Examinations & Assessments

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1. The Purpose of Assessment
　1.1 There are two purposes of assessment in this programme:
　　　‧ To facilitate students to achieve the programme objectives;
　　　‧ To appraise the programme outcome.

　1.2 This facilitation and appraisal process is beneficial to the following items:
　　　‧ To determine whether students are in the optimal education environment;
　　　‧ To place students in the optimal education environment;
　　　‧ To assess the progress of students' study in the programme;
　　　‧ To inform students the next step of work/learning;
　　　‧ To monitor whether the teaching and learning are effective.

2. Assessment Methods
Students will be assessed by coursework and examination. Coursework includes test, report, review, case study, essay, seminar presentation, classroom assignment, extracurricular self-study, laboratory work, clinical placement and classroom activities. During small group activity, the work of each student can also be assessed individually. Teachers should clarify the assessment method of each subject to students at the beginning of each semester. Attendance of each subject of the programme should be at least 70%, or else students will not be entitled to the summative evaluation.

3. Subject Assessment
All subject teachers will select appropriate assessment methods, in accordance with the nature of the subject and the above said assessment purposes. A majority of subject assessments includes tests and examination. These aim to assess whether students can master the fundamental knowledge in all subjects, so as to enter new stage of study. For example in Human Biology and Pathophysiology, examination is chosen to assess the mastery and understanding of the learned content by students. Among nursing subjects, (e.g Fundamentals of Nursing, Health Assessment, Childbearing and Family Health Nursing, Child and Adolescent Health Nursing, Adult Nursing etc.), examination and tests are both important because there are many fundamental nursing concepts in various nursing areas which students have to master. In addition, the depth of learning can be assessed through seminar, symposium presentation, etc. By virtue of various types of assessment, the knowledge, judgment skills and problem solving abilities of students can be examined. To make sure the assessment requirement is known to all students, teachers should clearly list out all subject assessment methods and criteria for students' reference.

Along with the progress of study, assessment methods will get more varied accordingly (Table 5). To avoid exerting too much pressure on students at a certain time, assessment will be spanned across the entire semester. Therefore, in terms of programme design, a Subject Assessment Schedule has been set; and joint assessment has been recommended to some subjects, so as to reduce the frequency of assessment.

