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Limerick Institute of Technology 2016-17
Institiúid Teicneolaíochta Luimnigh
Document Status
Working Draft ☒
Internal Panel ☐
External Panel ☐
Final ☒
Named Award
Area of Specialisation
Programme Title Page 1 of 67Limerick Institute of Technology 2016-17 Institiúid Teicneolaíochta Luimnigh Institution Limerick Institute of Technology Moylish Park Limerick Telephone 00 353 (0)61 293000 Fax 00 353 (0)61 293001 www.lit.ie President Prof. Vincent Cunnane, BSc., PhD Registrar Mr Terry Twomey, BA, HDipED, MSc, MBA, MA Head of Faculty/School, Faculty/School of Title Name Qualifications Head of Department, Department of Title Name Qualifications Programme Leader(s) Title Name Qualifications Award Sought Higher Certificate in/Bachelor of /Bachelor of (Honours) /Master of (Arts, Business, Engineering or Science) in Area of Specialisation Proposed Starting Date Programme Title Page 2 of 67
Limerick Institute of Technology 2016-17
Institiúid Teicneolaíochta Luimnigh
SECTION 1 - INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................................... 5
1.1 PROGRAMME DESCRIPTION......................................................................................................................6
1.2 LIMERICK INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY ........................................................................................................7
1.3 FACULTY/SCHOOL OF ..............................................................................................................................9
1.4 DEPARTMENT OF ..................................................................................................................................10
1.5 RATIONALE FOR THE PROGRAMME ..........................................................................................................11
1.5.1 Consistency of the Programme with LIT’s Mission and Strategy ...........................................11
1.5.2 Comparison with similar programmes offered by other providers ........................................11
1.5.3 Employment Potential for the Programme’s Graduates........................................................11
1.5.4 Profile of the Proposed Programme’s Target Learners ..........................................................11
1.5.5 Learner Demand for the Programme .....................................................................................11
1.5.6 Consultation with Employers about the Programme .............................................................11
1.5.7 Any Other Research Findings Concerning the New Programme ............................................11
1.6 PROGRAMME LEARNING OUTCOMES AND QQI AWARDS STANDARDS ............................................................12
1.7 TEACHING LEARNING AND ASSESSMENT....................................................................................................13
1.7.1 LIT’s Teaching Learning and Assessment Strategy ................................................................13
1.7.2 Teaching, Learning and Assessment in the Faculty/School/Department of ..........................15
1.8 RESEARCH ENTERPRISE AND DEVELOPMENT ..............................................................................................16
1.8.1 Overview of Research Enterprise and Development at LIT ....................................................16
1.8.2 Research Activity Centres and Groups in Faculties ................................................................19
SECTION 2 – THE LEARNING EXPERIENCE ............................................................................................... 22
2.1 PROGRAMME MANAGEMENT ARRANGEMENTS ..........................................................................................23
2.1.1 Faculty/School Board .............................................................................................................23
2.1.2 Department Board .................................................................................................................24
2.1.3 Programme Board .................................................................................................................24
2.1.4 Staff/Learner Liaison Group ...................................................................................................26
2.2 ADMISSION CRITERIA ............................................................................................................................27
2.3 TRANSFER AND PROGRESSION ARRANGEMENTS .........................................................................................28
2.3.1 LIT’s Non-First-Year Admissions and Transfer........................................................................28
2.3.2 LIT’s Requirements for Progression........................................................................................29
2.3.3 Programme Specific Access, Transfer and Progression Arrangements ..................................31
2.4 QUANTITY OF THE LEARNING EXPERIENCE .................................................................................................32
2.5 CURRICULUM AND TIME STAFF ALLOCATION .............................................................................................34
2.6 PROGRAMME STRUCTURE MATRIX ..........................................................................................................38
2.7 ASSESSMENT PROCEDURE ......................................................................................................................39
2.7.1 Programme Assessment Strategy ..........................................................................................39
2.7.2 Summary of Module Final Examination Requirements..........................................................40
2.8 PROPOSED PROGRAMME SCHEDULES .......................................................................................................42
SECTION 3 – MODULE SYLLABI ............................................................................................................... 43
3.1 STAGE 1 .............................................................................................................................................44
3.2 STAGE 2 .............................................................................................................................................45
3.3 STAGE 3 .............................................................................................................................................46
3.4 AWARD STAGE ....................................................................................................................................47
SECTION 4 – FACILITIES .......................................................................................................................... 48
4.1 FACULTY/SCHOOL/DEPARTMENT FACILITIES ..............................................................................................49
4.2 LIBRARY AND INFORMATION RESOURCE CENTRE (LIRC) FACILITIES ................................................................50
4.3 INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY FACILITIES ....................................................................................................53
4.4 ON-LINE LEARNING FACILITIES ................................................................................................................54
