Credit System: Concept,

Policy, Practice and

Procedure

Today should be better than

yesterday
Dr Charlie Than Reference:
 Scope for Discussion
• Credit system – introduction and the history
• Credit : why and what
• Credit and student learning
• Credit and qualifications
• Credit transfer and exit credit
• Case study
• Code of practice, guidelines and procedures
• Calculating / simulation credit and developing
scheme of studies
• Conclusion (Q&A)

Dr Charlie Than Reference:

Outcomes: the participants should be able,

• to relate credit system and its applications

and interpretations in MQF:
• to critically examined the various
definitions and understanding of credit
system:
• to relate credit system with
- student learning,
- learning outcomes,
- qualifications and
- credit transfer
Dr Charlie Than Reference:
Outcomes: the participants should be able,

• to relate and calculate,

(1) student learning time (SLT) /
student academic load,
(2) credit value for specific course
(3) total credit for specific program
of study
(4) number of weeks of program,
(5) the number of semester and
(6) develop scheme of study based
on student academic load per
week and the semester length

Dr Charlie Than Reference:

 The Beginning
National Workshop on Credit system
conducted by Quality Assurance Division of
the Ministry of Higher Education on 31 Jan
– 2 Feb 2005 proposed that,
• A credit should be calculated based on 40
national hours

Note: The concept of 40 national hours is compatible to LAN

guideline that a credit normally requires 40 hours of student
learning.

Dr Charlie Than Reference:

 Basic Glossary / Definition
Malaysian Qualification Framework(MNQF) : an explanation
or national education system description, understood at
international level, explains all qualifications and learning
outcome in higher education and connect these
qualifications meaningfully.

Qualifying level: is an award level analysed with generic

products or qualification parser which characterise typical
qualifications in it; For each genetic level result differentiates
student’s abilities from (i) depth and complexity of knowledge
and understanding, (ii) knowledge and skill application, (iii)
autonomy and creativity degree in decision-making, (iv)
communication skills, (v) practice area and sophistication etc

Source: Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia (KKM)

Dr Charlie Than Reference:

 Basic Glossary / Definition
Profile: refers to a specific subject or study area of a
qualification or different characteristics in a qualification
cluster of various fields which has a pressure or the same
level. (For example, Bachelor’s through coursework,
research, combination or based on expertise). Profile also
refers to the qualification of the same name but serves
different purposes (for example, skill certificate and
academic certificate as a tertiary education preparation.

Qualification: degree, diploma or certificate awarded by both

public and private institutes of higher learning or by
authorised parties and/or confirm the achieved learning
outcome, normally succesfully completed a recognised
higher learning programme.

Dr Charlie Than Reference:

 Why Credit ?
1. an instrument to estimate the amount (volume) of
student learning (normally expressed in hours) to
enable the student to achieve the expected
learning outcomes

2. To develop curriculum, graduation requirements

and award of a qualification as determined by the
fields of study and the level of qualificaitons.

3. To facilitate student mobility and equivalency of

course and program

Dr Charlie Than Reference:

Concept of Credit in Learning
Core Definition: (1) Recognition of a (2) unit
of learning, usually measured (3a) in hours
of study or (3b) achievement of the
threshold standard’
Adapted from Harvey, L 2004. www.qualityresearchinternational.com/glossary 2004 as retrieved on 2 April 2007

UNESCO Definition: ‘A credit is generally agreed-upon

value used to measure a student workload in terms of
learning time required to complete course units, resulting in
learning outcomes’

Source: Vlasceanu, et.al. 2004 as retrieved from

www.qualityresearchinternational.com/glossary 2004 as retrieved on 2 April 2007

Dr Charlie Than Reference:

Concept of Credit in Learning
LAN(National Accreditation Board): ‘A credit requires
about 40 hours of student learning
As an example teaching activity through lecture method
(face-to-face), ‘1 credit requires first, one horus of
lecture per week for a period of a semester (say 14
weeks) and secondly for every hours of lecture it is
assumed that an additional two hours (informal learning
hours) is required.
Therefore one credit means (1 hour lecture + 2
additional hours of learning) X 14 weeks = 42 hours
Source: Garis Panduan Kriteria dan Standard Kursus Pengajian IPTS 2002, m.s 13 dan 16

