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IMBRSea Consortium Agreement
Consortium Agreement concerning an interuniversity programme titled “International Master of Science
in Marine Biological Resources (IMBRSea)” organised within the Framework of the Erasmus Mundus
Master Joint Masters Degrees
Partners in this agreement:
1. Universiteit Gent, Belgium
2. Université Pierre et Marie Curie – Paris 6, France
3. Universidade do Algarve, Portugal
4. Universidad de Oviedo, Spain
5. Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology, Ireland
6. University of the Basque Country, Leioa, Spain
7. Polytechnic university of Marche, Ancona, Italy
8. University of Bergen, Norway
9. Université de Bretagne Occidentale, France
The institutes 1 to 9 are further called “Main Partners” or “Partner Universities”. Jointly they are called
“Consortium”.
In addition to Main Partners, Associate Partners are also active within IMBRSea. Annex 1 to this agreement
provides a list of these Associate Partners.
Legal Representatives of the Main Partner universities will sign this Consortium Agreement. Associated partners
are obliged to subscribe to this agreement by a formal letter of support.
This interuniversity agreement is drafted within the framework of the action entitled: “International Master in
Marine Biological Resources”1 (IMBRSea in short hereafter).
Article 1: Scope
1.1. Background
Industry and society face significant challenges to achieve growth and to further develop the blue bio-economy
(all economic activities that depend on the sea) in Europe, in harmony with the EU’s Blue Growth strategy. The
international, interdisciplinary and inter-sectoral nature of these challenges demands a similarly integrated
approach to train the marine scientists who will be able to tackle them tomorrow. The proposed International
Master in Marine Biological Resources (IMBRSea) is designed in such a way that students will graduate this
program with both core and specialist competences and skills required by employers in key themes of the blue
bio-economy, including fisheries and aquaculture; nature conservation; sustainability; ecosystem based
management; blue biotechnology and global change.
1.2. Objectives of IMBRSea
The IMBRSea - programme aims to qualify students to a level of excellence in the field of Marine Biological
Resources.
The objectives of the International Master in Marine Biological Resources (IMBRSea) are the following:
Discipline oriented objectives:
o Qualifying Master students to evaluate and understand how marine biodiversity varies across
spatial and temporal scales, and between levels of biological organisation, in order to develop
methods to detect significant changes in the marine environment.
1 defined as “International Master in Marine Sciences and Biological Resources” in UPMC
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o Qualifying Master students to understand theory, models and statistical tests to investigate the
relationship between marine biodiversity (assessed at different levels of organisation: genetic,
species, functional groups and communities) and ecosystems functioning through the
integration of conceptualization and modelling exercises, comparative analyses and carefully-
designed experiments.
o Qualifying Master students to understand the value of marine biodiversity and resources, and
hence are able to develop the research base required to support the sustainable management of
marine biodiversity and resources, including, for example, the monitoring of the health of
marine ecosystems, marine aquaculture, the conservation of marine biodiversity and the
commercial and recreational use of marine resources and ecosystems.
Transferable Skills Objectives:
o Qualifying Master students to apply the necessary communication and research skills for
integrated team work.
o Qualifying Master students to develop decision supporting systems for community policy.
o Qualifying Master students to create an interface between researchers and stakeholders.
Students will be trained in at least two institutions in two different European countries within the IMBRSea
consortium which consists of9 partner universities from 7 European countries and associated partners from all
over the world.
The IMBRSea consortium members are connected to the EMBRC network, and have been able to work jointly to
identify what is needed to enable improvements in European marine biological resources education and training.
The European Marine Biological Resource Centre (EMBRC) is a distributed European research infrastructure
consortium that was added to the roadmap of the European Strategy Forum for Research Infrastructures (ESFRI)
in 2008 as a research infrastructure of pan-European interest. The consortium builds on its experience and will
extend its coverage to meet the challenges of producing the marine scientists of the next generation. IMBRSea
will be an integrated flagship programme that capitalizes on the operational, research and academic strengths of
its members, to provide the best possible opportunities for employability and career development of programme
graduates.
Article 2: Structure and content of the programme
2.1. Structure of the programme
The IMBRSea master programme is spread over two academic years of study (4 semesters – 120 credits). The
common language of instruction of the programme is English.
The full IMBRSea study programme is divided in nine blocks that run over two academic years. Each academic
year commences in September/October (depending on the University and decided on a yearly basis) and finishes
in June/August (depending on the thesis work progress). Students are distributed according to their chosen study
pathway across several universities for the Fundamentals course package, and the Thematic course packages. Joint
activities for the full cohort of students, co-organized by all partners, are identified as the Joint school and the
Annual symposium.
Annex 2 provides an overview of the educational responsibilities of each partner university.
Annex 3 provides an overview of the full IMBRSea course programme described below.
In the first semester (30 ECTS), the Fundamentals Module, delivering basic knowledge and skills required by all
programme graduates, will be taught at some of the partner universities (see Annex 2). This module contains six
jointly developed courses covering the following themes: Marine policy and governance, Marine genomics,
Quantitative methods in marine science, Oceanography, Marine ecology, Marine GIS and spatial planning. In
addition to these six courses, students have also the opportunity to take one transferable skills Course (for
example language training, scientific diving, scientific communication).
During the second semester (30 ECTS) and the third semester (30 ECTS), the students follow two Thematic
Course Modules, leading to one of the five Specialization Tracks. Students are highly recommended to take two
course modules within the same specialization track. Only motivated by their professional project, and upon
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positive advice of the IMBRSea Educational board, students may be allowed to change specialization track
during their programme. All mobilities (including changes in mobility) shall be approved by the Programme
board.
The following five specialization tracks will be on offer:
1. Marine food production (#Production)
2. Management of living marine resources (#Management)
3. Applied marine ecology and conservation (#Conservation)
4. Marine environment health (#Environment)
5. Global ocean change (#FutureSeas)
The curriculum in each track is offered by at least two Partner universities with the best expertise in the field of
the Track.
In the second half of the second semester, students will gain authentic experience in the work field during six
weeks of Professional Practice offered by potential future employers relevant to IMBRSea. During these
internships Mentor's guidance of students will be integrated with support provided by academic supervisors
from the Partner universities. Professional practice guidelines are provided in Annex 4.
Two activities have been identified that aim to prepare students for aspects related to the Master thesis research:
a joint school organized at the beginning of semester 3 and a jointly developed course dedicated to the
preparation of the MSc Thesis offered at the end of semester 3.
The first part of this preparation is a Joint School which will bring all students from the same cohort
together for programme-wide training on multi-disciplinary topics. The Joint School is an integrated
activity, organized and delivered by teachers representing each Partner university. Evaluations of student
performance during the Joint School are also integrated: assessment criteria are common for all students
and students are jointly assessed by representatives of the full consortium, based on similar evaluation
criteria that are used for the Thesis.
At the end of the third semester, the students follow a jointly developed course on practical and
transferable skills related to the way they will have to carrying out a research project. Topics included
will be: project management, data management, research proposal writing and scientific communication.
During the 4th semester students carry out their thesis research. It can be done at any main or associate partner,
or other institution providing a support for the targeted topic. Thesis research work will lead to a written report
following the agreed thesis guidelines (see Annex 5). During the Annual Symposium organized at the end of the
2nd and 4th semester the thesis work will be defended by an oral presentation. A jury composed of
representatives of all main partners institutions will evaluate each Thesis and examine each student according to
jointly developed thesis evaluation criteria that conform to the requirements of each main Partner institutions.
Article 3: Organisational structures and responsibilities
Several governance bodies will be installed within the programme. For each governance body the responsibility
and roles of the coordinator, partner universities and associate members is specified and may be further clarified
during the first meetings of each of these.
The IMBRSea Master is governed by the following management structures:
3.1 Coordination Office:
This office, located at Ghent University, is supervised by the IMBRSea coordinator. This office is in charge of
the overall coordination of the master programme. The following tasks are allocated to this office: application
procedure, follow-up of applicants and students, outreach, collection and management of all course administration
related issues (grades, changes in curriculum), financial management, contact with scholars, organisation of
Annual Symposia, contact and reporting with EACEA, professional practice and thesis work follow-up, contact
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with associates, organisation of board meetings, contacts with International Relations Offices (IRO) of
participating HEIs.
3.2 Programme Board:
The Programme Board comprises one representative per full partner, two associate partner representatives and
two student representatives. IMBRSea’s coordinator represents the coordination office on this board. A chair of
this board is elected from one of the full partner representatives on a 3-year basis. The board oversees the general
working of the master programme (financial decisions, approval of the selections, overall organisation), is in
charge of curriculum review, the MSc Thesis topic evaluation and development and educational quality assurance.
The board meets at least four times per year (end of August before the start of the academic year, early October,
early February and physically during the annual symposium). The programme board is advised by the examination
board, the selection committee, the student board and the external advisory committee.
Decisions are where possible taken by consensus. In cases where a consensus cannot be achieved, decisions will
be taken following the majority plus 1 rule.
3.3 Selection committee:
This committee consists of four representatives elected from the members of the Programme Board (excluding
students) and is chaired by a full partner representative (different from the Programme Board chair and elected
on a 2-year basis). All partner universities shall for the total duration of this consortium agreement take an equal
share in the selection tasks. The Selection committee is in charge of establishing a selection of students applying
for grants offered by the programme through the Erasmus+ framework, or through other funding schemes. The
Selection committee meets once each year early April and reports the selection list to the Programme Board
before the deadline for reporting to EACEA (around mid-April). The Coordination office shall assist in the
administrative follow-up of the selection and is also in charge of checking the eligibility of all applicants (self-
funding and grant-requesting) following the regulations as set in 5.1. Eligibility of all students as well as
awarding grants needs approval from the Programme Board.
3.4 Examination Board:
This board consists of all the teachers of the programme. All teachers are invited to the deliberation meeting at
the end of each academic year (end of June). Due to the international make-up of the programme, most teachers
will however be excused from attending this meeting and will pass their evaluations via a representative
(belonging to the same university). A second meeting will be organised electronically at the end of the second
exam period (September). The examination board takes minutes of the scores given by the responsible teachers
to each of the students. A full overview of the scores is generated within the central exam database of Ghent
University (http://oasis.ugent.be). This board will also issue special awards, grades and prizes.
3.5 Student Board:
This board consists of six members elected from the student population (year 1 and year 2) and one IMBRSea
alumnus. The aim of this board is to provide students with a structural involvement in the organization of the
programme. Their task is to organize communication and information flow between year 1 and year 2 students,
communication of student related issues to the Programme Board. The Student Board will delegate 2 of its
members to communicate with the Programme Board about opinions, ideas and suggestions made by all students
when needed. The Student Board meets physically once a year during the annual event.
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Article 4: Educational responsibilities
4.1. The role of the partner universities in education:
Since the IMBRSea is a specialized master based on many scientific disciplines, and since the student cohorts
who enter the course will be diverse, we have to ensure that the basic knowledge relevant for the thematic
course modules in each specialization track will be offered in the first semester (independent of the chosen
starting university).
Universities offering the fundamentals package in first semester are responsible for offering each course unit as
such that the jointly agreed final competences for each course are met. In cases where no sufficient competence
is present at a partner university, this will be solved via teacher mobility. Teacher mobility will be allowed by
each University, as a part of their teaching load.
Partner universities delivering thematic course modules in semester 3 and 4 have to ensure that the content of the
courses fits to the knowledge gained during the first semester and meets with the final competences set for each
specialization track. To ensure this, for each track an academic will be appointed by the Programme Board. This
person will be in charge of supervising the educational aspects and communication of these aspects with the
Programme Board. Universities involved in each track should interact at a regular basis and should adapt where
needed specific content of each course. On the annual basis, at the start of the second semester, it will be possible
to implement these changes upon approval of the Programme Board. Administrative follow-up of this will be
organized by the coordination office.
At the start of the third semester, a Joint school (6 credits) is organized. Lecturers from the nine partner
universities, together with associated (non-academic) partners, are jointly responsible for the Joint school. To
allow the joint responsibility to be taken, the teaching load for participating teachers will be recognized at each
partner university.
During the second semester students will carry out a professional practice. For this, they will be preferably active
in a non-academic structure, under the framework of a work placement. During the fourth semester students will
carry out thesis research. For this they will be active in a main or associate partner. For both activities an academic
mentor will be appointed. This mentor is in charge of ensuring that the work carried out is compliant with the
professional practice and thesis guidelines respectively. The coordinating institution concludes the agreement for
the professional practice and the thesis research between the student, the coordinating institution and the host
institution of the professional practice or thesis work of the concerned student. (Annex 4 & 5).
4.2. Teacher mobility and involvement of teachers (scholars) external to the consortium:
The IMBRSea programme stimulates both involvement of teachers external to the consortium (so called scholars)
and teacher mobility within the consortium. Both types of teacher mobility require formal approval by the
Programme Board and will at each partner university also be formally recognized as such. Teacher mobility within
the consortium will be regulated according to the Erasmus Mobility framework. All main partners will engage in
bilateral Erasmus exchange agreements for this.
Where no alternative funding is available for teacher mobility for scholars external to the consortium, it will be
funded at an IMBRSea central level. Funding for this kind of mobility will require approval of the Programme
Board and will be in line with the IMBRSea financial regulations
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Article 5: Administrative organization of IMBRSea
5.1. Admission criteria
A prerequisite for admission is that applicants have a minimum of a Bachelor degree in biology, ecology,
environmental sciences, oceanography, marine sciences, geography, geology, biotechnology, veterinary sciences
or other equivalent degrees, with a minimum of 180 obtained ECTS.
