Module: Interdisciplinary Science

Module Specifications..

Current Academic Year 2023 - 2024

Please note that this information is subject to change.

Module Title	Interdisciplinary Science
Module Code	CS150
School	School of Chemical Sciences
Module Co-ordinator	Semester 1: Emma Coyle Semester 2: Emma Coyle Autumn: Emma Coyle
Module Teachers	Emma Coyle David Collins Loanda Cumba
NFQ level	6	Credit Rating	5
Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

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 a week-long online challenge-based learning activity, working in multidisciplinary teams to propose a solution to a scientific challenge.

Learning Outcomes

1. Search the scientific literature systematically to find relevant and reliable information
2. Demonstrate competence in data presentation and analysis as a tool to support a scientific argument
3. Build an evidence-based argument, supported by scientific data, on interdisciplinary topics, e.g. brewing and entrepreneurship, or ethics of artificial intelligence
4. Compile and present an oral presentation, as part of a team challenge
5. Prepare and submit a written report (or poster), as part of a team challenge
6. Reflect on experiences from both professional and personal development perspective. Students will develop their ability to learn from experiences, by considering what happened, how they responded, what they learned, how they intend to react if a similar situation arises again, and to identify actions that they will take.

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full-time hours per semester
Directed learning	18	Students will be provided with recommended reading and multimedia resources (through Loop page)
Workshop	12	Online synchronous workshops focusing on skills development
Assignment Completion	20	Students complete assignments on scientific/ societal topics, demonstrating use of the skills developed in workshops
Seminars	4	Online seminars from Careers Service and Student Support and Development
Group work	14	Teams work on research and preparation of arguments for debate and online challenge
Debate	10	Students prepare arguments for a group debate - teams are allocated a stance to argue
Assessment Feedback	3	Self- and peer-assessment of assignments in eportfolios prepared after workshops
Portfolio Preparation	10	Students reflect on experiences following seminars from Careers Service and Student Support and Development
Workshop	10	Online challenge based learning activities - seminars and mentoring sessions, group work to prepare Solution to Challenge
Assignment Completion	24	Preparation 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

Series of assigned problems that are multidisciplinary involving physics, chemistry, biology and mathematics.

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 Assessment	100%	Examination Weight	0%

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Course Work Breakdown
Portfolio	Students participate in a series of workshops to develop their teamwork, internet search competence, MS Office and Excel skills, 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 eportfolio	30%	As required
Group presentation	Group debate on topic of ethical consideration	20%	As required
Reflective journal	Students 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
Participation	Students will participate in an online challenge-based learning activity, featuring seminars from industrial contributors and mentoring sessions	5%	n/a
Group presentation	At the end of the challenge-based learning activity, teams will present their proposed Solution to Challenge to a team of industry judges	15%	n/a
Group assignment	Following the challenge-based learning activity, teams will prepare a poster (or report) on their proposed Solution to Challenge	15%	n/a

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; 1 = A resit is available for all components of the module 2 = No resit is available for 100% continuous assessment module 3 = No resit is available for the continuous assessment component
This module is category 1

Indicative Reading List

Other Resources

None

Programme or List of Programmes

AC	BSc in Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sc.
AS	BSc in Analytical Science
CGE	Chemical Sciences General Entry
EST	BSc in Environmental Science & Tech
GCB	BSc in Genetics & Cell Biology

Date of Last Revision

19-APR-07

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