ACADEMIC QUALITY ASSURANCE COMMITTEE

ANNUAL REPORT 2008/2009

Section A: Committee Membership and Attendance

1. Membership and attendance 2008-09

(a) Name (attendance in brackets)

Dr Frank McMahon, Director of Academic Affairs (2)Dr Neil Andrews, School of Hospitality Management & Tourism (3)Dr Paul Bourke, Head of Learning Development, Faculty of Tourism & Food (5)Mr Paul Bourke, Head of Learning Development, Faculty of Science (4)Dr Brian Bowe, Head of Learning Development, Faculty of Engineering (5)Mr Arthur Brown, School of Social Sciences & Legal Studies (4)Mr Pat Carroll, School of Civil and Building Services Engineering (0)Ms Jan Cairns, Quality Assurance Officer (5)Dr Phillip Cohen, Head of Library Services (5)Dr Alma Conway, Head of Learning Development, Faculty of Applied Arts (5)Ms Martina Crehan, Learning Teaching and Technology Centre (3)Ms Anna Cruickshank, School of Culinary Arts & Food Technology (3)Mr Martin Dunne, DITSU representative (3)Dr Thomas Duff, Academic Registrar (4)Ms Tracey Flinter, DITSU representative (4)Mr Bill Grimson, Academic Affairs (3)Ms Mary Malone, Faculty Administrator, Faculty of Engineering (2)Dr Mike Murphy, Director & Dean, Faculty of Engineering (0)Ms. Nicole O’Neill, Qualilty Assurance Officer (5)Mr Eddie O’Shea, Dublin School of Architecture (4)Mr Paul O’Sullivan, Director & Dean, Faculty of Business (3)Dr Mary Prendergast, School of Management (3)Dr Fergus Ryan, School of Social Science & Legal Studies (0)Ms Mary Scally, Director of Student & Academic Affairs (5)Mr Lloyd Scott, Head of Learning Development, Faculty of Engineering (4)Ms Kate Uí Ghallachóir, School of Marketing (4)Dr Kate Younger, School of Biological Sciences (5)

2. Schedule of Meetings 2008/2009

The Academic Quality Assurance Committee met on 5 occasions during the year:

22 September 2008 24 November 2008 19 January 2009 2 March 2009 8 June 2009

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SECTION B: BUSINESS TRANSACTED

(1) Appointment of Validation/Review PanelsThe following Validation/Review Panels were appointed:i iiiiiivvviviiviiiixxxixiixiiixivxvxvixviixviiixixxxxxixxiixxiii

Postgraduate Diploma in Financial Services (Securitisation)BSc in Opthalmic DispensingBSc (Hons) in Chemical Science with Medicinal ChemistryMSc in Molecular Pathology (University of Dublin award)PhD in Cultural Studies and Social Documentary PracticeBachelor in Architectural Technology (Hons)/ Postgraduate Certificate in Applied Architectural Technology School of Culinary Arts & Food TechnologySchool of Pharmaceutical and Chemical SciencesSchool of MarketingSchool of Social Sciences and LawMA in Creative Digital Media TechnologiesMA in Media Studies/MA in Public RelationsMSc in Digital GamesBA in Visual Merchandising and DisplayBSc in Industrial MathematicsMSc in Applied Construction Cost ManagementBA (Hons) in Applied Arts (Creative Industries – Theory and Context)BA (Hons) in Print & Digital Media Technology ManagementMBABEngTech in Civil Aviation & BEngTech in Military AviationBSc in Medical Devices InnovationStructured PhD Framework

2. Reports from Validation/Review PanelsThe following Validation/Review Panels’ reports were adopted by the Committee:iiiiiiiv

v

viviiviii

ixxxixii

xiiixivxv

xvixvii

Postgraduate Diploma in Financial Services (Securitisation)Bachelor of Technology in Engineering Laboratory Technology Mature Student Access CourseBachelor of Science (Hons) in Architectural Technology (Arising from review of BSc in Architectural Technology)Master of Arts in Creative Digital Media (Arising from review of MA in Digital Media Technologies)Master of Arts in Public RelationsPostgraduate Certificate in Applied Architectural TechnologyHigher Certificate in Networking Technologies (Arising from review of Higher Certificate in Electronic and Computer Systems as part of the School Review of the School of Electronic & Communications Engineering)Bachelor of Arts in Visual Merchandising and DisplayBachelor of Science (Hons) in Industrial MathematicsBachelor of Science in Ophthalmic DispensingBachelor of Science (Hons) in Pharmaceutical Science and Technology (to be offered by Singapore Polytechnic)Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Chemistry with Medicinal ChemistryMaster of Science in Digital GamesMaster of Arts in Applied Media Studies (Arising from review of MA in Media Studies)Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Medical Device InnovationStructured Doctoral programme in Cultural Studies and Social Documentary Practice

