CHAPTER 7

                  

REGULATIONS FOR FINAL YEAR PROJECTS/DISSERTATIONS

 

7.1                INTRODUCTION

 

            As part requirement for the award of undergraduate certificate/diploma/degree and taught postgraduate degree at the University of Mauritius, a project culminating in the submission of a dissertation must normally be carried out by students in their final year of study.

 

            The project/dissertation is a module that provides the students with the opportunity to design, undertake or conduct an independent piece of research or study related to their Programme of Studies under the guidance of a supervisor, who is normally a member of the academic staff (full-time or part-time). Other qualified supervisors may also be appointed subject to approval by the Head of Department and Dean of Faculty/ Director of Centre.

 

            A ‘Project’ is an investigative undertaking, a structured, organised experiential learning including design work, field work or other placement learning. A ‘Project’ leads to a ‘dissertation’ that is assessed.

 

The ‘Dissertation’ is a comprehensive description of the aims, objectives of  the project, a review of the literature on the subject matter, the investigation/planning and methodology, the results and findings, and concrete recommendations and conclusions.

 

The dissertation is a major document that reflects the skills of the student to investigate critically a topic/problem, the ability to gather and analyse information, and to present and discuss the results/investigation concisely and clearly.

 

The project/dissertation carries 3-12 credits depending on the Programme of Studies. The number of credits is reflected in the amount of time a student is expected to devote to the project. Typically a project of 12 credits will require about 180 hours (1 credit = 15 hours).

 

The project/dissertation normally lasts two semesters or as stated otherwise in the Programme of Studies, and may involve practical work.

 

            The regulations outlined in this document apply to final year projects/dissertations of both undergraduate and taught postgraduate Programmes.

 

7.2          IDENTIFICATION AND ALLOCATION OF PROJECTS/DISSERTATIONS

 

Depending on Programme(s) of Studies, project/dissertation titles are proposed/identified either by students or by academic staff/supervisors before the beginning of the semester or a few weeks after the beginning of the semester in which the project/dissertation should start.

 

The two main criteria that must drive a project/dissertation proposal are:

 

(i)                  Feasibility of the project/dissertation (time, supervision, cost implication, availability of equipment, chemicals and literature)

(ii)                Academic challenge

 

To administer and allocate project/dissertation titles to students, a Project/Dissertation Coordinator, i.e. the coordinator for the module project/dissertation, is appointed by the Department/Centre for each Programme of Studies.

General enquiries about the organisation of projects/dissertations should be addressed to the Project/Dissertation Coordinator whereas specific enquiries about individual projects/dissertations should be directed to the Project/Dissertation supervisor.

 

The Project/Dissertation Coordinator and the Head of Department should ensure that all academic staff of the relevant Department get a fair share of the number of projects. The number of projects/dissertations allocated to an academic staff of any Department shall be limited to a maximum of five[1] irrespective of whether they are individual or group projects. For co-supervised projects, the supervision load will be considered as half for each supervisor. Any supervision in excess of five projects/dissertations should be approved by the Head of Department and the Dean of Faculty.

 

            The number of supervisors per project shall be restricted to a maximum of two.

 

            Allocation of projects/dissertations normally takes place before or at the beginning of the semester of final year when the project/dissertation is to be carried out. Project allocation should be completed not later than four weeks after the start of the semester of the final year when the project/dissertation is to be carried out.

 

Once the allocation of Project Supervisors/Project Titles has been finalised, an official letter, duly signed by the Head of Department and            copied to the Dean, should be sent to the student/s to inform him/her/them of his/her/their official Project Supervisor and to request that he/she/they consult/s the University website to get acquainted with the regulations pertaining to final year projects/dissertations.

 

7.2.1    Projects/dissertations proposed by students

 

            For projects/dissertations proposed/identified by students, the latter are required to discuss the proposal with potential supervisors from within or outside the department. The project/dissertation title has to be approved by the potential supervisor(s) and the Department.

 

            Students are required to submit a synopsis (less than two A4 pages) within one month as from the beginning of Semester I at latest, which should include the following minimum information:

 

(i)                  Title

(ii)                Aims and objectives

(iii)               Brief Literature Review

(iv)              Methodology - outline the procedures/ methodology/ experimental design that the student intends to use.

(v)                Expected Output

(vi)              Time Framework - a clear time schedule of the project and writing up of the dissertation.

(vii)             Costing (if applicable)

 

            The synopsis should be signed by the supervisor(s) and submitted to the Project/Dissertation Coordinator.

                       

            In some Programmes of Studies, the students will have to submit their synopsis to the Project/Dissertation Coordinator together with a list of three preferred project/dissertation supervisors in order of priority. The Project/Dissertation Coordinator then allocates the supervisor(s) for each project/dissertation according to field chosen, choice of supervisor of student and expertise of supervisor.

                       

            After approval by the Department, a final list of projects/dissertations with the names of supervisors and students prepared by the Project/Dissertation Coordinator is affixed on the Faculty/ Centre Notice Board(s). A copy is also sent to the Faculty/ Centre Registry.

                 

7.2.2    Projects/dissertations proposed by academic staff or other supervisors

 

            The Head of Department requests all academic staff concerned to submit a list of project/dissertation titles to the Project/Dissertation Coordinator.

            A list of project/dissertation titles available for the Programme of Studies is then prepared by the Project/Dissertation Coordinator with the input provided by the academic staff and potential supervisors. A departmental meeting is held to finalise the list of projects/dissertations and the list is then affixed on the Faculty/Centre Notice Board(s).

 

            Students are given the opportunity to meet the supervisors to be informed about the various projects/dissertations proposed. The students are thereafter requested to list 5 projects/dissertations in order of priority and to submit their choices to the Project/Dissertation Coordinator in one-two weeks’ time.

            Based on students’ choices, the projects/dissertations are allocated by the Project/Dissertation Coordinator. After approval by the Department/ Centre, a final list of projects/dissertations with the names of supervisors and students prepared by the Project/Dissertation Coordinator is affixed on the Faculty/ Centre Notice Board(s). A copy is also sent to the Faculty/ Centre Registry. Note that a student may not be automatically allocated his/her preferred project/dissertation as the latter may be over-subscribed.

