ACADEMIC QUALITY ASSURANCE COMMITTEE
ANNUAL REPORT 2007/2008
Section A: Committee Membership and Attendance
1.
Membership and attendance 2007-08
(a)
Name (attendance in brackets)
Dr Frank McMahon, Director of Academic Affairs
Dr Neil Andrews, School of Hospitality Management & Tourism
Mr Paul Bourke, Head of Learning Development, Faculty of Science
Mr Arthur Brown, School of Social Sciences & Legal Studies
Dr Robbie Burns, Head of Learning Development, Faculty of Business
Ms Vickey Butler, Acting Faculty Administrator, Faculty of Engineering
Mr Pat Carroll, School of Civil and Building Services Engineering
Ms Jan Cairns, Quality Assurance Officer
Dr Alma Conway, Head of Learning Development, Faculty of Applied Arts
Dr Phillip Cohen, Head of Library Services
Dr Alma Conway, Head of Learning Development, Faculty of Applied Arts
Ms Anna Cruickshank, School of Culinary Arts & Food Technology
Mr Martin Dunne, DITSU representative
Mr Andy Doyle, DITSU representative
Dr Thomas Duff, Academic Registrar
Mr Michael Farrell, School of Control Systems & Electrical Engineering
Ms Marian Fitzmaurice, Learning & Teaching Centre
Mr Bill Grimson, Academic Affairs
Dr Nóirín Hayes, Head of Learning Development, Faculty of Applied Arts
Ms Maev Maguire, School of Mathematics
Ms Mary Malone, Faculty Administrator, Faculty of Engineering
Dr Mike Murphy, Director & Dean, Faculty of Engineering
Ms Roisin Murphy, School of Real Estate & Construction Economics
Ms. Nicole O’Neill, Qualilty Assurance Officer
Mr Eddie O’Shea, Dublin School of Architecture
Mr Paul O’Sullivan, Director & Dean, Faculty of Business
Ms Mary Prendergast, School of Management
Prof Marlene Proctor, Head of Learning Development,
Faculty of Tourism & Food
Dr Barry Redmond, School of Electronic and Communications Engineering
Dr Fergus Ryan, School of Social Science & Legal Studies
Ms Mary Scally, Director of Student & Academic Affairs
(4)
Mr Lloyd Scott, Head of Learning Development, Faculty of Engineering
Mr Richard Tobin, Faculty of Engineering
Ms Kate Ui Ghallachoir, School of Marketing
Dr Kate Younger, School of Biological Sciences
(4)
(3)
(5)
(2)
(4)
(2)*
(0)
(5)
(1)**
(5)
(1)
(2)
(5)
(4)
(4)
(0)
(3)
(4)
(1)***
(0)
(0)****
(1)
(0)
(2)*****
(1)
(3)
(2)
(4)
(4)
(0)
(3)
(1)******
(3)
(1)*******
*Ms Butler attended one meeting as an Acting Faculty Administrator
**Dr Conway became a new member
***Dr Hayes was replaced by Dr Conway
****Ms. Malone was unavailable to attend
*****Ms. O’Neill was first invited to attend as Quality Assurance Officer on 3 March onwards
******Mr Tobin attended on behalf of a Faculty Administrator
*******Dr Younger became a new member
1
2.
Schedule of Meetings 2007/2008
The Academic Quality Assurance Committee met on 5 occasions during the year:





24 September 2007
26 November 2007
21 January 2008
3 March 2008
9 June 2008
SECTION B: BUSINESS TRANSACTED
(1)
Appointment of Validation/Review Panels
i
School Review – Dublin School of Architecture
External Members:
Mr. R. Bingham
Director, Murray O’Laoire Architects, Fumbally
DipArch BArchSc MRIAI
Lane, Dublin 8
Prof. C. Spiridonidis
Aristotle School of Architecture, Thessaloniki,
Greece
Ms. V. Mulvin
Partner, McCullough Mulvin, Setanta Place, Dublin
Mr. J. U. Wolff
Dean Faculty of Technology, VIA University
BSc MPBL
College, Denmark
Internal Members:
Dr S. Flanagan (Chair)
Mr. D. O’Riordan
Mr. K. Corcoran
ii
HCert in Property Studies
External Members:
Mr. P. Jordan
Dip FIAVI
Ms. R. Whelan
MA HDipEd ASCS MRICS
FIAVI DipSCM
Internal Members:
Mr. P. Bourke (Chair)
Mr P. O’Donnell
Ms. B. Solon
iii
School of Hospitality Management & Tourism
School of Retail & Services Management
School of Art, Design & Printing
Principal, Jordan Town and Country Estate Agents,
Newbridge, Co. Kildare
Lecturer, Limerick Institute of Technology
Head of Learning Development, Faculty of Science
School of Retail & Services Management
Dublin School of Architecture
BTech in Engineering Laboratory Technology
External Members:
Mr. G. Keating
Senior Engineer, Homan O’Brien Associates,
Blackrock, Co. Dublin
Dr M. Cranitch
Lecturer, School of Electronic an Electrical
BE BMus PhD
Engineering, Cork Institute of Technology
Internal Members:
Dr J. Cassidy (Chair)
Mr. C. Delaney
Dr P. McCormack
School of Chemical & Pharmaceutical Sciences
School of Management
School of Civil and Building Services Engineering
2
iv
v
vi
PgDip in Fashion Buying and Management
External Members:
Mr. D. McFetridge
Lecturer, School of Business, Retail and Financial
Services, University of Ulster
Ms. L. Egan
Senior Design Advisor, Enterprise Ireland,
Sandymount, Dublin
Internal Members:
Mr. B. Skelton (Chair)
Ms. D. Quinn
Mr. R. Sherlock
School of Real Estate and Construction Economics
School of Hospitality Management & Tourism
School of Marketing
BA (Hons) Drama
External Members:
Mr J. Culleton
Dr C. Leeney
Artistic Director, Fishamble Theater Company
Lecturer, School of English, Drama and Film, UCD
Internal Members:
Mr W. Grimson (Chair)
Ms M. Prendergast
Dr F. Ryan
Student Registration Records
School of Management
School of Social Sciences and Law
BA Journalism with a Language
External Members:
Mr C. MacCoille BA
Senior Journalist, News and Current Affairs, RTÉ,
Dublin
Mr R. Ton
Senior Lecturer, Fontys Hogeschool Journalisteik,
Tilburg, Netherlands
Internal Members:
Mr M. Quinn (Chair)
Mr N. Andrews
Dr S. Carruthers
vii
Conservatory of Music and Drama – School Review
External Members:
Mr S. Crimmins BMus, PG Executive Director, RTÉ Performing Groups, RTÉ,
Cert.Mus.Ed.
