Module: Digital Skills & Life Skills

Module Specifications.

Current Academic Year 2024 - 2025

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Date posted: September 2024

Module Title	Digital Skills & Life Skills
Module Code	PS154 (ITS) / PHY1029 (Banner)
Faculty	Science & Health	School	Physical Sciences
Module Co-ordinator	Stephen Power
Module Teachers	Eilish McLoughlin, Jennifer Gaughran, Karsten Fleischer, Paul Van Kampen, Raymond Murphy, Robert O'Connor
NFQ level	6	Credit Rating	5
Pre-requisite	Not Available
Co-requisite	Not Available
Compatibles	Not Available
Incompatibles	Not Available

Coursework Only
Array

Description

To achieve competency in basic digital, scientific and life skills required during a degree in physics. This includes gaining a familiarity with the various computing tools and methods required for writing reports, tabulating and plotting experimental results, and communicating science. Students will be introduced to word processing and spreadsheet software, web-based tools and interactive python coding environments.

Learning Outcomes

1. Set up an account and login to the DCU and external websites required
2. Prepare scientific reports in word-processing software
3. Show competence at data analysis in a spreadsheet environment
4. Work collaboratively in an online environment
5. Engage in effective time management and self-reflection
6. Run simple python code in an interactive notebook

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full-time hours per semester
Lecture	10	In-person lectures
Laboratory	10	Computer Based Assignments
Independent Study	105	Computer Skills
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

Word processing
Use of microsoft word programme

Spreadsheets
Using excel for data analysis

Internet tools
How to find and use online tools for self-management, collaboration and scientific reporting

Presentation skills
Presenting a short talk on a physics topic

Scientific writing
What to include and what not to include in a scientific report.

Coding
How to get started quickly with online coding environments

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment	100%	Examination Weight	0%

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Course Work Breakdown
Completion of online activity	Completion of the DCU-developed Discover Life Skills tasks and associated class exercises	10%	Every Week
Completion of online activity	Completion of the DCU-developed Data Literacy Topics and associated class tasks: Introduction to Spreadsheets, Intermediate Spreadsheets, Data Visualisation and Communication in Spreadsheets	50%	Every Week
Assignment	Class and lab assignments	40%	Every Week

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

0, PS154 Loop page, 0, PS154 information,