Table 5　Subject Assessment

Subject	Year	Credit	Continuous Assessment	Exam
BSN111:English I	1^st year (1^stsemester)	2	100%
BSN112:中文	1^st year (1^st semester)	3	100%
BSN113:Psychology	1^st year (1^st semester)	3	100%
BSN115: Fundamentals of Nursing I	1^st year (1^st semester)	4	60%	40%
BSN116:Human Biology I- Anatomy	1^st year (1^st semester)	3	40%	60%
BSN117:Human Biology II- Physiology, Biochemistry	1^st year (1^st semester)	4	50%	50%
BSN121:Sociology	1^st year (2^nd semester)	3	100%
BSN122:Health Assessment	1^st year (2^nd semester)	3	60%	40%
BSN123:Pharmacology	1^st year (2^nd semester)	2	50%	50%
BSN124:Pathophysiology	1^st year (2^nd semester)	3	40%	60%
BSN125:Microbiology- Immunology	1^st year (2^nd semester)	3	50%	50%
BSN126:Fundamentals of Nursing II	1^st year (2^nd semester)	3	60%	40%
BSN127:English II	1^st year (2^nd semester)	2	100%
BSN231:Childbearing and Family Health Nursing	2^nd year (3^rd semester)	3	50%	50%
BSN242:Child & Adolescent Health Nursing	2^nd year (3^rd semester)	3	50%	50%
BSN238:English III	2^nd year (3^rd semester)	2	100%
BSN251:Adult Nursing I – Maintenance of Oxygenation	2nd year (4th semester)	4	40%	60%
BSN252:Adult Nursing II – Mobility and Rest	2^nd year (4^th semester)	2	40%	60%
BSN233:Introduction to Nursing Research	2^nd year (4^th semester)	2	100%
BSN243:Ethical & Legal Aspects of Nursing	2^nd year (4^th semester)	3	100%
BSN365:Adult Nursing III – Nutrition and Metabolism	3^rd year (5^th semester)	2	50%	50%
BSN367:Adult Nursing IV – Elimination and Sexuality	3^rd year (5^th semester)	2	50%	50%
BSN368 Adult Nursing V – Sensation and Perception	3^rd year (5^th semester)	2	60%	40%
BSN471:Nursing Management	3^rd year (5^th semester)	3	100%
BSN361:Community Health Nursing	3^rd year (6^th semester)	3	100%
BSN362:Mental Health Nursing	3^rd year (6^th semester)	3	100%
BSN352:Gerontological Nursing	3^rd year (6^th semester)	3	100%
Preliminary Clinical Study and Clinical Study I~V	1^st-4^th year(2^nd-8^th semester)	40	100%
Elective Subject Assessment
BSN239:Health Education and Promotion	2^nd year (4^th semester)	2	100%
BSN363:Traditional Chinese Medicine and Nursing	2^nd year (3^rd semester)	3	60%	40%
BSN501:Philosophy	3^rd-4^th year(5^th-8^th semester)	3	100%
BSN502:Epidemiology	3^rd year (5^th semester)	3	60%	40%
BSN503:Nursing Theory	3^rd-4^th year(5^th-8^th semester)	2	100%
BSN504:Professional Issues in Nursing	4^th year (7^th semester)	2	100%
BSN505:Clinical Reasoning and Decision Making	2^nd year (4^th semester)	2	100%
BSN508:Health Statistics	2^nd year (3^rd semester)	3	50%	50%
BSN511:English IV	3^rd year (5^th-6^th semester)	2	100%
BSN509:Exchange Clinical Study (40 Hours)	3^rd-4^th year(6^th-8^th semester)	1	–
BSN509:Exchange Clinical Study (80 Hours)	3^rd-4^th year(6^th-8^th semester)	2	–
BSN510:Professional/Academic Seminar (4 Sessions)	2^nd-4^th year(3^rd-8^th semester)	1	–
BSN510:Professional/Academic Seminar (8 Sessions)	2^nd-4^th year(3^rd-8^th semester)	2	–
BSN512:Service Related Student Activity (50 Hours)	1^st-4^th year(2^nd-8^th semester)		–
BSN512:Service Related Student Activity (90 Hours)	1^st-4^th year(2^nd-8^th semester)		–
BSN513:Hospice and Palliative Care	3^rd-4^th year(5^th-8^th semester)		100%
BSN514:Life and Death Education	3^rd-4^th year(5^th-8^th semester)		100%

Remarks:
1. All subjects are given weighting 1 to calculate the GPA. The result of clinical study is calculated into the SGPA.

2. Assignment, seminar, report, review and test etc. are included into continuous assessment.

3. If there happens to have continuous assessment and examination in one subject, students are required to pass in both parts in order to get a pass in that subject.

4. Clinical Study Assessment
In order to facilitate the individual development of students, a clinical assessment system by use of student's self-evaluation and participated by both the College teachers and the collaborative institutions is recommended. Meanwhile, a combination of formative evaluation and summative evaluation as assessment method is also adopted. Students can make self-evaluation through clinical learning record and reflective journal. Other assessors will complete assessment through observation on each student's daily nursing activities during their interactive learning process. Summative assessment includes a comprehensive assessment at the end stage of each Clinical Study and the clinical assessment each semester (Appendix 3). This aims to evaluate on both the learning process and outcome.

Clinical assessment is designed in accordance with the learning contents of different years of study. There are two grading results, Pass/Fail and 1~5 points, in the assessment criteria. Assessed student has to acquire a Pass in each item or at least 3 points or above to qualify a pass. Each item in the grid has its specific requirements, according to which, students and teachers may set their learning objectives and plan. The assessment rubric is designed in accordance with the framework of core competence and nursing process. It can guide students to learn and develop nursing activities in a comprehensive and systematic way while facilitating students and teachers’ understanding of the progress status and difficulties in learning, in turn to exercise appropriate remedial and guidance interventions.

