Learning and Teaching Committee
Curriculum Sub-Committee
CSC10-M1
Minutes of the Meeting of the
Sub-Committee held on Thursday 21 January 2010
Membership: Professor
Simon Austin (Chair), Professor Morag Bell (ab), Dr Paul Byrne,
Professor John Dickens, Dr
In attendance: Dr Jennie Elliott
Apologies for absence: Professor Morag Bell, Jan Tennant
10/1 Minutes
CSC09-M3
The Minutes of the meeting held on 16 October
2009 were confirmed.
10/2 Matters
Arising from the Minutes
CSC10-P1
.1 It
was noted that all recommendations to Learning and Teaching Committee, and
subsequently to Senate where appropriate, had been approved. The relevant
minute of Senate was noted.
.2 Minute 09/35.3 – MA Art and
the Public Sphere: New Programme Proposals
It was noted that an audit of modules and
programmes in regard to sustainability was being conducted, in preference to a
record being kept of new programmes having elements of sustainability.
10/3 BA Drama with a Minor in
Business Studies: New Programme Proposals
CSC10-P2
.1 The
Sub-Committee considered proposals from English and Drama for a new full-time
programme with effect from October 2011.
Members commented on the apparent lack of integration of the Drama and
Business Studies elements of the programme, suggesting that the Department
might wish to provide a module which built on the
.2 It
was AGREED to recommend the proposals to Learning and Teaching Committee,
subject to the following matters being resolved to the satisfaction of the
AD(T) prior to the meeting of Learning and Teaching Committee:
(a)
Programme Specification
(i)
The
comments of the External Assessor to be addressed
(ii)
The
first and last aims, which were generic University aims, should be removed. The
aims should be written from a student perspective
(iii)
Programme
Learning Outcomes relating to research should be reflected under Learning,
Teaching and Assessment Methods
(iv)
(v)
(b)
Curriculum Map
(i)
With
such a large proportion of optional modules it was difficult to determine
whether outcomes were covered in a progressive manner throughout the programme.
The optional modules should therefore be grouped for common outcomes and these
outcomes marked on the map.
(c) Assessment
Matrix
(i)
EAA501
only showed 90% of the assessment
ACTION: JEME, PLB
10/4 BA English with a Minor in Business Studies:
New Programme Proposals
CSC10-P3
.1 The
Sub-Committee considered proposals from English and Drama for a new full-time
programme with effect from October 2011. The Sub-Committee concurred with the
comments of both External Assessors concerning the apparent lack of integration
of the two subject areas and holistic coherence of the programme.
.2 It
was AGREED to recommend the proposals to Learning and Teaching Committee,
subject to the following matters being resolved to the satisfaction of the
AD(T) prior to the meeting of Learning and Teaching Committee:
(a)
Programme Regulations
(i)
The
selection of one optional module in Part A/Semester 1 should be stated
(b)
Programme Specification
(i) The
comments of the External Assessor to be addressed
(ii)
The
first and last aims, which were generic University aims, should be removed. The
aims should be written from a student perspective
(c) Curriculum
Map
(i)
With
such a large proportion of optional modules it was difficult to determine
whether outcomes were covered in a progressive manner throughout the programme.
The optional modules should therefore be grouped for common outcomes and these
outcomes marked on the map.
ACTION: JEME, PLB
10/5 MSc Construction Business Management: New
Programme Proposals
MSc Construction Management/ MSc Construction Project Management: Major
Programme Changes
CSC10-P4
.1 The
Sub-Committee considered proposals from Civil and Building Engineering for a
new full time/part-time MSc in Construction Business Management, and for major
changes to the existing MScs in Construction Management/ Construction Project
Management, with effect from October 2010. The suite of programmes was intended
cater for students ranging from recent graduates to more senior construction
professionals. The new programme was aimed at the latter. Members questioned
whether the subtle differences in the three programme titles would be
understood by the intended market, and suggested that Advanced Construction
Management might be considered as an alternative title for the new programme.
