TGGS Regulation for Examination in Master of Engineering Programs (REM) (RVIE) (ver.2019)

It is deemed necessary to announce the regulation of the master degree in Railway Vehicles and Infrastructure Engineering (International Program) of The Sirindhorn International Thai-German Graduate School of Engineering 2019 (B.E. 2562) for the joint academic collaboration between King Mongkut’s University of Technology North Bangkok and Chulalongkorn University following the memorandum of understanding between The Sirindhorn International Thai-German Graduate School of Engineering (TGGS), King Mongkut’s University of Technology North Bangkok and Faculty of Engineering, Chulalongkorn University signed on 6 March 2018 (B.E. 2561) and the academic collaboration with RWTH Aachen University following the memorandum of understanding between King Mongkut’s University of Technology North Bangkok (KMUTNB) and RWTH Aachen University signed on 22 October 2004 (B.E. 2547) , 20 September 2011 (B.E. 2554) and 7 October 2015 (B.E. 2558).

By virtue of Articles 22(2) and (13) of the King Mongkut’s University of Technology North Bangkok Act 2007 (B.E. 2550) and the University Council on its 11/2019 meeting on 18 December 2019 thus established this regulation.

Item 1 This regulation is hereby entitled “the Regulation of King Mongkut’s University of Technology North Bangkok Concerning Joint-Master Degree in Railway Vehicles and Infrastructure Engineering International Program (REM-RVIE) of The Sirindhorn International Thai-German Graduate School of Engineering (TGGS) 2019″

Item 2 This regulation is applied to all new students enrolled in semester 2/2019 onwards.

Item 3 In this regulation,

“University” means King Mongkut’s University of Technology North Bangkok.

“University Council” means the Council of King Mongkut’s University of Technology North Bangkok.

“Academic Council” means the Academic Council of King Mongkut’s University of Technology North Bangkok.

“President” means the President of King Mongkut’s University of Technology North Bangkok.

“TGGS” means The Sirindhorn International Thai-German Graduate School of Engineering.

“Dean” means the Dean of The Sirindhorn International Thai-German Graduate School of Engineering.

“Curriculum” means the Joint-Master Degree Curriculum in Railway Vehicles and Infrastructure Engineering (International Program) in which the teaching and learning are conducted at The Sirindhorn International Thai-German Graduate School of Engineering, King Mongkut’s University of Technology North Bangkok; Faculty of Engineering, Chulalongkorn University; and RWTH Aachen University.

“Curriculum Chairman” means the head of responsible curriculum lecturers for the curriculum teaching and learning in Railway Vehicles and Infrastructure Engineering (International Program).

“Permanent Lecturer” means a permanent and full-time lecturer at The Sirindhorn International Thai-German Graduate School of Engineering, King Mongkut’s University of Technology North Bangkok.

“TGGS Committee” means a committee appointed to manage The Sirindhorn International Thai-German Graduate School of Engineering.

“Curriculum Management Committee” means a committee consists of representatives of program lecturers from The Sirindhorn International Thai-German Graduate School of Engineering, King Mongkut’s University of Technology North Bangkok and Faculty of Engineering, Chulalongkorn University.

“Program Coordinator” means the head of field of study at The Sirindhorn International Thai-German Graduate School of Engineering appointed by Dean with the approval from TGGS Committee of The Sirindhorn International Thai-German Graduate School of Engineering, King Mongkut’s University of Technology North Bangkok; Faculty of Engineering, Chulalongkorn University; and RWTH Aachen University.

“External Expert” means an individual outside The Sirindhorn International Thai-German Graduate School of Engineering who has a high professional standing and has been approved as qualified to give a lecture or be an examiner according to The Sirindhorn International Thai-German Graduate School of Engineering’s rules/regulations.

“Examination Committee” means a committee appointed by Dean with the approval from the Dean of The Sirindhorn International Thai-German Graduate School of Engineering.

“Student” means a student in the master degree program at The Sirindhorn International Thai-German Graduate School of Engineering, King Mongkut’s University of Technology North Bangkok.

“Master thesis” means a written document reporting on a research project aiming to develop and construct the body of knowledge in a field of study, which is supervised by the thesis advisor. The student will use several methods for managing and solving engineering and scientific problems including techniques in that field of study. The student will submit the thesis to summarize the thesis work content, deliverables and confirmed outcomes as a part of the degree requirements.

Item 4 This regulation has been drafted in Thai and English versions. In case of any discrepancies in the interpretation, the version of the regulation in Thai language shall prevail.

Item 5 This regulation is overseen by the President of King Mongkut’s University of Technology North Bangkok and the President has the authority to issue related regulations or announcements.

In case of any diagnostics or discrepancies in the interpretation, the President has the sole authority in the interpretation and the decision.

Any procedures related to joint-master degree in Railway Vehicles and Infrastructure Engineering (International Program), but remain unstated, must be proposed to the University’s Academic Council for further consideration and then the University Council for the final approval.

Item 6 Educational system

The educational system of the master degree program of the TGGS is an international program using English language as a medium of instruction.

Item 7 Educational management

The program is a two-semester system. The academic calendar consists of two regular semesters. Each regular semester is not less than 15 weeks, but not more than 18 weeks.

Item 8 Duration of Study

(1) The duration of study has a maximum of 8 semesters.

(2) The duration of study is counted from the semester in which a student once registers in the program.

Item 9 Program Structure

The program structure is the master degree curriculum with Study Plan A Type A2 that focuses on research in which a student must have the master thesis with a minimum of 12 credits for graduation, and the coursework for additional 49 credits.

Item 10 Qualification of an applicant

(1) An applicant must hold a Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent qualification by which the educational background in the field of the Master course is proven.

In the case that the field of study graduated is not according to the program, it must be approved by the Curriculum Management Committee on a case by case basis.

(2) The degree must be awarded with a minimum GPA of 2.75 from 4.00 scale or an equivalent GPA.

An individual lacking a minimum GPA of 2.75 must have the work experience in related field and may apply under the consent of the Curriculum Management Committee.

(3) An applicant must have English language proficiency according to the consent of the Curriculum Management Committee.

(4) An applicant must have other qualifications as stated in the curriculum or announced by the TGGS.

Item 11 Criteria for admission

(1) An applicant must pass entrance examinations as announced by the TGGS, or

(2) In exceptional circumstances, an applicant is selected with the consent of the Curriculum Management Committee and the TGGS Committee.

Item 12 Enrollment

(1) An applicant who accepted to study must enroll for credits in order to hold a student status.

(2) An applicant who accepted to study must enroll according the procedure announced by the TGGS.

(3) An applicant who accepted to study is not permitted to enroll in more than one program at the same time.

Item 13 Study plan

Study plan means the coursework, the industrial internship and the master thesis or the master project that a student must study or complete in each semester as assigned by the program..

Item 14 Registration

(1) Registration must follow the university academic calendar. A student who has not completed the registration process within 15 days after the beginning of the semester will no longer be considered as a student.

(2) A student is allowed to register for a minimum of 3 credits and a maximum of 15 credits in each regular semester, except a student has less than 3 credits to complete the study program or only has the thesis work to be completed.

(3) A student is allowed to register for the master thesis work with a maximum of 6 credits in the summer semester.

(4) Any registration with less than the allowed minimum credits or the allowed maximum credits as stated in (2) must receive the consent from the Curriculum Chairman and approval from the Dean.

(5) Registration for Maintain Student Status:

a. A student can register to maintain the student status in a regular semester if already pass the master thesis defense examination and submit the complete master thesis manuscript.

b. A student can register to maintain the student status in the summer semester if only has the thesis work to be completed for the last semester in order to fulfill the graduation requirement.

(6) Registration for Audit Course

a. Registration for Audit Course means that the audit course is a special and/or additional course which will not be counted toward the graduation requirement for the study program.

b. The course evaluation results will be recorded as “Pass” on the transcript if the student’s attendance is more than 80% of the entire lecture time.

c. The course evaluation results from the courses that are not listed in the curriculum will be recorded as “Pass” on the transcript if the student passes the examination.

(7) Maintaining student status

a. A student who has completed his/her course requirements and is working on other degree requirements that do not require enrollment in courses must register with zero credit and pay the tuition fee, the registration fee and other fees according to the university announcement every semester until graduation.

b. To retain a student status, a student must complete the registration process and pay the maintain student status fee and other fees within 15 days after the semester begins. Failure to comply with this regulation will result in termination of student status.

