SEHS4510 Integrated Study
(Applied Sciences)
Student Handbook
2024/25 Academic Year
Bachelor of Science (Honours) Scheme in Applied Sciences
Programme Code: 84048 (Full-time) /
84074 (Part-time)
(August 2024)
Table of Contents
Page
1. Introduction .................................................................................................................. 3
2. Topic, Approach & Structure ...................................................................................... 4
3. Support to Students, Role of Supervisors & Students .............................................. 8
4. Assessment Criteria & Rubrics ................................................................................. 10
5. Format & Presentation .............................................................................................. 18
6. Submission Policies .................................................................................................... 20
7. Resubmission/ Retake ................................................................................................ 21
8. Plagiarism Policies, Resources and Support to Students ........................................ 22
9. Consequences of Plagiarism ...................................................................................... 25
Appendix A – Sample Title Page ....................................................................................................... 26
Appendix B – Integrated Study Report Declaration Form ............................................................ 27
Appendix C – Supervision Log Sheet (to be filled in by students) .................................................. 28
Appendix D – Sample Marking Forms (to be filled in by IS Supervisor) ...................................... 29
1. Introduction
This document aims at providing you with the necessary information on the formal
requirements of the SEHS4510 Integrated Study (Applied Sciences) (IS) and setting out
guidelines on how the Integrated Study reports should be prepared, completed and presented.
The Integrated Study is a significant part of your Honours assessment, which accounts for 3
credits in the programme of Bachelor of Science (Honours) Scheme in Applied Sciences.
1.1. Objectives
This is a one-semester independent work for students to further develop their problem
solving skill and critical thinking. By working on an intellectually challenging theoretical
model or industrial issue, students will be able to show their ability to integrate knowledge
and skills with creativity and innovation from a range of subjects and past learning
experience to address a specific problem related to applied sciences, namely health studies,
information systems and web technologies as well as statistics and data science. The students
are expected to analyse the problem/issue rigorously and present their arguments/findings in
a logical and coherent way.
1.2. Scheme Intended Learning Outcomes (SILOs)
Upon graduating from the Scheme, students are normally expected to:
a) Communicate effectively and efficiently in English and Chinese at a level required of a
degree graduate;
b) Demonstrate a professional attitude in terms of sense of responsibility, integrity, self-
confidence and ethics in teamwork as a leader and team player;
c) Acquire knowledge and improve skills through continuous learning for personal and
professional development;
d) Apply relevant knowledge and analytical skills in dealing with real-life problems;
e) Articulate the knowledge of social responsibilities and the local, national and global
standards.
1.3. Subject Intended Learning Outcomes (SILOs)
Upon successful completion of this subject, you will be able to:
a) Identify a real-life problem or an issue related to applied sciences;
b) Apply relevant concepts, knowledge and theories to study and analyze a problem or an
issue with a theoretical model or a real-life observation;
c) Apply research skills to address a specific problem or issue and to develop an integrated
study, through a proven research design and methodology, such as feasibility study,
simulation, survey, case method or mixed methods. Such a research study is expected to
deal with a real-life problem and or to enhance a theoretical framework as appropriate;
d) Present the findings and arguments in a logical and coherent way.
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1.4. How Learning Outcomes are accomplished
Teaching and Learning activities Assessment % SILOs to be
methods / tasks Contribution assessed
to Subject
a b c d
Assessment
1. Topic identification & proposal Proposal 15%
development (500 - 800 words)
2. Interim progress update & review Progress Report 15%
(including discussion and (600 – 1,000
consultation with Supervisor) words)
3. Completion of Study (including a Final Report 70%
recorded presentation and a viva (3,000 - 4,000
session) words)
Total 100%
2. Topic, Approach & Structure
2.1. Topic Originality and Relevance
The topic of the Integrated Study report should be original and relevant to applied sciences,
namely health studies, information systems and web technologies as well as statistics and
data science. It is your responsibility to verify and ensure the title/topic of the Integrated
Study is original.
A good topic should fulfill the following criteria:
• Originality;
• Interesting and appealing to both scholars and practitioners of applied sciences, namely
health studies, information systems and web technologies as well as statistics and data
science; and/or
• Feasible and practicable implication for project investigation / implementation.
2.2. Report Structure
2.2.1. Length
Assessment Work Length required (words)
Proposal 500 – 800
Progress Report 600 – 1,000
Final Report 3,000 - 4,000
The number of words excludes the title page, abstract, table of contents, lists of appendices
and tables, references and bibliography, and appendices. Supervisors/Markers are not
required to read beyond 4,000 words in assessing your final report. A penalty of 10% of the
total mark will be deducted for excessive length.
2.2.2. Key Sections
The following key sections could be included in the Reports. Headings and sub-headings are
indicative only and could be used as appropriate.
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(I) Proposal
1) Title of the Study
2) Objectives of the Study (listed in point form, with concise explanations in paragraph)
3) Approach of the Study (see Approaches under “Final Report”)
4) Background/Theoretical model/Company issues to be used for the study
5) Significance/Expected contribution of the study
6) Information to be collected and their source(s)
a. Literature / statistics
b. Primary / secondary data
c. Project specific skills or knowledge
7) References (not included in word count)
8) Working timeline (not included in word count)
(II) Progress Report
1) Title of the Study (if there is no update, this part could be omitted, please discuss
with your Supervisor)
2) Objectives of the Study (if there is no update, this part could be omitted, please
discuss with your Supervisor)
3) Related Work (from academic sources)
4) Progress update and work accomplished (e.g. summaries of journal articles or
management reports read, problems found & recommended solution, industry analysis,
company analysis & issues identified for case study…etc)
5) References (if there is no update, this part could be omitted, please discuss with your
Supervisor) (not included in word count)
6) Working timeline (if there is no update, this part could be omitted, please discuss with
your Supervisor) (not included in word count)
(III) Final Report
Students may choose to adopt one of the following approaches. These approaches are
for reference only. If you follow other approaches, please discuss with your supervisor.
