Sally
This is what the Taught MSc in Quantitative Genetics and Genome Analysis does.
Taught Stage
We use the common marking scheme.
1) All exam questions have to be provided with model answers before the papers are
drawn up by the Exam Board and the external. The questions are single marked
(usually by the compiler) and as the class is quite small ~12, all marked scripts are
then sent to the external. We may consider double marking in future for some items.
2) In-course assignments are also single marked and the top, bottom and middle are
sent to the external.
3) The mini research project reports (sem 2) are double marked (by the supervisor and
one internal marker usually the CO).They are then sent to the external and one single
mark is agreed.
Dissertations
In addition to the standard University marking form we send out the attached
guidelines to markers. These were drawn up by the Exam Board to supplement the
'basic' University marking scheme which some markers found inadequate .
All dissertations are marked independently by two internal markers, one of whom
must be on the Board of Examiners. Supervisors cannot mark their sudent's thesis. As
our class is quite small at ~12, all the dissertations are then sent to the external
examiner with copies of the internal markers' reports and feedback from the project
supervisor (this helps to rate the complexity of the project and flags up any problems
during the project which were outwith the student's control). At the Exam Board
meeting all 3 marks + all reports are considered before agreeing a final mark for each
dissertation.
Hope that helps but if you need any more information just get back to me.
Regards
Judith
----- Original Message ----- From: "Sally West" <Sally.West@ed.ac.uk>
To: "Judith McQueen" <Judith.McQueen@ed.ac.uk>
Sent: Friday, September 23, 2005 12:31 PM
Subject: Re: Marking Guidelines for MSc in QG&GA dissertations
Judith, this is very helpful - many thanks indeed.
Do I take it that there is no marking guidance along the lines of your attachment for
dissertations sent out to examiners of the taught courses?
Rgds
Sally
Sally
Markers of exam questions are sent the University Common marking scheme and
have the model answers so not sure what else is needed.
In-course assignments (essays and problem sets in the main so not too different from
exams) are assessed by the setter. Model answers and/or feedback are provided for the
students.
The guidelines for marking the miniproject report are attached. - similar to the ones
for dissertations.
Judith
MSc/Dip in Quantitative Genetics and Genome Analysis
2004/05
MARKING GUIDE FOR DISSERTATIONS
Class
Mark
Description
Very high
distinction
90-100
Exceptional. Thesis is exceptionally well presented
demonstrating: (i) complete command of the relevant
concepts and facts, (ii) a high critical or analytical ability,
(iii) originality, and (iv) evidence of substantial discussion
High
distinction
80-89
Excellent. Thesis is excellently presented showing the above
features, but not fully achieving one of them.
Distinction
70-79
Excellent. Thesis demonstrates (i) a clear grasp of the
relevant concepts and facts, (ii) evidence of critical or
analytical ability (iii) with a thorough discussion.
High pass
for MSc
60-69
Very Good. Thesis shows (i) a strong grasp of the concepts
and facts, (ii) an accurate analysis (iii) with a good
discussion.
Pass for
MSc
50-59
Good. Thesis shows (i) some understanding of the basic
concepts and facts, (ii) a reasonably accurate analysis (iii)
and the sufficient discussion may have some minor errors.
Pass for
Diploma,
but not MSc
40-49
Satisfactory for Diploma but not for the MSc. Thesis
shows (i) only a basic grasp of the fundamental concepts and
facts, (ii) a rudimentary analysis and (iii) the discussion has
major errors or omissions
Fail for
Diploma
0-39
Fail. Unsatisfactory for Diploma. Thesis shows (i) a
confused understanding of the subject, (ii) presents less than
a third of a material expected and (iii) has major errors.
Neil Cameron
2 March 2005
(Agreed by the Board of Examiners for 2004/05)
M.Sc./Diploma in Quantitative Genetics and Genome Analysis 2004/05
INFORMATION FOR MARKERS OF MINI PROJECT REPORTS





Projects are to be marked according to the guidelines given in the Table below.
The percentage mark should be written at the foot of this sheet, but not on the actual report.
You are encouraged to write comments in the text of the report. These not only assist the
examiners in comparing reports, but can also provide useful feedback to the student (who
will get this annotated copy back next term).
The attached form, which has also been sent to you by email, is for feedback to the student.
Please provide a typed summary of the strengths and weaknesses of the project report, with
constructive suggestions for improvement. This will be very helpful to the student at this
stage in the course.
The project report and mark sheets must be returned to Judith McQueen (Room 136,
Ashworth Labs, The King’s Buildings) by 2.00pm on Thurs 31 March.
If you have any queries phone 650 5490 or email judith.mcqueen@ed.ac.uk
MARKING GUIDE FOR MINI PROJECT REPORTS
Class
Mark
Description
Very high
distinction
90-100
Exceptional. Report is exceptionally well presented
demonstrating: (i) complete command of the relevant concepts
and facts, (ii) a high critical or analytical ability, (iii) evidence of
substantial discussion
High
distinction
80-89
Excellent. Report is excellently presented showing the above
features, but not fully achieving one of them.
Distinction
70-79
Excellent. Report demonstrates (i) a clear grasp of the relevant
concepts and facts, (ii) evidence of critical or analytical ability (iii)
with a thorough discussion.
High pass for
MSc
60-69
Very Good. Report shows (i) a strong grasp of the concepts and
facts, (ii) an accurate analysis (iii) with a good discussion.
Pass for MSc
50-59
Good. Report shows (i) some understanding of the basic concepts
and facts, (ii) a reasonably accurate analysis (iii) and the sufficient
discussion may have some minor errors.
Pass for
Diploma, but
not MSc
40-49
Satisfactory for Diploma but not for the MSc. Report shows (i)
only a basic grasp of the fundamental concepts and facts, (ii) a
rudimentary analysis and (iii) the discussion has major errors or
omissions
Fail for
Diploma
0-39
Fail. Unsatisfactory for Diploma. Report shows (i) a confused
understanding of the subject, (ii) presents less than a third of a
material expected and (iii) has major errors.
Student Name:
Supervisor Name:
FINAL MARK
Signature:
Date:
M.Sc./Diploma in Quantitative Genetics and Genome Analysis
FEEDBACK ON MINI PROJECT REPORT
2004/05
Term 2
Student Name:
Title of Report:
Comments for transmission to the candidate :
Date: