CHAPTER 3
3.1 Academic
Year
The academic year of the University is divided into 2
semesters each of 15 weeks’ duration.
Written examinations are held either after the 15th
week of each semester or at the end of the academic year depending on the
Programme of Studies and are usually of two-three weeks’ duration.
3.2 Programme
of Studies
A Programme of Studies is an approved curriculum, which leads to an award upon
successful completion.
A Programme of Studies (e.g. BSc (Hons) Mathematics or
BEng (Hons) Civil Engineering) is made up of a specified number of modules,
which are drawn from one discipline or field of study or more and which often
combine core modules with a range of electives from which students can choose.
Each of the modules carries a certain number of credits.
3.3 Modules
A
module refers to any discrete and relatively self-contained course unit
for curriculum option, each of which is likely to be characterised by a
particular content and structure, specific methods of delivery (a combination
of lectures, tutorials, practicals and independent learning, or a set of
learning-teaching materials) and a particular approach to assessment. It is a
subset of a Programme of Studies.
Each
module usually consists of an equivalent of 45-90 contact hours comprising
lectures, tutorials, laboratory/field work, etc. Students are, however,
expected to put in additional work through private study, library work, etc.
Each module normally carries 3-6 credits, unless otherwise stated.
Each
module can either be taught in one semester (semester module) or throughout two
semesters (yearly module).
Each module has a unique
code of 4 or 5 digits, #1#2#3#4 or
#1#2#3#4(#5),
representing normally the following:
#1: Year (y),
where 1 £ y £
5, for undergraduate programmes. For postgraduate programmes, #1 = 6
or 5 (for some postgraduate modules).
#2: Semester (s), where 1 £ s £ 2; s=0 if module is on offer during both semesters. Some modules may
carry digit 3 or 4 corresponding to third or fourth semester.
#3 #4: Module number (01-99).
(#5):
Weighting (w), where w = 1, 3 or 5 depending on the module status
(Introductory, Intermediate or Advanced). It gives an indication of the
notional degree of difficulty or academic attainment expected by the student.
For example, the module CIVE 1101(1) is normally
offered in year 1 semester 1, and carries a weighting of 1.
However all modules offered at postgraduate level have
the same weighting (w=1).
Some modules are denoted by suffix Y after the fourth
digit in the module code, e.g. CSE 1001Y(1). These modules, termed yearly
modules, are taught over a period of two semesters and are examined at the end
of the second semester only. There are however continuous assessments over the
period of two semesters.
Some module codes have an ‘R’ at the end (e.g. FREN
2006Y(3)R). These denote modules, which contain a strong research component
and/or a course in research methodology.
Module codes having an ‘l’ at the end (e.g. DFA 1200l)
denote modules delivered by mixed mode and having 10 hours face-to-face
interaction with a tutor for each credit. Thus a student will have thirty hours
face-to-face interaction with a tutor for a module carrying three credits.
Modules can be of different types as shown in Table 1.
Table 1: Types of Modules
Core
|
Elective/Optional
|
General Education Module (GEM) |
|
Module that is essential in a particular Programme and must be passed by the student on the Programme. |
Module for which the student has a choice to register. In case of failure, the student can either retake the module or register for another elective/optional module that is on offer unless otherwise stated. |
Module meant to enhance the student’s knowledge. In most Programmes, the student has to pass in a certain number of GEMs to be eligible for award of degree. Faculties/ Centres will indicate the GEMs on offer each semester/year. |
|
|
||
Self-Study
|
Independent
Study
|
Audit
|
|
Under special circumstances, a student may be allowed to complete a maximum of 12 credits for an undergraduate programme and a maximum of 6 credits for a postgraduate Programme by Self-Study. There will be no formal lectures but laboratory work will be conducted, if necessary. Assessment will be based on laboratory work and/or assignments as well as tests and examinations. Self-study modules will be supervised. (to read in conjunction with section 3.3.1) |
One elective in the form of project may be offered to students who have already earned at least 75 credits for undergraduate Programmes and 27 credits for postgraduate Programmes subject to recommendation by Department and approval by Faculty/ Centre/ Cluster Board. This elective will carry 3 credits and may be completed in a maximum of 2 semesters. Grade S, U or X will be awarded for Independent Study. |
Students who wish to follow specific module(s) or are advised to do so by a Department/ Centre may audit same (i.e. such modules are not examinable for them). However, such modules do not carry any credit nor any grade but would appear in their transcript subject to satisfactory attendance. |
Given resource constraints and critical mass
consideration, the University does not
bind itself to offer any specific elective in any Semester/Year.
3.3.1 Procedures for processing requests for
Self-Study Modules
(i) Students’ request may be made to the
Head of Department/Programme Coordinator/Dean/Administrative Assistant.
(ii) Request should be channeled to Programme
Coordinator who consults programme structure and seeks views of the Department
concerned and a resource person is nominated.
(iii) Recommendations of the Department
together with the name of proposed resource person should be sent to the
Faculty/Centre/Cluster Board for approval.
(iv) If the recommendations are approved, the
student should be informed and letter copied to programme coordinator, Head of
Department/s, and resource person concerned. As far as possible, the resource
persons should be full-time academics.