Approach 1 Approach 2
Literature Review & Framework Literature Review & Recommendation
Development
1) Title Page (see Appendix A for sample) 1) Title Page (see Appendix A for sample)
2) Integrated Study Report Declaration Form 2) Integrated Study Report Declaration Form
and Word Count (see Appendix B for and Word Count (see Appendix B for
sample) sample)
3) Table of Contents 3) Table of Contents
4) Abstract (no more than 150 words) 4) Abstract (no more than 150 words)
5) Introduction 5) Introduction
6) Literature Review and Proposed 6) Literature Review
Framework 7) Discussion and Managerial Implications
7) Discussion and Managerial Implications 8) Recommendations
8) Conclusion 9) Conclusion
9) References 10) References
10) Appendices (if any) 11) Appendices (if any)
11) Supervision log sheet 12) Supervision log sheet
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Approach 3 Approach 4
Case Study & Career Planning Feasibility Study
1) Title Page (see Appendix A for sample) 1) Title Page (see Appendix A for sample)
2) Integrated Study Report Declaration Form 2) Integrated Study Report Declaration Form
and Word Count (see Appendix B for and Word Count (see Appendix B for
sample) sample)
3) Table of Contents 3) Table of Contents
4) Abstract (no more than 150 words) 4) Executive summary (no more than 250
words)
5) Introduction 5) Introduction
6) Literature Review (if not applicable, this 6) Industry and Market Analysis
part can be omitted, please discuss with 7) Company Feasibility Analysis
your Supervisor) 8) Discussion and Managerial Implication
7) Industry/Company Analysis 9) Conclusion
8) Insight and Personal Career Plan 10) References
9) Conclusion 11) Appendices (if any)
10) References 12) Supervision log sheet
11) Appendices (if any)
12) Supervision log sheet
Approach 5 Approach 6
Data Analyses Software Evaluation and Prototyping
1) Title Page (see Appendix A for sample) 1) Title Page (see Appendix A for sample)
2) Integrated Study Report Declaration Form 2) Integrated Study Report Declaration Form
and Word Count (see Appendix B for and Word Count (see Appendix B for
sample) sample)
3) Table of Contents 3) Table of Contents
4) Abstract (no more than 150 words) 4) Abstract (no more than 150 words)
5) Introduction 5) Introduction
6) Literature Review (if not applicable, this 6) Industry and Market Analysis
part can be omitted, please discuss with 7) Software Requirements
your Supervisor) 8) System Design & Implementation
7) Data Collection 9) Testing Plan & Results
8) Findings and Discussions 10) Demonstration to your supervisor, and
9) Conclusion other students
10) References 11) Evaluation (Data collection must be pre-
11) Appendices (if any) approved by supervisor before execution)
12) Supervision log sheet 12) Conclusion
13) References
14) Appendices (if any)
15) Supervision log sheet
The following are the details of each approach:
1) Literature Review & Framework Development approach: critically evaluate an existing
theoretical model in the applied sciences discipline, and then develop an improved model.
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2) Literature Review & Recommendation approach: introduce a problem/issue in the industry,
critically evaluate the importance of the problem/issue, provide some related literature to the
problem/issue, and give some recommendations for problem solving or future improvement.
3) Case Study & Career Planning approach: perform an in-depth analysis on an industry or a
company in the sector, and develop a personal career plan accordingly.
4) Feasibility Study approach: develop a full-feasibility study for a solution. The study may include
industry analysis, market and demand analysis, financial analysis, organisational structure and
operational analysis, etc.
5) Data Analyses approach: identify the research questions, and then answer them by using the
findings from the primary data OR secondary data. The analyses could be qualitative OR
quantitative.
6) Software Evaluation and Prototyping approach: analyse and develop an information system for a
solution. The study includes the elements in the system development lifecycle: problem
identification; requirement analysis; use cases discovery; user and system interfaces design; and
system implementation and testing: demonstration to your supervisor, and other students in week
10.
Each approach can be supported by primary or secondary data if relevant.
If your study involves collecting personal data (such as names, phone numbers, addresses, identity
card numbers, photos, medical records and employment records), please ensure you comply with the
Data Privacy Law, for details, please visit www.pcpd.org.hk
2.3. Reading List*
Textbooks
Machi, L. A., & McEvoy, B. T. (2012). The literature review: Six steps to success. Thousand
Oaks, Calif: Corwin Press.
Bairagi, V., & Munot, M. V. (Eds.). (2019). Research methodology: A practical and scientific
approach. CRC Press.
Patton, M. Q. (2023). Qualitative research & evaluation methods: Integrating theory and
practice. Sage publications.
Page, M. J., Moher, D., & McKenzie, J. E. (2022). Introduction to PRISMA 2020 and
implications for research synthesis methodologists. Research synthesis methods, 13(2), 156-
163.
Journals
Artificial Intelligence in Medicine
Computers and Education
Education and Information Technologies
Journal of Machine Learning Research
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Useful Links
Guide on sources and citation from Dartmouth College, USA.
(https://writing-speech.dartmouth.edu/learning/materials/sources-and-citations-dartmouth)
*The above reading list is indicative. Supervisors may supplement with additional readings.
3. Support to Students, Role of Supervisors & Students
3.1. Integrated Study Workshop
To prepare you for the Integrated Study projects, 6 hours of workshop(s) will be organized.
Students MUST attend all sessions of the workshop. The workshop will be held before the
semester in which the Integrated Study is taken.
The following topics will be covered in the workshops:
1. IS student handbook.
2. School’s policy on plagiarism.
3. Current issues in xxx (e.g., engineering, information technology or healthcare) field and
their challenges.
4. Writing skills, e.g., how to write-up a proposal.
5. Planning and implementation of the study.
6. How to generate and interpret Turnitin report.
7. Other contents IS Advisors see fit.
Students should identify a topic during or after the workshop in consultation and discussion
with the Programme Leader or other academic members. The topics identified will be used
for assigning Supervisors. Hence, it is important for students to stay with the topic.
