.19 Hadyn Ellis Building 70249 ClarksonR

Student Appeals

Coordinator

Mrs Carline

Beaumont W/2.04 Sir Martin Evans Building 76107 BeaumontCP

Unfair Practice

Coordinator Dr Kelly Berube W/2.01 Sir Martin Evans Building 76012 Berube

Postgraduate Research

Leader Dr Kerrie Thomas Hadyn Ellis Building 88344 ThomasKL5

Complaints officer Mrs Carline

Beaumont W/2.04 Sir Martin Evans Building 76107 BeaumontCP

Equality and Diversity

Chair Dr Julia Gerasimenko W/1.03 Sir Martin Evans Building 70865

GerasimenkoJ

V

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Title Name Room

029208

Email

@cf.ac.uk

Disability Contact for

Students Ms Juliette Thomas W/1.03 Sir Martin Evans Building 75887 ThomasJM

Welsh Language Liaison

Officer Dr Hefin Jones C/6.16 Sir Martin Evans Building 75357 JonesTH

IT/AV Manager Mr Kevin Munn 2.40 Main Building 76808 MunnK

School Technical Managers

School Technical

Manager Dr Mark Humphries E/3.28 Sir Martin Evans Building 75136 HumphriesM1

Assistant School

Technical Manager Mr Bob Hemmings W/2.02 Sir Martin Evans Building 76816 Hemmings

School Safety Manager Mr Mark Lewis W/2.20 Sir Martin Evans Building 74441 LewisM

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Senate Assessment Regulations for Taught Programmes

8.7.6 Each student shall be required to place his/her student

identification card on the desk in the Examination Venue for

the duration of his/her Examination.

2. The Basics Enrolment It is essential that you complete online enrolment each year. Once you’ve completed enrolment you will be issued with your Cardiff University Student ID Card and have access to University facilities. http://www.cardiff.ac.uk/regis/enrolment/

In late April/early May students will be required to attend pre-enrolment where modules will be

provisionally selected for the next academic year. Students will also have the opportunity to request

certain changes to their degree schemes. Further details will be sent out by email during the Spring

semester.

Enrolment information for the School of Biosciences will be available from 1st August on the link

below: http://www.cardiff.ac.uk/biosciences/courses/enrolment

Your Cardiff University Student ID Card Your Student ID card is very important and should be carried with you at all times. The card has a number of uses, it is your:

library card,

security card to gain entry to various University buildings,

proof of identity. If your card is lost or stolen you will need to visit the Security Centre on Park Place to get a replacement, for which there is a small fee. http://www.cardiff.ac.uk/secty/security/idcards/cardiff-university-id-cards.html In the School of Biosciences it is mandatory that you bring your Student ID card to exams and

practical sessions, as it will be scanned in order to monitor attendance.

The card number is linked to your student information in the Undergraduate office, however the

card number will change if you need to get a replacement ID card and as such you must bring

replacement cards to the Undergraduate office so that they can be registered to you on our

database.

You will need your ID card to borrow from any Cardiff University Library, and for attendance

monitoring.

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Payment of Fees

You are required to pay tuition fees, or provide evidence of sponsorship, for each year of your

programme. Further information about how to pay your tuition fees and more general information

on fees can be found at:

Intranet.cardiff.ac.uk/students/support-and-services/money/tuition-fees

Payment of Fees You are required to pay tuition fees, or provide evidence of sponsorship, for each year of your programme. Further information about how to pay your tuition fees and more general information on fees can be found at: https://intranet.cardiff.ac.uk/students/support-and-services/money/tuition-fees Ask Cardiff Ask Cardiff is your one-stop shop for helping you to solve any queries you may have or resolve any issues. You can access a wide range of frequently asked questions to help you find the answer or contact a member of staff on issues such as your enrolment, your student record and your exams and results. https://ask.cardiff.ac.uk/esdlive/aspx_shared/login.aspx Connecting to the University IT network Registration Your username and password will be sent to you before enrolment. For information on how to change your IT network password please see: http://sites.cardiff.ac.uk/isf/advice/passwords/network-password-faqs/ Connection options Information on how to connect to the University’s wireless network is available here: http://www.cardiff.ac.uk/insrv/it/network/wireless/students/ If you are in a University Residence you can connect to ResLAN (Residences' Local Area Network), which provides both wired and wireless connections. http://www.cardiff.ac.uk/insrv/it/network/reslan/

Support on connecting for students on health-related placements is available here: http://www.cardiff.ac.uk/insrv/it/network/allwales/ All students using our IT facilities are bound by the University IT Regulations. http://www.cardiff.ac.uk/govrn/cocom/uniitregs/

Your Cardiff University email You can access your University email through the Student Intranet by clicking on the envelop icon in the top right of the screen. https://intranet.cardiff.ac.uk/students

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You can also access your University email on your mobile device. http://sites.cardiff.ac.uk/office365/mobile-access/ Help and advice The IT Service Desk is available for help and advice with using our IT systems - insrvConnect@cardiff.ac.uk. Your Student Record The Student Information Management System (SIMS) is our tool for managing all student records. As well as being the main portal through which you enrol, choose modules and pay fees, the system also enables the University to store the following information:

Your personal/contact information,

Your academic information/academic history,

All module and programme information. It is extremely important that we have up-to-date records for all students, including your mobile telephone number, home and term-time address, emergency contact information and changes to programme of study/modules. You can access and amend your student record or request confirmation of your student status via SIMS: https://sims.cf.ac.uk/

For more information visit http://www.cardiff.ac.uk/regis/sfs/records/

Programme Information Detailed information about your programme of study is available through SIMS sims.cf.ac.uk/. This includes information on how you will be taught and assessed, and the learning outcomes for the programme (learning outcomes set out what you should know, understand or be able to do when you have completed a learning activity or a programme of study). You will find detailed Module Descriptions in the relevant modules within Learning Central, our Virtual Learning Environment (VLE).

You will be provided with detailed information about core and optional modules prior to age 1 enrolment (pre-enrolment) in April (for Year 2 and Final Year students) or before the start of the academic year (Year 1).

Making Changes Module Transfers You can only change modules in the first three weeks of a semester and you must obtain approval from the School(s) teaching the module(s) that you wish to change and you wish to add. Your Personal Tutor or another staff member in your School will be able to advise you. You can only change modules in accordance with specific regulations that relate to your programme and year.

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https://intranet.cardiff.ac.uk/students/your-study/changes-to-your-studies/changing-modules

Programme Transfers You have been admitted to study a specific programme. However, you may change to an alternative programme if the School(s) responsible for the programme you wish to leave and the programme you wish to join agree. A change of programme that includes changing modules can only be made within the first three weeks of each semester. Further details are available at the following link.

https://intranet.cardiff.ac.uk/students/your-study/changes-to-your-studies/programme-transfers The Undergraduate Office

The Undergraduate Office is situated on the ground floor of the Sir Martin Evans Building, East Wing

(Room E/0.25), and is the focal point for contact between students and the School.

All general enquiries should be made here, from where you will be referred to an appropriate

member of the academic, administrative or support staff.

Title Room

029 208

Email

@cf.ac.uk

Undergraduate

Office

E/0.25 Sir Martin Evans

Building

75883 OfficeUG

Office hours are 8.45am-4.45pm Monday-Friday.

Please contact the Undergraduate Office if you have been experiencing problems contacting your

personal tutor or other staff.

Library Services Our library sites are conveniently located close to the Academic Schools, and you are entitled to use any of the University’s libraries.

https://intranet.cardiff.ac.uk/students/your-study/libraries

All libraries offer a wide range of information resources and provide networked computing, printing and photocopying facilities. LibrarySearch enables you to find and locate books and other resources held in the libraries, to see how many copies are held and whether they are available for loan. It also enables you to check when borrowed items are due back in the library and to renew any or all of the items.

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https://intranet.cardiff.ac.uk/students/your-study/libraries

In addition you can use LibrarySearch to find electronic books, journal articles and databases. All new students are offered an introduction to the library. This video offers a brief introduction to library services and facilities: http://tinyurl.com/unilib-video If you’d like help using library services you can phone or email your library, contact your subject librarian or use the live chat service Ask a Librarian https://intranet.cardiff.ac.uk/students/applications/view/ask-a-librarian

Reading Lists Your Reading will be provided via email and Learning Central and a video is available to help you find items on your reading list using LibrarySearch. https://ilrb.cf.ac.uk/vodcasts/FindBook.html

Learning Central Learning Central is our VLE and provides a range of information and tools to support your programme, including:

the posting of announcements,

learning materials, such as lecture handouts, slides, reading lists and web links,

discussion boards,

the management of groups within modules,

blogs and wikis,

electronic submission of assignments,

online quizzes and assessments,

provision of unconfirmed student marks,

tracking of student progress. Access is via your usual University username and password. https://learningcentral.cf.ac.uk/webapps/portal/execute/tabs/tabAction?tab_tab_group_id=_19_1 Academic Regulations Handbook The Academic Regulations Handbook provides the formally approved academic regulations, applicable to all programmes of study offered by the University. http://learning.cf.ac.uk/quality/regs/ Health, Safety and Security University Security Services are provided 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. They aim to encourage and ensure, as far as reasonably practicable, safe and secure environments for all users of the University. They also offer help and advice in a number of areas, including a Personal Safety and Security Guide. You can call the 24-hour control room on 02920 874444

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or visit the Security Control Centre, which is located directly opposite 52-53 Park Place, or speak to the University’s Campus Patrol Officers. http://www.cardiff.ac.uk/secty/security/security-services.html Safety, Health and Environment

Just as there are risks in any activity that we undertake in our daily lives, so there are risks to Safety,

Health and Environment in working in a science department. However in the School of Biosciences

we attempt to manage and minimise all risks by regular risk assessments that lead to appropriate

control measures. The two aspects of Safety, Health and Environment most likely to affect you

during your time in the School are risks from fire, and from practical work (which includes work in

laboratories and in the field).

Key features of the arrangements for evacuation in the event of a Fire, and for safety management

in practical work are summarised below. For more information, see the School of Biosciences safety

via Learning Central (in the Biosi Undergraduates module).

All staff and students are required to attend a Safety, Health and Environment induction before

commencing work within the school

If you have any concerns or issues regarding Safety, Health and Environment you should initially

contact your supervisor or course tutor

Fire Procedures in the Sir Martin Evans, Main and Hadyn Ellis Buildings

Due to the nature of the work carried out in the School, fire presents a particularly serious threat to

people and property. All users of the building should guard against any action that might result in

the outbreak of fire.

The School has an automatic smoke/heat sensing alarm system, as well as manual fire alarm

buttons. A system of fire alarm zoning has been introduced to reduce false alarms and minimise

disruption to building users. When an alarm is activated in one zone, the continuous fire alarm will

sound in that area and a full volume pulsed tone will sound in any adjacent zones.

What to Do in the Sir Martin Evans Building:

In an area with FULL alarm:

You must evacuate the building in which there is a full alarm. Use the most direct route of

evacuation. ONLY cross into another zone if it is the most direct evacuation route or if your normal

direct route is obstructed by smoke or fire or other obstacles. Leave the building and proceed to the

assembly point (Front lawn, Main Building) and wait for further instructions.

Do not loiter on the Deck or the ramps that lead to it because this will obstruct the access for the Fire Service

Do not delay evacuation to collect personal possessions etc.

Do not re-enter the building until told to do so by Security Staff or Fire Wardens

Follow the instructions of Fire Wardens / Security Staff

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Never disregard a fire alarm

Never assume it is a false alarm

Never ever use a lift in a fire alarm situation

In an area with PULSED alarm:

If you are in a zone with a pulsed alarm, you may evacuate the building if you wish but it is not

compulsory and you may stay in the pulsed zone until the alarm is either cancelled or progresses to a

full alarm when you must evacuate as above.

