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THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTHAMPTON

Programme Guide (2011-2012)

BSc/HND

COMPUTING

Programme Leader: Dr James Xue

IMPORTANT NOTE: This document should be considered as a supplement to the general BSc/HND, non-pathway specific computing Programme guide, provided in year one.

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Table  of  Contents  1 Introduction and General Information ............................................................. 3  

1.1 Welcome .............................................................................................................. 3  1.2 The Course Team ............................................................................................. 3  1.3 The Student Administration Team ............................................................. 4  1.4 The Course Noticeboard ................................................................................ 4  1.5 The Course Webboard (NILE) ...................................................................... 4  1.6 The Course Timetable ..................................................................................... 5  1.7Attendance on the Course .............................................................................. 5  1.8   The Student Code (As outlined in the Student Handbook) ........... 6  1.9 Your Personal Tutor ......................................................................................... 6  1.10 Student Services ............................................................................................ 7  1.11 Centre for Academic Practice (CfAP) ...................................................... 7  1.12 Other Areas of Help ...................................................................................... 8  1.13 Careers Information ..................................................................................... 8  1.14 Other Sources of University Regulations/Academic Regulations 8  1.15 Report Writing ................................................................................................. 8  1.16 Assignment Schedule ................................................................................... 8  1.17Assignment Details/Procedures ................................................................. 9  1.18 Submission of assignment work .............................................................. 9  1.19 Late work .......................................................................................................... 9  1.20 Penalties for late submission ..................................................................... 9  1.21 Extenuating circumstances ...................................................................... 10  

2 The Computing Pathway ...................................................................................... 11  2.1 Aims and Objectives ...................................................................................... 11  2.2 Pathway Structure ......................................................................................... 11  2.3 Pathway Modules ............................................................................................ 12  

3 Teaching, Learning and Assessment ........................................................... 17  3.1 Module Delivery .............................................................................................. 17  3.2 Study Skills Advice ........................................................................................ 17  3.3 Module Assessment ....................................................................................... 17  3.4 Submission of Coursework Assignments .............................................. 18  3.5 Academic Misconduct .................................................................................... 18  3.6 Feedback ............................................................................................................ 19  

Appendix A Example Assignment Cover Sheet .............................................. 21  

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1 Introduction and General Information 1.1 Welcome It gives me great pleasure to welcome you onto the BSc Computing degree. All second and third year modules delivered on this pathway will develop fully the topics examined in the first year of the Programme. We will consider aspects of the computing as a general field, including, operating systems, internet programming, Java programming, , artificial intelligence, databases, security, a little more on networking and media technologies. As a challenging, yet highly rewarding pathway, I am confident that with the required commitment and work ethic you will enjoy the material presented throughout the remainder of the Programme. Good luck with all your studies. James Xue 1.2 The Course Team The following table provides a complete list of all course team members, involved with the delivery of the pathway modules. Member Location Phone e-mail address Gary Hill NW303 3077 Gary.Hill@northampton.ac.uk Ali Al-Sherbaz NW303 3182 Ali.Al-Sherbaz@northampton.ac.uk Amir Minai NW303 3260 Amir.Minai@northampton.ac.uk Rashmi Dravid NW303 3338 Rashmi.Dravid@northampton.ac.uk Espen Svennevik NW303 3073 espen.svennevik@northampton.ac.uk Yinghui Zhang NW303 3064 Yinghui.Zhang@northampton.ac.uk Malcolm Wilson NW303 3027 Malcolm.Wilson@northampton.ac.uk Mark Johnson NW303 3255 Mark.Johnson@northampton.ac.uk Suraj Ajit NW303 3257 Suraj.Ajit@northampton.ac.uk Scott Turner NW303 3028 Scott.Turner@norhampton.ac.uk James Xue NW303 3390 James.Xue@northampton.ac.uk Brian Thompson NW303 3115 Brian.Thompson@northampton.ac.uk All members of the course team will endeavour to make themselves available when students require assistance. It should be noted that office availability would vary between staff, due to a variety of commitments. As such, students are advised to contact tutors initially via e-mail to arrange a suitable, mutually convenient, meeting time.

