ANNUAL REPORTS OF STUDENTS' PROGRESS

The student's Annual Report is intended to fulfill three purposes: firstly, to provide training in the clear presentation of scientific information and secondly, to keep the Research Degree Coordinator informed about the student's progress and thirdly to fulfill the Open University Requirement for an annual report.  The first of the reports are due near the end of the probationary period (by the 11th month of registration).  In subsequent years a progress report is due to the Open University by 31 March.  The Research Degree Coordinator will send timely reminders to help ensure this time table is met.

These reports are regarded as an important part of the student's training; they should be prepared carefully and written in good English. ALL reports should be readily understood on their own without reference to previous reports; the introductory paragraph should, therefore outline, clearly and succinctly, the project and its relevance to the advancement of knowledge in the chosen field. The reports should be prepared by the students themselves, but Supervisors are asked to give guidance on the clear presentation of scientific information and on literary style. Students are advised to discuss the structure of their report with their supervisor before writing.

Each report is first considered by the Student Advisory Committee (SAC). The committee will meet with the student for a thorough discussion of the report. The review of the report consists of an oral presentation, followed by questions from the committee and a discussion of the future directions. This discussion should include the definition of a time-table toward progress and completion within the recommended 3-4 year programme. The committee’s conclusions and the time table will be relayed to the Open University with the student’s report, each year.

(a) FIRST YEAR - Probationary Report - All reports must bear a title, the name of the student, the student's OU Identification number, and the Supervisors' name. The report must be typewritten and submitted electronically to the Student's Advisory Committee (SAC) by the end of the 10th month of registration. A committee meeting should be arranged around that time (just before or after the report is provided to the committee, so the student can obtain feedback on the progress and future plans).  The report should take the following form: The report should begin with an abstract of about 200 words, followed by a short literature review/introductions, progress and future plans. The plan should include the work to be done, including a survey of the proposed experimental methods and a timeline for their completion.  The timeline is required by the Open University. Key references should be included in the report.

(b) SECOND YEAR Progress Report - In subsequent years a progress report is required,  due to the Open University by 31 March to cover the Jan-Dec of the previous year (which may or may not overlap with the probationary report period).  A form will be provided by the Open University and must be completed by the student and supervisors.  In addition, the student should provide a concise outline of the project, including a short introduction, a summary of progress to date and a statement of what remains to be done. Key references should be included. In addition, the supervisor(s) and student should prepare a timeline/plan of how the student's work will progress through the third and final year of the studentship to completion.

(c) FINAL YEAR Progress Report-An outline thesis should be prepared including the 300-word thesis description and a realistic estimate of the completion date. Brief contents of each chapter should be given including details of experiments carried out, and highlighting any further experiments which will be needed to complete the project and a time-table for completion.

Supervisors' Reports :

(1) After the first year, a critical appraisal of the student's progress is required affirming the completion of a satisfactory probationary period. This is an important decision point and should be considered carefully. All supervisors must read and confirm that they agree with with the body of student and supervisor report, or write a separate report that outlines their dissenting opinion.  The main supervisor report is usually drafted by the Primary Supervisor (Director of Studies). 

(2) Second year -A comprehensive plan of the student's progress through the third and final year of the studentship should be drawn up in conjunction with the student. The plan should highlight any actual or potential problems and the means of resolving them. A realistic estimation of the completion date should be included.

(3) Third and Fourth year (if necessary)  - The third year report must include a realistic estimate of when the student is expected to complete the benchwork and beginning writing and a expected submission date for his/her thesis. If submission of the thesis is imminent, the final report may be brief, provide an outline of the thesis, but must include the required skills development sections.

Students and Supervisors are reminded that an important criteria of success of our ARC programme measured by the Open University, is the successful examination and submission of the of the thesis to the examination members within the specified four year window.