Dublin
Mr P. Donlan
Former Drama Officer, Arts Council
Prof G. Gillen PhD
Emeritus Professor, NUIM
Mr J. Willcocks MA, Hon.
Director of Junior Academy, Royal Academy of
RAM
Music, London
Internal Members:
Mr L. Scott (Chair)
Dr K. Lalor
Dr A. Schwarzbacher
viii
Faculty of Business
Faculty of Tourism and Food
Faculty of Applied Arts, School of Social Sciences
and Law
Head of Learning Development, Faculty of the Built
Environment
School of Social Sciences
School of Electronic and Communications
Engineering
Bachelor of Law (LLB) Honours
External Members:
Dr M. Doherty LLB (Dub),
Lecturer in Law, School of Law and Government,
LLM (Cantab), PhD (Dub), DCU
BL.
3
Ms D. Murphy (BA, Dip.
Eur. Law, LLM (Eur. Law)
Barrister-at-Law
Internal Members:
Mr N. O’Brien
Ms E. Fallon
Dr N. French
ix
MSc in Finance
External Members:
Prof D. McKillop PhD
Mr R. Ryan
BSc MSc
Internal Members:
Ms M. Maguire (Chair)
Mr C. Horan
Mr A. Browne
x
Professor and Director of Finance Research
Cluster, Queens University, Belfast.
Credit Analyst, ABN AMRO, London
School of Mathematical Sciences
School of Marketing
School of Social Sciences and Law
School of Manufacturing and Design Engineering
Head of Learning Development, Faculty of Science
School of Marketing
Higher Certificate in Design Studies
External Members:
N. Kelly Dip.Arch.
Tutor and Project Leader, Planning Practice Studio,
UCD
Mr R. Uhlemann
Art Director, Aer Lingus
Internal Members:
Ms M. O’Flynn (Chair)
Dr A. Conway
Mr G. Keenaghan
xii
School of Accounting and Finance
School of Real Estate and Construction Economics
School of Media
Higher Certificate in Retail Management and Marketing
External Members:
Prof B. Davies
Dean of Research, University of Gloucestershire
Business School
Mr J. Bracken
Director, GSI Ireland, Confederation House, Dublin
Internal Members:
Mr J. Lawlor (Chair)
Mr P. Bourke
Mr R. Sherlock
xi
Chief Parliamentary Counsel
B.Arch/M.Arch Architecture
External Members:
Mr F. Doyle
Dip.Arch.Tech.,
Dip.Proj.Man, RIAI
(Arch.Tech) MCIAT
Ms S. Foley B.Arch.Sc,
Dip. Project Management,
RIAI Conservation Accred.
Prof P.O. Fjeld
Ms M. Henry
B.Arch., MBA, MBAAI,
School of Accounting and Finance
Head of Learning Development, Faculty of Applied
Arts
School of Construction
Director, O’Muire Smyth Architects, Columbia Mills,
14/15 Sir John Rogerson’s Quay, Dublin 2
Director of Architecture, Mitchell & Associates,
Dublin 8
Oslo School of Architecture and Design, Norway
Head of Department of Architecture, Waterford
Institute of Technology.
4
MRIAI
Ms N. Kelly Dip.Arch
xiii
Bachelor of Engineering Technology in Automotive Management and
Technology
External Members:
Mr P. Leddy
Leasing Manager, Lombard Ltd, Ulster Bank Group,
Adv.Cert.Automotive Eng.
