Teaching and Learning Committee

Curriculum Sub-Committee

 CSC99-M2

Minutes of the Fifteenth meeting of the Sub-Committee held on Thursday 22 April 1999.

99/13. Business of the Agenda

The Chair commented on the variation in quality of documentation received from Departments. It was suggested that AD(T)s arrange workshops within their Faculty for those staff responsible for producing such documentation.

99/14. Minutes

CSC99-M1

The Minutes of the fourteenth meeting held on 15 January 1999 were confirmed and signed.

99/15. Matters Arising from the Minutes

.1 Minute 4.1 - BSc Programmes in Logistics and Air Transport Management

It was noted that TLC Steering Group had considered the issue of differentiation of degree programmes and that the AD(T)s were currently testing proposals against existing Programme Regulations.

.2 Minute 10 (iii) - Teaching and Learning Committee

The revised form for new programme proposals was noted.

.3 Minute 10 (v,vi,vii) - Teaching and Learning Committee

The ADTs' guidance notes on Module Specifications circulated to Departments were noted.

.4 Minute 12 - QAA Audit Report

The AD(T) of Engineering reported on a likely way forward for the consultation process for new programmes in relation to computing facilities, which would involve Faculty IT Co-ordinators. It was noted, however, that the status of Faculty IT Co-ordinators varied. The appropriate person from whom an authoritative statement could be obtained on the implications to computing facilities of a new programme needed to be defined. It was AGREED that the AD(T)s would bring forward proposals to the Autumn meeting following discussions with Computing Services, Faculty IT Co-ordinators and Flexible Learning.

.5 It was confirmed that other actions listed in the Minutes had been dealt with.

99/16. BSc Sports Technology: New Programme Proposals

.1 It was AGREED to recommend the proposals to Teaching and Learning Committee in principle, for entry in October 2000, subject to the following matters being resolved to the satisfaction of the AD(T) prior to the meeting of Teaching and Learning Committee:

1. Module information in Appendix 1 did not coincide with Programme Regulations and Module Specifications, and module weights were listed incorrectly.
2. Programme objectives required expansion.
3. Paragraph 1.4 in Programme Regulations was unnecessary and Paragraph 3.1 Parts A and B should not refer to 'all' modules.

.2 It was AGREED that revised paperwork be received by the Sub-Committee at its Autumn meeting.

99/17. BSc Information Technology (Peterborough): New Programme Proposals

.1 The Sub-Committee was informed that the proposal would, unusually, allow students to transfer into the final year of a Loughborough undergraduate programme, having completed two years elsewhere. Those two years would involve modules undertaken at Peterborough Regional College, validated by the University of Sheffield. The degree award would be based partly on credit transferred from Sheffield, but the degree classification would be based entirely on final-year work. Teaching would be undertaken in the Peterborough Learning Resource Centre. Teaching by Loughborough University staff would be minimal, but those involved in teaching the programme would be contracted by the University and therefore subject to the University's quality assurance procedures.

.2 The programme objectives presented in the proposal were highlighted as a model example. It was AGREED that AD(T)s should provide guidance to Departments on producing new programme proposals, which should include such an exemplar.

.3 It was AGREED to recommend the proposals to Teaching and Learning Committee, for entry in October 1999, subject to the following matters being resolved to the satisfaction of the AD(T) prior to the meeting of Teaching and Learning Committee:

1. Paragraph 1.3 of Programme Regulations to include at the end: 'or a comparable qualification acceptable to the University.'
2. Programme Regulations to include the flexibility for substitution of modules other than those listed up to a weight of 20, at the discretion of the Head of Department of Computer Science.
3. Module Specifications to be revised to conform to new requirements in regard to the Method of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and Indicative Reading List fields.

99/18. BSc Business School (Singapore): New Programme Proposals

.1 The Sub-Committee was informed that programme content varied little from current provision: the significant issues were its delivery in Singapore and the involvement of distance learning. The statement that much of the Part A material might be familiar to students was queried, but the Sub-Committee was content to assume that this reflected the variety of competences expected in students and the more intensive nature of Part A compared with Parts B and C.

.2 It was AGREED to recommend the proposals to Teaching and Learning Committee, for 1 January/1 July 2000 entry, subject to the following matters being resolved to the satisfaction of the AD(T) prior to the meeting of Teaching and Learning Committee:

1. Programme objectives should be worded in terms of what graduates should be able to do rather than what the programme does.
2. A completed consultation form was required from Computing Services.
3. Assurance of support in the development of DL materials, which might require a completed consultation form from Flexible Learning.
4. The addendum to the proposal form should refer to consideration of provisional costings by Operations Sub-Committee.