 

            If there are difficulties in allocating projects/dissertations, a departmental meeting is called to thrash out the matter. In the ultimate event that the allocation of the project/dissertation is deadlocked, then only the students’ CPA shall be taken as a last resort to allocate a particular project/dissertation to the appropriate student.

 

            7.2.3    Projects/dissertations proposed by students and academic staff or other supervisors

 

            In some Programmes of Studies, projects/dissertations may either be proposed by students or by academic staff or other supervisors. The same procedures as outlined in 7.2.1 and 7.2.2 should be followed.

 

            Students should be encouraged as far as possible to come up with their own project proposals.

 

7.3       UNDERTAKING THE PROJECT/DISSERTATION

 

            Students are normally expected to start working on the project/dissertation after the allocation. However, projects/dissertations requiring experimental work to be carried out within or outside the UoM premises would need the prior approval of the supervisor(s).

 

            Students should fill in the Project Proposal/Synopsis (Annex 1) and the Project Progress Log (Annex 2) and same should be attached to the thesis in a permanent manner in order for the thesis to be considered as receivable. However there would be flexibility at Departmental level given the specificities of each Department and its area of specialisation as to which parts of the Project Proposal/Synopsis should be filled in.

 

7.3.1    Responsibilities of the supervisor

 

            Each project/dissertation will be supervised by a member of staff, either full-time or part-time. Some projects/dissertations, due to their inherent nature (e.g. multidisciplinary) may be supervised by a maximum of two supervisors.

 

            A supervisor should normally not be appointed for the project/dissertation of a student who is directly related to him/her to ensure impartiality. The onus to declare any such relation with a final year student rests with the supervisor. In case there is divergence, the Dean/Director will be called to arbitrate.

 

            The supervisor(s) shall monitor, support and direct the student’s work and progress soon after the allocation of project/dissertation titles.

 

The responsibilities of the supervisor include:

 

(i)                  Proposing/supervising projects/dissertations in their own subject area;

(ii)                Briefing the students and apprising them of the regulations pertaining to the final year projects/dissertations;

(iii)               Setting a framework for regular scheduled progress meeting between supervisor(s) and student;

(iv)              Giving frequent feedback/comments on progress achieved by the student;

(v)                Giving guidance about relevant literature on the topic under study and appropriate literature sources;

(vi)              Providing advice on issues of plagiarism, in line with the University Regulations;

(vii)             Assisting in the identification of a research methodology, planning and execution of the research project (if applicable);

(viii)           Giving guidance on the approach for appropriate analysis of data obtained, interpretation and presentation of results (if applicable);

(ix)              Giving guidance about the formulation of an appropriate hypothesis-driven research project and focusing on the objectives of the research (if applicable);

(x)                Assisting in the preparation of a viable/feasible research proposal (synopsis), inclusive of a time schedule and a project costing before embarking on the study (if applicable);

(xi)              Providing guidance on issues of laboratory safety (if applicable);

(xii)             Giving guidance on the writing of the different chapters of the dissertation and communicating the standard expected;

(xiii)           Advising on the preparation of the oral presentation and/or poster (if applicable).

 

           

7.3.2    Responsibilities of the student

 

            Throughout the whole project/dissertation work, the student shall seek advice, comments and guidance from his/her supervisor(s) on the nature of the project/dissertation work and standard expected. Students are advised to keep a notebook for the purpose of the meeting with supervisor(s) while the supervisor(s) may wish to keep a brief record of each meeting held.

 

The responsibilities of the student include:

 

(i)                  Reading the UoM Regulations for Final Year projects/dissertations and any project/dissertation Guidelines prepared by the Department/Faculty/Centre;

(ii)                Reading and abiding by the regulations of the University on Plagiarism and Fabrication or Falsification of Result(s)/Document(s);

(iii)               Arranging with his/her supervisor(s) mutually agreed convenient times to discuss progress achieved (in the event that meetings are not possible, e-mails or other forms of communication may be used);

(iv)              Bringing to the urgent attention of the supervisor(s) any problems (academic and personal) associated with progress;

(v)                Responding to the supervisor’s suggestions and/or criticisms on his/her work and progress;

(vi)              Following all laboratory safety guidelines (if applicable);

(vii)             Discussing the layout of the final dissertation with the supervisor(s) prior to the writing-up stage;

(viii)           Writing the dissertation on his/her own and planning the writing-up so as to give the supervisor(s) adequate time to read the preliminary draft copies and to provide guided and motivated feedback well ahead of the submission date;

(ix)              Adhering to the time schedule specified in the project/dissertation proposal (synopsis) as agreed with the supervisor(s);

(x)                Working diligently and becoming an independent learner.

(xi)              Keeping all raw data/questionnaires/survey forms

 

            If the student is unable to contact his/her supervisor, s/he should contact the Project/Dissertation Coordinator for assistance.

 

            The onus is on the student/s to contact the Project Supervisor regularly for discussion and guidance. Failure to do so shall lead to the dissertation being unreceivable by the Faculty.

 

7.3.3        Others

 

            Any problem encountered by the student during the project/dissertation should be discussed with the supervisor(s). If the matter cannot be resolved, any problem (s) encountered during the supervision of the Projects should be brought immediately to the attention of the Project Coordinator, Programme Coordinator, Head of Department and the Dean of Faculty and the Supervisor shall submit any recommendation (s) well before the time of submission/assessment, for any corrective action to be taken, if necessary.

 

7.4              DISSERTATION

 

The work carried out during the project/dissertation module should be submitted in the form of a dissertation written by the student. The dissertation should be typed and may include relevant diagrams, figures, photographs, illustrations, tables and appendices.

 

7.4.1    Structure

              

The dissertation should consist of preliminaries, main text and references/appendices.

 

7.4.1.1  Preliminaries

 

The preliminaries should abide by the following order, wherever applicable:

 

Ψ  Title Page

           

            The title page of the dissertation shall give the following information in the order listed:

 

(i)            Full title of the project/dissertation as approved by the Department/Faculty/Centre;

(ii)          The full name of the author;

(iii)         The qualification for which the dissertation is submitted;

(iv)        The name of the institution to which the dissertation is submitted;

(v)          The Department and/or Faculty/Centre in which the project/dissertation is to be submitted; and

(vi)        The month and year of submission.