What to Do in the Main and Hadyn Ellis Buildings

In an area with FULL alarm:

You must evacuate the building in which there is a full alarm. Use the most direct route of

evacuation. Leave the building and proceed to the assembly point (Front lawn, Main Building. Car

Park, Hadyn Ellis Building) and wait for further instructions.

Do not loiter around the building

Do not delay evacuation to collect personal possessions etc.

Do not re-enter the building until told to do so by Security Staff or Fire Wardens

Follow the instructions of Fire Wardens / Security Staff

Never disregard a fire alarm

Never assume it is a false alarm

Never ever use a lift in a fire alarm situation

Emergency evacuation of people with a physical or mobility impairment

The Cardiff School of Biosciences has introduced procedures to evacuate personnel who have

restricted mobility or other disabilities that might hinder their evacuation from the buildings in the

event of a fire or other emergency.

These procedures are intended for people with either permanent or temporary disablement. Details

of these procedures may be found on the School’s safety information pages via Learning Central.

If you have any queries or would like further advice, please contact the School’s Safety Health and

Environmental Manager (Biosisafety@cardiff.ac.uk).

You are strongly recommended to contact the Safety Health and Environmental Manager if you have

a specific problem affecting your ability to access or evacuate from areas in the School, as we are

able to provide specific information to help you move around the building.

Procedure for assisted evacuation:

You should inform the security staff at the entrance reception when you arrive, and tell them where

you will be working. You should evacuate regardless of the type of alarm, making use of the

designated Refuge points throughout the buildings. In the Sir Martin Evans Building you may cross

into zones receiving a pulsed alarm, and may make use of lifts in these zones to leave the building.

Proceed to the School’s assembly point as above.

It is imperative that when the sirens are activated, an organised and efficient evacuation of the

building is completed.

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Never ignore an alarm

Proceed with the nearest evacuation if the alarm is activated

Routine awareness

Wherever you happen to be in the School (or in the University), ensure that you are aware of the fire escape routes

Note the locations of Refuge points, which have red emergency phones installed

Note the locations of fire blankets and extinguishers

Report any missing or damaged items to the School Safety Coordinator

Note the designated assembly area to make for after evacuating the building

Report any electrical or equipment faults promptly, do not use suspect equipment

Fire drills are undertaken at regular intervals, the alarms may also be activated when some other

immediate threat to personnel in the building is detected, and should be treated as a fire alarm.

Equipment

Fire-fighting equipment should only be used by personnel trained in its use.

First-aid

First aid equipment and members of trained First-Aid staff are located throughout the School.

Contact details of First-Aiders serving each area are displayed on green and white notices displayed

in Lift landings and Teaching areas.

Safety in Practical work and Field Courses

In our Safety Policy, we recognise that our most valued and valuable resources are our staff and

students. Achieving a safe working environment involves provision of good modern facilities, sound

management and the development of a safety culture in which everyone accepts that they have a

role to play in safety.

This will involve you as a student, not only in cooperating in the management of your own safety and

that of your colleagues, but also in making safety training an integral part of your learning

experience, especially in relation to laboratory work.

Always wearing appropriate clothing and shoes is part of this approach.

In practical work, the twin objectives of working safely and safety training - are achieved in the

following ways:

(i) The principal of Risk Assessment is used as a fundamental tool in the management of safety in practical work. Assessments are made during the development of each practical experiment and are reviewed regularly. These assessments are available in the appropriate teaching laboratory. Clear guidance will be provided in the notes relating to each experiment.

(ii) Students will carry out their own Risk Assessments as part of their training for final year projects.

20

(iii) The high-quality laboratories provide a wide range of facilities to enable students to carry out their practical work in a safe and secure environment.

(iv) Staff and demonstrators are highly experienced and will be present to supervise and advise you.

During your work you will encounter a range of signs containing important information relating to

Health and Safety, these have a standard format and the most common formats are illustrated

below.

Safe Condition

White text/signs on

green.

e.g. First Aid, and Fire

Exits

Compulsory

(must do)

White text/signs on

blue circle.

e.g. must wear protective equipment

Hazard warning

Black text/signs on

yellow triangle, e.g.

toxic material

Prohibition sign (must

not)

Red circle with red

diagonal

It is essential that you follow any directions given to you by supervising staff or demonstrators

regarding safety. If you do not follow the health and safety instructions, you will be asked to leave

the session and deemed absent without good cause.

Vaccinations

Check with your Module Leader or General Practitioner (GP), if advised to do so to establish whether

vaccinations are needed on a particular course (e.g. field course and courses involving human

dissection). You are responsible for the cost of the necessary vaccination(s). Some vaccinations may

be obtained from your registered General Practitioner.

The Cardiff University Eye Clinic (http://www.cardiff.ac.uk/eye-clinic) offers a wide range of high quality optometric services for students. The clinic is an integral part of the Department providing eye care and eyewear at competitive prices. The Eye Clinic is staffed by qualified optometrists and runs a number of specialist clinics for people with special needs and visual impairment. The Eye Clinic is open from Monday to Friday 9.00 am to 5.00 pm throughout the year. To make an appointment, email eyeclinic@cardiff.ac.uk or phone 02920 874357.

University No Smoking Policy

The University has a no smoking policy and students are not permitted to smoke anywhere within the University Grounds. This includes the use of e-cigarettes.

Security

As with any other buildings open daily in a public place, the safety and security of the buildings, its contents and its occupants are of considerable importance. The University has Security Officers to

21

oversee the arrangements in all buildings. The Security Officers can be found in the reception at the entrance to the Sir Martin Evans Building. The access to the Sir Martin Evans, Science and Life Science Buildings is controlled by proximity card controls. The Sir Martin Evans Building Main entrance, Biomedical Library and Learning and Teaching Resource Centre are open to undergraduate students between 08.45 and 21.30 Monday to Friday, 10.00 and 17.30, on Saturday and 12.00 and 17.00 on Sunday during Semesters.

The Undergraduate and other associated School offices are open 8.45am to 4.45 pm Monday to Friday.

To contact Security staff in an emergency, Dial 74444

Most issues of security are common sense:

Do not leave valuable objects, wallets, purses, etc. unattended;

Act sensibly within the University buildings with due regard for the safety and well-being of others;

If others are seen, or believed to be putting safety and security at risk, draw their behaviour to the attention of security officers.

Report any loss or theft etc. to the security centre.

Key Dates Semester Dates for 2015/16

Enrolment Week: Monday 21 September 2015 to Friday 25 September 2015 Autumn Semester

Semester Dates Start: Monday 28 September 2015 Finish: Sunday 24 January 2016

Christmas Recess Start: Saturday 12 December 2015 Finish: Sunday 3 January 2016

Examination Period Start: Monday 11 January 2016 Finish: Friday 22 January 2016

Spring Semester

Semester Dates Start: Monday 25 January 2016 Finish: Friday 10 June 2016

Easter Recess Start: Saturday 19 March 2016 Finish: Sunday 10 April 2016

Examination Period Start: Monday 9 May 2016 Finish: Friday 10 June 2016

Resit Examination Period: Monday 15 August 2016 to Friday 26 August 2016

22

Semester dates for future years can be found here: https://intranet.cardiff.ac.uk/students/your-study/key-dates

3. Our Shared Expectations Your Workload and Attendance Your programme is made up of scheduled learning activities (including lectures, seminars, tutorials and practical sessions) and guided independent study [and placement activity]. The proportion of time spent on different activities is outlined in the Key Information Set for this programme: [http://www.cardiff.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/courses/search?collection=undergraduate-courses&gscope1=1&f.Subjects%7Cx=biosciences]. You are expected to actively engage in all the educational activities on your programme of study, to prepare for and attend all scheduled teaching activities, and to become an independent and self-directed learner. The University will perform checks on your levels of engagement (including whether you have collected you Student ID Card, confirmed you programme and modules each year, submitted your coursework, attended Examinations and Class Tests, attended Personal Tutorials, etc.), which will enable extra support to be provided to you if there are areas of concern. Teaching Methods

Most of the modules that you study will be taught by lectures and by tutorials all of which you are

strongly advised to attend and practical laboratory classes, which you are required to attend.

A lecture lasts 50 minutes, with adequate time between lectures to allow staff and students to move

to their next class. Teaching can occur between 8 am and 6 pm. The lecture times are:

08:00 - 08:50 13:10 - 14:00

09:00 - 09:50 14:10 - 15:00

10:00 - 10:50 15:10 - 16:00

11:10 - 12:00 16:10 - 17:00

12:10 - 13:00 17:10 - 18:00

You will be expected to take notes so that you eventually have a complete set of good notes, to

which you can add material from text-books and other resources. Most lecturers also issue handouts

of notes or diagrams of particular importance where appropriate and /or provide supplementary

material on Learning Central.

You are expected to attend all lectures to obtain a good understanding of the course. Please check

your email and Learning Central regularly for any late changes to times, venues, and nature of

teaching sessions.

23

Tutorials are held in groups, according to the timetable and also by special arrangement with

members of staff. Usually you will be asked to prepare material either in writing or for oral

discussion. These sessions are designed to complement the lecture materials and help you

understand difficult concepts.

Certain modules consist entirely or partially of practical work which will introduce you to the

techniques and modern laboratory instrumentation relevant to your field of study. During Years 1

and 2, the amount of time spent on laboratory practicals varies according to the modules being

followed, but typically averages around 3-8 hours each week. All practical classes are compulsory

unless you are specifically told otherwise.

Generally you will follow a precise course described in a laboratory manual. The academic staff in

charge of practical classes may have post-graduate demonstrators who help in setting up

experiments, and advise and assist as necessary.

You are expected to attend tutorials and required to attend practical classes and to write up

practical work in a suitable manner which will be described to you. By the time you reach your Final

Year, your practical work may average up to 3 days per week, and it will take the form of a research

project.

You will see in Section 6 of this handbook on Modules how this practical coursework counts towards

each module assessment.

What to do if you are sick or absent If you are absent you should inform your School from the first day of absence or as soon as possible thereafter. If you are absent for more than ten consecutive working days you must speak to your Personal Tutor, Supervisor or a member of staff in your Academic School Office. You may need to apply for an interruption of study, unless you are transferring to another scheme, otherwise you will be requested to withdraw. If you have queries or want some advice about what action you should take speak with your Personal Tutor, or staff in your School Office. Further information regarding absence is available in the Academic Regulations Handbook. http://learning.cf.ac.uk/quality/regs/ It is very important that you notify the University of any absences as non-attendance may result in:

the initiation of Monitoring and Exclusions Procedures by the School,

you being deemed to have withdrawn from the University,

a sponsor being informed of non-attendance, which may result in the adjustment of financial support,

the Student Loans Company being informed of non-attendance, which may result in the initiation of repayment proceedings.

[For some Schools - failure to comply with professional, statutory and regulatory body (PSRB) requirements.]

