Course Guide 2013

International Foundation Year (IFY) as an integrated Undergraduate Degree course

Course Guide

Awarded by The University of Wolverhampton (UoW) in collaboration with the City of Wolverhampton College (CoWC)

2012-13

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Contents

About this guide ............................................................................................................................. 3 Welcome to the International Centre (IC) working with City of Wolverhampton College (CoWC) ........................................................................................................................................................ 4 Welcome to the City of Wolverhampton College (CoWC) ............................................................. 4 About the International Foundation Year (IFY) .............................................................................. 5 The educational aims of this course: .......................................................................................... 5 Distinctive features of the course .............................................................................................. 5 The Wolverhampton Graduate and Employability ........................................................................ 6 What is ‘Employability’? ......................................................................................................... 6 How Will You Develop Your Employment Skills? ................................................................... 7 The course learning outcomes: ...................................................................................................... 7 The Learning outcomes will be achieved through the following learning activities: ................ 7 Teaching methods include: .................................................................................................... 8 Wolverhampton’s Online Learning Framework – WOLF ........................................................... 8 Blended learning ......................................................................................................................... 9 Assessment methods ................................................................................................................ 10 Support for learning ................................................................................................................. 10 Attendance requirements for the course ................................................................................ 12 Academic Regulations .............................................................................................................. 12 Course Structure (Business) ......................................................................................................... 13 Course Structure (Engineering) .................................................................................................... 14 Course Structure (SCIENCE) .......................................................................................................... 15 Module Descriptions .................................................................................................................... 16 Generic modules ....................................................................................................................... 16 Business modules ..................................................................................................................... 17 Engineering modules ................................................................................................................ 18 Science modules ....................................................................................................................... 19 Induction to Your Course .............................................................................................................. 20 Enrolment: EVISION, WOLF & Email communication .............................................................. 20 Teaching Sessions ..................................................................................................................... 21 Course Contacts ........................................................................................................................ 21 Please note the name and contact details of your personal tutor at induction. ..................... 22 Assessment and feedback ............................................................................................................ 23 Assessment Grades .................................................................................................................. 23 What is Feedback ? ................................................................................................................... 24 Resit or Retake.......................................................................................................................... 25 Illness and Other Valid Reasons for Non‐submission of Coursework ...................................... 26 Extenuating Circumstances and Obtaining Extensions for Assignments ................................. 26 What Should You Avoid? What Should You Seek to Achieve? ................................................. 27 Academic Misconduct .................................................................................................................. 28 Defining Academic Misconduct: ............................................................................................... 28 1

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Cheating ................................................................................................................................ 28 Collusion ............................................................................................................................... 28 Plagiarism ............................................................................................................................. 29 Support for Students ................................................................................................................ 29 Ethics ........................................................................................................................................ 30 Diversity and Equal Opportunities ............................................................................................... 30 How You Can Comment on Learning, teaching and assessment ................................................. 31 Student Representative ............................................................................................................ 31 What is a Student Rep? ........................................................................................................ 31 The Role and Function of a Student Rep .............................................................................. 31 To Apply….. ........................................................................................................................... 32 Health and Safety issues ............................................................................................................... 32 International Foundation Year Course (September start) ........................................................... 33 Calendar 2012/13 ......................................................................................................................... 33 International Foundation Year Course (November start) ............................................................ 34 Calendar 2012/13 ......................................................................................................................... 34 CITY Campus Maps ....................................................................................................................... 37

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ABOUT THIS GUIDE

This Course Guide will help you plan your University of Wolverhampton undergraduate International Foundation Year (IFY) with City of Wolverhampton College. The guide tells you which modules you must study and pass. The guide also offers you brief descriptions of each module, including general information about assessment tasks, and an overview of how you can progress to the next level of your study.

You should read this Course Guide in conjunction with the Undergraduate Student Handbook; the University’s Academic Regulations located on the University of Wolverhampton website http://www.wlv.ac.uk/default.aspx?page=9555 . Together, these documents should provide you with all the basic information that we think you will need for your period of study in the UK.

You should read this guide now so that you understand the various aspects of your studies. Some of the sections may not be immediately helpful to you but you will use all of the information as you go through your studies. Keep it somewhere safe and accessible, so that you can refer to it when you need to.

In this course guide we may have not covered every query and problem that you might have so if you find that there is something you need to know, please do not hesitate to ask your course leader (Dr Megan Lawton M.J.Lawton@wlv.ac.uk), or module tutor(s) or personal tutor. You can also go to the University’s International Centre, and Student Support and Guidance Services located on the City campus in the Student Gateway. We value your views and welcome suggestions for ways of improving the operation of the course.

Please note that in order to develop and improve the course, it may be necessary on occasions to amend or revise the details given in this Course Guide.

Throughout this guide we have tried to give you hints, tips and things to remember, indicated by this symbol

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WELCOME TO THE INTERNATIONAL CENTRE (IC) WORKING WITH CITY OF WOLVERHAMPTON COLLEGE (COWC)

Welcome to IC working in collaboration with CoWC and congratulations on reaching this stage of your education. The purpose of this guide is to provide you with some of the information that is needed to ensure a successful and enjoyable time on your course.

Obtaining an honours degree is a considerable achievement and should be a target for you all. This course if you are prepared to work hard, complete all the tasks set for you and pass your assessments will allow you to progress into a degree programme. However, it is not all hard work and so your time on the course should also be seen as providing an opportunity to develop new and lasting friendships.

We know that studying in a new country also brings with it some anxiety. Don’t worry, the International Centre is here to help you get the best from your studies and can provide a one‐stop shop to our international students. They can deal with any questions you have whether this relates to visas, living and working in Wolverhampton to questions relating to your course and specific support that is available to you. You are encouraged to visit the IC Student Support Office and get to know the team.

Your tutors and staff within IC and CoWC take your education very seriously and want you to succeed. We hope that you will.

