Registry

Module Specifications

Archived Version 2022 - 2023

Module Title
Module Code
School
Online Module Resources
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5
Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

Description

The objective of this module is to develop the critical thinking skills of our first year undergraduate students. Particular emphasis will be placed on evaluating and interpreting different types of information as well as supporting students in developing their critical reasoning and problem solving abilities.

Learning Outcomes

1. Conduct reliable and effective library research, with a particular emphasis on electronic information sources, as well as use appropriate citing and referencing techniques.
2. Access and evaluate a wide range of information sources which can be used to inform the decision-making process.
3. Explore issues and make decisions using well researched facts, rules, concepts and ideas.
4. Understand and recognise bias in a decision-making or problem-solving scenario and develop skills to counteract its negative impact.
5. Think critically and logically when forming opinions and judgments.
6. Combine insights from a broad range of disciplines and understand the importance of the weight of evidence in a decision-making situation.

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full-time hours per semester
Lecture	5	Large plenary sessions
Seminars	3	Small group interactive classes of between 30 and 35 students.
Fieldwork	6	No Description
Online activity	8	Online learning exercises and discussions
Independent Study	83	Class preparation and follow up
Assignment Completion	20	Individual assignment
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

Library and research skills: how to search for evidence
In partnership with the library, deliver training and online exercises in library databases and resources. Teach students about the importance of supporting claims with appropriate sources and referencing.

Reviewing & Evaluating Evidence
Guide students the skills required to identify and access information to support business decisions. Teach them what is meant by the term ‘evidence’ and help them to develop skills to evaluate and interpret different types of evidence.

Identifying Bias
Teach students how to recognise bias, to understand the impact of bias in how we evaluate evidence and how to overcome bias and make better and more effective decisions.

Critical Thinking
Support students in developing their reflective thinking skills and improve their critical analysis capabilities. Help them to identify the resources available to them when faced with a decision, evaluate various perspectives, including their own, and to develop a questioning attitude to information.

Complex Decision-Making
Explain the roles of and interaction between theories, evidence and explanations when solving problems.

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment	%	Examination Weight	%

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Course Work Breakdown

Reassessment Requirement
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
Unavailable

Indicative Reading List

Other Resources

None

Programme or List of Programmes

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