9. Grading decisions in Sci and Eng GD7
– completed
Grading decisions in Science & Engineering level 3 units, based on GD 7
(Quality)
GD criteria. The students work or performance:
Merit – a) is structured in a way that is generally logical and fluent
Distinction – a) is structured in a way that is consistently logical and fluent
Merit – b) puts forward arguments or ideas which are generally unambiguous, but which are in a minor way limited or incomplete.
Distinction – b) puts forward arguments or ideas which are consistently unambiguous and cogent.
Examples of criteria which could be applied in
L3 Science & Engineering assignments
 An appropriate structure is used in laboratory practical reports.
 The sections of the report contain relevant information.

The style of presentation and the integration of graphs and tables are appropriate in the context of the report.

Standard scientific conventions should be used to ensure logical structure. Graphs and tables should have a title, the components should be clearly labelled e.g. columns in a table should have titles, the appropriate units should be stated, the axes of graphs should be clearly labelled.

The general flow of the text, and its content, is logically and fluently expressed.

Calculations should be shown in full, and written with a logical structure clearly showing the process involved in arriving at the answer.

Spelling, grammar and correct use of technical terms in that they don’t detract from the clarity of explanations.

Absence of contradictory information or explanations.

Calculations should be shown in full clearly showing the process involved in arriving at the answer.

Clarity of expression in descriptions, explanations, analysis, evaluation etc.

9. Grading decisions in Sci and Eng GD7
– completed
Merit – c) taken as a whole, demonstrates a very good response to the demands of the brief/assignment.
Distinction – c) taken as a whole, demonstrates an excellent response to the demands of the brief/assignment.

The word count, in relation to the relevant content.

The submitted work is proportionate in length or content to the demands of the assignment.

The quality and appropriateness of the resources e.g. the sources of information are academically appropriate, they are valid and reliable.
How will our interpretation of these GD components influence our selection of assessment methods?
Whatever assessment method is used, it must provide the opportunity for students to provide evidence for the grade descriptor component(s) chosen.
For example, if GD7a is chosen the expectations of the assignment must provide the opportunity for students to demonstrate the presentation of information in a logical and fluent manner. Questions, for example, in a test or examination, which only requires a few words or a sentence by way of an answer, would not be the best choice against which to judge this grade descriptor component. or, the use of GD7b would be the appropriate when the assessment required students to maintain a standard of consistency throughout their explanations, evaluations etc.