George’s Quay, Dublin 2
Mr E. Roe
Head of School of Engineering, Dundalk Institute of
Technology
Internal Members:
Dr B. Bowe
Mr R. O’Rourke
Mr N. Fitzpatrick
xiv
School of Spatial Planning
School of Hospitality Management & Tourism
School of Electrical Engineering Systems
Higher Certificate in Food Science and Management/BSc (Hons) in Food
Innovations
External Member:
Ms F. Walsh
Own Brand Development Manager, Musgrave
BSc HDip
Wholesale Service, Ballymun, Dublin 11
Dr J.M.B. Baviera
Lecturer and Researcher, Polytechnic University of
PhD
Valencia, Spain
Internal Members:
Dr R. Burns (Chair)
Dr R. Patrick
Ms A. Cruikshank
xvii
School of Physics
School of Electrical Systems Engineering
Learning and Teaching Centre
BSc (Hons) in Pharmaceutical Healthcare/BSc Pharmaceutical Technology
External Members:
Dr M. Carty
Senior Lecturer, Department of Biochemistry,
BSc PhD
University College Galway
Dr G. Murphy
Assoc. Director Quality Control
BA (Mod) PhD
Wyeth BioTech, Grange Castle, Dublin 22
Internal Members:
Dr P. Prendergast
Ms. M. Dillon
Dr A. O’ Dwyer
xv
Planning Practice Studio, University College Dublin
Faculty of Business
Faculty of Science
Faculty of Tourism and Food
DT223 BSc in Human Nutrition and Dietetics
External Members:
Prof. B. Livingstone
Professor of Nutrition, School of Biomedical
Sciences, University of Ulster, Coleraine.
Ms J. Thomas
Education Officer, British Dietetic Association,
Birmingham, UK.
Internal Members:
Ms A. Cruikshank
Mr. E. O’Shea
TCD Members:
Prof. J. Scattergood
(Chair)
Faculty of Tourism and Food
Head of Department of Architecture and Urban
Design
Fellow Emeritus, English
5
Dr. M. Smith
xviii
School of Hospitality Management and Tourism – School Review
External Members:
Prof M. Bohlin
Professor and Head of Department of Human
PhD
Geography, Hogskolan Darlana, Sweden
Prof J. F. Burke
Collins School of Hospitality Management,
PhD
California State Polytechnic University, USA
Mr B. Curtis
CEO, Choice Hotels Ireland, Clarion Hotel, Dublin
Mr G. Holahan
CEO Aura Holahan Group, Dublin
Mr R. Taylor B.Comm,
CEO The Tourism Business Company
Lausanne Mgt. Dip., Dip.
Johanasseburg, South Africa
Marketing & Market
Research
Ms J. Wade MA
Principal Lecturer, Dept. International Business &
Leisure Management, Sheffield Hallam University
Internal Members:
Dr N. Hayes (Chair)
Mr M. Conlon
Mr L. Armstrong
Dr N. Abu-Ghannam
ixx
xx
2.
Senior Lecturer, Clinical Speech and Language
Studies
BArch/MArch - Architecture
Internal Members:
Dr M. Murphy (Chair)
Mr F. Prendergast
Mr K. Corcoran
School of Social Sciences and Law
School of Electrical Engineering Systems
School of Biological Sciences
School of Food Science and Environmental Health
Faculty of Engineering
School of Spatial Planning
School of Art, Design and Printing
BSc/MSc Architectural Technology
Internal Members:
Dr E. Coyle (Chair)
School of Control Systems and Electrical
Engineering
Mr C. Skehan
School of Spatial Planning
Mr D. Carroll
School of Computing
Reports from Validation/Review Panels
The following reports were adopted by the Committee:
i
BSc (Hons) in Electrical Services and Energy Management
ii
MA/PgDip in Professional Design Practice
iii
Postgraduate Diploma in International Business Development
iv
PgDip in Fashion Buying & Management
BTech in Engineering Laboratory Technology
v
Higher Certificate in Property Studies
vi
Postgraduate Diploma/MSc in Business Information Systems
vii
MSc in Finance
viii
Higher Certificate in Retail Management and Marketing
ix
BSc (Hons) in Food Innovation / BSc (Ord) in Food Innovation
x
Higher Certificate in Food Science and Management
xi
BSc (Hons) in Food Innovation / BSc (Ord) in Food Innovation
xii
BA (Hons) Drama (Performance)
xiii
Higher Certificate in Food Science and Management
xiv
BA (Hons) in Journalism/ BA Journalism with a Language
xv
BEng Tech in Automotive Management and Technology and
6
xvi
xvii
xviii
xix
xx
xxi
xxii
xxiii
BSc in Automotive Management and Technology
BA (Hons) in Journalism/ BA Journalism with a Language
Bachelor of Laws - LLB
Higher Certificate Design Studies
Master of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering
Master of Engineering in Signal Process Engineering
Master of Engineering in Sustainable Electrical Energy Systems
Master of Engineering in Pharmaceutical Process Control and Automation
3.
School Review Reports
The following School Review reports were adopted by the Committee:
i
Dublin School of Architecture
ii
School of Hospitality Management and Tourism
iii
School of Spatial Planning
iv
Conservatory of Music and Drama
4.
Faculty Review Report of the Faculty Tourism and Food
The Committee adopted the Review Report of the Faculty of Tourism and Food and
noted the draft Faculty response to the review. It was recommended that a more detailed
version of the response is to be forwarded to Academic Council. It was agreed that the
Academic Registrar is to provide assistance with the structuring of the Faculty response
in order to meet the requirements of the NQAI.
5.
Approval of Awards
Approval of the award of Postgraduate Diploma in Technology & Innovation
i
Management
The Committee formally approved the award of Postgraduate Diploma in
Technology & Innovation Management. It was noted that the Panel’s report in
respect of the Master of Science in Technology & Innovation Management, which
was adopted by the Committee and by Council in June 2006, included a
recommendation that a Postgraduate Diploma be provided as an exit award and
that this recommendation was recently endorsed by the School of Management
and the Faculty of Business.
ii
6.
