Assessment of study attainments

The criteria for the assessment of credits is defined by Education Regulations 17 §:

A numerical scale from 0 to 5 (in integers), or a verbal assessment with the grades pass and fail is used in the assessment of study attainments. In the assessment of doctoral and licentiate theses, a verbal scale pass with distinction, pass or fail can be used. In the numerical scale, a zero grade is equivalent to a fail. The principles according to which partial attainments are combined into an overall grade are defined in curricula or other stipulations. The calculation of a grade for a study module is based on the weighted average of the credit scores. The grades for Master’s theses and diploma theses are not taken into account when calculating the average grade for advanced-level studies. The required language proficiency in Swedish and Finnish, as stated in section 6 of the Decree on University Degrees (794/2004), are assessed according to separate stipulations.

The evaluation of study attainments is defined by Education Regulations 15 §:

The purpose of evaluating study attainments is to monitor the progress of a student’s studies and to gather information on the student’s learning process and learning outcomes. The assessment of study attainments is based on the learning outcomes and assessment criteria defined in the curricula. The numerical or verbal assessment of study attainments is made on the basis of assessment criteria. It is the task of the instructor making the evaluation to give the student information in advance on the learning outcomes, assessment criteria and how credits are awarded for a study attainment.

In following sections, the objects of the studies (course, study module and thesis) are defined. The Finnish and ECTS grading scales are explained and other grading scales used at the University of Oulu are presented.

The publication of study attainment results is defined by Education Regulations 20 §:

"When results are published, the student numbers and their grades, when applicable, as well as the number of fails, are listed. The results shall be published within three weeks at the latest after the instructor has been given the study attainments for assessment.

The examiners of master’s theses, diploma theses or other corresponding theses shall give their statements within one month of the student submitting his or her thesis in its final form.

The Education Dean may grant an extension to the assessment time limit because of the study method or some other special reason. If a time extension is granted, the instructor shall inform the students about the decision. "

The retaking a study attainment is defined by Education Regulations 22 §:

A student is entitled to retake a study attainment. Two opportunities are offered for retaking examinations within a reasonable period of time, taking into account the flexible progress of the student’s studies. When a study attainment can replace a final examination, no separate opportunity to retake the attainment need to be arranged. Curricula or other stipulations may set a limit to the number of times a study attainment may be retaken, unless it is to raise a grade that is necessary for the continuation of studies.

The Student discipline and fraud is defined by Education Regulations 25 §:

In his or her studies, the student shall follow the guidelines for teaching and studying at the University of Oulu. A study attainment may be discontinued if a student renders him-/herself guilty of misconduct during its course. If the misconduct is discovered later, the decision to approve a study attainment may be cancelled on the grounds specified in the Administrative Procedure Act.

In cases of plagiarism Code of conduct for the prevention and processing of misconduct in studies at University of Oulu are followed.