Item 15 Add or Withdraw Courses

(1) Add courses can be accomplished within 3 weeks after the semester begins or within the first week of the summer semester.

(2) Withdraw courses can be accomplished within 12 weeks after the semester begins or within the first two weeks of the summer semester.

(3) Add and withdraw courses stated in (1) and (2) must not violate the registration regulations and procedures stated in Item 14 (2) to (5).

(4) Any add and withdraw courses not according to Item 15 (1), (2) and (3) must receive the consent from the Curriculum Chairman and approval from the Dean.

Item 16 Leave of absence

A leave of absence is a temporary interruption of one’s studies for a period of one or more semesters. A student wishing to make a leave of absence needs to maintain the student status and must be qualified according to the following criteria:

(1) A student may personally request for absence from the advisor and the Curriculum Chairman and receive the approval from the Dean within the period specified for withdraw courses in the university announcement. It can be requested under the following conditions:

a. A leave of absence for military service for the duration of military service obligation will be granted according to the conditions and the requirements of the military.

b. A leave of absence due to study or conduct the research abroad with exchange scholarship or other scholarship which can be beneficial to the program and with the support from the university will be granted according to the conditions and the requirements of the scholarship funding agencies.

c. Illness with absence for more than 20 percent of class attendance; a medical certificate is required.

d. Other personal reasons can be considered if a student has studied for at least one semester.

(2) For the leave of absence due to the illness or personal reasons, a student must submit the request for leave of absence and each time will be granted for no longer than two consecutive semesters. If necessary, only one more semester of leave is granted with the submission of another request.

(3) When the leave of absence is granted, the duration of absence is counted as part of the study duration except absence in item (1)a.

(4) During the period of approved leave of absence, a student must retain student status by paying the fees according to the university’s regulations within 15 days after the semester begins. The student must retain status when the leave is granted. Failure to comply with this regulation will result in termination of student status, except the absence in Item (1)a.

(5) A student who received the approved leave of absence can resume studies by submitting the request to the Curriculum Chairman and with approval by the Dean at least one week prior the registration period begins.

(6) Special circumstances other than (1)-(5) shall be subjected to the consideration of the President.

Item 17 Termination of student status

A student status is terminated according to the following reasons:

(1) Death

(2) Approved resignation from the program

(3) Disqualifications for admission mentioned in Item 10

(4) As approved by the Dean, a student status can be terminated under any of the following reasons:

a. A student does not complete the program within the maximum period mentioned in Item 8.

b. A student does not register or does not pay the tuition fees within the deadlines.

c. A student does not follow the conditions specified for leave of absence.

d. A student does not follow the rules and guidelines mentioned in Section 8 Measurement and Evaluation, Section 7.

(5) Breach of discipline mentioned in Item 38.

TGGS must announce the list of students who are terminated according to the reasons stated in (3) – (5) and inform those students.

Item 18 Reinstatement of student status

(1) A student who is terminated from reasons stated in Item 17(4)b can resume a student status within 15 days after being terminated, however it must be done within that respective semester.

(2) Reinstatement of student status must be approved by the Dean with the consent of the Curriculum Chairman.

(3) A student must pay the reinstatement fee, the maintenance fee and the tuition fees according to the university’s regulations in order to resume studies.

(4) Once reinstatement of student status is approved, a student officially regains status and resumes studies. However, the duration of study must be according to Item 8.

Item 19 Resignation

A student requesting a resignation from the program must submit the request to the Dean through the Program Coordinator or the main advisor and the Curriculum Chairman. The resignation becomes effective with the Dean’s approval.

Item 20 Change of minor

(1) A student may request to change the minor within the period for add, change section and withdraw of course stated in the university academic calendar with the consent of Curriculum Chairman and the approval from the Dean.

(2) A student must pay the fee according to the university announcement to change the minor.

Item 21 Faculty members in the master degree program

(1) A program lecturer must hold a minimum of doctoral degree or equivalent and must have papers (publications) that are not part of the education to earn a degree. The papers must be published in the recognized database announced by the Commission of Higher Education for Appointment of Academic Title. The program lecturer must have at least 3 papers in the past 5 years and with that at least one research paper.

