Programme Delivery

Delivery Model

The programme will be delivered by blended learning on a modular basis over 4 to 8 years.

About Blended Learning

Blended learning is a combination of traditional classroom-based learning and distance learning techniques. It is envisaged that students will attend classes for appromimately 10 hours per module, normally on Saturdays. Classes will include tutorials, workshops and laboratory sessions. Tutorials take place in NUI Galway and subject to sufficient demand some may also be delivered in UL. Students will also be encouraged to participate in related seminar series, learning communities and training networks. In addition, the library and other resources of the Universities, such as the careers service, IT and sports facilities, will be available for use.

Students will receive self-study learning materials both digital (online) and in hard copy format (print) for each module. Materials will be specifically designed for independent study and will be supplemented by supporting reading material. Interactive learning resources - such as simulations, virtual labs and online group collaboration - will be extensively used to expand knowledge and reinforce learning. Multimedia elements will be incorporated into the learning enviroment, for example, audio, video and animation. Through the use of such multiple presentation formats blended learning can accomodate a broader range of learning styles and thereby cater for a more diverse range of students than traditional learning alone.

Student Support

Academic support will be available for students from the tutor of each module at tutorials and online throughout the semester. Tutors will also provide personalised feedback and support via email and discussion boards. The programme co-ordinator is be available to assist student in any non-academic matters that may arise.

To allow students maximum flexibility the programme has been developed with a modular structure. This means that a student will have scope to adjust the workload to suit their present lifestyle and time commitments by choosing the number of modules they wish to attempt in a given year. The Diploma cycle consists of 20 modules which may be attempted over a minimum of 2 and a maximum of 4 years i.e. a maximum of ten modules per year over 2 years; or an average of five modules per year over 4 years. Likewise, the Degree cycle consists of 20 modules over 2 to 4 years.

The full B.Sc. programme carries an equivalent workload to a traditional full-time honours degree course. Therefore it is strongly advised that the full programme cannot be completed in 4 years on a part-time basis. If students are working or otherwise cannot commit to the programme on a fulltime basis a more realistic time frame is 6 years, a maximum of 8 years is allowed.

In addition, individual modules may be taken on a standalone basis for candidates who wish to study or up-skill in a particular subject area. A certificate will be awarded for each module sucessfully completed in this way.

Assessment

Assessment of the programme is 'outcome-based,' so all modules are built upon specified learning objectives with corresponding assessment criteria defined from the start. All modules in the programme will be individually assessed, so a grade will be returned for each module. Assessment takes the form of assignments throughout the semester, with written exams, and in some cases practical laboratory exams, at the end of each semester.

Awards

A Diploma in Science & Technology Studies will be awarded on successful completion of 20 modules (120 ECTS). This award is at level 7 of the National Framework of Qualifications. A B.Sc. in Science & Technology Studies at level 8 will be awarded on successful completion of 40 modules (240 ECTS). In the case of a module sucessfully completed on a standalone basis, an academic transcript will be awarded detailing the grade achieved and credit weighting of the module (6 ECTS per module).