4.5 LEARNER SUPPORT SERVICES ..................................................................................................................55
Programme Title Page 3 of 67Limerick Institute of Technology 2016-17
Institiúid Teicneolaíochta Luimnigh
4.5.1 Access Service ........................................................................................................................55
4.5.2 Learning Support Unit ............................................................................................................55
4.5.3 Student Health Service ...........................................................................................................56
4.5.4 Student Counselling Service ...................................................................................................56
4.5.5 Chaplaincy..............................................................................................................................56
4.5.6 Careers ...................................................................................................................................56
4.6 FACILITIES FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS ................................................................................................57
SECTION 5 – CURRICULA VITAE .............................................................................................................. 58
APPENDICES ........................................................................................................................................... 63
APPENDIX 1 – INDUSTRY DEMAND ....................................................................................................................64
APPENDIX 2 – LEARNER DEMAND .....................................................................................................................65
APPENDIX 3 – PROGRAMME AND MODULE LEARNING OUTCOMES MATRIX ..............................................................66
APPENDIX 4 – NEW PROGRAMME PROPOSAL FORM (FORM ACRP 3003) ...............................................................67
Programme Title Page 4 of 67Limerick Institute of Technology 2016-17
Institiúid Teicneolaíochta Luimnigh
Section 1 - Introduction
Programme Title Page 5 of 67Limerick Institute of Technology 2016-17 Institiúid Teicneolaíochta Luimnigh 1.1 Programme Description Programme Title Page 6 of 67
Limerick Institute of Technology 2016-17 Institiúid Teicneolaíochta Luimnigh 1.2 Limerick Institute of Technology Limerick Institute of Technology, located in Limerick, Tipperary and Clare, operates under the Institutes of Technology Acts 1992 to 2006 and complies with the Qualifications and Quality Assurance (Education and Training) Act 2012. The Institute traces its origins back to 1852, when the Athenaeum Society opened a School of Arts and Crafts in Limerick. An international quality review of LIT in 2010 described LIT as a mature higher education institution with excellent quality assurance. The Institute has over 6,500 learners (over 5,000 full-time learners), and provides a wide range of programmes spanning the areas of Applied Science, Engineering and Technology, Art & Design, Business and Services, Humanities, Built Environment and Rural Development. The Regional Technical Colleges Act, which became effective from 1 January 1993, broadened the scope of the Institute and allowed structures to be set up to formalise research and development. This Act also increased the autonomy of the Institute, which is subject to a Governing Body, which, through the Chairman and President, is directly responsible to the Minister for Education for the work of the Institute. LIT has delegated authority from QQI to award qualifications up to Masters level in taught programmes and research, level 9 on the National Framework of Qualification. This delegation of authority to make academic awards was reviewed and renewed by the former Higher Education and Training Awards Council in 2010 and continues under the Qualifications and Quality Assurance (Education and Training) Act 2012. LIT has an international focus. Links have been established with other higher education institutions in the US, Canada, EU, China, Brazil, Oman and Malaysia. The Institute acknowledges the support of the European Community through Horizon 2020 and ERASMUS Plus programmes. Learner and staff exchanges have taken place and it is expected that such exchanges will continue to be a feature of programme provision. LIT is strategically located in the core North Munster area of the Mid-West Region, centred on Limerick and Shannon. This region is itself a major economic development hub which complements Dublin and the East Region, thus making LIT a primary driver in the achievement of more balanced regional development. Since 2011 LIT has incorporated new campuses in Tipperary (Thurles & Clonmel) into its provision across a wider region in North Munster. The business of LIT is the delivery of quality education, employment training and applied research attuned to the needs of the labour market, including the needs of new entrants and those seeking retraining and upskilling. A growing emphasis in LIT is the delivery of flexible learning and access programmes, including targeted interventions aimed at disadvantaged groups in society and those seeking retraining and upskilling, thus contributing directly to the promotion of social inclusion. The Institute has a distinctive Active Learning philosophy that prepares its graduates well for the work environment. Programme Title Page 7 of 67
Limerick Institute of Technology 2016-17 Institiúid Teicneolaíochta Luimnigh In 2013 LIT submitted a Mission-based Performance Compact to the HEA for continued development as an autonomous institution with strong links to the Shannon Consortium (referred to as the “Mid-West Cluster” in national higher education policy). Internally at the same time, LIT published a Campus Development Plan to 2030. In 2014 LIT completed a restructured into three large faculties delivering across campuses. Three years after the launch of LIT Vision and Strategy to 2020, LIT conducted an Interim Strategy Review in 2015. This review and the Mission-based Performance Compact are the key drivers of development within LIT. Programme Title Page 8 of 67
Limerick Institute of Technology 2016-17 Institiúid Teicneolaíochta Luimnigh 1.3 Faculty/School of Programme Title Page 9 of 67
Limerick Institute of Technology 2016-17 Institiúid Teicneolaíochta Luimnigh 1.4 Department of Programme Title Page 10 of 67
Limerick Institute of Technology 2016-17 Institiúid Teicneolaíochta Luimnigh 1.5 Rationale for the Programme 1.5.1 Consistency of the Programme with LIT’s Mission and Strategy 1.5.2 Comparison with similar programmes offered by other providers 1.5.3 Employment Potential for the Programme’s Graduates 1.5.4 Profile of the Proposed Programme’s Target Learners 1.5.5 Learner Demand for the Programme 1.5.6 Consultation with Employers about the Programme 1.5.7 Any Other Research Findings Concerning the New Programme Programme Title Page 11 of 67
Limerick Institute of Technology 2016-17 Institiúid Teicneolaíochta Luimnigh 1.6 Programme Learning Outcomes and QQI Awards Standards Programme Title Page 12 of 67