(2) At least 3 program lecturers appointed to be responsible curriculum lecturers and they must hold a minimum of doctoral degree or equivalent and must have papers (publications) that are not part of the education to earn a degree. The papers must be published in the recognized database announced by the Commission of Higher Education for Appointment of Academic Title. The responsible curriculum lecturer must have at least 3 papers in the past 5 years and with that at least one research paper.

Responsible Curriculum Lecturer is selected from the program lecturer and appointed by TGGS Committee. It is not permitted to be a responsible curriculum lecturer for more than one curriculum at the same, except it is the multidisciplinary or interdisciplinary curriculum that he/she can be a responsible curriculum lecturer for one more curriculum. Responsible curriculum lecturers for one curriculum can be the same at most two responsible curriculum lecturers. Same responsible curriculum lecturers are permitted for the master degree curriculum and the doctoral degree curriculum the same discipline.

In the case that the program does not have at least 3 responsible curriculum lecturers or the program has less than 10 students, TGGS can request for a special consideration and approval for the current number of responsible curriculum lecturers and their the qualifications to the university council and the Commission of Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation to consider on the case by case basis.

(3) Master thesis advisor is classified into 2 categories as follows:

a. A master thesis main advisor must be a program lecturer who holds a doctoral degree or equivalent and must have papers (publications) that are not part of the education to earn a degree. The papers must be published in the recognized database announced by the Commission of Higher Education for Appointment of Academic Title. The thesis main advisor must have at least 3 papers in the past 5 years and with that at least one research paper.

b. A master thesis co-advisor (if any) must have the qualifications as follows:

A master thesis co-advisor must be a permanent lecturer with the same qualifications as the master thesis main advisor.

For an external expert as the master thesis co-advisor, he/she must hold a doctoral degree or equivalent and must have papers (publications) published in journals which are in the nationally recognized database. The external expert must have at least 10 papers related to the master thesis topic.

In the case that an external expert does not have number of papers according to the requirement, he/she must specialize in the field of research and have experience in conducting research with recognition. The program can request for a special consideration and approval to the university council and then inform the Commission of Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation.

(4) A master thesis examination committee consists of a program lecturer and an external expert for at least 3 members. However, the chairman cannot be a master thesis advisor or co-advisor. The master thesis examination committee member must have the following qualifications:

a. A program lecturer as the examination committee member must hold a doctoral degree or equivalent and must have papers (publications) that are not part of the education to earn a degree. The papers must be published in the recognized database announced by the Commission of Higher Education for Appointment of Academic Title. The program lecturer must have at least 3 papers in the past 5 years and with that at least one research paper.

b. For an external expert as the examination committee member, he/she must hold a doctoral degree or equivalent and must have papers (publications) published in journals which are in the nationally recognized database. An external expert must have at least 10 papers related to the master thesis topic.

The master thesis examination committee member and the master project examination committee member must have the following qualifications:

a. A program lecturer as the examination committee member must hold a doctoral degree or equivalent and must have papers (publications) that are not part of the education to earn a degree. The papers must be published in the recognized database announced by the Commission of Higher Education for Appointment of Academic Title. The program lecturer must have at least 3 papers in the past 5 years and with that at least one research paper.

b. For an external expert as the examination committee member, he/she must hold a doctoral degree or equivalent and must have papers (publications) published in journals which are in the nationally or internationally recognized database. An external expert must have at least 10 papers related to the master thesis/master project topic.

In the case that an external expert does not have number of papers according to the requirement, he/she must specialize in the field of research and have experience in conducting research with recognition. The program can request for a special consideration and approval to the university council and then inform the Commission of Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation.

(5) A course instructor must be a permanent lecturer or external lecturer who holds a doctoral degree or equivalent in the study program or related study program or in the study program which the course being taught. The course instructor must have experience in teaching and papers (publications) that are not part of the education to earn a degree. The papers must be published in the recognized database announced by the Commission of Higher Education for Appointment of Academic Title. The course instructor must have at least 1 paper in the past 5 years.

However, the external lecturer can give the lecture no more than 50% of the course content together with the permanent program lecturer responsible for that course.