Rishma Dattani Deputy Director, International Centre University of Wolverhampton

WELCOME TO THE CITY OF WOLVERHAMPTON COLLEGE (COWC)

The City of Wolverhampton team have expertise on delivering foundation programmes and will be teaching you on your modules through the first year. In studying a University course and being supported by the CoWC you have the best of both worlds. You will be able to use the facilities and support that is offered not just by the University but also by the College.

Enjoy your course!

Sue Spragg City of Wolverhampton College (CoWC)

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ABOUT THE INTERNATIONAL FOUNDATION YEAR (IFY)

This Guide outlines the modules which are available, teaching and learning activities and assessment tasks. If there is anything you need to discuss further, please contact Dr Megan Lawton m.j.Lawton@wlv.ac.uk .

The educational aims of this course:

The International Foundation Year is part of an integrated four‐year degree route. This first year is designed for you, as an international student, to develop your capabilities to study in a specific subject that will enable you to progress onto a degree at the University of Wolverhampton. You will develop an understanding of the expectations and the academic skills to successfully study for a degree in the UK. The course will help you use and further develop your English in an academic context and help you to be able to learn a digital environment.

In this course, you will study a mixture of subject‐specific modules and more general modules that will expand your English language and learning skills appropriate for higher education. You will make the general modules relevant to your specific subject and learning experience by the topics and examples that you pick and use. In addition, you will have a unique opportunity to study a module from your chosen follow‐on degree course. The course therefore allows you to gain an early experience of your chosen subject discipline at degree level. Depending on your choice of degree course, you will be routed to one of three pathways – Business, Engineering or Science ‐ these support the number of follow‐on degree courses available for progression on successful completion of the International Foundation Year.

Distinctive features of the course

This course will enable you to understand the expectations of studying for a degree in your chosen subject at the University of Wolverhampton.

It will help you enhance your capabilities in English within academic and digital environments. The University of Wolverhampton is a mature user of technology in learning and teaching. This course will enable you to develop your skills to be able to work in a digital environment.

All the general modules will allow you to base your activities on the subject specific content of your course.

You will recognise, plan and develop your own learning capabilities to enable you to progress to your next level of study.

The course includes a module from the follow‐on degree course, which means that you will gain 20 credits prior to progression to the follow‐on course on successful completion of the module.

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THE WOLVERHAMPTON GRADUATE AND EMPLOYABILITY

By the end of your undergraduate degree course, the University expects you to be a Wolverhampton Graduate who is knowledgeable and enterprising, digitally literate and a global citizen, but what does this mean?.

Digitally Literate: Our graduates will be confident users of advanced technologies; they will lead others, challenging convention by exploiting the rich sources of connectivity digital working allows.

Knowledgeable and Enterprising: Our graduates will know how to critique analyse and then apply knowledge they acquire in an enterprising way.

Global citizens: Our graduates will bring informed understandings of their place and ethical responsibilities in the world.

Depending on the courses you take each of these broad definitions with be contextualised by the work you have done in your chosen subject area and the evidence you have gathered by your formative and summative assessment tasks.

Learning activities in this course are wide and varied and will start you on your journey to develop your graduate attributes. The graduate attributes are developed by:‐

 Knowledge & Enterprise will be developed by actively taking part in all the activities on your course including attending lectures to gain subject specific knowledge, participation in seminars and workshops to further develop and apply your knowledge

 Global citizenship will be developed by you sharing your experiential learning of global cultures and concepts and undertaking a variety of activities including lectures, discussions (both online and in class). Using subject knowledge and theory in various scenarios, within regional, national and international contexts, and increasing complexity will contribute to on‐going development of this attribute as you progress through your course.

 Digital literacy will be developed by a range of Independent study activities and formative assessments which require you to use digital technologies thus extend your technological skills.

Other opportunities will include participation in online discussions, producing course‐relevant videos and/or other digital work, alongside reflective learning through the online blogs.

What is ‘Employability’?

‘Employability’ is concerned with the development of skills aimed at enhancing your employment prospects throughout your time here at the University of Wolverhampton. Developing specialist subject and academic knowledge is important for employers but they also want to employ individuals who are able to: 6

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

Communicate effectively,



Work in a team and have good interpersonal skills.



Solve problems



Work on their own using their own initiative and are able to adapt to changing situations



Be self‐confident

How Will You Develop Your Employment Skills?

We aim to provide you with the opportunity to develop these through the modules you will be studying. The assessments you do for your modules are designed to help you develop Subject specific skills through the research you undertake for the assignments. In addition, they are also designed to help you develop other key skills such as your written communication skills. Where you have formal presentations, this will build your self‐confidence in addition to helping you develop your skills of verbal communication. Working as part of a team will develop vital group‐work skills. Attending your classes regularly will further ensure that you have the opportunity to develop other skills.

THE COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES:

At the end of this course you, the student, will be able to:

1. Identify key concepts and theories appropriate to your chosen subject context.

2. Select and utilise appropriate information for given situations and scenarios 3. Demonstrate the origins of your ideas by correctly and appropriately referencing sources used in your work.

4. Express and present findings using appropriate conventions for academic audiences.

5. Demonstrate an appropriate level of capabilities to work within a digital environment.

6. Identify different learning styles and reflect on your own learning and personal development.

The Learning outcomes will be achieved through the following learning activities:

     

Exploration Orientation Reflection Planning Developing practical skills for learning Developing practical digital literacy skills 7

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Developing practical information literacy skills Scenario based work

Teaching methods include:

     

Lectures Seminars Tutor‐led/group‐led group discussions One to one and group tutorials Presentations to peers by individuals or groups Workshops

Wolverhampton’s Online Learning Framework – WOLF

To access all the materials that you need for study you will have to use WOLF which is the University’s virtual learning environment (VLE). WOLF can be used both on and off campus – all university computers have an icon of a wolf’s head, such as this one, on our machines. To enter the software you just double click on the icon (if this means nothing to you – don’t worry we will show you what to do in your Welcome week!)

