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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.

http://oasis.ugent.be/

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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 ([email protected])

UNIVERSITE PIERRE ET MARIE CURIE - PARIS 6 (UPMC - 2)


Address: Place Jussieu 4, 75252 PARIS, FR

Legal Representative: Professor Jean Chambaz


IMBRSea contact persons: Jean-Marc Guarini (jean-marc.guarini @upmc.fr)

UNIVERSIDADE DO ALGARVE ( UALG - 3)


Address: CAMPUS DA PENHA, 8005 139 FARO, PT

Legal Representative: Professor Pedro Ferré (Vice -Rector)


IMBRSea contact persons: Karim Erzini ([email protected])

UNIVERSIDAD DE OVIEDO ( UNIOVI - 4)


Address: CALLE SAN FRANCISCO 3, 33003 OVIEDO, ES

Legal Representative: Prof. Dr. Santiago García Granda


IMBRSea contact persons: Eva Garcia-Vazquez ([email protected])

GALWAY MAYO INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY (GMIT - 5)


Address: DUBLIN ROAD, . GALWAY, IE

Legal Representative: Dr Fergal Barry (President)


IMBRSea contact persons: Ian O'Connor ([email protected])

UNIVERSIDAD DEL PAIS VASCO/ EUSKAL HERRIKO UNIBERTSITATEA ( UPV/EHU - 6)


Address: BARRIO SARRIENA S N, 48940 LEIOA, ES

Legal Representative: Dr. Nekane Balluerka Lasa (Rector)


IMBRSea contact persons: Ionan Marigomez ([email protected])

18

UNIVERSITA POLITECNICA DELLE MARCHE ( UNIVPM - 7)


Address: PIAZZA ROMA 22, 60121 ANCONA, IT

Legal Representative: Prof. Sauro Longhi (Chancellor)


IMBRSea contact persons: Carlo Cerrano ([email protected])

UNIVERSITETET I BERGEN ( UiB - 8)


Address: Museplassen 1, 5007 BERGEN, NO

Legal Representative: Dag Rune Olsen (Rector)


IMBRSea contact persons: Audrey Geffen ([email protected])

UNIVERSITE DE BRETAGNE OCCIDENTALE (UBO - 9)


Address: Rue des Archives 3, 29238 Brest CEDEX 3

Legal Representative: Matthieu Gallou (Preseident)

Partner since: 15 April 2017

IMBRSea contact persons: Olivier Gauthier ([email protected])

Associate partners:

HELLENIC CENTRE FOR MARINE RESEARCH ( HCMR - 10)


Address: LEOFOROS ATHENS SOUNIO 46 7KM, 19013 ATTIKIA ANAVISSOS, EL

Legal Representative: Dr Antonis Magoulas (Director)


IMBRSea contact persons: Antonis Magoulas ([email protected])

STAZIONE ZOOLOGICA ANTON DOHRN ( 11)


Address: Villa Comunale, 80121 NAPOLI, IT

Legal Representative: Prof. Roberto Danovaro (Director)


IMBRSea contact persons: Roberto Danovaro ([email protected])

IMAR- INSTITUTO DO MAR (IMAR - 12)


Address: UNIVERSIDADE DE COIMBRA, 3004-517 COIMBRA, PT

Legal Representative: Dr. Eduardo Isidro (Director)


IMBRSea contact persons: Eduardo Isidro ([email protected])

CIIMAR - Centro Interdisciplinar de Investigação Marinha e Ambiental (CIIMAR - 13)


Address: Rua dos Bragas 289, 4050-123 Porto, PT

Legal Representative: Prof. Vitor Vasconcelos (President)

mailto:[email protected]

19


IMBRSea contact persons: Vitor Vasconcelos ([email protected])

UNIVERSIDAD DE VIGO ( UVIGO - 14)


Address: LG CAMPUS LAGOAS MARCOSENDE, 36310 VIGO PONTEVEDRA, ES

Legal Representative: Mr. Antonio Villanueva González (Marine Station Manager)


IMBRSea contact persons: Antonio Villanueva González ([email protected])