Averaged marks of all Clinical Study will be converted to Grade, and will be calculated into semester grade point average (SGPA) and cumulative grade point average (GPA) with the result of other subjects.

5. Assessment Criteria

The following grading method is adopted to evaluate student's study progress:

Grade	Grade Point	Description	Percentage
A+	4.5	Exceptional Outstanding	≥90
A	4.0	Outstanding	84~
B+	3.5	Excellent	77~
B	3.0	Very Good	71~
C+	2.5	Good	66~
C	2.0	Fair	61~
D+	1.5	Adequate/Pass	56~
D	1.0	Barely Adequate/Pass	50~
F	0.0	Fail	＜50
I	—	Incomplete	–
S	—	Absence in Examination	–
DX	—	Assessment to be Continued in Coming Semester	–
W	—	Withdrawal	–
X	—	Exemption	–

Clinical Study Grade Result and Corresponding Grade Point:

Grade	Grade Point	Clinical Study Grade Point
A+	4.5	4.5~5.0
A	4.0	4.0~
B+	3.5	3.7~
B	3.0	3.5~
C+	2.5	3.3~
C	2.0	3.2~
D+	1.5	3.1~
D	1.0	3.0~
F	0.0	< 3.0

Note﹕
1. ‘F’ is fail, the rest (from ‘A+’ to ‘D’ ) are deemed pass.
2. Letter Grade is the formal Grade result; Grade Points will be used in calculation of GPA;，percentage is for reference only.

Upon the completion of each semester, the Grade Point Average (GPA) will be calculated by the following formula:

where n =

number of all subjects taken by students hitherto. For subjects which have been retaken, only the grade point and credit obtained in the final attempt will be included in calculation.

Semester Grade Point Average (SGPA) will be calculated only according to the grade and credits of subjects in a certain semester. SGPA can only be used as a reference of the student performance in that semester. Upon graduation the GPA determines the graduation grade result.

Exempted subjects, ungraded subjects, incomplete subjects, and subjects for which credit transfer has been approved without any grade assigned, will not be included in GPA calculation. In addition, subjects from which a student has been allowed to withdraw will not be calculated in GPA.

6. Promotion Criteria and Graduation Requirement
6.1	At the end of each semester, the Examination Committee determines the progress of study of each student in accordance with the assessment result: ‧ Whether the student can enter into the next stage of study (promotion); or ‧ Whether the student can be graduated; or ‧ Whether the student needs to retake certain subjects, repeat certain stage of study or even withdraw from study.
6.2	A student with any of the following conditions cannot enter the next stage of study: ‧ Exceed the Programme's maximum duration of study (>6 years); ‧ Fail in Clinical Assessment of that semester; ‧ GPA lower than 2 for three consecutive semesters.
6.3	If a student's GPA is lower than 2 for two consecutive semesters, and the Examination Committee deems that the student cannot attain a GPA of 2 or above in the following semester, resolution of such student's withdrawal from the programme may be made.
6.4	Special case of an individual student could be specially handled by the Examination Committee.
6.5	For the structure, roles and responsibilities of Examination Committee, please refer to article 10.2.

