Problem Based Learning in Science, Technology and Society

2018/2019

Content, progress and pedagogy of the module

The students shall theoretically as well as practically understand how to plan and execute a scientific problem-based project with technological, social and humanistic relevance. This includes an understanding of how technological aspects and contextual circumstances can be identified and included in the development of a problem solution.

 

Learning objectives

Knowledge

  • Must have knowledge of basic learning theories
  • Must have knowledge of project planning and managements techniques
  • Must have knowledge of different approaches to problem-based learning (PBL), including the Aalborg model approach, where problems are related to social and/or humanistic contexts
  • Must have understanding of different resources for analysis and assessment of problems and solutions related to IT, communication and new media technologies from scientific, technological, ethical and social perspectives
  • Must apply methods for analysis and assessment of problem within the field of IT, communication and new media technologies, including market and stakeholder analysis, and technologies and services assessments
 

Skills

  • Must be able to apply basic principles related to planning and management of a problem-based project: basic study techniques, phases in a problem-oriented project, from initial problem to problem analysis and problem formulation, design and implementation
  • Must be able to analyse and evaluate the organisation of the project group work and collaboration, especially regarding identification of strong and weak factors, and, based on this, suggest how group organisation and collaboration can be improved in future situations: team roles, group dynamics, communication within the group and externally, creativity, methods for analysis and documentation of learning processes
  • Must be able to analyse group conflicts, causes and possible solutions
  • Must be able to analyse and evaluate own contribution to study and learning, especially regarding identification of strong and weak factors, and, based on this, consider continuous course of events and their contributions to the learning processes, learning styles and the study
  • Must be able to analyse methods used in the project from a scientific point of view: science theory, qualitative and quantitative approaches
  • Must be able to apply fundamental key areas, concepts and methods for evaluation and development of technical solutions considering the technology in itself, and in relation to social contexts and human circumstances (holistically): technology assessment methods, contexts and communication, media sociology (e.g., life styles, consumption, sociological methods), different forms of user test, innovation and creativity
 

Competences

  • Must be able to apply knowledge (application) and understanding regarding being part of a team-based project work
  • Must be able to understand and communicate project work (application)
  • Must be able to analyse own learning processes
  • Must be able to analyse and document learning processes within the group (analysis)
  • Must be able to create optimal collaborative learning processes (application)
  • Must be able to apply knowledge and understanding of science, technology and society (application); from a technological perspective (including competencies on applying different technology assessment methods), and from a holistic perspective (including competencies on life style, consumption, and technology development, different contexts and forms of communication, innovative and creative processes)
 

 

Type of instruction

Refer to the overview of instruction types listed in the start of chapter 3. The types of instruction for this course are decided according to the current Joint Programme Regulations and directions are decided and given by the Study Board for Electronics and IT.

Exam

Exams

Name of examProblem Based Learning in Science, Technology and Society
Type of exam
Written or oral exam
ECTS5
AssessmentPassed/Not Passed
Type of gradingInternal examination
Criteria of assessmentAs stated in the Joint Programme Regulations
http:/​/​www.tech.aau.dk/​uddannelse/​Studieadministration/​

Facts about the module

Danish titleProblembaseret læring i videnskab, teknologi og samfund
Module codeESNITCOB1K1
Module typeCourse
Duration1 semester
SemesterAutumn
ECTS5
Empty-place SchemeYes
Location of the lectureCampus Copenhagen
Responsible for the module

Organisation

Study BoardStudy Board of Electronics and IT
DepartmentDepartment of Electronic Systems
FacultyTechnical Faculty of IT and Design