Learning framework
• All modules in the programme will only be available by e-learning for distance learning students.
• Course material will be written by acknowledged world experts in the area.
• The Postgraduate Certificate course may be taken over a period of 6-12 months. Students may engage as effectively full-time students, completing the Postgraduate Certificate in 6 month, or part-time taking the Postgraduate Certificate normally over 12 months.
E-learning
The programme will be delivered through e-learning. Course text material will be commissioned from and produced by discipline and professional experts arranged by 5m Publishing, and will be made available to registered students through the TheFishSite.com. Online tutorial support, direct e-mail contact with tutors, video streams, and access to student bulletin boards will be features of the e-learning strategies used. The learning platform will be provided by 5m Publishing. Students will be referred to supplementary reading material which will be accessible either through the Internet or through St Andrews University Library online electronic resources or other electronic resources.
Course management
1. Both the Course Director and Deputy Director are members of the academic staff of the School of Biology, and will provide academic and administrative direction to the course.
2. All authors, module leaders and tutors will be required to become Honorary lecturers/professors within the School of Biology.
3. Each module is under the direction of a module leader appointed by 5M Publishing and approved by the Course Director.
4. Each module leader will be assisted by a module tutor, who will conduct on-line tutorials, be available for student consultation, and assist in assessment and other relevant issues.
5. A Steering Committee will be appointed consisting of the Course Director, Deputy Director and a Programme Manager (appointed by 5m Publishing who will have responsibility for developing and maintaining the e-learning platform) and another relevant 5m Publishing employee. Normally the steering committee will meet twice per year and ensure the smooth running of the courses although meetings may be more frequent during the initial start up phases of each stage of the programme.
5. A Course Committee, consisting of the Course Director (Chair), Deputy Director, Module leaders and module tutors will constitute an overall management group for the programme, and will meet at least once per academic year.