.2 It
was AGREED to recommend the proposals to Learning and Teaching Committee,
subject to the following matters being resolved to the satisfaction of the
AD(T) prior to the meeting of Learning and Teaching Committee:
(a)
Programme Regulations
(i) Confirmation
that the small differences between the programmes (which might only be one
taught module plus the project), and their titles, was sufficient for the
intended markets
(ii)
(iii)
(b) Programme
Specification
(i)
The
Specification should conform to the new University template
(ii)
Accreditation
for the new programme should not be indicated unless this has been established
(iii)
Aims
should be differentiated between the programmes. The last Aim listed was a
general University aim and should be removed
(iv)
Programme
Learning Outcomes for Construction Management should be articulated
(v)
The
Specification referred to both ‘programme’ and
‘programmes’. This needed to be consistent within the document. As
the 3 programmes were intended for different markets, the proposers should
consider the provision of 3 separate Specifications
(vi)
(vii)
(c)
Module Specifications
(i)
The
proposers should reflect on whether there should be 3 separate project modules
to demonstrate the distinctiveness of the programmes
(ii)
All
modules should be checked to remove references to ‘week block’ that
were now redundant
(iii)
MTLA
fields of all modules should be checked to ensure that weightings of assessment
components and word lengths of reports/essays were provided.
(iv)
References
specifically to PowerPoint to be changed
(v)
CVP320:
Teaching and Learning information to be expanded
(vi)
CVP321:
Clarification needed as to whether the report was distinct from the project
(vii)
CVP332:
Should be 60 weighting
(d)
Assessment Matrix
(i)
Word
length of reports/essays should be indicated
ACTION: JEME, JGD
.3 It
was noted that the proposed changes to existing programmes would affect some
current part-time students, who had been informed of the proposed changes. It
was requested that the Academic Registry provide clear guidance as to when
programme changes required consultation with/approval of existing students.
ACTION: JEME
.4 The
Secretary was asked to explore the terminology used in Programme Specifications
that covered several programmes, particularly in regard to the use of
‘programme/programmes’, with a view to providing guidance to
departments.
ACTION: JEME
10/6 MRes Built Environment: Energy Demand
Studies: New Programme Proposals
CSC10-P5
.1 The
Sub-Committee considered proposals from Civil and Building Engineering for a
new full-time/part-time programme with effect from October 2010. The MRes would
form the first year taught element within the new Doctoral Training Centre for
Energy Demand Reduction run jointly by the University and UCL, and would be
followed by a three-year PhD project. Students successful in the taught and
research elements would receive both an MRes and PhD. The MRes was therefore
effectively stand alone and the intention was that it would also be available
to non-DTC students.
.2 The
Sub-Committee’s attention was drawn to the variation in approach being
taken by the DTCs in which the University was involved to the study
requirements and awards available for students. These included:
(i) EngD
with MSc/PGDip/PGCert as exit award only
(ii) MRes
+ PhD
(iii) PhD
with PGDip/PGCert as exit award only
(iv) PhD
with taught element not assessed and no taught award available
There had already been the need to include two
new sections in the Regulations for Higher Degrees by Research to accommodate
(iii) and (iv). Members expressed concern at both the variation in what was
being made available to students and that, in the case of (iv), taught elements
were being provided outside the University’s regulatory framework. It was
appreciated that departments were constrained by the decisions of the DTC
consortia of which they were a part, but felt that the taught element generally
was considered at too late a stage and as a result became non-negotiable. The Sub-Committee
understood its remit to involve only the elements of DTC programmes leading to
taught awards, but felt that guidance was needed as to how variation in awards
could be avoided in the future and whether or not the Sub-Committee should be
looking at taught elements such as those in (iv) that did not lead to an award.
It was AGREED to forward this matter to Learning and Teaching Committee for
guidance.
ACTION: JEME
.3 Email
correspondence between Robert Bowyer and the proposer was tabled in which some
queries raised by the former on the collaborative statement for the programme
were addressed. There remained some issues to be resolved. The Sub-Committee
was content that the programme complied with the requirements for an MRes
award.