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3. Appointment of School Review PanelsThe following School Review Panels were appointed:iiiiiiivvvi

School of MathematicsSchool of LanguagesSchool of Electronic and Communications EngineeringSchool of Manufacturing and Design EngineeringSchool of Mechanical and Transport EngineeringSchool of Food Science and Environmental Health

4. School Review ReportsThe following School Review reports were adopted by the Committee:iiiiiiivvvi

Conservatory of Music and DramaSchool of MarketingSchool of MathematicsSchool of Chemical & Pharmaceutical SciencesSchool of Culinary Arts & Food TechnologySchool of Mechanical and Transport Engineering

5. School Review ResponsesThe following responses to School Review reports were adopted by the Committee:iiiiii

ivvvivii

Dublin School of ArchitectureSchool of Hospitality Management and TourismHigher Cert in PP Technology (Plant Management) (ESB partnership programme)Conservatory of Music & DramaSchool of Spatial PlanningSchool of MarketingSchool of Chemical & Pharmaceutical Sciences

6. Review of non-academic departments/unitsCampus Life Review ReportThe Committee noted the Campus Life review report and also the Campus Life response to the review report. It was noted that this is the first review of a non-academic unit in the Institute.

7. Request for a derogation for a School Review – School of Biological SciencesThe Committee approved the request to defer the School Review in the School of Biological Sciences which was scheduled to take place in the current academic year. Following discussion in relation to staffing issues in the School it was agreed that the School Review should be completed by October 2010.

8. Time gap between Validation/Review Panel’s Report and School responseThe Chairperson reported that the NQAI stated that the time gap between the issuing of the Validation/Review Panels’ reports and the School responses is excessive in some cases and that this process should be completed within the same academic year as outlined in the Institute’s quality enhancement procedures.

9. Schedule of School reviews and validation/reviews for 2009It was noted that there is a cluster of School reviews and validation/review events in

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April/May and in light of the NQAI recommendation that the review process should be completed by the end of the academic year it was agreed that in future years it will be necessary to schedule review events earlier in the academic year.

10. Responding to the economic crisis – labour market activation initiativesThe Committee was informed that Institute students and graduates are experiencing work placement difficulties/job losses as a result of the problems in the country’s economy.

Following discussion it was agreed that the Institute should be flexible in relation to labour market activation initiatives put forward by Schools. It was also agreed that a flexible approach should be extended to proposals regarding the re-packaging of existing modules into new programme offerings and minor modifications to existing programmes.

11. Development of Procedures for the Approval of Amendments to ModulesThe feedback received from the Faculties of Applied Arts, Engineering and Science in relation to the proposed procedures was circulated. It was agreed that the sub-group consisting of Noirin Hayes, Bill Grimson, Kevin O’Rourke, Tom Duff, Jan Cairns and Nicole O’Neill should be requested to reconvene to address the feedback received. It was agreed the membership of this sub-group should be expanded to include wider Faculty representation as well as representation from relevant administrative functions. Brian Bowe, Paul Bourke, Tracy Flinter and Eddie O’Shea agreed to join the group and Mary Malone agreed to obtain nominations from the Modularisation/Faculty Administrator’s Offices to join this sub-group.

12. New short course proposalsThe Committee noted the approval of the Faculties in respect of the following short course proposals:

Faculty of Applied ArtsCPD Certificate in Introduction to Printing Technology (5 ECTS at NFQ level 7)Language Upskilling for Post Primary Teachers of Spanish (5 ECTS credits at NFQ Level 8)Language Upskilling for Post Primary Teachers of Italian (5 ECTS credits at NFQ Level 8)Communications (5 ECTS at NFQ level 7)Structure and Internal and External Regulatory Issues in the Printing & Digital Media Sector(5 ECTS at NFQ level 7)The Committee recommended that the title of the following short course should be amended from ‘Introduction to Organisational Behaviour’ to ‘Introduction to Organisational Behaviour in the Print Industry’ (5 ECTS at NFQ level 7)Intellectual Property Law (5 ECTS credits at level 8)Immigration Law (5 ECTS credits at level 8)Law of Evidence (10 ECTS credits at level 8)Media Law (5 ECTS credits at level 8)Administrative Law (10 ECTS credits at level 8)Environmental & Planning Law (10 ECTS credits at level 8)