WOLF can also be accessed via the internet at www.wlv.ac.uk/wolf

To log‐in to WOLF you will need your log‐in details and password. You will be shown how to do this in your Welcome week. If you have any problems please ask for help. When you go into WOLF for the first time you will see your own personal page which you can personalise including adding a picture of yourself. You should find a list of all the modules that you will be studying. Each module is a unit of study created by your tutor(s). In them you will find all your module guides, learning materials, assessment tasks and group forums. You can also use WOLF to help you get to other useful electronic places and resources in the University.

It is really important that you know how to use WOLF so if you are not sure ASK

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Blended learning

In 2008, the University adopted a Blended Learning Strategy which promotes the integration of technology supported learning across all our modules. We believe this will improve the employability and, digital literacy, of our students and the effectiveness and efficiency of our learning and teaching practice.

The learning activities in this course address all elements of the blended learning strategy which will contribute to your development of the graduate attribute of digital literacy:

Students are entitled to :

1. have access where possible to an electronic copy of all lecturer‐ produced course documents e.g. module guides, assessment briefs, presentations, hand‐outs, and reading lists

2. formative assessment opportunities on line with appropriate meaningful electronic assessment feedback;

3. have opportunities to collaborate on line with others in their learning cohort; 4. have the opportunity to participate in electronic Personal Development Planning (ePDP);

5. submit all appropriate assessments online; 6. opportunities to engage in interactive learning during all face to face sessions.

All module guides, assessment briefs, presentations, hand‐outs, and learning materials are in WOLF.

You will be encouraged and in some cases required to post work online that will receive formative feedback from tutors and members of the module group.

You will collaborate with other students on line through module blogs or by using WOLF or email.

This is a core element within the course as is one of the course learning outcomes

Where appropriate you will submit assessments online.

You will continuously engage in interactive face‐to‐ face learning as this is required to enhance English language capabilities in an academic environment.

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Assessment methods

You are assessed by completing a wide range of learning activities that will be appropriate to the learning outcomes of the individual modules that you study. The assessments are designed to give you experience of and to develop skills that you will need for further study in higher education in the UK

There are two types of assessment used on this course:

Formative assessment will help to guide, encourage and support you to understand the expectations of your chosen academic study and general expectations of studying at a HE level. Advice will be given that is relevant to the learning outcomes and assessment criteria and will identify areas for improvement or enhancement.

Summative assessment is marked against learning outcomes and assessment criteria. It will give you your grade that will contribute to your course award.

Support for learning

A core strand through this course is the development of learning skills appropriate to both general study at HE level and specific study in a chosen specialist subject. In some modules the development of these skills are explicit in others they are embedded within the curriculum.

For example:

 The University Counselling Service offers short courses on topics such as "Self Confidence", "Stress Management and Relaxation" and "Life Skills". They also provide study skills and academic support, providing short courses such as provide help in areas such as "Writing and Assignment Skills", "Exam Techniques", "Enhancing Professional Skills", "Personal Development Planning" and "Making Choices for the Future. COWC has specialist counselling services as well and can offer support that is geared to support learners, for example study skills advice or support for assessments, or maths workshops.

 University Learning Centres provide general academic skills support to all students at www.wlv.ac.uk/skills. They can offer advice on areas such as, academic writing, assignment planning, exam preparation, and time management. In addition, there is a regular timetable of drop‐in and bookable workshops covering information and digital literacy skills, including academic referencing. CoWC also has learner focussed teams who provide both subject specialist and general help. CoWC also provide a range of inclusive technology to support individual needs

 The International Centre will be able to provide more generic international advice and guidance for example visas. In addition, the Centre will be able to provide regulatory guidance and direct you to relevant staff for academic support. They will be able to deal with any questions that

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relate to living and working in the UK and issues you face whilst studying at the University.

CoWC also has specialist support on hand for international students

You will receive support and guidance in the area of Personal Development Planning (PDP), so that you: can understand better your learning process, have the skills and understanding to act on the feedback, so as to become more effective and successful, collect evidence on your achievement to enhance your employability.

Feedback ‐ tutors provide personalised written feedback following all summative assessments. The mechanism for feedback from formative tasks varies between assessments, but will always be provided in some form. On occasions tutors may provide generalised verbal feedback to the whole group on points relating to an assessment. You may also be asked to give feedback to your peers and to your tutors.

When you join the University you will be given a personal tutor. Your personal tutor is someone who can offer you guidance and advice; this could be about your course, and any other aspects that affect your study. In order for personal tutoring to be a beneficial and meaningful relationship for you, you need to communicate with your personal tutor. We encourage you to have a look at these guidelines to help you do this:

1. You should keep in regular communication with your personal tutor 2. Try to prepare for and engage in meetings with your personal tutor 3. Your personal tutor is the person you need to contact if there are any issues that are affecting your academic performance or if you are worried about your progression and achievement.

4. We also encourage you to act on recommendations and advice that your personal tutor offers.

You can find out more about personal tutoring by going to www.wlv.ac.uk/personaltutoring

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Attendance requirements for the course

Attendance is a key requirement of the course and will be monitored and recorded. The University is required to report non‐attendance to the UK Border Agency (UKBA). You must be enrolled at the start of the course and then attend your classes regularly. Any non‐attendance will be followed up and you will be required to meet with staff to explain why you did not attend. You may also be required to produce documentary evidence to support any non‐attendance. It is therefore vital that you inform the International Centre if you know that you will not be able to attend a class.

UKBA requires the University to also report on student failure and withdrawal from the University. It is therefore your responsibility to ensure that you attend all classes therefore improving your chances of success.

To successfully move into your degree you will need to take and pass (including resits) ALL level 3 modules. This will give you 100 credits to move into the next part of your course. If you do not achieve this number of credits at level 3 then you will not be able to progress and will have to return home 28 days after the final award board. We have to report your results to the UKBA.

