Module: Global Challenges in Practice - Challenge Based Learning

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Global Challenges in Practice - Challenge Based Learning
Module Code	IDE1003 (ITS: GC2CH)
Faculty	L&G/Electronic Engineering	School	FEC/FHSS
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	10

Description

Challenge-based learning - A design challenge provided by an external stakeholder, including commercial enterprises, state bodies, NGOs, local communities or initiatives on the DCU campus. These organisations will provide a design brief for students to explore the problem and design and implement possible solutions.

Learning Outcomes

1. Evaluate the interconnected role of science, governance, and technology in addressing global challenges and the potential implications of proposed solutions.
2. Integrate interdisciplinary knowledge of politics, society, culture, ethics, technology and engineering to tackle a societal challenge.
3. Identify, develop and implement a design cycle for data-informed and technology-based solutions to a campus based challenge.
4. Develop the communication skills to clearly present the innovations, advantages and challenges of the data-informed and technology-based solutions to a diverse audience including peers, industry and an engaged public.
5. Collaborate within a team to propose innovative solutions to an identified real-world problem.
6. Constructively assess self and peers’ contribution to a project.

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Workshop	24	weekly workshops
Total Workload: 24

Section Breakdown
CRN	10632	Part of Term	Semester 1 & 2
Coursework	0%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	Y
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Shirley Coyle	Module Teacher	Diarmuid Torney

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Group presentation	Campus challenge - A design brief to address sustainability on campus. Group presentation to define the problem	10%	Week 6
Report(s)	Interim report	10%	Week 12
Written Exam	Reflections on guest lectures	10%	Every Second Week
Assignment	Global Governance(FLO) Assessment	10%	n/a
Group presentation	Presentation	10%	Week 24
Project	Demonstration/showcase of proposed solution	20%	Week 30
Report(s)	Final Report	30%	Week 30

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

Sustainability Challenge
All of the taught courses relate to this ASC, covering exploring, defining, analysing, designing solutions and implementing/evaluating solutions.

The challenge will bring in ethical considerations.

Peer learning and peer assessment integrated into ASCs

Students will need to analyse and review a range of technologies in use responding to global challenges relevant to their assessment. Their investigation may involve the simulation of specific global challenge

Students will prepare a presentation to communicate the pros and cons of a technology solution to a global challenge This challenge will involve the development of skills in Critical thinking, Analysis, Evaluation, Planning through practice.

Indicative Reading List

Books:
None

Articles:
None

Other Resources

None