The number of students who can register within each mobility will depend on the logistic possibilities of the
involved partner universities. Logistic possibilities will be reviewed on a yearly basis (early December for the
next academic year). The best ranked students (using the same criteria as explained in 5.4) will be firstly
admitted to their preferred university in year 1. For the second year, mobility will be organized in accordance to
the preference of the students, where needed backed up with the academic performance. Preferences of the
students regarding the place of study will be taken into account as far as possible.
Knowledge of the English language is a basic requirement: A proof of sufficient knowledge of the English
language is required.
The IMBRSea Programme Board can, at its own discretion waive the requirement for proof of English language
skills, if English was the official language of instruction/teaching for at least one year of the previous successful
Higher Education studies. Specific requirements for English Language proficiency are detailed in Annex 11 and
are subject to review by the Programme Board.
5.2. Application procedure
The consortium offers one coherent point of entry as regards the Master’s course promotion, information
regarding all formalities and application for admission. Applicants will apply to the coordinating university,
Ghent University, which is hosting the IMBRSea coordination office. Interested students will find all relevant
information on the IMBRSea programme website (http://www.imbrsea.eu): general information, admission
criteria, application forms, deadlines for application, course content, information on scholarships and fees, and
so on.
The application file must contain the following documents, meeting the requirements set in the Erasmus
Mundus Joint Master degree Programme guide:
a completed application form (online) where information is given about personal data, study data,
linguistic skills, professional data, recommendation letters, motivation, country of preference to start
with the IMBRSEA master programme
a copy of the international passport
at least two completed referee reports
legal copies of diplomas and an official translation in English, if the original language is not one of the
official languages of the coordinators (all languages other than Dutch, French, German, English need to
be translated into English) . If the diploma is not yet obtained at the time of application (student is in
their last year of Bachelor study), an original proof of enrolment and a most recent transcript of records
must be provided.
copies of diploma supplements stating courses followed and scores obtained per course and, eventually,
a translation in English (see further) and official transcript of records
copies of language tests scores and language certificates
5.3. Admission of students
All students fulfilling the diploma requirements and sufficient knowledge of English language, can be admitted
by the Programme Board. Partner Universities are not allowed to have additional conflicting admission
conditions for students admitted to the programme. The students will get an official letter of admission signed
by the Registrar of Ghent University where the Coordination Office is located. A copy of this letter will be sent
to the department responsible for enrolment of the institute receiving the student during his Study Pathway (first
and second year). Enrolment is only official after paying the tuition fee by the student to the coordinator and
after having performed all formalities (not conflicting with the joint programme regulations) for joining the first
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hosting partner. The coordinating university will share the final list of students with the partner universities. The
coordinating university will transfer the agreed budget for covering enrollment costs to the partner university
account where the student is enrolled.
5.4. Selection procedure for ERASMUS MUNDUS scholarships
The selection of scholarship recipients is done by the selection committee (see 3.3) making use of the following
selection criteria: academic scores (30%), reputation of the school or institute were the student has previously
studied2 (10%), language skills (eligible or not eligible), referee letters (15%), Curriculum Vitae (15%), and
motivation (30%). Based upon these criteria an overall ranking will be made and scholarships will be proposed
according to the geographic regulations set for Erasmus Mundus scholarships. Students that are not selected but
that are still academically eligible for the programme will be put on a reserve list for scholarships. Upon approval
of the programme board, via an electronic meeting, a list of selected students and the reserve list will be forwarded
to the EU. The IMBRSea coordinator will contact selected students to commence the registration procedures and
mobility arrangements (invitation letters to obtain visas).
5.5. Selection procedure for other scholarships
On a yearly basis the programme board may allocate extra scholarships obtained from alternative financial
sources. The same selection procedure is used as described in 5.4
5.6. Enrolment of students in the partner universities
The coordinator will inform the partner universities about the students who choose to attend their courses in the
following academic year by early May for all non-EU students and all EU students that applied by the end of the
scholarship application deadline and by the end of June for EU students that applied on a self-funding basis. All
students are enrolled in the coordinating university (only students that follow courses in the coordinating
university have to pay the enrolment fees of the coordinating university; all other students will be enrolled as
‘pro-forma’ students in the coordinating university) and at least on a semester basis in the university where they
perform their studies. They might as well all be enrolled at the other partner universities in a similar status as at
the coordinating universities, if this is required to issue the joint diploma. In this case no additional funding will
be foreseen for this additional enrollment. .
5.7. IMBRSEA programme fees
The programme fees for European students are set at 4500 euro per academic year (9000 euro for the full
programme 120 ECTS).
Due to the complex nature of the administrative procedures for non-European students and to the severe
assessment of the applications the IMBRSea programme fee for non-European students is set at 9000 euro per
academic year (18000 euros for the full programme 120 ECTS).
The programme board decides on a yearly basis before opening the application forms on the possibility to reduce
programme fees for non-scholarship holding students (partitial fee waivers). A corrected participation fee
(according with these waivers) will be advertised as well on the website.
Scholarships (Erasmus Mundus scholarships) of all students are paid on a separate sub account at Ghent University
reserved for the functioning of the IMBRSea programme. Except for the IMBRSea programme fees, scholarships
are transferred according to the scheme and rules agreed in the student agreement (see Annex 6) to the accounts
of the students concerned.
The coordinator of the Consortium will transfer the agreed institutional participation fees to the accounts indicated
by the respective universities upon issuing of an invoice or certificate. Joint programme elements (coordination,
joint school, annual symposium, …) will be financed by the central coordination budget. On a yearly basis a
budget plan will be agreed in accordance with the IMBRSea financial rules described in Annex 7.
2 Reputation of school is checked using university rankings, and previous mobility experiences maintained in a
central database at the coordinating university
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Students who do not complete the study program by the end of the timeframe defined in the student agreement
(two years), may upon approval of the programme board still enroll for a third year. Tuition fees for this extension
will be calculated on a semester basis following the normal IMBRSea participation fee paid by the student for
participation in previous academic years (as documented in the student agreement). In case a student does not
complete the programme after an additional third year, this student will no longer be allowed to participate in the
programme. In this case the student will receive an official transcript listing the courses for which he/she has
obtained credits.
5.8. Education
All institutes are responsible for providing appropriate education, teaching and examination within the
framework of articles 2 and 4 in this agreement.
5.9. Mobility
Student mobility is an integral aspect of the IMBRSea programme. Partner universities engage to make practical
arrangements for their incoming students before and during the mobility. This includes, if applicable, instructions
on visa procedures, providing a local admission letter, housing and other services for international students.
Students are required to undertake a mobility period of at least one semester (30 ECTS) but can, depending on
their interests, maximize their mobility opportunities. The full IMBRSea study programme is divided into nine
blocks run over two academic years, as seen in the figure below. Each academic year commences in
September/October and finishes in June/August (depending on the starting university and thesis defense period).
Students are distributed across several universities for the Fundamentals package, and Thematic packages. Joint
activities for the full cohort of students are organized during the Joint school and Annual symposium. For the
thesis work, students can choose between research groups of the nine universities or associated institute. In all
cases, the promotor of the thesis is one of the lecturers of the IMBRSea programme.
5.10. Transfer of credits
The IMBRSea curriculum is based on the ECTS. The procedure for transfer of credits, if applicable, is as
follows:
The institute where the student effectively studied, sends the obtained marks of the student to the
IMBRSea coordination office (for first semester courses before March 15th, and for second semester
courses before July 8th or September, 20th). For each course, the locally obtained grade per student,
the total number of students following the course and the ECTS grade (or the place of the student in the
ranking of all students (not only IMBRSea students) who followed that course) will be communicated.
The IMBRSea coordination office converts the local grades to a 20 point scale according to an agreed
conversion table (see Annex 8) for each participating institute. This is done to facilitate the final
awarding of the degree. After approval by the programme board, converted scores will be entered in
the study management platform at Ghent University.
At the end of each academic year the secretariats of the partner universities will produce an official
transcript of records per semester with an overview of already obtained credits. These transcripts of
records will be made available to the students.
When a student has obtained all necessary credits and successfully defended their master dissertation,
the official diploma is issued accompanied by the diploma supplement. Students are awarded a joint
degree of the consortium.
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5.11. Passing exams
The partner university offering courses and hosting the students will organize the examination component (for
each course) according to the local regulations. The students are bound to the examination regulations and
criteria of the university where they follow the courses. At the start of each teaching period partner universities
provide all students with the local examination regulations. The IMBRSea Programme Board will define and
issue a common framework for examination for the programme’s joint elements.
If students fail a course, at least one resit per course will be allowed. This resit will preferably take place in the
partner university where the course was taught, but may also be possible in another partner university depending
on the mobility of the student. Students resitting a course remain bound to the examination regulations and
criteria of the university where they followed the course. At the end of each academic year the examination
board will review the study performance status of each student and advises on continuation of the programme in
accordance with the regulations at each university.
Students with very weak study performance (decided by the examination and programme board) may lose their
scholarship or may be advised to end their study. Students who quit the IMBRSea programme early but have
successfully completed courses will get a certificate stating the courses for which they have earned credits.
For the master thesis, a common evaluation procedure is developed. Dissertations (even those performed outside
one of the awarding universities) are defended at the Annual Symposium (see Annex 9). Common standards are
used and the thesis is defended before an examination commission3 appointed by the Management Board and
consisting of at least three academics (including the promoter) of which one belongs to another institute
awarding the degree. The dissertation can only be defended when all other requirements (passing of all courses,
fulfilling the mobility and participation in joint programme activities) to obtain the degree are fulfilled so that
the examination commission can decide on behalf of the Programme Board on awarding the degree or not. In
case of doubts, the decision can be postponed and discussed at the yearly coordination meetings of the
Programme Board.
The final grade of the diploma, if applicable, is decided by the Examination Board, and communicated to the
coordinating university who will prepare the joint diploma, accompanied by the diploma supplement.
5.12. Awarding the degree and the diploma
After successful completion of the IMBRSEA academic Programme, graduates shall receive a Joint Masters
degree by the nine Consortium Universities. The Diploma is fully based on the ECTS system and will be
accompanied by a Diploma Supplement that lists all the courses and the title of the thesis with their accompanying
ECTS credit points and grades with specification of training hours, language of instruction, institution delivering
the course and all other relevant details such as the ECTS system.
The Diploma will be materially issued by Ghent University, jointly with and also signed by the respective partner
Universities, according to the European regulations.
The Diploma supplement will be issued according to the European regulations, following the model developed
by the European Commission, the Council of Europe and UNESCO/CEPES. The Supplement provides sufficient
independent data to ensure the international transparency and fair academic and professional recognition of
qualification (diplomas, degrees, etc.). The Supplement will provide a description of the nature, level, content,
context and status of studies pursued and successfully completed by the student.
A model of the joint diploma is provided in annex 12.
3 The thesis Examination Committee consists of three members, containing two members belonging to one of the
nine IMBRSea partner institutes :
1. Reader 1 : (co-)promoter and supervisor give 1 score together (cf. evaluation form) (in case of a problem,
the IMBRSea management board will negotiate)
2. Reader 2 : external to the host research group
3. Reader 3 : from the IMBRSea consortium (8 universities) but external to the host institute
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5.13. Joint school organisation
The joint school is organized every year between semester 2 and 3, as a part of the third semester. The
organizational costs (including accommodation costs) are covered from the central coordination budget
according to the regulations outlined in Annex 7.
5.14. Quality Assurance
Quality assurance will be considered both at a European level for the programme as a whole and the joint
programme elements and, on a local level. The local quality assurance is done by each partner university
individually and typically fits in national quality assurance programmes. A quality assurance committee will
monitor the program. They can monitor the added value offered by the Erasmus Mundus programme (as compared
to local non-joint programs at the different partners), be involved in the comparison of the core programs at
different partners, advise on industrial relevance, knowledge and skill levels required by policy makers, etc.
An External Advisory Board will be installed consisting of a representative from the EMBRC network, per
specialization track one representative from the non-academic sector and one alumnus. The Board has access to
the results of the internal evaluations and will be able to meet with the representatives of all full and associate
partners, students and alumni. The Advisory Board meets once every two years and advises the Programme Board
on issues related to the overall content and aim of IMBRSea.
In function of accreditation reviews, a programme portfolio will be created and maintained at Ghent University.
The portfolio includes a description of the context of the joint programme, includes the key quality features of the
programme based on the NVAO Quality Code Flanders 2015-2017, includes a ‘Quality Improvement Plan’
outlining the major actions that are needed in the future to ensure or increase the quality of the international joint
programme, and finally includes a compilation of attachments that are available for the international study
program and that address the key quality features in more detail.
Depending on the accreditation regulations for each main partner, the Brogramme board will ensure that the
progamme remains accredited in each partner and may as such decide on accreditation review procedures (joint
or nationally).
5.15. Publicity material
No publicity material will be designed and distributed by any partner without prior approval of the Programme
Board.
5.16. Other responsibilities
Each hosting partner university is responsible for receiving students and arranging its programme. This includes,
if applicable, instructions on visa procedures, providing a local admission letter, housing and other services for
international students. Each partner university further agrees to give at least to the students registered at their
university, access to facilities at the same conditions as regular students enrolled at the university.
Article 6: Costs and financing
Financial and administrative coordination of the master course will be done by the coordinating institution
(Ghent University) according to financial management guidelines (Annex 7) and upon decisions made by the
Programme Board.
The financial arrangements will be as follows:
The coordinating university receives all incoming money (scholarship grant from EU, scholarships and tuition
fees of students without scholarship) on a central account. Scholarships (monthly allowances, and mobility flat
amounts) for grant-holding students will be kept on a separate sub-account. With the exception of the IMBRSea
tuition fees, scholarships are transferred according to the scheme and rules agreed in the student agreement (see
Annex 6) to the accounts of the students concerned. The currency of the consortium will be Euros.
