Final Year Student Handbook Academic Year 2020 2021 - Bachelor of Science (Applied Social Sciences)
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Bachelor of Science
(Applied Social Sciences)
Final Year Student
Handbook Academic Year
2020 - 2021
___________________________________________________________
Programme Code: GY123
___________________________________________________________
Table of Contents
Forward from Programme Director (2020-21) ............................................... 3
Programme General Information................................................................. 4
Programme Outline ............................................................................. 4
Final Degree Year................................................................................ 4
Our Vision for the Programme............................................................... 4
Student Representative ....................................................................... 4
Programme Announcements and Information Forums .............................. 4
Email Policy........................................................................................ 4
Communicating with Academic Staff ...................................................... 4
Student Welfare .................................................................................. 5
Student Attendance at Lecturers, Tutorials and Seminars ......................... 5
Student Absences ............................................................................... 5
Student Code of Conduct ..................................................................... 5
Final Year Contacts ................................................................................... 6
Academic Calendar 2020 - 2021 ................................................................. 7
Semester One (2020-2021) .................................................................. 7
Semester Two (2021) .......................................................................... 7
Final year Structure .................................................................................. 8
Optional Module Offerings Final Year 2020/21 .............................................. 8
Semester One .................................................................................... 8
Information on Final Year Core Elements .................................................... 11
Key Dissertation Information & Dates 2020-2021......................................... 12
Dissertation Overview ......................................................................... 12
Dissertation Structure......................................................................... 13
Dissertation Presentation .................................................................... 15
Referencing ....................................................................................... 15
Plagiarism ......................................................................................... 15
Policy on Late Submission of Work ....................................................... 16
Policy for Absences ............................................................................ 16
Appendix 1 – Module Grade Descriptor.................................................. 18
Appendix 2 - Participant Information Sheet ........................................... 23
Appendix 3 - Research Consent Form ................................................... 24Forward from Programme Director (2020-21)
On behalf of the programme team I just want to welcome you all back to this, your
final year of study on the BSc (Applied Social Sciences) Programme, and congratulate
you all on completing your placement year in what were extremely difficult and
unprecedented times. As always, we are available to you when you need advice and
assistance throughout the year.
In this exceptional year of COVID-19 your experience of university life may not be
everything that you have come to expect. That said, the programme team will at all
times endeavour to provide you with a safe and enjoyable final year experience. In
line with university policy for this year, teaching will be a blend of online and face-to-
face teaching. All face-to-face opportunities that will arise throughout the first
semester will be communicated in advance of these by means of our dedicated weekly
email to all final year programme students. It is very important for all students to
follow COVID-19 guidelines and etiquette at all times while on campus:
1. Practice good personal hygiene and wash your hands regularly with soap and
water
2. Endeavour to keep a social distance of 2 metre for other students and staff
3. Where social distancing is not possible use a face covering
4. If you develop any symptoms of COVID-19 you should immediately self-isolate
and contact a doctor by phone for further advice. You should also contact the
Programme Coordinator, Dr Mike Hynes, and advise him of your circumstances.
All material for all modules will be made available online through the Blackboard
platform and students should make every effort to stay up-to-date with all their online
readings, assignments, and assorted module work. Ongoing advice and support on
how to get the best from the online learning environment will be a regular feature of
the weekly student email.Programme General Information
Programme Outline: The programme is a modular degree, combining core
and elective modules relating to social scientific research and study, as well as
modules that are strongly focussed on enhancing students’ contemporary skills
and employability. Students will be given a broad understanding of the Social
Sciences in years one and two, undertake career development and an internship
with an NGO or SME in year three, and choose from a number of optional courses
in year four and undertake an independent dissertation on a topic that is
appropriate to their planned career or further education.
Final Degree Year: Your grades during this final year of the GY123
Programme comprise 70% of your overall Degree mark.
Our Vision for the Programme: This programme will have a contemporary
focus equipping students with relevant skills in the Social Sciences to advance their
preferred career choice, or to avail of further educational opportunities at Master’s and
Doctoral levels. Students will engage with and seek to address present-day critical
social, environmental and economic issues with creativity, innovation and
entrepreneurship in a cooperative and supportive learning environment.
Student Representative: Students are encouraged to have a collective voice
in the on-going design and running of the Bachelor of Science (Applied Social
Sciences) programme. The student representative is a point person who conveys
student issues directly to the Programme Coordinator and/or Directors.
Programme Announcements and Information Forums: Blackboard is an
e-facility to check on programme and module announcements, staff information,
download readings and lecture notes, upload all assessments, and obtain marks and
grades. THIS IS THE MAIN METHOD OF CUMMUNICATION BETWEEN THE PROGRAMME
COORDINATOR AND DIRECTORS AND ALL STUDENTS.
Email Policy: Please only use your nuigalway.ie email account for
communicating with all Schools, Disciplines and programme personnel. Mail from all
other e-mail addresses will not, normally, receive a response.
Students are expected to regularly check their nuigalway.ie e-mail account for
all announcements and notices.