Limerick Institute of Technology 2016-17 Institiúid Teicneolaíochta Luimnigh 1.7 Teaching Learning and Assessment 1.7.1 LIT’s Teaching Learning and Assessment Strategy LIT’s Teaching Learning and Assessment Strategy sets out major values and goals for teaching, learning and assessment in Limerick Institute of Technology. It was developed by the active learning sub-committee of Academic Council in consultation with staff. It builds on the commitment in the LIT mission statement to “active learning through a fusion of theory and practice”. Vision and Values The following values underpin this strategy: 1. Active Learning: LIT seeks to engage learners in activity which stimulates their interest and enhances their learning. 2. Learner-centred: LIT respects learner autonomy and is committed to helping learners to become independent managers of their own learning. 3. Authentic Experience: LIT seeks to align learning experiences in the Institute with the authentic world of practice. 4. Evidence Based Best Practice: LIT is committed to identifying and implementing best practice in teaching, learning and assessment through benchmarking and research. Learners at LIT Learners are at the core and focus of activity in LIT. Learner diversity is recognised and valued and LIT will reach out to new learner groups, by widening access routes and by providing flexible delivery methods. All learners will receive appropriate induction and support to help them develop as independent learners. The Learning Experience LIT will continue to offer programmes and modules that are responsive to societal and industrial needs and that reflect the interests of learner. There will be a focus on authentic performance and on the development of generic skills. Active learning methods will be used which engage learners and which help them to achieve specified learning outcomes. These methods will be described in an Active Learning Compendium to be shared throughout the Institute. Staff will be encouraged to engage in research on best practice in teaching, learning and assessment. Also, steps will be taken to ensure that results from postgraduate research are fed back into undergraduate teaching, so that learners have the benefit of the most recent research findings in their discipline. LIT will seek opportunities to collaborate with other institutions or bodies where such collaborations enhance teaching, learning and assessment for learners at LIT. Assessment and Learning LIT is committed to best practice in assessment. All assessment practices within LIT will be valid, fair and consistent, and appropriate to the outcomes with which they are linked. Programme Title Page 13 of 67
Limerick Institute of Technology 2016-17 Institiúid Teicneolaíochta Luimnigh LIT promotes innovations in assessment which support active learning and authentic performance. Feedback on assessment will help learners to monitor their progress and take control of their learning. Staff Support and Development This strategy depends on the abilities knowledge, skills and commitment of staff. To ensure best practice in the development and delivery of programmes, new staff will receive induction in pedagogic techniques, and flexible continuous professional development opportunities will be made available for all staff. Staff will be encouraged to engage with the scholarship of teaching and learning. Learning Resources and Facilities LIT seeks to create an environment which engages and enthuses learners and staff, and which is conducive to active learning. Learning spaces and facilities will be audited for their suitability for active learning. New developments and refurbishment activity in the Institute will take account of the need for configurable learning spaces for individual and group learning and top quality library resources and learning technology. Technology based learning methodologies will be used to support innovative and flexible approaches to programme delivery. Implementation and Monitoring Operational decisions within Faculties/Schools, Departments and programme boards will take due regard of this strategy. Programme Title Page 14 of 67
Limerick Institute of Technology 2016-17 Institiúid Teicneolaíochta Luimnigh 1.7.2 Teaching, Learning and Assessment in the Faculty/School/Department of Programme Title Page 15 of 67
Limerick Institute of Technology 2016-17
Institiúid Teicneolaíochta Luimnigh
1.8 Research Enterprise and Development
1.8.1 Overview of Research Enterprise and Development at LIT
LIT’s vision and strategy to 2020 is for high quality, internationally competitive
research and innovation. LIT expresses the commitment to engagement in innovative
applied research in partnership with industry, supporting international operators as well
as indigenous players. Engaging in research is vital for LIT, both in terms of staff
development and curriculum development. Research helps us to remain at the forefront of
the disciplines we offer and to maintain links with industry, it informs our teaching, and it
signifies the final step up the ladder of opportunity for our students.
Our applied research focuses on existing or emerging areas of academic expertise within
our organisation. From a very modest base research activity at LIT has grown
exponentially in terms of students, staff, budget and equipment and has become a key
enabler of everything we do, enhancing teaching and learning and driving knowledge
transfer and industry collaboration.
A key facilitator for this growth is the adoption of a Research Centre and Groups Model
for concentrating researchers and resources in critical masses via a number of dedicated
research centres and groups that are supported through the LIT Graduate School while
still remaining part of their original academic ‘home’. The research centres and groups
are spread across all college faculties and include a number of interdisciplinary groups
from different college departments and schools. LIT has developed a number of niche
research areas that are highly respected in the sector. The centres and groups span a wide
range of disciplines from Fine Art and Design, Social Sciences, and Microbial
Biotechnology, to Interactive Systems, Energy Management, and Food Development.
They have a focus on developing niche areas of expertise to attract international
researchers and external funding to provide innovative products and processes for LIT’s
industry partners and develop postgraduate research opportunities.
The bulk of LIT’s research activity is concentrated in narrow ISCED fields of Life
Sciences, Engineering and Arts, with some further activity in e.g. Services and
Computing.
Research disciplines cover:
1. Bioprospecting and Biodiscovery –production, identification, extraction,
characterisation and analysis of biological compounds for commercial application.
2. Applied Energy Management Technologies – the development and application of
intelligent systems, renewable energy technologies and smart electrical networks to
develop sustainable manufacturing and smart facilities.
3. Interactive System Technologies – the development of Interactive Systems and
their application in game technology, virtual learning environments, big data
analytics, decision support systems and multimodal interface design.
4. Art and Design – Fine art, curatorial and applied design research.
Programme Title Page 16 of 67Limerick Institute of Technology 2016-17
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5. Social Sciences – including applied Social Care research, and business and tourism
research (including sports, food and events) with particular emphasis on impact to
our local economy.
