MONASH UNIVERSITY FACULTY HANDBOOKS
Science Handbook 1996
Published by Monash University
Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia
Caution
Copyright © Monash University 1996
ISBN 1037-0919
Authorised by Academic Registrar, April 1996
FACULTY INFORMATIONPart 2
CONTENTS
- Student progress
- Unsatisfactory progress
- Leave of absence
- Discontinuation of studies
- Student advisers
- Students with disabilities
- Faculty grievance procedures
- Structure and organisation of the faculty
- Faculty credit policy
- Cross-institutional study
- Laboratory access + safety precautions + safety clothing
- Code of practice - teaching
- Cheating
- Subject information
- Reviewing assessment results
- International students
At the end of first semester, first-year students may continue with the second
of a sequential pair of subjects, if a grade of PR or better has been obtained
in first semester. Second and third-year students may continue with a grade of
P2 or better.
This may mean that some students may be required to revert to part-time
studies. At the end of the year students shall be considered to have made
satisfactory progress and shall be entitled to re-enrol automatically provided
that they have obtained results better than those set out below regarding
criteria for exclusion.
Any student whose progress in the year of study just completed does not satisfy
the provisions for satisfactory progress shall be referred to the faculty's
academic progress committee for a determination. This may include any student
who discontinued studies after first semester.
If a student's progress is to be considered by the Academic Progress Committee,
he or she will be notified by mail. The student will be invited initially to
submit written evidence to explain the case. A decision may be made by the
committee on the basis of this evidence to permit the student to continue his
or her studies. If further information is required, the student will be given
the opportunity to appear before the committee.
The Academic Progress Committee will meet in January and the committee may
determine on the evidence before it either that the student may re-enrol for
further studies, subject to such limitations as it may impose, or that the
student shall be excluded from all studies in the course in the forthcoming
year. A student who has been given notice of exclusion from the course by the
committee has the right to appeal to the Academic Board against this
determination. Students who have been advised that they are required to appear
before the Faculty Academic Progress Committee may enrol in summer semester
subjects.
A student, excluded from the course in any year, may apply for re-admission in
any subsequent year, but an application is likely to be approved only if the
student can satisfy the faculty at that time that the factors which were
considered to have contributed to unsatisfactory academic performance in the
past would no longer affect the student's studies.
Liability for exclusion from undergraduate courses
The criteria on liability for exclusion are as follows.
General
Only students who fail a subject or subjects will be liable for exclusion.
First year
(i) No student enrolled in both semesters will be considered for exclusion
solely on the basis of results achieved in first semester.
(ii) Students who do not pass at least half of the subjects taken in the year
will be liable for exclusion.
Second year
Students who do not pass at least half of the points value of the subjects
taken in the year will be liable for exclusion
Third year
Students who do not pass at least half of the subjects taken in the year will
be liable for exclusion, unless (i) only one subject is taken, failed and it is
the only failure to date; (ii) only one subject is taken and it is the last
subject required for completion of the degree (except that if this is the
second time such a last subject is failed then students will be liable for
exclusion).
PII passes will be allowed (ie counted as a pass) to the limits defined in the
regulations.
The term `leave of absence' is used to describe the situation of a student who
temporarily suspends studies with the approval of the faculty, after an initial
period of study. The distinguishing factor of the term `leave of absence' as
compared with `deferment' is that leave of absence represents an interruption
to studies already commenced, while a deferment refers to an offered place in
the course being postponed, to be taken up in the subsequent year.
The faculty considers that it is not normally in the best interests of a
student to prolong the completion of a course of studies by repeated periods of
leave of absence. One period of leave of absence of up to twelve months
normally will be allowed. A student seeking a second period of leave of absence
will need to satisfy the faculty that special circumstances exist. The faculty
will take a similar view with an applicant for a second year of deferment.
A student returning to study after a period of leave of absence should discuss
the situation with the academic adviser of the faculty. It should be noted that
no guarantee can be given that a place in a quotaed subject can be reserved for
the following year.
The leave of absence procedure requires an applicant to complete a special
application form together with an enrolment amendment form, both of which are
available from the faculty office.
Students wishing to discontinue all subjects in the whole course (whether or
not they are also seeking leave of absence), or in individual subjects, should
note that such subjects should be formally discontinued by completing the
appropriate procedure through the faculty office. The dates by which the
procedures must be completed are listed in the Student information
handbook and in student diaries. Failure to complete the appropriate
procedure before the given dates means that the subject(s) concerned will be
recorded as a fail result. In exceptional circumstances the dean may approve
the classification of a subject as `discontinued' beyond the respective
dates.
Undergraduate students who discontinue their course of studies and who do not
apply for leave of absence may apply through VTAC for readmission in a later
year.
All students have ready access to tutors and lecturers and students are
encouraged to take problems and concerns about their studies to them. Students
should not hesitate to approach academic staff at any time. In addition, the
faculty has two academic advisers who advise students on matters of a general
academic nature. The academic advisers exercise certain powers delegated by the
faculty board, of relevance to the requirements of the courses offered by the
faculty. Appointments to see the academic advisers can be made through the
faculty office.