Non‐attendance at practical classes, particularly in Science, may mean that you fail your assessment.

Academic Regulations

This course adheres to the University’s academic regulations for students undertaking an undergraduate degree. A full version of these regulations can be found on the University web page.

These regulations govern your course and will be binding on you. It is, therefore, important that you read and become familiar with them.

You can access the regulations and much more information by going to the University’s home page – www.wlv.ac.uk on the right hand side you will see a large button titled ‘Current students’, click on this to take you into information for all students. At the bottom of the list you will find the Undergraduate Regulations

For information relating to your experience as an international student go to: www.wlv.ac.uk/international

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COURSE STRUCTURE (BUSINESS)

Core (C) or Option (O)*

Module Code

Module Title

Credits

Delivered in block/term

C

3LI001

20

Semester 1

C

3LI002

Getting ahead as an international student

Successful study

20

Semester 1

C

3MG001

Introduction to Management

20

Semester 1

C

3IM001

3LI003

Various

Business Decision‐Making

Learning in a digital environment

Subject module level 4

To be advised based on follow – on degree course

20

Semester 2

20

Semester 2

20

Semester 2

C

O

Please note

A core module is one that you must take and an option module is one that you have a choice to take this one or replace it with another module that your tutor will advise you to do.

For this course you will take a maximum of 6 modules

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COURSE STRUCTURE (ENGINEERING)

Core (C) or Option (O)*

Module Code

Module Title

Credits

Delivered in block/term

C

3LI001

20

Semester 1

C

3LI002

Getting ahead as an international student

Successful study

20

Semester 1

C

3ET005

3ET006

Mechanical Technology

20

Semester 1

Electrical Technology

20

Semester 2

C

3ET004

Materials

20

Semester 2

O

Various

Subject module level 4

To be advised based on follow – on degree course

20

Semester 2

C

Please note

A core module is one that you must take and an option module is one that you have a choice to take this one or replace it with another module that your tutor will advise you to do.

For this course you will take a maximum of 6 modules

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COURSE STRUCTURE (SCIENCE)

Core (C) or Option (O)*

Module Code

Module Title

Credits

Delivered in block/term

C

3LI001

20

Semester 1

C

3LI002

Getting ahead as an international student

Successful study

20

Semester 1

C

3BA001

Introduction to Bioscience

20

Semester 1

C

3BC001

3LI003

Various

Introduction to Chemistry

Learning in a digital environment

Subject module level 4

To be advised based on follow – on degree course

20

Semester 2

20

Semester 2

20

Semester 2

C

O

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MODULE DESCRIPTIONS

The following gives a brief overview of the modules. All modules are 20 credits unless stated otherwise.

Generic modules 3LI001 Getting ahead as an international student. ‐ Semester 1

This module will help you understand the UK higher education system and how you can study effectively within it. It will also help you understand the academic expectations and conventions for study in your subject context.

Assessment: Case study 100%

3LI002 Successful Study ‐ Semester 1

This module will focus on developing your capabilities to study effectively in higher education in the UK. It will help you to understand the processes you will need to go through to produce work for assessment this includes recognising what you are being asked to do, selecting and using appropriate sources of information and exploring academic conventions for a range of assessment tasks. Finally the module will also investigate giving receiving and using feedback to improve your own learning.

Assessment: Portfolio 100%

3LI003 Learning in a digital environment ‐ Semester 2

This module will help you develop your digital literacy skills to be able to study in a digital learning environment. This module will concentrate on four main digital capabilities:

Learning skills and life planning ICT/computer literacy Information literacy Communication and collaboration

These will be developed through a range of computer‐based activities

Assessment: Portfolio 100%

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Business modules

3MG001 Introduction to Management ‐ Semester 1

The module is designed to give students an introductory level understanding of management. On completion of the module, students will have acquired knowledge of the development of the Management discipline, the structure of business organisations, the environment in which they operate and the different management functions that exist within organisations.

Assessment: 1 in‐class test 40% and 2 Portfolio 60%

3IM001 Business decision making ‐ Semester 2

This module is designed to show learners that the collection and management of business information, and the successful communication of that information throughout a business, is critical for the future prosperity of the organisation. It will explore the importance of providing accurate business information as an aid to effective decision making in an organisation, and develop the skills and knowledge needed to manipulate data management software to produce information in a suitable format.

Assessment: Portfolio 100%

Semester 2

PLUS a Level 4 module in your chosen subject – your tutors will advise you on which one to take

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Engineering modules

3ET005 Mechanical Technology‐ Semester 1

The aim of this module is to develop an understanding of the basic scientific principles underpinning mechanical technology

Assessment: 1 in‐class test 50% and 2 in‐class test 50%

3ET006 Electrical Technology ‐ Semester 2

The principal aim of this module is to introduce the fundamental concepts needed to understand the operation of electrical and electronic circuits and systems

Assessment: 1 practical report 50% and 2 in‐class test 50%

3ET004 Materials‐ Semester 2

The principal aim of this module is to enable students to understand why different materials are used in different applications. In achieving this aim, the students will be made aware of issues relating to the environmental, recycling and disposal.

Assessment: 1 group presentation and individual report 60% and 2 in‐class test 40%

Semester 2

PLUS a Level 4 module in your chosen subject – your tutors will advise you on which one to take

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Science modules

3AB001 Introduction to Bioscience‐ Semester 1

This module will provide you with an introduction to pure and applied aspects of biology. The topics covered will include an overview of the origin and evolution of life on Earth and an introduction to the features and diversity of the major groups of animal, plant and microbial life forms. An understanding of the fundamentals of biological systems is a pre‐requisite for further study.