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From the incoming money generated from tuition fees the following costs will be covered:
Tuition costs and course participation costs at each university where the student is following courses at:
the coordinating institution will reimburse to each partner university the rate of 1500 euro per semester
per student.
All costs of jointly organized activities such as the joint school and the annual symposium (both
excluding transport).
Costs for scholar mobility in cases where no alternative funding can be found.
The administrative costs programme (coordination costs, meetings of the board, …).
A special account will be opened for the IMBRSea programme at each participating partner university under the
control of the respective financial services. The Erasmus Mundus budget will be managed according the specific
European rules but will in addition also follow the general financial regulations of Ghent University as public
institution. Financial transactions are clearly earmarked, registered and saved. Proof has to be collected. By law
furthermore, the finances of public universities in Flanders are supervised by a Commissioner of the Flemish
Community, continuously following up the activities. The coordination office is responsible for an open
accounting system to the partners allowing full transparency of money flows and internal and external control.
Detailed guidelines on the financial management are outlined in Annex 7.
Article 7: Intellectual property rights
Each partner shall make the student aware of the intellectual property rights management provisions of this
agreement and those in place at the University where he or she in enrolled. Such information shall include
ownership rights and royalty sharing arrangements.
Results are owned by the Party that generates them. In case of results generated from work carried out jointly by
two or more Parties, those results shall be jointly owned.
The joint owners shall agree in a joint ownership agreement on the allocation and terms of exercise of their joint
ownership, in compliance with their obligations under this Agreement. The joint owners of results will decide
whether patent applications are to be submitted for such results, and will appoint from among them the Party
which will be tasked with carrying out the formalities of filing, extension and maintenance of new joint patent(s)
on such results in their joint names
In case of joint ownership of results, ownership of each of the joint owners shall be determined in good faith,
taking into account each owner’s relative intellectual and financial contribution to the joint results.
Where no joint ownership agreement has yet been concluded:
each of the joint owners shall be entitled to use their jointly owned results for research purposes
(including sponsored research and research in cooperation with academic third parties) without
commercial aim, and teaching on a royalty-free basis, and without requiring the prior consent of the
other joint owner(s), and
each of the joint owners shall be entitled to use their jointly owned results by way of direct exploitation
and to grant non-exclusive licenses to third parties, without any right to sub-license, subject to the
following conditions:
o at least 45 days prior notice must be given to the other joint owner(s); and
o compensation under fair and reasonable conditions to be discussed, must be provided to the
other joint owner(s).
In any case where, in the opinion of the student and their supervisor(s), novel intellectual property has been
created this must be documented as soon as possible after its creation in accordance with each Partner's
invention disclosure procedures.
12
Article 8: Confidentiality - Dissertation and Examination
Most universities will have policies with regards to confidentiality and it is recognized that some of the
information may be confidential or be required to be kept confidential. Each partner shall make the student
aware of the provisions of this agreement and those in place at the Partner University he or she has matriculated.
Where confidentiality of results of any work is an issue the Supervisor of the student should make their
institution aware and arrange to put in place a confidentiality agreement. This need may extend to the external
examination of the dissertations arising from this programme.
All information in whatever form or mode of transmission, which is disclosed by a Party (the “Disclosing
Party”) to any other Party (the “Recipient”) in connection with the IMBRSea programme during its
implementation and which has been explicitly marked as “confidential”, or when disclosed orally, has been
identified as confidential at the time of disclosure and has been confirmed and designated in writing within 15
days from oral disclosure at the latest as confidential information by the Disclosing Party, is “Confidential
Information”.
The Recipients hereby undertake for a period of 5 years after the end of the IMBRSea programme:
not to use Confidential Information otherwise than for the purpose for which it was disclosed;
not to disclose Confidential Information to any third party without the prior written consent by the
Disclosing Party;
to ensure that internal distribution of Confidential Information by a Recipient shall take place on a
strict need-to-know basis; and
to return to the Disclosing Party on demand all Confidential Information which has been supplied to or
acquired by the Recipients including all copies thereof and to delete all information stored in a machine
readable form. If needed for the recording of ongoing obligations, the Recipients may however request
to keep a copy for archival purposes only.
The above shall not apply for disclosure or use of Confidential Information, if and in so far as the Recipient can
show that:
the Confidential Information becomes publicly available by means other than a breach of the
Recipient’s confidentiality obligations;
the Disclosing Party subsequently informs the Recipient that the Confidential Information is no longer
confidential;
the Confidential Information is communicated to the Recipient without any obligation of confidence by
a third party who is in lawful possession thereof and under no obligation of confidence to the
Disclosing Party;
the Confidential Information, at any time, was developed by the Recipient completely independently of
any such disclosure by the Disclosing Party; or
the Confidential Information was already known to the Recipient prior to disclosure or
the Recipient is required to disclose the Confidential Information in order to comply with applicable
laws or regulations or with a court or administrative order.
The Recipient shall apply the same degree of care with regard to the Confidential Information disclosed within
the scope of the Project as with its own confidential and/or proprietary information, but in no case less than
reasonable care.
Each Party shall promptly advise the other Party in writing of any unauthorised disclosure, misappropriation or
misuse of Confidential Information after it becomes aware of such unauthorised disclosure, misappropriation or
misuse.
If any Party becomes aware that it will be required, or is likely to be required, to disclose Confidential
Information in order to comply with applicable laws or regulations or with a court or administrative order, it
shall, to the extent it is lawfully able to do so, prior to any such disclosure
notify the Disclosing Party, and
13
comply with the Disclosing Party’s reasonable instructions to protect the confidentiality of the
information.
Plagiarism of information included in thesis reports or any other reports will not be allowed and may lead to
exclusion from the programme. Proper references need to be given in all documents used.
Article 9: Liability
9.1. Each partner shall be solely liable for any loss incurred by, or damage or injury to, third partners, resulting
from its own actions in the execution of this agreement.
9.2. Each partner shall be fully responsible for the performance of any part of its share of the agreement and for
the requirements of Insurance and Social Security for its personnel, involved herein.
9.3. With respect to any injury to any person or any damage to any property of any person occurring at any
establishment of any of the partners in the course or arising out of the execution of this agreement, the partner at
whose establishment the injury or damage occurs, shall be solely responsible for the payment of compensation
to such extent as this partner shall be under a legal liability in respect of such injury or damage. This article shall
not apply with respect to any such injury or damage, the causing of which is attributable to any act of a servant
or agent of any of the partners, committed with the intention of causing harm to any person or property or with
reckless disregard for the consequences of his act.
Article 10: Entry into force and termination
This agreement shall come into force as of the date of its signature (referred to as T0 no later than 30 June 2017)
by all the partners and shall continue until the end of the agreements between the European Community and the
Universiteit Gent within the framework of the action entitled: ‘Master in Marine Biological Resources’, based on
the framework partnership agreement (2016-2280/001-001 – see annex 12) between the European Community
and the Universiteit Gent and possible other specific agreements signed on behalf of the Consortium.
This consortium agreement is valid as long as contracts with the EU are binding the consortium partners (until
31-08-2021, for an intake of three cohorts of students (2017, 2018 and 2019)). If this is not the case anymore, the
consortium partners will decide in mutual agreement to continue this agreement or not.
If a partner university wants wishes to leave the agreement before the end of the EU agreement, this partner will
discuss this with the Consortium and will have to follow the rules stipulated in the EU contract. This is not the
case if the partner institute should leave by force majeure.
The cooperation might be prolonged after 31-08-2021. In this case a new agreement will be designed.
Article 11: Applicable law and Competent Court
This agreement shall in all respects be construed and operate as an agreement made in Belgium and in
compliance with Belgian law. The settlement of any difference or conflict arising from or in connection with
this agreement shall be attempted by an amicable effort from the partners.
However, due to the international nature of this agreement, only the International Chambers of Commerce in
Geneva are competent to decide on the disputes, which would remain unresolved.
Students receiving an Erasmus Mundus grant are bound to the rules and regulations from the institute at which
s/he is enrolled and to the individual student contract between coordinator and each student. Students shall be
informed of these rules and regulations prior to physical arrival at the partner.
14
Article 12: Amendments
The IMBRSea Programme Board has the mandate to add or change amendments or annexes to this agreement
when necessary. For all things not stipulated in this agreement the Programme Board can decide, if applicable
upon approval by the official bodies of the signing institutes and/or the European Commission.
15
Approved by
1. Date:
Prof. dr. Anne De Paepe, Rector
Universiteit Gent, Ghent, Belgium
2. Date:
Rector of the Universidade do Algarve
3. Date:
Rector of the Universidad de Oviedo
4. Date:
President of the Université Pierre et Marie Curie, Paris VI
5. Date:
President of the Institiúid Teicneolaíochta Na Gaillimhe-Maigh Eo
6. Date:
Rector of the Universidad del País Vasco
7. Date:
Rector of the Università Politecnica Delle Marche
16
8. Date:
Rector of the Universitetet I Bergen
9. Date:
Rector of the Université de Bretagne Occidentale
17
LIST OF ANNEXES:
Annex 1: list of main and associate partners
Main partners
UNIVERSITEIT GENT ( UNIVERSITEIT GENT - 1)
Pic-Number: 999986096
Address: SINT PIETERSNIEUWSTRAAT 25, 9000 GENT, BE
Legal Representative: Professor Anne De Paepe (Rector)
Partner since: proposal
IMBRSea contact persons: Tim Deprez (tim.deprez@ugent.be)
UNIVERSITE PIERRE ET MARIE CURIE - PARIS 6 (UPMC - 2)
Pic-Number: 999986193
Address: Place Jussieu 4, 75252 PARIS, FR
Legal Representative: Professor Jean Chambaz
Partner since: proposal
IMBRSea contact persons: Jean-Marc Guarini (jean-marc.guarini @upmc.fr)
UNIVERSIDADE DO ALGARVE ( UALG - 3)
Pic-Number: 999863003
Address: CAMPUS DA PENHA, 8005 139 FARO, PT
Legal Representative: Professor Pedro Ferré (Vice -Rector)
Partner since: proposal
IMBRSea contact persons: Karim Erzini (kerzini@ualg.pt)
UNIVERSIDAD DE OVIEDO ( UNIOVI - 4)
Pic-Number: 999848647
Address: CALLE SAN FRANCISCO 3, 33003 OVIEDO, ES
Legal Representative: Prof. Dr. Santiago García Granda
Partner since: proposal
IMBRSea contact persons: Eva Garcia-Vazquez (egv@uniovi.es)
GALWAY MAYO INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY (GMIT - 5)
Pic-Number: 997989157
Address: DUBLIN ROAD, . GALWAY, IE
Legal Representative: Dr Fergal Barry (President)
Partner since: proposal
IMBRSea contact persons: Ian O'Connor (Ian.OConnor@gmit.ie)
UNIVERSIDAD DEL PAIS VASCO/ EUSKAL HERRIKO UNIBERTSITATEA ( UPV/EHU - 6)
Pic-Number: 999865234
Address: BARRIO SARRIENA S N, 48940 LEIOA, ES
Legal Representative: Dr. Nekane Balluerka Lasa (Rector)
Partner since: proposal
IMBRSea contact persons: Ionan Marigomez (ionan.marigomez@ehu.es)
18
UNIVERSITA POLITECNICA DELLE MARCHE ( UNIVPM - 7)
Pic-Number: 999866689
Address: PIAZZA ROMA 22, 60121 ANCONA, IT
Legal Representative: Prof. Sauro Longhi (Chancellor)
Partner since: proposal
IMBRSea contact persons: Carlo Cerrano (c.cerrano@univpm.it)
UNIVERSITETET I BERGEN ( UiB - 8)
Pic-Number: 999974456
Address: Museplassen 1, 5007 BERGEN, NO
Legal Representative: Dag Rune Olsen (Rector)
Partner since: proposal
IMBRSea contact persons: Audrey Geffen (Audrey.Geffen@uib.no)
UNIVERSITE DE BRETAGNE OCCIDENTALE (UBO - 9)
Pic-Number: 999974456
Address: Rue des Archives 3, 29238 Brest CEDEX 3
Legal Representative: Matthieu Gallou (Preseident)
Partner since: 15 April 2017
IMBRSea contact persons: Olivier Gauthier (olivier.gauthier@univ-brest.fr)
Associate partners:
HELLENIC CENTRE FOR MARINE RESEARCH ( HCMR - 10)
Pic-Number: 999577532
Address: LEOFOROS ATHENS SOUNIO 46 7KM, 19013 ATTIKIA ANAVISSOS, EL
Legal Representative: Dr Antonis Magoulas (Director)
Partner since: proposal
IMBRSea contact persons: Antonis Magoulas (magoulas@hcmr.gr)
STAZIONE ZOOLOGICA ANTON DOHRN ( 11)
Pic-Number: 999468310
Address: Villa Comunale, 80121 NAPOLI, IT
Legal Representative: Prof. Roberto Danovaro (Director)
Partner since: proposal
IMBRSea contact persons: Roberto Danovaro (r.danovaro@univpm.it)
IMAR- INSTITUTO DO MAR (IMAR - 12)
Pic-Number: 999451529
Address: UNIVERSIDADE DE COIMBRA, 3004-517 COIMBRA, PT
Legal Representative: Dr. Eduardo Isidro (Director)
Partner since: proposal
IMBRSea contact persons: Eduardo Isidro (eduardo@uac.pt)
CIIMAR - Centro Interdisciplinar de Investigação Marinha e Ambiental (CIIMAR - 13)
Pic-Number: 997223536
Address: Rua dos Bragas 289, 4050-123 Porto, PT
Legal Representative: Prof. Vitor Vasconcelos (President)
19
Partner since: proposal
IMBRSea contact persons: Vitor Vasconcelos (vmvascon@fc.up.pt)
UNIVERSIDAD DE VIGO ( UVIGO - 14)
Pic-Number: 999630494
Address: LG CAMPUS LAGOAS MARCOSENDE, 36310 VIGO PONTEVEDRA, ES
Legal Representative: Mr. Antonio Villanueva González (Marine Station Manager)
Partner since: proposal
IMBRSea contact persons: Antonio Villanueva González (antonio.villanueva@ecimat.org)
VLAAMS INSTITUUT VOOR DE ZEE VZW ( VLIZ - 15)
Pic-Number: 999599939
Address: WANDELAARKAAI 7, 8400 OOSTENDE, BE
Legal Representative: Prof. Dr. Jan Mees (Director)
Partner since: proposal
IMBRSea contact persons: Jan Mees (jan.mees@vliz.be)
MARINE BIOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION OF THE UNITED KINGDOM (MBA - 16)
Pic-Number: 999612549
Address: CITADEL HILL THE LABORATORY, PL1 2PB PLYMOUTH, UK
Legal Representative: Prof. Brownlee Colin (Director)
Partner since: proposal
IMBRSea contact persons: Brownlee Colin (sec@mba.ac.uk)
THE UNIVERSITY COURT OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ST ANDREWS (USTAN - 17)
Pic-Number: 999984253
Address: NORTH STREET 66 COLLEGE GATE, KY16 9AJ ST ANDREWS, UK
Legal Representative: Prof. Ian Johnston (Director)
Partner since: proposal
IMBRSea contact persons: Ian Johnston (iaj@st-andrews.ac.uk)
THE SCOTTISH ASSOCIATION FOR MARINE SCIENCE LBG (SAMS - 18)
Pic-Number: 999738843
Address: SCOTTISH MARINE INSTITUTE, PA37 1QA DUNBEG OBAN, UK
Legal Representative: Prof. Axel Miller (Deputy Director)
Partner since: proposal
IMBRSea contact persons: Axel Miller (axel.miller@sams.ac.uk)
HELSINGIN YLIOPISTO (19)
Pic-Number: 999994535
Address: YLIOPISTONKATU 4, 00014 HELSINGIN YLIOPISTO, FI
Legal Representative: Dr. Joanna Norkko (Scientific Project Manager)
Partner since: proposal
IMBRSea contact persons: Joanna Norkko (joanna.norkko@helsinki.fi)
NATURAL ENVIRONMENT RESEARCH COUNCIL (NERC - 20)
Pic-Number: 999989200
Address: Polaris House, North Star Avenue, SN2 1EU SWINDON WILTSHIRE, UK
20
Legal Representative: Dr. Melody Clark (Project Leader)
Partner since: proposal
IMBRSea contact persons: Melody Clark (mscl@bas.ac.uk)
UNIVERSITETET I TROMSOE ( 21)
Pic-Number: 999874643
Address: HANSINE HANSENS VEG 14, 9019 TROMSO, NO
Legal Representative: Dr. Geir Rudolfsen (Head of Department)
Partner since: proposal
IMBRSea contact persons: Geir Rudolfsen (geir.rudolfsen@uit.no)
CONSIGLIO NAZIONALE DELLE RICERCHE (CNR - 22)
Pic-Number: 999979500
Address: PIAZZALE ALDO MORO 7, 00185 ROMA, IT
Legal Representative: Dr. Fabio Trincardi (Director)
Partner since: proposal
IMBRSea contact persons: Fabio Trincardi (fabio.trincardi@bo.ismar.cnr.it)
CENTRO DE CIENCIAS DO MAR DO ALGARVE (CCMAR - 23)
Pic-Number: 998611994
Address: UNIVERSIDADE DO ALGARVE, 8005 032 FARO, PT
Legal Representative: Prof. Adelino Canario (President)
Partner since: proposal
IMBRSea contact persons: Adelino Canario (acanario@ualg.pt)
New associate partners can be added to this list, all new partners should sign a bilateral agreement document in
which the terms and regulations of the IMBRSea programme are explained and agreed on. (see annex 10).