24

For further information and advice please see: https://intranet.cardiff.ac.uk/students/your-study/changes-to-your-studies/short-term-absence

and/or

https://intranet.cardiff.ac.uk/students/your-study/changes-to-your-studies/absence-and-interruption-of-study What if you are considering withdrawing from your programme? If you are considering withdrawing from your programme you should discuss this in the first instance with your Personal Tutor, Supervisor, a member of staff in your Academic School Office, or someone in Student Support and Wellbeing. They will be able to see if anything can be done to make things better for you. If you live in University residences you will also need to advise your Residences Manager of your intention to withdraw. Please visit your Residences Reception or telephone the number on the front of your Residences Card. Information about leaving residences can also be found in the Policies & Procedures section on our website: https://intranet.cardiff.ac.uk/students/support-and-services/accommodation/university-residences For International Students If you believe that withdrawing or taking an interruption of study may be the best option for you, you are strongly advised to discuss your situation with an International Student Adviser before making your final decision: If your decision is to proceed with withdrawal or an interruption of studies then as you were issued with a visa to study in the UK, UK Visas and Immigration will expect you to return to your home country. More information on what happens if you are reported to the UKBA is also available here: https://intranet.cardiff.ac.uk/students/your-study/changes-to-your-studies/absence-and-interruption-of-study If you take an interruption of study you will have to make a new visa application to return to the UK when you choose or are able to resume your studies. You will need to make a new visa application even if you still have time left on your old visa. This is to ensure that you do not face any problems at immigration when you re-enter the UK, as the UKBA may have cancelled your old visa without informing you. Welsh Speaking Students We are committed to equality for the English and Welsh languages and if you are a Welsh speaker

you may request to have a Welsh-speaking Personal Tutor, and undertake your assessments through

the medium of Welsh. We are developing Welsh medium provision in some disciplines and students

25

studying some aspect of their programme through the medium of Welsh may be eligible for

scholarships form the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol.

https://intranet.cardiff.ac.uk/students/support-and-services/for-welsh-speakers

Welsh Speaking Staff in the School of Biosciences

Staff Member Phone Email

Dr Siân Griffiths 02920 876422 GriffithsSW@cardiff.ac.uk

Dr Hefin Jones 02920 875357 JonesTH@cardiff.ac.uk

Dr Zoë Prytherch 02920 879159 PrytherchZC@cardiff.ac.uk

Eleanor Breeze (BreezeE1@cf.ac.uk) is the Welsh Language Contact in the Undergraduate Office.

Remember – it may be possible to switch to any of these members of staff if you have not been

assigned a Welsh-speaking tutor

4. Assessment and Feedback The Purpose of Assessment The purposes of assessment are to help both staff and students monitor and improve learning, to provide a measure of achievement, and to help assure our academic quality and standards. We hope that your learning will gain maximum benefit through effective and efficient assessment. Our assessments are designed on the principles that they are valid, reliable and explicit. You will undertake both formative and summative assessments during your time here. Formative assessment is designed to help you learn more effectively through the receipt of feedback on your performance, indicating how you can improve. It does not count towards your overall mark. Summative assessment is used to indicate how well you have met the intended learning outcomes of a module or programme, and does count towards your overall mark. Feedback is provided on all assessments taken during the academic year.

Coursework

Required Format for Coursework

All essays or projects must be formatted in a standard manner. The requirements are:

Font Arial 11 point

Margins 2 cm

Line spacing 1.5

26

All coursework is to be submitted electronically through Learning Central. All

submissions must be saved as (student number)_(assessment title) e.g.

1456748_BI2115_Essay1.doc

There may be occasions when we will inform you that in addition to the electronic

copy, you will also be required to submit a hard copy of your work.

Word Limits

Where a word limit is specified for an assessment, it should be adhered to and the word count must

be noted on the submission. Marks may be lost for assessments which are significantly over (or under)

the specified word limit.

STOP!

Before you submit, have you:

Included a word count made using MS Word

Either as a header or footer (so that it appears on every page), put: o the name of the module o the title of the assignment o your student number and/or School ID code

Procedures and Deadlines for Submission of Work

If you are required to submit a hard copy as a piece of coursework, the instructions on how to do so

are next to the submission boxes next to the Undergraduate Office.

Electronic Submission of Coursework

You are required to submit an electronic copy of your coursework to the relevant module in Learning

Central using the assignment tool. This will be automatically date stamped.

How to Submit an Electronic Assignment to Learning Central

In each module in Learning Central there is an ASSIGNMENT button on the LHS of the screen. An

example of a first page of an assignment area is shown next.

The first page will give information regarding the assignment such as its title and a completion date.

The assignment can be viewed and completed by following these steps.

27

Click once on View/Complete Assignment:

A page such as the one shown next will open.

28

And clicking on the “Submit” button will you give you:

To submit work.

Go to the appropriate assignment page as above.

Complete the boxes:

First name: Your first name

Last name: Your last name

Submission title: (e.g.) BI2210 Extended Essay

You will need to attach the file that contains your work. This can be achieved by clicking on the

“Browse….” button:

IMPORTANT

1. You can only submit one electronic file for any piece of coursework. All sections, including summary, results, tables, references and appendices MUST be included in a single document.

2. The file must be text based, generated from electronic sources, so either a .doc file, .docx file, a .PDF file, .ppt or .pptx file.

3. The header of each page of your file should contain the module code associated with the coursework, the title of the coursework and your School ID Code.

4. When naming your assignment file to upload it must be in the following format:

29

Student number_assessment title.doc e.g. 1456748_BI2115_Essay1.doc

5. The name of your file must not include SPACES or NON-ALPHA NUMERIC CHARACTERS (e.g. & or -)

6. Files must be 20 MB or less in size otherwise they will not be uploaded. Follow the instructions in the document Resizing and Reducing File Size of Images in WORD which is in the assignment area in every module on Learning Central. If your file is still larger than 20MB, then remove the images entirely before uploading.

7. You can overwrite your submissions as many times as you want before the due date, however all submissions are final once the deadline has passed.

When you are satisfied that you have attached the required file you can click UPLOAD.

Each assignment is held on Learning Central under your name and is electronically date stamped.

The screen shown above will be displayed on successful submission of your paper. A copy of the

receipt will be emailed to you. You should keep the email as proof of submission OR print the page

OR take an electronic copy by pressing the ALT key and then the PRINT SCRN key. Open a blank

WORD document and under the EDIT menu select PASTE. SAVE the document.

It is your responsibility to check that you have received a receipt emailed to you confirming your

submission. If you do not receive a receipt then contact the Undergraduate Office immediately to

verify if your submission has uploaded correctly.

YOU MUST KEEP THIS RECEIPT AS PROOF OF SUBMISSION. If you do not receive a receipt then it is

probable that your submission has not worked.

30

Ensure that you upload the file well before the deadline, so that any problems with the upload for

example, due to network performance or other factors etc. can be rectified before the closing date

and time.

Also ensure that you have uploaded the correct file, or the correct version of your assignment. If

you upload the wrong file, you cannot replace it with the correct file after the deadline has passed.

If you fail to submit an electronic copy of your work by the deadline you will receive a mark of 0.

It is your responsibility to make sure that you have submitted the electronic copy on time and

have received a submission receipt.

Marking Most assessment tasks require assessors to exercise their academic and/or professional judgement.

Staff will use assessment criteria and/or mark schemes to support this judgement, which will be

provided to you. Assessment criteria set out the knowledge, understanding, and skills that you will

need to demonstrate in different assessment tasks. All summative tasks are marked anonymously,

except in tasks where this is not possible, e.g. presentations. Schools also use a range of processes to

ensure marking is reliable, consistent, and accurate. Results are overseen by examining boards,

which include external examiners to help monitor and judge standards.

You must ensure that you adhere to any specified word limits and that you submit assessments in

advance of scheduled deadlines. Summative assessments that are submitted late, where there are

no accepted extenuating circumstances, will be given a mark of zero.

Grading System for Assessment

You may want to know at the outset the standard of marks needed to achieve a particular degree

classification. In accordance with University regulations, we use the following grading system for the

final Honours Degree result:

First Class 70% and above

Second Class Division One 60% - 69%

Second Class Division Two 50% - 59%

Third Class 40% - 49% with >=340 credits

Pass 40% - 49% with >=320 credits but less than <340 credits

Fail less than 40%

The Honours degree classification will be determined by the Examining Board by considering the

weighted average mark in modules from Year 2 and Final Year. Please note that Year 1 marks for

degree schemes in Biosciences do not contribute to the degree classification, but you must attain a

minimum of 120 credits at Level 4 in order to be awarded a degree.

Approved regulations for each scheme of study are available in the Learning Central Core

Information module for each year of study.

31

Marking Criteria for Written Assessments

The descriptors for each mark range are constantly under review. Any changes will be notified to you

during the academic year. Marking criteria for each academic level are also available in the Learning

Central Core Information module for each year of study.

Principles

1. Marks should be awarded relative to the outline answer as appropriate

2. For the purposes of marking individual pieces of work, degree classification ranges should be

ignored

3. When marking for presentation, assessment should include the appropriate use of diagrams

4. When marking written work, attention will be given to clarity (use of language, grammar and

scientific convention) and whether the writing is concise (focused, selective and explained as briefly

as possible).

Note: In order to ensure reliability and consistency of marking, it is the policy of the School that all

coursework and examination answers (where there is a significant element of subjectivity e.g. an

extended written component) are marked to only a 2%, 5% and 8% point within each marking

boundary. This does not apply to marks of 0% (zero) or 100%.

32

Preliminary Year and Year 1 Criteria

100

98

95

92

An exceptional answer addressing the question

A lucid and comprehensive account of all aspects of the topic that includes some secondary material (from directed

and recommended reading and possibly some independent reading).

Extensive and insightful analysis and explanation of the topic, with some

synthesis of material. The content is supported by experimental evidence where appropriate.

Excellent organisation and presentation, with very good and imaginative use

of illustrations, tables etc.

88

85

82

An outstanding answer addressing the question

Very good coverage of all aspects of the topic, some points derived from appropriate secondary material (directed

and recommended reading and

possibly some independent reading) may be integrated into the answer.

The information is error-free, very well explained, and supported by

experimental evidence where appropriate.

The organisation and presentation is excellent, with very good use of appropriate illustrations, tables etc.

78

75

72

A clear and comprehensive answer addressing the question

Very good coverage of nearly all aspects of the topic, though with little or no reference to secondary material.

The information is free of all but trivial errors, very well explained and supported by experimental evidence where

appropriate.

The answer is logically organised and very well presented, with good use of appropriate illustrations, tables etc.

68

65

62

A substantial answer addressing the question

Accurate coverage of most of the topic (at least 70% of expected material is present).

The information given is well explained and largely error free, with no major misunderstandings.

The answer is logically organised and well presented, with good use of

appropriate illustrations, tables etc.

58

55

52

A satisfactory answer addressing the question (perhaps good coverage of

only part of the topic).

Enough is presented to indicate adequate knowledge of the topic (at least

50% of expected material is present), but with some imbalances/omissions.

Some minor errors, and perhaps one or two significant errors, may be

present. There is evidence of understanding of most of the content but some points may not be adequately

explained.

Reasonably well organised and presented, with some use of appropriate illustrations, tables etc.

48

45

42

A barely satisfactory answer

Some core material is included, but there are major omissions and/or a lack of depth.

Some significant errors and misconceptions may be present and much of the content is poorly explained such that

the essay fails to demonstrate adequate understanding of the topic.

The organisation and presentation is barely satisfactory. Little if any use of appropriate illustrations, tables etc.

38

35

32

An unsatisfactory answer

Limited content which may be overly superficial and/or with major omissions or errors affecting over 50% of the

material expected in the answer.

There are many errors and omissions, and the content is poorly explained with serious misconceptions that indicate

a lack of understanding.

The organisation and presentation is unsatisfactory.

33

28

25

22

Insubstantial and partial addressing of the subject

The question is poorly addressed. The content may be extremely superficial and/or limited to a few basic points

and/or include numerous significant errors.

There is little evidence of any understanding of the topic.

The answer is poorly organised and presented.

18

15

12

Fails to address the question and/or predominantly consists of irrelevant material

Some knowledge of a small part of the subject.

The answer is very poorly organised and presented.

8

5

2

The question is misinterpreted or not addressed, but the answer contains one or two relevant points

0 The answer contains no material that is both relevant and correct

Core material refers to material covered in lectures, practicals and tutorials, together with compulsory reading

that students have been told to do.

Year 2 Criteria

100

98

95

92

An exceptional answer addressing the question

A lucid and comprehensive account of all aspects of the topic showing complete command of facts, evidence,

hypotheses and underlying principles. Extensive secondary material (including some from appropriate independent

reading) is integrated into the answer.

Extensive and insightful analysis and evaluation of the topic, with synthesis of ideas and evidence of original

thinking. Arguments, hypotheses etc. are

supported by appropriate experimental evidence.

Excellent organisation and presentation, with very good and imaginative use

of illustrations, tables etc.

88

85

82

An outstanding answer addressing the question

Very good coverage of all aspects of the topic, with considerable secondary material (from directed and

recommended reading and possibly some

independent reading) integrated into the answer.

The information is error-free, very well explained, and includes some critical analysis/evaluation of the topic.

Arguments, hypotheses etc. are supported by appropriate experimental evidence.

The organisation and presentation is excellent, with very good use of appropriate illustrations, tables etc.

78

75

72

A clear and comprehensive answer addressing the question

Very good coverage of nearly all aspects of the topic, with some points derived from appropriate secondary

material (directed and recommended reading and possibly some independent reading) integrated into the answer.

NB the maximum mark for an essay lacking secondary material is 75%.

The information is free of all but trivial errors and is very well explained and analysed, with different elements of the

topic fully integrated. Arguments, hypotheses etc. are supported by appropriate experimental evidence.

The answer is logically organised and very well presented, with good use of appropriate illustrations, tables etc.

68 A substantial answer addressing the question

34

65

62

Accurate coverage of most of the topic (at least 70% of expected material is present). However, there is little or no

appropriate content derived from

secondary material.

The information given is largely error free and well explained with different elements of the topic well integrated.

There are no major misunderstandings.

The answer is supported by some reference to appropriate experimental

evidence.

The answer is logically organised and well presented, with good use of

appropriate illustrations, tables etc.

58

55

52

A satisfactory answer addressing the question (perhaps good coverage

of only part of the topic)

Enough is presented to indicate adequate knowledge of the topic (at least

50% of expected material is present), but with some imbalances/omissions.

There is little or no appropriate content derived from secondary material.

Some minor errors, and perhaps one or two significant errors, may be

present. There is evidence of understanding of most of the content but some points may not be adequately

explained.

Reasonably well organised and presented, with some use of appropriate illustrations, tables etc.

48

45

42

A barely satisfactory answer

Some core material is included, but there are major omissions and/or a lack

of depth.

Some significant errors and misconceptions may be present and much of the content is poorly explained such that

the essay fails to demonstrate adequate understanding of the topic.

The organisation and presentation is barely satisfactory. Little if any use of appropriate illustrations, tables etc.

38

35

32

An unsatisfactory answer

Limited content which may be overly superficial and/or with major omissions

or errors affecting over 50% of the material expected in the answer.

There are many errors and omissions, and the content is poorly explained

with serious misconceptions that indicate a lack of understanding.

The organisation and presentation is unsatisfactory.

28

25

22

Insubstantial and partial addressing of the subject

The question is poorly addressed. The content may be extremely superficial and/or limited to a few basic points

and/or include numerous significant errors.

There is little evidence of any understanding of the topic.

The answer is poorly organised and presented.

18

15

12

Fails to address the question and/or predominantly consists of irrelevant material

Some knowledge of a small part of the subject.

The answer is very poorly organised and presented.

8

5

2

The question is misinterpreted or not addressed, but the answer

contains one or two relevant points

0 The answer contains no material that is both relevant and correct

Core material refers to material covered in lectures, practicals and tutorials, together with compulsory reading

that students have been told to do.

35

Final Year Criteria

100

98

95

92

An exceptional answer addressing the question

A lucid and comprehensive account of all aspects of the topic showing complete

command of facts, evidence, hypotheses and underlying principles. The answer is supported by integration and

analysis of very extensive, well-chosen secondary material including substantial independent literature research.

Extensive and insightful analysis and evaluation of the topic, with synthesis of ideas and clear evidence of original

thinking. Arguments, hypotheses etc. are supported by appropriate experimental evidence.

Excellent organisation and presentation, with very good and imaginative use of

illustrations, tables etc.

88

85

82

An outstanding answer addressing the question

Very good coverage of all aspects of the topic, with extensive secondary

material (including some from appropriate independent reading) integrated into

the answer.

The information is error-free, very well explained, and includes extensive critical analysis/evaluation of the topic

with synthesis of ideas and possibly evidence of original thinking. Arguments, hypotheses etc. are supported by

appropriate experimental evidence.

The organisation and presentation is excellent, with very good use of appropriate illustrations, tables etc.

78

75

72

A clear and comprehensive answer addressing the question

Very good coverage of nearly all aspects of the topic, with considerable secondary material (from directed and

recommended reading and possibly

some independent reading) integrated into the answer.

The information is free of all but trivial errors and is very well explained and analysed, with different elements of the

topic fully integrated. Arguments, hypotheses etc. are supported by appropriate experimental evidence.

The answer is logically organised and very well presented, with good use of appropriate illustrations, tables etc.

68

65

62

A substantial answer addressing the question

Accurate coverage of most of the topic (at least 70% of expected material is present), including some points derived

from appropriate secondary material (directed and recommended reading and possibly some independent reading).

NB the maximum mark for an essay lacking secondary material is 65%.

The information given is largely error free and well explained with different elements of the topic well integrated.

There are no major misunderstandings. Arguments, hypotheses etc. supported by some reference to appropriate

experimental evidence.

The answer is logically organised and well presented, with good use of

appropriate illustrations, tables etc.

58

55

52

A satisfactory answer addressing the question (perhaps good coverage of

only part of the topic).

Enough is presented to indicate adequate knowledge of the topic (at least 50% of expected material is present), but

with some imbalances/omissions. There is little or no appropriate content derived from secondary material.

Some minor errors, and perhaps one or two significant errors, may be present. There is evidence of understanding

of most of the content but some points may not be adequately explained.

Reasonably well organised and presented, with some use of appropriate illustrations, tables etc.

48

45

42

A barely satisfactory answer

Some core material is included, but there are major omissions and/or a lack of depth. There is little or no

appropriate content from secondary material.

Some significant errors and misconceptions may be present and much of the content is poorly explained such that

the essay fails to demonstrate adequate understanding of the topic. Different elements of the topic are poorly

integrated.

36

The organisation and presentation is barely satisfactory. Little if any use of appropriate illustrations, tables etc.

38

35

32

An unsatisfactory answer

Limited content which may be overly superficial and/or with major omissions or errors affecting over 50% of the

material expected in the answer. There is little or no appropriate content from secondary material.

There are many errors and omissions, and the content is poorly explained with serious misconceptions that indicate

a lack of understanding.

The organisation and presentation is unsatisfactory.

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25

22

Insubstantial and partial addressing of the subject

The question is poorly addressed. The content may be extremely superficial and/or limited to a few basic points

and/or include numerous significant errors. There is little or no appropriate content derived from secondary

material.

There is little evidence of any understanding of the topic.

The answer is poorly organised and presented.

18

15

12

Fails to address the question and/or predominantly consists of irrelevant material

Some knowledge of a small part of the subject with little or no appropriate reference to secondary material.

The answer is very poorly organised and presented.

8

5

2

The question is misinterpreted or not addressed, but the answer contains one or two relevant points

0 The answer contains no material that is both relevant and correct

Core material refers to material covered in lectures, practicals and tutorials, together with compulsory reading.

Secondary material – gained from reading additional sources e.g. books and research literature:

Directed reading – research material that students have been told they should read

Recommended reading – research material that students have been recommended to read

Independent reading – research material that has been discovered independently by the student

NB A large proportion of marks in the final year are given for the use of secondary reading (see Final

Year criteria above). One way of obtaining such information is through attendance at research

seminars. Students are encourages to attend as many as possible and to make appropriate notes

from them.

Anonymous Marking

Wherever applicable and practical, it is the School policy to mark anonymously. You will be issued

with a School ID code at enrolment that you will keep for your time at the School. Please do not

include your name unless asked to do so.

Penalties for the Non-submission or Late Submission of Assessed Work

The Examining Board is empowered to apply such penalties as it considers appropriate in respect of

the non-submission or late submission of assessed work. Work handed in late will be given a zero

mark. Submissions on CD or via email will NOT be accepted. Do not leave electronic submission to

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Learning Central until the last minute in case you encounter problems in uploading your file. Unless

there are acceptable extenuating circumstances, will be NO exceptions for late submission. NB.

Problems with computers during the upload process are NOT valid Extenuating Circumstances.

According to University regulations, this penalty may only be waived if there is documentary

evidence of medical or compassionate reason(s) for late submission and following approval by a

designated member of school staff e.g. Year Tutor and/or the exam board.

In this case you should submit a request on the appropriate form

(http://www.cardiff.ac.uk/regis/sfs/studentcases/extenuatingcircumstances.html) before the

deadline for submission of the work. Submission of this form after the deadline will only be allowed

in exceptional circumstances and if supporting evidence is included. The form is available from the

Undergraduate Office and in the year core module on learning central.

See Extenuating Circumstances on page 121 for more information.

Assessment Results You will be given access to provisional marks on SIMS after an assessment has been marked. Provisional marks are subject to confirmation by the relevant Examining Board. Your Progress [School to outline how progress will be monitored.]

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Feedback on Assessment Academic feedback plays a crucial role in supporting learning at University and is a key element of your learning experience. You will receive feedback in a variety of different ways and learning situations. You should be aware of the range of feedback you could receive, including the oral feedback that you will receive from staff on an ongoing basis. The feedback you receive will be most useful when you use it to identify what you did well, why you got a particular mark, and what you need to do to improve. When you have done this, you need to ensure that you use this information to improve your future work. Feedback on assessed work will be made available to you no later than four working weeks after the assessment deadline. In exceptional cases, where this is not possible, staff will notify students when they will receive it and give clear reasons for the delay. The University’s approach to feedback in outlined in our Academic Feedback Policy. http://learning.cf.ac.uk/quality/assessment/feedback/ The date of return of assessed work is available in the online assessment timetable for year 2 and

Final Year https://signal.biosi.cf.ac.uk/undergraduate/ and the Year 1 Handbook.

Should work be returned to you via the pigeonholes, it is vital that you collect it and act on the

feedback.

We aim to give you sufficient feedback to support your learning. However, remember that we learn

best by finding information out for ourselves. So feedback will not usually tell you exactly what you

should and shouldn’t do, but rather make you think about what you have done and how you might

improve this.

What IS Feedback?

Feedback is anything you receive from a Member of Staff or Demonstrator that supports your

learning. Feedback may come in a number of forms:

Discussions with a lecturer or demonstrator in a practical class

Day-to-day discussions with your Final Year Project Supervisor or Personal Tutor.

Comments on a script or practical report

Generic comments given to (and about) the whole class (either written or verbal)

Model or outline answers for an assignment

Questions or leading comments written on the script

Verbal comments during a personal meeting

Ticks and crosses for right and wrong answers (use these to work out what errors you need to correct and/or find out about)

Discussing your academic progress with your Personal Tutor

A pro forma showing your achievement in specific key criteria for the assessment

Recorded verbal feedback

Personalised discussion with the lecturer

Your mark (but only when placed in context of the rest of the class).