Item 22 Workload of Faculty Members in Master Degree Program

(1) One program lecturer can advise and supervise the thesis of master and doctoral students according to the following regulations:

a. A program lecturer with a doctoral degree or equivalent and have publications according to the regulation allows to be a thesis advisor up to 5 master and doctoral students each semester.

b. A program lecturer with a doctoral degree or equivalent and the academic title of assistant professor or higher and have publications according to the regulation allows to be a thesis advisor up to 10 master and doctoral students each semester.

c. In the case that a program lecturer with a doctoral degree or equivalent and the academic title of professor is needed to supervise more than 10 master and doctoral students, the program lecturer can request for a special consideration and approval to the university council to be a thesis advisor up to 15 master and doctoral students each semester. For more than 15 master and doctoral students each semester, the program lecturer must request for a special consideration and approval to the university council and the consent from the Commission of Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation.

(2) A responsible curriculum lecturer has the following responsibilities:

a. obligate with curriculum management and development and teaching from planning, quality control, monitoring and evaluating the results, and curriculum development.

b. remain at the program during the duration of the study

c. must be a master thesis and/or a master thesis examination committee member and/or a course instructor in the study program as well.

The revision on responsible curriculum lecturers must receive the consent from the curriculum management committee and approval from the TGGS Committee and inform the university council.

(3) A master thesis main advisor has the following responsibilities:

a. Provide the consulting on the preparation of a thesis for the student and ensure that the student would present the thesis topic during the master thesis proposal examination within the specified time.

b. Responsible for and supervising the student on the master thesis in accordance with the topic of the thesis that has passed the exam and approved by the TGGS Committee.

c. Advise and mentor the student on theoretical content, concepts and research methodology including solving problems that may arise.

d. Provide advice and counsel to the student on thesis writing and use of language.

e. Follow up the research work to be in accordance with the plan and be responsible for evaluating the results of the thesis. The progress of the student’s thesis must also be reported to the Curriculum Management Committee every semester until the thesis is complete.

f. Consider and approve on the student’s request for the master thesis examinations.

g. Be a master thesis examination committee member and attend the examination.

h. Provide guidance and advice on the publication of the master thesis to comply with this regulation and in accordance with the criteria set by the University Academic Policy Committee.

(4) A master thesis co-advisor has the following responsibilities:

a. Co-responsible for and supervising the student on the master thesis in accordance with the topic of the thesis that has passed the exam and approved by the TGGS Committee.

b. Participate in giving advice and mentoring the student on theoretical content, concepts and research methodology including solving problems that may arise.

c. Participate in giving advice and counselling to the student on thesis writing and use of language.

d. Jointly follow up the research work to be in accordance with the plan and be responsible for evaluating the results of the thesis. The progress of the student’s thesis must also be reported to the Curriculum Management Committee every semester until the thesis is complete.

e. Be a master thesis examination committee member and attend the examination.

Item 23 AAppointment of a master thesis and a master thesis examination committee member

Appointment of a master thesis and a master thesis examination committee member will be nominated by the Curriculum Management Committee with the consent of the TGGS committee.

Item 24 Scope and Format of Examination for the Master Degree

(1) Examination process includes the followings:

a. Examination by course subjects

b. Industrial internship for 18 weeks or more

c. Master Thesis as stated in Section 6

The examination must be taken on the examination date specified in the respective semester according to the university academic calendar.

(2) The examinations in program specific subjects consist of either a written test or an oral examination in the subjects or courses indicated in the master program (curriculum).

(3) The topics of the examinations are determined by the contents of the courses assigned to the subjects.

(4) Two formats of the examination are a written examination as stated in Item 27 and an oral examination as stated in Item 28 which informed in each subject at the beginning of the registration period (Item 14) and announced during the lectures by the course instructor.

Item 25 Admission to the examination process for the Master Degree

Only persons can be admitted to master examinations who are enrolled in the program.

Item 26 Admission to the examination procedure for the Master Degree

(1) Chairman of examination committee can approve the admission to the Master examinations.

(2) Admission will be refused if:

a. the qualifications listed in Item 25 are not fulfilled, or

b. the required documents are not completed.