Dr Charlie Than Reference:

Concept of Credit in Learning
The Northeast Texas Network Consortium (NTNC,2002)
define credit as a value assigned to a course. Usually one
credit equals one 50 minute class period per week. Many
courses carry 3 credits and meet for three 50 minute
periods a week.
Source: www.qualityresearchinternational.com/glossary 2004 as retrieved on 2 April
2007

“Academic credit is a measure of the total time commitment

required by a typical student in a particular course of study.
Total times consists of three components: (1) time spent in
class; (2) time spent in laboratory, studio, field work, or other
scheduled activity; (3) time devoted to reading, studying,
problem solving, writing or preparations.”
Source: C.J Quann, A handbook of Policies and Procedures. The handbook
apparently represents the current standard among collegiate registrars in US.
http://oregonstate.edu/ap/curriculum/policies/C_credits.html [Retrieved 16 April 2007]

Dr Charlie Than Reference:

Concept of Credit in Learning
Example (quarter system): The Oregon State
University Catalog states that “One credit is
generally given for three hours per week of work in
and out of class. For example, each hour of class
lecture is generally expected to require two hours
of work out of class.” Thus, one quarter credit
represents 30 hours of work.
Source: http://oregonstate.edu/ap/curriculum/policies/C_credits.html [Retrieved 16 April 2007]

Dr Charlie Than Reference:

Concept of Credit in Learning
The New Zealand Qualification Authority (NZQA.2003) and the
South Africa Qualification Authority (SAQA,2000), also both define
credit on ‘notional learning hours’ but are more explicit in including
the time spent ‘in doing assignments ….. and time spent in
assessment’
Source: www.qualityresearchinternational.com/glossary 2004 as retrieved on 2 April 2007

University of Exeter (2004) definition: Credit is awarded to a learner

in recognition of the verified achievement of learning outcomes at a
specified level. one credit equates to 10 notional hours of learning
successfully achieved and works on the basis of achievement at
threshold standard
www.qualityresearchinternational.com/glossary 2004 as retrieved on 2 April 2007

Dr Charlie Than Reference:

Concept of Credit in Learning
The Scottish Qualification Authority (SQA) defines credit as:
the amount of time that an “average” learner at a specified
level might expect to take to achieve the outcomes
regardless of the mode of delivery or assessment’

Source: SQA 2002, as retrieved from www.qualityresearchinternational.com/glossary 2004 as

retrieved on 2 April 2007

The European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (EU,

2004) defines ECTS credits as:

The currency to measure student workload in terms of notional

learning time required to achieve specified learning outcomes

Retrieved from www.qualityresearchinternational.com/glossary 2004 as retrieved on 2 April 2007

Dr Charlie Than Reference:

Concept of Credit in Learning
MQA / MQF defines credit to mean a representative
measure to reflect the academic load and

An ‘academic load’ is defined to mean the quantitative

measure of learning activities which includes lectures,
tutorials, practical work, field works, self study, examinations
and other related activities to achieve a set learning
outcomes.’

MAF has established that one credit is equivalent to 40

notional hours

Dr Charlie Than Reference:

 Learning Outcomes
Learning outcomes means the standard to be
achieved from an educational programme or
qualification as determined by the Framework

Learning outcomes is therefore a statement of

what students are required to know, comprehend
and able to perform after a certain period of study.
The learning outcomes are stated at three levels
namely, the qualification level, the field of study
level and the programme of study level.