3.2. Role of Supervisor
3.2.1. You should exert sufficient effort on your work to attain the required quality and quantity.
To assist you in preparing and completing the Integrated Study Report, you will be assigned
to a Supervisor who will provide you the appropriate guidance. Each student is entitled to a
maximum of 2.5 hours of consultation (e.g. 5 consultation meetings each of 30 minutes).
Other forms of arrangements may also be possible as considered appropriate by your
Supervisor. The meetings are intended to provide consultation on your study direction,
comment on your ongoing work, and coach you to meet with the objectives of this subject.
3.2.2. This subject aims at developing your ability in independent problem solving and critical
thinking. If you have any problems on the Reports, you can contact your Supervisor for
guidance. You should be well-prepared before asking questions or meeting with your
Supervisor. Use the knowledge you learned from the programme to identify specific
questions and describe solutions). The Supervisor will not teach basic research knowledge.
Specifically, the Supervisor’s role is to:
- provide appropriate guidance;
- comment on the progress and quality of your work;
- give advice to the best of his/ her ability; and
- perform assessment on your Proposal, Progress Report and final Integrated Study Report.
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It is NOT your Supervisor’s responsibility to:
- proofread / pre-mark your written report or any drafts;
- review/comment on your drafts or perform any pre-marking of your written report;
- specify what you need to do or tell you what to do;
- manage your work schedule or progress; and
- arrange printing for materials that you wish him/ her to read (all such materials should be
submitted in hardcopy to your Supervisor before or during a scheduled meeting).
3.3. Role of Students
To make the best use of meetings with your Supervisor, you should
- manage your work progress and schedule properly;
- initiate communication and arrange regular meetings with your Supervisor;
- prepare and keep clear records of the discussion (in the form of a supervision log sheet;
see Appendix C) to ensure all intended meeting objectives are achieved on time;
- address communication issues with your Supervisor;
- maintain communication records with your Supervisor; and
- ask for comments but NOT direct instructions from your Supervisor.
- present your work to the supervisor, and other students when requested by the supervisor;
- submit a video of your presentation when requested by the supervisor.
The final responsibility of the Integrated Study resides with you but NOT your
Supervisor.
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4. Assessment Criteria & Rubrics
4.1. Grading
Subject Grade Short Elaboration on subject grading description
Grade Point Description
A+ 4.3 Excellent Demonstrates excellent achievement of intended subject
learning outcomes by being able to skillfully use concepts
A 4.0 and solve complex problems. Shows evidence of
innovative and critical thinking in unfamiliar situations,
A- 3.7 and is able to express the synthesis or application of ideas
in a logical and comprehensive manner.
B+ 3.3 Good Demonstrates good achievement of intended subject
learning outcomes by being able to use appropriate
concepts, and solve problems. Shows the ability to
B 3.0
analyse issues critically and make well-grounded
judgements in familiar or standard situations, and is able
B- 2.7
to express the synthesis or application of ideas in a logical
and comprehensive manner.
C+ 2.3 Satisfactory Demonstrates satisfactory achievement of intended
subject learning outcomes by being able to solve
relatively simple problems. Shows some capacity for
C 2.0
analysis and making judgements in a variety of familiar
and standard situations, and is able to express the
C- 1.7
synthesis or application of ideas in a manner that is
generally logical but fragmented.
D+ 1.3 Pass Demonstrates marginal achievement of intended subject
learning outcomes by being able to solve relatively simple
problems. Can make basic comparisons, connections and
D 1.0
judgements and express the ideas learnt in the subject,
though there are frequent breakdowns in logic and clarity.
F 0.0 Fail Demonstrates inadequate achievement of intended subject
learning outcomes through a lack of knowledge and/or
understanding of the subject matter. Evidence of analysis
is often irrelevant or incomplete.
Indicative descriptors for modifier grades:
Main Grade The student generally performed at this level, indicating mastery of the
(solid) subject intended learning outcomes at this level.
+ The student consistently performed at this level and exceeded the
(exemplary) expectations of this level in some regards, but not enough to claim mastery
at the next level.
- The student basically performed at this level, but the performance was
(marginal) inconsistent or fell slightly short in some regards.
Note: The above indicative descriptors for modifier grades are not applicable to the passing
grades D and D+
‘F’ is a subject failure grade, whilst all others (‘D’ to ‘A+’) are subject passing grades.
[Please adjust this sentence accordingly if the passing grade of the respective IS subject is
NOT “D” with reference to the SDF.] No credit will be earned if a subject is failed.
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4.2. Assessment Criteria
The Integrated Study will be assessed on the basis of Proposal, Progress Report (including
discussion and consultation with Supervisor), and Final Report.
Assessment of Proposal and Progress Report will focus on your formative performance (i.e.
progress and improvement) on top of the quality of your work, and is based on Subject
Intended Learning Outcomes (SILOs) (a) and (b). The Final Report accounts for 70% of the
assessment, and will focus on the quality and quantity of the final deliverables based on all
the four SILOs. A sample marking form is provided in Appendix D.
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4.3. Assessment Rubrics
4.3.1. Proposal (15%)
Subject Intended Learning Outcomes (SILOs) to be achieved:
a) identify an issue faced by an organisation or a theoretical model in the applied sciences
sector.
Assessment Excellent Good Satisfactory Pass Fail
Criteria (Grade: A- to (Grade: B- to (Grade: C- to (Grade: D to (Grade: F)
A+) B+) C+) D+)
Title, Objectives Title, Objectives Title, Title, Title, Title,
& Significance & Significance Objectives & Objectives & Objectives & Objectives &
of the study are Significance of Significance of Significance of Significance of
clearly defined. the study are the study are the study are the study are
basically clear. not very mostly incomplete or
clearly unclear. missing.
defined.
Theoretical Theoretical Theoretical Theoretical Theoretical Theoretical
model/company model and/or model and/or model and/or model and/or model and/or
issues company issues company company company company
are identified issues are issues are issues are issues are not
and discussed identified and identified and identified and identified and
from different quite briefly discussion is discussion is
perspectives and thoroughly discussed. brief. missing or
insights are discussed. incomplete.
drawn.