21
Annex 2 provides an overview of the educational responsibilities of each partner university
Ghent University (UGent - P1):
o Fundamentals module – Semester 1 – 30 ECTS
o Experimental Marine Ecology module in specialization tracks Applied Marine Ecology and
Conservation and Future Seas – Semester 2 – 18 ECTS
o Professional practice – Semester 2 – 12 ECTS
o Joint School – Semester 3 – 6 ECTS
o Master Thesis – Semester 4 – 30 ECTS
o Introduction to Research Practice: project management, data management and scientific
communication – Semester 3 – 6 ECTS (coordination)
University of Pierre and Marie Curie (UPMC - P2):
o Fundamentals module – Semester 1 – 30 ECTS
o Global Change and Functional Biodiversity in specialization track Future Seas – Semester 2 –
18 ECTS
o Professional practice – Semester 2 – 12 ECTS
o Joint School – Semester 3 – 6 ECTS
o Methods for Marine Sciences in specialization track Future seas – Semester 3 – 18 ECTS
o Impact Assessment, Mitigation and Conservation in specialization track Marine Environment
Health and Applied Marine Ecology and Conservation – Semester 3 – 18 ECTS
o Introduction to Research Practice: project management, data management and scientific
communication – Semester 3 – 6 ECTS
o Master Thesis – Semester 4 – 30 ECTS
University of the Algarve (UAlg - P3):
o Fundamentals module – Semester 1 – 30 ECTS
o Fisheries in specialization track Management of Living Marine Resources – Semester 2 – 18
ECTS
o Professional practice – Semester 2 – 12 ECTS
o Joint School – Semester 3 – 6 ECTS
o Biotechnology in specialization track Marine Food Production and Marine Environment Health
– Semester 3 – 18 ECTS
o Introduction to Research Practice: project management, data management and scientific
communication – Semester 3 – 6 ECTS
o Master Thesis – Semester 4 – 30 ECTS
University of Oviedo (UniOvi - P4):
o Fundamentals module – Semester 1 – 30 ECTS
o Professional practice – Semester 2 – 12 ECTS
o Living Resources in specialization track Management of Living Marine Resources – Semester
2 – 18 ECTS
o Joint School – Semester 3 – 6 ECTS
o Master Thesis – Semester 4 – 30 ECTS
Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology (GMIT - P5):
o Applied Genetics and Animal Welfare in Production in specialization track Marine Food
Production
o Professional practice – Semester 2 – 12 ECTS
o Joint School – Semester 3 – 6 ECTS
o Ecosystem Based Fisheries Management in specialization track Management of Living Marine
Resources – Semester 3 – 18 ECTS
o Tools for Marine Conservation in specialization track Applied Marine Ecology and
Conservation – Semester 3 – 18 ECTS
o Introduction to Research Practice: project management, data management and scientific
communication – Semester 3 – 6 ECTS
o Master Thesis – Semester 4 – 30 ECTS
University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU - P6):
22
o Animal Health in specialization track Marine Environment Health and Marine Food Production
– Semester 2 – 18 ECTS
o Professional practice – Semester 2 – 12 ECTS
o Joint School – Semester 3 – 6 ECTS
o Master Thesis – Semester 4 – 30 ECTS
Polytechnic University of Marche (UNIVPM - P7):
o Marine conservation in specialization track Applied Marine Ecology and Conservation –
Semester 2 – 18 ECTS
o Ecotoxicology in specialization track Marine Environment Health – Semester 2 – 18 ECTS
o Professional practice – Semester 2 – 12 ECTS
o Joint School – Semester 3 – 6 ECTS
o Master Thesis – Semester 4 – 30 ECTS
University of Bergen (UiB - P8):
o Professional practice – Semester 2 – 12 ECTS
o Joint School – Semester 3 – 6 ECTS
o Food production in specialization track Marine Food Production and Management of Living
Marine Resources – Semester 3 – 18 ECTS
o Operational marine sciences in specialization track Future Seas and Applied Marine Ecology
and Conservation – Semester 3 – 18 ECTS
o Introduction to Research Practice: project management, data management and scientific
communication – Semester 3 – 6 ECTS
o Master Thesis – Semester 4 – 30 ECTS
Université de Bretagne Occidentale (UBO – P9):
o Fundamentals module – Semester 1 – 30 ECTS
o Professional practice – Semester 2 – 12 ECTS
o Joint School – Semester 3 – 6 ECTS
o Introduction to Research Practice: project management, data management and scientific
communication – Semester 3 – 6 ECTS
o Master Thesis – Semester 4 – 30 ECTS
23
Annex 3 provides an overview of the full IMBRSea course programme
Overview of the full IMBRSea programme: see separate document: IMBRSea study programme.
24
Annex 4 Professional Practice guidelines
IMBRSea Professional Practice – Professional Practice Guidelines, Evaluation, Timeline
This document provides an overview of all professional practice regulations, documents and procedures that are
implemented for the IMBRSea Master Programme
Professional Practice – an introduction
Professional Practice is an integrated part of the IMBRSea Master Programme. Students can earn 2 ECTS per
week of work for a maximum of 6 weeks (maximum 12 ECTS). All students undertake Professional Practice
during their second semester at an associate partner or other entity approved by the management board having
regard for the requirement that the quality of the Professional Practice should ensure that the student will have an
adequate opportunity of achieving the learning outcomes of the module
During professional practice students work under supervision and guidance of a Professional Practice mentor at
the associate partner or other approved entity, and an academic supervisor from the consortium. During
Professional Practice, students may apply techniques and knowledge they gained during the courses in their
Bachelor and the completed Fundamentals and Thematic elements of IMBRSea.
The aim of this module is to facilitate a period of professional practice to assist students in making an informed
decision concerning their career path. Through the use of a Reflective Portfolio learners will evaluate their
experience in the context of the learning outcomes. Through the use of a presentation at the Annual Symposium
learners will present and receive their own and their peers' experiences of professional practice. This will enhance
the learners' self-awareness and understanding through the process of thinking, reflecting and critically evaluating
experiences of the entire cohort.
Professional Practice – Timeline overview
September Academic year 1:
o Associate Partners or other entities are invited to submit available professional practice options
indicating they can receive Professional Practice students to the MarineTraining portal
(www.marinetraining.eu).
o Proposed professional practice hostings are checked and approved by the management board and
published on the MarineTraining portal (www.marinetraining.eu).
November Academic year 1:
o The Professional Practice catalogue on the MarineTraining portal is provided to the students which
enables them to find a Professional Practice that matches their interest. Students will contact potential
professional practice supervisors and agree a hosting.
January Academic year 1:
o Students submit a Professional Practice proposal to the coordination office making use of an electronic
form available on their personal student page. Professional Practice descriptions include a name and
address of host organisation, contact details of Professional Practice supervisor, an agreement from the
supervisor to host the student for Professional Practice, a description of the nature of work proposed.
See Responsibilities of Parties below for details on the letter of agreement to host the professional
practice.
o Students can submit Professional Practice proposals they have developed themselves after approval by
the IMBRSea management board. Therefore, students have to contact the IMBRSea coordination office
before December 1 of Academic Year 1, in order to discuss the suitability of the proposed Professional
Practice in terms of hosting organisation, nature of work etc.
o Professional Practice proposals are checked and approved by the management board.
25
April - June Academic year 1:
o Students work fulltime on their Professional Practice and their respective host.
June Academic year 1
o By the end of the first week of June (the exact date will change yearly) students must submit a reflective
portfolio describing their Professional Practice in electronic and paper format to the IMBRSea co-
ordination office. Further details concerning the reflective portfolio are available in the Professional
Practice module descriptor. A Professional Practice reflective portfolio submission form is available
on the personal student page. Upon submission, students receive an email of confirmation. Students
who did not manage to submit the reflective portfolio may do so in early August.
o Week 2 & 3 of June: The coordination office sends the reflective portfolios and portfolio evaluation
forms to evaluators. Each portfolio is assessed by 2 evaluators. All evaluations are collected at the
coordination office. At the end of week 3, students will receive the written feedback from each of their
2 evaluators in an anonymous way; students will not be able to check which evaluator has written which
comments.
o Week 4 of June: All students come together during the annual symposium. At this symposium each
Professional Practice experience is presented through an oral presentation followed by a public debate
including the portfolio evaluators and the public present in the room. In case evaluators cannot be
present physically, interaction is possible through Video Conference. All the presentations are taped
and broadcasted in real time.
o End of week 4 of June: All presentations and reflective portfolio reports are evaluated and a final score
is set jointly. This score will appear on the diploma.
Remarks:
Students who do not submit their reflective portfolio in June will give a presentation during the annual symposium
and will receive a score for this presentation which will be taken into account for the calculation of the final
Professional Practice score.
Students submitting their Reflective Portfolios in August will go through the same evaluation process. Scores are
agreed on provided to the coordination office by mid-September.
Reflective Portfolio Guidelines
Publication of Professional Practice opportunities on Marine Training website
Each year, Professional Practice opportunities from IMBRSea Associated Partners will be posted on the
Marine Training website.
Each Professional Practice opportunity must be documented with: 1. Name of host organisation, 2.
Responsible scientist (+ email address), 3. Short description of the nature of work that the student will
have the opportunity to complete.
Responsibilities of Parties
In order to ensure that the agreed professional practice is of maximum benefit to both the hosts/employers and
students, the IMBRSea consortium have detailed a Letter of Agreement to be signed by the student and host
supervisor. This agreement should be read and signed by both parties and returned to the IMBRSea co-ordination
office.
26
IMBRSea Professional Practice Letter of Agreement
On behalf of the host organisation
I agree to accept the student mentioned below on Work Placement, and abide by the Conditions of
Employment, Responsibilities, and Placement Difficulties Procedures as outlined overleaf.