Dr Charlie Than Reference:

MQF Learning Outcomes (LO) domains

(1) knowledge of discipline areas,

(2) practical skill,
(3) social skills and responsibilities,
(4) value, attitude and professionalism,
(5) communication, leadership and team
skills
(6) problem solving and scientific skills
(7) information management and lifelong
learning skills
(8) managerial and entrepreneurial skills
Dr Charlie Than Reference:
LO of Qualifications (e.g. Honours Bachelor’s Degree)

• Holders must demonstrate an understanding of a systematic

and coherent body of complex knowledge and able to
provide a basis for postgraduate study and professional
careers.
• Holders must possess necessary attributes to undertake
research, comprehend and evaluate new information and
concepts from a range of sources, weigh evidence,
arguments with a degree of cognitive autonomy.
• Holders must possess oral, written and interpersonal
communication and team skills.
• Holders must be able to manage and use information as a
foundation for self-directed life long learning.

Reference: Credit System Workshop at Holiday Villa 31 Jan – 2 Feb 2005

Dr Charlie Than Reference:

Desirable impact of MQF Credit System in
managing student learning
• Credit calculation not entirely bound to contact hour

• supports the varied mode of delivery namely full time, part time,
weekends, distant learning, e-learning, problem based, hands-on
collaborative degree and also non-structured learning in the
informal sectors and self-learning

• Emphasis is on student learning and learning outcomes

• Paradigm shift – teacher as facilitator of learning / guide and

managed student learning using varieties of teaching/learning and
student assessment

• Facilitate lifelong learning

• Allow autonomy for HEIs and students in developing scheme of

study for the program
Dr Charlie Than Reference:
Desirable impact of MQF Credit System in
managing student learning

Lecture (Definition)
“An instructional method by which the lecturer
seeks; to create interest, to influence, stimulate or
mould opinion, to promote activity, to impart
information, or to develop critical thinking, largely
by the use of verbal messages, with a mininum of
class participation; illustrations, maps, charts or
other materials may be employed to supplement
the oral techniques”

Source: Association for Educational Communications and Technology D.C (1977)

Dr Charlie Than Reference:

Desirable impact of MQF Credit System in
managing student learning

Emphasis on Higher Cognitive Skills

• Knowledge
• Understanding
• Application
• Analysis
• Synthesis
• Evaluation
Dr Charlie Than Reference:
Student Academic Load (Learning)/Student
Learning Time (SLT)

LAN/MQA specify that 48 hours of student academic load in

learning/student learning time per week as an acceptable guide
as derived from 8 hour per day X 6 days per week

Zainai (2006) study showed that student learning time per week is
limited between 40-55 hours. SLT is inclusive of guided learning
(including lecture), independent learning and assessment

SLT consists of (1) face-to-face component and (2) non face-to-

face. Non face-to-face must be managed / planned to ensure all
the accumulated learning activities in fulfilling the desired
learning outcomes and reflect the value of the credit

Dr Charlie Than Reference:

Student Academic Load (Learning)/Student
Learning Time (SLT)
• Nominal available time in human life – 2 major components:
– Time for routine/nature activities, i.e. sleeping, physical
exercise, travelling, to maintain a healthy lifestyle, etc
– Time left to be benefited from or for self improvement i.e.
for work or study.
• Availability of quality time for self improvement:
Approximately 40±5 hours per week (for a normal or
average person)

Source: Zainai as quoted by Prof Shahrin (APP Workshop 27-29 April 2007)

Dr Charlie Than Reference:

 Number of semester and credit per semester based on
specific student learning time (SLT) per week for a program

SLT/Week No. of Semester Credit/Semester

35-40 (light/quality time) 9.8-8.6 12.2-14
45 (desirable) 7.6 15.8
48 (acceptable)=672 hrs / semester 7.1 16.9
56 (heavy)=784hrs / semester 6.1 19.7
60 or more (super heavy) 5.7 or less 21.1 or more
24 or less (part-time) 14.3 or more 8.4 or less

Assumption: Total student learning time for program (TSL TP=4800

hours = 120 credit for a semester length of 14 weeks

Dr Charlie Than Reference:

 Number of semester and credit per semester based on
specific student learning time (SLT) per week for a program