Assessment: Examination 100%

3BC001 Introduction to Chemistry ‐ Semester 2

This module introduces the fundamental concepts of chemistry and develops these concepts to allow an understanding of chemical principles required in on‐going and related studies in biological, biomedical, pharmaceutical and forensic sciences

Assessment: Examination 100%

Semester 2

PLUS a Level 4 module in your chosen subject – your tutors will advise you on which one to take

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INDUCTION TO YOUR COURSE

You will start your programme with a Welcome Week this is to help you settle into the university, your course and to meet your tutors. You will also do a variety of things that will help you get to know your fellow students and other people at the University. You will receive a full induction to the course; we will show you how to access the wide range of learning resources and support systems including course management, personal tutoring and international student support. Staff will introduce you to the learning methods, course and module expectations required.

REMEMBER: If you are not clear about anything ask! We really don’t mind.

Enrolment: EVISION, WOLF & Email communication

You will be required to enrol onto your course before starting to study. To enrol you will use a computer system called eVision. You can access eVison through the UoW homepage www.wlv.ac.uk , click on the button marked ‘Current students’ on the left‐hand side. You will see a link to eVision and you will then be taken through a series of steps to enrol online. Make sure you have checked your joining instructions and have the relevant information with you.

It is very user friendly, but if you require help, staff will guide you through the process during induction.

You will receive a student number at this stage which you will need to access other the UoW systems such as WOLF. This is your student number and is important that you remember this as you will need to note this on any correspondence and assessed work that is submitted.

You are required to register for a UoW IT account as soon as possible to allow you to access the full learning facilities. At this stage you will be allocated an email address, which will enable you to communicate with colleagues and members of staff. Please note that staff will use this email account to communicate with you rather than any other personal account you may have. You will be offered options for the name of your account such as A.Student@wlv.ac.uk, student.A@wlv.ac.uk whatever address you pick make sure it is the one that you use to contact tutors and will also be the one used by the University to send you information.

REMEMBER: Keep a record of your student number and your email address but do not keep any passwords with them!!

Check your email ever day as you might have been sent an important message from your tutors.

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Teaching Sessions

At the start of each module you will receive a module guide for each unit of study. Module guides provide information on content, learning outcomes, compulsory and suggested learning resources (e.g. books, journals, web sites) assessments: including the assessment task, dates for formative and summative submission and grading criteria for that module. Please make sure you refer to this whilst completing your studies and before handing your work in.

You will be expected to arrive on time and be ready to learn. Mobile phones should be on silent and unless it is an emergency you should not take or make any calls or texts during the class.

Teaching sessions will provide you with key concepts and theories related to the subject you are learning. In sessions you will be required to contribute perhaps within discussions or in the form of activities. Group and individual tasks will help you to engage with and consolidate your learning. It is also important that you undertake the necessary guided reading prior to the start of each session so that you are able to participate fully and check that you understand the key concepts and theories.

You will be briefed on assessment tasks and set work to complete and submit prior to your final (summative) assessment submission. Completing formative tasks will give you the opportunity to check your understanding and you are encouraged to discuss any concepts that you have difficulty understanding with your module tutor.

Course Contacts

There are a number of staff who will be able to help if you have any queries. In the first instance you should speak to your personal tutor to help you succeed with your studies. The following provides an outline of who you should contact based on the type of query you have.

Your Course Leader at the University of Wolverhampton is Dr Megan Lawton however Sila Patel at CoWC will be acting in a Deputy role as well. They will be able to address any general course related questions you have. In addition, you will be allocated a personal tutor at your induction session. Your personal tutor will be available to help you with any questions you have at any time during your time on the IFY course. Your personal tutor is a key member of staff who will be able to advise you on study skills and support available to you, your progress on modules and also answer any general questions you may have relating to academic regulations or processes.

However module tutors are your first point of reference if you have any questions about modules you are studying. They will be able to answer any queries relating to the topics that you are studying and any questions relating to the assessment.

Finally there are administrators at UoW who are more than willing to help you find answers to your queries, contact staff on your behalf, or generally guide you on where to find the answer to any problems.

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Please note the name and contact details of your personal tutor at induction.

My personal tutor is:

Their telephone number is:

Their email is:

Their office hours are:

Role Name Institution Course Leaders Dr Megan Lawton UoW Silla Patel CoWC Administrative assistance Gill Fletcher UoW Core module tutor teams (CoWC) Silla Patel CoWC Blossom Vassel CoWC

Module

Telephone

Email

01902 322593 01902 821280

m.j.lawton@wlv.ac.uk goddardpatels@wolvcoll.ac.uk

01902 322474

gillfletcher@wlv.ac.uk

3LI001 & 3LI003 3LI002

goddardpatels@wolvcoll.ac.uk vasselb@wolvcoll.ac.uk

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ASSESSMENT AND FEEDBACK Assessment Grades All summative assessment will get a grade but formative assessment will normally only have feedback that will indicate what you might have achieved and how you can improve your work.

For both level 3 and 4 modules the following grades results are used and recorded

Grade Performance Result Level 3/4 A B C D

Outstanding / Excellent Very good Good Satisfactory

Pass Pass Pass Pass

Pass by compensation

Pass

E

Compensatable fail

F

Uncompensatable fail

Defer (first attempt) Fail (following second attempt) Defer (first attempt) Fail (following second attempt)

NS

Assessment not submitted

GA AM M

Assessment grade awaited Academic Misconduct under investigation

1

#E 1

Defer (first attempt) Fail (following second attempt) Held Held Defer

REMEMBER: The language used here has certain meanings for the purposes of assessment, if you are not sure what anything means ask you tutor.

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What is Feedback ?

Feedback is an essential part of your programmes. It helps you to maximise your potential at different stages of your learning, raise awareness of your strengths and areas for improvement, and identify actions that you need to take to improve your performance. Feedback can be seen as informal (for example in day‐to‐day encounters between teachers and students or between peers) or formal (for example written as part of formative or summative assessment). Feedback is also part of the interaction between teacher and learner, not a one‐way communication.