Faculty of EngineeringFieldbus and Control Valves (3 ECTS Credits)

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Faculty of BusinessCertificate in Work-Based Learning in Higher Education (10 ECTS credits)IT ManagementCritical Problem Solving/Thinking for RegulatorsManagement of Development (5 ECTS credits)Quality Assurance in Higher Education (18 ECTS credits)Critical Thinking & Problem Solving (5 ECTS credits)

Faculty of ScienceIntroduction to Blood Transfusion – Basic Skills (5 ECTS credits)

Faculty of Tourism and Food ITAA Certified Travel Professional (5 ECTS credits at NFQ Level 6)Certified Incentive Travel Executive (10 ECTS at NFQ Level 6)Heritage Culture and Tourism (5 ECTS credits at level 7)Costing and Control for Hospitality Businesses (5 ECTS credits at level 6)Managing Training & Development in Hospitality (5 ECTS credits at level 6)Introductory Accounting for Hospitality (5 ECTS credits at level 6)Strategic Human Resource Management (5 ECTS credits at level 8)Food and Beverage Management for Hospitality (5 ECTS credits at level 6)Introduction to Rooms Division Management (5 ECTS credits at level 6)Research Methods (5 ECTS credits at level 8)Strategic Management Seminars (5 ECTS credits at level 8)Costing and Control for Hospitality Businesses (5 ECTS credits at level 6)Overview of the Hospitality Industry (5 ECTS credits at level 6)Introduction to Hospitality Law (5 ECTS credits at level 6)Human Resource Management for Hospitality (5 ECTS credits at level 6)Marketing Strategy for Hospitality, Tourism and Leisure (5 ECTS credits at level 8)Entrepreneurship (5 ECTS credits at level 8)

13. Student Academic Excellence AwardsThe Committee adopted the report of the Sub-Group in relation to the nomination of Student Academic Excellence Awards. The revised process/procedure was approved.

14. Partnerships with external organisations(a) Establishment of Accreditation Panels

Accreditation Panels were appointed in respect of the following proposed partnerships:Irish Travel Agent’s AssociationConstruction IT AllianceCallan Institute, St John of Gods Hospitaller ServicesIrish Defence ForcesInstitute of Advertising Practitioners in Ireland (IAPI):Appointment of Accreditation/Validation Panels Middle East College of Information Technology (MECIT)Singapore PolytechnicIrish Business and Employers Confederation (IBEC)

(b) Report of Accreditation Committee in respect of the Construction Information Technology AllianceThe Committee adopted the Panel’s report in respect of the Accreditation of the Construction Information Technology Alliance (CITA), Dartry, Dublin, as a suitable partner with which the Institute may collaborate.

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(c) Proposal for a joint MSc in Software Engineering and Information Technology to be delivered by DIT and Harbin Institute of TechnologyThe above proposal was received and approved. It was noted that any references to a degree awarded by HIT is to be omitted from the documentation as it does not concern the Institute.

12. Minor amendments to programmes

Learning, Teaching and Technology CentreMSc in Applied eLearningPostgraduate Certificate in Third Level Learning and Teaching

Faculty of Applied ArtsBA (Hons) in Social CareVirtual Environments: Is One Life Enough?

BA (Hons) in Design (Visual Communications) (Year 1)The Committee noted minor amendments to the above programme as follows:A minimum pass rate of 40% to be introduced for the following components of Visual Exploration and the Design Process 1: Typography, Photography, Design Applications, Multimedia and Photography

A minimum pass rate of 40% to be introduced for the following components of Visual Exploration and the Design Process 2: Typography, Multimedia and Photography

It was noted that the rationale for the amendment is to prevent a situation where it is possible to pass the module by scoring very highly in some components while doing very badly in others.

It was agreed that since the proposed amendments relate to the introduction of thresholds for assessment, then this should be approved by Academic Council, in accordance with the General Assessment Regulations.

BA (Hons) in International Business and LanguagesYear 4 Language modulesThe Committee noted and approved minor amendments in relation to the restructuring of current content of year 4 Language modules on the above programme. It was noted that the amendments include the reconfiguration of the existing 5 ECTS modules as year long 10 ECTS modules, the removal of an elective module, and the reorganisation of optional/core modules for advanced stream and intensive stream students.

Bachelor of Music (Hons)The Committee noted and approved minor amendments to the above programme in relation to revision of practical lesson contact hours and revision to ensemble for keyboard students in years 3 and 4.

