EXAMINATIONS COUNCIL OF HEALTH SCIENCES REGULATIONS
EXAMINATIONS COUNCIL OF HEALTH SCIENCES AT UNIVERSITY OF ZAMBIA (ECOHS/UNZA)
REVISED REGULATIONS FOR THE CONDUCT OF EXAMINATIONS FEBRUARY 2012
1.0 PREPARATION OF EXAMINATION QUESTION PAPERS:
1.1 Intermediate and final examinations shall be prepared by ECOHS following the agreed mechanism
1.2 All exams shall be based on the curricula. The curricula shall be in the custody of ECOHS at all times for consultations. All curricula shall be competence based with clearly defined aims for knowledge, skills and attitudes required for a particular stage.
1.3 All course lecturers/coordinators in affiliate institutions shall submit questions and marking keys based on the subject matter for the paper to ECHOS Secretariat at the beginning of each period of study
1.4 The Secretariat shall organize subject experts to set the paper for the course being examined. This shall comprise a team of not more than 3 individuals who will be well versed with the subject matter. The set exam papers shall be given to the secretariat for final typesetting, and storage under secure conditions. This shall be done at the beginning of each period of study.
1.5 ECOHS shall ensure that adequate scripts are provided to each examination venue.
1.6 All examinations shall be externally examined. A chief examiner shall be appointed for each paper who will randomly check on all the papers marked for consistency and objectivity.
1.7 The Chief examiner shall prepare composite reports to the chairman of ECOHS on candidate’s performance and general observations.
2.0 EXAMINATIONS HALLS AND INVIGILATIONS:
2.1 EXAMINATION HALLS
2.1.1 Each Institution shall;
a) Prepare an adequate examination hall for the candidates sitting for exams
b) Ensure that there are adequate tables, chairs and clocks for all examination sessions and
c) Ensure that seating arrangements are made in alternate columns for students writing the same paper.
2.2 INVIGILATIONS
2.2.1 ECOHS shall be responsible for ensuring in good time:
a) That independent invigilators appointed in each venue to oversee the processes except for the practical
papers where the appropriate examiners shall oversee he processes.
b) That a minimum, of one invigilator per thirty candidates per Examination Hall shall be scheduled
c) That script papers are available in sufficient quantities shall be the official ECOHS-UNZA answer books and
which script shall be the securely bound at the end of the examination;
3.0 CONDUCT OF EXAMINATIONS
3.1 To be eligible to present himself/herself for examinations in a paper, course or subject, a candidate;
3.1.1 Must have been enrolled and registered as a student in the college
3.1.2 Must have duly performed the work required for the semester
3.1.3 Must have paid in full the Examinations fees to ECOHS- UNZA
3.2 Candidates shall present examination slips from ECOHS but given by the college where they train after verifying that they did the necessary course work and have a recorded Continuous Assessment, with results shall be given to ECOHS for collation
3.3 DEFERRED EXAMINATIONS
3.3.1 The examination shall be held at the end of each semester or team except that;
3.3.2 A student who has been prevented by illness or other acceptable reasons from presenting himself/herself for any ordinary session examinations and who satisfies the Board of examiners that it would be great hardship for him/her to wait for the next ordinary sessional examinations may apply to the Board of examiners to grant him/her a deferred examinations
3.4 SUPPLEMENTARY EXAMINATIONS
3.4.1 The Board of examiners will not all a candidate who does not pass all his/her courses in a particular year of study write Supplementary except for Medical Licentiate candidates.
3.5 The examinations shall comprise such written oral and practical tests as the Board of Students may determine. The departments
shall advise the Examinations Office of any change in dates/or times of many examination including orals and vivas.
3.6 No candidate may be examined in any paper, course or subject at any time other than set down in time table. The departments shall advise the examinations Office of any change in dates/or times of any examinations including orals and vivas.
3.7 No candidate shall be allowed into the examination hall later than thirty minutes after beginning of the examinations nor to leave the examination hall until thirty mints have elapsed from the beginning of the examinations and only with permission of the Chief Invigilator and upon handing in his/her script.
3.8 No candidate shall be allowed into the examination hall before presenting his/her students identity card and examination slip.