Literature review Literature or Literature or Literature or Literature or Literature or
or analysis is analysis is analysis is analysis is not analysis is
industry/market relevant and relevant and partly relevant very relevant mostly
analysis critically generally and briefly and briefly irrelevant with
analyzed. analyzed. analyzed. described. brief
descriptions.
Presentation, Plan on Plan on Plan on Plan on Plan on
Format, information to information to information to information to information to
References be collected is be collected is be collected is be collected is be collected is
very relevant & mostly quite relevant not very not relevant &
detailed. Report relevant & & detailed. relevant & too brief.
is very well- detailed. Some part of detailed. Report is not
organized, Report is quite the Report is Report is not organized &
logical & well-organized organized & very well- logical.
convincing. & logical. logical. organized & Lots of
Almost free Few Some logical. grammatical &
from grammatical & grammatical & Quite a lot of spelling errors.
grammatical & spelling errors. spelling errors. grammatical & References are
spelling errors. Most Some spelling errors. unclear &
References are references are references are Only few incorrect.
clear and clear and clear & references are Working
correct. correct. correct. clear & timeline is
Working Working Working correct. missing or
timeline is clear timeline is timeline is Working incomplete.
& logical. mostly clear & partly clear & timeline is not Appendices
Appendices are logical. logical. very clear & are not well-
well-indexed Most Some logical. indexed and
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Assessment Excellent Good Satisfactory Pass Fail
Criteria (Grade: A- to (Grade: B- to (Grade: C- to (Grade: D to (Grade: F)
A+) B+) C+) D+)
and clearly appendices are appendices are Few not clearly
presented. well-indexed well-indexed appendices are presented.
and clearly and clearly well-indexed
presented. presented. and clearly
presented.
Page 13 of 32
4.3.2. Progress Report (15%)
Subject Intended Learning Outcomes (SILOs) to be achieved:
a) identify an issue faced by an organisation or a theoretical model in the applied sciences
sector;
b) apply relevant concepts and theories to study and critically analyse the issue or the
theoretical model.
Assessment Excellent Good Satisfactory Pass Fail
Criteria (Grade: A- to (Grade: B- to (Grade: C- to (Grade: D to (Grade: F)
A+) B+) C+) D+)
Title & Objectives Title & Title & Title & Title & Title &
definition Objectives are Objectives are Objectives are Objectives are Objectives are
clearly defined basically clear. not very mostly unclear. incomplete or
& presented. clearly defined. missing.
Literature review Very critical & Quite critical Basically Not very Analysis of the
or logical analysis & logical logical analysis logical analysis issue or
industry/market of the issue or analysis of the of the issue or of the issue or theoretical
analysis theoretical issue or theoretical theoretical model is
model. theoretical model. model. neither logical
Almost all model. Some relevant A few relevant nor critical.
concepts/ Most concepts/ concepts/ concepts/ Most concepts/
theories theories are theories are theories are theories
applied are applied are applied. applied. applied are
relevant. relevant. Thorough & Some irrelevant.
Thorough & Thorough & in-depth understanding Unclear
in-depth in-depth understanding of a few understanding
understanding understanding of a few concepts with of concepts
of all concepts of most concepts with correct with incorrect
with correct concepts with correct application in application in
application in correct application in reality. reality.
reality. application in reality.
reality.
Progress Update Excellent time Good time Acceptable Barely Fail to manage
and work management. management. time acceptable time & work
accomplished Very detailed Quite detailed management. time schedule
action plan. action plan. Acceptable management. properly.
Adequate work Adequate work action plan. Brief action Incomplete
accomplished accomplished Some work plan. action plan.
with very good with accomplished Some work Very limited
quality. reasonable with accomplished work
Demonstrated quality. reasonable with accomplished
professional Demonstrated quality. acceptable with barely
engagement good Demonstrated quality. acceptable
with engagement acceptable Demonstrated quality
Supervisor. with engagement barely Unprofessional
Supervisor. with acceptable engagement
Supervisor. engagement with
with Supervisor.
Supervisor.
Presentation, Plan on Plan on Plan on Plan on Plan on
Format, information to information to information to information to information to
References be collected is be collected is be collected is be collected is be collected is
very relevant mostly relevant quite relevant not very not relevant &
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Assessment Excellent Good Satisfactory Pass Fail
Criteria (Grade: A- to (Grade: B- to (Grade: C- to (Grade: D to (Grade: F)
A+) B+) C+) D+)
& detailed. & detailed. & detailed. relevant & too brief.
Report is very Report is quite Some part of detailed. Report is not
well-organized, well-organized the Report is Report is not organized &
logical & & logical organized & very well- logical
convincing. Few logical organized & Lots of
Almost free grammatical & Some logical grammatical &
from spelling errors. grammatical & Quite a lot of spelling errors.
grammatical & Most spelling errors. grammatical & References are
spelling errors. references are Some spelling errors unclear &
References are clear and references are Only few incorrect.
clear and correct. clear & references are Working
correct. Working correct. clear & timeline is
Working timeline is Working correct. missing or
timeline is mostly clear & timeline is Working incomplete
clear & logical logical partly clear & timeline is not Appendices are
Appendices are Most logical very clear & not well-
well-indexed appendices are Some logical indexed and
and clearly well-indexed appendices are Few not clearly
presented. and clearly well-indexed appendices are presented.
presented. and clearly well-indexed
presented. and clearly
presented.
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4.3.3. Final Report (70%)
Subject Intended Learning Outcomes (SILOs) to be achieved:
a) identify an issue faced by an organisation or a theoretical model in the applied sciences
sector;
b) apply relevant concepts and theories to study and critically analyse the issue or the
theoretical model;
c) develop a personal career plan or an improved theoretical framework ; and
d) present the analysis and recommendations in a rigorous, logical and coherent way.