Approval of the award of Postgraduate Diploma in Applied eLearning
The Committee formally approved the award of Postgraduate Diploma in Applied
E-Learning. It was noted that the Panel’s report in respect of the Master of
Science in Applied eLearning, which was adopted by the Committee in March
2007 and by Council in May 2007, included a recommendation that a
Postgraduate Diploma be provided as an exit award and that this recommendation
was recently endorsed by the Directorate of Academic Affairs.
Proposals in relation to reviews
Proposal in relation to review of programmes in the School of Chemical &
i
Pharmaceutical Sciences
The Committee adopted the proposal from the Faculty of Science that the
quinquennial reviews of the BSc (Hons) in Forensic and Environmental Analysis
and the BSc (Hons) in Chemical Sciences, which are due to be held within the
2007/2008 academic year, should be included as part of the School Review which
is scheduled for 2008/2009.
7
7.
Off-Campus Model for PG Certificate in Learning & Teaching
The Committee approved the proposal from the Executive of Academic Affairs that the
Postgraduate Certificate in Learning & Teaching be delivered off-campus in Athlone IT
and Carlow IT.
It was clarified that the programme will be delivered and assessed by DIT staff in
accordance with the approved programme document.
8.
New short course proposals
The Committee noted the approval of the Faculties in respect of the following short
course proposals:
Faculty of Applied Arts
Advocacy Practice Training for Information Providers (10 ECTS Credits)
Facilitation of a Friendship Relationships, and Sexuality Educational Programme for men
and women with an Intellectual Disability (10 ECTS Credits)
Multi-element Behavioural Support: Competence, Application and Review (10 ECTS
Credits)
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) in Higher Education (HE):
policies, procedures, practices and pedagogies (5 ECTS Credits)
Work-based Learning and its Relevance for Higher Education (5 ECTS Credits)
Faculty of Engineering
Engineering Maintenance (3 ECTS credits)
Instrumentation in the Process Industry (3 ECTS credits)
Faculty of Business
Retail Management for the Irish Co-operative (5 ECTS credits)
Diploma in Asian Business Skills Fundamentals (25 ECTS credits)
Postgraduate Diploma in International Selling and Marketing (40 ECTS credits)
Faculty of Science
Statistical Analysis for Decision Making 1 (10 ECTS credits at framework level 7)
Statistical Analysis for Decision Making 2 (10 ECTS credits at framework level 7)
Workplace Noise Risk Assessment (3 ECTS credits)
Programming and Algorithms (15 ECTS Credits)
Introduction to Computer Technology (15 ECTS Credits)
Introduction to Computing Fundamentals (15 ECTS Credits)
Information Systems in Organisations (10 ECTS Credits)
Information Storage and Management (5 ECTS Credits)
Object Oriented Programming (10 ECTS Credits)
Database Systems (10 ECTS Credits)
Computer Communications (5 ECTS Credits)
Computing Fundamentals (5 ECTS Credits)
Information Systems Project Management (10 ECTS Credits)
Computer Technology (10 ECTS Credits)
Software Engineering (Introduction) (5 ECTS Credits)
Network Fundamentals (5 ECTS Credits)
Information Systems Research Practice (5 ECTS Credits)
Professional and Legal Issues in IS/IT (10 ECTS Credits)
Software Engineering (Intermediate) (10 ECTS Credits)
Internet Development (5 ECTS Credits)
Advanced Networks (10 ECTS Credits)
Advanced Database Systems (10 ECTS Credits)
Computer Systems Architecture and Administration (5 ECTS Credits)
8
Business Perspectives on Technology (5 ECTS Credits)
Distributed Systems (10 ECTS Credits)
Software Engineering (Advanced) (10 ECTS Credits)
Computing Infrastructures (10 ECTS Credits)
Graphics (5 ECTS Credits)
Artificial Intelligence (5 ECTS Credits)
Assistive Technology (5 ECTS Credits)
Geographic Information Systems (5 ECTS Credits)
Spatial Databases
(5 ECTS Credits)
Advanced Internet Development
(5 ECTS Credits)
Games Programming (5 ECTS Credits)
Compilers and Language Design (5 ECTS Credits)
Strategic Management (5 ECTS Credits)
Business Systems Intelligence (5 ECTS Credits)
Music Technology (5 ECTS Credits)
Software Quality Management (5 ECTS Credits)
Security and Cryptography (5 ECTS Credits)
Foundations of Knowledge Management (5 ECTS Credits)
Knowledge Representation and Reasoning (5 ECTS Credits)
Knowledge Systems Analysis and Design (5 ECTS Credits)
Advanced Database Applications for Knowledge Management (5 ECTS Credits)
Enterprise Systems and Architectures (5 ECTS Credits)
Problem Solving Communication and Innovation (5 ECTS Credits)
Knowledge Based Project Management (5 ECTS Credits)
Business Systems Intelligence (5 ECTS Credits)
Geographical Information Systems (5 ECTS Credits)
Machine Learning
(5 ECTS Credits)
Security (5 ECTS Credits)
Legal Issues in Knowledge Management (5 ECTS Credits)
Internet Systems (5 ECTS Credits)
Strategic Issues in IT (5 ECTS Credits)
Systems Design and Methodologies (5 ECTS Credits)
Programming and Patterns (5 ECTS Credits)
Project and Change Management (5 ECTS Credits)
9.
Proposal in relation to BA in Visual Art agreement – Sherkin Island
The Committee adopted the proposals from the Faculty of Applied Arts that participants
in the pilot programme in Art & Culture which was delivered in Sherkin Island between
2000 and 2003 be given the opportunity to progress to stages 3 and 4 of the BA (Hons)
in Visual Art. It was noted that this will offer the participants in the Sherkin Island pilot
programme the opportunity to receive an Institute award on successful completion of the
programme.