7. Re-assessment
7.1	If a student fails in any subject, and upon recommendation of the subject teacher, the Examination Committee will decide whether or not the student can have a chance of re-assessment. In general, re-assessment will only be given as a chance of re-examination to those students who can remedy the subject within a short period of time.
7.2	When a student fails in any subject, the Examination Committee will decide whether or not such student can be given a chance of re-assessment. If a re-assessment is to be granted, the re-assessment method should also be stated. According to individual situation, the student will be required to re-take a written examination, oral examination /or re-do an assignment.
7.3	In general, only for those, in that semester concerned, failed no more than 2 subjects, or SGPA not lower than 2, the Examination Committee will consider the reason of failure and the nature of that subject. The Committee would then decide whether or not to let the student undergoes a re-assessment, and determine the re-assessment method (e.g. written examination, oral examination, assignment, etc.); or to decide that such student should retake that subject.
7.4	Re-assessment at each semester should be completed before the beginning of the following semester.
7.5	Provided that a student fails for the first time, the highest grade obtained by re-assessment can only be D.
7.6	Upon consideration of individual student’s special situation by the Programme Committee, such student can be exempted certain pre-requisite subjects and enter into next stage of study.
7.7	Provided that a student is absent from examination or under incomplete assessment because of sickness or any other special reason, and that reason of absence has been accepted by the Examination Committee, then such student is entitled to another chance of examination or assessment. And such assessment will be deemed Re-Assessment-as-First-Assessment, thus the highest grade obtained will not be barred.

8. Repeat/Retaking of Subject
8.1	A student can still progress into the next stage even when he/she fails in or has not completed a certain subject, under the following conditions: ‧ That subject is not specified to be completed in a certain year of study; or ‧ That subject is not a pre-requisite of subjects in the next stage of study; or ‧ With permission of the Programme Committee upon consideration of an individual case.
8.2	Provided that a student fails in 2 subjects or more in that semester, or SGPA lower than 2, in general, he/she will not be permitted for re-assessment. The student will be required to re-take the failed subject or repeat that semester, or even withdraw from study. Individual cases will be decided by the Examination Committee.
8.3	The Examination Committee will decide whether the student should repeat the whole semester or just retake certain subjects. The student, with repeat/retake of subjects, should accomplish the subject syllabus as stipulated in the Programme Definitive Document, while the teaching mode, e.g. class attendance, extra-curricular self-study, assignment fulfillment and the necessary assessment, can be managed in accordance with the current situation.
8.4	Student cannot retake a certain subject/repeat a certain semester more than once.
8.5	Owing to the placement arrangement of Clinical Study Ⅴ, the Examination Committee can take special measures to those students who fail in the Clinical Study V. The Clinical Supervision Group will report and propose on the individual students' situation to the Examination Committee, whether or not those failed in the Clinical Study Ⅴ are required to retake part or the whole of the subject. The final say goes to the Examination Committee. Upon retaking the whole or part of the subjects and finally satisfying all requirements, such students can then be awarded the bachelor degree. This retaking or re-assessment will not affect the highest subject grade the student obtain in Clinical Study V and the award rating of the Bachelor degree.

9. Supplementary Clinical Study
9.1	In the continuing clinical assessment process, instructors have the responsibility to supervise students continuously, and raise suggestion to each student on areas he/she needs to make improvement. In the course of assessment, if some existing problems of the student will lead to clinical assessment failure, such student may be informed of a chance of a supplementary Clinical Study.
9.2	In general, supplementary Clinical Study should be discussed and decided in the Examination Committee. Nevertheless, before the Examination Committee Meeting, if (a) the clinical assessment of the student is close to the critical line of pass, and (b) the supervising teacher also regards the supplementary Clinical Study an enhancement to the student’s clinical study performance to attain a pass standard, then upon the decision together by the Clinical Instructor (College), Subject Teacher and the Programme Leader, such student can be permitted for a supplementary Clinical Study and no need to wait for a pending decision of the Examination Committee.
9.3	In the supplementary Clinical Study, provided that the student cannot achieve the objectives and will be graded Fail in this Clinical Study. Management of such student will be subject to discussion in the Examination Committee meeting.
9.4	In the event that the clinical assessment of a certain student is too poor, and the Programme Committee decides not to offer the chance of supplementary Clinical Study before the Examination Committee Meeting; and/or the student still fail in the supplementary Clinical Study, then the Examination Committee should resolve whether or not the above said student (a) be provided with the second chance of supplementary Clinical Study; (b) be required to retake that Clinical Study Subject; or (c) shall withdraw from the degree programme.