The Monash University Disability Support program (MUDS) provides comprehensive
support services, equipment and facilities to students with temporary or
permanent disabilities or medical conditions. These are varied and include
provision of pre-application advice, assistance with enrolment and orientation,
course and research materials in alternative forms (eg, braille, audio),
notetaking services, alternative arrangements for assessment (exams), advocacy
(representation, grievance procedures), provision of specialised equipment (eg,
hearing loops, furniture, specialised software) and many others as listed in
`The green guide: A resource guide for people with disabilities'. For more
information on the MUDS program, a confidential appointment or a copy of this
guide, contact the disability liaison officer on (03) 9905 5704 or TTY (Talking
Telephone) (03) 9905 5391 (metropolitan campuses) or on (03) 9902 6794
(Gippsland campus and distance education students).
Faculty grievance procedures are designed to facilitate confidential resolution
of grievances with a minimum of delay and formality for any student who
believes that he or she has a grievance against the faculty, where procedures
for the resolution of that grievance are not provided for by other means.
Such grievances may include, but are not limited to, equal opportunity
complaints, complaints related to access and conditions, and complaints related
to teaching or support services or provision of faculty facilities.
It is expected that in the first instance students will attempt to resolve
complaints in an informal manner.
A copy of the formal procedure, approved by the faculty board, may be obtained
from the faculty office.
The faculty comprises seven departments and one school, each of which is
responsible for carrying out teaching and research activities within the areas
of expertise of their academic staff. A number of departments from other
faculties, primarily from the Faculty of Medicine, also contributes
significantly to the teaching and research programs of the faculty. The
departments within the faculty are Chemistry, Ecology and Evolutionary Biology,
Earth Sciences, Genetics and Developmental Biology, Mathematics, Physics, and
Psychology. Science disciplines are also offered by the departments of Anatomy,
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Chemical Engineering, Computer Science,
Geography and Environmental Science, Microbiology, Pathology and Immunology,
Pharmacology and Toxicology, and Physiology.
The School of Applied Science is located at the Gippsland campus and offers
major studies in applied biology, applied chemistry, applied physics,
mathematics, operations research and information management and psychology.
The academic operations of the faculty are governed by the faculty board. The
dean of the faculty, whose role is to exercise a general superintendence over
the academic and administrative affairs of the faculty, chairs the board. The
dean is assisted by three associate deans. The heads of departments are
ex-officio members of the board and there are elected members representing
various groups of staff within the departments of the faculty and the School of
Applied Science, as well as representatives of undergraduate, graduate and
distance education students. Student representatives may be contacted through
the appropriate campus student organisation. Representatives from other
faculties and of extra-faculty departments teaching science students also make
up the membership of the board. The board seeks advice from a number of
standing committees, such as the Committee on Undergraduate Matters and the
Committee on Graduate Matters.
The faculty registrar (Science), with the assistance of administrative
officers, is responsible for the activities of the faculty office and works
closely with the dean in the provision of administrative support to the
faculty. The faculty office, located on the ground floor of the central science
building, is the first point of call for students seeking assistance or advice.
Assistance may also be obtained at the departmental offices.
Transferring undergraduate students who have previous studies at a tertiary
educational institution (whether or not they have qualified for an award) and
intend to accept the offer of a place must advise the faculty at once
whether or not they wish to apply for credit. Credit will then be worked out on
the basis of documentation provided with the student's VTAC application or, for
internal transfers, lodged with the faculty office. It is in the student's
interest to send to the faculty any additional information which would be
useful, for example syllabus details for subjects studied at an overseas
institution. Provided the application for credit is timely, a detailed credit
letter will be available for the student at enrolment. This letter will show
how much credit has been given and how many subjects must still be passed in
order to complete the degree. Credit does not have to be taken.
The principal criteria used in determining credit are the standard and content
of previous studies, the results achieved, and their relevance to the course.
Credit will not normally be granted for studies completed more than ten years
ago. It should be noted that students in the designated bachelor degrees may be
granted less credit than in the BSc because of the more structured nature of
these courses. A student who queries the credit given may appeal to the faculty
credit committee.
Except in circumstances the faculty board considers special, students will be
required to complete at least forty eight points at third year level in order
to qualify for the award of degree.
As set out in section 9.1 of the BSc regulations, students may be granted
permission to undertake part of their BSc studies at another approved tertiary
institution. The prior approval of faculty board and the other institution must
be obtained. Except in circumstances the faculty board considers special, the
maximum amount of cross institutional study that may be permitted is as
follows:
(i) twelve points at first-year level,
(ii) sixteen points at second-year level, and
(iii) twenty-four points at third-year level, provided that the other
twenty-four points is taken from the `Schedule of approved science subjects'.
Cross-institutional study will not normally be permitted if the student resides
in metropolitan Melbourne and the subject is equivalent to one offered by
Monash University.
Laboratory access
Undergraduate students are generally not permitted in laboratories in the
absence of a laboratory supervisor. Check with the department concerned as to
what specific rules apply.