.4 It
was AGREED to recommend the proposals to Learning and Teaching Committee,
subject to the following matters being resolved to the satisfaction of the
AD(T) prior to the meeting of Learning and Teaching Committee:
(a)
The
outstanding issues in relation to the collaborative statement should be
addressed
(b)
The
proposer needed to allay the Sub-Committee’s concerns about equity of
treatment for non-DTC students on the programme, particularly in regard to
travel costs and lap-top provision
(c)
Programme
Regulations
(i)
Modules
led by UCL should be UCL not LU modules and the UCL codes should appear in LU
Programme Regulations
(ii)
In
accordance with the requirements for an MRes award, the PGCert should be
entitled ‘Advanced Studies in Built Environment: Energy Demand
Studies’
(iii)
As
the optional modules were required to be Research Training, Methodology and
Skills, the relevant options available should be listed
(d)
Programme Specification
(i)
The
Specification should conform to the new University template
(ii)
The
information in the Details of Accreditation box was inappropriate and should be
deleted
(iii)
In
the Teaching Institution box only the first sentence should be included
(iv)
As
the programme would also be available to non-DTC students, the specification
should be written as if it applied to all students. The preamble in para 1
concerning the DTC should be transferred to para 5 and there should be
information for non-DTC students in para 7. Attention should be drawn to the
cost implications for non-DTC students. Should the decision be taken not to
accept non-DTC students, the document would need to be revised accordingly
(v)
References
to specific module numbers to be removed
(vi)
(vii)
(viii)
(ix)
(e)
Module Specifications
(i)
LU-led
modules should be uploaded onto the LUSI system
(ii)
Module
Specifications for UCL-led modules should be provided
(iii)
Word
lengths for written work and information on feedback to students should be
included.
(iv)
CVP314,
MTLA field: Reference to
(v)
CVP318:
Clarification required on whether there would be a parallel UCL module and
whether or not the dissertation was stand-alone or intended serve as
preliminary to the subsequent PhD
ACTION: JEME, JGD
.4 There
was a general discussion as to whether it would be useful to include a
Curriculum Map within a Programme Specification. It was AGREED that the
Secretary would ask the PVC(T) where this would best be debated.
ACTION: JEME
10/7 PGDip/PGCert in Hydrogen, Fuel Cells and
their Application (Taught element of the PhD) : New Programme Proposals
CSC10-P6
.1 The
Sub-Committee considered proposals from Aeronautical and Automotive Engineering
for a new full-time programme as an exit award to the PhD in Hydrogen,
Fuel Cells and their Application,
with effect from October 2009. The PhD was being offered within the Doctoral
Training Centre in Hydrogen, Fuel Cells and their Applications, led by the
ACTION: JEME
.2 It
was noted that under the proposed Programme Regulations students who received a
Loughborough award for the taught element would do so having taken LU modules with
a total of only 15, 30 or 45 credits. LU modules within the programme were of 15
credits compared to 10 credits for the other two institutions. Students were
required to select at least one module from each institution. It was suggested
that the requirement could be increased to two modules from LU for Loughborough
students, which would ease the problem of compatibility in module weights and
remove the possibility of an LU student having taken only 15 credits at LU.
Nevertheless the proportion of LU credits was small and Learning and Teaching
Committee was to be asked to approve this as a special case, in view of the
likelihood that the taught award would never be made.
ACTION: JEME
.3 It
was AGREED to recommend the proposals to Learning and Teaching Committee,
subject to the following matters being resolved to the satisfaction of the
AD(T) prior to the meeting of Learning and Teaching Committee:
(a)
Programme Regulations
(i)
The
programme title should be revised throughout to include a comma after Hydrogen
(ii)
(b)
Programme Specification
(i)
Aims:
Should be more student-centred
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)
(c) Assessment
Matrix
(i)
Module
04 19688 showed only 80% assessment
(d) The
Department should reflect on whether it might wish to provide a route whereby
students eligible only for the taught award could upgrade this to an MSc.
ACTION: JEME, JGD
10/8 MSc
Sustainable Engineering: New Programme Proposals
CSC10-P7
.1 The
Sub-Committee considered proposals from Mechanical and Manufacturing
Engineering for a new full-time/part-time programme, with effect from October
2010. It was noted that a phased
introduction of new modules was planned. This was likely to affect Aims and
Programme Learning Outcomes over time and the Sub-Committee would expect the
Programme Specification to require revision during the phases of the
programme’s development. There was no evidence as yet of a holistic
approach to sustainability engineering. The comments of the Head of Design and
Technology concerning potential opportunities for collaboration between
programmes with a sustainability element was noted.