What can you expect from your tutors whilst you are preparing your work?

Normally tutors will advise you, as a group, on the assessment at or near the start of the module.

Thereafter, you may consult your tutors by setting up an appointment to meet with them or emailing them. It is not the role of a tutor to read drafts of your work and correct them with a view to your obtaining a ‘good mark’. An assignment should reflect your effort and input, and the role of the tutor is to guide and advise you. It is then your responsibility to assess this advice and guidance and use it accordingly. Tutors provide this in good faith, but its use ‐ or lack of it ‐ by you is not an automatic route to a good or a poor grade. Other factors, particularly those pertaining to your skills and efforts, will play a vital role in your achievement.

After completion of the assignment

Feedback on your summative assessment will usually be available for collection from your tutor during a scheduled class session three weeks after the submission date. Students are strongly advised to collect feedback as it is an indicator of your progress and how you can improve your performance.

Feedback from one module can help you improve your performance in other modules. The main feedback is through a copy (to you) of the assessment feedback sheet handed out in class or by email from tutors/administrative support staff. Please note feedback is not normally available for examinations, however if you wish to discuss your examination please contact your Module Tutor directly.

Formative mid‐term tests

Where formative assessment is linked to summative assessment tasks feedback may be given earlier in order to link with your study programme. You will get no grade on your formative assessment but tutors will give you an indication of how well you are doing.

Feedback on failed assignments

Work that has failed will be annotated with sufficient written feedback that, combined with the feedback sheet, will guide you to prepare for the appropriate resit, however resit work is different from the first sit so further tutorials and guidance will be given.

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Resit or Retake

Resitting means taking one or more pieces of assessment (dependant on the module requirements) again at the next opportunity.

Retaking means studying the whole module again when it is next offered on the timetable.

Retakes are subject to a fee penalty. Please note for IFY, if you need to retake a level 3 module you will need to return home and reapply for a new visa to retake the module when it is next offered.

Your need to resit assessments (or to retake modules) will be outlined on e:Vision in your ‘Provisional and Agreed Results’ section. It is your responsibility to access e:Vision and ascertain whether you need to complete any resits or retakes. Details of your results will appear on e:Vision shortly after the examination boards.

REMEMBER: Always speak to your tutor about what you will have to do as soon as possible.

Where resits are required you must resit the failed/missing items of assessment at the next opportunity. The submission date, and the instructions for the resit work, should be checked by accessing resit instructions on WOLF. In most cases, resit assessments will be different to the original assessment. You must complete the resit work, not the original assessment found in the module guide.

Your module tutors will be informed of all resit students and the requirements of the module however it is your responsibility to complete the retrieval work. If a module is not resat at the next available opportunity a fail grade is awarded. Then you will have to retake the module in its entirety for which fees will be charged.

If you resit an assessment, the maximum grade you can be granted for the assessed work is D. This grade will be aggregated with grades awarded for any passed components to produce your overall grade. If you fail a resit you will be required to retake the module in order to redeem failure.

If you retake a module there will also be a restriction on the grades you will be awarded for assessed work to D. Retaking a module includes all requirements as if the module was a first sit (in other words, you must attend appropriate lectures and seminars and must complete all the assessment tasks for the module). You must retake a module when it is offered; this could mean waiting for a period of up to a year for some modules to be repeated. Please note for IFY, if you need to retake a level 3 module you will need to return home and reapply for a new visa to retake the module when it is next offered.

If changes to the programme have taken place during that period an alternative module will be recommended for you to complete your study. Fees are chargeable for all retake opportunities. When

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you resit or retake a module the credit value of the module will be added to the total number of credits you have studied.

Illness and Other Valid Reasons for Non‐submission of Coursework

If you are ill during the course of the module, or have other valid reasons for non‐submission of coursework you may be eligible for an extension (of up to 7 days). Please talk to your personal tutor before your deadline if you feel you might need to explore these options. You must apply for 7‐day extensions one week in advance of the submission date and this can only be granted by the University of Wolverhampton Student Office. Valid evidence of your circumstances, e.g. a letter from a doctor, in the case of sickness, must be provided.

REMEMBER: Always talk to your personal tutor if you think your work could be affected by issues or events outside to the University or College

Extenuating Circumstances and Obtaining Extensions for Assignments

Some students experience illness or other serious personal difficulties that are of a long term nature that affect their ability to undertake or complete assessed work. You must inform your personal tutor and copy this to the International Centre Course Administrator whenever the period of difficulty starts.

They will advise you upon the type of evidence to collate to help you submit an application to the University of Wolverhampton for a formal extension called ‘extenuating circumstances’. The application for such extensions is a formal process and you will need to fill in a form which is available from e:Vision. When filling in the form please provide a full personal statement and evidence to support your claim. This can be faxed to the International Centre, if you need to please mark the form and evidence ‘confidential’. This will be submitted to Registry and a response given direct to you by email within seven working days.

Full guidance on what evidence to provide and when, is included in the ‘Frequently Asked Questions’ on e:Vision. To support your claim you might provide:

 Written evidence from a member of the medical profession, a counsellor, Officer of the Students’ Union or outside agency, e.g. Police, Social Worker, Citizens Advice Bureau, Church, Temple, etc. or  a detailed written statement from yourself, your parent(s), partner or other significant person in your life explaining the nature of your difficulty.

Please note that only in very exceptional circumstances will a request for extension be granted after a submission deadline. If you do not submit coursework on time (including attending for an individual or 26

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group presentation) and you have not applied correctly for an extension you will receive an F grade. If you do not submit assessment by a revised deadline you will receive an F grade.

REMEMBER: Speak to your tutors as soon as possible, let people know what is happening before it is too late to help you

What Should You Avoid? What Should You Seek to Achieve?

 Remember that you are writing for another reader or readers. Do not assume that the reader will fill the gaps in your work.