It was also noted that procedures in relation to progression, quality enhancement, and
costing arrangements have been agreed within the Faculty.
10.
Partnerships with external organisations
(a)
Proposed partnership arrangement – appointment of Accreditation
Committee – Institute of Finance Management Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
It was noted that the Institute of Finance Management has submitted a request to
the Faculty of Science to franchise the BSc in Computer Science.
The following Accreditation Panel was appointed in accord with the Academic
Council’s partnership arrangements.
9
Prof. B. Goldsmith, (Chair) former President DIT.
Dr. R. Burns, Faculty of Business
Dr. F. Mtenzi, Faculty of Science
Dr. T. Duff, Academic Registrar
(alternate Mr. P. Carroll, Faculty of Engineering)
Accreditation visit to Institute of Finance Management Dar es Salaam,
Tanzania.
At its meeting in June 2008 the Committee was informed that the report of the
successful accreditation visit to the Institute of Finance Management, Tanzania
was distributed directly to Academic Council and that the resulting Memorandum
of Understanding has now been signed.
(b)
Proposed Joint MSc in Computing with Harbin Institute of Technology
The Committee noted the proposal that the current programme MSc in
Computing (Information Technology) DT 230 be offered as a joint provision with
HIT in Harbin, China. It is proposed that DTI staff attending Examination Boards
(for the BSc programme at HIT will constitute the validation panel for the MSc
programme) and that a report be brought forward in this respect.
11.
Schedule of planned School, Research and Faculty Reviews
The Committee noted the Schedule of planned School, Research and Faculty Reviews.
12.
Minor amendments to programmes
Faculty of Applied Arts
MA in Law
The Committee noted and approved the proposal to increase the maximum completion
time for the above programme from 5 months to 7 months.
PgDip in Law
The Committee noted and approved the minor amendment in relation to the scheduling
of tutorials for the above programme for the 2007/08 academic year.
MA in Criminology/MA in Child, Family and Community Studies/MA in Law
The Committee noted and approved the minor amendment in relation to the introduction
of a shared Research Methodologies module to be offered on a Faculty wide basis.
It was noted that in each of these programmes a separate seminar will be offered to
address research issues specific to the respective knowledge domain.
BA (Hons) in Design (Interior & Furniture)
The Committee noted and approved the minor amendment in relation to the
amalgamation of the two Computer Aided Design modules on Stage 1 of the above
programme into a single module which will be examined at the end of semester 2.
BA (Hons) in International Business & Languages
The Committee noted and approved the minor amendment in relation to the
semesterisation of the languages modules for years 1 and 2 of the above programme.
The minor amendments in relation to assessment arrangements for individual modules
were also noted and approved.
BA (Hons) in Photography
The Committee noted and approved the proposal to set aside the Institute’s formula for
10
calculating final awards as outlined in the General Assessment Regulations for 3rd year
students of the above programme to allow current 3rd year students to continue to carry
15% of 3rd year assessment over to the 4th year of the programme.
The minor amendments in relation to credit realignment for modules were also noted and
approved.
A number of minor amendments in relation to modules on years 2, 3, and 4 of the
programme were also approved.
BA (Hons) in Media Arts
The Committee noted and approved the minor amendments in relation to the Socrates
exchange period and also that the title of the module Time, Modernity and Irish Film be
changed to Philosophies of Time and Film.
A number of minor amendments in relation to modules on years 2, 3, and 4 of the
programme were also approved.
MA in Public Affairs and Political Communications
The Committee noted and approved the minor amendment that the Political Marketing
module on the above programme be assessed by project rather than by examination.
MA in Journalism
The Committee noted and approved the minor amendments in relation to the length
assessment in respect of the History and issues of Irish Journalism and Broadcast
Journalism modules.
MMus
The Committee noted and approved the minor amendments in relation to the Research
methods module and also the inclusion of a two year delivery option for the programme.
MA in Digital Media Technologies
The Committee noted and approved the minor amendment in relation to the assessment
arrangements of the above programme.
Master of Music (Performance)
The Committee noted and approved the revision of the programme to incorporate a Jazz
strand in addition to the existing strands in Classical and Irish Traditional Music.
BA Drama (Performance) (DT529)
The Committee noted and approved the minor amendment in relation to transfer to and
from other programmes and to module assessment.
International Business and Language
LANGUAGE 1001
LANGUAGE 1002
LANGUAGE 1003
LANGUAGE 1004
LANGUAGE 1207 / 2015
LANGUAGE 1208 / 2027
Department of Social Sciences
The Committee noted and approved the following minor/major amendments in relation to
the following programmes in the Department of Social Sciences:
BA (Ord) in Social Care Practice (in-service) (DT561)
Amendment to allocation of contact hours
11
MA in Criminology, DT 550 & DT 568
Criminal Law
BA (Hons.) in Social Care (DT571)
Practice Placement
Law
Options
Portfolio & Critical Reflection
Principles of professional practice
Amended advanced entry criteria to Years 2 and 3
MA in Child, Family and Community Studies
Transitions across the lifespan
Interventions and Mental Health
Research Methods
Dissertation
Placement (Years 1, 2 and 3)
School of Media
The Committee noted and approved the following minor/major amendments in relation to
the following programmes in the School of Media:
BA Media Arts
Telling Tales through Video
TV Production
Documentary Video I
Introduction to World Cinema
Media Policy in the Information Age.