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1.3 The Student Administration Team The Student Administration Team provides essential administrative support in the following areas: -

n Student Enrolment n Module Choice Selection n Student ID Cards n Council Tax Exemption Certificates n Mitigating Circumstances Applications n Module or Course Transfer Documentation.

The key members of the team are: -

Role Team Member

Ext Email

Team Leader Lisa Barnett

3030 Katie.Johnson@northampton.ac.uk

Programme Administrator

Mary Coleman

3183 Gemma.hookham@northampton.ac.uk

Programme Administrator

Sue Talbot

3252 sue.talbot@northampton.ac.uk

Programme Coordinator

Denise O’Malley

3194 denise.omalley@northampton.ac.uk

The team is based in NW303 and the office is open normally from 9am to 5pm. The team are happy to provide advice and support with any of the above issues. 1.4 The Course Noticeboard The course noticeboard is an effective way to keep up to-date with important information relating to the course. It is regularly updated and provides the following key information: -

n Examination dates/times/locations. n Assignment results for selected modules. n Personal tutor details and tutorial times. n Timetable details, by year and by group.

The course noticeboard is located on the walls directly outside room MY19. 1.5 The Course Webboard (NILE)

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The electronic alternative to the course noticeboard is the course webboard. The course webboard provides general course information in a similar way to the noticeboard. In addition to general course information the webboard may also include module specific documents such as module lecture notes and practical activities. The course webboard, often referred to as NILE, can be accessed via any Internet ready computer using the following address: - https://nile.northampton.ac.uk/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp Students are advised to check the course webboard on a regular basis to ensure that they do not miss any important Programme or module news. Some tutor may provide additional sets of notes via the local computing web-server. This can be accessed via the following address:- www.computing.northampton.ac.uk 1.6 The Course Timetable The course timetable is generated by the Common Academic Framework (CAF) office and students should receive their pathway specific timetable upon registration on the course. Individual student timetables are also available online at the following address: - http://www.northampton.ac.uk/info/20096/students/564/timetables Please see your personal tutor as a matter of urgency if you do not receive a timetable or you believe that your timetable is incorrect. 1.7Attendance on the Course Regular attendance is essential if you want to be successful on the BSc Computing degree. Statistical analysis shows that there is a direct relationship between attendance and mean student performance. If you genuinely can’t make a scheduled lesson due to illness or some other unforeseen occurrence ensure you take the following steps: -

a) Notify the relevant tutor in advance if you know you will be away. (They may be able to give you some work/notes in advance to prevent you from falling behind)

b) If the absence is unforeseen, then e-mail the tutor to inform him/her why you couldn’t make the lesson.

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c) Ensure that you catch up on any missed work. (Speak to fellow students/get copies of any notes from the tutor/webboard. Attempt any missed practical activities in your own time)

It should be noted that modules on the Programme are designed to build on the material taught each week, if you don’t catch up on missed work, subsequent learning will be very difficult. If you regularly fail to attend lessons without good reason “Cause for concern action” may be initiated. Please see your CAF student guide for additional details. 1.8 The Student Code (As outlined in the Student Handbook) It is your responsibility to make yourself aware of the contents of the Student Code. Ignorance is no excuse. The Student Handbook, which contains the full student code, can be found on the Northampton University Web site at the following address:- http://www.northampton.ac.uk/downloads/download/249/student-handbooks The student handbook contains key information on issues such as: - Mitigating Circumstances Procedures Policy for Failure and Re-assessment • Progression • Honours Degree Classifications

1.9 Your Personal Tutor

Every student on the will be assigned a member of staff as a Personal Academic Tutor. This person will normally be your Programme leader or a member of staff teaching on the pathway. You will be told who your personal tutor is at the start of the year.

Once your personal tutor has been assigned you will meet with your Personal Tutor early in the first term and at subsequent specified times during the year. Your Personal Academic Tutor is responsible for overseeing your academic and personal progress during your course and s/he will be a primary contributor to any reference, which the University provides for you when you leave.