Foundation Certificate in MusicThe Committee noted and approved minor amendments to the above programme in relation to revision of practical lesson contact hours and Orchestral accompaniment

Master of Music/Pg Dip in Music PerformanceThe Committee noted and approved minor amendments to the above programmes in relation to the introduction of two new strands (Chamber Music and Piano Accompaniment), Performance Studies module revision and revision of Practical Lesson contact hours.

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Short course – Irish Cultural StudiesThe Committee noted and approved minor amendments to the above short course offered to Erasmus students in relation to assessment matters.

MA in International Journalism/MA in JournalismThe Committee noted and approved minor amendments to the above programmes in relation to assessment of two Broadcast Journalism modules.

Journalism for RPL Students The Committee noted and approved minor amendments to the above programme in relation to credits allocated to the various elements.

BA (Hons) in Media ArtsThe Committee noted and approved minor amendments to the above programme in relation to assessment matters and the Irish language module.

The following minor amendments were recommended for approval by School Review Panel arising from the School of Social Sciences and Law School Review:Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Social CareThe Committee noted and approved minor amendments to the above programme as follows: change to entry requirements to allow advanced entry; the introduction to Problem based learning (PBL) in Principles of Professional Practice modules to second and third year students, non-compensatory status for Principles of Professional Practice modules, the introduction of a new module, Working with Communities, in year 2 to replace the Youth and Community module in year 1, and the dissertation in year 3 bring replaced by a research portfolio.

BA (Hons) in Early Childhood Care and EducationThe Committee noted and approved minor amendments to the above programme as follows: content and focus of Social Theory and Legal Issues modules in year 1 and 2, expansion of content of this module in year 2, inclusion of music as a component of Introduction to Early Education in year 1, delivery of Child Language as part of Early Education Intermediate module in year 2, extra contact hours allocated to the module Curriculum and Development, a change of title of the module to Assessing and Planning for Early Learning, and the delivery of a new module Perspectives on Early Childhood Education: Issues in Policy, Practice and Research in year 3.

BA in Social Care Practice (In-service)The Committee noted and approved minor amendments to the above programme as follows: inclusion of new modules Working with Communities and Perspectives on Ageing and Social Care with Older People, and the inclusion of an attendance requirement of 75% in several modules.

Bachelor of Laws (LLB) (advanced entry)The Committee noted and approved minor amendments to the above programme in relation to the addition of the following new modules: Civil Procedure, Arbitration and ADR, Criminology, Competition Law, Law and Society, and Law in Society.

BA in LawThe Committee noted and approved minor amendments to the above programme as follows: the addition of the module Core Legal Skills, a change in entry criteria, and an increase in the total number of ECTS credits required for completion of programme changes from 60 ECTS to 90 ECTS.

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MA in CriminologyThe Committee noted and approved minor amendments to the above programme as follows: the introduction of a policy to respond to students who exceed the word count of assignments, the inclusion of a more detailed grading system for assignments and the dissertation, change in weighting awarded to examinations in certain core modules, the inclusion of additional teaching hours in the research methods module, a change in the title of the module ‘Penal Policy’ to ‘Prison Policy’, and inclusion of three new optional modules: Crime Prevention and Society: Communities, Actors and Governance; and Criminal justice policy making.

MA in Child, Family and Community StudiesThe Committee noted and approved minor amendments to the above programme in relation to the route to a professional Social Care qualification parallel to the MA in Child, Family and Community Studies.

PgDip in LawThe Committee noted and approved minor amendments to the above programme in relation to the addition of the following new modules: Administrative Law, Criminology, Competition Law, Law and Society, Law in Society, Environmental and Planning Law, IP Law, and, Media Law, and the splitting of Immigration and Refugee Law into 2 5 ECTS modules.

The following minor amendments were recommended for approval by School Review Panel arising from the School of Languages School Review:MA in Applied IrishThe Committee noted and approved minor amendments to the above programme as follows: a change to the dissertation in relation to contact hours, the inclusion of a 5 ECTS research proposal, and the addition of module Irish Language Communicative Media 2: Current Media to replace Irish Language Communicative Media, should a suitable lecturer not be available to teach this module.

BA (Hons) in International Business and LanguagesThe Committee noted and approved minor amendments to the above programme as follows: the reintroduction of language requirement (for French stream), the reassessment mechanism for third year (year abroad), the requirement to complete a Business Project, a Language Project and an oral examination, students to be offered the choice to remain in DIT or to go to the country of their minor language, a new year-long 10 ECTS modules in Cultural Awareness and Oral Skills and Written Expression and Textual Analysis in year 1 and Oral Communication and the Language of Business and Cultural Translation and Interpretive Practice in year 2.