Media Policy
Psychology of Storytelling
Introduction to World Cinema At present Drama
BA Photography
Photographic Practice 5: The City
Digital Imaging I
Photographic Practice 6
Digital Imaging II
MA Digital Media Technologies
Dynamic Web Development
Major Project
School of Art, Design and Printing
The Committee noted and approved the following minor/major amendments in relation to
the programme, MA in Professional Design Practice in the School of Art, Design and
Printing in relation to the alternative route thought the taught element of the programme
for Skillnets participants:
DT548 MA Professional Design Practice
The following new modules/amendments to existing modules were approved:
Leadership and Management
Marketing & the Customer
Team Development, Coaching and Communication Skills
HR and Finance (Non HR/Finance Managers/Owner Managers)
Department of Law
The Committee noted and approved the following minor/major amendments in relation to
12
the following modules in the Department of Law
Core Legal Skills
Advanced Legal Skill Modules.
Faculty of Business
Master of Business Studies in Retail Management (DT355/DT388)
The Committee noted and approved the introduction of an optional module worth 5
ECTS credits entitled, Retail Decision Support Systems from September 2008.
School of Accounting and Finance
The Committee noted and approved the following minor/major amendments in relation to
the following modules in the School of Accounting and Finance:
DT370 BSc (Business and Legal Studies)
Group Project
Information Technology Law
School of Retail and Services Management
The Committee noted and approved the following minor amendments in relation to the
following modules in the School of Retail and Services Management:
Diploma in Management Studies Aviation
Project Management
Operations Management
School of Marketing
The Committee noted and approved the following minor amendments in relation to the
following modules in the School of Marketing
Global Business Leadership
Faculty of Engineering
BE Electrical Electronic Engineering (DT021)
The Committee noted and approved the proposal for a Bridging Module Mathematics,
Signals and Systems, for Advanced Entry to DT021, stage 3.
Thresholds on all programmes
The Committee noted and approved that thresholds be removed from all elements of
less than 20% of the total marks on all modules.
Control and Automation Systems (DT009)
The Committee noted and approved the proposal for proposed change in assessment
mode for the above module to be 100% continuously assessed.
DT009 Electrical and Control Systems
The Committee noted that the minor changes in the programme DT009 Electrical and
Control Systems, previously approved on 21 January 2008 are being implemented in the
current semester, a written agreement from the students concerned having been
submitted.
DT010 Bachelor of Technology in Electrical Services Engineering – Major
amendment
The Committee noted and approved the proposal to change the programme award title
of DT010 Bachelor of Technology in Electrical Services Engineering to Bachelor of
Engineering Technology in Electrical Services Engineering.
13
Faculty of Science
BSc (Hons) in Forensic & Environmental Analysis
The Committee noted and approved the proposal in relation to the rearrangement of
Module content in the 4th year of the above programme for the current academic year
only.
BSc in Physical and Life Sciences
The Committee noted and approved the arrangements for students who registered on
the above programme to transfer to the recently validated BSc in Biosciences, BSc in
Industrial and Environmental Physics and the BSc in Medicinal Chemistry and
Pharmaceutical Science, as appropriate.
It was noted that all changes and consequences of the changes have been explained
to all of the students involved and all of the students have signed a consent form.
PgDip/MSc in Pharmaceutical validation Technology (DT276)
Post Graduate Certificate in Pharmaceutical Validation Technology be awarded as an
exit award to any student who has completed any 6 modules from 12 taught modules
that comprise the taught component of the existing PgDip and MSc in Pharmaceutical
Validation Technology.
BSc Computer Science (DT288) School of Computing
The Committee noted and approved the minor amendment in relation to an existing
optional module entitled “Mobile Software Development l” (SPEC4180) be moved from
stage 4 of the degree to Semester 2 of stage 3.
MSc Computing Knowledge Management
(DT217/DT209) School of Computing
The Committee noted and approved the minor amendment in relation to the introduction
of an additional (existing) optional Module in Semester II of year 2 entitled “Strategic
Issues in Information Technology” (INTC9221) – to be offered in common with the MSc
in Computing (DT230/DT210)
DT211 School of Computing
The Committee noted and approved the minor amendment in relation to the introduction
of eight (existing) optional Modules in stage 4 of BSc Computing (DT211)
Postgraduate Diploma/ MSc Pharmaceutical Process Technology (DT275)
The Committee noted and approved the proposed amendment to convert six modules
worth 10 ECTS credits each to twelve modules worth 5 ECTS credits each on the basis
that this involves no change to academic content.
The Committee also noted and approved the proposed amendments to increase the
spread of Laboratory Work from across one semester to across two semesters and to
add an examination component to the assessment of the Taught Module.
BSc in Computer Sciences (DT228)
The Committee noted and approved the proposed amendment to change the continuous
assessment/examination contributions to Mobile Robotics module from 70% Continuous
Assessment and 30% Examination to 50% Continuous Assessment and 50%
Examination.
Council also noted and approved the proposal to increase the laboratory session time
from 1 hour to 2 hours for each of the modules Artificial Intelligence 1 and Artificial
Intelligence 2.
BSc Chemical Sciences
The Committee approved the proposed change in title of the above programme to BSc
Chemical Sciences with Medicinal Chemistry.
Council noted and approved the proposal to replace the modules Organic Chemistry
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4107 and Organic Chemistry 4108 with a module in Medicinal Chemistry and a module
that consolidates existing Organic Chemistry components.