99/19. BSc/MChem Chemistry with Materials: New Programme Proposals

.1 The Sub-Committee considered proposals for a BSc/MChem in Chemsitry with Materials to replace the BSc/MChem Chemistry with Polymer Science/Technology, for September 1999/September 2000 entry. It was noted that these proposals had been received late and were following the strategic and operational approval routes simultaneously. It was AGREED that in future AD(T)s should inform departments of their deadlines for receiving proposals, which should be reinforced in a note to departments from the Secretary. Proposals would not in future be considered by any committee unless seen previously by the AD(T).

.2 The Sub-Committee was concerned that the proposals provided no evidence that the new programme would be any more successful than the existing programme it was intended to replace and there appeared to have been no external consultation. The programme objectives listed were inadequate. The Sub-Committee AGREED that it could NOT ACCEPT the proposals and requested that they be withdrawn from the impending meeting of Operations Sub-Committee and that a resubmission be made to the Autumn meeting of Curriculum Sub-Committee which would:

1. Make clear the differences between the new and existing programmes and whether or not this was a straightforward retitling of the existing programme.
2. Include data on the number of students registered on the existing programme.

99/20. BSc Chemistry with PE and Sports Science: New Programme Proposals

.1 The Sub-Committee considered proposals for September 1999 entry. It was noted that the proposals had been received late and were following the strategic and operational approval routes simultaneously. The Sub-Committee was concerned that a Bachelor's degree of 4 years' duration (or 5 year sandwich) would be most unusual. Part C2 of the proposed programme was not a recognised concept.

2. The Sub-Committee AGREED that it could NOT ACCEPT the proposals and requested that they be withdrawn from the impending meeting of Operations Sub-Committee and that a resubmission be made to the Autumn meeting of Curriculum Sub-Committee which would:

1. Make clear whether professional recognition by the Royal Society of Chemistry had been sought for the existing 3-year programme in Chemistry and PE and Sports Science.
2. Consider the appropriateness of an MChem award for the proposed programme.
3. Provide greater clarity on the balance of Chemistry and PE & Sports Science components in the programme.
4. Articulate more clearly the programme's aims and objectives, distinguishing them from those of the current 3-year programme.
5. Provide external evidence of demand and suitability, and of consultation with the Royal Society of Chemistry that professional recognition was likely.
6. Provide greater clarity in Programme Regulations of module weights, which did not appear to total correctly.

99/21. MSc Building Services Engineering: New Programme Proposals

The Sub-Committee considered proposals for a part-time postgraduate programme to be delivered in one-week module format. The programme objectives were highlighted as an exemplar. It was AGREED to recommend the proposals to Teaching and Learning Committee, for October 2000 entry, subject to the following matters being resolved to the satisfaction of the AD(T) prior to the meeting of Teaching and Learning Committee:

1. Module Specifications to be revised to conform to new requirements in regard to the Method of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and Indicative Reading List fields.

99/22. MSc Banking and Management: New Programme Proposals

.1 The Sub-Committee considered proposals for a full-time postgraduate programme, noting that this was based entirely on 15-credit modules. The Sub-Committee appreciated that this reflected the need to fit in with other Master's programmes within LUBS and the Department of Economics, but was also aware that the decision to allow 15-credit modules had been taken as a temporary expedient in the previous year to aid the transition from 120 to 180 credits on postgraduate progammes. The Sub-Committee requested guidance from Teaching and Learning Committee on the approach it should be taking with new programme proposals which included 15-credit modules.

.2 It was AGREED to recommend the proposals to Teaching and Learning Committee for October 1999 entry, subject to the following matters being resolved to the satisfaction of the AD(T) prior to the meeting of the Teaching and Learning Committee:

1. The inclusion of part-time provision on the programme should this be considered appropriate.
2. Module Specifications to be revised to conform to new requirements in regard to the Method of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and Indicative Reading List fields.

99/23. MEng Materials Engineering: New Programme Proposals

.1 The Sub-Committee considered proposals for an MEng in Materials Engineering. The absence of consultation forms from Computing Services, the Library and the Careers Service was noted. The Sub-Committee was of the opinion that all new programme proposals, whatever their nature, were likely to have some resource implications, and in any case the academic services should be made aware of the proposals through the consultation process. It was AGREED that in future all new programme proposals must be accompanied by completed, and legible, consultation forms.

.2 It was AGREED to recommend the proposals to Teaching and Learning Committee for October 1999 entry, subject to the following matters being resolved to the satisfaction of the AD(T) prior to the meeting of Teaching and Learning Committee:

1. Completed consultation forms to be provided.
2. Minor corrections required to Programme Regulations.

99/24. MA Art and Education: New Programme Proposals

It was AGREED to recommend the proposals to Teaching and Learning Committee, for Summer School 1999 with registration for 1999/2000, subject to the following matters being resolved to the satisfaction of the AD(T) prior to the meeting of Teaching and Learning Committee:

1. Whether the detailed comments from Design and Technology had been taken into account in the proposals.
2. Whether there were other elements of assessment in Module EDP169 in addition to one written assignment, which seemed insufficient for a 30-credit module. If so, these should be stated in the Module Specification
3. Module Specifications to be revised to conform to new requirements in regard to the Method of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and Indicative Reading List fields.