SLT/Week No. of Semester Credit/Semester

35-40 (light) 8.1-7.1 14.8-16.9
45 (desirable) 6.3 19.0
48 (acceptable)=816hrs / semester 5.9 20.3
56 (heavy)=952hrs / semester 5.0 24.0
60 or more (super heavy) 4.7 or less 25.5 or more
24 or less (part-time) 11.8 or more 10.2 or less

Assumption: Total student learning time for program (TSL TP=4800

hours = 120 credit for a semester length of 17 weeks

Dr Charlie Than Reference:

 Number of semester and credit per semester based on
specific student learning time (SLT) per week for a program

SLT/Week No. of Semester Credit/Semester

35-40 (light) 6.9-6.0 17.4-20
45 (desirable) 5.3 22.6
48 (acceptable)=960hrs / semester 5.0 24
56 (heavy)=1120hrs / semester 4.3 28
60 or more (super heavy) 4.0 or less 30 or more
24 or less (part-time) 10.0 or more 12 or less

Assumption: Total student learning time for program (TSL TP=4800

hours = 120 credit for a semester length of 20 weeks

Dr Charlie Than Reference:

MQF Credit and Qualifications
• Course of study means a single or a set of related
courses and includes short of long courses leading to
an award of higher education qualification

• Program means any arrangement of a course of study

that is structured or designed to achieve a learning
outcome leading to an award of a higher education
qualification

• Credit mininum for a program is determined by the

fields of study and the level of qualifications and in
accordance to the criteria and standards as established
by MQF.

Dr Charlie Than Reference:

MQF Credit and Qualifications
Example of minimum credit for
each level of qualification
Level Minimum Credit
(i) PhD *unspecified
(ii) Masters *40
(iii) Bachelor (Hons) 120
(iv) Advanced Diploma 40
(v) Diploma 90
(vi) Certificate 60
(vii) Skills Certificate 1, 2 & 3 Based on skills

*Refer to Guidelines for Post graduate studies

Dr Charlie Than Reference:
MQF Credit and Qualifications
• Minimum credit for fields of study
– Minimum number of credits for each field of study can be
more but not less than the minimum number of credits at
a qualification level
– The minimum credits differs between fields of study. For
example, for the Bachelor of Engineering, the minimum
number of credits is higher than that for the Bachelor of
Economics
– The minimum credits of a field study is fixed based on
the standard determined by the field of study technical
committee. The membership of the committee should
represent the stakeholders from academia, the industrial
sector, various professions, employers, Government and
other relevant parties.

Dr Charlie Than Reference:

MQF Credit and Qualifications
• The minimum number of credit for each
programme must be in line with the allocated ratio
of the field of study in a programme as follows;

– For a programme which comprises only one main field

of study as a major, the minimum number of credits is
awarded to that field of study of major for example
Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering (Hons), Bachelor of
Dentistry

– For a programme which comprises areas of

specialisation in a main field of study, at least 25 percent
of the minimum credits must be allocated to each area of
specialisation. For example, Bachelor of Computer
Science (Networking) Honours.
Dr Charlie Than Reference:
MQF Credit and Qualifications
Minimum credit for programme of study
− For a double major programme which has the
same number of basic components in two
main fields of study, the minimum credits must
be in the ratio of 50-50. For example, Bachelor
of Political AND Bachelor of Economics (Hons)

− For a major-minor programme, at least 25

percent of the minimum credits are allocated to
the minor field of study. For example, Bachelor
of Biological Science WITH Education (Hons).

Dr Charlie Than Reference:

 Credit Transfer
• ‘Credit Transfer’ means the recognition of credits
earned in an accredited programme for the
purpose of transferring to another programme

• MQF has determined that not less than 30% of

credit requirement must be completed at the exit
institution

• Credit transfer is subjected to the existing policy

on credit transfer

Dr Charlie Than Reference:

 Credit Transfer

Table – Example of exit credit to be earned at institution Y for a

programme at bachelor’s level (120 credit) to be completed at
institution X
Credit Transferred Exit Credit Total Graduate Credit
IHE X IHE Y
90 40 130
80 40 120
70 50 120