Five of our centres have already attracted substantial external funding: Shannon Applied
Biotechnology Centre (SABC), Controlled Environment Laboratory for Life Sciences
(CELLS), the Applied Control for Distributed Renewable Energy Systems Group
(ACORN), Sustainable Energy in a Rural Village Environment (SERVE) and ACADEmy
in Limerick School of Art and Design which is active under Erasmus+ (LSAD). This has
led to increases in the total research funding envelope and in postgraduate research
numbers, putting LIT higher up the IOT rankings for knowledge transfer through
research. We are actively pursuing emerging opportunities under EU Horizon 2020,
building on existing strengths and international networks.
Other recently established research centres and groups are: Interactive Systems and
Games Technologies Research Centre, CHIMERA, Analytical Sciences Research Group,
Built Environment Technology and Educational Research Group (BETER), Energy
Management and Environmental Ecosystems Group (EmmE), Gender and Sexuality
Research Group, Health & Social Research Group (HEALR), Loss and Grief Group, and
new groups carrying out research and in Enterprise (CEIDE).
In line with the national strategy and our MOU with the University of Limerick and Mary
Immaculate College, LIT envisages a coordinated regional approach to research and
development. In the context of LIT’s prioritisation of the regional cluster, working with
UL and MIC the Federated Limerick Graduate School has been established. This
federated Graduate School model includes the alignment of policies and procedures, and
the provision of generic training modules and seminars for research students across the
city.
LIT has significantly improved and developed its research capacity and outputs in recent
years, underlining our ambition to be a lead institution in the technological sector. It is
anticipated that the ambition, vision and plans for the Limerick Graduate School will
reinforce this and will also have a major positive impact on the profile of the region as a
place for investment and R&D. LIT research activities will continue to have a strong
applied focus, delivering specific innovative outputs in partnership with industry,
community and other external stakeholders. Our undergraduate curriculum is increasingly
research-informed in the discipline areas where we have growing research capability. We
will continue to build up our research supervision capacity through staff development to
PhD qualification level and targeted recruitment.
LIT’s Enterprise Development strategic goal is to offer supports to new enterprise
through the distinctive LIT Enterprise Ladder accommodating the full spectrum of low to
high risk and reward profiles. We aim to roll out the LIT Enterprise Ladder across our
campuses, involving numerous partnerships with relevant State agencies and authorities
as well as private enterprise. The Enterprise Ladder is a suite of incubation, acceleration
and short masterclass programmes, seed funding, office and lab facilities, access to LIT
and partners network of supports and global relationships and more supporting the
Programme Title Page 17 of 67Limerick Institute of Technology 2016-17
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development of sustainable businesses in the region and beyond. Complimenting our core
educational and research remit, the LIT Enterprise Ladder offers innovative ways for
external clients and LIT learners to engage with enterprise supports and applied research,
thus creating new knowledge and new employment.
As part of the Enterprise Ladder, LIT run Enterprise Ireland’s New Frontiers programme
- the premier national entrepreneur development programme to support early stage
HPSU’s i. LIT were successful in 2016 to secure 5 further years of funding to run the
programme at the Hartnett Enterprise Acceleration Centre on campus in Moylish with
collaborations in place at LIT’s other centres as well as with UL Nexus. In addition to
New Frontiers LIT run a number of masterclasses, clinics and short programmes as well
as Leap, an incubation programme based in our city incubator and in Tipperary for early
stage businesses with potential.
The Development Unit at LIT contributes significantly to the community-based
leadership and engagement activity of the Institute, through a focus on applying existing
knowledge in practical settings. This unit is broadening its activity with regional bodies
and authorities across LIT’s region and therefore supports our engagement and social
capital agenda. There is also an international dimension to the work of the unit, such as
the EU-funded project “Build UP Skills” (BUSI), aiming to improve the qualifications
and skills of construction workers to help build, equip and renovate buildings of high
energy performance.