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You should regard your Personal Academic Tutor as the most important source of advice for any general problems or uncertainties that you have.

Ways of contacting your Personal Tutor outside of scheduled meetings may vary depending on the tutor and your timetable, but most tutors will make themselves available during the week, so you can seek advice. If you want to see your personal tutor at any point, it is strongly recommended that you e-mail and arrange a mutually convenient appointment.

Your Personal Academic Tutor may be able to give advice about study matters, rules and regulations as they apply to you, and how to change your Programme etc. They may also be able to advise about personal problems etc. If they cannot help you directly with anything, then they may direct you to other people such as student services or CFAP. (See below)

1.10 Student Services

Student Services provides a team of highly dedicated staff who can provide specialist (non-academic) advice about issues, which may impact on your studies in the undergraduate programme. Full details of the range of Student Services' provision can be found at

http://www.northampton.ac.uk/info/20344/student-support

Briefly, the Student Services team can help you with accommodation issues, additional needs guidance (whether arising from disability, from personal issues, from childcare responsibilities etc.), physical and emotional well-being (through the counselling, health and chaplaincy services), career guidance and financial guidance.

1.11 Centre for Academic Practice (CfAP) CfAP offer a free service to all UN students wishing to improve their grades and/or their understanding of what is required of them in an academic environment – Typical support can be provided by specialist tuition for essays, reports, dissertations, referencing, mathematics and many other post and undergraduate skills. Support options include one-to-one tutorials, group workshops, online support or open learning packs. CfAP are dedicated to providing students with whatever professional support is needed to get the most from the Higher Education experience. For full details see the CfAP web-pages at:-

http://www.northampton.ac.uk/info/20427/centre-for-academic-practice

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1.12 Other Areas of Help If you require additional support for lectures, assignments or examinations, please consult the Student CAF Handbook and Student Services, which can be found at: http://www2.northampton.ac.uk/portal/page/portal/55D648A24BAB6DCBE0440003BA7723F7 http://www.northampton.ac.uk/departments/studentservices/

1.13 Careers Information

During the course or after its successful completion, you may require additional support with careers advice. The UN provides excellent careers support for all its students. For full detail of the services available, please visit:-

http://www.northampton.ac.uk/support/careersinfo/

1.14 Other Sources of University Regulations/Academic Regulations

Every effort is made to ensure that the full range of university regulations for all CAF course is available, to all students, via the central CAF web-site. A full list of all services/documents/forms available can be found at the following address:-

http://www2.northampton.ac.uk/portal/page/portal/TAP/TaughtProgrammes/CAF

1.15 Report Writing It is good practice to present assignments, unless advised differently by the marking tutor, using a standard technical report format. Some module tutors may even allocate marks for the presentation of your report. For guidance on writing technical reports see Guide To Writing Technical Reports. Ask individual module tutors if they would like you to follow these guidelines when submitting your report/assignment. 1.16 Assignment Schedule

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The assignment schedule for each year of the programme is published on the programme web site http://www.computing.northampton.ac.uk and NILE. The programme team attempt to distribute the assessments throughout the academic year, but it inevitable that there will be a bunching of assignments at the start of the autumn and spring. The team attempt to ensure that normally only one assignment is due in on any given week, but that occasionally there is a need to have two assessments in the same week – usually the timing of the deadline within the week will be different e.g. Monday and Friday. By publishing the dates at the start of the academic year this gives plenty of opportunity to plan your workload accordingly. Any group extensions due to extenuating circumstances must be negotiated with the module coordinator, but the consequences of moving a deadline may be to bunch deadlines. As a group you should take this into consideration when negotiating a new deadline. 1.17Assignment Details/Procedures Except where specifically stated in the assignment brief, assignment work submissions must be word-processed with a footer comprising: your name (family name underlined); registration number; module code; date; page (M of N); and submitted in a single A4 plastic folder. The assessed work form should NOT be stapled to the assignment work. 1.18 Submission of assignment work For the year 2011/2012 and onwards, all assignments MUST be submitted electronically. The e-submission will benefit both the students and the staff. They can be marked electronically on laptops or any mobile devices. 1.19 Late work Most module tutors might accept late submission (perhaps with a penalty), so try to contact your module tutor and try to submit them whenever you can. 1.20 Penalties for late submission Except where an extension of the hand-in deadline date has been approved (using the Request for Assignment Extension form), lateness penalties will be applied in accordance with University policy as follows:

(Working) Days Late Penalty 1 - 7 maximum grade that can be achieved: D- more than 7 G

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1.21 Extenuating circumstances If you believe that there are circumstances that justify an extension of the hand-in deadline for assignment work, you are required to use the Request for Assignment Extension form (available from the SAT team). Extensions (to a maximum of 3 weeks in exceptional circumstances) are granted when there are serious and exceptional factors outside your control. Everyday occurrences such as colds and hay fever do not normally qualify for extensions. Where possible, requests for extensions should be made before the hand-in date. The Department considers extenuating circumstances to be conditions that significantly impact on your work. Typically these will cover more than one module. Requests for consideration of mitigating circumstances in respect of assignment work submission, should be made using the mitigating circumstances form, see: http://tundra.northampton.ac.uk/results/searchresult.asp?Title=mitigating+circumstances&%20submit=Search You are advised to speak to your Programme Leader/personal tutor prior to completing these forms. Whilst mitigating circumstances are being considered, you are advised to inform relevant staff members, and continue with the assignment. Extensions of up to 3 weeks can be granted in order that you can submit the current piece of assessed work. If the circumstances are too serious to be resolved by such an extension, alternative arrangements involving a different piece of work may be made.

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2 The Computing Pathway 2.1 Aims and Objectives

a) The Programme is intended to provide a means for students, to study for the qualification of HND/HNC/BSc (Hons) Computing on a full time or part-time basis. Aimed at students whose interests are wider than is required for the other pathways, whilst gain a sound understanding of computing technologies.

b) The Programme provides a sound background on aspects of computing

including, operating and computer systems, internet, databases and networking.

2.2 Pathway Structure

The pathway structure for the degree is shown (in outline) as below:

BSc Computing Pathway Structure: Year 1: CSY1014 Computer Systems (20 credits) CSY1017 Computer Communications (20 credits) CSY1018 Internet Technology (20 credits) CSY1019 Software Engineering 1 (20 credits) CSY1020 Problem Solving & Programming (20 credits) CSY1021 Computing Mathematics (20 credits) Year 2: CSY2002 Operating Systems (20 credits) – PRE: CSY1014 CSY2026 Modern Networks (20 credits) – PRE: CSY1017 CSY2027 Group Project (20 credits) – PRE: CSY1017 or CSY1014 or

CSY1018 or CSY1019 Co-requisites: CSY2028, CSY2029 CSY2028 Internet Programming (20 credits) – PRE: CSY1018, CSY1020 CSY2029 Database Technology 1 (20 credits) – PRE: CSY1018, CSY1020 CSY2030 System Design and Development (20 credits) – PRE: CSY1020

and CSY1017 or CSY1014 or CSY1018 or CSY1019 Year 3: CSY3010 Media Technology (20 credits) – PRE: CSY1021, CSY2030 CSY3023 Internet & Computer Security (20 credits) – PRE: CSY2028 CSY3024 Database Technology 2 (20 credits) – PRE: CSY2029 CSY3025 Artificial Intelligence Techniques (20 credits) – PRE: CSY1021 CSY4010 Computing Dissertation (40 credits) – PRE: CSY2027

A brief overview of modules is provided in the following section.

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2.3 Pathway Modules The following information provides you with an essential overview of each module on the pathway. The module co-ordinator on each module should provide you with a detailed module guide at the start of each module. Level 2 Modules

CSY2002 - Operating Systems

Field: COMPUTER SYSTEMS Co-ordinator: Brian Thompson Credit Value: 20 Pre-requisites: CSY1014 or CSY1012 Co-requisites: None Assessment: Exam: 60% Coursework: 40% Description: This year 2 module is designed to give an understanding of the principles, application, structure and design principles of operating systems. It incorporates examples from both Windows and UNIX operating systems.

