Auditing of Assessment in the Horticultural Degree Programme at University College Dublin

The degree programme in Horticulture, Landscape and Sports Turf Management at University College Dublin (UCD) Ireland, was selected by the UCD School of Biology and Environmental Science for inclusion in an assessment project by the Teaching and Learning Committee of the College of Life Sciences. Using an assessment audit tool developed by the Centre for Bioscience at the UK Higher Education Academy, horticulture staff assessed the degree programme under five categories based on: learning aims; teaching methods; marking criteria; formative and summative assessment. Results of the audit showed that learning aims were explicit for the degree programme and were reflected in assessment methods used in the programme. Marking criteria were explicit for problem based learning modules but less so for other modules. Assessment overload was identified as an issue that is poorly addressed and requires attention, as does the evaluation of assessment at programme level. Following on from the outcome of this assessment an audit plan was developed.