.2 It
was AGREED to recommend the proposals to Learning and Teaching Committee,
subject to the following matters being resolved to the satisfaction of the
AD(T) prior to the meeting of Learning and Teaching Committee:
(a) Programme Regulations
(i)
Modules should be presented by
semester
(ii) It
should be made clear that modules selected from other programmes should be
postgraduate
(b) Programme
Specification
(i)
The
Specification should conform to the new University template
(ii)
The
Details of Accreditation box should state that accreditation was being sought,
if that was the case
(iii)
The
Aims should conform to the University template
(iv)
(v)
(vi)
Programme
Specifications should be provided for the developing phases of the programme
(c) Module
Specifications
(i)
The
module specifications should be loaded onto the LUSI system
(ii)
MTLA
fields: The number of hours of lectures etc should be included. The detail on
the number of examination questions should be removed
(iii)
The
need to cite other compulsory modules on the programme as pre-requisites was
queried
(iv)
MMP420:
ILOs were sparse. Assessment was heavy for a 10-credit module
(v)
MMP421:
ILOs were too broad. Feedback referred to tutorials but these were not included
as a method of teaching. Word length for written work should be indicated
(d) Assessment
Matrix
(i)
Percentages
for each module should total 100%
(e) Clarification
was needed as to whether or not the External Assessor was sent the draft
Programme Specification and whether or not he was commenting on the final or
initial phase of the programme
ACTION: JEME, JGD
.3 In
order to avoid misleading information in the Accreditation box of Programme
Specifications, it was AGREED that the following options be made available
within that box on the University template:
·
Being
sought
·
Provisional
·
Established
ACTION: JEME
10/9 MSc Internet Computing and Networking: New
Programme Proposals
CSC10-P8
The Sub-Committee considered proposals from
Computer Science for a new full-time/part-time programme with effect from
October 2010. It was AGREED to recommend the proposals to Learning and Teaching
Committee, subject to the following matters being resolved to the satisfaction
of the AD(T) prior to the meeting of Learning and Teaching Committee:
(a) Programme
Regulations
(i)
The
new programme title should be inserted
(b)
Programme Specification
(i)
The
Specification should conform to the new University template
(ii)
(c) Module
Specifications
(i)
The
module specifications should be loaded onto the LUSI system
(ii)
Annotated
comments from the ADT to be addressed
(d) Curriculum
Map
(i)
Annotated
comments from the ADT to be addressed
ACTION: JEME, MCH
10/10 MSc Education with QTS: Major Programme
Changes
CSC10-P9
.1 The
Sub-Committee considered proposals from the Teacher Education Unit, with the
support of SSEHS and Design & Technology, for major programme changes with
effect from October 2010 entry. It was noted that the PGCE would increase from
a 60-credit to a 90-credit award, thereby not according with the requirements
for a PGCert in Regulation XX, but that there was an acceptance within the
University that the nature of the PGCE meant that it would not necessarily
conform to the normal PGT framework. The Sub-Committee was advised that other
institutions had also been making such a change to their PGCE.
.2 It
was AGREED to recommend the proposals to Learning and Teaching Committee,
subject to the following matters being resolved to the satisfaction of the
AD(T) prior to the meeting of Learning and Teaching Committee:
(a) Clarification
was required as to whether there would be a reduction in staff contact time,
and, if so, whether that was deliberate/desirable
(b)
Programme Regulations
(i)
(ii)
Was
it still necessary to have module specifications for the practical teaching
elements that were non credit-bearing?
(iii)
(iv)
If
current students were to be able to continue on existing modules there would
need to be new module numbers for the newly-weighted versions
(v)
What
would be the position if a student having a 60-credit PGCE entered the MSc
programme in the future?
(c) Programme
Specification
(i)
The
Specification should conform to the new University template
(ii)
The
years of the programme should align with any decision under b(iii) above
(d) Curriculum
Map
(i) The
skills should be consistent with those in the Programme Specification
(e) Assessment
Matrix
(i) A
signature was required concerning the 50% assessment by group/teamwork on the
new Research in Teaching and Learning module
(ii) The matrix should align more closely with the information in
module specifications. Some weightings appear to have been omitted.
ACTION: JEME, PLB
10/11 BSc Psychology: Major Programme Changes
CSC10-P10
.1 The
Sub-Committee considered proposals from the School of Sport, Exercise and
Health Sciences for major programme changes with effect from October 2010.
Members were informed that the issues raised in relation to the removal of
Social Sciences modules from Part A of the programme, which were pre-requisites
to possible Social Sciences options in Part C, had been satisfactorily
resolved. It was noted that the new modules were not yet on the LUSI
system. As all the HU modules on the
programme were to be converted to PS modules from 2010-11, these would not be
input on LUSI until it was clear whether any code changes might be necessary.
.2 It
was AGREED to recommend the proposals to Learning and Teaching Committee,
subject to the following matters being resolved to the satisfaction of the
AD(T) prior to the meeting of Learning and Teaching Committee:
(a)
Programme Regulations
(i)
(b)
Module Specifications
(i) HUA314:
Detail of examination paper should be removed
(iii)
HUAXXX
Professions in Psychology: Word length for written work should be included
(iii)
HUCXXX
Advanced Experimental & Qualitative Design & Analysis: Form of
coursework should be identified and the word length for written work included
(c) Programme
Specification
(i)
Queries
within the document should be removed
(ii)
Statements
on LTA methods were required for the Knowledge & Understanding and
Subject-specific Cognitive Skills programme outcomes
(iii)
(d) Curriculum
Map
(i) This
should be provided using the University template and the programme learning
outcomes provided within the Programme Specification
(e) Assessment
Matrix
(i) There
should be an Assessment Matrix for the programme in the form of the University
template, though this was not required to be submitted for major programme
changes.
ACTION: JEME, PLB
10/12 BSc Social Psychology: Major Programme Changes
CSC10-P11
.1 The
Sub-Committee considered proposals from Social Sciences for major programme
changes with effect from 2010/11. Several reasons were given for the changes,
including the need to comply with the credit values of the University’s awards.
It was noted in this regard that it would be unavoidable that, while the
newly-structured programme rolled out, the modules taken by the current Year 2
cohort in 2010-11 would not comply. The Sub-Committee welcomed the simplified
nature of the Programme Regulations.
.2 It
was AGREED to recommend the proposals to Learning and Teaching Committee,
subject to the following matters being resolved to the satisfaction of the
AD(T) prior to the meeting of Learning and Teaching Committee:
(a)
Programme Regulations
(i)
(ii)
Paras
2.2 & 2.3: Should show semesters for the modules
(b)
Programme Specification
(i)
The
detailed structure could be removed as this was repeated in the Programme
Regulations. This would prevent the need for regular updating
(c) Curriculum
Map
(i)
The
skills list should match those in the Programme Specification
(d) Module
Specifications
(i)
The
module specifications should be loaded onto the LUSI system. Once the new
modules had been given numbers this should clarify why some modules appeared to
be duplicated
(ii)
SSBXXX
Social Psychology, Media and the Moving Image: The examination length should be
stated
(iii)
SSCXXX
Cognition: This module was not listed in Programme Regulations.
ACTION: JEME, PLB
10/13 BSc Sociology: Major Programme Changes
CSC10-P12
The Sub-Committee considered proposals from
Social Sciences for major programme changes with effect from 2010/11. It was
AGREED to recommend the proposals to Learning and Teaching Committee, subject
to the following matters being resolved to the satisfaction of the AD(T) prior
to the meeting of Learning and Teaching Committee:
(a)
Programme Regulations
(i)
Clarification
as to whether the 50-credit Study Abroad Module (SSB097) was redundant
(ii)
Part
C modules to read ‘Compulsory Modules’. Optional modules to
read ‘(total modular weight 40)’
(b)
Curriculum Map
(i) The
outcomes of SSA101/102 should be mapped
(c) Module
Specifications
(i) The
module specifications should be loaded onto the LUSI system
(ii)
The
MTLA fields of the 2 new SSB modules should be expanded and include weightings
of assessed work
ACTION:
JEME, PLB
10/14 Change to Programme Title
CSC10-P13
It was AGREED to recommend to Learning and
Teaching Committee the following title change (effective date shown in
brackets):
MSc Materials for Industry to
MSc Materials Science and Technology
(Oct 2010 entry).
10/15 Discontinuation of Programmes
CSC10-P14
It was AGREED to recommend to Learning and
Teaching Committee discontinuation of the following programmes (proposed date
of last intake shown in brackets):
BSc Economics with French/German/Spanish (Oct
2007).
10/16 Dates of Future Meetings in 2009/10
Thursday 6
May 2010 (am)
Friday 21
May 2010 (am) (if required)
Author –Jennie Elliott
Date – January 2010
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