Module: Digital Skills & Life Skills

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Digital Skills & Life Skills
Module Code	PHY1029 (ITS: PS154)
Faculty	Physical Sciences	School	Science & Health
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5

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

Section Breakdown
CRN	11359	Part of Term	Semester 1
Coursework	0%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	Y
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Stephen Power	Module Teacher	Eilish McLoughlin, Jennifer Gaughran, Paul Van Kampen, Raymond Murphy, Robert O'Connor

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment 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; 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

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

Indicative Reading List

Books:
None

Articles:
None

Other Resources

PS154 Loop page: PS154 information,