99/25. MSc Advanced Process Engineering: New Programme Proposals

.1 The Sub-Committee considered proposals for a new postgraduate programme based upon block-taught modules. The subject was raised of some departments considering the provision of block-taught modules to MEng students at the same time as MSc Students. It was recognised that where block-taught modules were normally undertaken in Burleigh Court, or its equivalent, the access to such facilities by MEng students could be an issue. It was AGREED that the AD(T)s give some consideration to this matter.

.2 It was AGREED to recommend the proposals to Teaching and Learning Committee, for September 1999 entry, subject to the following matters being resolved to the satisfaction of the AD(T) prior to the meeting of the Teaching and Learning Committee:

1. Programme aims and objectives required expansion.
2. Matters raised by the Librarian to be resolved.
3. Section A of Programme Regulations to conform to the standard format.

1. Module Specifications to be revised to conform to new requirements in regard to the Method of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and Indicative Reading List fields.

99/26. MSc Multimedia and Internet Computing: New Programme Proposals

.1 The Sub-Committee considered the proposals, noting the absence of the Head of Department's signature on the proposal form. The Sub-Committee was informed of the Head of Department's support. It was AGREED that in future proposers should seek their HoD's approval for a proposal once all completed consultation forms had been received. The HoD would then be required to sign that the form(s) had been received and appropriate action had been taken. In addition, proposal forms should request an indication of student numbers expected for new postgraduate programmes, under the section on staffing implications.

.2 It was AGREED to recommend the proposals to Teaching and Learning Committee, for October 1999 entry, subject to the following matters being resolved to the satisfaction of the AD(T) prior to the meeting of the Teaching and Learning Committee:

1. An indication of expected student numbers.
2. Confirmation of action being taken on the matter of remuneration raised by CHaRM.
3. Module Specifications to be revised to conform to new requirements in regard to the Method of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and Indicative Reading List fields.

.3 It was AGREED to recommend to Teaching and Learning Committee the corresponding discontinuation of the MSc programme in Interactive Computer System Design from the October 1999 entry.

99/27. MSc Mechanical and Electrical Project Management: New Programme Proposals

The Sub-Committee considered the proposals noting that the programme already existed as an LPC. It was AGREED to recommend the proposals to Teaching and Learning Committee, for October 1999 entry, subject to the following matters being resolved to the satisfaction of the AD(T) prior to the meeting of the Teaching and Learning Committee:

1. Clarification of the position regarding the Director of Computing Services' comments on the requirement for a Windows NT laboratory in vacation or examination weeks.
2. Module Specifications to be revised to conform to new requirements in regard to the Method of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and Indicative Reading List fields.

99/28. MSc Integrated Environmental Studies: New Programme Proposal

.1 The Sub-Committee considered the proposals, noting that modules would also be provided as short courses which could be available for Peterborough students and would complement the provision of postgraduate training in environmental science at Peterborough. Members expressed some concern as to the viability of the programme in view of the competition, and it was queried whether the title 'Environmental Studies' might be more attractive to students. It was noted, however, that whilst recruitment to the MSc programme might be limited, good recruitment to the short courses could be expected.

.2 It was AGREED to recommend the proposals to Teaching and Learning Committee, for October 2000 entry, subject to the following matters being resolved to the satisfaction of the AD(T) prior to the meeting of the Teaching and Learning Committee:

1. Programme Regulations to conform to the standard format in regard to module listings.
2. Module Specifications to be revised to conform to new requirements in regard to the Method of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and Indicative Reading List fields.

99/29. Diploma in Economics: New Programme Proposals

.1 The Sub-Committee was informed that revisions were underway to the General Regulations for Diplomas to accommodate module-based 'other Diplomas' as specified in Ordinance XXXIII. The proposed Diploma in Economics would be included in this category.

.2 It was AGREED to recommend the proposals to Teaching and Learning Committee, for September/October 1999 entry, subject to the following matters being resolved to the satisfaction of the AD(T) prior to the meeting of the Teaching and Learning Committee:

1. Programme Regulations to be revised to delete the Programme Advisor's name from para. 1 and assessment details from paras. 7 and 8.
2. Clarification of the module in English Language referred to in para.9 of the Programme Regulations and why it was proposed to include this.
3. Programme objectives to be expanded.
4. Module Specifications to be revised to conform to new requirements in regard to the Method of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and Indicative Reading List fields.

99/30. Professional Diploma in Management (FKI): New Programme Proposals

.1 The Sub-Committee noted that the proposed self-funding programme was a variant of the Professional Diploma in Management. The programme objectives were highlighted as an exemplar. It was observed that the Module Specifications had not been obtained from the module database and such practice was to be avoided.

.2 It was AGREED to recommend the proposals to Teaching and Learning Committee, for September 1999 entry, subject to the following matters being resolved to the satisfaction of the AD(T) prior to the meeting of the Teaching and Learning Committee:

1. Completed consultation form from Manufacturing Engineering to be provided.
2. Module Specifications to be input to the module database.
3. Total student effort to conform to 100 hours per 10 credit module.
4. 'with not less than 40% in each assessed element' to be deleted from para 3.1 of Programme Regulations. Where this clause existed in Regulations for other Diploma variants it should likewise be deleted and the amendments brought forward to the AD(T) for approval.

99/31. Professional Certificate in Criminal Justice Studies

.1 The Sub-Committee was informed that subsequent to the circulation of the agenda it had been considered that in order to conform with the requirements of Ordinance XXXIII a Professional Diploma in Criminal Justice Studies would be a more appropriate award. The proposals would conform with the revised General Regulations for Diplomas referred to in Minute 99/29.1

.2 It was AGREED to recommend the proposals for a Professional Diploma in Criminal Justice Studies to Teaching and Learning Committee, for July 1999 entry, subject to the following matters being resolved to the satisfaction of the AD(T) prior to the meeting of the Teaching and Learning Committee:

1. Completed consultation form required from Flexible Learning in regard to the distance learning provision.
2. Module Specifications to be input to the module database.
3. Module Specifications to be revised to conform to new requirements in regard to the Method of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and Indicative Reading List fields.

99/32. Extended Studies in Design: Change of Title: Additional Units

.1 The Sub-Committee considered a change in title to LUSAD's Extended Studies in Design and additional unit specifications for submission to Edexcel, for September 1999 entry. The Sub-Committee was informed that this Professional Development Award and its individual units were accredited by Edexcel and as such the University was only the deliverer of the programme. Such programmes would not be required to conform to the University's requirements in terms of format, but it was nevertheless important to ensure that the University's quality assurance procedures were not compromised. In agreeing to the proposals, the University would be endorsing its position as the delivering centre.

.2 It was AGREED to recommend to Teaching and Learning Committee endorsement of the additional units for submission to Edexcel, and approval of the change in title from Extended Study Programme in Design to Extended Study Programme in Design and Arts Practice.

.3 It was AGREED that any future submission of Edexcel-validated programmes should be accompanied by information on Edexcel requirements.

99/33. MSc Packaging Technology: Major Programme Changes

.1 The Sub-Committee considered proposals for programme changes to the joint postgraduate programme with Brunel University which it understood to be a compromise in aligning the Regulations of the two universities such that students were not disadvantaged in receiving their degree award from one or other institution. Students graduated from the university in which their project was undertaken.

.2 The proposal to seek the additional criteria for an MSc award of an average of 50% or more across all taught modules was not considered problematic, as this erred on the side of extra stringency. The proposal to cap resits at 50% was more problematic, however, as additional failures could result. The Sub-Committee nevertheless AGREED to recommend to Teaching and Learning Committee both proposed changes, with immediate effect.

.3 The Sub-Committee remained unclear whether all aspects of GRMPA/ARMPA applied to the joint programme and it was requested that IPTME take further steps, with the appropriate department at Brunel University, to provide clear and unequivocal information in advance to all students on all the matters covered in GRMPA/ARMPA. It was requested that this information be made available to the AD(T) in advance, together with clarification as to whether the actual mark achieved at reassessment should be shown on transcripts.

99/34. BSc Economics with Accountancy: Change of Title

It was AGREED to recommend to Teaching and Learning Committee a change in title to Economics with Accounting, with retrospective effect from the 1997 entry.

99/35. BEng Materials with Business Studies: Change of Title

It was AGREED to recommend to Teaching and Learning Committee a change in title to Materials with Management Studies, with effect from the October 1999 entry.

99/36. Pro-forma for proposals to discontinue a Programme

A pro-forma for proposals to discontinue a programme was APPROVED.

99/37. Amendments to Programme Regulations

The following procedure for the approval of major changes to Programme Regulations for the period to October 1999 was APPROVED: Proposals should receive CSC consideration by post at the discretion of the Chair. Where concerns were raised a second circulation would summarise these and invite a formal decision. The Chair would be empowered to determine whether the replies constituted a consensus.

99/38. Date of Next Meeting

Meeting to be reconvened on Thursday 6 May 1999 at 10.00am.

Author - Dr J E M Elliott

Date - April 1999

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