Dr Charlie Than Reference:

 Credit Transfer
LAN: 1 credit = 40 learning hour for system semester of 14
weeks

U.S.: (1) 1 credit = 45 learning hour for a semester of 15 weeks

(2) 1 credit = 30 learning hour for a quarter of 10 weeks

U.K credit = 10 notional hour

MQF. 1 credit = 40 notional hour

European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS) =

25 notional hour

Credit can be transferred by determining the conversion factor

Dr Charlie Than Reference:

 Credit Transfer
Credit System Notional hour Conversion Credit
Factor to (Ex. 30 credit transfer)
MQF
MQF 40 X1 30
UK 10 X 10/40 = 120
0.25
USA
a. Quarter System 30 X 30/40 = 40
– 10 weeks 0.75
b.Semester 45 X 45/40 = 26
System – 15 1.125
weeks
ECTS 25 X 25/40 = 48
0.625

Dr Charlie Than Reference:

Code of Practice for Quality Assurance with
respect to MQF Credit System
1. Credit for a course or a programme of study is determined
by taking all the student academic load or the total student
learning time to achieve the learning outcomes as set by
the course or the programme of study.

2. Student and instructor be informed/advised of the need to

allocate an average learning time per week when
undertaking any programme of study (example 48 hours
weekly study time)

3. Each learning activity and the effective learning time to

achieve the set learning outcomes be determined for each
course required by the programme.

Dr Charlie Than Reference:

Code of Practice for Quality Assurance with
respect to MQF Credit System
4. The number of semester for a programme of study is
determined by calculating the credit required by the
programme and as calculated based on 40 notional hour
and the average student learning time per week and the
length of the semester (in weeks) being implemented.

5. The process for credit exemption and transfer is guided by

the institution’s guidelines and procedures to enable the
credit transfer and exemption be carried out between
programmes, qualifications and institution.

6. The calculation to determine the student workload / student

learning time for each learning activity is guided by the
guideline for estimating student workload appropriate for the
fields of study / discipline.
Dr Charlie Than Reference:
Code of Practice for Quality Assurance with
respect to MQF Credit System

7. The hours of face-to-face teaching and learning /

formal learning / other form of guided learning
(such as tutorial and laboratory learning
activities) and the non face-to-face learning /
independent learning (inclusive of self-learning
and doing assignments and similar activities) /
informal learning is indicated in the curriculum
outlines. The non face-to-face learning is a
managed learning.

8. Managing semester credit load for the

programme of study is autonomously given to the
student and the institution.
Dr Charlie Than Reference:
Example of Guidelines for Estimating Credit

Lecture (MQF): Every hour of Lecture (LAN): 1 credit = 1 hr

lecture add 1-2 hrs of study time. lecture per week for 14 weeks.
Complex subject may require 3 Student load = (1 hour lecture +
hrs or more of independent 2 additional learning hrs for per
learning. week) X 14 = 42 hrs

Reference: Credit System Workshop at Holiday

Villa 31 Jan – 2 Feb 2005

Tutorial (MQF): For every tutorial Tutorial (LAN): One credit

(which may last between 1-2 requires at least 1.5 hour contact
hours) add 1-2 hours of per week for 14 weeks.
preparation time.

Reference: Credit System Workshop at Holiday

Villa 31 Jan – 2 Feb 2005

Dr Charlie Than Reference:

Example of Guidelines for Estimating Credit

Laboratory (MQF(): A three- Laboratory (LAN): For

hour laboratory usually laboratory teaching
includes the time for writing activities, 1 credit value
the report. In some disciplines requires meeting of at least
such as Biomedical and 2-3 hours per week for a
Health Sciences as well as period of 14 weeks.
Engineering. A 2 hour
laboratory may require 2-3
hours of preparation and
report writing Laboratory (USA):
Laboratory or studio
Reference: Credit System Workshop at Holiday
course: at least two contact
Villa 31 Jan – 2 Feb 2005 hours per credit hour (one
hour of outside preparation
implied)

Dr Charlie Than Reference:

Example of Guidelines for Estimating Credit
Industrial Training (MQF): Should be calculated based on number of
effective learning hours / day x day per week x weeks allocated for the
training.