3.9 The examinations Officer staff shall ensure that:-
i) A candidate is not allowed into the examination hall if He/she does not possess both his/her student identity and
examination slip
ii) The computer/ECOHS number and names of candidate on the official identity card matches with the numbers and
name of the candidate’s examination slip
iii) A candidate is searched for any unauthorized Examination material.
iv) The course code and the computer number and name of candidate appear on the Examination Attendance Register v) A candidate has authorized and certification of electronic calculators and any other materials including text-books and other equipment.
3.10 Where a candidate has seek proof of identity after being denied entry
3.11 In case of emergency the Chief Invigilator may give permission to a candidate to leave the examination hall and under such circumstances the candidate shall be accompanied by an officer assigned by the Chief Invigilator
3.12 No candidate shall be allowed to the examination hall thirty minutes before the end of the examinations.
3.13 No candidate shall leave the examination hall until after the invigilators have collected all the scripts and the chief invigilator has given permission.
3.14 Candidates shall be allowed to read their examination papers for a period of 5 minutes before the examinations commence, but may not begin writing their answers until the Chief Invigilator announces that they may do so
3.15 No candidates shall bring with him/her into the examination hall any written document, printed or other matter except by the direction of the examiner. All paper used during the examination must be handed to the Chief Invigilator.
3.16 No candidate shall communicate with another in the examination hall
3.17 No candidate shall continue writing an answer after the chief Invigilator has announced the expiry of time. In no circumstances shall any time over and above the time allocated to any paper be allowed to candidates for reading over or making amendments or additions to their scripts.
3.18 Candidates shall write their computer/examination numbers on every answer book but must not write their names.
3.19 Answer books not bearing candidates computer/examination numbers may not be marked.
3.20 Answer books bearing candidates’ names may not be marked
3.21 a) Any complaint that a candidate has committed an examination offence shall on the same day be reported in writing by the Chief Invigilator to the ECOHS Examination Secretary who shall refer it within 48 hours to the standing Examinations irregularities Committee of ECOHS.
b) The candidates shall be notified within the 48 hours of receipt of the Chief Invigilators report by the ECOHS Examinations secretary in writing and he/she shall be invited to state in writing his/her response to the complaint not later than 48 hours after receipt of the ECOHS Examinations Secretary’s letter
c) Candidates alleged to have committed an examination Irregularity should maintain contact with the ECOHS examination secretary until their case had been dealt with
d) For the purpose of these regulations an examination offence includes any breach of any rules related to the conduct of examinations and dishonest practice including plagiarism occurring in the preparation or submission of any work (whether in the course of an examination or not) which leads towards the attainment of a pass in any course or subject otherwise occurring in connection with any examination.
4.0 INSTRUCTION FOR INVIGILATION
4.1 All invigilators shall report at the examination hall thirty (30) minutes before the examination starts.
4.2 Invigilators at examination sessions are responsible for the supervision of candidates during the period of the examination and for ensuring that candidates have answer books as needed. They are also responsible for collecting, counting and checking of scripts after the examination.
4.3 The Chief Invigilators is in charge of the examination hall and shall ensure that all examination regulations and procedures are observed. He/she has the responsibility of receiving question papers from the Lecturers and attendance lists from the ECOHS Examination Secretary, reporting absence of candidates or any irregularities and completion of Chief Invigilators report form and ensure that the candidates caught involved in examination malpractice is made to sign confessional statement written by Chief Invigilator. In addition the statement should be signed by at least one invigilator.
4.4 The Chief Invigilator shall draw the candidates’ attention to the need for the completion of attendance slip and writing their computer/examinations numbers on all their examination answer books and shall make all necessary announcements.
4.5 The Chief Invigilator shall announce the commencement of the examinations and also announce thirty minutes after the beginning that students may leave and before end of the examinations minutes remaining.
4.6 Where more than one examination is held in the same room care shall be taken to keep answer scripts, attendance slips and mark sheets separately.
4.7 The Chief Invigilator shall ensure that each course invigilator counts all scripts. Attendance slips and mark sheets separately
4.8 Any property left in the examination hall by candidates shall be handed to the examinations Office or to the Chief Invigilator in the case of examinations centres outside Lusaka.