Assessment Excellent Good Satisfactory Pass Fail
Criteria (Grade: A- to (Grade: B- to (Grade: C- to (Grade: D to (Grade: F)
A+) B+) C+) D+)
Literature review Very critical & Quite critical Basically Not very Analysis of the
or logical analysis & logical logical analysis logical analysis issue or
industry/market of the issue or analysis of the of the issue or of the issue or theoretical
analysis theoretical issue or theoretical theoretical model is
model. theoretical model. model. neither logical
model. nor critical.
Theoretical Very sensible Largely Generally Partly sensible Not very
framework or & logical, sensible & sensible & & logical, sensible &
Recommendation highly creative logical, logical, creative & logical, lacks
s or & original creative & creative & original ideas. creativity.
Industry/Compan ideas. original ideas. original ideas. Analysis & Analysis &
y analysis or Very coherent Largely Some recommendatio recommendatio
Company analysis & coherent coherence n are ns are mostly
Feasibility recommendatio analysis & shown in sometimes conflicting.
Analysis. n. recommendatio analysis & conflicting.
Managerial n. recommendatio
Implications or n.
Career Plan.
Theory/Concept Almost all Most concepts/ Some relevant A few relevant Most concepts/
Application concepts/ theories are concepts/ concepts/ theories
theories applied are theories are theories are applied are
applied are relevant. applied. applied. irrelevant.
relevant. Thorough & Thorough & Some Unclear
Thorough & in-depth in-depth understanding understanding
in-depth understanding understanding of a few of concepts
understanding of most of a few concepts with with incorrect
of all concepts concepts with concepts with correct application in
with correct correct correct application in reality.
application in application in application in reality.
reality. reality. reality.
Presentation, Report is very Report is quite Some part of Report is not Report is not
Format, well-organized, well-organized the Report is very well- organized &
References logical & & logical organized & organized & logical
convincing. Few logical logical Lots of
Almost free grammatical & Some Quite a lot of grammatical &
from spelling errors. grammatical & grammatical & spelling errors.
grammatical & Most spelling errors. spelling errors References are
spelling errors. references are Some Only few unclear &
References are clear and references are references are incorrect.
clear and correct. clear & clear & Appendices are
correct. Most correct. correct. not well-
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Assessment Excellent Good Satisfactory Pass Fail
Criteria (Grade: A- to (Grade: B- to (Grade: C- to (Grade: D to (Grade: F)
A+) B+) C+) D+)
Appendices are appendices are Some Few indexed and
well-indexed well-indexed appendices are appendices are not clearly
and clearly and clearly well-indexed well-indexed presented.
presented. presented. and clearly and clearly
presented. presented.
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5. Format & Presentation
5.1. Writing Style
The project should be written in an academic writing style. First person references (I, we, us)
should NOT be used unless it is appropriate.
5.2. Layout and Format
Layout and Format requirements:
- Typed; double-sided printing; white A4 paper
- Font : Times New Roman font size 12
- Spacing : Single line spacing;
- Page numbers should be indicated at the bottom of each page;
- All sections and subsections should be numbered and given a title;
- Legibility of all submitted copies (drafts and final submission) should be ensured, i.e.,
text and image of the copy should be ready for reproduction from a photocopier;
- Color printing is not necessary.
5.3. Referencing Style
The APA referencing system should be adopted and used consistently throughout all written
reports.
5.3.1. Examples of APA Referencing Style:
At the end of the paper, you should provide the full bibliographic information for each source.
References must be listed in alphabetical order by author.
Example: Journal article, one author
Sebach, A. M. (2020). Using Flipgrid as an alternative to journals during DNP practicum
experiences. Nurse Educator, 45(5), 256-257.
• “Sebach” is the family name of the author, and “A.M.” are the initials of the author’s first
names (e.g. If "Adam Smith" are the author's first names, then “A.M.” are the initials).
• “Using Flipgrid as an alternative to journals during DNP practicum experiences” is the
article title.
• “Nurse Educator” is the journal title.
• “45(5)” are the volume and issue number.
• “256-257” are the page numbers.
EXAMPLES OF REFERENCES BY TYPE
In a reference list In-text citation
1 Journal article (print version), one author (Teng, 2022)
Teng, L. S. (2022). Explicit strategy-based instruction in L2
writing contexts: a perspective of self-regulated learning and
formative assessment. Assessing Writing, 53, 100645.
2 Journal article (print version), two authors (Liao & Wu, 2022)
Liao, C. H., & Wu, J. Y. (2022). Deploying multimodal learning
Page 18 of 32
EXAMPLES OF REFERENCES BY TYPE
In a reference list In-text citation
analytics models to explore the impact of digital distraction and
peer learning on student performance. Computers &
Education, 190, 104599.
3 Journal article (print version), more than two authors (Campbell, Heller
Campbell, L. O., Heller, S., & Pulse, L. (2022). Student-created & Pulse, 2022).
video: an active learning approach in online environments. Then subsequently
Interactive Learning Environments, 30(6), 1145-1154. (Campbell et al.,
(2022).
4 Article from an Internet-only journal (i.e. no print version) (Kaya-Capocci,
Kaya-Capocci, S., O’Leary, M., & Costello, E. (2022). Towards 2022)
a framework to support the implementation of digital formative
assessment in higher education. Education Sciences, 12(11),
823. Retrieved from https://www.mdpi.com/2227-
7102/12/11/823/pdf
5 Conference paper (Alam & Mohanty,
Retrieved from http://www.aare.edu.au/96pap/bochs96018.txt 2023)
Alam, A., & Mohanty, A. (2023, January). Foundation for the
Future of Higher Education or ‘Misplaced Optimism’? Being
Human in the Age of Artificial Intelligence. In Innovations in
Intelligent Computing and Communication: First International
Conference, ICIICC 2022, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India,
December 16-17, 2022, Proceedings (pp. 17-29). Cham:
Springer International Publishing. Retrieved from
https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-031-23233-6_2
6 Newspaper article (Soo, 2019)
Soo, Z. (2019, 28 Mar, 2019). From Big Macs to Nikes: Hong
Kong AI start-up Miro uses computer vision to track your
sneakers in races. South China Morning Post. Retrieved from
https://www.scmp.com/tech/enterprises/article/3003522/big-
macs-nikes-hong-kong-ai-start-miro-uses-computer-vision-track
7 Newspaper article (no author, print version) (“Brexit beyond,”
Brexit beyond. (2018, May 5). The Wall Street Journal, p. A9. 2018)
Note: article title comes first.
