Assessment of study attainments
The criteria for the assessment of credits is defined by Education Regulations 15 §:
A numerical scale from 0 to 5 (in integers), or a verbal assessment pass or fail is used in the assessment of study attainments. The numerical scale grades are indicated as follows: 5 = excellent, 4 = very good, 3 = good, 2 = satisfactory, 1 = poor and 0 = failed. In the assessment of doctoral and licentiate theses, a verbal scale pass with distinction, pass or fail can be used. The
Graduate School provides more detailed instructions regarding the grading of theses. The principles according to which partial attainments are combined into an overall grade are defined in curricula or other stipulations. The calculation of a grade for a study module is based on the average weighted with the credit scores. The grades for master’s theses and diploma theses as well as medicine and dentistry thesis are not taken into account when calculating the average grade for advanced studies. The assessment of required language proficiency in Finnish and in Swedish, as specified in section 6 of the Decree on University Degrees (794/2004), is separately provided in University of Oulu language policies.
The evaluation of study attainments is defined by Education Regulations 15 §:
The purpose of assessing study attainments is to gather information on the student’s learning process and learning outcomes for both the student and teacher. The assessment of study attainments is based on the learning outcomes and assessment criteria defined in the curricula. The numerical or verbal assessment of study attainments is made on the basis of assessment criteria. The task of the teacher conducting the assessment is to provide the student information in advance on the learning outcomes, assessment criteria and how credits are awarded for a study attainment. The study attainment is assessed by the person responsible for a given course or another course teacher, who also decides on the grade for the study attainment. A University of Oulu study attainment may only be assessed by a teacher who has an employment relationship with the University of Oulu. The assessment information is only published in the University's study information system so that each student can see the assessment of their own attainment.
In following sections, the objects of the studies (course, study module and thesis) are defined. The Finnish and ECTS grading scales are explained and other grading scales used at the University of Oulu are presented.
The publication of study attainment results is defined by Education Regulations 23 §:
"The course assessment is saved in the study information system in the student’s information. The date of completion or submission set for the last study attainment of a given course shall be entered as the completion date. The results shall be published within three weeks at the latest after the instructor has been given the study attainments for assessment. If any holidays fall within this three-week period, the number of these holidays shall be added to the assessment period. The Education Dean may grant an extension to the assessment time limit because of the study method or some other special reason. If a time extension is granted, the teacher shall inform the students about the decision. The teacher may assess the study attainments completed between 1 June and 31 July by no later than the end of August. The student and teacher shall agree separately on the time of submission date for a study attainment if it differs from the study attainment schedule specified by the teacher during the course.
The examiners of a Master’s thesis, diploma thesis or other equivalent thesis shall issue their statements within one month of the student submitting their thesis in its final form.
When the examiner of a study attainment is disqualified or temporarily prevented from carrying out their duties, the Education Dean or Dean shall appoint another person to the position.
Upon request, the student shall be entitled to receive a report on the assessment of their study attainment and the general criteria used in assessment at either a feedback presentation or otherwise. Feedback can be presented either in a group or individually, taking into account the confidentiality provisions of the study attainment.
The student shall be given an opportunity to see the assessed written or otherwise recorded study attainment. They shall be entitled to receive a copy of their study attainment at their own expense. The student shall be entitled to receive qualitative feedback on their own learning and performance upon request."
The retaking a study attainment is defined by Education Regulations 24 §:
"A student may retake a study attainment when they are registered as present and their right to study is valid.
A student may not raise their grade or retake a study attainment if their right to study has ended. The possibility to retake a study attainment also means raising the grade for work other than theses. A graded and approved thesis cannot be retaken or improved.
Two chances for retaking study attainments related to teaching shall be reserved within a reasonable time, taking into account the flexible progress of the student's studies. If the student has retaken the study attainment and received different grades for the same study attainment, the one with the highest grade will be the final study attainment recorded.
Retaking a study attainment must be arranged within a reasonable time after giving a grade for the previous study attainment. The possibility to retake a study attainment also applies to raising a grade. When a study attainment can be used to replace a final examination, there is no need to make separate arrangements for retaking the attainment.
Curricula or other stipulations may set a limit to the number of times a study attainment may be retaken, unless it is to raise a grade that is necessary for the continuation of studies."
The Student discipline and fraud is defined by Education Regulations 31 §:
"Students shall comply with the stipulations and instructions issued by the University of Oulu on teaching and studying, the responsible conduct of research and the rules and regulations of the University. All members of the University of Oulu community shall abide by the ethical principles of the University of Oulu.
A study attainment may be rejected if the student is found guilty of cheating in their studies or research while completing the attainment. Separate instructions from the University of Oulu shall be observed in cases of cheating and plagiarism. Provisions on student discipline are laid down in the Universities Act and the University of Oulu
Regulations. Before deciding on a disciplinary matter, the student shall be provided with evidential information on their suspected offence and be given an opportunity to be heard on the matter. Separate instructions are issued on matters related to discipline."
In cases of plagiarism Code of conduct for the prevention and processing of misconduct in studies at University of Oulu are followed.