Reference: Credit System Workshop at Holiday Villa 31 Jan – 2 Feb 2005.

Proposal: To fix a minimum continuous duration of 8 weeks (1 credit = 2

weeks)

Industrial Training (LAN): For practical training, 1 credit value requires

continuing activity of 6 hours per day for a period of ½ a month.

Proposal for Industrial training (Panel of Allied Health Sciences): 320

hours (at least 2 months)

Dr Charlie Than Reference:

Example of Guidelines for Estimating Credit

Final year project (Hons) – MQF should require 240-400 hours of student
work (6-10 credits) with 1-2 hours / week contact time with supervisor,
and may be either be based on laboratory / experimental work or
literature survey or both.

Reference: Credit System Workshop at Holiday Villa 31 Jan – 2 Feb 2005.

Dr Charlie Than Reference:

Example of Guidelines for Estimating Credit

Discussion (MQF): Group discussion lasting 1-2

hours add one hour of preparation time.

Presentation (MQF): For one hour presentation

session, allocate 3-4 hour preparation time.

Written assignment (MQF): For a 2000 word

written assignment allocate about 10-20 hours

Dr Charlie Than Reference:

Example of Guidelines for Estimating Credit
Self-learning (MQF)
Example: Fixed Module / e-
learning : A fixed learning
module (FLM) in Medicine or
e-learning may take about 3
hours of student time but
these are considered as
independent learning
Reference: Credit System Workshop at Holiday
Villa 31 Jan – 2 Feb 2005
Dr Charlie Than Reference:
Self-learning (LAN):
1.For virtual teaching
activities, 1 credit value
requires 2-3 hours per week
of learning and teaching
concentrated for 14 weeks.
2.For Distance education a
credit requires 3.5-4.00
hours of self-learning.
Electronic / e-Learning (Panel
Allied Medical Sciences):
Total of a unit of learning = 3-
5 hour
Case Study

Dr Charlie Than Reference:

 Case Study
L T P IL CW E SLT KKM
Credit
English 1 (3)* 42 84 84 5 215 5.4
Islamic Studies (3)* 42 84 84 5 215 5.4
Computer Application (3)* 28 56 112 56 5 257 6.4
IT Mathematics (3)* 48 12 108 96 5 269 6.7
L = Lecture, T = Tutorial, P = Practical, IL = Independent Learning, CW =
Coursework, E = Examinations, SLT = Student Learning Time, Actual credit for
each course is 3 credits.

This information is only used for this seminar and not to be distributed or used as reference

Dr Charlie Than Reference:

 Case Study
TSLT KKM Credit SLT/M* Week* Semester**

IHL A

Biomedical Science 5781 144.5 51.6 120.4 8.6

Speech Science 7872 196.8 70.3 164.0 11.7

Physiotherapy 5636 140.9 50.3 117.4 8.4

IHL B

Biomedical Science 5406 135.2 48.3 112.6 8.0

IHL C

Physiotherapy 7295 182.4 65.1 152.0 10.9

IHL D

Biomedical Science 5858 146.7 52.3 122.0 8.7

Bachelor’s (Min) 4800 120 43 100 7.1

*SLT/M=Student Learning Time per week according to TSLT( 8 semester x 14 weeks)

**According to SLT per week = 48 hours and 14 weeks semester

This information is only for the use of this seminar and is not to be distributed or used as reference. The rationale of
theDr Charlieand
information Than Reference:
factor could cause no uniformity
Procedure to determine student learning
time / academic load & credit
1a. To refer to the MQF 8 domains of generic learning
outcomes

1b. To refer to the learning outcomes at a specific level of

qualification.

1c. To refer to the learning outcomes of the field of study at a

specific level of qualification.

1d. To determine the programme learning outcomes in

accordance to the field of study and the level of qualifications
and MQF 8 domains of learning outcomes.