Name of Establishment: ______________________________________________________
*Placement start date: ______________ Placement completion date: _____________
Placement Duration: ______ (weeks)
Supervisor Name: ______________________ Supervisor Position: ____________________
Signed: _____________________________________ Date: ___________________
On behalf of the STUDENT
I agree to abide by the Rules & Procedures (Code of Conduct, Responsibilities, Attendance, and
Placement Difficulties Procedure) as outlined overleaf.
Name of Student: ___________________________________________________________
Signed: _____________________________________ Date: ___________________
Approved on behalf of IMBRSea
Signed:
Date:
Brief description of the nature of work at the host establishment
27
Code of Conduct – for Students
The student should:
- Act within the terms and conditions of employment laid
down by the host employer.
- Take responsibility for his/her own Health and Safety
and that of others who may be affected by his/her actions.
- Respect the confidentiality of the organisation.
- Adhere to policies, procedures and work practices of the
organisation.
- Work diligently, responsibly and in a professional
manner at all times.
- Adhere to company dress code.
- Be accountable and accept responsibility for actions.
- Use the email/internet for work purposes only.
- Use the work phone for work purposes only and turn off
private mobiles during work hours.
- Submit all documentation that is requested by the
organisation and by the IMBRSea co-ordination office.
Conditions of Employment
Responsibilities of the Employer to the Student and the
Institute are to:
- Plan the training and work programme to be undertaken
by the student in consultation with the Academic
Supervisor.
- Offer a Placement Agreement/Contract, with the
duration of the placement and the terms of employment
specified.
- Treat the student as a member of the workforce.
- Provide an induction to the organisation and its work
practices.
- Nominate a supervisor for day-to-day care and
supervision of the student.
- Ensure a safe working environment in conformity with
Health & Safety legislation.
- Facilitate communication between the student and
Academic Supervisor.
- Participate in the assessment of the student.
- Advise the Academic Supervisor of any case of breach
of discipline in the workplace.
Responsibilities of the Student to the Employer are to:
- Approach work diligently, take responsibility and show
a willingness to use your initiative.
- Act always in a professional, respectful manner with
supervisors, colleagues and clients.
- Abide by the company’s employment rules.
- Maintain confidentiality concerning the company’s
work.
- Carry out the work programme specified by the employer
in a professional manner under the supervision of the
specified supervisor(s).
Responsibilities of the Student to IMBRSea are to:
- Complete all reports and records for the consortium as
specified.
- Consult with the IMBRSea co-ordination
office/Academic Supervisor prior to making any changes
in the terms and duration of the placement.
- Provide access to all records maintained during the
placement for the academic supervisor, except where there
is an issue of commercial secrecy.
Placement Difficulties Procedure – For Students
- He/she should in the first instance inform the ir
Professional Practice Supervisor.
- If a problem persists, the student should request a
meeting with the IMBRSEa Co-ordination
office/Academic Supervisor. If appropriate, a meeting
should then be arranged between the employer and
IMBRSea co-ordination office/Academic Supervisor with
a view to seeking a resolution to the problem.
Placement Difficulties Procedure – For
Employers
- The employer should in the first instance address any
issues or problems arising with the performance of the
student directly with the student, as would be the case with
any other employee.
- The Professional Practice Supervisor should ask to meet
with the IMBRSea Co-ordination office/Academic
Supervisor to discuss matters.
- If these interventions fail to remedy the situation and if
internal disciplinary measures are initiated in the event of
a serious breech of company codes by the student, then the
IMBRSea co-ordination office will liaise with and support
any decision that the employer makes, including the
termination of the student’s employment. Such action
may well result in the student failing the Professional
Practice module.
28
Attendance
- The consortium will require the student to attend the
entire duration of their Professional Practice module and
complete the full complement of stated hours.
- Students will be required to inform their Professional
Practice Supervisor and the IIMBRSea co-ordination
office/Academic Supervisor in the event that they are
unable to attend work due to ill-health. Medical
certificates will be required for any absences due to health
issues.
- Any absences resulting in a shortfall of hours must be
made up by the student in their own free time and with
the approval of the IMBRSea Co-ordination
office/Academic Supervisor and the Professional Practice
Supervisor.
29
Preparation of the Reflective Portfolio
IMBRSea students prepare their Reflective Portfolio during their Professional Practice and while the
Professional Practice supervisor should make time available for this activity the student should not permit
it to interfere with their overall duties at the host. Therefore, these activities have to be supervised by the
thesis promoter/supervisor. Students, encouraged by their Professional Practice & Academic
Supervisor will organise their work in a way that enables them to submit the Reflective Portfolio
in the first session exam period (June). Significant justification is required for permission to submit a
Reflective Portfolio for the second exam session in August.
Reflective Portfolio format and notes
The Reflective Portfolio must be written in English and learners must explain how their professional practice
experience fulfils the learning outcomes of the module. They will be expected to provide evidence to support their
explanations. It should contain:
Cover page: To include name of student, name of host organisation
Introduction: To include some information about your host organisation and details about the type of work that
you carried out for the organisation. Maximum: 1 page
Reflection on professional practice experience: In each of the following sections (1-5) learners should provide a
reflective account of how professional practice has allowed them to meet the learning outcomes for the module.
Learners should not simply provide a descriptive account of their experience but should also provide opinions.
For example, if they provide information on a task they completed for the host organisation, they could explain
why it was done in a particular way, provide an opinion on the effectiveness of their approach and any thoughts
on what they might do differently in the future. Examples of tasks from professional practice providing evidence
to support their reflection should be included in Appendices.
One piece of evidence might take the form of an updated CV. A student could then discuss sections that have been
updated as a result of professional practice.
Learners could provide examples of work that carried out for the host organisation (e.g. a copy of a report they
authored, a dataset analysed or compiled, etc.). A maximum of five separate pieces of evidence in the Appendices
are permitted. In sections 1-5 below learners should also explain in detail (approx. ½ a page) why particular
examples were included in the Appendices, i.e. what evidence do they provide to show that they meet the learning
outcomes of the module?
1. Reflection on how my professional practice has improved my professional competence
Maximum: 2 pages, evidence in support of statements should be provided in the Appendices
2. Reflection on how I contributed to my host organisation’s objectives
Maximum: 2 pages, evidence in support of statements should be provided in the Appendices
3. Reflection on how I applied previously acquired theoretical and practical knowledge to work
with the host organisation
Maximum: 2 pages, evidence in support of statements should be provided in the Appendices
4. Reflection on how my professional practice has modified my career aspirations
Maximum: 2 pages, evidence in support of statements should be provided in the Appendices
5. Reflection on my professional practice experience has affected my future employment prospects
Maximum: 2 pages, evidence in support of statements should be provided in the Appendices
Conclusion
This section should contain an overall summary of your professional practice. What were the most useful parts of
the experience? Could some aspects have been better? What were the main advantages for you? Maximum: 1
page
Bibliography
Appendices
30
Presentation/Defence
End of June: IMBRSea students will present their Reflective Portfolio during the Annual Symposium, to be
organized by one of the IMBRSea partner universities. Students give an oral presentation (10 minutes), and
afterwards the members of the reading committee of the reflective portfolio will interview the student.
If the reflective portfolio is not submitted during the first session exam period of the first master year, the
portfolio can be submitted in August. However, students (and supervisors) will be strongly encouraged to
finalise their Reflective Portfolio by June.
Portfolio evaluation:
In general:
The reflective portfolio counts for 75 % of the final grade of the Professional Practice module; the oral
presentation for 25%. In case students finalise their work in August, they have to present the state of the art
of their progress of their professional practice in June, the ‘oral’ part of the presentation will be graded (final
grading on the Professional Practice module will take place when the reflective portfolio has been finalized).
The full reflective portfolio must be submitted in PDF file to the IMBRSea coordination office.
The Examination/Reading Committee of the reflective portfolio consists of two members, who have to
belong to one of the nine IMBRSea partner institutes :
Reader 1 : academic supervisor gives 1 score together (cf. evaluation form)
Reader 2 : external to the academic supervisor institute
The final Professional Practice score will be deliberated by the examination board of IMBRSea and be
communicated to the coordination office, which is in charge of uploading the grade to the course
management database and communicating the feedback to the students.
Oral presentation :
o Visual appearance : 20 %
o Content : 30 %
o Presentation : 30 %
o Contextual awareness 20 %
31
Professional Practice Reflective Portfolio Marking Scheme
Note: Mark each section out of 10 using the drop down button that appears when you click on each cell
Element Weighting Fail Pass 2.2 2.1 1.1
0-39% 40-49% 50-59% 60-69% 70-100%
1. Reflection on how professional practice has improved
my professional competence17%
2. Reflection on how I contributed to my host
organisation's objectives17%
3. Reflection on how I applied previously acquired theory
and practical knowledge to my work with the host
organisation
17%
4. Reflection on how professional practice has modified
my career aspirations17%
5. Reflection on how my placement experience has
affected my future employment prospects17%
Presentation and Quality 15%
Introduction is poor. Provides very
little information about the host
organisation and about the work
carried out by the student.
Conclusion provides a very limited
summary of the student's placement
experience.
Poor presentation of information in
Appendices.
Very many spelling and grammatical
errors with no real evidence of proof
reading. Grossly outside set page
limits.
Introduction is acceptable. Provides
some information about the host
organisation and about the work
carried out by the student.
Conclusion provides an acceptable
summary of the student's placement
experience.
Acceptable presentation of
information in Appendices.
Many spelling and grammatical
errors with little evidence of proof
reading.
Good introduction. Provides a lot of
information about the host
organisation and about the work
carried out by the student.
Conclusion provides a good summary
of the student's placement
experience.
Good presentation of information in
Appendices.
Some spelling and grammatical
errors, but generally good use of
language.
Very good introduction. Provides
detailed information about the host
organisation and about the work
carried out by the student.
Conclusion provides a very good
summary of the student's placement
experience.
Very good presentation of
information in Appendices.
Very few spelling and grammatical
errors and generally very good use of
language.
Excellent introduction. Provides very
clear and detailed information about
the host organisation and about the
work carried out by the student.
Conclusion provides an excellent
summary of the student's placement
experience.
Excellent presentation of
information in Appendices.
No spelling and grammatical errors
and generally excellent use of
language.
Total100%
Unacceptable level of reflection.
Primarlily a descriptive account of
student's experience. Little evidence
that student has thought about their
experience.
No examples of work carried out
while on placement, or examples
provided are not relevant.
No reference to Appendix, or
information referred to in the
Appendix is not relevant.
Does not demonstrate that relevant
learning outcome has been met.
Acceptable level of reflection with
some evidence that student has
thought about their experience, but
still a substantially descriptive
account of student's experience.
Some examples of work carried out
while on placement, but these
examples are of limited relevance.
Refers to Appendix, but information
referred to is of limited relevance.
Some evidence that relevant
learning outcome has been met.
Good level of reflection. Good
evidence that student has thought
deeply about their experience.
Relevant examples provided of work
carried out by the student while on
placement.
Good use of information provided in
the Appendix to show how student
has met the relevant learning
outcome.
Provides good evidence that relevant
learning outcome has been met.
Very good level of reflection. Very
good evidence that student has
thought deeply about their
experience.
Many relevant examples provided of
work carried out by the student while
on placement.
Very good use of information
provided in the Appendix to show
how student has met the relevant
learning outcome.
Provides very good evidence that
relevant learning outcome has been
met.
Excellent level of reflection. Excellent
evidence that student has thought
deeply about their experience.
Many very relevant examples
provided of work carried out by the
student while on placement.
Excellent use of information provided
in the Appendix to show how student
has met the relevant learning
outcome.
Provides excellent evidence that
relevant learning outcome has been
met.
32
Agenda for Professional Practice submission and defense 20XX-20XX
First session exam period:
Reflective portolio (in pdf format) should be submitted to the IMBRSea coordination office by June xx 20XX, 4 pm.
Guidelines on the submission procedure will be communicated by May xx 20XX.
Oral presentation and defense is organized during the annual symposium, June XX-XX, 20XX.
Second session exam period :
Professional portfolio should be submitted by August XX, 20XX, 4 pm.
Oral presentation of the preliminary results of the thesis presented in June XX-XX, 20XX (together with all first session
students).
33
Annex 5 Thesis guidelines
IMBRSea thesis work - Thesis Guidelines, Thesis Evaluation, Thesis Timeline
This document provides an overview of all thesis regulations, documents and procedures that are implemented for the IMBRSea
Master Programme
Thesis work – an introduction
Thesis work is an integrated part of the IMBRSea Master Programme and is allocated 30 ECTS. All students undertake thesis work
during their fourth semester in one of the member institutes of the network (main or associated).
During thesis work students focus on a specific subject for a certain amount of time. The students work independently albeit under
supervision of a thesis supervisor and promoter (promoter can be the supervisor). During thesis work, students are able to apply
techniques and knowledge they gained during the courses in the three previous semesters. The final product is a written report
stating the main results presented in a scientifically correct way. Thesis students also present and discuss their results at a the Annual
symposium.
Thesis work – Timeline overview
November Academic year 1:
o Partners of the IMBRSea network are invited to submit thesis topics in which they would like to receive thesis
students to the Marine Training portal (www.marinetraining.eu).
o Thesis research lines are checked and approved by the management board and published on the Marine Training
portal (www.marinetraining.eu).
December Academic year 1:
o The Thesis Research-line catalogue on the Marine Training portal is provided to the students which enables them
to find a thesis topic that matches their interest. Students will contact potential thesis supervisors and negotiate a
topic.
May Academic year 1:
o Students submit a thesis project to the coordination office making use of an electronic form available on their
personal student page. Thesis project descriptions include a title, an abstract, a work plan, contact details of
supervisor and promoter and an agreement of the promoter to welcome the student for the particular thesis subject.
o Students can submit own thesis topics, only after approval by the IMBRSea management board. Therefore,
students have to contact the IMBRSea coordination office before March of year 1, in order to discuss the feasibility
of the topic, the partner, and so on.
o Research projects are checked and approved by the management board.
June Academic year 1:
o Thesis students prepare a digital object about their selected thesis subject. This digital object is a short (3 minutes)
multimedia object in which the topic, methodologies and work plan of the thesis are presented. These digital
objects will be shown on the final thesis event and will be provided on the website. The final aim of the digital
objects is to inform students about the different topics that will be studied and to give them the chance to discuss
and interact about for example techniques used during the thesis work.
July-August Academic year 1:
o Depending on the selected thesis topic, students have the possibility to prepare the thesis work by collecting
samples, literature study, first practical work,…
January-June Academic year 2:
o Students work full-time on the thesis project at the respective thesis institute.
June Academic year 2
o By the end of the first week of June (the exact date may change yearly) students submit the thesis in electronic
and paper format to the IMBRSea coordination office. A thesis submission form is available on the personal
34
student page. Upon submission, students receive an email of confirmation. Students who did not manage to submit
the thesis in time have a second opportunity in early August.
o Week 2 & 3 of June: The coordination office sends the thesis and thesis evaluation forms to the thesis evaluators.
Each thesis is evaluated by 3 evaluators. All evaluations are collected at the coordination office. At the end of
week 3, students will receive the written feedback from each of their 3 evaluators in an anonymous way; students
will not be able to check which evaluator has written which comments.
o Week 4 of June: All students come together during the annual symposium. At this symposium each thesis is
presented through an oral presentation followed by a public debate including the thesis evaluators and the public
present in the room. In case evaluators cannot be present physically, interaction is possible through Video
Conference. All the presentations are taped and broadcasted in real time.
o End of week 4 of June: All presentations and thesis reports are evaluated and a final score is set jointly. This score
will appear on the diploma.
Remarks:
Students who do not submit the final thesis in June also give a presentation during the annual symposium and will receive
a score for this presentation which will be taken into account for the calculation of the final thesis score.
Students submitting their thesis early August will go through the same evaluation process as described earlier: Three
independent evaluators will read and evaluate the thesis. Depending on the rules of the host institute, an extra thesis defence
can be organized locally. Final scores are agreed on and provided to the coordination office by mid-September.
Thesis Guidelines
Announcement of Research topics for theses on Marine Training website
Each year, thesis research lines from IMBRSea Partner Universities and IMBRSea Associated Partners will be posted on
the Marine Training website. Thesis research lines will be available online at all times.
Each research line must be documented with: 1. Title, 2. Responsible scientist (+ email address), 3. Research Institute, 4.
Short abstract
Responsibilities of thesis (co-) promoter / thesis supervisor
Promoter :
o professor or post-doc (depending on the local regulations of the host institute)
o member of the host institute of the students (IMBRSea partner: main or associated)
o fully responsible for the implementation of the thesis work (can be a supervisor as well)
Supervisor (s) :
o at least 3 years of relevant scientific experience
o does not have to (but can) be a member of the host institute
o responsible for the daily follow up of the thesis –
Co-promoter : if applicable,
o this can be any person relevant for the thesis at the professor or post-doctorate level (can be a supervisor as well)
o does not have to (but can) be a member of the host institute
Preparation of the Thesis
IMBRSea students can start with the preparation of the thesis (literature study, introduction, collection of samples,…)
during semesters 2 and 3. However, this must not interfere with the other courses planned in these semesters. In principle,
semester 4 (January to June) is fully available for the thesis preparation and thesis submission. Therefore, these activities
have to be supervised by the thesis promoter/supervisor. The students, stimulated by their supervisors, will organise
their thesis work in a way that enables them to submit the thesis in the first session exam period (June). Only with
motivated exceptions, thesis submission is possible in August (for concrete dates see end of this document)
Thesis format
The thesis must be written in English, and should have the format of a scientific publication.
35
Contents:
Executive Summary (max 400 words)
Abstract (max 200 words)
Introduction & Aims
Material and Methods
Results
Discussion
Conclusion
Acknowledgements
References
Remarks on the thesis format:
The expected level and quality of the thesis should equal a scientific publication in a peer-reviewed journal. This means that the
thesis is not evaluated on the basis of the number of pages, but much more on the basis of quality and conciseness of the work.
The Executive Summary (400 words) contains a summary of all relevant information documented in the thesis (introduction, M&M,
Results, Conclusion).
The Abstract (200 words) is conform the summary but without detailed information about methods end results.
The Introduction should contain the state of the art of the subject, with references to relevant recent literature; when the thesis is
part of a broader research project, the content of the project can be mentioned as well.
The Aim of the thesis is presented clearly (if opportune together with the working hypotheses, which have to be discussed in
“Discussion” and “Summary”).
The Material & Methods section contains the design of the research: e.g. experimental design, area description, sampling methods,
analysis methods, statistical design and methods,…
The Results section gives an overview of the most important data, both in written text, figures and tables. All the raw data have to
be added in annex and on CD/DVD at the end of the thesis. Copies of the data will be archived at the VLIZ (Flanders Marine
Institute – Data Centre). The data have to be presented in a logical order; each table, figure,… must be attended by a legend which
contains all necessary information to understand the table or figure,…
The Discussion section offers a critical analysis of the interpretation of the data, compared to the available literature.
In the Conclusions, a brief summary of the main findings (original data, lesson learned,…) is given.
The Acknowledgements refer to the funding agencies, field workers,...
The Reference list is limited to the literature cited within the text.
Data ownership
All data belong to the institute of the thesis promoter/supervisor according to the data policy between the collaborating
institute partners. Depending on this data policy, IMBRSea students might send their thesis in for publication to a
peer-reviewed journal (only after consultation with the thesis promoter).
The IMBRSea coordination office is not responsible for any eventual conflicts within this context.
Each thesis should contain the following phrase on the inside of the front page: ‘No data can be taken out of this work
without prior approval of the thesis promoter / supervisor (*)’
(*): this has to be discussed beforehand by the promoter/co-promoter and the thesis supervisor
Plagiarism
Plagiarism is considered to be a form of fraud and an irregularity within the IMBRSea study programme. To commit plagiarism is
to present (parts of) a source as original and your own, without adding any acknowledgements. It can relate to different forms of
production, such as texts (written, oral), images (photographs, film, graphs, diagrams, figures, etc.), databases, ideas,... When fraud
is detected in the Master Thesis, the full examination board of IMBRSea will discuss and decide about the consequences for the
student.
Data policy
36
All thesis output will be archived on the Marine Data Archive (MDA). This archive was developed by VLIZ to
provide a backup and storage system for files (data, metadata, graphics,...) related to marine sciences and if required,
to be able to share them within a context with other scientists. All files stored in the MDA ‘shared’, are restricted
within the context and data can only be used conform the data policy of this context.
The Data Policy-document will be generated after the thesis has been submitted completely. The student and the
thesis promoter will receive a completed and signed copy after submission.
Thesis Presentation/Defence
End of June: IMBRSea students will present the results of their thesis work during the Annual Symposium, to be
organized by one of the IMBRSea partner universities. Students give an oral presentation (15 minutes), and afterwards
the members of the reading committee of the thesis will interview the student.
If the thesis is not submitted during the first session exam period of the second master year, the thesis can be submitted
in August. However, students (and supervisors) will be strongly encouraged to finalise the thesis by June.
Thesis evaluation:
In general:
The Thesis manuscript counts for 75 % of the final grade; the oral presentation for 25%. In case students finalise their
work in August, they have to present the state of the art of their progress of the thesis in June. Even if results are still
missing, the ‘oral’ part of the presentation will be graded (final grading on the thesis will not take place when the
thesis work has been finalized).
The full thesis has to be submitted in PDF file to the IMBRSea coordination office.
The student has to submit two hard copies of the thesis to the IMBRSea coordination office. The hard copies have to
be sent at the latest on the day of the submission deadline (postmark counts).
The Examination/Reading Committee of the thesis consists of three members, containing TWO members who have
to belong to one of the nine IMBRSea partner institutes:
1. Reader 1: (co-)promoter and supervisor give 1 score together (cf. evaluation form) (in case of a problem, the
IMBRSea management board will negotiate)
2. Reader 2: external to the host research group
3. Reader 3: from the IMBRSea consortium (8 universities) but external to the host institute
4. The final thesis score will be deliberated by the examination board of IMBRSea and be communicated to
the coordination office, which is in charge of uploading the grade to the course management database and
communicating the feedback to the students.
The thesis promoter proposes a possible composition of the Examination Committee of his/her Thesis in March of
semester 4.
The examination committee for each thesis has to be approved by the IMBRSea Management Board in April of
semester 4
The readers should have a Ph.D. or at least 3 years of relevant scientific experience.
(*): this has to be discussed beforehand by the promoter/co-promoter and the thesis supervisor
Concretely:
Following aspects are evaluated (including their respective weight in the score):
Written report:
o Title, Abstract, Summary: 10 %
o Introduction, Background and context: 15 %
o Methods: 15 %
37
o Results: 20 %
o Discussion: Interpretation within the research context: 30 %
o Layout: 10 %
Oral presentation:
o Visual appearance: 20 %
o Content: 30 %
o Presentation: 30 %
o Contextual awareness and critical thinking: 20 %
In the scoring table below the score band from “insufficient” to “excellent” is explained for each of the above listed aspects.
Thesis Content:
Presentation:
Grade and score band (out of 20):
Insufficient Sufficient to Satisfactory Good Very good Excellent
0 - <10 10 - 13 14 - 15 16 - 17 18 - 20
Tit
le, A
bs
tra
ct
an
d
Su
mm
ary
10
%
Omission of either Abstract or
Summary.
Executive summary repeats the
Abstract without discernment. Main
conclusions are incompletely
presented. Purpose is not clear. Ill-
focussed summary and/or abstract.
Abstract and summary present the
main conclusion from the study. The
purpose of the study (i.e. hypothesis,
objectives, questions) is specifically
stated. Summaries complicated by
inclusion of much superfluous
material.
As for Good, but description includes
some material of little relevance.
As for Very good, but only material of
particular relevance are summarised.
Indicative of highly developed skills in
discerning and summarising the
salient outcomes.
Intr
od
uc
tio
n:
Ba
ck
gro
un
d a
nd
co
nte
xt
15
%
No reference to relevant literature. No
evidence of library skills. Presents
insufficient understanding of the
question. Aims and hypotheses are
not stated.
Presents enough information to
identify the topic but with little
prioritising. Sparse or irrelevant
referencing. Little evidence of library
skills. Only some critical awareness of
context is displayed. Aims and
hypotheses are not stated.
Description of topic demonstrates an
acceptable grasp of the subject
material. Evidence of a reasonable
familiarity with the relevant literature.
Presents a proposal for new research,
but indicates limited evidence of
capacity for original and logical
thinking.
Demonstrates strong grasp of the
subject matter. Comprehensive
referencing indicating discerning
research of the topic. Identifies the
strengths and limitations of previous
work, and presents a logical
progression to the research topic. The
aims and significance of the new work
are clearly stated. Displays some
original insights and capacity for
creative and logical thinking
Displays strong ability to organise,
analyse and express ideas and
arguments in an original,
sophisticated and discriminating
manner. Mastery of the subject matter
is demonstrated through an interesting
and complex account of the
significance of the research topic, and
the importance of the questions
posed. Richly supported by relevant
citation. Indicates a foretaste of an
original contribution.
Me
tho
ds
15
%
Poor analytical skills. Methods are
used inappropriately for the particular
research question. Formulaic
application of methods demonstrates
very poor understanding of the
procedures used. Level of detail is
insufficient to allow a reader to repeat
the procedure.
Materials and Methods are presented
without context. Methods are
sometimes used inappropriately for
the particular research question.
Formulaic application of methods
demonstrates little understanding of
the procedures used. Sufficient detail
is presented to allow repetition of the
procedure.
Sufficient detail is presented to allow
repetition of the procedure. Materials
and Methods chosen are presented in
context. Appropriateness of the
methods chosen is established. Use
of the methods is mainly correct.
As for Good, but methods are
consistently used correctly.
Succession of methods employed
demonstrates a clear understanding
of strengths / limitations of each
procedure.
As for Very good, but also
demonstrates innovative adaptation of
methods and procedures, as
appropriate to the peculiarities of the
research question. Selection and
adaptation of methods indicates
highly-developed analytical capacity.
Re
su
lts
20
%
Results of marginal relevance
predominate. Errors in the
presentation of results. Random and
undisciplined demonstration of the
results. Limited structure.
Tables & Figures are presented
without context. Some superfluous
results are included. Errors in the
presentation of results. Presentation
of results demonstrates only a basic
understanding of relevance to the
topic. Unclear presentation of results,
random layout, with some omissions
or inaccuracies.
Appropriate Tables & Figures are
presented. Important results are
highlighted in the text of the Results
section. Correct presentation of
Tables & Figures (e.g. Title, axis
labels, units given, appropriate
captions). Few factual errors in the
presentation of the results.
Intellectually competent interpretation
of results.
As for Good, but without errors in the
interpretation of results. Presentation
is distilled to exclude superfluous
results. Logical sequence to
presentation demonstrates a well-
developed capacity to analyse issues,
organise material, and present results
clearly and cogently.
As for Very good, plus capacity for
critical analysis is further
demonstrated through presentation of
the results in a manner that builds the
scientific argument. The results
section establishes the basis for
discussion without itself becoming
discursive.
Dis
cu
ss
ion
: In
terp
reta
tio
n w
ith
in
the
re
se
arc
h c
on
tex
t
30
%
Failure to place the topic in context
resulting in a largely irrelevant
discussion. Inadequate knowledge
displayed related to the research
question(s). Very serious omissions /
errors in logic and/or major
inaccuracies included in
interpretation.