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Many of the types of feedback require you to use them actively. For example, if you are just given

ticks and crosses on a report, then you should look up the correct answers you need yourself! We

learn best by finding information out for ourselves.

With every piece of coursework, think about how you can use the feedback for the next similar

assignment. Look to see if you have made similar mistakes to those in previous work.

Exam feedback

You are encouraged to discuss your end of module essays with your personal tutor in order to give

you feedback on your exam performance. You will be given a period of time after the exam results

are published (or at the start of the academic year) in which you may request to view your

examination scripts with your tutor for feedback and advice. Ask the Undergraduate Office for a

form to request this.

IF YOU REQUIRE MORE FEEDBACK THEN ASK FOR IT!

Examinations Timetables for exams which are held during the main Autumn and Spring exam periods are published approximately five weeks before the start of the exam period. https://intranet.cardiff.ac.uk/students/your-study/exams-and-assessment/before-your-exams/exam-timetables You should be aware of the basic information and rules before sitting your first exam, including what you can and cannot take into an exam venue. These rules are available here: https://intranet.cardiff.ac.uk/students/your-study/exams-and-assessment/sitting-your-exam A video of what to expect at an exam venue is available here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W_tLL-gRLmY&feature=youtu.be Policy for the Release of Assessment Marks and Results to Undergraduates

It is important that if you have been awarded a 0 mark where you have submitted an assessment

(where you have proof), or where you have reported extenuating circumstances why you were

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unable to submit that assessment, that you query that mark with the Undergraduate office

immediately.

Coursework (Years 1, 2 and Final Year)

These include assessed practical class reports, problem-solving exercises, tests, essays and other

module assignments. Students will be notified of their mark via SIMS.

Professional Training Year (PTY)

The provisional module results for the PTY year will be issued following the PTY Exam Board in

December of the student’s Final Year. Confirmed PTY results are issued through SIMS by Registry.

Provisional Module Results and Degree Classifications

Following the meeting of the Autumn semester Examining Boards ‘provisional’ module results will be

issued by the School via SIMS. Confirmed module results and year outcomes for Autumn and Spring

Semester modules will be issued by Registry via SIMS following the meeting of the Composite Exam

Board in the Spring semester. Students will receive a notification that results are available to view.

For the Final Year each student shall receive a transcript via SIMS in accordance with the Senate

Regulations governing the Programme of Study. The transcript shall provide the student with the

‘confirmed’ module marks and year/classification results. Please note that module and degree

result summaries will not be divulged by, nor should they be requested from, members of the

Academic and Undergraduate Office Staff before they are posted issued by Registry via SIMS.

Your SIMS record will show the date your results will be issued.

Examination Marks

The marks obtained for individual components in an exam can be obtained from your personal tutor.

However, marks for individual short answer or EMQ questions cannot be released.

Resit Examinations

In the event that resit exams have to be taken, information about dates, times and locations will be

made available on the University web site. Individual letters will also be sent from the

Undergraduate Office containing information about the resit exams and coursework reassessment.

Assessments and Outcomes

NB progression from one year to the next is at the discretion of the Exam Board at all times.

The rules relating to the progress from one year of study to the next are summarised in Section 6:

Modules of this Handbook.

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Feedback and the Return of Work

Academic feedback plays a crucial role in supporting learning at University and is a key element of

your learning experience. You will receive feedback in a variety of different ways and learning

situations. You should be aware of the range of feedback you could receive, including the oral

feedback that you will receive from staff on an ongoing basis.

The feedback you receive will be most useful when you use it to identify what you did well, why you

got a particular mark, and what you need to do to improve. When you have done this, you need to

ensure that you use this information to improve your future work.

Feedback on assessed work will be made available to you no later than four teaching weeks after the

assessment deadline. In exceptional cases, where this is not possible, staff will notify students when

they will receive it and give clear reasons for the delay. The University’s approach to feedback is

outlined in your Academic Feedback Policy http://learning.cf.ac.uk/quality/assessment/feedback/

The date of return of assessed work is available in the online assessment timetable for year 2 and

Final Year https://signal.biosi.cf.ac.uk/undergraduate/ and the Year 1 Handbook.

Should work be returned to you via the pigeonholes, it is vital that you collect it and act on the

feedback.

We aim to give you sufficient feedback to support your learning. However, remember that we learn

best by finding information out for ourselves. So feedback will not usually tell you exactly what you

should and shouldn’t do, but rather make you think about what you have done and how you might

improve this.

Alternative Examination Arrangements Support is available in examinations for disabled students, including students with Specific Learning Difficulties such as dyslexia, where students request reasonable adjustments to be made in advance of the examinations. Students may also wish to request examinations through the medium of Welsh and adjustments to examinations due to Religious Observance Days. More details can be found here: https://intranet.cardiff.ac.uk/students/your-study/exams-and-assessment/before-your-exams/alternative-arrangements Extenuating Circumstances While preparing for or undertaking assessments, you may experience personal circumstances that impact on your studies. If this is the case then you must report these as

42

extenuating circumstances to your School Office as soon as possible and before the deadline published by your School. Extenuating circumstances are circumstances that:

have prevented you from performing at your usual level in an assessment or examination, and

are severe and exceptional, and

are unforeseen or unavoidable, and

are close in time to the affected assessment or examination. There are a number of remedies available to Schools for students who have valid extenuating circumstances. These can apply only if you report your circumstances by the published deadline. https://intranet.cardiff.ac.uk/students/your-study/exams-and-assessment/extenuating-circumstances Students must report in writing any extenuating circumstances which may affect his/her performance in any assessment through and Extenuating Circumstance form submitted to Undergraduate Office. This should be done as soon as the circumstances arise and, where possible, before the examination is due to be taken or the assessment is due to be submitted. Circumstances should be confirmed in writing and reported by completion of an Extenuating Circumstances form obtainable from the Undergraduate Office and should be supported by documentary evidence where appropriate (see below). In all cases Extenuating Circumstances must be reported to the Undergraduate Office and not to other academic staff members.

Please note that extenuating circumstances must be notified BEFORE the meeting of the School’s Extenuating Circumstances Group by no later than the deadlines specified. All extenuating circumstances are considered each academic semester by this Group. The Group reports to the summer Composite Exam Boards based on information and evidence received; the Composite Exam Board then confirms the final decision.

Final Deadline for submission of Extenuating Circumstances to the Undergraduate Office:

Years 1 and 2 students: 12.00 Noon on Wednesday 15th June 2016 Final Year students: 12.00 Noon on Tuesday 31st May 2016

Resit/referral assessment period: Year 1, Year 2 and Final Year students: 12.00 Noon Tuesday 23rd August 2016 Professional Training Year (PTY) students will be advised separately.

For further information relating to extenuating circumstances including deadlines for submitting extenuating circumstances, please see the following link: http://www.cardiff.ac.uk/regis/sfs/studentcases/extenuatingcircumstances.html

You MUST specify EXACTLY which modules and which assessments have been affected by Extenuating Circumstances. The exam board cannot consider coursework/exams not listed specifically on the Extenuating Circumstances Form.

Regulations and Evidence Required Regarding Absence and/or Late Submission of Assessed Work

43

In order for extenuating circumstances to be taken into account by the school they MUST be

formally reported by the student using an extenuating circumstances form and submitted to the

Undergraduate Office.

1. Absence from Compulsory Classes e.g. non-assessed practical classes.

You cannot self-certificate and must provide appropriate evidence to support the reasons for

absence:

as a result of illness*

a medical note/letter from your doctor or hospital or the Student Health Centre

for other reasons**

e.g. compassionate or severe personal circumstances – a supporting letter a student

counsellor or other appropriate evidence e.g. a copy of the Death Certificate.

*illness normally excludes minor ailments such as mild coughs and colds, mild sore throats, minor stomach

upsets etc.

**grounds other than illness which are normally accepted as good reason for non-attendance or late

submission include:

Bereavement – for example the death of a close relative or friend, partner or significant other;

Serious accident;

Significant adverse personal/family circumstances;

Being a victim of serious crime;

Disability or impairment where it hasn’t been possible to put the required adjustments in place;

They do not include:

Medical circumstances for which adjustments have already been made (such as an extended deadline);

Long-term health condition or disability for which reasonable adjustments have already been made;

Poor time management, personal computer or printer problems;

Holidays;

Financial difficulties, unless there are additional factors which make them exceptional or particularly severe;

Claims that you were unaware of the dates or times of submission or examination.

NB. Ongoing medical conditions (e.g. mental health conditions) do NOT count as valid extenuating

circumstances UNLESS they can be shown to have worsened or had a change in their management

(e.g.)a change of medication)

You must complete the Extenuating Circumstances documentation carefully and include full

details of the coursework/exams affected.

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45

You must complete all details in this section. Failure to do so will

mean the Extenuating Circumstances will be rejected.

46

47

2. Absence from a University Examination, In-Course Assessment, Assessed Practical, Class Test

or Presentation

You must provide evidence to support a claim of being absent with good cause:

as a result of illness*

a medical note/letter from your doctor or hospital; not the student Health Centre

for other reasons**

e.g. compassionate or severe personal circumstances a copy of the Death Certificate or a letter

from a reliable 3rd Party Individual (NB. This cannot be a family member or a fellow student)

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3. Request for Late Submission of an Assessment

This request must be accompanied by appropriate evidence:

as a result of illness* ~

a medical note/letter from your doctor or hospital or the student health centre

for other reasons**

compassionate or severe personal circumstances – a supporting letter from your personal tutor

or student counsellor or other appropriate evidence e.g. a copy of the Death Certificate, letter

from family member.

N.B. Requests for late submission should be made in advance of the deadline (except in the

case of a certified illness which coincides with that deadline) otherwise you risk a mark of

zero if the extenuating circumstances are rejected.

Requests made after the deadline may not be approved if there is no valid reason given

and/or if no supporting evidence is supplied, to explain why an extension was not

requested before the deadline

4. Evidence for Extenuating Circumstances

You will need to provide a hard copy or a scanned copy of evidence from an independent third party

for all extenuating circumstances which clearly states the dates/time period covered by the

circumstances. Without evidence, the circumstances cannot be approved.

Appropriate evidence includes: a medical note from a family G.P., a letter from the counselling

service, a police incident report, a letter from an employer, a hospital admission/discharge notice, a

death certificate or order of service (only if a death certificate is unobtainable). Please note that we

may require a death certificate for any extenuating circumstances due to a bereavement.

Inappropriate evidence includes: letters from personal tutors, family members, partners/spouses,

friends, or medical notes that do not contain specific information on dates and/or diagnoses.

For further information on Extenuating Circumstances:

http://www.cardiff.ac.uk/regis/sfs/studentcases/extenuatingcircumstances.html

Please note:

Submission of an extenuating circumstances for does not

guarantee that the circumstances will be approved and accepted.

Do not assume that an absence has been authorised simply

because a form has been submitted. You will be informed if your

request has been approved or rejected. Please contact the

Undergraduate Office if you do not receive a response to your

submission within 5 working days.

Your Personal Tutor or Module Leader does not have the

authority to authorise the request. Authorisation may be granted

by the Year Co-ordinator only.

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Extenuating circumstances are dealt with as rapidly as possible and you will be informed of the

outcome by email. Note that this outcome is only a recommendation on behalf of the Exam Board.

The Exam Board may modify this decision at a later date.

Also note: If you are forced to miss more than 14 consecutive days of study, then you should

consider taking an Interruption of Study as it may not be possible to accommodate the impact on

your learning that a longer absence will cause.