LIT has developed its capacity and presence as a leader in third-level enterprise supports
to maximum potential through centres across our region. These centres are run in
partnership with e.g. Enterprise Ireland, the new Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs),
Chambers of Commerce, community development agencies or local authorities and are
named as follows:
1. Campus Incubation & Acceleration Centres
1. Hartnett Enterprise Acceleration Centre, main campus, Limerick
2. NFC, City Incubator, Limerick City Centre
3. Thurles Chamber Enterprise Centre, LIT Thurles campus
4. Questum, Enterprise Acceleration and Research Centre, Clonmel
5. International Fashion Incubator, Limerick (IFIL)
2. Supporting Community Enterprise Centres
1. Croom Community Enterprise Centre, Croom, Co Limerick
2. The Red Door BIC, Newcastle West, Co Limerick
This range of enterprise centres provides extensive coverage across the region,
positioning LIT at the forefront of one of the key pillars of national higher education
strategy: meeting Ireland’s human capital needs. The impact of the centres through job
creation and innovation is measurable, and also helps to foster a spirit of entrepreneurship
amongst students through practical assignments and internship opportunities. To ensure
sustainable operation of the centres and to be able to offer additional financial supports of
client companies subject to eligibility criteria, in 2012 LIT launched the Enterprise
Ladder Fund in Limerick which, and this was followed by the Tipperary Enterprise
Programme Title Page 18 of 67Limerick Institute of Technology 2016-17 Institiúid Teicneolaíochta Luimnigh Ladder Fund (in honour of Tony Ryan). Furthermore, there is a steep upward trend in successful applications from LIT under the innovation voucher and innovation partnership schemes, creating fruitful synergies between academic departments and enterprise including some of our centre client companies. 1.8.2 Research Activity Centres and Groups in Faculties Business and Humanities Centre for Rural and Sustainable Development (CRSD) The aim of the Centre is to re-enforce LIT’s position as a leading actor in the sustainable development sector, thereby creating opportunities for engagement in research, development and academic activities. Rural development in this context refers to the sustainable development of rural areas, particularly in Ireland, but also in Europe and globally. Centre for Business, Events, Sport and Tourism (BEST) BEST is an interdisciplinary centre bringing together experts in the fields of event management, sport and tourism with the aim of increasing research activities in these areas for the Limerick region and beyond. Centre for Commercialisation, Enterprise, Innovation, Design & Engagement (CEIDE) The aim of the Centre for Commercialisation, Enterprise, Innovation, Design & Engagement is to leverage academic output based on LIT’s expertise as a leading actor in enterprise development, innovation, creativity, design and enterprise engagement. Loss and Grief The Loss and Grief Research Group supports and promotes research around topics such as death, bereavement, mourning, and suicide, but would also include a focus on non- death related losses across the lifespan. The group will provide support, assistance, and opportunities for collaboration and reflection on current research practice and approaches, with a particular emphasis on increasing public awareness of the effects of loss and community-based interventions that encourage the effective emotional understanding and management of loss. Genders and Sexualities The main focus of the research carried out by the group is the exploration of issues relating to genders and sexualities in a time when beliefs and practices and the ideologies that support them, are changing rapidly. Health and Social Research Group (HEALER) The aim of The Healer Group is to focus and develop applied research in the health and social sciences. A particular focus of the group will be on mental health. The group aims to foster and cultivate research through providing a supportive research environment based on mutual respect, mutual assistance, innovation, experimentation and reflection Programme Title Page 19 of 67
Limerick Institute of Technology 2016-17 Institiúid Teicneolaíochta Luimnigh and to use research to identify, highlight and combat inequalities, stereotyping, discrimination and social exclusion. FoodDS The Food Development Service is concerned with investigation into the Irish adult consumer research to identify the perceptions of consumers and barriers to acceptance of reformulated products. FoodDs supports new product development, product improvement, benchmarking and quality testing for the food industry. Limerick School of Art and Design ACADEmy The research ethos of ACADEmy is principally (but not exclusively) practice-led engaged in studio-based, themed research projects where emphasis is placed on active and ‘dialogical’ contextual approaches. ACADEmy follows the tradition of the intuitive methodology identified with practice-led research, promoting interdisciplinary approaches in the recognition that contemporary art practice cannot be limited to the domain of visual studies. Applied Science Engineering and Technology ACORN The (ACORN) Research Centre (www.acornresearch.ie) represents a multidisciplinary (Engineering, Science & ICT) approach that is focused on the Engineering of Sustainable Solutions for Industrial, Commercial and Utility Applications. Funded through collaborative industry-led research programmes the group have developed both hardware and software solutions for implementation in a range of applications. Shannon Applied Biotechnology Centre Shannon ABC has on-going and expanding programmes to explore natural products for novel bioactive substances of value to the Healthcare, Forensic, Pharmaceutical, Food, Cosmetics, Agricultural, Environmental and Bio-Energy Industry. The Centre brings together a multidisciplinary team of researchers with commercial specialists so as to provide a centre of excellence in applied research, capable of exploiting opportunities in science, engineering, and technology to the benefit of the Regional and National economy. Shannon ABC focuses on developing, enhancing and commercialising biotechnology in the Shannon region, and beyond, by confidentially collaborating with industry to promote product diversification and enhancement, increasing market growth and aiding competitiveness. Analytical Methods Group The Analytical methods group brings together faculty experience within the department of Applied Science to focus research efforts on the development of novel analytical techniques and improved methods for analysis and detection of a variety of products. Environmental Ecosystem Management and Monitoring (EmmE) Programme Title Page 20 of 67
