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Module Specifications.

Current Academic Year 2024 - 2025

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Date posted: September 2024

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Module Title
Module Code (ITS)
Faculty School
Module Co-ordinatorSemester 1: Alex Eustace
Semester 2: Alex Eustace
Autumn: Alex Eustace
Module TeachersAlex Eustace
NFQ level 8 Credit Rating
Pre-requisite Not Available
Co-requisite Not Available
Compatibles Not Available
Incompatibles Not Available
Coursework Only
Description

In this module, teams of students propose and investigate a solution to a challenge of scientific, medical, economic or other significance in the broad area of the manufacture of biological products. After a preliminary phase in which each team defines a challenge they will address, they will work together to identify a solution to this challenge. The module will proceed in three separate phases over a 12 week period. The first four weeks will involve blended delivery of relevant content. This will be followed by a challenge-definition hackathon during which students will identify an area within which they will solve a challenge. Students will then undertake a five-week investigation culminating in an oral and written presentation.

Learning Outcomes

1. Demonstrate an ability to work effectively as part of a team, including an ability to listen attentively, to respect differing opinions and to show leadership when required.
2. Demonstrate an ability to conduct research using digital tools
3. Demonstrate an ability to synthesize research into a coherent whole
4. Demonstrate an ability to approach problems and challenges from a multidisciplinary perspective
5. Show how their understanding and knowledge of biology, bioprocess engineering and data analysis have contributed to their proposed solution to the challenge in question
6. Show their contribution to the proposed solution and the presentation of that solution to peers
7. Demonstrate an ability to reflect on their learning
8. Through understanding of module content, students will be able to identify and understand real world challenges faced by industrial partners.
9. By engaging in a Hackathon students will be able to identify novel solutions to real world challenges
10. The student will be able to present a 5-minute pitch and produce an e-portfolio which allows them to critically evaluate their solution to the global challenge
11. The student will complete Loop Reflections which will enhance their ability to critically analyse the creative process



Workload Full-time hours per semester
Type Hours Description
Group work3TEU provide background to online tools used to support the project.
Independent Study8Engagement with online content
Lecture4Lectures related to online content
Workshop3Engagement Phase: Team meets and chooses a shortlist of possible challenges. Final challenge is selected and discussed with mentors.
Assessment Feedback18Investigate Phase: Individual members of team conduct research to close knowledge gaps.
Class Presentation3Act Phase: Team presents solution to chosen challenge
Assignment Completion3Completion of eportfolio including reflection
Independent Study83Independent learning and study
Total Workload: 125

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Online Resources 1
Production of Vaccines

Online Resources 2
Sustainability in bioprocessing

Online Resources 3
Mammalian Cell Culture

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment% Examination Weight%
Course Work Breakdown
TypeDescription% of totalAssessment Date
Completion of online activityWatch content online and answer relevant questions in a short quiz10%n/a
Loop QuizAssessment of Content weeks 1-510%n/a
Group project Challenge Definition Hackathon to identify challenge to be investigated20%n/a
Group project Peer assessment of individual contribution towards the project goals.10%n/a
Group assignmentTeam presentation (in a format of the team's choosing) of solution to the challenge in question20%n/a
AssignmentTeam Eportfolio summarizing bioprocessing and other knowledge relevant to the challenge and its solution30%n/a
Indicative Reading List

    Other Resources

    None

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