8 Book (Hassaballah &
Hassaballah, M., & Awad, A. I. (2020). Deep learning in Awad, 2020)
computer vision: principles and applications (M. Hassaballah &
A. I. Awad, Eds.). CRC Press, Taylor and Francis.
9 Book or report by a corporate author, e.g. organization (Microsoft, 2023)
association, government department
Microsoft. (2023). Low-code vs. no-code app development.
Retrieved from https://powerapps.microsoft.com/en-us/low-
code-no-code-development-platforms/
Note: when the publisher and author are the same, put down
“Author” in the publisher field.
10 Book chapter in edited book (Fong & Chiu,
Fong, B. Y. F., & Chiu, W-k. (2023). A Systems Approach to 2023)
Page 19 of 32
EXAMPLES OF REFERENCES BY TYPE
In a reference list In-text citation
Achieving Health for All in the Community. In B. Y. F. Fong, &
W. C. W. Wong (Eds.). (2023). Gaps and Actions in Health
Improvement from Hong Kong and Beyond: All for Health.
Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-99-4491-0
11 Webpages (IBM, n.d.)
IBM (n.d.). What is computer vision?. Retrieved from
https://www.ibm.com/topics/computer-vision
12 AI (OpenAI, 2023)
OpenAI. (2023). ChatGPT (Mar 14 version) [Large language
model]. https://chat.openai.com/chat
For more information on APA citation style, please visit
• https://www.polyu.edu.hk/elc/independent-learning/language-resources/apa/
• http://www2.elc.polyu.edu.hk/CILL/referenceMachineNet.htm#Example
• https://apastyle.apa.org/blog/how-to-cite-chatgpt
6. Submission Policies
6.1. Submission timelines and requirements
6.1.1. The assignment works must be submitted in the following manners:
Assessment Hardcopy Softcopy (at Blackboard Ultra) Submission Submission
Work (stapled) Deadline* Campus
Assignment Turnitin
Box System
(‘Final
submission’)
Week 3, Friday
Proposal 14 February 2025 WK
[with item (a), [with item (a),
see Note below] see Note below]
Week 8, Friday
Progress
21 March 2025 WK
Report [with item (a,) [with item (a), [with item (a),
see Note below] see Note below] see Note below]
#
Week 13, Friday
Final Report [with items [with items [with items 25 April 2025 WK
(a) – (c), (a) – (c), (a) – (c),
see Note below] see Note below] see Note below]
* If Friday falls into a public holiday, the submission deadline should be the following working day.
# IS Supervisor should state clearly your requirements for hardcopy submission. If you prefer softcopy
submission only, please kindly inform your students.
Note: (a) Title page (b) Declaration form (c) Supervision log sheet
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6.2. Late Submission
Late submission of reports (proposal, progress report and/or final report) will NOT be
accepted.
6.2.1. Proposal and Progress Report
• In principle, late submission equals 0 mark.
• If students are unable to submit on time because of illness, injury or other unforeseeable
reasons, they may apply for a late submission with documentation within 5 working days
from the submission deadline with the IS Advisor/ Programme Leader. Permission is
subject to the approval of the IS Advisor/ Programme Leader. Should late submission be
granted, the students concerned would receive the actual grade they attained on the
proposal/ progress report submitted.
6.2.2. Final Report
• In principle, late submission equals 0 mark.
• Students who could not submit the IS final report by the specified timeline due to special
reasons may apply for late submission with documentation within 5 working days from
the submission deadline. Granting of late submission is subject to the decision of IS
Advisor/ Programme Leader in consultation with IS Supervisors. Should late
submission be granted, the students concerned would receive the actual grade they
attained on the final report submitted.
6.3. Retention of Working Papers
All working papers (e.g. notes, photocopies of articles, drafts, information collected) MUST
be retained until the grade of the Integrated Study is formally released. These papers should
be kept in an accessible place and be readily produced upon request from the School.
Your grade for the Integrated Study may be adversely affected if you fail to produce the
working papers when requested by the School.
7. Resubmission/ Retake
• Plagiarism cases will be reported to Subject Assessment Review Panel (SARP) for
consideration/ decision.
• Students who have submitted the final report and considered marginally failed may be
given a resubmission opportunity subject to the decision of SARP. If a resubmission
opportunity is given to the students, the students concerned would be given a result of
“I” (i.e. Incomplete), which is interpreted as “Assessment to be completed”.
• SARP would decide a deadline for resubmission. The re-submitted project would be
marked by the original project Supervisor. The student would not be required to pay
additional fees.
• Students have one 20-minute meeting opportunity with the Supervisor before
resubmission. Students should take the initiative to make appointment with the
Supervisor.
• The highest grade to be given for re-submitted projects should be grade “C”. Result of
re-submitted projects would be finalized in the next SARP meeting.
• Students who have not met the subject requirement and were not given a resubmission
opportunity would fail the subject. They would be required to retake the subject and pay
the corresponding tuition fees. They can be exempted from taking the 6-hour workshop
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by returning the signed undertaking.
• Students who have failed the IS subject may be requested by SARP to attempt a new
topic.
8. Plagiarism Policies, Resources and Support to Students
PolyU SPEED has detailed policy on student’s academic integrity, which includes plagiarism.