MSc in Computing (Knowledge Management) DT217/DT209
Spec9220 Case Study in Knowledge Management
SENG 9110 Foundations of Knowledge Management
SPEC9120 Knowledge Representation and Reasoning
SENG9130 Knowledge Systems Analysis and Design
SENG9140 Advanced Database Applications for Knowledge Management
TECH9150 Enterprise Systems Architectures
SPEC9160 Problem Solving, Communications and Innovation
SENG9110 Foundation of Knowledge Management
BSc (Hons) Optometry DT224
OPTO2804 Contact Lens Practice 1
OPTO2805 Ocular Anatomy and Physiology
OPTO1801 Visual Science
OPTO 18 Learning Skills and Development
Supervised Optometric Practice
BSc (Hons) in Clinical Measurements Science DT229
PHYS2811 Medical Instrumentation 1
PHYS2812 Medical Instrumentation 2
PHYS2813 Medical Instrumentation 3
PHYS 2814 Imaging
Collaborative virtual module:
PHNT3802 Techniques for Nanoscience
BSc in Forensic & Environmental Analysis (DT203)
CHEM 1301 Introductory Chemistry Module
CHEM4310 Environmental Management & Legislation
Laboratory work at Stage 4
BSc (Hons) in Biomedical Sciences (DT204)
BSc (Hons) in Clinical Measurement Science (DT229)
BSc (Hons) in Physics
BSc (Hons) Medical Physics
BSc (Hons) Bioengineering (DT235)
BSc (Hons) BSc Honours degree in Optometry
Introductory Chemistry CHEM1912 and
Introductory Chemistry CHEM1924
Introductory Chemistry CHEM1923
Introductory Chemistry CHEM1914
Chemistry A and B CHEM1923
Faculty of Tourism & Food
School of Food Science and Environmental Health
The Committee noted and approved the minor amendments in relation to the examination
duration of the Safety Aspects of Food Processing module and also the number of ECTS
credits on the Integrated Case Study module.
BA in Tourism (DT406) – Major amendment
The Committee noted and approved the proposal for the provision of an exit award of
Higher Certificate in Tourism at the end of Stage 2 of the BA in Tourism with
classifications of: Distinction; Merit Upper Division; Merit Lower Division, & Pass; at
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level 6 in the National Framework of Qualifications.
School of Culinary Arts and Food Technology
The Committee noted and approved the following amendments in relation to the
following programme in the School of Culinary Arts and Food Technology:
Major amendment
BSc in Food and Beverage Culinary Management
The above programme title is to be changed to BSc in Culinary Entrepreneurship
Minor amendments
TFCS 021 Introduction to Culinary Science
TNFT 0021 Introductory Nutrition
TFCS 1022 Culinary Science: Food Safety 1
TFBK 3027 Bakery: Functional Foods and Allergens
TFOS 4021 Occupational Health and Safety
TNFT 4022 Sports and Exercise Nutrition
TNFT 2023 Diet Health and Disease
TNFT 4023 Lifestyle Nutrition and Bioactive Dietary
TNFT 9021 Sports and Exercise Nutrition
TFIN 3022 Industry Placement
TFBS 4021 Advanced Wine Studies
TFIT 1022 Information Technology
TFCA 4023 Major Pastry 2
Components
Programmes DT 416 and DT 407
All modules in Faculty of Tourism and Food to be made available as optional modules,
subject to demand.
School of Food Science and Environmental Health
The Committee noted and approved the following minor/major amendments in relation
to programmes in the School of Food Science and Environmental Health:
DT480 & DT481
TFMT1002 Mathematics for scientists
TFBC2003 Biochemistry III
TFBC2002 Biochemistry II: Metabolic pathways and regulation
TFCH3002 Pharmaceutical Chemistry II
TFCH3005 Medicinal Chemistry
Prerequisites and co-requisites from specified modules to be removed.
DT420
TFBC2005 Nutritional Biochemistry I
TFBC2001 Introductory Biochemistry I/Biochemistry I:
TFBC2006 Nutritional Biochemistry II
TFBC2002 Biochemistry II/Biochemistry II: Metabolic pathways and regulation
Prerequisites and co-requisites from specified modules to be removed.
Pre-requisites, co-requisites and module specified elements to be removed as specified.
Programmes DT425, DT480, DT481 and DT491
TFCH1001
TFCH1003
TFMB1001
Foundation Chemistry I
Foundation Organic Chemistry
Basic Microbiology
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TFMB1001
Basic Microbiology
TFMB1001
Basic Microbiology
TFCH1002
Foundation Chemistry II
TFCH2001
Organic Chemistry I
TFCH2002
Organic Chemistry II
TFCH2002
Organic Chemistry II
TFCH2004
Food & Pharmaceutical Instrumentation ITFCH2004
Food & Pharmaceutical Instrumentation ITFCH2005
Food & Pharmaceutical Instrumentation II / Instrumental Analysis
TFCH2005
Food & Pharmaceutical Instrumentation TFMB2001
Basic Food Microbiology I
TFMB2002
Basic Pharmaceutical Microbiology
ITFCH3015
Food Analysis and Environmental Management
TFME3003
Pharmaceutical Legislation & Environmental Management
TFMB3004
Pharmaceutical Microbiology II
TFPG3001
Pharmacology and Toxicology II
TFQM3481
Quality Management, Environ Man
TFBC3011
Food Chemistry I
TFBC3011
Food Chemistry I
TFBC3012
Food chemistry II
TFBC3012
Food chemistry II
TFES2001
Environmental Science
TFBE3004
Housing for Environmental Health
TFMH3001
Environmental Health Management ITFHS3491
Environmental Health II
TFBE4001
Synthesis of Built Env & Cost Control for EH
TFBC2002
Biochemistry II / ‘Biochemistry II: Metabolic pathways and regulation’
TFBC3011
Food Chemistry I
TFBC3012
Food Chemistry II
TFCH3010 / TFCH3025 Shelf life management and packing
TFCH1001
Foundation Chemistry 1
TFCH1002
Foundation Chemistry II
TFCH1003
Foundation Organic Chemistry
TFPG1001
Pharmacy Practice I
TFCH2006
Pharmaceutical Formulation Pharmacy Technician
TFPG2002
Pharmacy Practice II
MSc Hospitality Management and MSc Tourism Management
TFDS9001 – Dissertation (Post Graduate).