Safety precautions
The university provides, as far as is practicable, healthy and safe working
conditions with appropriate training and provision of information. While each
department within the faculty may have specific rules relating to safety,
particularly in laboratories - and these are to be adhered to - individuals
have an overriding responsibility for ensuring their own work environment is
conducive to good occupational health and safety. Details are available from
each department and from the faculty office.
Safety clothing
In most laboratories, the wearing of safety glasses is essential and laboratory
coats may also be required. Specific arrangements within each department should
be checked.
Learning involves the participation of both staff and students; the
responsibility to ensure that learning is conducted in the most efficient and
effective manner is shared. This code of practice for students outlines the
responsibilities of students and staff.
Responsibilities of students
All Monash students should observe the statutes, regulations and rules of the
university. Students of the Faculty of Science also have responsibilities which
include the following:
(i) to become familiar with the rules and regulations governing the degree in
which they are enrolled, and to ensure that the subjects selected meet the
degree requirements;
(ii) to maintain satisfactory progress;
(iii) to become aware of the policies and practices of the Faculty of Science
and departments/school from which they take subjects;
(iv) to become aware of the rules and regulations concerning the use of
university computers and library facilities and observe the laws of
copyright;
(v) to meet assessment deadlines for work to be submitted;
(vi) to submit their own original work for assessment, without plagiarising or
cheating;
(vii) to attend all lectures, practical and laboratory classes and seminars for
each subject in which they are enrolled;
(viii) to apply themselves to their studies to the best of their abilities;
(ix) to conduct themselves in an orderly and proper manner in any class,
library or laboratory and not to affect adversely the working environment of
others;
(x) to take the initiative and consult with appropriate academic staff when
problems arise.
Responsibilities of staff
Staff of the faculty have responsibilities towards the students they teach
which include:
(i) preparing and presenting material at an appropriate standard with the
resources available;
(ii) informing students of the objectives, requirements and method of
assessment to be used for the subject;
(iii) being available for reasonable periods of time during semesters, study
weeks and examination periods so that students may discuss aspects of the
subject with them;
(iv) assessing students' work fairly, objectively and consistently;
(v) being available to students after marked material has been returned and
after the final results have been released so that students may receive
feedback.
Students should note that cheating is regarded as a very serious offence which
is likely to lead not only to failure in the subject concerned, but also to
additional penalties, including exclusion. Students should carefully note that
the taking of any unauthorised material into examinations, such as notes and
unauthorised dictionaries, will be regarded as cheating. Students should also
note that essays/assignments and other work is generally understood to be the
student's own work and where any such work is identical with, or similar to
another student's work, an assumption of cheating may arise. Where students
wish to undertake work in conjunction with other students, it is suggested that
the matter be discussed with the lecturer concerned.
Plagiarism
Plagiarism means using the ideas of someone else without giving them the proper
credit. Plagiarism shall be considered to have occurred if:
+ a computer program substantially written by someone else (another
student, a previous student or the author of a publication) is presented as the
student's own work;
+ paragraphs or sentences written by someone else are used in essays
without being enclosed in quotation marks and without full reference to
source;
+ work of someone else is paraphrased and is not appropriately attributed
and referenced;
+ laboratory results of someone else are used without appropriate
attribution.
Departments may provide specific advice about what constitutes plagiarism in
their disciplines.
In the first week of lectures, students should receive, in writing, relevant
information for every subject. This should include details of the subject
requirements and objectives, the method of assessment and deadlines, and
information about text books, reference books and any other required reading.
As academic staff constantly keep up to date with new developments in their
area of interest, students should be aware that other relevant material which
becomes available during the period in which the subject is taught may also be
introduced as required reading.
This written information should include the dates of the submission of work for
assessment. Extensions of time to submit material for assessment can only be
granted in exceptional circumstances. `Pressure of work', either from
employment or from other subjects, is not generally an acceptable reason for
seeking an extension of time.
At the end of each semester a `notification of results' is sent to all enrolled
students. This provides information on the grades or marks awarded for each
subject in which a student is enrolled.
Students may approach relevant academic staff for feedback on their performance
in examinations, and in such discussions the staff member might refer to the
student's examination script. If students wish to have copies of their scripts,
they should apply at the departmental/school office where they may be given
photocopies at a fee of $5 per script book for each examination or a time will
be arranged for them to read through their scripts. The choice of procedure is
decided by the subject chief examiner or course leader.
Students may be denied access to their scripts if the examination is a short
answer or multiple choice module which the examiner intends to use again.
Examination script books are routinely destroyed six months after the
publication of the results.
Support and assistance is available to help international students with any
problems they may encounter in adapting to life in a foreign culture. If
students are having personal difficulties it is important that they seek advice
from the international student adviser at the Monash International office. The
faculty conducts an orientation and enrolment session specifically for
international students at the commencement of first semester. For course advice
or study-related problems students are encouraged to seek assistance throughout
the year from either of the faculty's two academic advisers. Appointments to
see an academic adviser may be made through the faculty office.
| Faculty information Part 1
| Science Handbook
| Monash handbooks
| Monash University