 

Ψ  Table of Contents

 

The Table of Contents shall list in sequence with page numbers all chapters, sections/headings, sub-sections/headings and other sub-divisions of the dissertation, appendices, etc.

 

Ψ  List of Tables, Figures, Plates/Schemes

 

Separate lists of each, in the above order, giving number and page reference.

 

Ψ  Acknowledgements

 

All persons (e.g. supervisor, technician, friends, relatives) and organisation/authorities who/which have helped in the realisation of the project/dissertation shall be acknowledged.

Ψ  Project/Dissertation Declaration Form

 

The form should be duly filled and it should be included just after the acknowledgement in the Dissertation.

 

Ψ  Abstract

 

The abstract constitutes an up to one-page executive summary, which provides a brief outline of the objectives, scope of the project/dissertation, the methodology used, the main findings and results achieved and any conclusions and recommendations made.

 

Ψ  List of Abbreviations

 

This section should list in alphabetical order all abbreviations used in the dissertation.

 

7.4.1.2  Main Text

 

The main text of the dissertation should start with an introduction followed by chapters, subdivided into sections and sub-sections.

 

Depending on Programmes of Studies, appropriate chapters may include amongst others: Literature Review, Materials and Methods (or Methodology), Results, Discussion, Data Analysis, Conclusions and Recommendations.

 

Any table, figure, plate, scheme or illustration included in the dissertation should be clearly labeled. The caption should be placed at the top of tables but below figures/plates/schemes/illustrations.

 

7.4.1.3  References/Appendices

 

The list of references and appendices should follow the main text.

 

            The appendices shall consist of any base material, which would break the flow of the dissertation due to its length or partial irrelevance. Some examples are:

 

Ψ  Specifications and data sheets of equipment from suppliers

Ψ  Correspondence from suppliers and company

Ψ  Raw data

Ψ  Survey sheets

Ψ  Charts and data tables from books

Ψ  Lengthy mathematical derivations

Ψ  Copies of drawings of equipment

 

All appendices should be listed in sequence, i.e. Appendix 1, 2, 3, etc.

 

7.4.2        Physical format and layout

 

7.4.2.1 Cover and binding

 

            (i)         Undergraduate

 

            The dissertations shall be spiral-bound with a protective plastic front cover and a stiff card back-cover.

           

 (ii)       Postgraduate

 

                        The first submission of the dissertations shall be in spiral-bound form with a protective plastic front cover and a stiff card back-cover.

                        After the Board of Examiners, the dissertation shall be submitted hard-bound, in book form in a fixed binding. The boards shall have sufficient rigidity to support the weight of the work when standing upon the shelf. The cover shall be black and full bound.

 

                        The spine of the dissertation shall bear in at least 24 pt (8 mm) type the qualification and the student’s surname and initials and the year of presentation in gold lettering, starting 40 mm from the base. This information shall be printed along the spine in such a way as to be readable when the dissertation is lying flat with back cover uppermost. If the dissertation consists of more than one volume, the spine shall bear the number of each volume.

 

                        The front cover shall bear in at least 24 pt (8 mm) type the full title of the dissertation as approved by the Department/Faculty/Centre.

 

7.4.2.2 Paper and typographical detail

 

              The dissertation must be typed, justified and printed on one side of the paper only using:

 

(i)            1½ line spacing, and

(ii)          characters not less than 10 pt, font type ‘Times New Roman’ or ‘Arial’.

 

Good quality A4 white paper should be used for the printing and for xerographic copies.

 

The left margin used for binding shall not be less than 40 mm while all other margins shall not be less than 20 mm.

 

7.4.2.3  Pagination

 

            Pages shall be numbered consecutively throughout the dissertation, starting with the title page, including appendices.

 

            Roman numerals (i, ii, iii..) shall be used for the front pages (Preliminaries) and Arabic numerals (1, 2, 3, …) as from the ‘Introduction’ section onwards.

 

            Page numbers shall be located centrally at the bottom of the page, approximately 10 mm above the edge.

 

            If there is more than one volume, each volume shall have its own pagination.

 

7.4.3    Referencing

 

Each student should adhere to the system of referencing as per “The University of Mauritius Referencing Guide” when writing up the dissertation. The Referencing Guide will normally be based on the Harvard System. However, the AMS and IEEE are also acceptable.

 

Students and staff are advised to refer to ‘The University of Mauritius Referencing Guide’ available on the UoM website and at the Faculty/Centre Registry.

 

7.4.4    Submission

 

7.4.4.1 Undergraduate programmes

 

Three copies of the dissertation (two spiral-bound copies and one copy on electronic storage media) should be submitted to the Faculty/Centre Registry not later than the last week day of March of the academic year by 4.00 p.m at latest.

 

7.4.4.2  Postgraduate programmes

 

Three copies of the dissertation (two spiral-bound copies and one copy on electronic storage media) should be submitted to the Faculty/Centre Registry not later than the last week day of May of the academic year (for programmes where there is only project/dissertation in the last semester) or last week day of August by 4.00 p.m at latest (for programmes where there are taught modules in the last semester) unless specified otherwise in the Programme of Studies.

 

7.4.4.3  Project/dissertation submission form

 

All students must fill and sign the relevant section of the ‘Project/Dissertation Submission Form’ at the time of submission of the two hard copies and one soft copy of the dissertation to the Faculty/Centre Registry. The student will receive an acknowledgement of receipt from the Faculty/Centre Registry. The latter will then forward the form to the supervisor(s) for their comments on the supervision.

 

The approval of the supervisor(s) should be sought before submission of the dissertation by a student. In cases where a student has submitted his/her dissertation without approval from the supervisor(s), the latter will indicate it in the section to be completed by the supervisor(s) in the Project/Dissertation Submission Form.

 

7.4.4.4 Project Progress Log (Log Book)

 

            Please refer to Section 7.3.