Specific Provision

A student requiring specific provision for his/her examinations should submit a written application directly to the Superintendent of Examinations. The application should be supported by documentary evidence since the Superintendent is permitted to disregard requests without such evidence. Specific provision may be considered for circumstances including: dyslexia, visual impairment, hearing impairment and physical impairment from writing a script but this list is not exhaustive. http://www.cardiff.ac.uk/regis/enrolment/Disabilities/studentdisabilities.html. Where specific

provision has been agreed by the Dyslexia and Disability Service, but has not been put in place by the

time of the examination you must submit an Extenuating Circumstances form in order for the exam

board to take this into consideration.

Religious Holidays

http://www.interfaithcalendar.org/

Any student who anticipates that s/he will be unable, on religious grounds, to take examinations or

other assessments on certain days (which includes Saturdays and Sundays) is required to inform the

School in writing within one week after start of the semester (for class tests and assignments) and

the Director of Registry in writing within five weeks of the start of each semester (for End of Module

exams). Please note that whilst every effort will be made to accommodate such requests, it may not

be possible to meet these in all cases.

Interruption of Study

Interruption of study may be made for medical or compassionate grounds, for financial reasons or to

undertake work experience. If you need to take an Interruption of Study then you can apply via the

SIMS website. You will need to supply evidence to support your request. It is very important that

50

you discuss your intention to take an Interruption of Study with the Deputy Director of

Undergraduate Education, Dr S. Rutherford (RutherfordS@cf.ac.uk, Room C1.17, 02920 870251)

before making the request.

Please note that you may not apply for Interruption of Study within 14 calendar days of an

examination period. Also note that students are only permitted 2 years beyond the length of their

degree schemes in which to complete their studies.

For further information on Interruption of Study, see the following links:

http://www.cardiff.ac.uk/regis/sfs/regs/2.03%20-

%20Student%20Absence%20Procedure%20Interruption%20of%20Study.doc

http://www.cardiff.ac.uk/advice/resources/FAQ%20-%20A8%20IOS.pdf

http://www.cardiff.ac.uk/studentsupport/international/changestostudies/iosandwitdrawals/inde

x.html

Academic Integrity It is important that you approach assessment in an honest way and that you only submit assignments that are entirely your own work. Using the work of others without proper acknowledgement is cheating, or unfair practice, as you will have had an unfair advantage in your assessment compared to other students. Plagiarism (copying the work of others without permission or acknowledgement) and collusion (unauthorised collaboration with other(s)) will also reduce the confidence of others in your degree. Properly referencing the work of others is an important skill in higher education, one that you will need to learn. Guidance and tutorials on how to reference in the [the referencing style used by the school] can be found here: http://www.cardiff.ac.uk/insrv/educationandtraining/guides/citingreferences/ Your subject librarian can also help with your referencing queries. http://www.cardiff.ac.uk/insrv/libraries/contacts/subjectlibrarians.html The University uses a range of different tools and techniques to identify plagiarism and the penalties for students who are caught can be severe. Invigilators are also trained to identify misconduct in examinations. It is up to you to ensure that you don’t commit an unfair practice, whether by accident or by design. It is an offence even when you did not intend to do it. https://intranet.cardiff.ac.uk/students/your-study/exams-and-assessment/sitting-your-exam/cheating-and-unfair-practice

51

Issuing of Formal Results Once your results are released you will be sent an email informing you they are available to view on SIMS. Your interim transcript (results letter) will also be sent to your home address. You are entitled to appeal against your results under specific grounds within fourteen days of these appearing on SIMS. You cannot request that your work is remarked and are not allowed to challenge the academic judgement of the assessors. https://intranet.cardiff.ac.uk/students/your-study/exams-and-assessment/results/appeals External Examiner Reports Your programme has an External Examiner whose role it is to ensure that quality and standards are upheld. All External Examiner Reports are available online for your information. https://intranet.cardiff.ac.uk/students/your-study/your-rights-and-responsibilities/academic-quality-and-standards/external-examiner-reports

5. Academic and Personal Support Your Personal Tutor Your Personal Tutor is able to provide you with academic advice and guidance, and signpost you to the range of specialised central support services for any non-academic matters. Your Personal Tutor should meet with you within the first two weeks of each academic session and at least once per semester. Your Personal Tutor will often be your first point of contact, helping you to get the most out of your studies, or for any issues you may be facing. If you have any personal worries or problems that might affect your learning, you should discuss these in the first instance with your Personal Tutor. You have the opportunity to change your Personal Tutor should you feel this is necessary and you will not, at the first request, be required to state your reason. It is essential to keep your tutor informed on key matters, particularly medical or other problems

that may be affecting your academic performance, because they may be able to provide advice or

assistance. Although, Personal Tutors cannot provide evidence for or submit your Extenuating

Circumstances on your behalf.

You are expected to meet with your tutor during the Autumn and Spring Semesters. On or about

the eighth week of both semesters you will be required to discuss your progress with your tutor. Of

course, you or your tutor can initiate meetings at any other time as needed.

Your tutor is also a good source of advice on study skills and career matters and will be supporting

you throughout the Competencies Development Scheme.

Please remember that you should raise any issues of concern with your Personal Tutor or, if not

appropriate, with the Year Tutor or Deputy Director of Undergraduate Education within a matter of

52

days of the problem arising. The sooner you raise an issue the easier it is to resolve and it may not

be possible for the School to investigate or rectify concerns if they are reported more than one

month following an event or occurrence. For further information about the expectations that the

University has of you and that you can have of the University please refer to the Student Charter at

www.cardiff.ac.uk/studentcharter.

If you wish to find out more information about the resolution of student concerns, please refer to

the procedure:

http://www.cardiff.ac.uk/govrn/cocom/student/studentcompsept2015/index.html

If you contact a staff member and do not obtain a resolution to your concerns, please contact the

Undergraduate Office or the Deputy School Manager Mrs Carline Beaumont (Email: BeaumontCP)

who should be able to advise you of how best to proceed.

You can also contact the Student’s Union Advice and Representation Centre

http://www.cardiffstudents.com/advice.

You will have the same Personal Tutor throughout your period of undergraduate study, unless you

have asked for a change or your tutor is otherwise unavailable. In the event that you would like to

change your Personal Tutor, please complete the appropriate form obtainable from the

Undergraduate Office.

While you are on PTY you are supported by your PTY Tutor, who may be someone other than your

Personal Tutor.

You may request a Welsh-speaking tutor, although for both academic and other reasons this may

not always be possible.

NB If you need to contact your Personal Tutor urgently and he/she is not available, please contact the

Year Coordinator for your year of study. Should this prove difficult, go to the Undergraduate Office

and ask them to put you in touch with an appropriate member of academic staff. The Senior

Personal Tutor is Dr B Fahnert.

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54

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The Student Support Centre The Student Support Centre, with locations on the Cathays Park (50 Park Place) and Heath Park (2nd Floor, Cardigan House) sites, offers a range of services dedicated to helping you to make the most of student life. The staff at the Student Support Centres offer confidential advice and support when you need it. https://intranet.cardiff.ac.uk/students/directories/teams/view/51107-student-support-and-wellbeing

Specific services provided are:

The Advice and Guidance Service offering free, impartial, non-judgemental and confidential advice on a wide range of personal, financial and academic matters.

The Student Counselling and Wellbeing Service offers a range of support including practical wellbeing advice, face-to-face and online counselling, workshops and seminars, self-help books, as well as a face-to-face and online drop in service.

Financial Support offers students help with bursary and scholarship queries or financial hardship, and practical budgeting advice.

The Disability and Dyslexia Service offers support for students with specific learning difficulties, disabilities, medical conditions and mental health difficulties.

International Student Support (ISS) provides confidential advice and support to International students on a wide range of personal, financial and academic issues, as well as specialised immigration advice and help with applying for visas.

It is essential that you register with a local doctor/General Practitioner (GP). You can find out about how to do this on the University website or by contacting any GP surgery.

intranet.cardiff.ac.uk/students/support-and-services/health-safety-wellbeing/your-health/registering-with-a-doctor

Student Advice in the Students’ Union Student Advice is based on the third floor of the Students’ Union and provides independent advice and information on all University procedures, and advocacy, representation and support through a free, confidential, impartial and independent service to the members of the Students’ Union. The service also undertakes other activities and events to develop awareness of rights and responsibilities and to promote health and wellbeing of students. The service can be contacted on 02920 781410 or via email on advice@cardiff.ac.uk. http://www.cardiffstudents.com/advice/

Multi-faith Chaplaincy The Multi-faith Chaplaincy is a place of friendship, hospitality, reflection, support, and dialogue, welcoming those of all faiths and none. http://www.cardiff.ac.uk/chaplaincy/ Support for Academic Skills Development Academic and Skills Development Centre

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The Academic and Skills Development Centre provides academic and study skills classes to assist the transition to university and enhance academic study skills. Names of those attending classes are not divulged to schools, hence the classes provide students with an open and impartial place to discuss academic queries and build on study skills. https://intranet.cardiff.ac.uk/students/your-study/study-skills/academic-skills-classes Maths Support Service The Maths Support Service, located in the School of Mathematics on Senghennhydd Road, is freely available to all our students and can support those that:

have a phobia of maths or statistics,

require refreshing in mathematical or statistical skills and techniques,

need additional help with the maths element of your programme. There are a number of additional classes and general drop-in sessions that are available to all students throughout the teaching weeks and access to a variety of online learning materials, on a range of mathematical topics, organised according to subject/discipline. https://intranet.cardiff.ac.uk/students/your-study/study-skills/maths-support

English Language Support For those that don’t have English as their first language the In-sessional Team is available to help, providing an Open Access programme of classes and tutorials to support you with advice on the skills you need for academic study in the UK. https://intranet.cardiff.ac.uk/students/your-study/study-skills/english-language-support University Residences All residences have a Residences Management Team consisting of a Residences Manager, Assistant Managers, Housekeepers and Handypersons. The team provides support for students during office hours (generally 8.00am to 6.00pm), and you are welcome to visit them at your Residences Reception, or by calling the telephone number on the front of your Residences Card. If you need assistance outside of office hours, you can find support in the form of Student Wardens who live on site and the 24 hour University Security service. Contact details are displayed on the back of your Residences Card. Detailed information about living in residences and policies and procedures, e.g. community living, health and safety, room transfers and leaving residences can be found at: https://intranet.cardiff.ac.uk/students/support-and-services/accommodation/university-residences

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Accommodation for 2016/17 The University's Residences Office is able to provide information about flats and houses available in the private sector. Cardiff also has numerous property letting agencies. Cardiff Student Letting is an agency owned and run by Cardiff University Students’ Union. It is committed to ensuring that students find quality housing owned by reputable landlords and it is conveniently located in the ground floor mall of the Students’ Union. https://intranet.cardiff.ac.uk/students/support-and-services/accommodation/private-sector

International students are guaranteed a single-occupancy place in University residences for the full duration of their studies. This is provided they apply through the normal admission and allocation process, and re-apply for accommodation each year through the overseas returners process. Fitness to Study We are committed to provide a safe and supportive learning environment for all our students, and equally students have responsibility for their own wellbeing. When a student is unwilling or unable to manage their own wellbeing and it is felt that there is good reason to intervene, the University will do so in line with our Fitness to Study Procedure. http://learning.cf.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/2.02-Students-Fitness-to-Study-Procedure1.pdf

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6. Student Engagement We pride ourselves on the high level of student engagement and provide opportunities for you to engage on three different levels: through involvement, participation and partnership. Student Surveys We recognise the vital contribution opinions and feedback from our students make to the enhancement of the educational environment and the fulfilment of our strategic goals. We ask you to contribute to one University-wide or National survey each year (outlined in the table below). We expect you to take up the opportunities provided to express your opinions, and to recognise the importance of your contributions and how these build a legacy for the benefit of future students. Your views are extremely valuable to the continual enhancement of your experience here.

