University of Sydney Handbooks - 2017 Archive

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Faculty Resolutions

 

Resolutions of the Faculty of Health Sciences for coursework awards


These resolutions apply to all undergraduate and postgraduate coursework award courses in the Faculty, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Students enrolled in postgraduate research awards should consult the resolutions for their course. These resolutions must be read in conjunction with applicable University By-laws, Rules and policies including (but not limited to) the University of Sydney (Coursework) Rule 2014 (the 'Coursework Rule'), the resolutions for the course of enrolment, the University of Sydney (Student Appeals against Academic Decisions) Rule 2006 (as amended) and the Academic Board policies on Academic Dishonesty and Plagiarism.

Part 1: Course enrolment

1 Enrolment restrictions

(1)
The Coursework Policy limits the maximum number of credit points students may take in any given semester. The Faculty does not encourage full time students to exceed the recommended enrolment patterns for its courses.
(2)
Except with the permission of the Dean, a student may not enrol in more than 30 credit points in any one semester. All other enrolment restrictions are as defined by the Coursework Policy.

2 Time limits

The Coursework Policy limits the time students may take to complete their course; part time students should ensure their enrolment pattern allows completion within the maximum time. The Policy also defines how time limits are affected by periods of suspension or absence.

3 Suspension, discontinuation and lapse of candidature

Suspension, discontinuation and lapse of candidature are governed in accordance with the Coursework Policy.

4 Credit for previous study

(1)
The Coursework Policy specifies the general conditions for the granting of credit for previous study to courses in this Faculty, except that credit will not be granted for recognised prior learning older than 5 years at the time of first enrolment.
(2)
The Faculty does not grant credit for units of study for which a result of Terminating Pass or Pass (Concessional) has been awarded.

Part 2: Unit of study enrolment

5 Cross-institutional study

(1)
Provided permission has been obtained in advance, the Dean may permit a student to complete a unit of study at another institution and have that unit credited to the student's course requirements, provided that:
(a)
the unit of study content is not taught in any corresponding unit of study at the University; or
(b)
the student is unable, for good reason, to attend a corresponding unit of study at the University.
(2)
Cross institutional study is regarded as another form of credit and will be counted as such when considering eligibility.
(3)
Credit granted on the basis of work completed at another university or institution under a cross-institutional program may not exceed 24 credit points, or half of the overall course requirements, whichever is lesser.
(4)
Credit granted on the basis of postgraduate study completed under a cross-institutional program at another institution other than a university may not exceed:
(a)
18 credit points for a master's degree;
(b)
12 credit points for a graduate diploma; and
(c)
6 points for a graduate certificate.

6 International exchange

The faculty encourages students to participate in international exchange programs, unless specified otherwise in the resolutions for a particular course. For more information refer to the International Office.

Part 3: Studying and Assessment

7 Attendance

(1)
Students are required to be in attendance at the correct time and place of any formal or informal examinations. Non attendance on any grounds insufficient to claim special consideration will result in the forfeiture of marks associated with the assessment. Participation in a minimum number of assessment items may be a requirement of any unit of study.
(2)
Students are expected to attend a minimum of 90% of timetabled activities for a unit of study, unless granted exemption by the Dean, head of school or professor most concerned. The Dean, head of school or professor most concerned may determine that a student fails a unit of study because of inadequate attendance. Alternatively, at their discretion, they may set additional assessment items where attendance is lower than 90%.

8 Late submission policy

(1)
It is expected that unless an application for special consideration has been approved, students will submit all assessment for a unit of study on the due date specified. If the assessment is completed or submitted within the period of extension, no academic penalty will be applied to that piece of assessment.
(2)
If a student does not seek an extension, or one is not granted by the academic staff member concerned, or is granted but work is submitted by the student after the extended due date, the late submission of assessment will result in an academic penalty as follows:
(a)
For work submitted after the deadline but up to three calendar days late, a penalty of 20 per cent of the total mark awardable for the assignment will apply.
(b)
For work submitted after 3 days and less than one week after the deadline, a penalty of 30 per cent of the total mark awardable for the assignment will apply.
(c)
For work submitted more than one week late but less than two weeks after the deadline, a penalty of 40 per cent of the total mark awardable for the assignment will apply.
(d)
Work submitted more than two weeks after deadline will not be assessed (Fail).

9 Special consideration for illness, injury or misadventure

Special consideration is a process that affords equal opportunity to students who have experienced circumstances that adversely impact their ability to adequately complete an assessment task in a unit of study. The Coursework Policy provides full details of the University policy. The procedures for applying for special consideration are described in each unit of study outline.

10 Concessional pass

In this Faculty the grade PCON (Concessional Pass) is not awarded.

11 Re-assessment

(1)
The Faculty does not offer opportunities for re-assessment other than on the grounds of approved Special Consideration.
(2)
Students who have successfully requested special consideration may be allowed to sit the exam or submit the required work at a negotiated date that should not be longer than the period of incapacitation and in any case not longer than 3 months after the original examination or submission date. After this time the student will be considered to have discontinued with permission. Marks will be awarded at full value for further examination where special consideration is approved.

Part 4: Progression, Results and Graduation

12 Progression in honours courses

Candidates for honours must maintain a credit average throughout the program.