Students should also demonstrate courtesy and respect at all times when
communication through their e-mail account. Please remember that you are in
an academic environment and should address members of staff by their
appropriate titles in all communications. Furthermore, when using your
nuigalway.ie e-mail account for any correspondences outside the university
environment be mindful that you are representing the programme, the College
of Arts, Social Sciences and Celtic Studies, and the National University of
Ireland Galway and communicate in a courteous and thoughtful manner that
reflects well on yourself and the university.
Communicating with Academic Staff: For all communications with academic
staff, please make sure to consult all materials on School and Departmental webpages,
and Blackboard prior to e-mailing additional questions you may have. Also, pleasemake sure to e-mail in advance to arrange any meeting with staff members outside of their stated consultation/office hours. When writing an e-mail to staff it is important to be courteous, professional, and concise. For example, you should make sure that your opening address conveys a professional tone; e.g. Dear, etc. If your query is directed at teaching staff, please ensure that your e-mail includes your name, student ID and the name/code of their class in which you are participating. Please be aware that due to the large number of e-mails received by academic staff on a daily basis you must allow sufficient time for them to respond. Finally, please check your NUIG e-mail account regularly as this is the main way that university staff and administration will contact you. Student Welfare: We recognise that students may, at times, have particular difficulties that impact upon their capacity to complete their studies to the best of their ability. Every effort will be made to accommodate individual circumstances, and we would encourage you in this regard to communicate your situation to us if you feel we can be of assistance. You should also be aware of the wide range of student support services available to you on campus, whose role is also to help students fulfil their potential both academically and personally. Details on these student services are available on the following link: www.nuigalway.ie/student_services. Student Attendance at Lecturers, Tutorials and Seminars: IN NORMAL CIRCUMSTANCES, STUDENT ATTENDANCE IS COMPULOSARY AT ALL SCHEDULED LECTURES, TUTORIALS AND SEMINARS WITHOUT EXCEPTION. This is a full-time degree programme and students must view their studies as a full-time commitment and preform to the best of their ability. However, in this year of COVID- 19 physical attendance on campus is not compulsory but students are strongly advised that ‘virtual’ attendance at all online classes and sessions is extremely important for students to succeed in this, their final year of study. Student Absences: If your absence from lectures or programme activities is due to illness, a medical certificate should be submitted to Ms. Catherine McCurry, College of Arts, Social Sciences and Celtic Studies, Office 217A, First Floor, Arts Millennium Building. If your absence relates to other circumstances, it is your responsibility to communicate in a timely way with your module co-ordinator, and/or with the relevant year co-ordinator or Dr Mike Hynes, Programme Coordinator. If you are experiencing difficulties in keeping up with course work during the year for whatever reason you are strongly encouraged to let us know about this while there is time to offer constructive advice and assistance. If we are not aware of issues until towards the end of a module it is usually very difficult at that stage to provide practical support. You will find that we are very approachable and willing to be accommodating and in making your situation known to us we will regard you as having acted in a mature and responsible way. It is our wish to see you perform to the best of your ability and enjoy the entire programme of study. Student Code of Conduct: AS A STUDENT, YOU ALSO HAVE RESPONSIBILITIES IN RELATION TO CONDUCT ON AND OFF CAMPUS. The University has outlined a comprehensive explanatory statement in this regard, which we would urge you to read and be familiar with. Once you accept a place as a student at NUIG you are automatically bound by its code of conduct (see www.nuigalway.ie/codeofconduct).
Final Year Contacts
Final Year Geography Co- Dr Marie Mahon
ordinator:
Room 121, Geography
E-mail: marie.mahon@nuigalway.ie
Telephone: +353 (0)91 49 2376
Final Year Sociology and Dr Kevin Ryan
Political Science Co-ordinator:
Room 325, 2nd Floor
School of Political Science & Sociology
Áras Moyola
Email: kevin.ryan@nuigalway.ie
Telephone: +353 (0)91 49 3111
Geography Administrator: Ms. Christina Costello
Room 101, Geography
E-mail: christina.costello@nuigalway.ie
Telephone: +353 (0)91 49 5908
Sociology and Political Science Ms. Kay Donoghue
Administrator:
Room 308, 2nd Floor
School of Political Science & Sociology
Áras Moyola
Email: kay.donohue@nuigalway.ie
Telephone: +353 (0)91 49 2290
Geography Staff-Student Dr. Siubhan Comer
Liaison & Senior Technician:
Room 105, Geography
E-mail: siubhan.comer@nuigalway.ie
Tel: +353 (0)91 49 2643
Programme Director of BASS: Dr Mike Hynes
Room 323, 2nd Floor
School of Political Science & Sociology
Áras Moyola
Email: mike.hynes@nuigalway.ie
Telephone: +353 (0)91 49 5104Academic Calendar 2020 - 2021
Semester One (2020-2021)
Orientation (1st Years only): Monday 21st Sept 2020 – Friday 25th Sept
2020
Start of Teaching All Years: Monday 28th Sept 2020
End of Teaching All Years: Friday 18th Dec 2020
Study Weeks: Monday 21st Dec 2020 – Saturday 9th Jan 2021
Semester One Exams Start: Monday 11th Jan 2021
Semester One Exams Finish: Friday 22nd Jan 2021
Christmas Holidays: Saturday 19th Dec 2021 to - Sunday 10th Jan
2021
Semester Two (2021)
Start of Teaching All Years: Monday 8th Feb 2021
End of Teaching All Years: Friday 7th May 2021
Study Week: Monday 10th May 2021 – Monday 17th May
2021
Easter: Good Friday 2nd April 2021
Easter Monday 5th April 2021
Semester Two Exams Start: Tuesday 18th May 2021
Semester two Exams Finish: Friday 4th June 2021
Autumn Repeat Exams Tuesday 10th Aug 2021 to - Friday 20th Aug
2021
Easter: Good Friday 2nd April 2021 - Easter Monday 5th April 2021
Bank Holidays: Monday 26th Oct 2020/Wednesday 17th March 2021 (St Patrick’s Day
Holiday)/Monday 3rd May 2021/Monday 7th June 2021/Monday 2nd Aug 2021.Final year Structure
In total every final year student requires 60 Credits to complete your final year.