 

7.4.4.5  Extension of project submission

 

Only under exceptional circumstances (e.g. medical reason or major equipment breakdown) will extensions be granted. Extension request much be submitted in writing to the Dean of Faculty/Centre Director through the Head of Department, Programme Coordinator and Project/Dissertation Coordinator outlining the reasons for the delay. The extension should be approved by the Faculty/Cluster Board. Such extension should normally not exceed one (1) month.

 

7.4.5    Length of dissertation

 

Length of dissertation is normally indicated. The number of words in the final year project/dissertation shall be between 6,000-8,000 for an undergraduate Certificate/Diploma Programme, 8,000-12,000 for an undergraduate degree Programme and 10,000-14,000 for a taught postgraduate degree Programme.

 

The number of words applies only to the main body of the dissertation including all footnotes and references but excluding all tables, schemes, figures which may form part of the main body. Hence, material before the main body that is table of contents, list of figures, list of tables, list of schemes, declaration form, acknowledgement, abstracts etc. and material after the main body that is List of References and appendices should not be included in the word count.

 

7.4.5.1 Penalties for exceeding the word limit or being below the required number of words

 

During marking, students should be assessed for the quality and substance of the research work, which should be given academic importance/recognition.   

 

Writing to a specific word length encourages the development of certain skills such as the ability to present arguments and ideas concisely, and the ability to construct a coherent structure and argument.

 

The word length is a binding regulation and consequently all students must record the length of their dissertation in the ‘Project/Dissertation Submission Form’. A student will be penalised for submitting a dissertation which is above or below the required number of words.

 

Penalties for words in excess/below the word limit, specified for a Programme of Studies, will be included in the Evaluation Criteria/Marking Scheme 

 

Please refer to “Guidelines for Processing of Examination Results at UoM”

 

7.4.6    Group projects

 

In some Programmes of Studies, projects/dissertations are carried out in groups due to large cohorts, the nature of the subject or to encourage teamwork.

 

A maximum of three (3) students per group is allowed. The supervisor(s) should ensure that each student in the group is given individual work apart from the common group work.

 

At the end of the project/dissertation, there are two possibilities as follows:

 

(i)         Where there are small cohorts (≤50), the students submit individual dissertations and are assessed separately;

 

(ii)        Where there are large cohorts (>50), they submit one (1) group dissertation and are assessed as a group in which case the student obtain the same marks for the project.

 

Students who submit one (1) group dissertation as at (ii) above, should fill in the ‘Group Project/Dissertation Submission Form’ in which their individual contributions are indicated.

If the ‘Group Project/Dissertation Submission Form’ reflects an unequal contribution from the students to the project, the supervisor jointly with the second assessor/examiner will assess the students through presentations or viva-voce to ascertain their respective contribution and amend their marks accordingly.

 

Group Projects/Dissertations will be assessed using the same criteria as for individual projects/dissertations as per section 7.5.

 

Irrespective of the above, the department and the student may decide on the submission of individual or group dissertations even if the work has been carried out in group, if they deem same to be more appropriate.

 

In cases where there are disagreement and divergence in opinion between members of the group during the project/dissertation work, the matter should be referred immediately to the supervisor(s), Project/Dissertation Coordinator, Head of Department or Dean/Director of Faculty/Centre for any appropriate action so that no student is penalised.

 

7.4.7    Late submission

 

 

(i)                  All dissertations in the final version should be submitted to the Faculty/Centre Registry by due dates.

 

            Late submission will only be accepted over 10 working days* after the official deadline for submission of Dissertations, as laid down in the Regulations.

 

(*Working days exclude Saturdays/Sundays/Public Holidays)

 

(ii)                A penalty will be imposed for each day of late submission, over the 10 working days as follows:

           

Δ    The 1st day of late submission will entail a penalty of 4 marks deducted from the total dissertation mark obtained (over 100).

 

Δ    Each additional day will then entail a cumulative penalty of 2 marks/day deducted from the total dissertation mark obtained (over 100).

 

Δ    After the 10th day, the Dissertation will be deemed unreceivable, (i.e will not be accepted by the Faculty Registry) and will be allotted ‘0’ mark.

 

(iii)               Faculty/Centres Registries will send official notes to all students who have not submitted their Dissertations within the 10 days penalty period, for record purposes.

 

(iv)              Students with late submissions but having genuine cases of lateness which are beyond their control, will have to submit evidence to the Dean’s/Director’s Office prior to the 10 days penalty period, for Boards of Faculty/Centre to consider their case(s).

 

(v)                The modus operandi of the linear penalty system is indicated below; an example of a student scoring 60 marks (over 100) in the Dissertation, with late submission is also indicated:

 

 

Day of late Submission

 

Penalty

(Marks)

Marks

(over 100)

Day 1

4

56

Day 2

6

54

Day 3

8

52

Day 4

10

50

Day 5

12

48

Day 6

14                    #

46

Day 7

16

44

Day 8

18

42

Day 9

20

40

Day 10

22

38

 

            #  cumulative 2 marks (over 100) per day.

 

7.4.8    Plagiarism

 

It is important that the students adhere to the standard conventions for the referencing of other people’s work. In particular, the dissertation should clearly mention any work that is not the work of the student, whenever such work is presented.

 

A project/dissertation must be the student’s own work and must not contain any plagiarised material. Use of plagiarised material will be treated as a disciplinary offence under breach of examination regulations (c.f. Section on Plagiarism in ‘Information to Students’ Handbook).

 

7.5       ASSESSMENT

 

After submission of the dissertation, the latter will be assessed by the student’s supervisor(s) and one other examiner chosen by the Department/Centre, in collaboration with the Project/Dissertation Coordinator.

 

In the event that the supervisor is a part-time staff, then the second examiner/assessor should be an academic staff of the University. Both the supervisor and the second examiner/assessor cannot be from outside the University.

 

The assessment of the final year project/dissertation is based mainly on the written dissertation but may also be based on viva-voce and/or poster presentation by the student. Each project/dissertation will be subject to double blind marking, i.e. each assessor will submit his/her marks independently.

 

The External Examiner will only review the final year project/dissertation (c.f. Section 5.4). Soft copies of final year projects/dissertations to be reviewed, can be sent to external examiners who wish to have them prior to their visit to the University. It is advised that for security reasons, conversion to PDF be carried out by the student.

