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Module Specifications..

Current Academic Year 2023 - 2024

Please note that this information is subject to change.

Module Title Innovation, Disruption and Sustainability
Module Code PSYC312
School 37
Module Co-ordinatorSemester 1: Emma Delemere
Semester 2: Emma Delemere
Autumn: Emma Delemere
Module TeachersEmma Delemere
NFQ level 8 Credit Rating 5
Pre-requisite None
Co-requisite None
Compatibles None
Incompatibles None
Coursework Only
Description

Despite knowledge of the need for change, international agreements and targets to combat climate change, impacts are not being seen. This module explores sustainability and sustainable behaviour in the context of innovation and technology. The main aims are to understand the critical importance of 1)climate change and sustainability, 2) of innovating and designing for sustainability 3) of increasing knowledge and awareness of sustainability as well as 4) key drivers and facilitators of sustainable behaviour. This will be done through the back drop of innovation in psychology and technological sciences using case studies and practical learning activities.

Learning Outcomes

1. Critically understand the key challenges of sustainability, sustainable transitions, and innovation and design for sustainability
2. Critically consider the role of policy, public bodies, industry, NGOs and civil society in increasing sustainability
3. Identify and analyse key factors influencing both knowledge of sustainability and sustainable behaviours
4. Plan and appraise a sustainable development/design project



Workload Full-time hours per semester
Type Hours Description
Lecture22Lecture Based on indicative content and learning outcomes
Seminars11Post Lecture (Synchronous) Moderator and student-led tutorials
Assignment Completion8Group Based Engagement for multidisciplinary project
Independent Study84Self directed learning
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

Climate change, sustainability and sustainable transitions.

Sustainability at the individual, community, organisational, national and international level.
Specifically, the role of national and EU policy (e.g., the Green Deal), public bodies, industry, NGOs and civil society in increasing sustainability

Behaviour change and sustainability
The mismatch been attitudes and behaviour; social-ecological systems and traps; planning and decision-making for sustainability; disruptive technology, behaviour and sustainability

Innovations in and technology for sustainable development; facilitators of adoption of these at individual and societal

Design, implementation and assessment: Using technology at all stages of the behaviour change process.

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment100% Examination Weight0%
Course Work Breakdown
TypeDescription% of totalAssessment Date
Group assignmentGroup Oral pitch based on interdisciplinary group project. Project will focus on evidence-based design of a sustainable development intervention for a specified population on a sustainability target.40%n/a
Report(s)Each student must submit an individual report presenting an evidence based design of a sustainable development intervention for a specified population on a sustainability target, based on the intervention developed within the interdisciplinary group.60%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

  • Jones, R. G: 2020, The Applied Psychology of Sustainability., Routledge.,
  • Robert D. Zettle,Steven C. Hayes,Dermot Barnes-Holmes,Anthony Biglan: 2016, The Wiley Handbook of Contextual Behavioral Science, John Wiley & Sons, 9781118489567
  • Stephen Wendel: 2020, Designing for Behavior Change, O'Reilly Media, 9781492056034
  • König, A., & Ravetz, J. (Eds.).: 2017, Sustainability science: Key issues., Routledge.,
  • Gifford, R: 2016, Research methods for environmental psychology., John Wiley & Sons,
  • Klöckner, C. A.: 2015, The psychology of pro-environmental communication: beyond standard information strategies., Springer.,
  • Scott, B. A., Amel, E. L., Koger, S. M., & Manning, C. M.: 2021, Psychology for sustainability., Routledge.,
Other Resources

None
Programme or List of Programmes
BPDTBSc Psychology & Disruptive Technologies
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