You are obliged to take two core dissertation-related modules as follows:
• TI335 Research Project Design and Development - Semester 1 (5 Credits)
• BSSXXX Social Science Dissertation - Semester 1 & 2 (20 Credits)
Therefore you have 35 credits remaining - the equivalent of seven 5 credit optional
courses – to complete. The long list of optional module are listed below – some
are in groupings determined by timetables, so in many case you can only choose
one module from certain groups.
It is recommended that every student takes 20 optional credits (4 optional
courses) in Semester 1 and 15 credits (3 optional courses) in Semester 2 as the
majority of your 20 ETC dissertation module will require your attention in
Semester 2.
Please consult the final year student handbooks for both Sociology & Political
Science and Geography for details of these respective choice modules and
subjects.
Optional Module Offerings Final Year 2020/21
Semester One
Choose 4 modules, 1 module from each grouping:
TI326 War & Representation (5 Credits) or
TI3113 Long-Term Environmental Change (5 Credits) or
TI369 Perspectives on Rural Change (5 Credits) or
TI317 Critical Geographies of Children (5 Credits)
SP406 Principles of Political Theory (5 Credits)
SP219 Political Sociology (5 Credits)
SPL315.i Smart & Liveable Cities & Suburbs OR SP3160 Power OR
SP498.i Sociology of Religion OR SP3103 European Union:Polity,
Political Economy &Political Rule OR SP3157 Theories of
Nationalism OR SP3101 ‘Community’: Significance & Change OR
SP493 Environmentalism OR SP3113 Early Years Education & CarePlease consult the final year student handbooks for both
Sociology & Political Science and Geography for details
of these respective choice modules and subjects.
Semester One
Choose 4 modules, 1 module from each grouping:
Option Group A: § TI326 War & Representation (5 Credits) OR
§ TI3113 Long-Term Environmental Change (5
Credits) OR
§ TI369 Perspectives on Rural Change (5 Credits) OR
§ TI317 Critical Geographies of Children (5 Credits)
Option Group B: SP406 Principles of Political Theory (5 Credits)
(Other options withdrawn for 2020-21)
Option Group C: SP219 Political Sociology (5 Credits)
(Other options withdrawn for 2020-21)
Option Group D: § SPL315.i Smart & Liveable Cities & Suburbs OR
§ SP3160 Power OR
§ SP498.i Sociology of Religion OR
§ SP3103 European Union: Polity, Political Economy
&Political Rule OR
§ SP3157 Theories of Nationalism OR
§ SP3101 ‘Community’: Significance & Change OR
§ SP493 Environmentalism OR
§ SP3113 Early Years Education & Care.Semester Two
Choose 3 modules, 1 module from each group:
Option Group E: SP405 Contemporary Social Thought (5 credits)
Option Group F: SP305 Comparative Public Policy (5 credits)
Option Group G: SP3137Youth and Society (5 credits)
Option Group H: SP3139 Comparative Government and Politics (5
credits)
Option Group I: § TI324 Urban Geography: Planning the Modern City
(5 credits) OR
§ TI3117 Migration Mobility and Belonging (5 credits)
OR
§ TI311 Advanced GIS (5 credits)
Option Group J: § TI2104 Marine Spatial Planning (5 credits) OR
§ TI230 Economic Geography (5 credits) OR
§ TI258 Rural Environments (5 credits)
Option Group K: § SP694 Power, Story & Narrative (5 credits) OR
§ SP721 Ocean & Marine Politics (5 credits) OR
§ SP3133 Northern Ireland Conflict (5 credits) OR
§ SP705ii Revisiting Violence: Aggression & Abuse…
(5 credits) OR
§ SP618 Welfare Words (5 credits) OR
§ SP3180 Human Rights Advocacy (5 credits) OR
§ SP3190 Women, Men and Economy: Critical
Explorations of Theory & Policy (5 credits) OR
§ SP420 Sociology of the Environment (5 credits) OR
§ SP3115 Volunteering: Theory, Policy and Practice (5
credits).Information on Final Year Core Elements TI335 – Course outline (awaiting information from Marie Mahon)
Key Dissertation Information & Dates 2020-2021
The dissertation is due on Friday May 7th at 12:00pm. The dissertation should be
submitted through Blackboard and Turnitin on or before that deadline.