Limerick Institute of Technology 2016-17 Institiúid Teicneolaíochta Luimnigh The Environmental Ecosystem Monitoring and Management research group focuses research efforts on ecosystem management and monitoring particularly in the Shannon river basin. Built Environment Technology and Educational Research Group (BETER) The aim of the BETER group is to support built environment higher education through a research process which will develop understanding, engender consensus, promote a diversity of praxis and optimise the resources available to Built Environment higher education Controlled Environment Laboratory for Life Sciences (CELLS) CELLS aims to utilise the skills the graduates developed to establish a Centre of Excellence for the enhancement of bioactive compounds in plants using controlled environments, with outcomes pertinent to both terrestrial and extra-terrestrial applications. Games Technologies and Interactive Systems The research that is output from the Game Technology and Interactive Systems Centre involves use of gaming technology to implement different theoretical frameworks for testing aspects of perception and cognition in Virtual Learning Environments (VLEs) as well as non-gaming technologies. Chimera The aim of this CHIMERA research group is to screen microbes (bacteria, fungi, yeast, microalgae, cyanobacteria etc.) from varied habitats for bioactive compounds with industrially relevant commercial opportunities. Production of newly discovered bioactive compounds will be further investigated by studying their structure and genetic production. The group intends to identify, extract, characterise and purify bioactive compounds from microbial life-forms (fungi, yeast, microalgae, bacteria etc.) with potential innovative applications. Programme Title Page 21 of 67
Limerick Institute of Technology 2016-17
Institiúid Teicneolaíochta Luimnigh
Section 2 – The Learning
Experience
Programme Title Page 22 of 67Limerick Institute of Technology 2016-17 Institiúid Teicneolaíochta Luimnigh 2.1 Programme Management Arrangements Programme management arrangements are as per LIT’s Academic Council Regulations and Procedures. 2.1.1 Faculty/School Board Each Faculty/School shall have a Faculty/School Board. The role of the Faculty/School Board is to advise, not to take decisions. The function of a Faculty/School Board is to advise the Head of Faculty/School at strategic level in the academic and resource requirements of all Programmes/Modules within the Faculty/School. The minimum membership of a Faculty/School Board consists of the Head(s) of Faculty/School, the Head(s) of Department and all Senior Lecturers (SL1 Teaching), where appropriate, within the Faculty/School. The President is ex officio a member of the Faculty/School Board. The Chair shall normally be the Head of Faculty/School. Terms of Reference Each Faculty/School Board has the following responsibilities: 1. Advising the President’s Office through the Head of Faculty/School on academic matters relevant to the work in its area. 2. Monitoring the learning and research resources in the programme/module areas encompassed within the Faculty/School. 3. Carrying out such duties as agreed in conjunction with other Faculties/Schools, in relation to joint programmes. 4. Recommending to Academic Council through the Head of Faculty/School regulations regarding programmes in its area. 5. Advising the Head of Faculty/School on membership of the Validation and Review panels. 6. Advising the Head of Faculty/School on the list of Internal and External Examiners for submission to the Academic Council Sub-Committee on Academic Quality, for each programme. 7. Carrying out such other advisory functions as are considered appropriate subject to the approval of Head of Faculty/School. 8. Preparing and submitting an annual report on its work to Academic Council, through the Head of Faculty/School. The Head of Faculty/School shall be responsible for reporting the views of the Faculty/School Board to Academic Council and for transmitting the relevant decisions and views of Academic Council to the Board. Meetings A Faculty/School Board shall meet at least once per term and at such other times as required. Meetings will be minuted. Minutes shall be circulated to all members of the Faculty/School Board and retained by the Faculty Administrator. Programme Title Page 23 of 67
Limerick Institute of Technology 2016-17
Institiúid Teicneolaíochta Luimnigh
2.1.2 Department Board
Each Department shall have a Department Board. The function of a Department Board is
to advise and assist the Head of Department at a tactical and operational level with regard
to the academic and resource requirements of programmes/modules within the
Department.
The minimum membership of a Department Board consists of the Head of Department,
the Senior Lecturer(s) (SL1 Teaching), where appropriate, and the programme
representatives for each programme within the Department and, where considered
appropriate, student representatives. The President is ex officio a member of the
Department Board. The line Head of Faculty/School is a member of the Department
Board. The Chair shall normally be the Head of Department.
Terms of Reference
Each Department Board has the following responsibilities:
1. Advising the Faculty/School Board on academic matters relevant to the work in its
area.
2. Monitoring the learning and research resources in the programme/module areas
encompassed within the Department.
3. Carrying out such duties as agreed in conjunction with other Departments, in relation
to joint programmes.
4. Recommending to Academic Council through the Faculty/School Board regulations
regarding programmes in its area.
5. Advising the Head of Department on membership of the Validation and Review
panels.
6. Advising the Head of Department on the list of Internal and External Examiners for
submission to the Academic Council Sub-Committee on Academic Quality, for each
programme.
7. Carrying out such other functions as are considered appropriate subject to the
approval of Head of Department.
8. Preparing and submitting an annual report on its work to Academic Council, through
the Head Department
The Head of Department shall be responsible for reporting the decisions and views of the
Department Board to the Faculty/School Board and for transmitting the relevant views of
the Faculty/School Board to the Department Board.
Meetings
A Department Board shall meet at least once per term and at such other times as required.
Meetings will be minuted. Minutes shall be circulated to all members of the Department
Board and the Faculty/School Board and shall be retained by the School Administrator.
2.1.3 Programme Board
A Programme Board shall be established for each programme offered by the Institute.
The Programme Board has the primary responsibility, under the overall guidance of the
Head of Department, for developing and operating the programme.
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Terms of Reference
Each Programme Board has primary responsibility for operating and developing the
programme, and is assigned the following academic responsibilities, within the
framework of the regulations laid down by Academic Council:
1. Advise the Head of Department, as appropriate, and through him/her, the Department
Board, on matters relating to an existing programme.
2. Assist in organising, managing and monitoring a taught programme on behalf of
Academic Council
3. Participate in Programme Reporting throughout the academic year, with a view to
ensuring that the programme is appropriate for the needs of students, graduates and
employers.
4. Have responsibility for the revision of syllabuses and modifications in programme
structure and programme documentation as appropriate and incorporating approved
modifications.
5. Be responsible for carrying out the Critical Self-Study of the programme and the
preparation of revised documentation and other tasks in relation to Programmatic
Reviews.
6. Plan a timetable of assessments at the beginning of the academic year to ensure that
there is a reasonable balance of work for students taking the programme.
7. Prepare a list of texts and equipment that students will be required to purchase and
use.
8. Prepare and maintain a programme handbook for students (suggested contents
include: Institute calendar, an introduction to the Department running the programme,
where to get help, schedule of assessments and examinations, approved programme
schedule, grading schemes, learning outcomes of the programme, regulations for
special purpose areas, required equipment and books, approved syllabus details).