 Use the introduction to establish what you are doing in your assignment.

 Use examples to support your analysis.

 Be objective and aim for reasoned argument. Phrases such as ‘in my opinion’ or ‘in my view’ are of little value because they are subjective. Do not use them. You should aim to support your points with evidence and reasoned analysis.

 Always acknowledge the use of someone else’s work, using the appropriate system of referencing.

Also, it is a very serious offence to use someone else’s work, especially word‐for‐word or paraphrased contents of other’s work. This is called “plagiarism” and will be covered throughout the course to ensure that you are aware of how to avoid it.

 Always keep copies of the sources or keep a note of each source as you use it, so that you can reference it in your bibliography at the end of your assignment.

 Plan your work in advance so as to meet the hand‐in (submission) date. Writing up your research is often more time‐consuming than you expect.

 Get help from tutors and mentors if you are unsure.

 Above all, do not ‘suffer in silence’; your personal tutor, the module team and the course team will be able to provide guidance so please use them.

REMEMBER: Read and make sure you understand the section on ‘Academic misconduct’ in this guide.

27 There are penalties for academic misconduct!!

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ACADEMIC MISCONDUCT

The University considers seriously all acts of academic misconduct, which by definition are dishonest and in direct opposition to the values of a learning community. Academic misconduct, if not challenged, will ultimately devalue academic standards and honest effort on the part of students.

Defining Academic Misconduct:

Cheating

Cheating is defined as any attempt to gain unfair advantage in an assessment by dishonest means, and includes, for example, all breaches of examination room rules, impersonating another student, falsifying data, and obtaining an examination paper in advance of its authorised release.

This is not an exhaustive list and other common examples of cheating would include –  Being in possession of “crib notes” during an examination  Copying from the work of another student  Prohibited communication during an examination  Acts of plagiarism or collusion as defined below

Collusion

Collusion is when two or more people combine to produce a piece of work for assessment that is passed off as the work of one student alone. The work may be so alike in content, wording and structure that the similarity goes beyond what might have been coincidence. For example – where one student has copied the work of another, or where a joint effort has taken place in producing what should have been an individual effort.

Collusion should not be confused with the normal situation in which students learn from one another, sharing ideas and group work to complete assignments (where this is specifically authorised).

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Plagiarism is the act of taking someone else’s work and passing it off as your own. This includes incorporating either unattributed direct quotation(s) or substantial paraphrasing from the work of another/others. It is important to cite all sources whose work has been drawn on and reference them fully in accordance with the referencing standard used in each academic school.

The most common forms of plagiarism are:

 Cut or copied and pasted materials from websites

 Copying the work of another student (past or present) including essays available through “essay bank” websites – or other data.

 Copying material from a text book or journal

Academic misconduct is wrong and will not be tolerated so don’t do it!

To find out more go to : www.wlv.ac.uk/turnitin4students

Support for Students

The University, will be both sympathetic and supportive in preventing plagiarism and other forms of academic misconduct, particularly in the first year of undergraduate study.

A variety of support mechanisms are in place to help students succeed and avoid academic misconduct.

 Visit our study skills support website at www.wlv.ac.uk/skills. See the section on tackling academic misconduct.

 Download the Students' Union guide to Avoiding Academic Misconduct ("Read, Write, Pass") ‐ available from the same webpages.

 Book an appointment to see a study skills advisor

 Speak to your personal tutor or module leader.

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There is help available if you need it. The University caught and prosecuted 500 cases of Academic Misconduct last year ‐ it is better to do the work than think you can get away with cheating ‐ the penalties are severe...

Penalties

Where an offence is admitted, or a panel decides that cheating, plagiarism or collusion has occurred, a penalty will be imposed. The severity of the penalty will vary according to the nature of the offence and the level of study. Penalties will range from failure of the assignment under investigation to a restriction of the award a student may ultimately achieve or a requirement to leave the University.

Full details about the University's policy on Academic Misconduct and regulations and procedures for the investigation of academic misconduct are available at our website: www.wlv.ac.uk

Ethics

Research is an essential and vital part of teaching and learning. Much is literature‐based, using books, journals, periodicals and web‐based material. However, some research may involve interaction with organisations and people. You should ensure that you do NOT conduct research that could be intrusive or sensitive or could cause psychological harm or suffering to others. Always check with your tutors.

For most modules formal approval is not normally required for research that brings you into contact with organisations and people. However, where such contact does occur, it is imperative that you are fully aware of and rigorously and consistently apply the Ethical Guidelines as contained in the appropriate module guides. Where individuals or organisations have agreed to provide information to you, you may be required to produce evidence that permission has been given for access or contact.

You must not take any images of or interview people for your course or modules without the persons’ written permission. Where you will be required to do this in your study you will be told what to do by your tutors and given the relevant documentation to use.

DIVERSITY AND EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES

Both the University, and CoWC seek to promote equality of opportunity for all, and to eliminate discrimination, particularly on grounds of colour, gender, sexual orientation, ethnic origin, age, disability, religion and socio‐economic background. The University and CoWC requires staff, students and visitors to behave in a non‐discriminatory manner and to support, implement and develop 30

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institutional practices and procedures that promote and reinforce equality of opportunities and treatment for all. This course team continues to follow these principles by ensuring that the curriculum design and its process of delivery take into consideration the needs of our diverse student body.

All module materials provided in class are also made available on WOLF, to ensure that all students have equal access to these materials in a variety of formats. A range of different assessment methods is used in order to prevent assessment being biased towards any one learning preference and different teaching methodologies are adopted to accommodate different learning styles.

City of Wolverhampton College is committed to safeguarding and protecting the welfare of learners and expects all who work with or on behalf of the College to share this commitment. If you need any further information please contact the Designated Safeguarding Person – Lesley Cross on 01902 315757.