The written thesis is worth 90% of the total Module grade
An oral presentation is worth 10% of the total Module grade
A series of meetings and/or workshops will be organized by each supervisor to
ensure students are making adequate progress towards reaching key research
milestones. Table 1 below summarizes key student responsibilities and associated
meeting/workshop themes. It is the responsibility of the student to attend each
meeting and be prepared to discuss the work.
Table 1. Key student responsibilities and meeting/workshop themes for research
seminars
Week Dates Student Responsibility Online meeting/workshop
Theme
Proposal assessment and
Week 1 Re-read proposal
planning data gathering
Week 4 Complete data Moving forward with data
gathering analysis
Complete preliminary
Week 7 Discussion of preliminary results
data analysis
Complete analysis;
Week 10 write Finalising your dissertation***
results and discussion
Week 12 Submit dissertation Submission date: 7-5-2021
Week Oral Presentation TBC
12/13
*** This is your last meeting with your supervisor prior to submission. After this
meeting, your supervisor will not provide extensive feedback on draft chapters but
can answer minor queries.
Dissertation Overview
The dissertation (10,000 words) is the single most substantive element of the
undergraduate BASS programme. The aim is to produce an original piece of work
on a clearly defined social science topic. Essentially, it should be seen as a piece of
research that is undertaken by the student in consultation with, and under theguidance of, a member of staff. Formulation of the research objectives, the
design of the research programme, execution of field, laboratory and library
work, and the writing-up of the results require the student to draw upon, and to
develop, a range of practical and academic skills, many of which will be of value
in future careers.
The dissertation is worth 20 ECTS and is a significant barometer of a student's
intellectual development. It is the one piece of work for which you are solely
responsible and which is used to gauge your technical and analytical abilities.
As such, it receives particular attention from the external examiners in evaluating
a student's overall performance. The effort that goes into the writing of the
dissertation should reflect this importance.
The purpose of this handbook is to give you a clear idea of what is involved in an
undergraduate dissertation. Students are expected to familiarise themselves
with this handbook and refer to it during the course of completing their
dissertation.
Dissertation Structure
The dissertation should more or less follow the structure outlined below:
1. Cover page to include: 1. Title of the dissertation; 2. Your own name; 3.
Your ID number. 4. Supervisor’s name; 5. Year, i.e. 2020-2021. Include
an image if you wish to (not required).
2. Acknowledgements page
3. Abstract page (200-250 words)
4. List of Acronyms page (if any)
5. Table of Contents (several pages, which include):
Main contents, plus List of Tables (i.e. the page numbers for any tables
used), List of Figures (page numbers for these) , List of References (page
numbers) and List of Appendices (page numbers) (if applicable).
6. Chapter 1 (or One) Introduction
7. Chapter 2 Literature Review
8. Chapter 3 Research Design and Methodology
9. Chapter 4 Discussion/Analysis/Findings and Discussion (consult with your
supervisor on this chapter title. They may also prefer to split this into 2
chapters, one covering results, and the other covering a discussion of
those results)
10.Chapter 5 (6) Conclusion.
11.References
12.Appendices.
Chapter 1 – Introduction
This should discuss the research question(s) that is (are) the basis of your
dissertation. It should outline pertinent background material and the key aims and
objectives of the project. It should also briefly sketch how the topic is situated in
the literature and provide an overarching discussion of the significance of the work.