10. Speical Condition
10.1	Absence from assessment: If a student is absent from assessment of a certain subject because of sickness or any other special reason, and that reason of absence has been accepted by the Examination Committee, then the Committee will decide whether or not such student is required to proceed with the assessment; and if yes, in what way such assessment shall be conducted.
10.2	Under special circumstances, if a student is granted to be re-assessed as first assessment, the assessment criteria should not be changed even if the mode or procedure of assessment might be different.

11. Exemption of Subject and Transfer of Credit
11.1	Exemption of Subject: If a student is granted exemption of a certain subject, such subject credits will not be computed into the accumulated credits of the programme. Hence that student should get other subject selection in order to attain the necessary credits of eligibility for degree award.
11.2	Transfer of Credit: In transfer of credit, a student may get the credits obtained in a recognized programme in previous study transferred and computed into the cumulative credits of this programme. And the obtained grade in the recognized programme in previous study may be carried along with the credits together. If the grade is intended to be carried along, credits acquired should normally be granted by other programme(s) of Kiang Wu Nursing College of Macau or other collaborative institutes.
11.3	Under normal circumstances, transfer of credits from other universities cannot exceed 50% of the credits required by this programme.
11.4	Transfer of credits from other programmes of Kiang Wu Nursing College of Macau cannot exceed 50% of the credits required by this programme.
11.5	Only those credits obtained within the recent 8 years will be deemed valid for application of transfer.
11.6	All cases involving exemption of study and credit transfer have to be handled by the Programme Committee under circumstances, who makes the final decision.

12. Announcement of Result
At the end of each semester, all subject results of students in the programme will be announced in the College Intranet for students' information; upon completion of each academic year, the College will inform each student, in written form, the results of all subjects (in Grade). Meanwhile, a student will also be informed whether or not permitted to enter the next stage of study/graduate. Prior to the Examination Committee Meeting, all subject results are deemed provisional and the Examination Committee has the power to adjust the results. Only the results formally announced after the Examination Committee Meeting are deemed valid.

13. Right of Appeal
13.1	Any appeal submitted by student because of assessment result will be considered according to the stipulated procedures by the College.
13.2	First Appeal: Student should submit the application of appeal in written form to the (Deputy) Executive Officer of Education Department within 5 working days upon the official announcement of the results. The (Deputy) Executive Officer of Education Department will organize a group of staff to handle the appeal while deciding whether or not the subject teacher will be the group member, according to the nature of appeal, before making a written response to the student upon receiving such application of appeal within 5 working days.
13.3	Second Appeal: Provided that the student needs to submit a second appeal, he/she shall write the letter of appeal again within 5 working days upon receipt of the first written response. The College President may convene an Examination Committee Meeting for further investigation into the case, and may also seek consultation and discussion from External Examiners. Upon receiving the second appeal, a written reply must be made in response to the related appeal within 15 working days. And this reply will be the final say, no further appeal is allowed.

14. Graduation Requirements
14.1	A student is eligible for the award of a Bachelor's Degree if he/she has satisfied the following requirements: ‧ Having accumulated 134 credits within the maximum duration of study and acquired all pass in pre-requisites (except the subject exemption granted); and GPA 2.0 or above; and ‧ Acquired all pass in clinical assessment; and ‧ Fulfilled the graduation requirements stated in the Student Handbook.
14.2	The Examination Committee Meeting has negotiated and resolved that the graduation classification levels of graduates are : Excellent (GPA≥3.5), Good (GPA 3.0~3.4), Pass (GPA 2.0~2.9).
14.3	A student name list pending for graduation is subject to the appraisal of the Examination Committee, and will be submitted to the Accreditation Monitoring Group under the Academic Committee for review. Then recommendation for signing of the Certificate of Academic Degree will be submitted to the President and Board of Directors of the College through the Group.