School of Hospitality Management and Tourism
The Committee also noted and approved an amendment in relation to the following
module in the School of Hospitality Management and Tourism:
TFCL2001 Community Learning Programme – Foundation
Learning and Teaching Centre
The Committee noted and approved a minor amendment in relation to the following
programme in the Learning and Teaching Centre:
Postgraduate Diploma in Third Level Learning and Teaching
Academic Writing & Information Literacy
13.
Module Descriptor in Relation to Extracurricular Activities
The Committee approved the above module descriptor, noting that it is to be
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amended so as to include a description of target students for whom this module is
designed.
14.
15.
Change of programme title
The Committee noted and approved the proposal in relation to the following
programme
title change:
From:
To:
BSc (Hons) in Clinical Measurement
BSc (Hons) in Clinical Measurement Science
From:
To:
MSc in Assistive Technology
MSc in Accessible Computing
Accreditation Committee Report in Relation to Extracurricular Activities
The Committee noted the report of the Accreditation Committee arising from its
investigation of a formal mechanism for academic accreditation for participation in
extra-curricular activities. The committee also considered and approved the related
draft Module Descriptor.
It was agreed that the new module will be incorporated on a pilot basis into two
programmes within the Faculties of the Built Environment and Tourism and Food,
pending approval at the relevant Faculty Board.
(a)
Updating programme documents to include amendments
The Committee noted the document entitled Updating programme documents
to include amendments.
The following principles for addressing amendments to programme
documents were broadly agreed:

Programme documents and Student Handbooks will be maintained
and updated in electronic form with version control rather than hard
copy.

There is a final agreed date annually (end of May) when proposals by
Schools to amend programmes and programme documents are
approved by Faculty Boards for implementation from the
commencement (normally September) of the succeeding academic
year.

The Academic Quality Assurance Committee will at its final meeting of
each academic year (June) receive from Faculty Boards their lists of
proposed programme amendments.

When approved by the Academic Quality Assurance Committee the
lists of programme amendments will be brought forward for approval
by the Academic Council (end June).

Responsibility for ensuring the maintenance of valid and up-to-date
programme documents and student handbooks in electronic form and
with version control resides with the Faculty Board.
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
Responsibility for ensuring that the current version of programme
documents and student handbooks is available to staff and students
resides with the Programme Committee chair reporting to the Head of
School.
It was noted that the above arrangements will likely impact on the timing in
relation to the Annual Monitoring process and the Quality Action Plan and that
this will have to be addressed.
It was agreed that the Committee should further consider these principles at
its next meeting before bringing forward proposals to Academic Council.
Following on from the above discussion the Committee endorsed the current
and long-established practice in the Institute that where a validation/review
panel gives conditional approval to a programme/award the conditions are
binding on the faculty/school concerned.
(b)
16.
Working group set up to address the updating of
programme
documents to include amendments
The Committee agreed to convey the view to the working group set up to
address this matter that a record of amendments to programme documents
should be maintained and made available to students.
Review of Guidelines in relation to Student Academic Excellence Awards
The Committee noted a document outlining the current Student Academic Excellence
Awards criteria.
The request that the Committee review the guidelines for making Student Academic
Excellence awards with a view to bringing forward revised guidelines to the next
meeting of Council was noted. It was agreed that a Working Group, comprising a
representative from each Faculty and from DITSU, should meet to address this
matter.
17.
Note on discussion re public access to programme documents and student
handbooks.
The Committee discussed public access to programme documents and concerns
regarding protection of same, in terms of competition and other HEIs. The option to
control access to library databases which could be accessed by members of DIT staff
and students was discussed. It was agreed that the part A of programme documents
are confidential, should have restricted access and should not be in the repository of
documents on the web. However, with regard to the curricular and syllabi there
should be public access via the Institute’s web site.
18.
Three years honours degrees
The Committee was informed that inquiries have arisen from one faculty regarding
the Institute’s policy in relation to three year honours degrees. In the discussion
reference was made to the previous decision of Academic Council to pilot the three
year honours degree in Accounting & Finance. Two further such degrees in Social
Care and Early Childhood Education were subsequently piloted. It was reported that
the Accounting & Finance programme has been an outstanding success.
In order to inform future policy in this matter it was agreed that reports be sought
from the Directors of the Faculties of Business and Applied Arts respectively in
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relation to the pilot 3 Years honours degrees, within their faculties: whether they feel
they should be continued and extended to other areas. It was also considered their
views be sought regarding 3 year honours degrees and any implications that arise in
relation to the Bologna framework.
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