HOW YOU CAN COMMENT ON LEARNING, TEACHING AND ASSESSMENT

We greatly value your feedback; students’ views are collectively influential in how we deliver teaching and learning programmes and are gathered through staff‐student meetings and via questionnaires, particularly the Module Evaluation Proformas (MEPs) that you are asked to complete towards the end of a module. Such feedback is analysed for annual monitoring of modules, subjects and courses. We also conduct a mid‐module evaluation which can take many different forms but would normally asks you to consider questions such as;

1. What are the key things you have learnt so far?

2. Is there anything that remains difficult to understand?

3. What changes to the teaching activities might improve your learning?

Student Representative What is a Student Rep? Student Reps represent students in their school at school level by:   

Attending School Quality Committees (SQC) Meeting with the relevant Student Liaison Officer Course Committee meetings

They represent students in their school at Students' Union level by:  

Attending the Student Representative Council.

Attending the Advice and Support Committee.

The Role and Function of a Student Rep Student Reps are the voice of students in their school course. They represent the needs and concerns of students to the university and the Students’ Union (SU). Their responsibilities include:

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

Identifying students’ issues and opinions



Voicing these concerns at school/subject committees or the equivalent



Report back to students with news and developments in the representative’s defined area



Keeping informed about current issues in the school and university



Liaising with other school, subject, site, level (etc) reps and the Academic Affairs Officer of the Students’ Union

You are not expected to deal with individual student academic problems. Academic Affairs in the Student Union can provide specialist advice and support, and the Student Gateway in MB Building on City Campus is also there to provide support.

To Apply…..

Please contact the Academic Affairs Officer at the Student Union. Alternatively, further information is available online via Student Union homepage, then select the Student Voice link (http://www.wolvesunio.org/ )

HEALTH AND SAFETY ISSUES

The University of Wolverhampton Safety Policy Statement sets out the University’s policy on Health and Safety so far as it affects employees, students and visitors. All students are expected to conform to this Policy and any disregard of instructions on Health and Safety may lead to disciplinary action. A full copy of the Health and Safety Policy document may be viewed on the University website or at School and Campus Offices. https://www.wlv.ac.uk/staff/services/hsd.aspx

In addition to the general Health and safety policy you will be required to comply with specific health and safety issues relating to working in your chosen subject. These will be dealt with in individual modules.

If you have any question about anything in this course guide then either speak to or email to your course leader or any other member of staff supporting this course from either the University or CoWC.

32

International Foundation Year (IFY) INTERNATIONAL FOUNDATION YEAR COURSE (SEPTEMBER START) CALENDAR 2012/13

Week commencing Univ week

International Foundation Year dates

17 September 2012

3

Induction/Welcome week/start of classes

24 September 2012

4

1 October 2012

5

8 October 2012

6

15 October 2012

7

22 October 2012

8

29 October 2012

9

Independent study/project

5 November 2012

10

12 November 2012

11

19 November 2012

12

26 November 2012

13

3 December 2012

14

10 December 2012

15

17 December 2012

16

Assessment

24 December 2012

17

Christmas Holiday, University closed

31 December 2012

18

Christmas Holiday, University closed

7 January 2013

19

Christmas Holiday, University closed

14 January 2013

20

Assessment/Exams

21 January 2013

21

Feedback week

28 January 2013

22

Start semester two

4 February 2013

23

11 February 2013

24

18 February 2013

25

Independent study/project

25 February 2013

26

4 March 2013

27

11 March 2013

28

18 March 2013

29

25 March 2013

30

Friday only closed for Easter

1 April 2013

31

Easter Holiday University Closed

8 April 2013

32

Level 4 module only, no level 3 modules

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International Foundation Year (IFY) Week commencing Univ week

International Foundation Year dates

15 April 2013

33

22 April 2013

34

29 April 2013

35

6 May 2013

36

May Bank Holiday (6 May ‐ CLOSED)

13 May 2013

37

Assessment (Friday end of course)

20 May 2013

38

27 May 2013

39

3 June 2013

40

Assessment Boards

10 June 2013

41

Assessment Boards

17 June 2013

42

Publication of results

24 June 2013

43

1 July 2013

44

8 July 2013

45

Resit week

15 July 2013

46

22 July 2013

47

Resit Award Boards

29 July 2013

48

Publication of results

INTERNATIONAL FOUNDATION YEAR COURSE (NOVEMBER START) CALENDAR 2012/13

Week commencing

Univ week

International Foundation Year dates

12 November 2012

11

Induction/start of classes

19 November 2012

12

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International Foundation Year (IFY) Week commencing

Univ week

International Foundation Year dates

26 November 2012

13

3 December 2012

14

10 December 2012

15

17 December 2012

16

Assessment

24 December 2012

17

Christmas Holiday, University closed

31 December 2012

18

Christmas Holiday, University closed

7 January 2013

19

14 January 2013

20

Assessment/Exams

21 January 2013

21

Feedback week

28 January 2013

22

Start semester two

4 February 2013

23

11 February 2013

24

18 February 2013

25

Independent study/project

25 February 2013

26

4 March 2013

27

11 March 2013

28

18 March 2013

29

25 March 2013

30

Friday only closed for Easter

1 April 2013

31

Easter Holiday University Closed

8 April 2013

32

Level 4 module only, no level 3 modules

15 April 2013

33

22 April 2013

34

29 April 2013

35

6 May 2013

36

May Bank Holiday (6 May ‐ CLOSED)

13 May 2013

37

Assessment (Friday end of course)

20 May 2013

38

27 May 2013

39

3 June 2013

40

Assessment Boards

10 June 2013

41

Assessment Boards

35

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International Foundation Year (IFY) Week commencing

Univ week

International Foundation Year dates

17 June 2013

42

Publication of results

24 June 2013

43

1 July 2013

44

8 July 2013

45

Resit week

15 July 2013

46

22 July 2013

47

Resit Award Boards

29 July 2013

48

Publication of results

36

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CITY CAMPUS MAPS

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