The following are the related issues stipulated clearly in the Student Handbook:
8.1. Violations of Academic Integrity
The School views any violations of academic integrity a serious disciplinary offence because
it seriously undermines the value of the teaching, learning and research of the School. For
students who cheat in their academic work, they limit their learning because they have not
undergone the learning experience intentionally designed to help them to gain the specific
knowledge or skills. At the same time, if some students cheat in the assessment and get a
good grade, it is not fair to the others who are honest and do their own work. Finally,
academic dishonesty will tarnish the reputation of the programme and its graduates and in the
long run, diminish the value of the degree or education from the School.
Students should therefore refrain from committing any acts of academic dishonesty. One of
such acts which are highly related to research projects is Plagiarism.
8.2. About Plagiarism
Plagiarism refers to the act of using the creative works of others (e.g. ideas, words, images or
sound) in one’s own work without proper acknowledge of the source. Handing in the same
assignment for more than one subject is considered as self-plagiarism. According to the
Webster’s Ninth New Collegiate Dictionary (1987), to ‘plagiarise’ means
[To] steal and pass off (the ideas or words of another) as one’s own: [to] use (a
created production) without crediting the source: [to] commit literary theft: [to]
present as new and original an idea or product derived from an existing source.
The School views plagiarism, whether committed intentionally or because of ignorance or
negligence, as a serious disciplinary offence. Excuses such as “not knowing that this is
required” or “not knowing how to do it” will not be accepted. It is the student’s responsibility
to understand what plagiarism is, and take action steps to avoid plagiarism in their academic
work. The golden rule is: “if in doubt, acknowledge”.
Avoiding Plagiarism
Students are required to submit their original work and avoid any possible suggestion of
plagiarism in the work they submit for grading or credit. The use of generative artificial
intelligence (GenAI) tool (such as ChatGPT and translation software) as part or in whole of
student’s work without acknowledgement constitute an act of academic dishonesty. Below
are some suggestions on how you can avoid plagiarism in your own work:
Use Sources with Care and Respect
• Take careful notes so that you know where you gather your information;
• Keep track of all the sources you have used for each assessment;
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• Cite all your sources in your finished work, distinguishing carefully between your own
ideas/ work and those taken from others;
• Include all your sources in your Reference or Bibliography section, normally included at
the end of the paper.
Find out the Expectations of Your Lecturer
• Different disciplines or professions may have slightly different conventions for citation
and referencing. Ask your lecturer for the specific citing and reference system or
conventions used in your chosen profession/ discipline;
• Ask your lecturer what types of collaborations and help is permitted for the specific
assessment.
Develop Your Academic Skills
• Plan your academic work carefully and start early so that you have time to do your own
work;
• Make a work schedule for your work and try to keep to it;
• Study resource materials and, if appropriate, attend courses or workshops to continually
improve your skills in referencing and academic writing.
Be Honest, and Always Do Your Own Work
• Do not attempt to disguise copying from sources, for example, by translating from
sources in another language or changing some words of a copied text. Proper referencing
is required.
• Do not quote, summarise or paraphrase from sources that you do not fully understand.
Always be able to explain what the source means and why it is relevant.
The School may take disciplinary actions against students when there is evidence of collusion
between individuals. The work of others, which is included in the assessment must be
attributed to its source (a full bibliography and a list of reference must be submitted). Failure
to observe such requirements will definitely lead to serious consequence for your study on
this subject and registration at School.
8.3. Turnitin Report
Turnitin database will be used to check for plagiarism. All students should note that allowing
another student to copy their work is a serious breach of academic discipline. If the
submissions include a high percentage of work that is copied from other sources, a fail grade
will be awarded.
8.3.1. Turnitin and Generative AI User Guide for Students
The Turnitin User Guide for students is available at http://portal.cpce-polyu.edu.hk. Please
login and then choose “VeriGuide and Turnitin User Guides” for details.
Guidance for the use of Generative AI is available at:
1. The University of Edinburgh (2023)
https://www.ed.ac.uk/sites/default/files/atoms/files/universityguidanceforstudentsonworki
ngwithgenerativeai.pdf
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2. Deakin University (2023)
https://www.deakin.edu.au/students/study-support/resources-and-referencing/academic-
skills/student-guide-to-using-generative-ai
8.3.2. Turnitin – Trial Submission
Before the final submission, students could submit the progress report and final report via
“Trial Submission” to check the similarity index more than once. The 2nd trial report will not
be checked against the 1st trial report submitted by the same student; therefore, the similarity
index will not be affected by multiple submissions via “Trial Submission”.
After reading the report, you might need to revise your work accordingly. The purpose of
revising your work is to make it better and in particular, plagiarism-free.
The following are some tips on how you can review and revise your work effectively.
Tip 1 When reviewing the matching texts and their sources, check carefully if proper
acknowledgements are given to the sources you used.
√ If yes, then you are fine. Remember to include all the sources you used in the
reference or bibliography list as well.
X If no, then cite the sources properly using the specified referencing style.
Tip 2 You can use others’ words/ verbatim as direct quotations, i.e., embedded quotes
with quotation marks or block quotes with indentation; and you still need to cite the
sources.
!!! Bear in mind that excessive use of quotations is not encouraged as it is not a
good writing practice. Using too many quotations makes your work look weak
as you are simply patching together others’ words without much input of your
own.
Tip 3 You can paraphrase or summarize others’ words or ideas in your own words, and
cite them properly.
You should build your ideas or thoughts upon others’ work and express them in
your own words.
The Similarity Index shows the percentage of matching or highly similar text found in a
submitted paper compared against the sources stored in the system’s database. It ranges from
0% to 100%.
According to the “Instructor Guide to Using Turnitin Assignment with LEARN@PolyU”
developed by PolyU, however, there is no rigid percentage to determine whether plagiarism
exists.
Supervisors will consider both the “Similarity Index” and “Match Overview” to see the
details of the matches and make professional judgments when detecting plagiarism.
8.3.3. Turnitin – Final Submission
When everything is in order, students should submit the final report to the Turnitin System at
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Blackboard Ultra in accordance with the requirements as set out in Section 6.1.1. Upon
submission of the final report, the Turnitin Similarity Report will be generated for scrutiny by
the Supervisors.