CSY2026 - Modern Networks

Field: COMPUTER SYSTEMS Co-ordinator: Espen Svennevik Credit Value: 20 Pre-requisites: CSY1017 Computer Communications Co-requisites: None Assessment: Coursework: 100%

CSY2027 - Group Project

Co-ordinator: Scott Turner, James Xue Credit Value: 20 Level: 2 Pre-requisites: None Co-requisites: None Assessment: Coursework: 100% Description: The Group Project integrates and draws together the technical, applied software development and project management skills and knowledge gained

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during level 1 of the course. The module is designed specifically to develop creative design, teamwork and presentation skills within the context of a substantial computing team project. Additionally, the module forms an effective vehicle for the integration of other more technical modules and forms a basis for the final year individual project.

CSY2028 - Internet Programming

Field: COMPUTER SYSTEMS Co-ordinator: Espen Svennevik Credit Value: 20 Pre-requisites: CSY1018 and CSY1020 Co-requisites: None Assessment: Coursework: 100% Description: The aim of this module is to develop the students' understanding of the concepts and technologies of Web-based server software applications, as well as expanding the students' skills in corresponding development. Going beyond web authoring using a simple mark-up language, the module teaches students to use up-to-date programming techniques to design and develop coherent server side software for websites with added functionality and usability. The module assumes that a student has basic software development skills gained through earlier course modules. Because of the nature of modern applications, in particular those applications used within Internet and Intranet systems, software designed within this module focuses on the processing of information on the web server. The student will be given the opportunity to develop real server side applications on a variety of systems. The students will also develop an understanding of good multimedia design.

CSY2029 - Database Technology 1

Field: COMPUTER SYSTEMS Co-ordinator: James Xue Credit Value: 20 Pre-requisites: CSY1020 and CSY1018 Co-requisites: None Assessment: Coursework:40% Examination:60% Description: This module is designed for students studying on the Internet Technology and Engineering pathways of the BSc Computing degree. Unlike a module, which focuses on data modelling and the development of simple business database applications, this module is intended for students interested in the underlying technology, which makes database application development

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possible and efficient. Restrictions: BSc/HND Computing, Integrated Programme, Joint, Major and Minor Combined Honours Computing.

CSY2030 - Object Orientated Systems Design And Development

Field: COMPUTER SYSTEMS Co-ordinator: TBA Credit Value: 20 Pre-requisites: CSY2030 and CSY1017 or CSY1014 or CSY1018 or CSY1019 Co-requisites: None Assessment: Coursework: 100% Description: This unit will build on modules studied in the first year, in which students were introduced to object technology in the creation and development of small-scale design models and systems. This line of study will now be extended and applied to larger scale systems so building on and consolidating the skills and learning experience provided in previous modules. Some areas of object technology will be re-worked but with CASE Tool support to emphasise the design aspects of systems. The unit will also explore building GUIs and exploit the resources offered by class libraries so that the idea of specifying general software components and implementing re-usable classes will become familiar. The ideas developed in this unit will serve to provide a tools and skills set which the student will require when s/he encounters larger design projects, in later software development domains. Restrictions: BSc/HND Computing, Integrated Programme, Joint, Major and Combined Honours Computing. LEVEL 3 Modules CSY3010 - Media Technology

Co-ordinator: Malcolm Wilson Credit Value: 20 Level: 3 Pre-requisites: None Co-requisites: None Assessment: Coursework: 100% Description: Computers now make use of a wide variety of digital media including sound, images, graphics and text. This module describes the way in which each

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media is stored and transmitted in a computer system. It therefore discusses file formats such as GIF, WAV and JPEG. A general introduction to information theory is given which explains how information can be measured. It uses this to explain how in each media the data has been compressed, either preserving the information or not. With the advent of the Internet, some file formats have become more common such as MP3 for sound and Flash for graphics, which are therefore explored.