 

The student’s supervisor(s) will mark the project/dissertation out of 100 marks and the second examiner/assessor will also mark the project/dissertation out of 100 marks. The mark awarded will be inclusive of any viva-voce, and poster presentation by the student, if applicable.

 

Please refer to “Guidelines for Processing of Examination Results at UoM”

 

Depending on Programmes of Studies, the weighting of the marks of the student’s supervisor(s) and the assessor may vary from 40-60%.

 

For example:

 

Programme of Studies A (Weighting supervisor/second assessor: 50/50)

 

Mark given by student’s supervisor(s): 68

Mark given by second assessor: 60

Mark obtained by student: (68x0.5) + (60x0.5) = 64

 

Programme of Studies B (Weighting supervisor/second assessor: 60/40)

 

Mark given by student’s supervisor(s): 68

Mark given by second assessor: 60

Mark obtained by student: (68x0.6) + (60x0.4) = 65 (rounded to nearest whole number)

 

Programme of Studies C (Weighting supervisor/second assessor: 40/60)

 

Mark given by student’s supervisor(s): 68

Mark given by second assessor: 60

Mark obtained by student: (68x0.4) + (60x0.6) = 63 (rounded to nearest whole number)

 

7.5.1        Marking scheme

 

The examiners’ assessment of the project/dissertation work will be based on a variety of features. These include amongst others: understanding; the standard of presentation and grammar; the adequacy of the literature survey and data research (as appropriate to the particular project/dissertation); the correct usage of referencing system; the extent to which the stated aims of the project/dissertation have been satisfied, taking account of the overall difficulty of the material that has been tackled; ability to use graphic packages, spreadsheets and statistics; ability to explain findings; interpretation of data and results; integration with literature; originality; practical ability; the ability to manage time and make progress without excessively detailed guidance from the supervisor; and the capacity that has been shown for independent work.

 

Each Programme of Studies may have its own dissertation/project assessment form with its marking scheme. Some examples of marking schemes are illustrated.

 

EXAMPLES OF MARKING SCHEMES

 

  Marking Scheme A                                               Marking Scheme B

 

Criteria

Marks

 

Criteria

Marks

Definition of the Problem

/10

 

Definition of Theme/Topic

/10

Literature Review

/20

 

Presentation and Lay-out

/10

Methodology

/10

 

Language, Style

/20

Analysis of Findings

/30

 

Research Methodology/Originality

/20

Recommendations and Conclusion

/20

 

Analysis of Theme/Data

/30

Presentation and Originality

/10

 

Conclusion

/10

Total

/100

 

Total

/100

 

  Marking Scheme C

 

Mark (x%)

Criteria

≥ 80

Clear evidence of original thinking, demonstration of ability to logically develop a synthesis of findings, including theoretical ideas and incorporating evidence for statements made. Outstanding grasp, and critical/analytical evaluation of relevant literature. Very good ability to collate results. Insightful analysis leading to valid conclusions and recommendations. Expression, style of presentation and grammar of high standard. Potentially publishable as a journal paper with minor revision.

70 ≤ x < 80

Evidence of original thinking, synthesis of ideas and themes from several sources. Very good ability to make critical use of relevant literature. Substantive analysis of data and expertly presented in clear diagrams and/or tables. Well argued and written. Valid conclusions. Expression, style of presentation and grammar of high standard.

60 ≤ x < 70

Evidence of clear thinking. Good critical and analytical ability but lacking the creativity, rigour, substance, fluency and critical quality of a first class project. Good ability to make critical use of relevant literature. Good analysis of data.  Relevant conclusions. Expression, style of presentation and grammar of moderate standard.

50 ≤ x < 60

Evidence of some critical and analytical ability. Satisfactory use and understanding of relevant literature. Satisfactory analysis of data and conclusions. Expression, style of presentation and grammar of moderate standard.

40 ≤ x < 50

Almost lacking in critical analysis and original thinking. Basic understanding of relevant literature. Superficial analysis of data and conclusions. Expression, style of presentation and grammar often poor (e.g. unstructured paragraphs, spelling/typing errors, low quality illustration, repetitive).

30 ≤ x < 40

Poor critical ability. Rudimentary understanding of relevant literature. Insufficient quality and quantity of data either due to deficient research plan or lack of effort. Poor evaluation of results. Lacking in conclusions. Expression, style of presentation and grammar often poor.

x < 30

Very little or no evidence that student has identified issues relevant to project/dissertation. Lack of coherence.

 

Marking Scheme D                                                   Marking Scheme E

 

Criteria

Marks

 

Criteria

Marks

Relevance and Objectives

Relevant and well defined objectives? Are they achievable? Innovativeness?

/5

 
Abstract

Is the abstract a concise summary of the dissertation?

/5

Framework/References

Library and Internet sources well used?

/10

 

 

Topic Definition

Does the dissertation offer a clear exposition of its aims and objectives? Does the dissertation offer an insight of the importance, applicability, relevance, etc. of the topic?

/5

Method

Adequate method used and the choice motivated

/10

 

 

Written/Style Layout

Does the dissertation address issues like grammar, style of writing, clarity of exposition, overall presentation (e.g. graphs, figures, equations, symbols, pagination, appendix, etc.) properly?

/7.5

Data Collection

Are surveys/interviews or other data collection method well done? Are alternative(s) discussed?

/20

 

Use of Diagrams

Are the diagrams and figures informative? Quality of the diagrams?

/10

Analysis

Is the analysis based on sound principles? Are statistical methods (if used) appropriately used?

/15

 

Experimental

Does the dissertation make out clearly the use of methods and procedures of required standard to present, analyse and solve the problem defined?

/20

Validation and Discussion

Has the validity of the results been discussed? Is the discussion logical and persuasive?

/15

 

Analysis and Discussion

Does the dissertation include proper statistical techniques and software? Is there any evidence of critical use of the relevant literature? Have the results/findings been well argued and written? Is there evidence of originality, independent/ critical thought and reflective ability?

/30

Conclusions and Recommendations

Are conclusions and recommendations logical and useful?

/15

 

Conclusion

Does the dissertation include a constructive conclusion with well-balanced arguments? Is there evidence of any realistic recommendation? Does the conclusion offer any insights as to any limitations of methods used and as to future directions?