8.4. Other Resources & Support for Students
To know more about plagiarism and how to cite sources properly in your work, please refer
to the “Student Guide on Academic Integrity” developed by the University at
https://www.polyu.edu.hk/ous/docdrive/Academic_Integrity/Student_Guide.pdf.
You can also obtain more information about using sources and referencing styles from the
following web page of the Centre for Independent Language Learning, English Language
Centre of this University at https://elc.polyu.edu.hk/CILL/reference.aspx.
To use library resources and tools properly and ethically, you are encouraged to visit the
guide Citation & Avoiding Plagiarism at https://libguides.lb.polyu.edu.hk/academic-
integrity/GenAI_and_Plagiarism. A section on GenAI & Plagiarism is available to address
academic integrity and the use of GenAI tools, including how to cite GenAI content.
9. Consequences of Plagiarism
Students who are found guilty of offences related to plagiarism will be subject to the
penalties as specified in the "Student Code of Conduct" in the Student Handbook.
Page 25 of 32
Appendix A – Sample Title Page
School of Professional Education and Executive Development
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
SEHS4510 Integrated Study (Applied Sciences)
submitted in partial fulfillment for the award of the
Bachelor of Science (Honours) Scheme in Applied Sciences
< The Title of Your Integrated Study>
Proposal / Progress Report / Final Report
(Delete as appropriate)
STUDENT’S FULL NAME
Student Number
Supervisor: Dr/ Mr/ Ms XXX
Number of words: XXX
Submission date: dd-mmm-yyyy (e.g., 01-Apr-2025)
Note: This title page must be submitted with the Proposal, Progress Report and Final Report.
Page 26 of 32
Appendix B – Integrated Study Report Declaration Form
INTEGRATED STUDY REPORT DECLARATION FORM
I, (student no.: ),
hereby declare the Integrated Study report, the title of which is
,
submitted on
Bachelor of Science (Honours) Scheme in Applied Sciences, is my work and that, to the best of my
knowledge and belief, it reproduces no material previously published or written, nor the work of
other students, nor generative artificial intelligence (GenAI), and nor material that has been accepted
for the award of any other degree or diploma, except where due acknowledgement has been made.
Word Count: words
Signed by:
(Signature of student)
Date:
Note: This declaration form must be submitted together with the Final Report.
Page 27 of 32
Appendix C – Supervision Log Sheet (to be filled in by students)
Student could download this log sheet in word format on my.SPEED.
Meeting Date & Duration Discussion items / Agreed tasks and action plans for the next meeting
No. Time & Venue
1
2
3
4
5
Student Name: Student Signature:
Supervisor Supervisor
Name: Signature:
Note: This supervision log sheet must be submitted together with the Final Report.
Page 28 of 32
Appendix D – Sample Marking Forms (to be filled in by IS Supervisor)
Bachelor of Science (Honours) Scheme in Applied Sciences
SEHS4510 Integrated Study (Applied Sciences) Marking Form
Proposal
(The grade and comments on the Proposal will be returned to students by the IS Supervisors)
Supervisor Name
Student Name
Student Number
Topic
Grade Comments and Justification for Grade
PROPOSAL
Clearly presented Title, Objective & Approach of the study.
Background of the study is well presented (SILO a).
Significance of the study or expected contributed clearly presented.
Free from spelling & grammatical errors. Appropriate writing style is adopted.
Information to be collected is clear and action steps are incorporated.
Layout & format are consistent with the guidelines.
The work of others is acknowledged and referenced in accordance with the
APA method.
Page 29 of 32
Bachelor of Science (Honours) Scheme in Applied Sciences
SEHS4510 Integrated Study (Applied Sciences) Marking Form
Progress Report
(The grade and comments on the Progress Report will be returned to students by the IS Supervisors)
Supervisor Name
Student Name
Student Number
Topic
Grade Comments and Justification for Grade
PROGRESS REPORT
Clearly presented Title, Objective & Significance of the study (SILO a).
Critically reviewed relevant literature and presented in organized manner
(SILO b).
Progress update is clear with detailed action plan; and adequate & quality
work is accomplished.
The student engages with Supervisor actively and professionally; and
manages the time effectively (see logbook for evidence).
Free from spelling & grammatical errors. Appropriate writing style is adopted.
Layout & format are consistent with the guidelines.
The work of others is acknowledged and referenced in accordance with the
APA method.
Progress report Turnitin similarity index: ______% (To be filled in by IS Supervisor).
Page 30 of 32
Bachelor of Science (Honours) Scheme in Applied Sciences
SEHS4510 Integrated Study (Applied Sciences) Marking Form
Final Report
(The grade and comments on the Final Report will be returned to students via the IS Supervisors after Subject Assessment Review
Panel (SARP) Meeting)
Supervisor Name
Student Name
Student Number
Topic
Grade Comments and Justification for Grade
FINAL REPORT
Abstract contains all essential information of the Study.
Introduction provides clear outline of the background and purpose of the
Study (SILO a).
Discussion in Literature Review is clear, relevant and critical (SILO b).
Thorough understanding in theories/concepts with accurate application (SILO
b).
Sensible, logical and original analyses (SILO c).
Coherence shown in findings, analyses and conclusion (SILO d).
Thorough understanding in theories/concepts with accurate application (SILO
b).
In-depth and thorough discussion, with clear & insightful implications (SILO
c).
Logical conclusion is drawn to provide valuable insights for future studies
(SILO d).
Free from spelling & grammatical errors. Appropriate writing style is adopted.
Layout & format are consistent with the guidelines.
Integrated Study Report Declaration Form is signed and attached.
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Supervisor Name
Student Name
Student Number
Topic
Grade Comments and Justification for Grade
FINAL REPORT
The student engaged with Supervisor actively and professionally, and
managed the time effectively (see logbook for evidence).
The work of others is acknowledged and referenced in accordance with the
APA method.
Final report Turnitin similarity index: ______% (To be filled in by IS Supervisor).
Page 32 of 32