Item 27 Written Examinations

(1) In the test papers, the examinee has to prove that he/she is able to understand a problem posed and find a way to solve it, using the common methods of the subject, within a time limit and with limited auxiliary material.

(2) The examinee must be given the opportunity to inspect the marked test paper within, at the most, four weeks after the test results are published.

(3) The time limit for completing written test papers is not less than 1.5 hours but no more than 3 hours according to the nature of that course either the lecture or laboratory with 3 hours per week.

Item 28 Oral Examinations

(1) In the oral examinations, the examinee has to prove that he/she sees the larger context of the tested subject and that he/she is able to deal with specific problems within this larger technical context. Additionally, the oral examinations are intended to find out whether the examinee has a broad basic knowledge.

(2) Oral examinations are held in the presence of at least one examiner and one competent assistant in the form of an examination of a group or an individual.

a. In group examinations, a maximum of four examinees can be questioned at the same time.

b. In an individual examination, an examinee is questioned by the examiner.

(3) Prior approving the exam results, the examiner must consider the evaluation from other examiners or the assistant.

(4) The essential topics, questions, and results of the examination in the individual subjects must be written down/recorded in examination notes.

(5) The examination notes consist of questions, answers, and other essential topics during the examination.

(6) The duration of an oral examination is generally 20-30 minutes per examinee.

Item 29 The process of master thesis preparation and examination are as follows:

(1) Appointment of Master Thesis Advisory Committee

(2) Master Thesis Evaluation

a. Master Thesis Proposal Examination

b. Master Thesis Defense Examination

Item 30 Appointment and Change of Master Thesis Main Advisor

A student must have two main advisors, one from each university. The co-advisor is optional.

The student can submit a request form to change master thesis main advisors, if there is a reason and necessity, with the consent of both the current and proposed advisor. The student has to ensure that the new advisor will undertake their work before getting approval. The student requesting the change of master thesis main advisors must submit the request to the Dean through the Curriculum Chairman and must be approved by the TGGS committee.

Item 31 Master Thesis Proposal Examination. The purpose of this examination is to evaluate students’ knowledge and understanding of the content. It assesses the organizational, research methodology, methods and techniques, and conceptual skills of the students necessary to solve problems in the research. The procedure is as follows:

(1) Request Submission and Approval

a. A student could submit the request form for the Master Thesis Proposal Examination to the TGGS through the main advisor and the Curriculum Chairman. The submission process conforms to the announcement of TGGS.

b. A student who wishes to change the topic after the initial one has been approved must submit a request for Thesis Proposal Examination and the thesis starting time would be counted from the new date of approval for the thesis title as well as the time to submit the request form for the Mater Thesis Defense Examination.

c. A student must receive the approval for the thesis topic within two academic years starting the first semester that enrolled. Failure to comply with this regulation will result in termination of student status. The student can submit a special request form to the TGGS Committee, if there is a reason and necessity, for the extension of one more semester.

(2) Appointment of Master Thesis Proposal Examination Committee

The main thesis advisor will nominate the committee members to the Dean for further official appointment. The Master Thesis Proposal Examination Committee comprises of the following members:

a. Chairman with the qualification as stated in Item 21 (4)

b. Main advisor as a member

c. External expert outside the university with the qualification as stated in Item 21 (4)

Up to 2 names with the qualification as stated in Item 21 may be nominated as committee member(s).

(3) Master Thesis Proposal Examination Procedure and Report of Examination Results

a. A student must submit the request form for Master Thesis Proposal Examination to TGGS through the main advisor and Curriculum Chairman.

b. After the examination, the advisor will report the result to the TGGS through the Curriculum Chairman and announce the result within one week from the examination date.

The student who fails the first proposal examination must submit a request form for retaking of the Master Thesis Proposal Examination within the duration specified by the Master Thesis Proposal Examination Committee.

(4) The process and procedure of the Master Thesis Proposal Examination will comply with TGGS rules and announcements.

Item 32 Master Thesis Defense Examination:

The thesis defense examination is an opportunity for students to demonstrate the knowledge of their research area and overall process undertaken. The committee will evaluate the student’s performance and overall understanding of their academic knowledge to graduate.