/7.5

Presentation

Overall quality of presentation; language, figures, tables, and ability to answer questions/queries (viva-voce).

/10

 

Bibliography

Does the dissertation contain an adequate literature review? Correct usage of referencing system?

/7.5
Total

/100

 

Presentation

Quality of poster presentation and ability to answer questions/queries (viva-voce).

/7.5

 

 

 

Total

/100

 

 

 

 

 


7.5.2    Viva-voce and oral presentation

 

            Viva voce examination is applicable for all Programmes of Studies at the University of Mauritius (Undergraduate and Postgraduate); it normally assesses presentational skills and includes questions designed to:

 

(i)            ascertain that the dissertation embodies the student’s own work;

(ii)          give the student an opportunity to defend the direction, structure and conclusions of the dissertation;

(iii)         acquire further clarification on any particular issues in the dissertation;

(iv)        test the student’s acquaintance with the general literature pertaining to the subject.

 

The viva voce done during the visit of the External Examiner should be conducted/carried out by the External Examiner.  The latter may invite other staff to be present, in line with Section 7.5.4 of the Regulations.

 

As part of the assessment of dissertations, some Departments may conduct a viva voce prior to the visit of the External Examiner. The viva voce will be conducted in the presence of Internal Examiners [Supervisor(s), second Examiner/Assessor].

 

Oral presentation(s) by students may also be carried out during the project/dissertation work to ascertain the students’ progress. However, the oral presentation(s) will not be assessed.

 

Please refer to “Guidelines for Processing of Examination Results at UoM”

 

7.5.3    Poster presentation

 

            In some Programmes of Studies, the student is requested to prepare a poster pertaining to his/her project/dissertation as part requirement of the final year project/dissertation module.

 

            Posters provide information through the use of visuals in a well-coordinated and organised combination of text and illustration. Students are given a date by which to submit the poster and they are requested to be present next to their poster on the day of the presentation to answer the questions that the assessors (supervisor(s), second assessor and/or External Examiner) may have.

 

            A good poster should:

 

Ψ  be simple and informative;

Ψ  be easy to read and understand with relevant legends;

Ψ  be visually appealing and attractive to encourage people to read it;

Ψ  contain text and illustrative matter harmoniously combined to produce an effective presentation;

Ψ  be prepared with the audience in mind.

 

A typical poster should include:

 

Ψ  a brief introduction stating the problem;

Ψ  the objectives of the study;

Ψ  an outline of the methodology used;

Ψ  presentation of the results and discussion;

Ψ  conclusions and recommendations;

Ψ  major references, if necessary.

 

The poster size (e.g. one Bristol size paper (78*55 cm) or A0) should be specified by the Department/Centre. The font may be either Arial or Times New Roman and the recommended font size is as follows:

 

Item

Font Size

Title of Poster

70

Subtitle

30

Text

24

Title of Tables and Illustrations

18

 

7.5.4    Review by External Examiners

 

          Each External Examiner should be given a copy of the UoM regulations for final year projects/dissertations and any guideline/regulation prepared by the Department/Faculty/ Centre.

 

The mark of the student’s project/dissertation will be the weighted average of the marks awarded by the supervisor(s) and the second assessor/examiner. This mark may change after moderation by the External Examiner.

 

Where the marks of the supervisor(s) and second assessor for project/dissertation differ by more than 10 marks, the Project/Dissertation Coordinator will request the Supervisor/Assessor to consult among themselves so as to arrive at an agreed mark.

 

The consultation will be done after the assessment would have been done independently by the Supervisor/Assessor.  The concept of blind marking is being maintained. 

 

Conflicting cases or cases of grade difference in marks allocated by Supervisor/Assessor, if any, will be brought to the attention of the External Examiner(s).

 

In any case, External Examiners have the final say with respect to borderline cases (i.e. pertaining to borderline marks/grades).

 

All the projects/dissertations are made available to the External Examiner(s) for review. They are also provided with the marks awarded by the supervisor(s) and second assessor and the weighted average mark.

 

Depending on Programmes of Studies and the number of projects/dissertations, External Examiner(s) may either go through all the projects/dissertations or a sample of projects. If a sample of projects/dissertations is to be chosen, the External Examiner(s) may wish to examine some of the following:

 

Ψ  at least one project/dissertation from each Supervisor;

Ψ  at least one project/dissertation from each class of award;

Ψ  project/dissertation of First class students;

Ψ  project/dissertation of students with borderline marks/class.

 

External Examiner(s) should normally review all failed projects/dissertations and all projects/dissertations where the marks of the supervisor(s) and second assessor for project/dissertation differ by more than 10 marks.

 

The External Examiners should be given the opportunity to assess/review any other Dissertation(s) which he/she wishes or as indicated by the Dissertation Coordinator/Programme Coordinator/Head of Department, over and above the provisions made above.

                                                                                    

External Examiners have the right to have access to all Dissertations which they wish to assess/review

 

Depending on Programmes of Studies, External Examiner(s) may also be called upon to attend poster presentations by the students, where questions may be asked.

 

If viva-voce examination will be carried out by the External Examiner(s), a random sample of students, established by the Department/Centre in consultation with the External Examiner(s) will be called for. Students concerned will be informed accordingly. The viva-voce examination (normal duration of 10-30 minutes) is carried out by the External Examiner(s). Depending on the latter, other staff (e.g. project supervisor, second assessor, Head of Department) may be present.

 

The final reviewed mark is used for the computation of the student’s CPA or academic standing. The University expects disagreements between the internal and External Examiner(s) to be resolved through discussion. In the event of serious divergence of opinion between the Examiners, the recommendation of the External Examiner(s) shall be final, subject to approval by Senate (c.f. Document on External Examining of Undergraduate and Postgraduate Taught Degree Programmes).

 

Please refer to “Guidelines for Processing of Examination Results at UoM”

 

7.6         SUBMISSION/Re-SUBMISSION OF THE PROJECT/dissertation

 

A student who has failed her/his dissertation/project must either submit a new or an amended one as decided by the Board of Examiners, Faculty/Cluster Board and Senate.