4.9 All invigilators shall act under the direction of the Chief Invigilator in accordance with the requirements of the regulations specified.
5.0 THE EXAMINATIONS IRREGULARITIES COMMITTEE OF ECOHS
5.1 The standing irregularities committee of ECOHS shall hear and determine any complaint and shall have the power to do any of the following things in the case of a candidates found guilty of an examination offence:-
- Disqualify the candidate from sitting any examinations for such period as may be prescribed.
- Nullify any results which the candidate may have been credited with in the particular course being examined in respect of which an offence has occurred whether this is the examination paper or continuous assessment.
- Recommended to the ECOHS board of examiners such disciplinary actions as the nature of the offence may require.
5.2 Any candidate penalized under regulations 4.1 (a) or 4.1 (b) above or 5.2 9b) below shall have the right to appeal, not later than 48 hours after the receipt of the official notification from the ECOHS examinations Secretary of the penalty in writing to the ECOHS Examination who shall within 48 hours transmit such an appeal to the ECOHS Board of Examiners.
5.3 Where a candidate is being investigated for possible examination malpractice his/her script shall be marked all the same but the grade shall be withheld until investigation is completed and the case disposed of
5.4 A candidate who falls sick in the examination hall shall report to the Chief Invigilator who in return shall advise the candidate to seek medical attention. The Chief Invigilator shall provide a written report to support the candidate‘s application for a deferred examination.
5.5 In circumstances other than those obtaining in regulation 5.4 above application for a deferred examination on behalf of the a candidate who is unable to make an application him/her shall be submitted together with supporting medical certificate or other evidence to the Dean of the School before the date of the examinations.
6.0 INFRINGEMENTS OF EXAMINATION REGULATIONS AND PENALTIES
The candidate (s) who commit (s) the following irregularities or malpractices shall have penalties meted out against them as follows:-
6.1 EXAMINATIONS
|
OFFENCE |
CHIEF INVIGILATOR |
PENALTY |
|
A. Continuing to write an answer after the Chief Invigilator has announced the expiry of time |
Transmit candidates scripts for marking but records on script student continues writing after expiry time |
Reduction of grade to the next lower grade |
|
B. Communicating with another candidate in the examination hall |
Immediate explosion of the candidate (s) from the examination hall |
Nullification of candidate (s) results in the particular course being examined |
|
C. Bringing into the examination hall any written printed or other unauthorized materials |
Immediate explosion of the candidate (s) from the examination hall |
Nullification of candidate (s) results in the particular course being examined |
|
D. Bring into the examination hall prewritten answers for the course (so being examined) |
Immediate explosion of the candidate (s) from the examination hall |
Expulsion from the college |
|
E. Disorderly conduct likely to disturb other candidates |
Immediate explosion of the candidate (s) from the examination hall |
Nullification of candidate (s) results in the particular course being examined at material time and suspension from the subsequent semester |
6.2 Work during Semester/Academic year
- CONTINUOUS ASSESSMENT
Offence School
Plagiarism, use of other students work, Nullify continuous Assessment grade
tests malpractice falsified experiments and data
- Other School
(e.g. Research paper Project as a Semester course) Plagiarism Nullify course grade
6.3 Any other offences not included in the above list which might arise shall be dealt with by the relevant authorities.
6.4 It is recommended that students be made aware of these regulations at the time of registration.
7.0 INFRINGEMENTS OF EXAMINATION REGULATIONS AND PENALTIES (INDIVIDUAL ENTRUSTED WITH THE EXAMINATION MATERIAL AT
ALL LEVELS)
7.1 Prohibited use of certain papers:
No person who is in possession of a paper containing question or instructions to candidate with an examination to be held by the Council shall:-
- Permit that paper to be seen by;
- Give or permit that paper to be given to;
- Disclose the contents of that paper to;
- Permit that paper or its contents to be used by, Any unauthorized person, or make any improper use of such paper or its contents.
7.2 Return of papers to Council or Police:
No unauthorized person shall have in his possession or custody any paper containing questions or instructions to candidates in connection with an examination of such a person, he/she shall thereupon return that paper to the Council or the nearest Police station, or make such an effort to effect the return thereof to the Council.