Dr Charlie Than Reference:

 Procedure to determine student learning
time / academic load & credit
2. To list all the courses required by the curriculum of the
programme in accordance to the field of study and the level
of qualification.

Example
• Major courses (basic, core, electives)
• Specialization / minor courses (basic, core)
• Free electives (if applicable)
• Generic courses such as communication, management,
entrepreneurial, liberal arts and humanities (compulsory and
electives)

Dr Charlie Than Reference:

Procedure to determine student learning
time / academic load & credit
3. To specify the LO of each course appropriate to the
specifications of the LO for the programme.

LO for Basic Genetics Course

At the end of the course the student should be able to:
1. Demonstrate the understanding and application of the general
principles in basic genetics at classical, molecular and population
levels.
2. Acquire basic skills in laboratory works to demonstrate the
understanding and application of basic knowledge of various
principles in basic genetics.
3. Demonstrate the knowledge on the history and biography of the
individuals that have successfully made genetics as an important
basic science.
4. Recognise the impact of genetics on human and the welfare of the
society

Dr Charlie Than Reference:

Procedure to determine student learning
time / academic load & credit
3. (continuation). To specify the LO of each module of the course
appropriate to the specifications of the LO for the programme.
LO for Module 2 for Basic Genetics – Mendelian Genetics: the two
laws of inheritance
At the end of the course the student should be able to:
1. Demonstrate the knowledge of historical development and
discovery of Mendelian genetics.
2. Demonstrate the understanding of various terminologies in
Mendelian genotype, monohybrid, dihybrid, F1 and F2 generation,
test-cross;
3. Demonstrate the understanding of Mendelian Laws of Segregation
and Independent Assortment;
4. Relate the behaviour of homologous chromosome orientation at
metaphase stage of meiosis towards the understanding of
independent assortment;
5. Analyse the data with respect to monohybrid and dihybrid
hybridisations.
Module Prerequisite: Dr
Has prior knowledge on mitosis and meiosis
Charlie Than Reference:
Procedure to determine student learning
time / academic load & credit
3. (continuation). To specify the LO of each module (laboratory) of the
course appropriate to the specifications of the LO for the
programme.

Example of LO for Laboratory 2: Mendelian Genetics

At the end of the Laboratory 2, the students should be able to:

1. Identify the various phenotypes of the monohybrid and dihybrid

hybridization experiement;
2. Relate the genotypes with every phenotypes observed;
3. Make hypothesis on the inheritance of one or two genes;
4. Analyse the data and interpret the result to support the hypothesis
using X2 statistic;
5. Presents / write report for evaluation

Dr Charlie Than Reference:

Procedure to determine student learning
time / academic load & credit
4a. To determine all learning activities and the learning time for each
topic in the course appropriate to the LO programme specifications
Examples of various learning activities and the respective student
learning time for Mendelian Genetics Module.
Learning Activities Time (minute)
1. Attending Lecture (face-to-face learning) 50
2. Preparation before attending lecture, revising module 120
through self-study, if necessary to review the recorded
lecture, doing assignment relating to Mendelian
genetics, to access information from the Internet as
suggested and making additional reference from the
text and reference books.
3. Attending laboratory and writing the report 180
4. Quiz 10
Total 360 (or 6 hours)
MQF credit equivalent 6 / 40 = 0.15 credit

Dr Charlie Than Reference:

Procedure to determine student learning
time / academic load & credit
4b. To determine all activities and the learning time for each
module or topics within module in the course appropriate to
the LO programme specifications.
Module/ Guided and Managed Learning
Topics/ or Lecture Lab Tutorial Additional in class Independent
units of and off class learning
study activities such as such as self-
studio work, learning,
presentation doing
assignment,
writing report
Classical
Genetics
Molecular
Genetics
Population
Genetics

Dr Charlie Than Reference:

5. To list all learning activities and determine the total student learning time (TSLT) in
accordance to the guideline for each course in the programme (Example TSLT Basic
Genetics is 126 hours)
Learning Activities Learning hours

