MSc Mathematics and Foundations of Computer Science: Examination Conventions 2007-2008

MSc Mathematics and the Foundations of Computer Science

Examiniation Conventions 2007-2008

The Board of Examiners consists of at least three (currently four) members,

with at least one (currently two) being external to the University.

Miniprojects are set and assessed by those giving the actual courses; the

miniprojects are submitted to the Examiners for prior vetting, and the

Examiners may moderate the marks given by assessors. The pass list for each

individual course is published before the beginning of the subsequent term.

Dissertations are marked by independent assessors (neither the dissertation

supervisor, nor the student's supervisor) and then read by at least one

Examiner. A final mark is awarded only after the viva examination.

The Regulations refer to passing each course''; there is no provision for

purging a narrow fail''. Thus no mark other than fail is given in that

case. There is also provision for the award of distinctions. For this

purpose, the Examiners have established the following marking guidelines for

passing -

?- Excellent - the student has demonstrated an excellent

understanding of almost all the material, and has completed almost all of

the assignment satisfactorily.

?- Good - the student has demonstrated a good understanding of

much of the material, and has completed most of the assignment

satisfactorily.

?- Adequate - the student has demonstrated an understanding of

the material and an ability to apply their understanding that together are

sufficient to pass.

with +/- and combined letters for further gradation. The award of a

distinction normally requires excellence on at least five miniprojects that

would qualify by themselves and on the dissertation; the Examiners have

retained the discretion to award a distinction when there is marked

excellence on further courses. (The standard required for a distinction is

considerably higher than for a first class degree.)

The University takes a strong stand against plagiarism. Students are strongly

advised to read the note on Plagiarism and Citation in

Appendix A of the handbook.

With effect from October 2007, University Standardised Marks (USMs) will be applied to this course. The conversion is

? 70-100

? 60-69

? 50-59

Fail 0-49

Final marks for each course and for the dissertation will be reported only as USM's. An overall USM will then be assigned, taking into account that a distinction should carry a USM of at least 70, and a pass at least 50. The dissertation will carry the weight of three courses.