(1) Submission of Request Form for Master Thesis Defense Examination must meet the following criteria:

a. Prior the defense examination, a student must submit the request form for Master Thesis Defense Examination to the TGGS through the main advisor and the Curriculum Chairman after the master thesis topic has been approved no less than 60 days.

b. A student must complete all courses as specified in the program, except the industrial internship.

c. A student must submit the proof of evidence that the publication on the entire or part(s) of the master thesis been submitted to the publisher according to the TGGS Regulation and Announcement.

d. Pass English Proficiency Examination with score according to the TGGS Regulation and Announcement

e. Pass on other qualifications as specified by TGGS Committee

(2) Appointment of Master Thesis Defense Examination Committee

The main thesis advisor will nominate the committee members to the Dean for further official appointment. The Master Thesis Defense Examination Committee comprises of the following members:

a. Chairman with the qualification as stated in Item 21 (4) who should not be the main advisor or a co-advisor.

b. Main advisor as a member.

c. External expert outside the university as member with the qualification as stated in Item 22 (4).

Additional 1-2 names with the qualification as stated in Item 21 may be nominated as committee member(s) but should not be a co-advisor.

The student can submit a request form to change master thesis defense examination committee, if there is a reason and necessity, to the Curriculum Chairman and must be approved by the TGGS committee.

(3) Master Thesis Defense Examination Procedure and Report of Examination Results

a. A student must submit the request form for the Master Thesis Defense Examination to TGGS through the main advisor and the curriculum chairman.

b. After the examination, the advisor will report the result to the TGGS through the Curriculum Chairman and announce the result within one week from the examination date.

The student who fails the first defense examination must submit a request form for retaking of the Master Thesis Defense Examination within the duration specified by the Master Thesis Defense Examination Committee.

(4) The process and procedure of the Master Thesis Defense Examination will comply with TGGS rules and announcements.

Item 33 Master Thesis Format

1. The master thesis must be written in English.

2. The manuscript format will be according to the TGGS Announcement.

Item 34 Grading system used for educational evaluation based on defined accomplishment at the end of each semester is presented as follows

Item 35 Cumulative Credits and Grade Point Average (GPA) Calculations

(1) Cumulative credits and GPA must be calculated at the end of each semester.

(2) Cumulative credits are registered coursework credits which earns the score according to Item 34.

(3) Two categories of GPA: Semester GPA and Cumulative GPA in which can be calculated as follows:

a. Semester GPA is calculated from the academic performance of the student in the respective semester by summing the product of credits and grade score for each course, then dividing by total of credits in the respective semester.

b. Cumulative GPA is calculated from the academic performance of the student in the first semester to the latest one by summing the product of credits and grade score for each course, then dividing by total of credits.

Item 36Transfer of Credits

(1) Credits of the graduate course can be transferred with the consent of the Curriculum Management Committee and the Dean only for the course with the grade of at least 3.0. The eligible course to be transferred must be taken when he/she was the student at the university or another university. The undergraduate courses taken at Chulalongkorn University or King Mongkut’s University of Technology North Bangkok can be transferred to the graduate master degree study, however, those courses must be addition to courses listed in the study plan of the undergraduate curriculum.

(2) The eligible course to be transferred as stated in (1) must be no more than 5 academic years from the year that the course registered.

(3) Total of credits to be transferred cannot exceed 1/3 of all courses except thesis in the study program that the student enrolled at TGGS. And in the event that the number of credits is divided into no match, round off the decimal point unless in any of the following cases, the following shall be done without an unlimited number of credits.

(4) The transferred course and its credits will be recorded with the course name, number of credits and the grade on the transcript without calculating toward the GPA. The name of university, besides KMUTNB, will be recorded on the transcript as well.

Item 37Student Status and Repetition

(1) A student who has the Cumulative GPA less than 2.50 will be automatically retired from the study program.

(2) A student who has the Cumulative GPA of at least 2.50 but still lower than 3.00 will be on the “probation” status.

(3) A student who has completed the coursework according to the study program and received the Cumulative GPA of at least 2.50 but still lower than 3.00 can register for additional course(s) that have not been previously taken with the consent of an advisor and the Curriculum Chairman to achieve the Cumulative GPA of at least 3.00 within the next semester. Otherwise, the student will be automatically retired from the study program.