Faculty of the Built EnvironmentMSc in Sustainable DevelopmentMSc in Regional and Local DevelopmentMSc in Spatial PlanningMSc in Spatial Information ManagementBSc (Hons) in (Surveying) Property EconomicsBSc (Hons) in (Real Estate) Auctioneering, Valuation and Estate AgencyBSc (Hons) in Geomatics (Surveying and Mapping)

Faculty of BusinessHigher Certificate in MarketingMSc in AdvertisingBSc (Hons) in Retail and Services ManagementMSc in International BusinessBSc (Hons) in Business and Entrepreneurship

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BSc (Hons) in Business and ManagementBSc (Hons) in Accounting and FinanceBSc (Hons) in MarketingCPD Diploma in Management Studies MSc in FinanceBSc (Hons) in Business StudiesBSc (Hons) in Business ComputingBSc (Hons) in Retail and Services ManagementBSc (Hons) in Logistics and Supply ChainHigher Certificate in Business StudiesCPD Certificate in Sales Practice (Oracle)CPD Diploma in Sales Practice (Oracle)

BBS (in partnership with IAA)The Committee noted and approved the minor amendment with regard to additional modules in relation to specialist requirements for the Dublin Fire Brigade personnel on the above programme.

Faculty of EngineeringBSc (Hons) in Product DesignBEngTech in Electrical and Control SystemsBE (Hons) in Mechanical EngineeringBachelor of Technology in Electrical Services Engineering (DT010) and the Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Electrical and Electronic Engineering (DT021)The addition of two modules, Mathematics (4 hours per week) and Signals and Systems (5 hours per week) was approved.

Master of Science in Applied Computing for Technologists (DT090) and the Postgraduate Diploma in Engineering Computation (DT094)Changes to the Dissertation Submission deadline were approved.

MSc in Energy Management (DT015)The addition of an optional module on Air Pollution Science and Technology was approved.

Bachelor of Engineering Technology in Mechanical Engineering (DT006)The separation of Mathematics and Computing modules was approved.

MSc in Energy ManagementThe Committee deferred approval of the proposed minor amendment in relation to the introduction of an additional module Entrepreneurship for Engineers until clarification is received from the Programme Chairperson that the Faculty of Business has been consulted with regard to resourcing matters.

BE (Hons) in Manufacturing & Design EngineeringThe Committee noted and approved minor amendments to the above programme.

Bachelor of Engineering Technology in Electronics & Communications Engineering (DT008) The Committee noted and approved minor amendments to the above programme in relation to learning outcomes and assessment.

Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Building Services Engineering (DT026)The Committee noted and approved minor amendments to the above programme in relation to modules’ descriptions, learning outcomes and assessments and the addition of a module.

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BSc in Electrical Services and Energy Management (DT018)The Committee noted and approved minor amendments to the above programme in relation to entry requirements and the whole-time delivery of the programme.

MSc in Electronic and Communications Engineering (DT085/86)The Committee noted and approved minor amendments to the above programme in relation to module description and assessment and the addition of a new optional module.

Faculty of ScienceBSc (Hons) Human Nutrition and DieteticsBSc in MathematicsMSc in Computing (Information Technology)BSc (Hons) in OptometryBSc (Hons) in Clinical MeasurementBSc (Hons) in Physics with Medical Physics and BioengineeringBSc (Hons) in Biomedical Science

BSc (Hons) in Computing (DT211)The Committee noted and approved minor amendments to the above programme in relation to the introduction of two additional modules. It was noted that the rationale for the amendments is to provide a contingency provision arising from premature termination of the Internship element by companies who are unable to sustain that Internship.

It was noted that the minor amendments will apply to Semester 2 of the current academic year.

BSc (Hons) in Forensics and Environmental Analysis, BSc (Hons) in Physics Technology, BSc (Hons) in Science with Nanotechnology, BSc (Hons) in Physics with Medical Physics and Bioengineering, BSc (Hons) in Clinical MeasurementThe Committee noted and approved the amendment in relation to minimum entry requirements with respect to the above programmes. It was noted that two new Leaving Certificate subjects will be examined for the first time this academic year and the amendment was brought forward in light of this development.

Module CHEM1204 on programmes DT212/DT261 BSc in Science and Medicinal Chemistry & Pharmaceutical ScienceFurther to a request at the last meeting the criteria for allocating 5% of the assessment marks for attendance and the sliding scale that will be applied was clarified.

Furthermore it was confirmed that the students undertaking this module are given the assignment schedule and assessment criteria for each assignment at the commencement of the delivery of the module.