Some relevant points presented, but
discussion is descriptive rather than
argumentative / analytical. Basic or
confused grasp of the context.
Somewhat lacking in focus and
structure. Conclusions are not well
argued or poorly substantiated.
Lacking evidence of capacity for
original and logical thinking.
Basic contextual understanding
indicating average critical awareness
and analytical skills. Pros and cons
are recognised but without resolution.
Ideas are stated rather than
developed and are insufficiently
supported by evidence and relevant
citation. A convincing scientific
argument is not made. Weak
conclusion or jumps to a conclusion.
Context well understood. Research
outcomes are placed within the
scientific context. Well supported by
synthesis of evidence and relevant
citation. Uses appropriate structure to
resolve issues in a convincing
argument. Conclusions are balanced
and well-reasoned.
Displays penetrative insight, originality
and creativity to make original
arguments in own voice. Arguments
are amply supported by evidence and
relevant citation, reflecting deep and
broad knowledge and critical insight.
Evidence of extensive reading
demonstrated through discerning
selection and synthesis of relevant
literature. Conclusion generates
original issues for subsequent study.
La
yo
ut
10
%
A random layout / underdeveloped
structure. Insufficiently planned. Lack
of clarity. Confused expression. Poor
spelling and grammar.
Ineffective presentation. References
incorrectly formatted. Report not
completely written in accordance to
standard scientific practice. Little
evidence of proof reading.
Report written according to standard
scientific practice. Most references
are correctly formatted. Writing of
sufficient quality to convey meaning
but some lack of fluency and
command of suitable vocabulary. Few
typographic errors.
As for Good, but with consistently
correct referencing format, and clear
evidence of proof reading.
Presentation indicative of an excellent
ability to organise, analyse and
present arguments fluently and lucidly
with a high level of critical analysis.
Strong evidence of care in
presentation. Free of grammatical
errors and typographic errors.
Scholarly prose and writing style.
We
igh
t:
Ele
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nt:
38
Agenda for thesis submission and defense 20XX-20XX
First session exam period:
Manuscripts of the thesis (in pdf format) should be submitted to the IMBRSea coordination office by June xx 20XX, 4
pm. Guidelines on the submission procedure will be communicated by May xx 20XX.
Oral presentation and defense is organized during the annual symposium, June XX-XX, 20XX.
Second session exam period:
Manuscripts of the thesis should be submitted by August XX, 20XX, 4 pm.
Oral presentation of the preliminary results of the thesis presented in June XX-XX, 20XX (together with all first session
students).
Grade and score band (out of 20):
Insufficient Sufficient to Satisfactory Good Very good Excellent
0 - <10 10 - 13 14 - 15 16 - 17 18 - 20
Vis
ua
l a
pp
ea
ran
ce
20
%
● Poor planning, organisation and
flow - logical order is not clear.
● Text size is too small to view
comfortably by a conference
audience.
● Graphics/media are not used, OR,
superfluous, irrelevant graphics/media
are used.
● Too much text: The slides demand
an overwhelming amount of reading,
OR,
● Not enough text: The audience
cannot readily understand the
relevance of the graphics/media.
● Many errors in grammar,
punctuation, and spelling.
● Title poorly refined, not explicitly
informative of topic.
● Presentation is not immediately
visually appealling or engaging.
● Unnecessary graphics/media are
included, complicating the
interpretation of crucial ideas.
● Little logical order is apparent in the
organisation and flow.
● Main text size is OK, but some text
remains too small to read by a
conference audience.
● Use of Text, Graphics and Media
are somewhat out of balance.
● Limited evidence of proof reading -
Many errors remain in grammar,
punctuation, and spelling.
● Informative title presents the main
argument of the presentation.
● Overall appearance is visually
appealing and interesting.
● Organisation and flow are implicit:
Headings or other devices imply
organization and flow.
● All text is easy to read by a
conference audience.
● Text, Graphics and Media are well-
balanced.
● Graphics and Media generally
relate to the text and oral presentation.
● There is evidence of some proof
reading, but several errors remain in
grammar, punctuation, and spelling.
As for Good, and:
● Organisation and flow are explicit:
text, numbers or graphic devices
direct flow.
● Use of color, space and design
helps to communicate the purpose,
and to attract attention to major ideas.
● Only clear and relevant Graphics
and Media are used to complement
the text and presentation.
● Presentation indicative of a sound
ability to present arguments clearly in
oral paper format.
● There is clear evidence of proof
reading - very few errors exist in
grammar, punctuation, and spelling.
As for Very good, and:
● Appropriate and relevant audio-
visual aids are used to enhance visual
presentation.
● Visual appearance indicates an
exceptional ability to organise and
present information for oral
presentation.
● There is strong evidence of care in
presentation, prose and writing style.
● Free of grammatical & typographic
errors.
Co
nte
nt
30
%
● Author is not identified.
● Does not clearly identify the
question being addressed.
● The aims of the project are not
identified.
● Irrelevant information is included.
● Basic understanding of the topic is
not demonstrated.
● Author identification is incomplete:
There is insufficient information
presented to contact the author.
● Concept and ideas are loosely
connected, but the content lacks clear
transitions, flow and organisation.
● Enough information is presented to
identify the question but little critical
awareness of the context is displayed.
● The aims of the project are
identified, but only implicitly.
● Important details are omitted, OR,
● There are so many details that the
main idea is lost.
● Author identification is complete:
There is sufficient information to
contact the author without further
research.
● Content is mostly presented in a
logical sequence and generally very
well organised.
● The objectives of the project are
identified.
● Main conclusions or assertions are
made, but only implicitly.
As for Good, and:
● A strong grasp of the research
question is demonstrated.
● The objectives of the project are
identified explicitly.
● Main conclusions or assertions are
made explicitly.
As for Very good, and:
● The organisation is logical: a clear
flow of ideas links one section to the
next.
● The relevance and importance of
the project objectives are made
extremely clear.
● Key assertions or conclusions are
given prominence, yet the
presentation is free of unnecessary
detail.
Pre
se
nta
tio
n
30
%
● Presentation is grossly too long OR
too short.
● Audience cannot understand
presentation because there is no
logical sequence of information.
● Often inaudible or too loud.
● No eye contact with the audience,
speaker reads off note cards or
directly from the screen.
● Presentation is made within a
minute of the allotted time.
● Audience has difficulty following
presentation because the sequence is
disjointed.
● The significance and relevance of
the project are mentioned without
emphasis.
● Mostly presented facts with little or
no imagination.
● Sometimes inaudible, OR too loud.
● Little eye contact with audience,
speaker often reads from the screen
● Presentation is made within the
allotted time.
● Audible and clear articulation but not
polished.
● Presentation follows a logical
sequence which the audience can
follow.
● The presentation was reliant on
notes, OR made to the screen rather
than to the audience.
As for Good, and:
● Articulation is audible and clear, with
some enthusiasm or expression.
● The audience was engaged with
eye contact and energy - infrequent
reading or use of notes.
● Props used during presentation
sometimes aid understanding.
As for Very good, and:
● Oral presentation was logical, calm
and persuasive.
● The audience was engaged with
eye contact and energy - the
presenter was not reliant on notes.
● Relevant props always aid the
presentation.
Co
nte
xtu
al a
wa
ren
es
s a
nd
cri
tic
al
thin
kin
g
20
%
● The context of the topic is not
presented resulting in a largely
irrelevant presentation.
● Inadequate knowledge displayed
related to the research question(s).
● Very serious omissions / errors in
logic and/or major inaccuracies
included in the presentation.
● Response to questions
demonstrates poor preparation and
anticipation, and a poor grasp of
information: student cannot answer
questions about subject.
● Some relevant points presented, but
the presentstion is descriptive rather
than argumentative / analytical.
● Basic or confused grasp of the
context.
● Somewhat lacking in focus and
structure.
● Conclusions are not well argued or
poorly substantiated.
● Response to questions
demonstrates little preparation or
anticipation: Student is uncomfortable
with information & can only answer
rudimentary questions.
● Basic contextual understanding
indicating average critical awareness
and analytical skills.
● Ideas are stated rather than
developed and are insufficiently
supported by evidence from the
research context.
● Response to questions
demonstrates some preparation and
anticipation: Student is at ease with
expected answers to all questions, but
fails to elaborate.
● Context well understood.
● Research proposal and/or
outcomes are placed within the
scientific context.
● Well supported by synthesis of
evidence and relevant citation.
● A convincing argument supports
sound conclusions.
● Response to questions
demonstrates good preparation and
anticipation, and some knowledge of
the subject, and its context.
● Displays penetrative insight,
originality and creativity.
● Use of evidence and relevant
contextual reference demonstrates
deep and broad knowledge and
critical insight.
● Response to questions
demonstrates substantial preparation,
anticipation, knowledge of the subject,
and its context: Student can answer all
class questions with explanations and
elaboration.
We
igh
t:
Ele
me
nt:
39
Annex 6 Student agreement
Student Contract IMBRSea [Student name]
This Agreement governs the relationships between:
Consortium of the International Master in Marine Biological Resources (IMBRSea) Coordinated at Ghent University, represented
by Prof. Anne De Paepe, Rector, in this particular case represented by Dr. Tim Deprez, coordinator of the IMBRSea consortium,
Department of Biology, Marine Biology research group, Krijgslaan 281/S8 B-9000 Gent, Belgium
Hereinafter referred to as “the Coordinator” And
[Student name] from hereinafter referred to as “the student”.
It has been agreed as follows:
Article 1: Object
The IMBRSea programme aims to qualify students to a level of excellence in the field of Marine Biological Resources with a strong
focus on international (also pan-European) cooperation with key players in the field.
This Agreement, which all parties declare they have read and approved, governs the relationship between the parties and defines
the rights and obligations associated with their participation in the above educational programme.
Article 2: Duration
The IMBRSea study programme starts in September 20XX and ends in August 20XX. This Agreement covers the above-mentioned
period.
Article 3: Obligations of the Coordinator
The Coordinator undertakes to:
award a joint diploma of International Master in Marine Biological Resources (IMBRSea) upon successful completion of the
study programme together with the other nine core universities of the Consortium.
fully recognize the academic programme proposed by the different universities as the official programme of the Master.
take the measures necessary for the preparation, implementation and efficient operation of the studies referred to in this
Agreement, in accordance with the provisions of the agreement signed by the Consortium.
provide to the students enrolled in the IMBRSea progarmme all the conditions and facilities included in the consortium
agreement (available at the IMBRSea website)
assist the student to fulfill the administrative formalities required.
provide, if possible, students with logistical support.
Article 4: Obligations of the student
The student undertakes to:
respect the discipline imposed by the participating universities concerning its courses, its tasks, its working hours, the rules
in force and any other legal provisions.
respect the examination rules of the programme, including regulations on transfers of credits
respect the deadlines set by the IMBRSea coordination office
thoroughly read and observe the guidelines issued by the IMBRSea coordination office (professional practice, thesis work,
joint school,...).
regularly and consequently keep the data up to date on the student’s page, including the bank account data of a European
bank account. Communicate changes to the European bank account data to the coordination office in due time.
inform the Coordinator in advance and as quickly as possible if he/she withdraws from the programme.
pay any tuition fees due to the coordinating institution on or before the date stipulated by the consortium
Article 5: Study Programme
The course programme for the first year of the student will be decided by October 1st of year x at the latest. The course programme
for the second year will be decided on by October 1st of year x + 1 at the latest.
40
The selection will be communicated through the online student platform by the student and approved by the IMBRSea programme
board. Changes to the selection of courses, once approved, will not be allowed.
Article 6: Financing
For the student grant governed by this Agreement, the Coordinator undertakes to finance eligible expenditure and scholarships in
accordance with the financing rules established by the European Commission.
Case 1: for students receiving an Erasmus Mundus Scholarship
The student will receive
• an Erasmus Mundus Scholarship of XXX€ divided as follows:
o 24 monthly installments of XXX€
o Installment fee of XXX€ in month 1 and month 13
• an automatically deducted enrollment fee of XXX€
• An insurance worth XXX€ per academic year
Case 2: for self-paying students
The student pays upon receival of an invoice prior to the start of the academic year the yearly tuition fee of XXX€ per academic
year.
From the tuition fee the following costs related to the course are paid for the student:
o Participation costs at each host university visited
o Participation in Joint programme activities:
o Joint school: all costs related to the joint school except mobility. All other costs are covered: housing, use of lab
facilities, coffee breaks, teachers, excursions, meals or other relevant costs related to the joint school.
o Annual symposium (year 1 and year 2: all costs except mobility.
o Administrative support to enable smooth organization of the programme.
o Costs related to diploma delivery: upon completion of the programme the coordination office will send the diploma via
registered mail to the student. If the diploma returns to the coordination office (e.g. student was not present to sign for the
diploma), the student will have to pay the costs for resending the diploma
Article 7: Bank account
The Erasmus Mundus contribution shall be paid in monthly installments into the European bank account indicated by the beneficiary
as follows: (leave blank if not known yet)
• Bank account nr:
• Bank Name:
• Bank address:
• IBAN code:
• SWIFT code:
• Bank Code:
Article 8: Monitoring and checks
The student shall supply the coordination office immediately with any information he/she may require about the execution of the
activities governed by this Agreement.
In case disputes or grievance develop related to course related matters or matters related to the local or overall coordination of
IMBRSea, students will first follow the policies and procedures or the involved partner university, and where needed they may
inform the coordinator to solve the problem. The Student Board will act as an intermediate platform to discuss issues related to the
overall running of the programme. All students are informed about local and programme related procedures at the start of each
mobility.