(4) A student is not allowed to register for the course(s) that have been previously taken, except for the repetition according to Item 37 (3).

(5) A student who fails the Master Thesis Defense Examination twice will be automatically retired from the study program.

(6) A student who fails to take the Master Thesis Proposal Examination within the specified time as stated in Item 31 will be automatically retired from the study program.

Item 38 Penalty for academic dishonesty (cheating) on course examinations and plagiarism on other theses or publications.

(1) In the case that the incidents have been found or have reasonable doubts to believe that the student has been cheating on the course examination, the dean will form the investigation committee and the outcomes of this investigation will be report to TGGS Committee for consideration. If the student is found guilty, the student will get one of following penalties:

a. Fail that examination that the student has cheated.

b. Fail that course that the student has cheated and the student will be ordered to take a leave of absence in the next regular semester for at least one semester.

c. Fail that course that the student has cheated including not to consider all courses in that respective semester and the student will be ordered to take the leave of absence in the next regular semester for at least one semester.

d. Terminate the student status

(2) In the case that the incidents have been found or have reasonable doubts to believe that the student has been plagiarized on other thesis or publications or have someone write the thesis or publication, the dean will form the investigation committee and the outcomes of this investigation will be report to TGGS committee for consideration. If the student is found guilty, the TGGS Committee will proceed the followings:

a. If the student is not completed with the study, the committee will consider not to approve or to withdraw the thesis and the student will get one of following penalties:

1. The student will be ordered to take a leave of absence for a maximum of one academic year.

2. The student status will be terminated.

b. If the degree is already granted, the committee will report to the university council for degree revocation.

Item 39 Master Thesis Submission

A student is required to submit two (2) copies of the manuscript with signatures of all committee members including two (2) sets of the manuscript and abstract in an electronic version to the TGGS within the period specified by the KMUTNB Academic Calendar for the Dean approval.

Failure to comply as stated in Paragraph 1, the student will not be able to graduate.

Item 40 Measurement of Master thesis is considered from progress and success of research work assign in each semester together with outcomes of the proposal and defense examinations.

Item 41 Grading system used for educational evaluation based on defined accomplishment is presented as follows:

Item 42 Evaluation of Master Thesis Progress Examination

(1) “Pass” refers that the student has outstanding knowledge to conduct the research in their academic area together with the ability to analyze and apply their knowledge in a wider context. The student is allowed to propose the thesis topic and the student is expected to answer questions in the manner indicates his/her comprehensive knowledge in the field of research.

(2) (2) “Fail” refers that the student does not have sufficient knowledge and competence in research work. His/her abilities do not meet minimum requirements. Therefore, the student is not allowed to submit a request for the examinations. It means that the student does not have sufficient understanding of the research he/she has studied so the student has to prepare more to retake the exam and make an effective presentation.

Item 43 Evaluation of Master Thesis Defense Examination must include the result and record on the student’s transcript when he/she graduates.

Item 44 The master thesis approved by the Dean is considered to be official and complete master thesis.

Item 45 A student who is eligible to graduate must complete the following requirements.

(1) Pass the Master Thesis Defense Examination

(2) Submit the complete master thesis to the TGGS within the period specified in Item 39 and the Dean has approved.

(3) Complete the coursework according to the study program with a minimum GPA of 3.00

(4) Pass English Proficiency Examination with score according to the TGGS Regulation and Announcement

(5) Publish (or acceptance to be publish) the entire or part(s) of the master thesis in the international conference proceeding (paper) with full paper or an international academic journal or other accepted academic publications. The publication must be written in English and according to the TGGS Regulation and Announcement.

Item 46The degree will be approved by the university council. To be eligible for a degree, a student must fulfill the following qualifications:

(1) The student must meet requirements as stated in Item 45.

(2) The student must be cleared of any outstanding academic debts in relation to his/her studies to the university.

(3) The student must be free from any disciplinary actions imposed upon his/her out of disciplinary punishment, except in the case of petty offences according to the university disciplinary regulation.

(4) The student must follow the TGGS regulations and procedure.

Item 47 The Master degree program must have a quality assurance system according to the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation’s Announcement. The assessment for revision must be conducted at least every 5 years.