Survey Year of Study

Welcome to Cardiff Year 1

Study@Cardiff Survey Year 2 (+ Years 3, 4, 5 for those on programmes that are longer than 3 years)

Placement Learning Survey For those on placement years

StudyAway Survey For those studying abroad for a year

National Student Survey (NSS) UG Final Year

https://intranet.cardiff.ac.uk/students/campus-life/give-your-feedback/student-surveys

Student Academic Representation Student Academic Reps are the voice on your course. They provide feedback on positive or negative issues you may have about your academic experience to a range of different meetings. They are also a fountain of knowledge when it comes to other issues you may be facing at University and should be able to signpost you to the range of support services available to you. You can find out who your Student Academic Reps are here: http://www.cardiffstudents.com/your-voice/academic-reps/ You can also put yourself forward to become a Student Academic Rep each October, and will receive training and support to ensure you can be effective in this role. Student-Staff Panels Student-Staff Panels (SSPs) provide a formal channel for Student Academic Reps to meet with staff and to discuss issues related to their educational experience. They also provide an opportunity for the School to consult with students and receive feedback on new proposals. In the School of Biosciences, the Student-Staff Panels’ Coordinator is Dr Larissa Nelson

(NelsonL@cardiff.ac.uk).

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Student-Staff Panels are scheduled each year, with a minimum of 1 meeting held in each Semester.

These meetings contain student representatives from all years.

In order for panels to work effectively, members need to take their role and responsibility seriously,

make themselves available, and if necessary complete/carry out follow-up and preparative actions.

Nomination/election of representatives, covering all science schemes, to the Year Student-Staff

Panels is normally carried out at the Year Briefing Session in October, although some key student

representatives are decided in the last meeting of the preceding year. Details of representatives and

minutes of meetings can be found on Learning Central.

NOTE: Any student can attend a student-staff panel if s/he wishes to make a specific comment

regarding their course. If you are not an elected student representative, but wish to attend a panel

meeting, please inform the student Chairperson so that the agenda and time can be made

available.

Participation of Student Representatives in School Committees

1. Student-Staff Panel Representatives at each of the Biosciences Subject Schemes Board

From each of the panels, one student representative is asked to be a member of one of the Subject

Schemes Boards (Biological, Biomolecular and Biomedical and the Year 1 Board of Studies). Normally

this will be the Chair of the relevant panel if s/he is a student, otherwise the student representative

to the Schemes Boards/Board of Study will be elected by the student panel members. The student

representative is encouraged to present the appropriate panel minutes to the Schemes Boards.

2. A Student Representative at the School’s Equality and Diversity Sub-committee

One nominated student representative is a member of this sub-committees/working group. The

student representative is encouraged to present appropriate feedback both to the sub-

committee/working group from the student body and from the sub-committee/working group to

the student body.

Module Evaluation Questionnaires Module evaluation provides feedback to your School at a detailed-level, leading to the enhancement of your educational experience. There is an evaluation for every module each year, which you complete anonymously. However you should feel free to provide feedback on your module or programme throughout the year to your Student Academic Rep, your Personal Tutor, or the module or programme leaders. The outcomes from your module evaluations will be considered by the appropriate Board of Study and shared with the relevant Student-Staff Panel. Any outputs and actions arising from module evaluation will be communicated to you.

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Each module is also assessed by a paper student questionnaire at least once every three years in a

rolling programme. Any new module is assessed immediately after it has run for the first time.

We also provide questionnaires when a module has undergone major changes in form and/or

content. All students are asked to complete such questionnaires. An example of a module

questionnaire can be found on the autumn semester in the core Information module for each year.

The results of these are analysed, and discussed by the Biosciences Schemes Boards/Board of Study

and the Bioscience Standards Panel. A summary of the results, and of any action taken in response,

is red back to the student representatives to disseminate.

Final year students are provided with an “exit questionnaire” to enable them to comment upon the

total educational experience gained in their degree scheme. (An example of the exit questionnaire

can be found on Learning Central in the core information module for the final year.)

There is also the ‘National Student Survey’ (NSS) which is open to all final year students between

January and March of each year. The NSS helps us to improve our courses and feeds data in to

national league tables, and so it is very important that all final year students complete this survey.

We are very appreciative of your time and take your feedback very seriously.

Contributing to the Development of your Programme We welcome feedback from students, both formally and informally regarding our courses.

Periodically we hold focus groups with students of all academic years, to input into the development

of our courses and our learning and teaching practices. Similarly, your comments in module

appraisals and student-staff panels, University Surveys and exit questionnaires are taken very

seriously by the School and acted upon. Final Year students are also invited in February/March to

speak to our External Examiners, who assess the academic rigour of our courses.

Course-based Societies There are several student Societies in the Cardiff University Students Union that have strong links to

the School of Biosciences. Please contact the Student Union Societies team for further details.

Cardiff University Students’ Union The Students’ Union is a crucial partner in enabling the University to provide a first class student experience, and we work with the elected officers on all student engagement projects. As soon as you enrol at Cardiff University you automatically become a member of the Students’ Union. This means you have access to all the great services on offer, plus you

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have the right to make crucial decisions about what the Union does and how it is run. The Students’ Union strives to help students enjoy their time here, make friends and leave University with skills for a future career. It is the recognised voice of students at Cardiff University and it offers advice, representation, training, skills development, student activities, sports clubs and societies, student media, student-led services, volunteering opportunities and employment. The Students' Union can be found at both Cathays and Heath Park Campuses at http://www.cardiffstudents.com/

7. Taking your Studies Further Careers and Employability

Plan your career and employment proactively and soon. Seek advice anytime from Careers and

Employability and your personal tutor.

A further source would be your PTY coordinator or your Project supervisor. BIOSI also has an

Employability Advisor (Mrs Nicola Vivian) and a Career Liaison Officer (Employability) (Dr Beatrix

Fahnert) who is also the Head of the Competencies Development Scheme.

The Careers and Employability Service The Careers & Employability Service works with students, graduates, postgraduates, employers, and University staff, to deliver a highly respected and valued service. It offers a wide range of careers advice and information, workshops, employer events, careers fairs and many other activities, which are useful to you from your first year onwards. https://intranet.cardiff.ac.uk/students/support-and-services/careers-and-employability In addition Careers and Employability can help you gain work experience through a range of schemes

and opportunities. Intranet.cardiff.ac.uk/students/support-and-services/careers-and-

employability/work-experience

Career Central Career Central is an online resource with information, advice and guidance to help you to identify your interests, skills & competencies and explore everything to do with your career choice. Log in with your usual University username and password. https://intranet.cardiff.ac.uk/students/support-and-services/careers-and-employability Developing Employability Skills The Skills Development Service (SDS) within the Students’ Union provides a range of courses aimed at building your confidence, improving your transferable skills and increasing your

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employability potential. Certificates are awarded for successful completion of courses and are highly regarded by employers. http://www.cardiffstudents.com/jobs-skills/skills-development-service/ Placements and Work Experience In addition to School-based placements, Careers and Employability can help you gain work experience through a range of schemes and opportunities. https://intranet.cardiff.ac.uk/students/support-and-services/careers-and-employability/work-experience Global Opportunities Centre and opportunities for international experience In addition to School-based opportunities, the Global Opportunities Centre offers advice on the various options for international study, work or volunteering, and provides practical support for those planning an international experience. https://intranet.cardiff.ac.uk/students/support-and-services/spend-time-abroad Languages for All The Languages for All programme is freely available to all students and provides the opportunity to learn from an extensive range of languages, delivered in a variety of ways. https://intranet.cardiff.ac.uk/students/your-study/languages-for-all Welsh Language Provision The School of Welsh offers a series of 20-credit modules available to students in all years if you are interested in learning Welsh or upgrading your proficiency. If you require more intensive courses for learning or improving your Welsh, the Welsh for Adults Centre delivers Welsh courses in Cardiff and the wider area. http://www.cardiff.ac.uk/welsh/aboutus/beginnerswelsh/index.html

If you are a Welsh speaker you may be interested in the new Welsh Language Certificate. The Certificate offers you the opportunity to gain a qualification that demonstrates your Welsh language skills and enables you to provide employers with evidence of your ability to communicate confidently and professionally in both written and spoken Welsh. http://sgiliauiaith.colegcymraeg.ac.uk/en/home/ Volunteering Student Volunteering Cardiff (SVC) is a charity run by the students at Cardiff University. You can volunteer in and around the city of Cardiff working with the elderly, young, disadvantaged and vulnerable members of the community on a wide variety of different projects, gaining new skills and experiences in the process. http://www.svcardiff.org/ The Students’ Union has recently set up a student-led volunteering service called Cardiff Volunteering (CV), which will be expanding the range of volunteering opportunities on offer to students at Cardiff University through student-led projects, one-off volunteering and by establishing a volunteering bureau.

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http://www.cardiffstudents.com/jobs-skills/volunteering/ The Cardiff Award The Cardiff Award is an employability award that encourages students to undertake work experience or get involved in extra-curricular activities, then recognises and rewards students for their efforts. It takes you through a process that will give you the confidence and skills to be successful in the world of work, after graduation. https://intranet.cardiff.ac.uk/students/support-and-services/careers-and-employability/the-cardiff-award Cardiff University Enterprise Cardiff University Enterprise can support you if you have an idea for a business or social enterprise, or want to gain new skills to help you become more enterprising. https://intranet.cardiff.ac.uk/students/support-and-services/careers-and-employability/student-enterprise Cardiff University Summer Internships The Cardiff University Research Opportunities Programme (CUROP) offers a grant to support a student on a placement of up to eight weeks duration, working with supervision on staff-defined research projects. It is now one of the largest undergraduate research opportunities programmes for undergraduates in the UK, funding over 140 placements in 2013. http://www.cardiff.ac.uk/learning/curop/ School Awards and Prizes Awards and Prizes for Undergraduates

There are a number of awards and prizes endowed by those close to precursor departments of the

present school. This enables the school to reward annually a number of students in each year of

study, whose performance has been outstanding. For all of these awards the student or students are

nominated by the Head of School.

Year One Prizes

James Brough Prize

James Brough was appointed Professor of Zoology and Head of the Department of Zoology and

Comparative Anatomy in 1944 and held the post for 25 years until his retirement in 1969.

The Prize is awarded to the best Year One student in the Biological Sciences schemes.

M.J. Wooster Memorial Prize

Mike Wooster was a very popular lecturer in Physiology here from 1968 – 1983, and was in charge of

the First Year Physiology course. This prize is awarded to the best Year One student in the

Biomedical Sciences schemes.

K. S. Dodgson Memorial Prize

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The University received £4,155 in 1986 from former friends and colleagues of Professor K. S.

Dodgson. Professor Dodgson commenced his period of involvement with this University, as a

Demonstrator in Biochemistry, in 1949. In 1963 he was appointed Professor of Biochemistry, a post

which he held until his death in 1986. The income arising from the investment of these gifts was to

be applied to support an annual "Ken Dodgson Memorial Lecture" and to award memorial prizes to

outstanding students selected by the Departmental Board in the Department of Biochemistry.

The Prize is awarded to the best Year One student in the Biomolecular Sciences schemes.

OUP Achievement in Biosciences Prize

The OUP awards a prize of OUP books to the top Year One Biosciences student.