The introduction should also include a plan of development for the rest of the
dissertation. This has been substantially covered in TI335.Chapter 2 - Literature Review (Incorporating a contextual framework) The purpose of the literature review is twofold; it should identify previous research that is relevant to your work and it should provide a careful contextualisation of your research question(s). In doing this, you should summarise, synthesise and analyse the body of literature that you have identified as relevant to your research project. You should aim to weave together the arguments (including theoretical and conceptual arguments) of key authors to identify the major debates relating to your research area. The final literature review should be a clear, focused, comparative and critical discussion of the material that you have read. This has also been substantially covered in TI335. Chapter 3 - Research Design and Methodology This chapter should provide a clear and unambiguous discussion of how you designed your study, providing enough information to ensure the reader that the results and conclusions you reach are valid. You should clearly state the questions that you are addressing and provide a thorough description of how you collected and analysed the necessary data for answering those questions. Full details should be given of field and laboratory procedures, the use of questionnaire surveys, interviews etc. and, where necessary, an outline of the conceptual framework that underlies the research methodology (covered substantially in TI335). Chapter 4 - Discussion/Analysis/Findings and Discussion (See above – this may comprise 2 chapters) Most physical geography dissertations will include separate chapters for results and discussion. If dividing into two chapters, the results chapter should present the data that have been generated during the course of your research, while the discussion chapter should discuss the findings in relation to your aims, objectives and the pertinent literature. For most Social Science dissertations the results and discussion are o f t e n amalgamated into one chapter where a critical analysis of the evidence is used to address your aims and objectives in relation to pertinent literature. Regardless of how you structure your results and discussion, aim for a discussion that is supported by your evidence to avoid over- interpretation. Keep in mind that the purpose of your discussion is to explain the meaning of your results to the reader. You should clearly state your major findings and carefully link them to your conceptual, theoretical and methodological framework. Any limitations in the analysis should also be discussed. This will not weaken your dissertation; rather the research will be strengthened if students are able to demonstrate that they are aware of any potential limitations in the original research design. Chapter 5 - Conclusion This should emphasise the main findings of your dissertation. It is not merely a restating of material from Chapter 4/5. You should restate your aim and where relevant, your objectives, and highlight the ways in which your findings support or challenge them. You should also discuss how your findings are situated in the broad body of literature upon which your work was based, again paying attention to whether it supports or challenges that work. Your research may also have important implications for future research or policy development and these issues should also be discussed in the conclusion.
Dissertation Presentation
Good presentation makes the most of good research design, data collection and
argument and, although the dissertation is judged largely on its academic content,
marks will also be given for good presentation. Students are advised to follow
carefully the following regulations and suggestions regarding presentation.
§ The dissertation should be typed on standard A4 paper using 12 font Times or
Arial font
§ The dissertation should be submitted through Blackboard and Turnitin. (In
previous years students were requested to produce a soft spiral bound version.
This might be something you would wish to do anyway to mark this achievement,
MediaLinn offers this service
§ Sub-headings should be used to divide chapters into sections
§ Work should be referenced using the Harvard referencing system
§ Before presentation, the text must be checked carefully to ensure that it is
free from errors – grammar, syntax, and spelling
§ All figures (maps, diagrams, photos, other images) and tables must be properly
numbered and given a relevant title, and situated in the text as close as close
as possible to the relevant discussion. These are strongly encouraged as a way
to enhance illustration of your findings
§ Check your referencing throughout.
Referencing
It is essential to acknowledge all secondary sources that you use in your work.
Whenever you directly copy the words of another author, paraphrase their ideas,
reproduce graphs, tables, pictures, diagrams or use any other form of intellectual
property in your work you must reference it accurately.
It is recommended that you use the Harvard referencing system. There are two
parts to referencing using this system. The first is the point where you use the
author’s work in the body of your text. The second is at the end of the text where
you provide the full details of the author and the work cited in alphabetical order.
This is known as the ‘reference list’. The library provides a useful guide to the Harvard
system, which can be accessed at
http://library.nuigalway.ie/media/jameshardimanlibrary/content/documents/Citing-
Guide-Harvard-style-24062014.pdf
Plagiarism
The definition of plagiarism has been thoroughly discussed as part of TI335. You
should continue to familiarise yourself with the university’s plagiarism policy:
http://www.nuigalway.ie/plagiarism.
You must also upload a final copy of your dissertation to Turnitin. Turnitin
generates an 'Originality Report' which identifies unoriginal submitted material.
You can use this report prior to the deadline to check the level of similarity of their
work, to avoid and correct for passages that may have been plagiarised
(intentionally or unintentionally). Further guidance on recognising and avoiding
plagiarism is provided by the James Hardiman Library. You can access this
resource by logging on to Blackboard and self-enrolling in the ‘Learning Centre’.
Full details are available at:
http://www.library.nuigalway.ie/media/jameshardimanlibrary/content/document
s/support/Skills4Study%20Student%20Guide.pdfPolicy on Late Submission of Work To ensure fairness to those of you who adhere to deadlines and submit your dissertations on time, penalties for late submissions will be applied as follows: Up to One Week Late 10% Up to Two Week Late 20% Greater than Two Week Late Marked to a max. of 40% Example of late penalty being applied 1) Work is 10 days late 2) Work is marked on its merit and awarded 65% 3) Penalty for ‘up to 2 weeks’ is 20% of the total available (i.e., 100-20 = 80) 4) Penalty is applied, 65% of 80 = 52%. Mark returned after late penalty = 52%. Policy for Absences Absence from dissertation meetings or late submission of dissertation draft work due to illness or other circumstances In extenuating circumstances, you may be in a position to seek an extension to a deadline. If your request for an extension is due to medical or personal issues, and you have supporting documentation (e.g. doctor’s cert, supporting letter from the university Counsellors’), you should submit these to the College of Arts Office. Address them to Catherine McCurry: http://www.nuigalway.ie/colleges-and- schools/arts-social-sciences-and-celtic-studies/links/studentformsandlinks/. Take a photo of them with your phone and attach them as files. You should also make contact directly with the lecturer concerned, to inform him/her that you are seeking an extension. You do not need to submit copies of your certs or letters to them if you wish them to remain confidential, as long as you have sent them to Catherine McCurry, who will retain them at College Office level. Unfortunately, we cannot accommodate requests for extensions which arise out of poor time management on your part (for example, the pressure to meet a similar deadline for another assignment. If you do not have documentation but still have extenuating circumstances, you should contact your lecturers to discuss the details, and also possibly arrange a meeting with Catherine McCurry (catherine.mccurry@nuigalway.ie) in the College Office (Office 217A, First Floor, Arts Millennium Building ) and formally report your issue.