 

7.6.1        Undergraduate

 

(i)         For a failed project/dissertation with possibility of amendments, the re-submission should be effected at latest three (3) months following Senate’s approval of results.

 

(ii)        For a failed project/dissertation with recommendation for a new submission (new title), submission should be effected by last week day of March of following academic year by 4.00 p.m at latest. For programmes which start during an odd semester, the Faculty/Centre will re-adjust the deadline accordingly.

 

7.6.2        Postgraduate

 

The re-submission/submission date for an amended/new project/dissertation will be the last week date of August of the following year by 4.00 p.m at latest. For programmes which start during an odd semester, the Faculty/Centre will re-adjust the deadline accordingly.

 

7.7          REVIEW OF PROJECTS/DISSERTATIONS

 

            Requests for review of projects/dissertations from final year diploma, undergraduate and postgraduate students should be lodged within one (1) week of receipt of the transcript of examination results by filling in the ‘Students Review Form’ (SRF), available at the Examinations Office, and submitting same to the said Office. A fee of Rs 1,200 is payable. The whole amount will be refunded to the student if the latter’s grade is improved following the review of his/her project/dissertation.

 

            The Examinations Office will inform the student  of the outcome of his/her request for review within 4 weeks from the receipt of the application for review and take any action, if necessary, with respect to refund of the fee to the student. (See section 3.4.5 w.r.t review of examination scripts)

 


UNIVERSITY OF MAURITIUS

 

PROJECT/DISSERTATION DECLARATION FORM
 
 


Name:

Student ID:

Programme of Studies:

Module Code/Name:

Title of Project/Dissertation:

 

Name of Supervisor(s):

 

Declaration:

 

In accordance with the appropriate regulations, I hereby submit the above dissertation for examination and I declare that:

 

(i)           I have read and understood the sections on Plagiarism and Fabrication and Falsification of Results found in the University’s “General Information to Students” Handbook (20…./20….) and certify that the dissertation embodies the results of my own work.

 

(ii)         I have adhered to the ‘Harvard system of referencing’ or a system acceptable as per “The University of Mauritius Referencing Guide” for referencing, quotations and citations in my dissertation. Each contribution to, and quotation in my dissertation from the work of other people has been attributed, and has been cited and referenced.

 

(iii)        I have not allowed and will not allow, anyone to copy my work with the intention of passing it off as his or her own work.

 

(iv)       I am aware that I may have to forfeit the certificate/diploma/degree in the event that plagiarism has been detected after the award.

 

(v)         Notwithstanding the supervision provided to me by the University of Mauritius, I warrant that any alleged act(s) of plagiarism during my stay as registered student of the University of Mauritius is entirely my own responsibility and the University of Mauritius and/or its employees shall under no circumstances whatsoever be under any liability of any kind in respect of the aforesaid act(s) of plagiarism.

 

 

Signature:

 

 

Date:

 

 

 

 


UNIVERSITY OF MAURITIUS

 

PROJECT/DISSERTATION SUBMISSION FORM
 
 


This form must be completed and handed to the Faculty/Centre Registry at the time of submission of the two spiral-bound copies and one copy on electronic storage media  of the dissertation.

 

A. To be Completed by the Student

 

 

Name:

Student ID:

Programme of Studies:

Module Code/Name:

Title of Project/Dissertation:

 

Word Count:    

Signature:

Date:

 

 
B: To be Completed by the Supervisor(s)
           

 

Name(s):

Comment(s) on the Supervision

 

 

 

Signature:

Date:

 

 
C: For Office Use Only

 

 

 

This is to certify that Mr/Ms/Mrs…………………………………..has submitted………..spiral-bound copies and ………soft copy of dissertation on………………………………at the Faculty/Centre Registry.

 

 

………………………………….                                                    …………………………………….

        Officer’s Name                                                                                                      Officer’s Signature

 


UNIVERSITY OF MAURITIUS

 

GROUP PROJECT/DISSERTATION SUBMISSION FORM
 
 


This form must be completed and handed to the Faculty/Centre Registry at the time of submission of the two spiral-bound copies and one copy on electronic storage media of the dissertation.

 

A. To be Completed by the Students

 

 

Name

Student ID

Programme of Studies

Module Code/Name

1.

 

 

 

2.

 

 

 

3.

 

 

 

Title of Project/Dissertation:

 

Word Count:     

Mark each group members’ contribution and effort towards the group work out of 100 points. (50 points = equal contribution; 0 – 40 points = less than equal contribution ; 60 – 100 points = above equal contribution)

Name of Group Member

Points

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Signatures:1. ……………………………………………………………………………………………

                  

                2…………………………………………………………………………………………….

 

                 3…………………………………………………………………………………………….

 

 

Date:………………………………………………….

 

        ………………………………………………..

 

…………………………………………………

 

 

B: To be Completed by the Supervisor(s)

 

Name(s):

Comment(s) on the Supervision

 

 

Signature:

Date:

 

C: For Office Use Only

 

This is to certify that students……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………have submitted………..spiral-bound copies and ………soft copy of dissertation on……………………………………………………………………at the Faculty/Centre Registry.

 

………………………………….                                                                                                …………………………………….

  Officer’s Name                                                                                                      Officer’s Signature

ANNEX 1

 
UNIVERSITY OF MAURITIUS

FACULTY ………………………..

 

PROJECT PROPOSAL/SYNOPSIS

 

 

Department ………........................................................................………………....

Academic Year ……….......................................................................……………..

Students are hereby informed that they should submit this document (approximately 200 words) to their respective Module/Project Co-ordinators by one month as from the beginning of Semester I at latest.

Student's Name: …………...................................…...................................………..

 

Student ID: ………………........................................................................…………

 

Title of dissertation: ……….......................................................................……….

 

 

Aims and Objectives: ………………………………………………………………………………………...….………………...............…………………........................................................

………………...............…………………................................................................

…………...............…………………......................................................…………..

………………...............…………………......................................................……..

…………...............…………………......................................................…………..

 

Proposed Methodology (tentative): ………………………………………...……………………………………………..

..........…………………......................................................………………………...

………………...............…………………......................................................……..

………………...............…………………......................................................……..

………………...............…………………......................................................……..….……………...............…………………......................................................…….