DT222 Physics Technology, Year 4The Committee noted and approved minor amendments to the above programme in relation to the redefining of the following modules:

PHYS 4832 Advanced Optics and Applied Optical SpectroscopyPHYS 4833 Advanced Optics and Physics of FluidsPHYS 4834 Advanced Optical Spectroscopy and Physics of Fluids

It was confirmed that students have been informed of the additional optional modules.

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BSc (Hons) in Computer ScienceThe Committee noted and approved minor amendments to the above programme in relation to the replacement of core modules.

BSc (Hons) Degree in ComputingThe Committee noted and approved minor amendments to the above programme in relation to the adjustment of assessment ratios, delivery of additional modules and assessment matters including exemptions.

MSc in Computing (Knowledge Management)The Committee noted and approved minor amendments to the above programme in relation to the minor exchange of exemptions management, modification to module content, change in module authors, inclusion of three additional modules from Module Catalogue of MSc in Computing (Assistive Technology), creation of new modules, Data Mining and Data Management.

BSc (Hons) Information Systems and Information TechnologyThe Committee noted and approved minor amendments to the above programme in relation to the learning outcomes and content of modules.

BSc (Hons) Degree in OptometryThe Committee noted and approved minor amendments to the above programme in relation to the division or an examination in Year 2, and the movement of part of a module from year 4 to year 2.

MSc in Pharmaceutical & Chemical Process TechnologyThe Committee noted and approved minor amendments to the above programme in relation to a minor format change.

The following minor amendments were recommended for approval by School Review Panel arising from the School of Mathematics School Review:

BSc (Hons) in Mathematical Sciences (full-time)The Committee noted and approved minor amendments to the above programme in relation to the introduction of an exit award BSc in Mathematics, modules structure and content.

BSc (Hons) in Mathematics (part-time)The Committee noted and approved minor amendments to the above programme in relation to assessment and module content.

MSc in Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics The Committee noted and approved minor amendments to the above programme in relation to module content and renaming of a module.

The following minor amendments were recommended for approval by School Review Panel arising from the School of Chemical & Pharmaceutical Sciences School Review:BSc in Validation of Medicinal ProductsThe Committee noted and approved minor amendments to the above programme in relation to the introduction of 3 streams, and the introduction of new modules and a change in programme title.

BSc in Medicinal & Pharmaceutical SciencesThe Committee noted and approved minor amendments to the above programme in relation to changes in module codes, assessment, renaming of a module and minor

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content changes.

BSc (Hons) in Forensic & Environmental AnalysisThe Committee noted and approved minor amendments to the above programme in relation to splitting of modules, realignment of module offerings, minor content changes, and the introduction of new modules.

MSc in Pharmaceutical Quality Assurance and BiotechnologyThe Committee noted and approved minor amendments to the above programme in relation to core/optional module structure, amalgamation of modules, and the introduction of an exit award: Postgraduate Certificate in Pharmaceutical Quality Assurance.

MSc in Pharmaceutical Quality Assurance & RegulationThe Committee noted and approved minor amendments to the above programme in relation to core/optional module structure, amalgamation of modules, and the introduction of an exit award: Postgraduate Certificate in Pharmaceutical Quality Assurance.

MSc in Pharmaceutical Validation TechnologyThe Committee noted and approved minor amendments to the above programme in relation to core/optional module structure and the introduction of new modules.

Faculty of Tourism and Food

TFQM3003, TFBC2001, TFBT4002, TFBC3012, TFBC3011, TFBT3001, TFBT3002, TFCH4003, TFPE3001, TFBC2021, TFBC2022, TFID2481, TFBC2003, TFCH2002, TFBC2001, TFBC2002, TFBC2011,TFCH2001, TFCH2003, TFCH2004, TFCH3002, TFCH3001, TFBC2013, TFBC3014, TFPG3001, TFBC3013, TFCH3016, TFCH3004, TFCH3003, TFCH3008, TFCH3015, TFMH3002, TFFP3002, TFFP3001, TFFP4001, TFFT3003, TFFT3005, TFFS3101, TFFT4001, TFFT3001, TFQM2481, TFID4005, TFID4003, TFMB2001, TFMB2002, TFMB2003, TFMB2004, TFMB3001, TFMB3006, TFMB3005, TFMB3003, TFMB3002, TFMB3004, TFBT4001, TFMB4001, TFFT2006, TFMT2001, TFCH3006, TFFP3004, TFPT3001, TFPT4001, TFPT2001, TFCH4002, TFQM3003, TFID3001, TFQM4480, TFBC2021, TFBC2011, TFCH3015, TFBG1002, TFPG2001, TFCH2005, TFCH2003, TFCH3001, TFBC3013, TFBC3014, TFMT1001, TFCP1002, TFIP2001, TFCS 9021.BSc Bakery and Pastry Arts Management

School of Hospitality Management & TourismThe Committee noted and approved the proposal that in any year where two accounting modules are offered in a programme they should be considered ‘directly related’ in relation to progression matters. It was clarified that before this amendment modules were considered stand alone and students could not progress without passing all modules. It was agreed that this amendment should apply to all programmes in the School.