MODULE GRADE DESCRIPTORS – DISSERTATION ASSESSMENT
For the general assessment of your dissertation, NUIG Grade Descriptors are used
(Appendix 1). This document provides an outline of the different grade bands and
the level of academic performance required to meet each one. The dissertation is
also assessed using the Undergraduate Dissertation Feedback Sheet, a list of
marking criteria, shown in Appendix 4 below.
HEALTH, SAFETY AND RISK ASSESSMENT
Before you embark on your fieldwork or undertake laboratory work, it is
mandatory that you complete an assessment form outlining the potential health
and safety risks that might arise. Your first supervisor meeting in January is the
opportunity to discuss any questions regarding health and safety issues. This form
is available on the TI335 Blackboard Site, under Learning Materials.
RESEARCH ETHICS
Research ethics focus on a number of issues, including the following:
a) Research that involves the collection of individuals’ personal data (e.g.
names, age, gender, religious beliefs, race, ethnicity);
b) Research that involves contact with, and/or is about minors, and other
vulnerable populations;
c) Research integrity, including the accuracy and truthfulness of research
evidence;
d) Security of collected data.
Before undertaking your research you must discuss with your supervisor the
extent to which your evidence collection may deal with points a) or b) above. In
the case of point c) your supervisor may ask to see your original data (e.g.
completed surveys, interview transcripts, data points, test samples, etc). Point d)
refers to how you store the data you have collected – avoiding the use of memory
sticks (which can easily get lost), having your laptop and mobile phone password-
protected (e.g. If you use your phone to record interviews), ensuring that
information identifying individuals is stored in a secure place and not accessible
by others. If you are conducting interviews, you must first provide interviewees
with a participant information sheet (explaining briefly what the research is about
– template on TI335 BB site) and ask them to sign a consent form (standard
consent form also on TI335 BB site).
REQUESTING ACADEMIC REFERENCES – DISSERTATION SUPERVISORS
If you require a reference for a postgraduate programme or job application, you
must in the first instance approach your dissertation supervisor. He or she will
have had most opportunity of working with you on a one-to-one basis and will be
able to provide more detailed information about you in relation to academic
performance, etc. You must give sufficient time for a member of staff to prepare
a reference, therefore, the more advance notice you can give, the easier it will be
to facilitate your request. It will most likely not be possible for staff to provide you
with a reference on the day before your application deadline, so please do not
leave it that late. Before you request a reference, make sure you have checkedthe conditions relevant to the programme or post in question. Is the reference to
be submitted by way of a web link sent directly to the referee? Is the reference
letter meant to be submitted confidentially in a sealed envelope?
As a rule, we do not give generic letters of reference – they are composed
specifically for the application in question with the aim of enhancing your chances
of success. When you request your reference, give the full details of the
programme or post for which you are applying. Always make sure you get
permission from your referee to use his or her name before you include it on an
application. Provide them with your most recent examination results and an up to
date CV once you know they will be writing a letter for you.
Appendix 1 – Module Grade Descriptor
Module Grade Descriptors for Taught Modules (Undergraduate)
Grade descriptors act as guidelines for students and academic staff. The grade
descriptors detailed in this document are provided as general guidance and may
be adapted for particular modules. A module may have a number of different
assessment elements, such as an end-of-module written examination, a mid-term
in-class test, a multiple-choice type test, an essay, weekly homework, practice
assessment, laboratory assessment, or an oral examination. Each of the module
assessment elements contributes, in a pre-defined structured manner, towards
the overall mark of the module as a whole. The award of an overall mark to a
module is a matter of academic judgement against agreed criteria (the module
learning outcomes and agreed grade descriptors) and should not be simply a
mathematical exercise.
In the module grade descriptor system, as described over the following pages:
§ an A grade corresponds to a H1 level of performance;
§ a B grade corresponds to a H2.1 level of performance;
§ a C grade corresponds to a H2.2 level of performance;
§ a D grade corresponds to a H3 performance in the final undergraduate or
a Pass performance in the earlier years;
§ an E grade corresponds to a compensable performance, if the module is
compensable, otherwise a fail performance;
§ F corresponds to fail performances.