7.3 Disclosures by Personnel of Council
No person who is employed as an examiner, supervisor or invigilator shall in connection with an examination, knowingly or recklessly disclose to any unauthorized person the contents of such examination paper, draft examination paper or paper containing instructions.
7.4 Entering examination after acquiring prior knowledge of questions:
No person shall, if he/she acquired prior knowledge of the questions wet in connection with an examination held by the Council, present him/herself as a candidate of such an examination
7.5 Impersonation:
No person shall falsely represent him/herself to be another person at any examination held by the Council
7.6 Forgery of Certificate:
No person shall forge or alter, dispose of or put off, knowing the same to be forged or altered, nay certificate purporting to show that a person has passed any examination held by Council
7.7 Restriction of persecution:
A prosecution for an offence under section 7.4 may not be instituted expect with the consent of the Attorney General
7.8 Offences and Penalties:
Any person who contravenes or fails to comply with any of the provisions of these regulations is guilty of an offence and is liable on summary conviction to prescribed fine and to imprisonment for a term not exceeding twelve months or to such fine and imprisonment.
8.0 NEW GRADING SYSTEM (POINTS SYSTEM)
8.1 PASS = 0 - 11.5
CREDIT = 12 - 19.5
MERIT = 20 – 27.5
DISTINCTION = 28 and above
8.2 PASS GRADES COMMENTS
90 – 100 A+ UPPER DISTINCTION
80 – 89 A LOWER DISTINCTION
70 – 79 B+ MERITORIOUS
60 – 69 B CREDIT
55 – 59 C+ DEFINITE PASS
50 – 54 C BARE PASS
8.3 FAIL GRADES COMMENTS
45 – 49 D BARE FAIL
40 – 44 D FAIL
0 – 39 E OUTRIGHT FAIL
8.4 SEMESTER COURSE
A+ = 2.5
A = 2
B+ = 1.5
B = 1
C+ = 0.5
C = 0
8.5 COURSES RUNNING THROUGHOUT THE YEAR
A+ = 5
A = 4
B+ = 3
B = 2
C+ = 1
C = 0
8.6 CORE COURSES FOR GRADING SYSTEM
|
INTERMEDIATE |
FINAL |
|
CLINICAL OFFICER GENERAL (CCG)
ALL ½ COURSES = 20 POINTS |
CLINICAL OFFICER GENERAL (CCG)
1 – 8 ½ COURSES = 20 POINTS
|
|
ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH TECHNOLOGY
ALL ½ COURSES = 20 POINTS |
ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH TECHNOLOGY
ALL ½ COURSES = 20 POINTS |
|
CLINICAL OFFICER PSYCHIATRY (CCP)
4 POINTS EACH = 20 POINTS
|
CLINICAL OFFICER PSYCHIATRY(CCP)
8. Community Mental Health Oral (0 points) 4 POINTS EACH = 20 POINTS |
|
OPHTHALMIC CLINICAL OFFICER (OCO)/OPHTHALMIC NURSING (ON)
1 – 4, 5 POINT EACH = 20 POINTS |
OPHTHALMIC CLINICAL OFFICER (OCO)/OPHTHALMIC NURSING (ON)
1 – 4, 5 POINT EACH = 20 POINTS
|
|
MEDICAL LICENTIATE (ML)
4 POINTS EACH = 20 POINTS |
MEDICAL LICENTIATE (ML)
4 COURSES 5 POINTS EACH = 20 POINTS
|
|
CLINICAL ANAESTHESIA
4 POINTS EACH = 20 POINTS |
CLINICAL ANAESTHESIA
4 POINTS EACH = 20 POINTS |
|
BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES
4 POINTS EACH = 20 POINTS |
BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES
THEORY, 4 POINTS EACH = 20 POINTS
|
|
PHARMACY TECHNOLOGY
4 POINTS EACH = 20 |
PHARMACY TECHNOLOGY
4 POINTS EACH = 20 POINTS |
|
DENTAL TECHNOLOGY
4 POINTS EACH = 20 POINTS |
DENTAL TECHNOLOGY
? |
|
DENTAL THERAPY
? |
DENTAL THERAPY
4 POINTS EACH = 20 POINTS |