CSY3023 – Internet & Computer Security

Co-ordinator: Amir Minai Credit Value: 20 Level: 3 Pre-requisites: None Co-requisites: None Assessment: Coursework: 100%, Assignment 50% TCA 50% Joint and Combined Honours Compulsory/Designated for: Compulsory for: BSc Computing (Internet Technology); Designated for: BSc Computing (Computing); Description: This module addresses the issues of Internet Applications and Computer Security. Recognising the rapidly growing in importance of this area, the module aims to provide the student with the necessary theoretical and practical understanding of the technology available to manage and implement secure Internet applications.

CSY3024 – Database Technology 2

Co-ordinator: James Xue Credit Value: 20 Level: 3 Pre-requisites: CSY2029 Co-requisites: Assessment: Coursework-1: 50%, Coursework-2: 50% Description: This module covers some advanced database technology topics, such as advanced SQL, PL/SQL, relational algebra, transaction management, query processing, Distributed databases, XML and relational databases, Document-based databases, etc.

CSY3025 - Artificial Intelligence Techniques

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Co-ordinator: Scott Turner Credit Value: 20 Level: 3 Pre-requisites: CSY1021 Co-requisites: None Assessment: Coursework 100% Description: To teach students the fundamental theory and practical applications of Artificial Neural Networks. This will entail an introduction to the biological background of Artificial Neural Systems, the study of network training algorithms, and consideration of implementation issues relevant to the development of practical neural network systems.

CSY4010 – Computing Dissertation

Co-ordinator: Amir Minai Credit Value: 40 Level: 3 Pre-requisites: None Co-requisites: Assessment: Coursework: 100% Description: The final year computing project and professional study double module provides the opportunity for the student to undertake the research and self management of a Computing related problem that permits the integration of the main areas of study in the student's study pathway programme. The module also permits the development of higher order intellectual skills, a professional approach and appropriate personal qualities that are required for independent working in a research or development environment.

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3 Teaching, Learning and Assessment 3.1 Module Delivery The delivery of each module will vary but in general you will be taught in a variety of ways including: - a) Lectures: A formal talk given by the module tutor, covering the core topics of the module. Some audience participation may be required.

b) Seminars: A less formal discussion group, lead by the module tutor, where students can discuss material and identify topics that are causing concern. Student participation is essential c) Practicals: Practical exercises that support the theoretical learning provided in the lectures. Practical activities will include programming; paper-based system design and CASE tool system-design d) Directed Personal Study: Module tutors will supply a reading list of essential and background course text. To ensure a complete understanding of the subject material this additional wider reading is vital. 3.2 Study Skills Advice Students are advised that, in general, skills for studying and learning are not intrinsic and must be acquired. The following Web-sites may prove useful:- http://www.coun.uvic.ca/learn/hndouts.html http://home.plymouth.ac.uk/services/help-advice/guides.htm http://www3.open.ac.uk/learners-guide/learning-skills/ http://www.utexas.edu/student/utlc/handouts.html http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/lsu/resources/flyers.html http://www.mindtools.com/ Please consult tutors and/or make use of the UN support facilities for learning and studying if you have any problems. The Centre for Academic Practice can also provide support to students who have specific learning needs such as basic Mathematics and English. (See previous section 1.10) 3.3 Module Assessment The pathway modules are assessed through a combination of coursework assignments, time constrained assignments and/or examinations. All examinations are 2 hours long. An indication of the weighting for each piece of coursework and/or examination is provided in section 2.3 “Pathway Modules” or the module guide for a particular module.

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The Dissertation, in year 3, is assessed entirely on a coursework basis with a number of supportive lectures that provide a formal underpinning for the dissertation and highlight a number of professional issues. 3.4 Submission of Coursework Assignments All work submitted for assessment must be handed-in to the Student Assessment Office (SAO), according to the procedures specified by that office. It is your responsibility to ensure that you are fully aware of these procedures, including the times when the office is open. Students will normally be supplied with an assignment cover sheet. This document should be submitted when the assignment is handed-in to the Student Assessment Office. The assignment cover sheet also provides you with the following key information: -

1) The assignment hand-in date. 2) The title of the piece of work. 3) The marking criteria for the work. 4) Space for the module tutor to supply feedback on your work.

