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Module Specifications.

Current Academic Year 2024 - 2025

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Date posted: September 2024

Module Title Interdisciplinary Science
Module Code CS150 (ITS) / CHM1007 (Banner)
Faculty Science & Health School Chemical Sciences
Module Co-ordinatorEmma Coyle
Module TeachersDavid Collins, Loanda Cumba
NFQ level 6 Credit Rating 5
Pre-requisite Not Available
Co-requisite Not Available
Compatibles Not Available
Incompatibles Not Available
Coursework Only
Array
Description

This module highlights the interdisciplinary nature of science and the inter-dependence of all areas of science and mathematics through a series of problems set in the wider context of science. Students tackle the problems within groups or individually and present their solution in varied formats including presentation, poster, scientific article, etc. Specific problems assigned vary each year but they address topical issues, as well as ethical and communication issues. Students will complete an online challenge-based learning activity, working in multidisciplinary teams to propose a solution to a scientific challenge.

Learning Outcomes

1. Demonstrate awareness of one's communication abilities, including areas for development (communicative competence).
2. Demonstrate appropriate listening skills to enhance communication (communicative competence).
3. Demonstrate the effective use of digital technology for communication (communicative competence).
4. Recognise and value the strengths that each individual brings to a team (teamwork and collaboration).
5. Effectively engage with challenges that may emerge within a team (teamwork and collaboration).
6. Critically evaluate the reliability, relevance, and accuracy of online information, mindful of misinformation and disinformation (digital literacy).
7. Produce and disseminate digital outputs in different formats, showing an awareness of authorship responsibilities (digital literacy)
8. Act responsibly when using digital technologies, with due regard for oneself and others (digital literacy).



Workload Full-time hours per semester
Type Hours Description
Directed learning18Students will be provided with recommended reading and multimedia resources (through Loop page)
Workshop12Online synchronous workshops focusing on skills development
Assignment Completion20Students complete assignments on scientific/ societal topics, demonstrating use of the skills developed in workshops
Seminars4Online seminars from Careers Service and Student Support and Development
Group work14Teams work on research and preparation of arguments for debate and online challenge
Debate10Students prepare arguments for a group debate - teams are allocated a stance to argue
Assessment Feedback3Self- and peer-assessment of assignments in eportfolios prepared after workshops
Portfolio Preparation10Students reflect on experiences following seminars from Careers Service and Student Support and Development
Workshop10Online challenge based learning activities - seminars and mentoring sessions, group work to prepare Solution to Challenge
Assignment Completion24Preparation of presentation and poster (or report) on Solution to Challenge
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

Introduction to module and module aims

Workshop on group working skills and problem-solving skills

Debate on topics of ethical consideration, e.g. ethics of artificial intelligence, availability of vaccines

Online challenge-based learning activity on topical issue e.g. energy, climate change, production of vaccines

Output from each problem will vary such as presentation, poster presentation, written report, scientific paper, etc.

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment100% Examination Weight0%
Course Work Breakdown
TypeDescription% of totalAssessment Date
PortfolioStudents participate in a series of workshops to develop their teamwork, internet search competence, and introduce reflective practice. Students will prepare group and individual assignments building on the skills from the workshops, and submit these as part of an eportfolio30%As required
Group presentationGroup debate on topic of ethical consideration20%As required
Reflective journalStudents will participate in seminars about career development and well-being, and hone their skill in reflective practice by preparing personal reflections on career aspirations and resilience (for example)15%Every Week
ParticipationStudents will participate in an online challenge-based learning activity to identify a key challenge and propose a scientific solution5%n/a
Group presentationAt the end of the challenge-based learning activity, teams will present their proposed Solution to Challenge to a team of industry judges15%n/a
Group assignmentFollowing the challenge-based learning activity, teams will prepare a poster (or report) on their proposed Solution to Challenge15%n/a
Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories:
Resit category 1: A resit is available for both* components of the module.
Resit category 2: No resit is available for a 100% continuous assessment module.
Resit category 3: No resit is available for the continuous assessment component where there is a continuous assessment and examination element.
* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a Continuous Assessment/Examination split; where the module is 100% continuous assessment, there will also be a resit of the assessment
This module is category 1
Indicative Reading List

    Other Resources

    None

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