Problem Based Learning in Science, Technology and Society

2017/2018

Content, progress and pedagogy of the module

Purpose
To enable the student to approach real-life complex problems in a methodical manner, and to carry out project work, planning and documentation in a structured way.

Learning objectives

Knowledge

  • Shall be able to explain basic learning theory
  • Shall be able to explain techniques for planning and management of projects
  • Shall be able to explain different approaches to problem-based learning (PBL), including the so-called Aalborg model based on problems that are part of a social and/or humanistic context
  • Shall be able to explain different approaches to analysis and assessment of problems and solutions within engineering, natural and health sciences from a theoretical, ethical, and societal perspective
  • Shall be able to explain how these methods can be applied within electronics and computer engineering

Skills

  • Must be able to plan and manage a problem-based study project
  • Must be able to analyse the project group's organization and cooperation in order to identify strengths and weaknesses, and suggest how cooperation in future groups can be improved  based on this analysis
  • Must be able to reflect on the causes and devise possible solutions to any group conflicts
  • Must be able to analyse and evaluate their own study work and learning, in order to identify strengths and weaknesses, and use these reflections to consider further study and group work
  • Must be able to reflect upon the methods used from a theoretical perspective
  • Must be able to identify relevant areas of focus, concepts and methods to assess and develop technical solutions under consideration of the social and humanistic contexts that solution must be a part of

Competences

  • Shall be able to take part in a team-based project
  • Shall be able to document and present work carried out in a project
  • Shall be able to reflect upon and develop his/her own learning
  • Shall be able to engage in and improve upon the collaborative learning processes
  • Shall be able to reflect upon his/her professional activities in relation to the surrounding community

Type of instruction

The programme is based on a combination of academic, problem-oriented and interdisciplinary approaches and organised based on the following work and evaluation methods that combine skills and reflection: • Lectures • Classroom instruction • Project work • Workshops • Exercises (individually and in groups) • Teacher feedback • Reflection • Portfolio work

Extent and expected workload

Since it is a 5 ECTS course module, the work load is expected to be 150 hours for the student

Exam

Exams

Name of examProblem Based Learning in Science, Technology and Society
Type of exam
Written or oral examination
ECTS5
Permitted aids
With certain aids, see list below
Unless otherwise stated in the course description in Moodle, it is permitted to bring all kinds of (engineering) aids including books, notes and advanced calculators. If the student brings a computer, it is not permitted to have access to the Internet and the teaching materials from Moodle must therefore be down loaded in advance on the computer. It is emphasized that no form of electronic communication must take place.
AssessmentPassed/Not Passed
Type of gradingInternal examination
Criteria of assessmentAs stated in the Joint Programme Regulations.
http:/​/​www.engineering.aau.dk/​uddannelse/​studieadministration/​

Facts about the module

Danish titleProblembaseret læring i videnskab, teknologi og samfund
Module codeEN-ED1-4
Module typeCourse
Duration1 semester
SemesterAutumn
ECTS5
Empty-place SchemeYes
Location of the lectureCampus Esbjerg
Responsible for the module

Organisation

Study BoardStudy Board of Energy
DepartmentDepartment of Energy Technology
FacultyFaculty of Engineering and Science