Introduction

This website explains our expectations of your behaviour when completing assessed work such as projects, assignments and examinations. Our expectations are the same at every stage of your studies, whether you are an undergraduate or postgraduate student. The content has been designed to help you understand exactly what will be expected of you when you undertake assessed work.

Study the materials carefully and then complete the test questions which will help you assess your understanding. If you have difficulty understanding this material please discuss your problems with your tutor.

We expect all students to work through these materials and successfully complete the test questions during your first semester of study at the University. You may find it useful to review the tutorial at crucial points in your progress – for example before you engage in a major research project or dissertation.

The Power of the Web

• Increased access to the Internet, use of the World Wide Web and search engines such as Google provides an unprecedented amount of information available “at your fingertips”
• This can help you when preparing assignments (e.g. design tasks, programming tasks, reports, and projects)
• But with power comes responsibility
• And the increased need for academic integrity

Definitions (taken from the OED)

Academic

• Of or belonging to an academy or institution for higher learning; hence, collegiate, scholarly

Integrity

• Soundness of moral principle; the character of uncorrupted virtue, especially in relation to truth and fair dealing; uprightness, honesty, sincerity

This tutorial will explain the following:

• Why understanding academic integrity is important to you
• How academic integrity can be breached include plagiarism, cheating, falsification, and re-cycling
• How we use automatic plagiarism detection software to help us identify breaches
• Details of penalties for breaches of academic integrity
  • students have been caught, and some have failed their degree as a result
• Guidance on how to quote (or paraphrase) and cite all your sources in a clear and standard way