Problem Based Learning in Science, Technology and Society

2019/2020

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 manufacturing and operations engineering from scientific, technological, ethical and social perspectives
  • Must apply methods for analysis and assessment of problem within the field of manufacturing and operations engineering; 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 analyze and evaluate the organization of the project group work and collaboration, especially regarding identification of strong and weak factors, and, based on this, suggest how group organization 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 analyze group conflicts; causes and possible solution
  • Must be able to analyze 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 analyze 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 analyze own learning processes
  • Must be able to analyze 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

The teaching is organized in accordance with the general form of teaching. Please see the programme cirruculum §17.

Extent and expected workload

Since it is a 5 ECTS course module the expected workload is 150 hours for the student.

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 assessmentThe criteria of assessment are stated in the Examination Policies and Procedures

Facts about the module

Danish titleProblembaseret læring i videnskab, teknologi og samfund (PBL)
Module codeM-MOE-B1-4
Module typeCourse
Duration1 semester
SemesterAutumn
ECTS5
Language of instructionEnglish
Empty-place SchemeYes
Location of the lectureCampus Copenhagen
Responsible for the module

Organisation

Study BoardStudy Board of Production
DepartmentDepartment of Materials and Production
FacultyFaculty of Engineering and Science