School of Hospitality Management & Tourism – Module amendmentsThe Committee noted and approved minor amendments to the following modules in the above School in relation to assessment: Heritage Interpretation, Event Planning, Professional Internship/Career Tourism, Professional Internship/Hospitality Management, and; Professional Internship/Career Leisure Management 1 & 2.

BA Tourism/BA Hospitality Management/BA Leisure ManagementThe Committee noted and approved minor amendments to the above programmes in

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relation to the addition of the following modules: Communications for the Conference and Event Industries, E-Commerce Strategy, Managing Innovation, and; Consumer Behaviour in Tourism Marketing.

School of Culinary Arts and Food TechnologyThe Committee noted and approved minor amendments to the module Molecular Gastronomy 1 in the above School in relation to a change of module code.

The following minor amendments were recommended for approval by School Review Panel arising from the School of Culinary Arts & Food Technology School Review:

BA (Hons) in Culinary ArtsThe Committee noted and approved minor amendments to the above programme in relation to the introduction of exit awards of Higher Certificate in Culinary Arts (after year 2) and BA in Culinary Arts (after year 3), Internship module arrangements, language module arrangements, and core/optional module options and a correction of an error in the programme document.

BSc (Hons) in Culinary Entrepreneurship The Committee noted and approved minor amendments to the above programme in relation to realignment and reordering of modules, options and admissions criteria.

BSc in Bar Studies (Management & Entrepreneurship)The Committee noted and approved minor amendments to the above programme in relation to the realignment and reordering of modules, options and admissions criteria.

BSc in Baking & Pastry ManagementThe Committee noted and approved minor amendments to the above programme in relation to the realignment and reordering of modules, and assessment matters.

Higher Certificate in Culinary Arts (Catering for Health)The Committee noted and approved minor amendments to the above programme in relation to the introduction of an industry placement, the introduction of new modules, and admissions criteria and a change in title.

MSc in Culinary Innovation and Food Product DevelopmentThe Committee noted and approved minor amendments to the above programme in relation to realignment and reordering of modules and the introduction of new modules.

13. Change of programme title From:To:

BSc (Hons) in Geomatics BSc (Hons) in Geomatics (Surveying and Mapping)

From:To:

Bachelor of Engineering Technology in Manutronics AutomationBachelor of Engineering Technology in Automation Engineering

From:To:

BSc in Validation of Medicinal ProductsBSc in Manufacture of Medicinal Products

From:To:

Higher Certificate in Culinary Arts (Catering for Health)Higher Certificate in Health and Nutrition for Culinary Arts

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14. Proposals regarding the Institute’s further education provision and the NFQThe document in relation to proposals regarding the Institute’s further education provision and the NFQ was noted.

It was noted that the Institute has an agreement with the NQAI that it would make awards at levels 6 to 10 in the framework and that ‘all education and training awards within the State should be included within the Framework’.

Whilst the Institute has placed all of its major current and former higher awards on the framework a sizeable number of further education programmes which fall under the minor award category (other than FẤS and Fáilte Ireland programmes) do not have framework levels assigned nor are they placed on the NFQ. This position could be regarded as disadvantaging students pursuing such studies, particularly in relation to the NQAI policy of providing access, transfer and progression opportunities for students.

There was some discussion regarding the appropriateness of the Institute offering awards below level 6 on the framework and a Sub-Group was set up to discuss the matter and bring forward a detailed report to a future meeting.

15. Development of Procedures for the Approval of Amendments to ModulesThe Committee adopted, in principle, the revised procedures for the Approval of Amendments to Modules.

It was noted that not all Faculty Boards have had an opportunity to consider the document and it was agreed that said Faculty Boards should be requested to forward comments/amendments.

16. Programme annual monitoring action plansIt was noted that a number of Faculties are currently reviewing their internal procedures in relation to the management of the Annual Monitoring process. Furthermore a number of Faculties expressed concern with aspects of the process including feedback to Programme Chairpersons and the time lines associated with the process.