Grade Grade Criteria relevant to modules Additional criteria more relevant to
and in years 1 and 2 of Undergraduate modules in the later years of
Marks Degree Programmes Undergraduate Degree Programmes
Band and Masters Programmes
A Excellent A comprehensive, A deep and systematic engagement
70 – highly-structured, focused and with the assessment task, with
100 concise response to the assessment consistently impressive demonstration
tasks, consistently demonstrating of a comprehensive mastery of the
some or all, as appropriate, of the subject matter, reflecting;
following: • a deep and broad knowledge and
• an extensive and detailed critical insight as well as extensive
knowledge of the subject matter reading;• a highly-developed ability to apply • a critical and comprehensive
this knowledge to the task set appreciation of the relevant literature
• evidence of extensive background or theoretical, technical or professional
reading framework
• clear, fluent, stimulating and • an exceptional ability to organise,
original expression analyse and present arguments
• excellent presentation (spelling, fluently and lucidly with a high level of
grammar, graphical) with minimal critical analysis, amply supported by
or no errors appropriate evidence, citation or
quotation;
• a highly-developed capacity for
original, creative and logical thinking
B Very Good A thorough and well- A substantial engagement with the
60 – 69 organised response to the assessment task, demonstrating
assessment tasks, demonstrating • a thorough familiarity with the
some or all, as appropriate, of the relevant literature or theoretical,
following: technical or professional framework
• a broad knowledge of the subject • well-developed capacity to analyse
matter issues, organise material, present
• considerable strength in applying arguments clearly and cogently well
that knowledge to the task set supported by appropriate evidence,
• evidence of substantial background citation or quotation;
reading • some original insights and capacity for
• clear and fluent expression creative and logical thinking
• quality presentation, and with few
errors
C Good An adequate and competent An intellectually competent and
50-59 response to the assessment tasks, factually sound answer, marked by,
demonstrating some or all, as • evidence of a reasonable familiarity
appropriate, of the following: with the relevant literature or
• adequate but not complete theoretical, technical or professional
knowledge of the subject matter framework
• omission of some important subject• good developed arguments, but more
matter or the appearance of several statements of ideas, arguments or
minor errors statements adequately but not well
• capacity to apply knowledge supported by evidence, citation or
appropriately to the task albeit with quotation
some errors • some critical awareness and analytical
• evidence of some background qualities
reading • some evidence of capacity for original
• clear expression with few areas of and logical thinking
confusion
• writing of sufficient quality to
convey meaning but some lack of
fluency and command of suitable
vocabulary
• good presentation, but with some
errorsGrade Grade Criteria relevant to modules Additional criteria more relevant to
and in years 1 and 2 of Undergraduate modules in the later years of
Marks Degree Programmes Undergraduate Degree Programmes
Band and Masters Programmes
D+ Satisfactory An acceptable response An acceptable level of intellectual
45 – 50 to the assessment tasks with engagement with the assessment task
• basic grasp of subject matter, but showing
somewhat lacking in focus and • some familiarity with the relevant
structure literature or theoretical, technical or
• main points covered but insufficient professional framework
detail • mostly statements of ideas, with
• some effort to apply knowledge to limited development of argument
the task but only a basic capacity or
• limited, inappropriate or irrelevant use
understanding displayed of evidence, citation or quotation
• little or no evidence of background • limited critical awareness displayed
reading • limited evidence of capacity for
• several minor errors or one major original and logical thinking
error
• satisfactory presentation with an
acceptable level of presentation
errors
D Acceptable The minimum The minimum acceptable level of
40 – 44 acceptable standard of response to intellectual engagement with the
the assessment tasks which assessment task with
• shows a basic grasp of subject • the minimum acceptable appreciation
matter but may be poorly focussed of the relevant literature or
or badly structured or contain theoretical, technical or professional
irrelevant material framework
• has one major error and some • ideas largely expressed as statements,
minor errors with little or no developed or
• demonstrates the capacity to structured argument
complete only moderately difficult • minimum acceptable use of evidence,
tasks related to the subject material citation or quotation
• no evidence of background reading• little or no analysis or critical
• displays the minimum acceptable awareness displayed or is only
standard of presentation (spelling, partially successful
grammar, graphical) • little or no demonstrated capacity for
original and logical thinking
E Marginal A response to the A factually sound answer with a
35 - 39 assessment tasks which fails to partially successful, but not entirely
meet the minimum acceptable acceptable, attempt to
standards yet • integrate factual knowledge into a
• engages with the subject matter or broader literature or theoretical,
problem set, despite major technical or professional framework
deficiencies in structure, relevance • develop arguments
or focus • support ideas or arguments with
• has two major errors and some evidence, citation or quotation
minor errors
• demonstrates the capacity to
complete only part of, or the
simpler elements of, the task• an incomplete or rushed answer
e.g. the use of bullet points through
part/all of answer
Grade Grade Criteria relevant to modules Additional criteria more relevant to
and in 1st Year and in the 2nd Year of 4 modules in the later programme years
Marks year programmes
Band
F Unacceptable A response to the An unacceptable level of intellectual
0 - 34 assessment tasks which is engagement with the assessment
unacceptable, with task, with
• a failure to address the subject • no appreciation of the relevant
matter resulting in a largely literature or theoretical, technical or
irrelevant answer or material of professional framework
marginal relevance predominating • no developed or structured argument
• a display of some knowledge of • no use of evidence, citation or
material relative to the question quotation
posed, but with very serious • no analysis or critical awareness
omissions/errors and/or major displayed or is only partially successful
inaccuracies included in answer • no demonstrated capacity for original
• solutions offered to a very limited and logical thinking
portion of the problem set
• an answer unacceptably incomplete
(e.g. for lack of time)
• a random and undisciplined
development, layout or
presentation
• unacceptable standards of
presentation, such as grammar,
spelling or graphical presentationSub-Grade Marks Bands
Sub-Grade marks bands are defined according to the following table in the case
of modules where the pass mark is set at 40%.
Note that:
§ the A, B and C grade bands are sub-divided into three sub-bands each
§ the D grade band is sub-divided into two sub-bands
§ the E grade band is sub-divided into two sub-bands
§ the F grade band has no sub-band structure.
Grade Sub-Grade Band Marks Range
A++ 77 – 100
A A+ 73 – 76
A 70 – 72
B+ 67 – 69
B B 63 - 66
B- 60 – 62
C+ 57 - 59
C C 53 – 56
C- 50- 52
D D+ 45 - 49
D 40 - 44
E E 35 - 39
E- 30 – 34
F F 0- 29
Use of Sub-Grade Marks Bands where three sub-grades exist:
The standard sub-grade marks band for performance within a grade is the mid
sub-grade marks band, e.g. performance at H2.1 level in a module, which is
neither a marginal H2.1 performance nor one tending towards H1, would be
allocated a mark in the B range, 63 – 66.
Superior performance at a major grade - that tending towards the next higher
major grade - would be allocated a mark in the upper sub-grade marks band,
e.g. performance tending towards, but not reaching H1 standard, would be
allocated a mark in the B+ range, 67 – 69.
Marginal performance at a major grade - that tending towards the next lower
major grade - would be allocated a mark in the lower sub-grade marks band,
e.g. performance better, but not significantly better, than H2.2 level would be
allocated a mark in the B- range, 60 – 62.Appendix 2 - Participant Information Sheet (Title of your project here) Dear Participant The purpose of this research is to (provide a short paragraph here to explain what the research is about). I am approaching you to take part in the research, because of your unique knowledge and experience of this issue. I believe that this knowledge and experience will provide valuable insights into the issues I am seeking to understand. All information that is collected during the course of this research will be kept strictly confidential and will not be shared with anyone else except my research supervisor, without your express permission. The information collected will be stored in a way that protects your identity, and dissemination of the research results will safeguard your anonymity. Where audio recordings are collected, these will be transcribed for analysis and stored securely after which they will be destroyed. Transcripts will be destroyed after 18 months. You will be given this information sheet and a signed consent form to keep. Please contact me if you have any further questions. If you have any concerns about this research please make contact with my research supervisor, Dr (fill out name), at (email). Thank you for taking part in this research - your contribution is greatly appreciated.
Appendix 3 - Research Consent Form
(Name of your research project here):
Consent to take part in research
I ____________________________________ voluntarily agree to participate in this
research study.
§I understand that even if I agree to participate now, I can withdraw at any time
or refuse to answer any question without any consequences of any kind.
§I understand that I can withdraw permission to use data from my interview, in
which case the material will be deleted.
§I have had the purpose and nature of the study explained to me in writing and
I have had the opportunity to ask questions about the study.
§I understand that participation involves my providing oral information on my
knowledge and experiences in relation to this topic.
§I understand that I will not benefit directly from participating in this research.
§I agree to my interview being audio-recorded.
§I understand that all information I provide for this study will be treated
confidentially.
§I understand that in any report on the results of this research my identity will
remain anonymous. This will be done by changing my name and disguising
any details of my interview which may reveal my identity or the identity of
people I speak about.
§I understand that disguised extracts from my interview may be quoted in a final
year dissertation
§I understand that signed consent forms and original audio recordings will be
retained under secure conditions and with access only to those directly
researching on this project, until the completion of the project or for a
maximum of 5 years
§ I understand that a transcript of my interview in which all identifying
information has been removed will be retained until the end of this project or
for a maximum of 5 years
§ I understand that under freedom of information legislation I am entitled to
access the information I have provided at any time while it is in storage as
specified above.
§ I understand that I am free to contact any of the people involved in the
research to seek further clarification and information.
(Your name here), School of Geography, Archaeology & Irish Studies, NUI Galway,
(your email here)
Supervisor: (Your supervisor’s name here) School of Geography, Archaeology & Irish
Studies, NUI Galway, (their email here).
_____________________________________ _______________
Signature of research participant Date
Researcher: I believe the participant is giving informed consent to participate in this study
______________________________________ _______________
Signature of researcher DateYou can also read