1. Lecture

1a. Attending lecture (guided in class activity) 24

1b. Additional hours (managed independent learning) such as preparation 30

before lecture, updating lecture notes, revision, making reference (books
and Internet)
2. Tutorial

2a. Attending tutorial (guided in class activities) 9

2b. Preparation for tutorial 9

3. Laboratory

3a. Attending Laboratory classes 24

3b. Preparation for laboratory works and writing of report 12

3c. Presentation (guided and in class activity) 4

4. Various assignments (managed independent learning e.g. problem 8

solving)
5. Quizzes, tests and final examinations 6

Total Student learning time 126

Dr Charlie Than Reference:

Procedure to determine student learning
time / academic load & credit
6. To calculate credit value of each course.
Example 1: Credit value for a course in Basic Genetic is 126/40 = 3.15 or 3
Example 2: Basic and core courses in Information Technology
Course F2F Non F2F Total SLT Credit

Mathematical Techniques 90 145 235 5.9

Probability and Statistics 60 100 160 4.0

Machine Architecture 45 80 125 3.1

Computer Programming 105 185 290 7.3

Digital Systems 45 75 120 3.0

Discrete Structures 60 90 150 3.8

Operating Systems 60 100 160 4.0

F2F = Face to face learning, SLT = Student Learning Time

Dr Charlie Than Reference:

Procedure to determine student learning
time / academic load & credit

7. To calculate total learning time for the programme

(TSLTP) Example TSLTP = 4800 hours

8. To calculate total credit for the programme

(TSLTP/40) or 4800/40 = 120 credit

9. To establish the length of semester (in weeks

such as 14 weeks.

10. To establish an appropriate student learning time

per week. (SLT/M) (example 8 hr per day x 6
days per week = 48)
Dr Charlie Than Reference:
Procedure to determine student learning
time / academic load & credit
11. To calculate the number of weeks required to complete the
programme. (Example: TSLTP/48) or 4800/48 = 100 weeks

12. To calculate total number of semester required to complete

the programme based on the selected semester length.
(Example: Total weeks/ semester length 100/14 = 7.1
semester)

13. To devise the study scheme for the programme according

to semester.

14. To ensure the student academic load is fair.

Dr Charlie Than Reference:

Example of student learning time (SLT in hours) for various
guided and independent learning activities in a semester

F2F SL ASG T&E SLT Credit

Genetic 52 50 19 5 126 3
Biochem 75 33 0 5 113 3
Cell Biology 57 49 12 5 123 3
Computer 57 10 47 4 118 3
English 52 30 35 4 121 3
Total 293 172 116 23 601 15

Note:
The student academic load for a semester of 14 weeks is 601 / 14 = 43
hours.
F2F = Face-to-face learning such as attending lecture, laboratory,
tutorial and any other activities with formal contact.
SL = self-learning, ASG = assignment, T&E = testing and evaluation

Dr Charlie Than Reference:

Simulation to calculate student learning
time, credit and related data
Example of learning activities to be simulated are,

• Lecture (face-to-face and non face-to-face hours)

• Practical / Laboratory (face-to-face and non face-to-face
hours)
• Tutorial (face-to-face and non face-to-face hours)
• Other learning activities (face-to-face and non face-to-face
hours)
• Assignments
• Tests / Examinations

Face-to-face (guided) / formal, Non face-to-face learning that is a

managed learning / informal)

Dr Charlie Than Reference:

 Simulation Outcomes
Simulation is able to,
• calculate credit for course and programme of study
• calculate number of weeks to complete the programme
• calculate the required number of semester based on
semester length (in weeks)
• calculate student weekly workload / student learning time per
week based on specific number of credit registered (full
time / part time)
• calculate the real contact hour / face-to-face learning and the
non face-to-face hours
• any other desired statistics

Dr Charlie Than Reference:

Conclusion
THANK YOU

Yale Consultancy Sdn Bhd

info@yaleconsultant.com
03-2021 0577

Dr Charlie Than Reference: