ICT238/ICT438 (2006) Assessment Guidelines
Determination of the final grade
In order to pass this unit you must:
- achieve a satisfactory performance (normally 50%) in the final examination, and
- have attempted and submitted all assessed work. (refer to clause 11.7 of the Assessment Policy below)
Your final grade for the unit will be based on your combined aggregate score for the assignment and examination components. Your final grade will be reported by a letter grade according to the following percentage ranges.
| Notation | Grade | Percentage Range |
| HD | High Distinction | 80 - 100 |
| D | Distinction | 70 - 80 |
| C | Credit | 60 - 70 |
| P | Pass | 50 - 60 |
| UP | Ungraded Pass | > 50 |
| DNS | FAIL | Fail, did not submit any assignments after HECS census date |
| N | Fail | Below 50 |
| S | Supplementary Assessment | 45-49% - at unit coordinators discretion |
Extract from clause 11.7 of the assessment policy:
"In recognising the value of an aligned curriculum, and where it is necessary in terms of the overall design of the unit, Unit Coordinators may choose to require students to attempt and submit all assessment items (including the final exam) in order to be considered for a passing grade in the unit."
In ICT238, it is considered important that you can demonstrate the ability apply the various theories and techniques covered during this unit. Assignments 1 and 2 are designed to identify any shortcomings in your knowledge of the theory and practice of bioinformatics in order that corrective action can be taken.
Students who achieve more than 50% overall but fail to attempt and submit one or more of the assignment/practical components will receive supplementary assessment related to those parts.
University policy on assessment
Assessment for the unit as a whole is in accordance with the provisions of Degree Regulations 40-48 with an exemption granted for ICT238 for clause 11.7 "Compulsory Passing of all Components". Check these in the current Murdoch University Handbook and Calendar.
Your attention is particularly drawn to the University policy regarding assessment roles and responsibilities which lists your responsibilities as a student (as well of those of unit coordinators and others).
Plagiarism and collusion
Plagiarism constitutes using the work of another without indicating by referencing that the ideas expressed are not your own. Collusion (or unauthorised collaboration) constitutes joint effort between students or others, in preparing material submitted for assessment, except where this has been approved by the unit coordinator. The University regards most seriously any acts of dishonesty in assessment such as plagiarism, collusion, re-submission of previously marked work in different units, examination misconduct and theft of other students' work. These acts could result in penalties including failure in the unit and possible exclusion from the University. For further details please refer to the section on 'Dishonesty in Assessment' in the current Murdoch Handbook Section 1, Assessment and Academic Progress and online.
Non-discriminatory language
Murdoch University is committed to the use of non-discriminatory language in all forms of communication. Students and staff should avoid the use of discriminatory language in units and in all other activities within the University. This applies to both oral and written communication. Discriminatory language is that which refers in abusive terms to gender, race, age, sexual orientation, citizenship or nationality, ethnic or language background, physical or mental ability, or political or religious views, or which stereotypes groups in an adverse manner. This is not meant to preclude or inhibit legitimate academic debate on any issue; however the language used in such debate should be non-discriminatory and sensitive to these matters. It is important to avoid the use of discriminatory language in your written work. The most common form of discriminatory language in academic work tends to be in the area of gender inclusiveness. You are therefore requested to check your work for this, and to ensure it is non-discriminatory in all respects.
Conscientious objection
Any student with a conscientious belief which is in conflict with teaching and/or assessment practices in this unit, is advised to contact the unit coordinator prior to the start of the unit or in the first three weeks of semester. Early notice increases the chances that alternative arrangements can be made. Further details about what constitutes a conscientious belief and how these claims are assessed can be found in the University's Guidelines on Conscientious Objection in Teaching and Assessment.
Deferred assessment and special consideration
Deferred assessment may be granted in cases of extenuating personal circumstances such as serious personal illness or bereavement. Special consideration in the awarding of grades is also possible in some circumstances. Refer to the current University Handbook for details or online.
Explanation of grades and appeals
Students have the right to appeal their assessment in this unit. First, you should approach your tutor for a review of an assignment. If you are not satisfied with this process, then take your case to the unit co-ordinator. Students who feel they have grounds for appealing against their final grade in this unit should consult the procedures outlined in the Handbook under Degree Regulation 49. See online or the Office of Student Services Appeals Procedure.
Dishonesty In Assessment
The University regards most seriously any acts of dishonesty relating to assessment. Cheating includes plagiarism, unauthorised collaboration, examination misconduct and theft of other students' work. Plagiarism and collusion are defined as including any of the following five types of behaviour, and apply to work in any medium (for example, written or audio text, film production, computer programs):
Inadequate acknowledgement - material copied word for word which is acknowledged as paraphrased but should have been in quotation marks, or material paraphrased without appropriate acknowledgement of its source.
Collusion - material copied from another student's assignment with her or his knowledge.
Verbatim copying - material copied word for word or exactly duplicated without any acknowledgement of the source.
Ghost writing - assignment written by third party and represented by student as her or his own work.
Purloining - material copied from another student's assignment or work without that person's knowledge.
Acting dishonestly in assessment is defined as misconduct under the Student Discipline Statute. Depending on the seriousness of the case, it can lead to a requirement to undertake additional work, failure in a unit or in a part of it, suspension from the University or even permanent expulsion from the University. The University regards any form of cheating as a serious matter of academic dishonesty which threatens the integrity of the assessment processes and awards of the University, to the detriment of all other students and graduates of the University. If you are unsure as to what constitutes plagiarism or collusion, please check with your tutor.
Guidance about how to avoid plagiarism and collusion, plus further information about University policies on dishonesty in assessment, are available online.
