Academic integrity and referencing
University guidelines and training about how to prevent academic misconduct is available online.
Introduction
Academic Integrity and Referencing (PDF , 511kb)
There are many ways of plagiarising the work of others. Some examples are given below:
- Copying chunks of text without using quotation marks and without appropriate acknowledgement; for example, cutting-and-pasting text from website encyclopaedia or online research papers, or copying papers written by students who took the same course in previous years.
- Copying text and making very minor changes, and without appropriate acknowledgement. This is an example of unacceptable paraphrasing.
- Copying a picture or photo from the Internet, without appropriate acknowledgement. If you use images protected by copyright, you must also obtain permission from the copyright owner. See your library for guidance.
- Copying the melody of a song in a songwriting assignment, without acknowledgement or permission from the copyright owner (if appropriate).
- Using another person's numerical spreadsheet, without appropriate acknowledgement.
- Duplicating your own work, for example by submitting almost exactly the same work for two different assignments.
- In computer programming by using code developed by another person without acknowledging him or her as the person who developed it.
Harvard referencing system
The Department of Sociology uses the Harvard referencing system to reference quotes, journals, articles and books when presenting written work for assessment.
If you have not used this referencing system it is important that you read this booklet.