Certificate of Merit

In addition, students who achieve an overall first class performance in Year One of their degree

scheme will be awarded a Certificate of Merit.

Year Two Prizes

John B. King Memorial Prize

After a career as a medical laboratory scientist in the NHS, John turned to research and gained a PhD

in the University of Bristol. In 1989 he moved to the Department of Applied Biology in UWIST where

for five years he worked as a post-doctoral research assistant with Dr David Stickler. He was a

dedicated research worker and made a substantial contribution to the development of laboratory

models of the catheterised bladder. These models have proved to be very useful in the study of the

infection-associated complications that plague these patients. He then took up a permanent post as

a university safety officer. Tragically he died suddenly in his mid-forties. He was a proud "valleys

boy" with a passion for music and rugby.

The Prize is awarded to the best Year Two student overall in the Biosciences schemes.

Centenary Prize

This prize was established in 1984 from donations received from former staff and students of the

Department of Plant Science to commemorate the centenary of the university. The Department of

Plant Science was incorporated into the School of Pure and Applied Biology in 1988.

The Prize is awarded to the most deserving Year Two student studying BSc Biology.

Robert Creed Prize

Robert Creed was Senior Lecturer in Genetics in the Zoology Department, 1970-1980. The prize was

given by his family and friends after his untimely death from cancer. It was originally awarded in the

Departments of Plant Science, Zoology and Microbiology, University College Cardiff. The Prize is

awarded to the best Year Two student in a course with a significant component of Genetics.

K. S. Dodgson Memorial Prize

See Year One prizes for description.

The Prize is awarded to the best Year Two student studying BSc Biochemistry or BSc Molecular

Biology.

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W.M. Tattersall Exhibitions

W.M. Tattersall was Professor of Zoology and Comparative Anatomy 1922-1943. The award was

originally awarded at enrolment into the Honours Year, to attract students to take a Zoology Degree.

These prizes are awarded to the most deserving students entering the Final Year to a course with a

significant amount of Animal Biology in BSc Zoology, BSc Ecology, BSc Biomedical Sciences

(Anatomy), BSc Biomedical Sciences (Neuroscience), and in BSc Biomedical Science.

M.J. Wooster Memorial Prize

Mike Wooster was a very popular lecturer in Physiology here from 1968 – 1983, and was in charge of

the First Year Physiology course. This prize is awarded to the best Year Two student studying BSc

Biomedical Sciences (Physiology).

SGM Microbiology Prize

The Society for General Microbiology awards a certificate and a cheque for the best Second Year

student studying BSc Microbiology.

Anthony Hughes Prize

Antony Hughes was a second year biochemistry honours student in the 1990s who died of a heart

attack while representing biochemistry at football. His class mates and Biochemistry Staff raised the

money in his memory for future students of Biochemistry.

The Prize is awarded to the most improved Year Two student in Biochemistry.

Society for Endocrinology Undergraduate Achievement Awards

These prizes are awarded to the most deserving Year Two students achieving the highest/second

highest marks on module BI2356 Signalling in Endocrine Systems.

Cardiff Naturalists – Ursula Henriques Prize

The Cardiff Naturalists award a prize for the best Field Course report for the second year Field

Course module BI2154.

Certificate of Merit

In addition, students who achieve an overall first class performance in Year Two of their degree

scheme will be awarded a Certificate of Merit.

Professional Training Year Prize

Awarded to the most deserving student on the basis of performance in the Professional Training

Year.

Final Year Prizes

Ray Beverton Prize

R.J.H. Beverton FRS was Professor of Fisheries Ecology, 1984 - 1989, and first Head of the School of

Pure and Applied Biology, 1988. He endowed the prize on his retirement.

The Prize is awarded to the best Final Year student in Biosciences degree schemes.

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Centenary Prizes

See Year Two prizes for description.

The Prizes are awarded to the most deserving Final Year students studying BSc Biology and BSc

Ecology or BSc Zoology (in the area of Ecology).

Robert Creed Prize

See Year Two prizes for description.

The Prize is awarded to the best Final Year student in a course with a significant component of

Genetics.

Edith Sheppard Prize

Edith Sheppard was first a student then lecturer in Zoology and Comparative Anatomy, 1913-1959.

The prize was originally awarded in the Department of Zoology.

The Prize is awarded to the best Final Year student in the area of Zoology

Gwen Hughes Prize

David Hughes was Professor of Microbiology, 1964-1982. The prize is in memory of his wife; it was

originally awarded in the Department of Microbiology, University College Cardiff.

The Prize is awarded to the best Final Year student in the area of Microbiology.

Alfred Hughes Memorial Medal

Professor A.W. Hughes was appointed as the first Professor of Anatomy 1893-1897 and was

responsible for the provision for a degree in medicine in the original College Charter of 1893,

although the award of medical and surgical degree was allowed only after an amendment to the

University of Wales charter in 1906.

The Prize is awarded to the best Final Year student studying BSc Biomedical Sciences (Anatomy) or

BSc Biomedical Sciences (Anatomy) (Intercalating).

S.L. Stone Prizes

Dr Stuart Stone ran the final year Honours BSc Physiology course single-handed in the 1970’s. He

died in 1973 whilst in post, and the prize was instituted in memory of his great contribution to

physiology teaching.

These Prizes are awarded to the most meritorious Final Year students studying BSc Biomedical

Sciences (Physiology) or BSc Biomedical Sciences (Physiology) (Intercalated) and BSc Biomedical

Science.

Malcolm Roberts Prize

Malcolm HT Roberts was Professor of Physiology 1995-2001, and is currently an Emeritus Professor.

The Prize was established in 2003 in recognition of Professor Roberts’ vision and commitment in

establishing the BSc Neuroscience Course at Cardiff University, and is supported by an anonymous

donation to the School.

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The Prize is awarded to the best Final Year student studying BSc Biomedical Sciences (Neuroscience)

or BSc Biomedical Sciences (Neuroscience) (Intercalated).

K. S. Dodgson Memorial Prize

See Year One prizes for description.

The Prize is awarded to the best Final Year student studying BSc Biochemistry or BSc Molecular

Biology.

R.C. McLean Prize

R.C. Mclean was Professor of Botany, 1919-1955. The prize was originally awarded in the

Department of Botany, later Plant Science, University College Cardiff.

The Prize is awarded to the best Final Year student in the area of Plant Science.

Fritz Jacoby Prizes

Fritz Jacoby held the post of Professor of Histology in the Department of Anatomy between 1966

and 1970.

The Prizes are awarded for the best Final Year projects by a science student studying BSc Biomedical

Sciences (Anatomy) and by an intercalating student studying BSc Biomedical Sciences (Anatomy)

(Intercalated).

Biochemical Society Undergraduate Recognition Award

The Prize is awarded for the best Final Year Biochemistry project.

Society of Biology Prize

The Society of Biology awards a prize and membership of the Institute to the top Bioscience student.

Physiological Society Undergraduate Prize

The Prize is awarded to the most deserving Final Year student, either for the best BSc Biomedical

Sciences (Physiology) research project, or to an outstanding BSc Biomedical Sciences (Physiology)

student who has performed consistently well throughout their degree course. The prize is open to

students who have completed at least two years’ full time study in a higher education institute.

Students must be completing a degree in physiology or a related subject.

Yakult Prize

Yakult UK Ltd. awards a prize for the best Final Year project by a student on the B.Sc. Microbiology degree scheme.

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Working Part-time during University We recognise that you may need to undertake some part-time work whilst you are here to generate additional income. You should ensure that any part-time work you do undertake does not impact negatively on your studies. The Students’ Union and Cardiff University run Unistaff Jobshop can provide you with support in finding part-time work. http://www.cardiffstudents.com/shops-services/jobshop/ International students should note that, due to visa restrictions, there is a limit on the number of hours that can be worked during term time. https://intranet.cardiff.ac.uk/students/support-and-services/careers-and-employability Getting a Job after University We support you in identifying opportunities for graduate employment through Careers Fairs run throughout the year, the ‘Cardiff University’s National Vacancy Listings’ and ‘Jobs in Wales’. Further help and advice is available through the Careers and Employability Service. https://intranet.cardiff.ac.uk/students/support-and-services/careers-and-employability/jobs Moving on to Postgraduate Study At Cardiff University we have a thriving postgraduate community, which is known internationally for outstanding research and teaching, and could be the choice for you if you are considering continuing into further study. Your ambitions and abilities will be supported by world-class staff and dedicated resources and your career prospects will be enhanced by the qualities and capabilities you'll develop here. http://www.cardiff.ac.uk/for/prospective/postgraduate/ Requesting a reference If you require a reference for an application for a job or further study you should ask your Personal Tutor. It is therefore important that you engage with your Personal Tutor so that they are well informed of your progress.

8. Should things go wrong If things aren’t meeting your expectations you should always seek to raise these at an early stage and seek advice if these are not resolved. You should inform us promptly if:

there are any changes to your circumstances,

your own experience is adversely affected by the behaviour of fellow students or staff,

your academic progress, or any other aspect of your experience, gives you cause for concern.

The sooner we are aware of your concerns, or areas you are having difficulty with, the sooner we can work with you to explore how these can be addressed to improve your

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experience. Further information on the steps you should take in different circumstances are available here: http://www.cardiff.ac.uk/for/current/student-charter/expectations/index.html

Student Conduct & Discipline We aim to provide students with a safe and supportive environment to study, learn and socialise. We expect you to treat it with care so that it is usable by all students and we have rules and regulations that look to make sure this happens. If you do not follow these rules, then you may be subject to the Student Discipline Procedure. http://www.cardiff.ac.uk/regis/sfs/studentcases/Studentcond&discipline/studentconductdiscipline.html

University Student Complaint Procedure We take all concerns/issues very seriously. As outlined above, if you wish to raise a concern/issue this should be first done informally within a matter of days of the problem arising. We expect that many concerns/issues can be dealt with successfully through the Early Resolution Stage of the University's Student Complaint Procedure. However, if you are dissatisfied with the outcome of your concern/issue you may have recourse to the Formal Stage of the Procedure. Further information, including the full Student Complaint Procedure, supporting guidance and School Complaint Administrator contact details is available here: http://www.cardiff.ac.uk/govrn/cocom/student/studentcompsept2015/index.html

9. When things go right Graduation We hold our graduation ceremonies in July each year, marking an annual highlight in the University's calendar. All ceremonies are held in St David's Hall, Cardiff. You will be sent information about graduation in March of your final year. http://www.cardiff.ac.uk/graduation Verification of Study, Replacement Certificates or Transcripts We can provide you with evidence that you have studied here or verification of your degree classification should this be required at any time. If your original degree certificate has been lost or destroyed, you can purchase a replacement. You can also request a copy of your student transcript. http://www.cardiff.ac.uk/regis/formerstudents/ Graduate Advice & Support Graduate Advice & Support is available to you after you have graduated and provides a first port of call to assess career needs. Services range from a face-to-face career consultation,

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mock interview and an e-guidance service to access a wealth of careers online resources, job specific information and online searchable vacancy board. http://www.cardiff.ac.uk/alumni/benefits/careers Our Alumni Network With over 130,000 current members, our Alumni Network offers exclusive ways to connect with fellow alumni across the globe, both online and in person. We support professional and social groups and events and produce a bi-annual magazine and monthly e-newsletter. All our students are eligible for automatic, free lifelong membership upon graduation. http://www.cardiffnetwork.cf.ac.uk/about

10. Useful Contacts A range of useful contacts for the wider University is available here: http://www.cardiff.ac.uk/for/current/contacts/