Article 9: Liability
Each contracting party shall exonerate the other from any civil liability for damages suffered by him or his staff as a result of
performance of this Agreement, provided such damages are not the result of serious and deliberate misconduct on the part of the
other party or his staff. The Promoter shall indemnify the European Commission and their staff against any legal action to recover
damages sustained by third parties, including project staff, as a result of the performance of this Agreement, provided such damages
are not the result of serious and deliberate misconduct on the part of the European Commission or their staff.
41
Article 10: Jurisdiction clause
When no amicable agreement can be reached, the courts of Belgium shall have sole jurisdiction in any disputes between the
contracting parties concerning this Agreement. The law applicable to this Agreement is the law of the Coordinator's country.
Article 11: Amendments or additions to the Agreement
Amendments to this Agreement may be made only by codicil signed on behalf of each of the parties by the signatories to this
Agreement.
Done at [Date] in duplicate
For the Coordinator [name coordinator]
Signature:
The student [name student]
Signature:
42
Annex 7: Financial management guidelines
This document describes the budget management principles of the IMBRSea master programme.
1. IMBRSea Financial principles
All partners of the IMBRSea consortium agree that the IMBRSea budget will be managed according the following principles:
Principle 1: All partner universities agree to charge to the coordinating institution participation cost of 1500 euro per semester per
student. These participation cost will cover local enrollment fees as well as all costs related to the local organization of the
programme.
Principle 2: The official participation cost for taking part in the programme will be 4500 per year for EU students and 9000 for non-
EU students. The programme on a yearly basis installs a number of extra fee waivers reducing the participation cost for taking part
in the programme to 3500 euro per year for EU students and 4500 euro per year for non-EU students.
Principle 3: Distribution of the students among the first year universities may be altered in order to achieve a balanced budget.
Principle 4: The IMBRSea participation fee will cover:
Participation cost at each of the universities where a student is active ensuring that a joint diploma can be delivered by
all participating universities
Participation in two annual symposia (including accommodation, excluding transport to the place of the annual
symposium)
Participation in one joint school (including accommodation and food, excluding transport to the place of the joint
school)
Programme organization cost (secretariat, and general organizational elements)
Principle 5: In case there is any surplus from the participation cost, this will be put into an IMBRSea fund. This fund will be used
to support mobility grants for eligible groups of students, or extra grants supporting additional teacher or scholar mobility.
2. Practical management of the budget
The reference amounts listed in section 3 of this annex which will be used to design a yearly budget table. This budget table will be
approved on yearly basis by the Programme Board during the physical board meeting, organized during the annual meeting.
Approved budget tables will always cover the period of the next academic year (September year x – August year y).
Management of the Erasmus Mundus scholarships: the budget for payment of the scholarship is maintained on a different budget
line per intake. At the start of a new intake a student agreement is signed between the coordinator and the student. For students
awarded an Erasmus Mundus scholarship this agreement includes clear guidelines on amounts of the scholarship and the payment
scheme. On a monthly basis scholarships are paid to the students according to these payment arrangements as described in the
student agreement. The full grant for Erasmus Mundus category A students is paid as follows: 2 installation fees of 1000 euro (paid
in month 1 and 13) and 24 monthly scholarships of 1000 euro. The full grant for Erasmus Mundus category B students is paid as
follows: 24 monthly scholarships of 1000 euro. Insurance costs and tuition fee are deducted at the start of the academic year.
Management of central budget: At Ghent University one budget line is created to pool all funds related to the management of the
programme; tuition fees, consortium lump sum, budget from potential sponsors,... According to the yearly agreed budget tables,
money is transferred to each of the partners on the basis of invoices issued at the start of the academic year (September). Budget for
the organization of the joint school, thesis and joint school mobility, organization of the Annual Symposia is kept at the central
account.
Each partner university is responsible for the management of the budget received in the framework of IMBRSea. As stipulated in
the consortium agreement, each partner has to ensure that all the minimum requirements of the delivery of the programme elements
and services are met.
3. Overview of IMBRSea financial management reference amounts
The yearly budget table will be designed by the IMBRSea coordination office using the following reference amounts. Where needed,
reference amounts can be modified upon agreement by the programme board and ensuring the continuous functioning of the
programme:
Tuition fees at each university where the student takes courses are set at 1500 euro per full semester (30 ECTS).
Costs for organization of the joint school: € 1000 per student
43
Costs of participation in the annual symposium year 1: € 250 per student
Costs of participation in the annual symposium year 2: € 250 per student
Costs for thesis enrollment and insurance: € 500 per student
Costs related to full-cover health insurance scheme: €700 per student (only included for non-EU students and Erasmus
Mundus Scholarship holders). Optional upon payment of this cost for all other students.
Administrative overhead (covering secretariat, board meetings, course promotion, …): € 400 per student
Organisation of a yearly board meeting (covers travel, accommodation and organization): € 8000 per year
Academic induction: representative of the coordination office visits all starting universities (covers travel, accommodation,
welcome event): € 4000 per year
Outreach & communication: posters, flyers, targeted advertisement in regions, participation in educational fairs: € 1200
per year
Coordination office: salary cost of one administrative person at coordination office: € 55000 per year
Coordination office materials: office material, costs related to posting of documents, diploma’s: € 2000 per year
Website & online tools: use of EConsort platform, streaming video services, domain name: € 1500 per year
Teacher mobility: covering the costs related to scholar mobility which cannot be covered from alternative funding. Costs
will include travel, accommodation and a per diem compensation in line with the amounts used for regular Erasmus Mundus
teacher exchange.
44
Annex 8: IMBRSea Score conversion table
45
Annex 9: Annual symposium
The Annual symposium is an event where first year students meet the graduating second year students and other stakeholders of the
IMBRSea programme (including industry). During this annual symposium the thesis work and professional practice experiences
are presented.
At this Annual Symposium non-educational actors will for example be involved in the crossed course-evaluation of the curriculum.
This task will be to evaluate both contents, achievements, and immediate potential employability of the students based on what
knowledge they have acquired. In return, they will be able to debate with the students about the requirement and expectation of non-
educational actors compared to the perception that the students have about their immediate future career. In addition, an IMBRSea
"job fair" will be organized with non-educational actors during this yearly symposium, in order to help promote orientation and
employment of students during their curriculum. At the start of the symposium two days of training workshops will be organized
with main focus on training directly related to potential employment. Themes like entrepreneurship, dredging and the environment,
or media skills will be offered. Trainings during the Annual Symposium may be ‘teasers’ for more lengthy trainings organized
during summer with cooperation of the Marine Training platform. These workshops will be defined on a yearly basis, according to
their thematic of interest and specific skills they would like to develop (e.g. bar coding, taxonomic identification, computer coding).
This will not be subject to any credit attribution, but is foreseen as a way to promote non-educational actors’ activities and
opportunities and to allow students to take on additional trainings with a direct benefit for employment. Students participating in
these summer-workshops will receive a certificate of attendance.
Organization aspects:
Timing: End of the second semester (Y1), fourth semester (Y2): last week of June
Place: Annual symposium will be held at one of the IMBRSea partner universities or associate partner organisations
Organizers: IMBRSea coordination office + IMBRSea partner where annual symposium takes place
Activities organized during the symposium:
- 2 days of training workshops
- Presentation of professional practices by first year students
- Thesis presentations (second year students)
o Thesis presentations are streamed online, so evaluators not present at the Annual Symposium can watch the
presentations, ask questions during the discussion and evaluate the presentation. Overall performance of the thesis
will be evaluated during the examination board meeting at the end the Annual Symposium, where the final thesis
grade will be decided. Non-academic stakeholders will also be invited to the annual symposium in order to
strengthen the students’ professional network.
- Several meetings of various IMBRSea boards and committees will take place during the annual symposium
- Graduation ceremony
46
Annex 10: Model contract for associate partner bilateral agreement
Agreement concerning the exchange of students in the framework of the interuniversity programme entitled ‘IMBRSea
International Master of Science in Marine Biological Resources’
This Agreement is made on behalf of the consortium organising the International Master of Science in Marine Biological Resources
(IMBRSea) between:
1. IMBRSea coordinating institute, Ghent University, Belgium, represented by Prof. Dr. Anne De Paepe, rector and Dr. Tim
Deprez, coordinator of the Master Programme
And
2. [NAME ORGANISATION] , represented by [NAME LEGAL REPRESENTATIVE] hereinafter called the Associate
Member
The IMBRSea Programme involves the participation of a network of Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs), Research Institutes,
SMEs, and any other type of organization deemed acceptable by the IMBRSea management board.
The network consists of two groups of institutions: a core group of nine academic full members (Ghent University, Algarve
University, Oviedo University, University of Pierre et Marie Curie – Paris VI, Galway Mayo Institute of Technology, University of
Bergen, University of the Basque Country, Polytechnic university of Marche, University of Western Brittany) who recognise and
award the diploma of the International Master of Science in Marine Biological Resources and, a group of associate members who
collaborate with the Master programme through the organization of Professional Practices and supervision of thesis students.
Ghent University, acting on behalf of the full members, and [NAME ORGANISATION] hereby agree to the conditions described
below for exchange of students in the framework of this agreement.
Article 1: Scope
This agreement comprises the specific conditions and regulations for the exchange of students between the institutions of the core
group and the Associate Member.
As far as necessary for the performance of this specific agreement, the terms and conditions of the Consortium Agreement, signed
by the full members, shall also apply to the Associate Member.
Article 2: Educational responsibilities
The Associate Member will provide appropriate education, guidance and evaluation within the framework of IMBRSea and in
conformity with any and all applicable arrangements in the Consortium Agreement.
[NAME ORGANISATION] will contribute to the following aspects of the programme:
Professional Practice
The Associate Member can offer one or more opportunities for first year IMBRSea students to do a Professional Practice. A
Professional Practice is defined as a period in which a student can gain experience in an actual work situation. The Professional
Practice may last for a maximum of 6 weeks with an equivalent of 2 credits per working week (maximum 12 credits). Evaluation
shall be based on feedback from the Professional Practice supervisor at the Associate Member, and an extensive written report by
the student evaluated by the IMBRSea teacher responsible for Professional Practices. Guidelines for Professional Practice
organisation are provided in Annex 4.
Master thesis supervision
The Associate Member can offer opportunities for IMBRSea students to carry out thesis research. When students are carrying out
thesis research a staff member of the Associate Member may act as (co-)supervisor for the MSc thesis. The (co-) supervisor will
participate in the examination committee for the student concerned (upon approval of the IMBRSea Managing Board). Master
thesis regulations and guidelines are provided in Annex 5.
Article 3. Administrative Organisation
3.1 Enrolment of IMBRSea students
47
When the IMBRSea student follows part(s) of the programme at an Institute which is a higher education organisation (HEI), the
student will be treated as a regular exchange student.
3.2 Finances
All students pay programme tuition fees to the IMBRSea coordinating institute and therefore should not pay any additional tuition
fees to the Associate Member.
Living and subsistence costs, as well as transport costs are paid by the student, unless arranged differently by the Associate Member.
3.2 Sponsoring of students
An Associate Member may on a yearly basis decide on offering sponsoring to the programme by awarding an IMBRSea excellence
Grant. Amount, number and conditions of these grants are defined and updated yearly through an IMBRSea excellence grant form.
3.3 Role of the Associate Member in the IMBRSea Network
Associate members are considered as a member of the IMBRSea network and thus will be informed about the status of the
programme on a regular basis.
As a member of the IMBRSea network the name of the institute will be mentioned among the organizing institutes on the programme
outreach media such as websites, folders and posters. The name of the institute will also be clearly displayed in the IMBRSea
diploma supplement.
An associate member will appoint at least one contact person through which communication about the IMBRSea programme will
happen.
Associate members may be invited to the management board meetings or may be requested to give feedback on specific management
related issues.
Article 4: Entry into force and termination
This Agreement shall come into force at the date of its signature by both partners.
If the associate member does not contribute to the master programme by offering Professional Practice or thesis research possibilities
within a period of 3 years, the agreement will be considered terminated.
An associate member may terminate this agreement through a written request addressed to the IMBRSea coordination office.
Article 5: Applicable law and Competent Court
This Agreement shall in all respects be construed and operate as an Agreement made in Belgium and in compliance with Belgian
law.
In particular, this Agreement shall be governed by all laws and regulations applicable to University courses in the Belgian regional
Communities.
The settlement of any difference or conflict arising from, or in connection with, this Agreement shall be attempted first through
amicable negotiation between the partners.
Only the Courts of Brussels are competent to issue decisions for any disputes which remain unresolved after amicable means have
been exhausted.
The IMBRSea student is bound to the rules and regulations from the institute at which s/he is enrolled.
48
Article 6: Amendments
The management board of the IMBRSea programme has the mandate to add amendments to this agreement when necessary. For all
things not stipulated in this agreement the IMBRSea management board can decide, eventually upon approval by the official bodies
of the signing institutes, when this is deemed necessary.
For Ghent University
Date:
Prof. Dr. A. De Paepe
Rector
Dr. T. Deprez
IMBRSea coordinator
For [NAME ORGANISATION]
Date:
[LEGAL REPRESENTATIVE]
[FUNCTION]
49
Annex 11: English Language proficiency regulations
Knowledge of the English language is considered as a basic requirement. All students must provide evidence of their proficiency
in English through one of the following documents:
A recent TOEFL Certificate: minimum score: 570 points (paper) or 87 points (internet)
A recent IELTS Certificate: minimum score: 6.5
A recent Certificate of a University Language Centre testifying that the student masters the necessary knowledge of
English to function academically (specify CEF-level / minimum CEF-level B2)
A recent Cambridge English certificate: Cambridge English First (FCE) - grade A or B
A certificate proving that you have followed at least 1 year of higher education in English
50
Annex 12: Model of IMBRSea Joint Diploma
51
Annex 13: framework partnership agreement (2016- 2280/001-001)
top related