VLAAMS INSTITUUT VOOR DE ZEE VZW ( VLIZ - 15)


Address: WANDELAARKAAI 7, 8400 OOSTENDE, BE

Legal Representative: Prof. Dr. Jan Mees (Director)


IMBRSea contact persons: Jan Mees ([email protected])

MARINE BIOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION OF THE UNITED KINGDOM (MBA - 16)


Address: CITADEL HILL THE LABORATORY, PL1 2PB PLYMOUTH, UK

Legal Representative: Prof. Brownlee Colin (Director)


IMBRSea contact persons: Brownlee Colin ([email protected])

THE UNIVERSITY COURT OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ST ANDREWS (USTAN - 17)


Address: NORTH STREET 66 COLLEGE GATE, KY16 9AJ ST ANDREWS, UK

Legal Representative: Prof. Ian Johnston (Director)


IMBRSea contact persons: Ian Johnston ([email protected])

THE SCOTTISH ASSOCIATION FOR MARINE SCIENCE LBG (SAMS - 18)


Address: SCOTTISH MARINE INSTITUTE, PA37 1QA DUNBEG OBAN, UK

Legal Representative: Prof. Axel Miller (Deputy Director)


IMBRSea contact persons: Axel Miller ([email protected])

HELSINGIN YLIOPISTO (19)


Address: YLIOPISTONKATU 4, 00014 HELSINGIN YLIOPISTO, FI

Legal Representative: Dr. Joanna Norkko (Scientific Project Manager)


IMBRSea contact persons: Joanna Norkko ([email protected])

NATURAL ENVIRONMENT RESEARCH COUNCIL (NERC - 20)


Address: Polaris House, North Star Avenue, SN2 1EU SWINDON WILTSHIRE, UK

20

Legal Representative: Dr. Melody Clark (Project Leader)


IMBRSea contact persons: Melody Clark ([email protected])

UNIVERSITETET I TROMSOE ( 21)


Address: HANSINE HANSENS VEG 14, 9019 TROMSO, NO

Legal Representative: Dr. Geir Rudolfsen (Head of Department)


IMBRSea contact persons: Geir Rudolfsen ([email protected])

CONSIGLIO NAZIONALE DELLE RICERCHE (CNR - 22)


Address: PIAZZALE ALDO MORO 7, 00185 ROMA, IT

Legal Representative: Dr. Fabio Trincardi (Director)


IMBRSea contact persons: Fabio Trincardi ([email protected])

CENTRO DE CIENCIAS DO MAR DO ALGARVE (CCMAR - 23)


Address: UNIVERSIDADE DO ALGARVE, 8005 032 FARO, PT

Legal Representative: Prof. Adelino Canario (President)


IMBRSea contact persons: Adelino Canario ([email protected])

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 Global Change and Functional Biodiversity in specialization track Future Seas – Semester 2 –

18 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


communication – Semester 3 – 6 ECTS


University of the Algarve (UAlg - P3):


o Fisheries in specialization track Management of Living Marine Resources – Semester 2 – 18

ECTS



o Biotechnology in specialization track Marine Food Production and Marine Environment Health

– Semester 3 – 18 ECTS




University of Oviedo (UniOvi - P4):



o Living Resources in specialization track Management of Living Marine Resources – Semester

2 – 18 ECTS



Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology (GMIT - P5):

o Applied Genetics and Animal Welfare in Production in specialization track Marine Food

Production



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




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




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




University of Bergen (UiB - P8):



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




Université de Bretagne Occidentale (UBO – P9):







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.

http://www.marinetraining.eu/

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


3. Reflection on how I applied previously acquired theoretical and practical knowledge to work

with the host organisation


4. Reflection on how my professional practice has modified my career aspirations


5. Reflection on my professional practice experience has affected my future employment prospects


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



Conclusion provides an acceptable


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



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



Conclusion provides a very good


experience.

Very good presentation of


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


experience.

Excellent presentation of


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


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


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

me

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.


● 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.


● 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.


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.


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.


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.


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)

nnx: imbrsea consortium agreement€¦ · are obliged to subscribe to this agreement by a formal...

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