Module: Problem-solving,Creativity & Critical Thinking

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Problem-solving,Creativity & Critical Thinking
Module Code	CSC1012 (ITS: CA172)
Faculty	Engineering & Computing	School	Computing
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5

Description

The module aims to consolidate and develop the student's ability - both in a group and individually - to solve problems, to be creative and to think critically. Students taking this module will explore and tackle a wide variety of problems, which may have relevance to programming, mathematics or both, but will be set in non-programming contexts. Students will also learn to validate the arguments in their own writing and that of others. The module is aimed at students who are relatively new to third-level education in the expectation that they will be better prepared for the demands of independent thought expected at third-level.

Learning Outcomes

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2. Take a systematic approach to solving problems, designing, implementing and evaluating solutions
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7. Use a variety of creativity and problem-solving techniques
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12. Reflect on their own preferred styles of problem-solving and learning
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17. Critically analyse the written work of others
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22. Construct arguments in their own writing
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27. Work collaboratively
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*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Lecture	12	Face-to-face sessions
Lecture	12	Problem-based learning
Group work	12	Group Assignment
Assignment Completion	40	TBD
Independent Study	49	Self-study & Reflection
Total Workload: 125

Section Breakdown
CRN	10184	Part of Term	Semester 1
Coursework	100%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	N
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	John McKenna	Module Teacher	Andrew McCarren, Denise Freir

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Portfolio	You will build up a portfolio of work comprising individual and group projects, writing and reflections.	50%	Other
Formal Examination	End-of-Semester Final Examination	50%	End-of-Semester

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; RC1: A resit is available for both^* components of the module. RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module. RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element. ^* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

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

Indicative Reading List

Books:
None

Articles:
None

Other Resources

None