(v) If the resource person is a part-time
lecturer, the programme coordinator should send a request through the Head of
Department to the Dean and Vice-Chancellor for approval of 15 contact hours.
Note: A
module can be offered on self-study mode only when it has been phased out and
no alternative and/or equivalent module will be run.
3.4.1 Module
Registration
(i) Online module registration will be open
two (2) weeks before the start of the semester and kept open till the end of
week 2 after the start of the semester for all students except year 1 students.
(ii) The deadline for late module registration/de-registration
shall be the end of week 7 of the semester.
(iii) Students will be responsible for ensuring
that they register for the correct modules and that the details entered for the
module registration are correct by the time of the deadline.
(iv) Students will be individually informed of
their module registration status through an automatic confirmation, through
their email.
(v)
Programme
Coordinators will verify that students have registered for modules by accessing
the report which is generated on-line.
(vi) An
Administrative/Penalty Fee of Rs500/- per module will be charged for late module
registration/de-registration.
3.4.2 Module
Change/Withdrawal
Application for change of module(s) or withdrawal from
module(s) could only be considered within four (4) weeks from the start of the
semester.
It is to be noted that under the credit system,
students who have not withdrawn officially from module(s) within the deadline
and who do not sit for the examination(s) in question will be deemed to have
failed the module(s). As such, their CPA and GPA will be adversely affected.
3.4.3
Exemption
from Module(s)
Application for exemption from module(s) for the whole
Programme of Studies could only be considered within two (2) weeks from the start of the academic year/beginning of the
Programme of Studies.
An Administrative Fee of Rs1,100/- per module will be
charged for the processing of requests for exemptions. No refund of tuition
fees will be granted for exempted modules, with the exception of UoM modules.
Similar/equivalent modules from UoM or other institutions will not be
considered for refund.
Application for exemption on a piece-meal basis would
not be entertained.
Exemption would be granted for not more than 50% of
the taught modules, excluding the project/dissertation, constituting a
Programme of Studies.
The student must have scored at least a grade ‘C’ in
the relevant module.
The general principle governing exemption would be
that the Exemption Committee of the relevant Department/Centre should be
satisfied that there are no significant differences in the two syllabi in terms
of level and depth of coverage and assessment.
A module cannot normally be exempted when the time
lapse between the date when the module was passed and the date when exemption
is being claimed for that module exceeds 7 years.
Note that
the grade and/or mark previously obtained for
(i) all exempted UoM module(s) will
be considered in the computation of the Cumulative Point Average (CPA), Grade
Point Average (GPA) and the Level/Year Point Average (LPA/YPA) to determine the
student’s academic standing.
(ii) all exempted module(s) taken/passed from
local/international institutions
(other than UoM) will not be considered in the computation of the Cumulative
Point Average (CPA), Grade Point Average (GPA) and the Level/Year Point Average
(LPA/YPA) to determine the student’s academic standing. Only the credits earned will be accounted
for.
3.4.4 Change of Programme of Studies (after one
Academic Year)
Students who wish to apply for a new programme after
one year of study may do so by applying in the next academic year. They will
have to compete to obtain a seat on the new programme.
3.5 Interruption
of Studies
A
student could be allowed to interrupt studies for a period of two (2)
semesters, renewable for one more period of up to two (2) semesters,
under emergency (unforeseeable) grounds, e.g. medical, or non-emergency
(foreseeable) grounds, e.g. professional obligations or financial constraints,
subject to approval by Faculty/ Centre/ Cluster Board and the T & L
Committee. However, these semesters would be considered as semesters
completed with regards to the maximum period allowed for the Programme of
Studies. To be eligible for interruption of studies, students should have
successfully completed at least one (1) year of study in the appropriate
Programme of Studies.
Evidence
in the form of certified/ valid documents supporting the grounds (emergency and
non-emergency) for interruption of studies should be produced wherever
applicable and obtainable.
The
deadline for applying for an interruption of studies on non-emergency grounds
is end of week 8 of any semester.
In
case of interruption of studies in the final year, a student must submit a new
dissertation or project.
3.6 Progress
from Year to Year
(i) Pre-requisite
(PR), Pre-requirement (PQ) and Minimum Requirement (MR) where applicable,
should be strictly followed.
(ii)
Termination
of Registration
Registration
would be terminated if
(a)
the CPA of a
student remains below 40 for two consecutive registered semesters, unless
decided otherwise by Senate (applicable to students following Programmes of Studies abiding by
semester regulations); or
(b)
the CPA of a
student remains below 40 at the end of an academic year and s/he has already
repeated one year of study, unless decided otherwise by Senate (applicable to
students following Programmes of Studies abiding by yearly regulations).
Refer also to
Section 2.2.
(iii)
Interruption
of Studies
Under special circumstances a
student could be allowed to interrupt studies for a period of 2 semesters,
renewable for one more period of up to two semesters (Refer to section 3.5 above).
(iv) Specific Rules
These rules are applicable to
certain Programmes of Studies/ Faculties/ Centres. Consult relevant Faculty/
Centre Handbooks for further information.