9. Monitor the academic progress of students registered on the programmes for which it
is primarily responsible and take appropriate remedial action when required.
10. Validate examination results by way of participation in Examination Boards
11. Carry out such other functions as are considered appropriate, subject to the approval
of the Head of Department.
The Programme Board may establish sub-committees and working parties, some of
whose membership may be from outside the Programme Board, or, with the approval of
the President, from outside the Institute. The Chairperson shall be responsible for
reporting the decisions and views of the Programme Board to the Department Board and
for transmitting the relevant decisions and views of the Department Board to the
Programme Board.
Membership
The membership of each Programme Board shall comprise of at least all members of
lecturing staff on core and cognate modules within the programme and all related line
heads of function (ex officio the President, and typically, the Head of Faculty/School and
the Head of Department). Student representatives and co-opted members from outside
bodies may be members, where appropriate. The Chair shall be the most senior line head
of function present.
Programme Title Page 25 of 67Limerick Institute of Technology 2016-17 Institiúid Teicneolaíochta Luimnigh Meetings Each Programme Board shall meet at least once per term and at such other times as required. It shall forward copies of its agendas, minutes and any other relevant documents to the Head of Department. Summary feedback on Programme Board Meetings shall be included in the Head’s Annual report to Academic Council. 2.1.4 Staff/Learner Liaison Group Staff/Student Liaison Groups must operate only where Student Representatives are not included on Programme Boards. A Staff/Student Liaison Group consists of lecturers and students on a programme. It is used to facilitate communication (feed-forward or feedback) between staff and students on issues relating to operation of the programme. There shall be one Staff/Student Liaison Group per Programme. Terms of Reference Each Staff/Student Liaison Group shall have the following responsibilities: 1. Consideration and referral to Programme Board when necessary, of issues relating to the Programme 2. Referral of suggestions for specific changes for consideration by the Programme Board 3. Dissemination of information affecting students within the scope of the Programme 4. Provision of responses to issues previously referred to the Programme Board or Faculty/School or Department Board Membership Membership shall consist of at least two students from each level of study within the Programme and at most two members of lecturing staff from each level of the Programme. Where a level is 120 credits, rather than 60 credits, the corresponding membership may be doubled. Gender balance is desirable. The Chair shall be an academic. Meetings Each Staff/Student Liaison Group shall meet at least once each term and at other times as required. Minutes A nominated member of the group shall take minutes and circulate them within ten days of the meeting. A copy of the minutes shall be available to the next Programme Board meeting. The Head of Department shall receive a copy of the minutes. Minutes of Staff/Student Liaison Groups may be recorded and signed-off at the end of the meeting on the sign-off form (Form ACRP 2001: Staff/Student Liaison Form). Programme Title Page 26 of 67
Limerick Institute of Technology 2016-17 Institiúid Teicneolaíochta Luimnigh 2.2 Admission Criteria Higher Certificate (Level 6): Applicants must satisfy a minimum stage 1 entry requirement of Grade 06/H7 or higher at Ordinary Level in five Leaving Certificate Subjects. Two of these subjects must include Mathematics and a Language (Irish or English). In practice, entry levels will be above the minimum and points will be calculated from the six best subjects from one sitting. Mature students (23 years of age on 1st January preceding application) can apply through the CAO for entry to stage 1. Mature students who wish to study Stage 1 part-time by ACCS (Accumulation of Credits and Certification of Subjects) must also apply through the CAO. Ab-initio Ordinary Degree (Level 7): Applicants must satisfy a minimum stage 1 entry requirement of Grade 06/H7 or higher at Ordinary Level in five Leaving Certificate Subjects. Two of these subjects must include Mathematics and a Language (Irish or English). In practice, entry levels will be above the minimum and points will be calculated from the six best subjects from one sitting, which for Level 7 programmes must be greater than 140 points Mature students (23 years of age on 1st January preceding application) can apply through the CAO for entry to stage 1. Mature students who wish to study Stage 1 part-time by ACCS (Accumulation of Credits and Certification of Subjects) must also apply through the CAO. Add-on Ordinary Degree (Level 7): Applicants must satisfy a minimum entry requirement of a Higher Certificate (Level 6) in a relevant field or an equivalent qualification to a Higher Certificate (Level 6) with appropriate prerequisite subjects. Ab-initio Honours Degree (Level 8): Applicants must satisfy a minimum stage 1 entry requirement of a Grade H5 or higher in two Higher Level subjects, together with a Grade 06/H7 or higher in four other Ordinary Level subjects in the Leaving Certificate Examination. Two of these subjects must include Mathematics and a Language (Irish or English). In practice, entry levels will be above the minimum and points will be calculated from the six best subjects from one sitting. Mature students (23 years of age on 1st January preceding application) can apply through the CAO for entry to stage 1. Mature students who wish to study Stage 1 part-time by ACCS (Accumulation of Credits and Certification of Subjects) must also apply through the CAO. Add-on Honours Degree (Level 8): Programme Title Page 27 of 67
Limerick Institute of Technology 2016-17
Institiúid Teicneolaíochta Luimnigh
Applicants must satisfy a minimum entry requirement of a pass in a relevant Bachelor
Degree (Level 7) in a relevant field with an overall average performance of at least 50%
or an equivalent qualification to a Bachelor Degree (Level 7) with appropriate
prerequisite subjects or a pass in a relevant Bachelor Degree (Level 7) with one-year
suitable and relevant work experience.