………………...............…………………......................................................……..

………………...............…………………......................................................……..

 

Frequency to meet supervisor

Start of Project

……………...............…………………......................................................……….

………………...............…………………......................................................…….

………………...............…………………......................................................…….

End of Project

………………...............…………………......................................................…….

………………...............…………………......................................................…….

………………...............…………………......................................................…….

Comments, if any ………………...............…………………......................................................…….

………………...............…………………......................................................…….

 

GANTT CHART

 

 

Aug

Sept

Oct

Nov

Dec

Jan

Feb

Mar

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Student's Signature: ………………    Supervisor's Name......….......…………..

Date: …………………….                  Supervisor’s Signature: ………………..

                                                          Date: …………………….

 

ANNEX 2

 
 

 

 


UNIVERSITY OF MAURITIUS

 

FACULTY ………………………..

 

PROGRESS LOG

 

Student Name            :

Student ID                  :

Department                :

Programme                 :

Title of Dissertation   :

Supervisor                  :

Project Coordinator   :

 

·        Your Progress Log serves as a record of your transferable skills and participation and attainment as a student for dissertation purposes.

 

·        Its purpose is to help you to plan your own dissertation and to record the outcomes.

 

·        As well as gaining valuable skills, you will find that the information accumulated in this Log will prove helpful during the write up of the dissertation.

 

·        The document belongs to you and it is your responsibility to keep it up to date.

 

·        It is your responsibility to ensure your supervisor is aware of the dissertation activities you have undertaken.

 

You should sign the appropriate statement below when you submit your Progress Log:

 

I confirm that the information I have given in this Log is a true and accurate record:

 

 

 

 

 

Signed: ………………………………………                                    Date: …………………..

 

 

 

 

 

RECORD OF STRATEGIC MEETINGS WITH SUPERVISOR

 

 

Meetings

Date

Topics/Themes Discussed

Comments (If any)

Supervisor’s Initials

Student’s Initials

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Supervisor …………………………        Signature ……………………        Date…………….

 

 

N.B:        Both the supervisor and the student should retain a copy of this Project Progress Log.

                A copy of the duly filled and signed Progress Log should be included and submitted in the section                 ‘Appendices’ of the Dissertation.

 

 

 

 

UNIVERSITY OF MAURITIUS

NON-DISCLOSURE FORM FOR STUDENTS (UNDERGRADUATE/POSTGRADUATE/ MPhil/PhD

AND OTHER RESEARCH PROGRAMMES)

 

FACULTY / CENTRE (UoM):

I, Student …………….…………………………………………….. of the University of Mauritius, following the  final year of the ……………………………………..programme will submit my thesis/dissertation entitled…………………., on … ………………as per regulations. I hereby inform the Faculty that my dissertation/thesis contains materials for IPR/Commercialisation. I hereby request that information/data/methodology/result, that the external examiner (s) and the UoM, will come across in my thesis/dissertation will not be disclosed to anyone, nor will he/she/they use any information/data/methodology/result, for any purpose whatsoever, except with my prior written permission.  They also have to formally sign an undertaking that these information /data/ methodology/result, will be kept in strict confidentiality.

 

Programme  :………………………………………………………………………………………………..

 

Faculty /Centre  : …………………………………………………………………………………………

 

Date : ……………………………………………………………………………………………………….

 

Postal Address : …………………………………………………………………………………………….

 

Email :……………………………………………………………………………………………………….

 

Telephone : ………………………………………………………………………………………………….

 

Fax :…………………………………………………………………………………………………………

 

Signature : …………………………………………………………………………………………………..

 

Approved by   (i)   Supervisor:                                                                          Date:                                                                                                                   

                              

                        (ii) Head of Department:                                                           Date:

 

                        (iii) Dean of Faculty:                                                                  Date :

 

                        (iv) Vice Chancellor:                                                                  Date:

 

NB         (1):  The form shall be duly filled in and submitted to the relevant Dean/Director of Faculty/Centre at least 3 (three) Months before the due date of submission of Thesis/Dissertation

      (2):  The Form, once signed by the Vice Chancellor will be copied to the relevant Dean of Faculty and to  the Director, Consultancy and Contract Research Centre (CCRC).

      (3):  The time limit for the IPR rights to be kept confidential will be for a period of three (3) years.                                      


UNIVERSITY OF MAURITIUS

NON-DISCLOSURE FORM FOR STUDENTS WORKING

ON RESEARCH PROJECTS

 

FACULTY / CENTRE (UoM):

 

I, Mr/Miss/Mrs.…………….……………………………………………..am presently working on a research project entitled………………………………………………………at the University of Mauritius along with other investigator (s)/researcher(s). I hereby solemnly affirm /make oath that I have taken cognizance of the University of Mauritius (UoM) Consultancy & Contract Research Scheme and the UoM Intellectual Property (IP) Scheme and that I will not disclose any information/data/methodology/result, etc that I will come across to anyone, nor will I use any information/data/methodology/result, etc for any purpose whatsoever, except with the prior written permission of the University of Mauritius. I also undertake to keep these information /data/ methodology/result, etc* in strict confidentiality.

 

ResearchProject:……………………………………………………………………………………………

 

Faculty /Centre  : …………………………………………………………………………………………

 

Date : ……………………………………………………………………………………………………….

 

Postal Address : …………………………………………………………………………………………….

 

Email :……………………………………………………………………………………………………….

 

Telephone : ………………………………………………………………………………………………….

 

Fax :…………………………………………………………………………………………………………

 

Signature : …………………………………………………………………………………………………..

 

Approved by  (i) Main Investigator/Researcher:                                            Date:                                                                                                                  

                               

                        (ii) Head of Department:                                                           Date:

 

                        (iii) Dean of Faculty:                                                                  Date :

 

                        (iv) Vice Chancellor:                                                                  Date:

 

NB (1): The Form, once signed by the Vice Chancellor will be copied to the relevant Dean of Faculty and to the Director, Consultancy and Contract Research Centre (CCRC).

    (2): The time limit for the IPR rights to be kept confidential will be for a period of three (3) years.

 


[1] One project is defined as project undertaken by either one student or a group of two or three students.