3.7 Facilities
3.7.1 First Aid
The First Aid Post of the University is open to all
staff and students. It offers services including general nursing, first aid,
nutrition and dietary advice and sexual health information. The opening hours
are from 8.30 a.m. to 4.00 p.m.
|
Time |
Monday |
Tuesday |
Wednesday |
Thursday |
Friday |
|
AM 9.00 – 12.00 |
Community Health Nurse |
Nutritionist |
|
|
Community Health Nurse |
|
PM 1.00 – 3.00 |
Community Physician |
Gynaecologist Alternate weeks |
Psychologist |
|
|
Any emergency case encountered after 4.00 p.m. is
referred to the Clinique Mauricienne.
3.7.2 Library (Refer to Chapter 15)
The
opening hours of the library are as follows:
Weekdays 8.00 a.m. - 8.00 p.m.
Saturdays 8.00
a.m. - 1.00 p.m.
(The
opening hours may change on the decision of the Chief Librarian).
3.7.3
Sports
and Games
The Sports Unit provides a wide range of activities
comprising indoor and outdoor games. Most of the activities are carried out in
the University Campus (Students’ Centre, Maryse Justin multi-purpose stadium
and University multi-purpose Gymnasium). A calendar of sports and games
activities is drawn up each academic year and students willing to take part in
such activities may contact the Sports Organiser at the Sports Unit.
A Sports Committee chaired by an academic staff
oversees the sports and games activities.
A Sports & Activity Week organised by the
Students’ Union is normally held in the 9th week of the second
semester.
3.7.4
Student
Counselling Unit
A team of counsellors comprising of clinical
psychologists and social workers are available at the University to assist and
support students on personal, educational, vocational or social matters.
3.7.5
Students’
Union (Refer to Chapter 19)
The Students’ Union was established in 1971 and is
the official organisation of the students of the University. It is the centre
of the students’ non-academic activities. In addition to acting as
representative body in all matters of the students, the Students’ Union also
promotes and provides for the welfare and the social, cultural and educational
activities of the students.
A wide variety of clubs and societies, affiliated to
the Students’ Union, have been set up to meet the educational, cultural, social
and recreational affiliations of the University students. Interested students
should contact the Students’ Union Office or consult the Students’ Union
webpage.
3.7.6 Cafeteria
A fairly spacious cafeteria is situated in the
University Campus, providing amongst others hot meals, vegetarian and
non-vegetarian menus, tea/coffee and pastries.
3.7.7 Photocopy and Laser Printing
Photocopying facilities are available to students
against payment at the Students’ Centre and library.
On the other hand, laser printing facilities are
available to students against payment at the Centre for Information Technology
and Systems (CITS).
3.7.8
Bookshop
and Banks
An on-campus bookshop sells a range of university
textbooks and stationery. Two banks are located on the campus providing a host
of facilities including ATMs.
3.8 SWEP
The
University of Mauritius Student Work Experience Programme (SWEP) was launched
in 1999 in order to help University students acquire meaningful skills and
experience from the world of work and thus enrich their academic training. SWEP
is a 6-8 week training programme in an industry or organisation during the long
vacation (End May to end July). It is
designed to expose students to short work placements, real life tasks and
activities, which are vital elements in today’s competitive business
environment. In principle, it is meant
for students following Programmes of Studies, which do not provide for
industrial training/placement.
3.9 Industrial
Placement/ Practical Training/ Practicums/Hospital Placement
All
four-year Programmes of Studies at the Faculty of Engineering include an
Industrial Placement whereby students are attached to the industry for a
minimum period of 20 weeks. Practical
Training or Placements are also included in other Programmes of Studies offered
by other Faculties/ Centres (refer to Information on Programmes Handbook(s)).
Please refer to “Guidelines for Processing of Examination
Results at UoM”
3.10 Work-Based Learning (WBL)
The Work-Based Learning Project has
been designed to offer all undergraduate students credit bearing work-based
learning experience of a minimum of six (6) weeks’ duration in each academic
year. This will enable the students to engage in real work-related activities and
develop competence in stipulated core skills. Six (6) credits are allocated to
work-based learning in lieu of Electives and GEMs in all undergraduate
programmes. The performance of the students in work settings will be assessed
progressively at levels 1, 2 & 3 using an assessment tool and portfolio
specifically designed for this purpose. Successful students will accrue the
allocated credits. This will enhance the undergraduate students’ fitness for
practice, purpose and award, thereby enhancing their employability and
employment prospects by bridging the theory-practice gap. Work-Based Learning
Mentors will be responsible for the facilitation, support and assessment of the
work-based learning.
Please refer to “Guidelines for Processing of Examination Results
at UoM”
3.11 Mode of Delivery
A range of
modalities (face-to-face lectures, mixed mode/blended distance/on-line
education, seminars, workshops, study visits, practicals, use of ICT and other
modern technology) is utilised to maintain and enhance the effective delivery
of modules.
Most modules are delivered on a face-to-face basis.
However, some modules are delivered by mixed mode (distance education or
on-line education). These are indicated by letters D.E. and O.E. respectively
in the “Information on Programmes” Handbook(s).