Please see the example assignment cover sheet in Appendix A 3.5 Academic Misconduct The consequences of academic misconduct in assessments are serious - you will fail the module. Academic misconduct is using or attempting to use unfair means to enhance performance. This includes plagiarism (presenting someone else's work as if it was your own), collusion (working with others on an individual assignment), taking prohibited material into examinations and allowing other students to access your work. Make sure that you do not give someone the opportunity to steal your work (e.g. by asking them to print it out for you). We tell students about cheating both during induction and in your student handbook, but if you have any doubt about what cheating is or how to reference material properly, please ask a tutor. We recommend that you use the Harvard system for referencing The assignment Standard Front Sheet used for each assignment requires you to sign to confirm that the work submitted IS your own work and that any information and material used has been properly identified and acknowledged. The University operates an electronic plagiarism detection service where your work may be uploaded, stored and cross-referenced against other material. The software searches the World Wide Web and extensive databases of reference material to identify duplication.

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For detailed information on the procedures relating to academic misconduct, please see the current version of the Academic Registry guide on Academic Integrity, see: http://www2.northampton.ac.uk/portal/page/portal/AcademicRegistry/ARHP/Guides%20to%20Procedures) 3.6 Feedback Feedback (which may be generic or oral) will be given to the class within 20 working days of the assignment hand-in date. This may be done in the first 20 minutes of a lecture. This will be followed by individual written feedback tying to the Learning Outcomes listed in the assignment brief, together with any additional helpful feedback such as areas of strength and areas for improvement. 3.7 Reassessment and Revision Reassessment in written examinations and assignment work is at the discretion of the Programme Assessment Board and is dealt with strictly in accordance with University policy and procedures. There is a fixed schedule for these second attempt or deferred deadlines: If the original deadline was in CAF weeks 1-18 inclusive, the resubmission/deferred deadline will be notified to you in your module guide. If you cannot find it ask your tutor. See the Student Handbook Appendix 2 for the CAF Calendar: http://www2.northampton.ac.uk/portal/page/portal/TAP/TaughtProgrammes/CAF If the original deadline is in week 19 or later then the resubmission/deferred deadline will be August. If the item is an examination (in May/June), the resit date is August/September. These are the only opportunities to improve on a failed grade. The mark for the reassessed assignment is subject to a maximum of D- See the Student Handbook: http://www2.northampton.ac.uk/portal/page/portal/TAP/TaughtProgrammes/StudentHandbook/StudentHandbookAssessment#fail 3.8 Contacting Staff

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All academic staff are available to students outside of their class contact time. Availability may be indicated in a number of ways:

marked outside their office doors (along with an appointments sheet); at the end of their emails; marked on their timetables.

Most staff would prefer you to contact them by email in the first instance. When emailing staff please ensures that you indicate in the subject field the purpose of your email (including the module number), e.g. CSY4010 project appointment request; CSY1020 query on assignment hand in using button wallet rather than A4 folder. Since staff receive several hundreds of emails daily with external emails sent to junk mail, it is important that staff can locate those emails, which are not junk. It is also important that you use your University email address, as the University and Outlook Exchange mail applications treat a surprising number of emails as spam. A normal expectation within term time is that a response to your email would be received within 7 days, but during the vacation these return times may be longer. It is worth checking with module coordinators their availability over the vacation if you expect to make contact with them.

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Appendix A Example Assignment Cover Sheet

Assignment 1

Due for Issue (week commencing):

Date for Submission:

21/8/2011

Agreed Date for late submission:

Module Tutor: Signed:

James Xue

Student Name: Student ID:

Assessment Feedback

Aspect (& weighting) Excellent Very Good Satisfactory Needs some more work

Needs much more work

Task 1a (30%) Task 1a (20%) Task 2a (10%) Task 2b (20%) Task 3 (20%)

Specific aspects of the assignment that the marker likes:

Specific aspects of the assignment that need more work:

Tutor’s Signature: Date: Grade: NB. By entering your name(s) and student ID(s) you are asserting that this

submission is entirely your own individual (or group)