13 Satisfactory progress

(1)
The Faculty will monitor students for satisfactory progress towards the completion of their award course. In addition to the common triggers used to identify students not meeting academic progression requirements (as set out in the provisions relating to progression in the Coursework Policy), students must pass any unit of study identified in the course resolutions as being critical to progression through the course. In addition, students must meet all requirements of off-campus clinical placement components of any unit of study undertaken. Performance in clinical placements will be monitored in accordance with the faculty's Clinical Progression Policy for Students.
(2)
Students must complete at least one core unit per semester where core units are available for study in the normal progression pattern. Students who fail a core unit of study must repeat the failed unit at the first opportunity.
(3)
Students whose conduct or work towards their award is unsatisfactory, may, on the recommendation of the head of the academic unit concerned, be refused permission by the Faculty to undertake or continue the clinical educational fieldwork/professional experience component of their award. The Faculty reserves the right not to place a student in any clinical placement or other professional experience setting in any instance where the performance, personal or professional conduct of the student does not meet the required standard of the professional organisation, regardless of the fact that the student may be enrolled in the unit of study.

14 Award of the bachelor's degree with honours

(1)
Honours is available to meritorious students as either appended honours or integrated honours. Admission to candidature and requirements for the honours courses are in accordance with the relevant course resolutions.
(2)
The honours mark will be determined in appended and integrated honours as follows:
(i)
For integrated honours the honours mark is determined by the following calculation:
Final honours mark = 2/3*(FHS HWAM) + 1/3*(Yr 3/4 WAM)
where the FHS HWAM is the average mark for honours units weighted as follows:
1 x BHSC3021 Honours A: Research Design
2 x BHSC4012 Honours B: Applied Research Skills
7 x BHSC4013 Honours C: Research Project
and the Yr 3/4 WAM is the average mark of all attempted Year 3 and Year 4 units of study, as specified in the Faculty of Health Sciences handbook, excluding Practicum and Clinical Placement units.
(ii)
For appended honours, the honours mark will be determined by a weighted average mark of BHSC4005 Honours Thesis A (weighted 40 per cent) and BHSC4006 Honours Thesis B (weighted 60 per cent).
(3)
Honours is awarded in the following classes:
Description Mark Range
First Class 80≤ honours mark ≤100
Second Class / (Division I) 75≤ honours mark <80
Second Class / (Division II) 70≤ honours mark <75
Third Class 65≤ honours mark <70
Honours not awarded mark <65

15 University medal

University medals are awarded in accordance with the Coursework Policy. A student with First Class Honours may be awarded a university medal. The medal is awarded at the discretion of the Faculty to the highest achieving student/s who in the opinion of the Faculty have demonstrated outstanding achievement in a bachelor degree.

16 Weighted average mark (WAM)

(1)
WAM's are used by the University as one indicator of performance. For example, WAM's may be used in assessing admission to and progression of honours, eligibility for prizes and scholarships, or assessing progression through a course. Unless another formula is specified for a particular purpose, the University WAM is used. The University WAM is calculated using the following formula:
 
WAM = 
sum(Wc x Mc)  
sum(Wc)
where Wc is the unit of study credit points x the unit weighting and Mc is the mark achieved for the unit. The mark used for units with a grade AF is zero. Pass/ fail units and credited units from other institutions are not counted.
(2)
For the Faculty of Health Sciences, each unit has a weight of 1, regardless of level.

Part 5: Other

17 Requirements for students undertaking clinical placements

(1)
Certificate of competency in CPR
Students must have a current certificate of competency in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation before enrolling in a course with a practicum placement requirement and must ensure that their certificate retains currency for the duration of their course. Please refer to our Faculty Placements web site for further information: sydney.edu.au/health-sciences/placements/essential_preparation/preplacement_requirements/
(2)
Student clearance for clinical placements
The NSW Ministry of Health requires that all students obtain clearance in order to undertake clinical placements. This involves a criminal record check. Please refer to our Faculty Placements web site for further information: sydney.edu.au/health-sciences/placements/essential_preparation/preplacement_requirements/index.shtml
(3)
Immunisation
Students must have evidence of vaccinations and immunisation against certain infectious diseases prior to undertaking clinical placements. The requirements are consistent with Australian public health policy and NHMRC guidelines. Please refer to our Faculty Placements web site for further information: sydney.edu.au/health-sciences/placements/essential_preparation/preplacement_requirements/index.shtml
(4)
Prohibited employment declaration
Students should complete a prohibited employment declaration for Working with Children as required by the NSW Commission for Children and Young People. Please refer to our Faculty Placements web site for further information: sydney.edu.au/health-sciences/placements/essential_preparation/preplacement_requirements/index.shtml
(5)
NSW Health Records and Information Privacy Act (2002)
Students must comply with the NSW Health Records and Information Privacy Act (2002) and the Privacy and Personal Information Protection Act (1998). Please refer to our Faculty Placements web site for further information: sydney.edu.au/health-sciences/placements/essential_preparation/preplacement_requirements/privacy_confidentiality.shtml

18 Transitional provisions

(1)
These resolutions apply to students who commenced their candidature after 1 January, 2016 and students who commenced their candidature prior to 1 January, 2016 who elect to proceed under these resolutions.
(2)
Students who commenced prior to 1 January, 2016 may complete the requirements in accordance with the resolutions in force at the time of their commencement, provided that requirements are completed by 1 January, 2021. The Faculty may specify a later date for completion or specify alternative requirements for completion of candidatures that extend beyond this time.