There was some discussion in relation to the perceived unreliability of the Q6 process, where critical comments from students may not be fully captured. The Chairperson stated that the position in relation to access to information contained on the completed Student Survey forms is currently being clarified with the TUI. The importance of making progress in this area, particularly in light of the upcoming EUA Review, was noted.

It was agreed that best practice in this matter should be explored with a view to improving the Institute’s student survey process.

There was some discussion in relation to the timeframe associated with the annual monitoring process, in particular it was suggested that it does not take account of data arising from the supplemental examinations. It was noted that there is a need to arrive at a working model for the annual monitoring process.

Notwithstanding the above the importance of full compliance in relation to the annual monitoring process was emphasized.

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17. Proposed review of Handbook for Academic Quality EnhancementIt was stated that in the context of recent discussions at Academic Council in relation to the NQAI response to the Institute’s Annual Report there would appear to be support for a review of the Handbook for Academic Quality Enhancement, in particular, the chapters regarding Annual Monitoring, School Review, and Postgraduate and Faculty Research Review.

The Committee noted the NQAI recommendation that the Institute fulfils its stated aim to develop a Sub-Group to examine how the range of review processes in the Institute can be streamlined and consolidated and how their importance and relevance can be best communicated to staff.

It was noted that as part of the review it is intended to explore best practice in other third level institutions in relation to the various matters.

Following discussion in relation to the proposed format of the review it was agreed that as a first stage Faculties should be requested to consider the various matters and nominate members to meet with the Office of the Academic Registrar.

Following this process, a Consultation Group, comprising two nominations from each Faculty Board (a structured post holder and a non-structured post holder), key stake holders, staff in the Office of the Academic Registrar, and student representatives, should bring together the feedback from the Faculties and prepare a position paper for consideration at a future meeting of the Committee.

At the June meeting a Sub-Group in relation to the Review of Handbook for Academic Quality Enhancement was appointed.

18. DIT Annual Report to the NQAI and the NQAI responseThe Committee noted the Institute’s Annual Report for 2007/08 and the NQAI response. It was noted that the NQAI response was brought forward to the meeting of Academic Council in February.

It was also noted that although the NQAI response was generally favourable, a number of recommendations were made towards enhancing the Institute’s quality assurance processes.

The NQAI’s request that a transparent Institute-wide system of student feedback is developed and that the Institute carries out independent research on current practice higher education and training and that it devises a proposal to resolve the current impasse in the Institute was noted.

The NQAI’s request that the Institute provide an update in relation to the implementation of recommendations made by the European University Association in the review it carried out on behalf of the Authority in 2005 was also noted.

The recommendation that the Institute seeks to ensure that the review schedule for school, faculty and non-academic units for 2008/09 is followed was noted.

The Committee noted the request that the Institute produces a comprehensive schedule of non-academic unit/department reviews and it was agreed that the relevant managers should be consulted with a view to drawing up such a schedule. It was also noted that the first non-academic review, which involved Campus Life, has taken place and that a review of Library Services and the Directorate of Research & Enterprise will follow.

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There was some discussion in relation to the request that any academic issues arising from school reviews are addressed before the following academic year through annual programme reviews and otherwise and that the Institute seeks to hold reviews sufficiently early in the academic year in order to seek to ensure that school responses are produced within the same academic year as the report itself.

It was reported that due to the cluster of School Review events which are scheduled for April/May it will not be possible to implement this recommendation in the current academic year and it was agreed that in future years it will be necessary to schedule review events earlier in the academic year.

19. Embedded/Nested Level 7 programmes with Level 8 programmesThe Committee noted the response in relation to the above matter from the Faculty of Engineering. It was noted that written responses have also been received from the Faculties of Applied Arts and Engineering and that the document has been discussed by the Faculties of Business and Science but a written response has not been submitted.

It was noted that the matter is somewhat urgent for the Faculty of Tourism & Food owing to the recommendation arising from the School Review in the School of Food Science and Environmental Health that Level 7 programmes are embedded in level 8 programmes and advertised in the CAO as such.

In making its decision the Committee considered the consensus view of the Faculties and agreed an Institute approach that Level 7 programmes should not be embedded/nested within Level 8 programmes.

The Chairperson informed the Committee that Governing Body has recently considered that the Institute compares unfavourably to other Irish and UK third level institutions in that progression from level 7 to level 8 programmes takes 5 years in total in many cases in the Institute whereas it takes 4 years in total via this route in other Irish and UK third level institutions.

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