Taught Masters Degree (Level 9):
(a) A minimum 2.2 honours bachelor degree (Level 8) in a XXX cognate discipline
or
(b) A minimum 2.2 honours bachelor degree (Level 8) in a XXX non-cognate discipline
with considerable XXX experience and/or ability evidenced by an RPL portfolio of
prior experience and learning
or
(c) Equivalent Qualifications. Applicants with equivalent qualifications on the European
and International frameworks will also be considered. International students must
evidence a proficiency in English language for example IELTS 6.0
Postgraduate Diploma Degree (Level 9):
(a) A minimum PASS honours bachelor degree (Level 8) in a XXX cognate discipline
or
(b) A minimum PASS honours bachelor degree (Level 8) in a XXX non-cognate
discipline with considerable XXX experience and/or ability evidenced by an RPL
portfolio of prior experience and learning
or
(c) Equivalent Qualifications. Applicants with equivalent qualifications on the European
and International frameworks will also be considered. International students must
evidence a proficiency in English language for example IELTS 6.0
LIT also offers a range of non-CAO Direct Entry programmes to the Institute to meet
specific demand.
2.3 Transfer and Progression Arrangements
2.3.1 LIT’s Non-First-Year Admissions and Transfer
For an applicant to be deemed eligible for non-first-year admission or
progression/transfer in Limerick Institute of Technology, the applicant must satisfy the
following criteria:
a) Qualify for admission or progression by virtue of academic qualifications held;
b) Meet course pre-requisite requirements, if any, for the programme applied for;
c) Special consideration may be given to mature applicants and those returning to
education, where the applicant is deemed to bring valuable prior learning, or prior
experiential learning, to the course;
d) Special consideration may be given to special needs applicants.
All admissions and progressions are subject to availability of places on the programme
applied for, and applicants are ranked in order of merit.
Programme Title Page 28 of 67Limerick Institute of Technology 2016-17
Institiúid Teicneolaíochta Luimnigh
Non-First-Year Admissions and Progression Priorities:
Where the number of eligible applicants exceeds the number of places available, priority
will be given as follows:
1 Applicants who deferred acceptance of a place at Limerick Institute of
Technology;
2 Applicants in order of merit who are current students of Limerick Institute of
Technology and who are currently attending the programme stream;
3 External applicants whose qualifications were attained in Limerick Institute of
Technology in the programme stream applied for;
4 Applicants who are current students of Limerick Institute of Technology and who
apply to transfer to another Limerick Institute of Technology programme stream;
5 External applicants from agreed link programmes;
6 External applicants from other Institutes of Technology;
7 External applicants from other Education Institutes in Ireland;
8 External applicants from other EU states;
9 External applicants from non-EU states;
10 Late applications to be considered in the order above.
(Ref: LIT’s Admissions Office Policy & Procedures)
2.3.2 LIT’s Requirements for Progression
As per LIT’s Academic Council Regulations and Procedures, the following conditions
shall normally apply, subject to numbers and availability.
1. A student will normally take 60 credits maximum in each year of study.
2. Progression towards an award is restricted by pre-requisite and co-requisite
requirements, the timetable and the rules of the Department of Education and Science
/ Higher Education Authority Free Fees Initiative.
3. Based on Approved Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) a candidate may have
Credits recognised or transferred, or exemptions awarded (ACRP Part 1 Section 5).
4. Progression from Level 6 Qualification (Higher Certificate) to an Add-on Level 7
Ordinary Bachelor Degree requires a Pass Award in the Level 6 Higher Certificate.
5. Progression from Level 7 Ordinary Degree to an Add-on Level 8 Honours Bachelor
Degree requires either:
(a) A pass in all modules in the Level 7 Ordinary Bachelor Degree and an overall
average performance of not less than 50%. A Candidate who has successfully
completed a Level 7 award, but whose performance has not reached the level
required for progression to an Add-on Level 8 award, may repeat classifying
modules for progression purposes only. The Candidate’s original award
classification will still stand.
or
(b) The Level 8 Add-on Programme Board may decide to change to 40% for
progression for that particular programme with Academic Council Approval.
or
Programme Title Page 29 of 67Limerick Institute of Technology 2016-17
Institiúid Teicneolaíochta Luimnigh
(c) A candidate with Level 7 Ordinary Bachelor Degree at Pass level may progress if
he/she has obtained one or more year’s suitable work experience in addition to
obtaining the Level 7 Ordinary Bachelor Degree
6. A Non-First-Year Admissions and Progression Policy is set out in LIT’s Admissions
Office Policy & Procedures. (Ref: LIT’s Admissions Office Policy & Procedures)
Programme Title Page 30 of 67Limerick Institute of Technology 2016-17 Institiúid Teicneolaíochta Luimnigh 2.3.3 Programme Specific Access, Transfer and Progression Arrangements Programme Title Page 31 of 67
Limerick Institute of Technology 2016-17
Institiúid Teicneolaíochta Luimnigh
2.4 Quantity of the Learning Experience
Nature of Programme:
Duration of Programme
Indicative scheduled hours per week are shown in the tables below.
Delivery Mode: (Full-time, Part-time, Distance, Blended)
Indicative
Hours
Stage 1 Stage 2 Stage 3 Award Stage
per
Week
Lecture
Practical
Tutorial
Seminar
Workshop
Project/
Dissertation
Placement
Learner
Self Study
Total
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