Curriculum design
The teaching and learning goals set by the University's strategic plan are long term objectives designed to assist graduates of the University to have the kinds of experiences expected from practice-orientated teaching and learning. These goals are formally stated in the principles and Graduate Profile Framework (PDF 147kB 4 pages). To achieve these aims the University encourages Faculties to develop supportive aims and objectives for their courses. The Course Development website provides an authoritative source of all information relating to the development and approval of award courses at UTS, which should involve reasonable workloads for both staff and students appropriate to the allocated credit points.
Where a subject has a fieldwork component, the University has produced the UTS Fieldwork Guidelines to ensure that all fieldwork activities are properly planned and managed for the safety of staff members, students and the wider community. The Guidelines complement the UTS Environment, Health and Safety Policy and should be read in conjunction with the Policy.
Assessment
An important element of curriculum design is the assessment of coursework subjects which has to follow the policies and procedures set out in Coursework Assessment Policy and Procedures Manual. This document outlines the principles by which students are assessed at UTS so that it is fair and equitable for all students, is based on criteria, appropriate student workload and the assessment focuses on learning higher order skills such as analysis and criticism. Academic Liaison Officers (ALOs) (PDF 36kB 2 pages) handle applications where special consideration or alternative examination is required.
Lecturers are required to provide students with all of this information in their subject outline in the first week of class. The subject outline needs to include all of the essential information for students including the educational objectives of the subject and course, the assessment requirements, when the students will receive feedback on their work, and the teaching and learning activities that will support them in meeting their subject's objectives.
Academic conduct
A series of policies assist staff and students in meeting the goals of curriculum design and assessment, such as the advice to students on good academic practice. The student charter, includes links to policies and guidelines on student support and rules concerning student discipline issues and complaints handling. Where students do not abide by the rules of the University, academics have guidelines for options that they can take, such as dealing with misconduct in class. Students found guilty of plagiarism are dealt with according to Faculty policy, which will be consistent to the University's rules on academic misconduct. Advice on deterring plagiarism is available on the IML Assessment website.
Teaching and learning resources
Lecturers need to provide a range of materials to students, including lecture notes/study guides, either at no-cost or on a cost recovery basis, depending on the circumstances. Staff need to be aware of copyright provisions and ensure that any copyright online materials provided for students are registered with the library's digital resource register.
