Standalone Modules - Level 7 - Atlantic University Alliance Ireland

Modular, flexible learning
Up-skilling /retraining module options
Select according to your professional development requirements

Starting:

August 2018 or January 2019

Application Closing Dates:

Semester 1 Modules:
Sunday, 29th July 2018

Semester 2 Modules:
Sunday, 9th December 2018

How will I benefit?
Taking on an individual module can be extremely beneficial for students particularly for those who wish to reskill or retrain in a particular area. By focusing their sole attention on one particular module students can become experts in that topic.

Returning to College can be a daunting experience for people who have been out of education for some time. Getting into a study and exam routine will be a new experience for many, however taking a module on a standalone basis can assist students in this learning curve and getting ready for their return to study. Students who successfully complete a module(s), will be exempted from this module in the future should they wish to pursue the complete programme award at a later date.

What type of modules are they?
All of the programmes on offer by the Atlantic University Alliance are industry-focused, offering practical, up-to-date knowledge in the areas of Science and Technology, Product and Process Innovation and Technology Commercialisation. Students will study the underlying theories in relation to their chosen module while also looking at their practical application for today’s industry.

Learning Objectives
Learning objectives differ for each of the modules on offer. You are encouraged to check out the curriculum details within the programme information area of your selected module.

The modules are offered over 1 semester on a part-time basis. Semester 1 commences in late August and continues (including examination until mid-December), and semester 2 commences in mid-January and continues until late May (including examinations). Depending on your chosen module, students should expect to attend class on average once per month for a total of 2 – 2.5 hours per module.

Blended Learning
The programme modules are delivered using a blended approach, that is, a combination of distance/online learning materials combined with face-to-face tutorials and seminars where you will meet up with fellow students and tutors. In general students study at their own pace, however there are set deliverables such as assignments, requirements to participate in some on-line learning activities which are part of each module.
The online element facilitates the learning in tandem with the distance-education, hardcopy materials and periodic classroom contact. Students will be required to attend seminars on average once per month. Students should note that seminars will be held on a revolving basis at NUI Galway, UL or UCC in the case of the postgraduate modules and in either NUI Galway or UL in the case of the undergraduate modules.

Assessment
Modules are assessed by a combination of written assignments during the semester and a formal examination at the end of each semester. A selection of assignments will be group orientated.

The following modules are offered on a standalone basis and are taught via blended learning.

Diploma in Science & Technology Studies

Module Title	NFQ Level	ECTS	Semester
Science, Technology and Innovation	7	6	Semester 2 (Jan-May)
Chemistry	7	6	Semester 1 (Aug-Dec)
Analytical Chemistry	7	6	Semester 2 (Jan-May)
Introduction to Management	7	6	Semester 1 (Aug-Dec)
Design of Engineering Systems	7	6	Semester 2 (Jan-May)
Statistics	7	6	Semester 1 (Aug-Dec)
Organisational Behaviour	7	6	Semester 2 (Jan-May)
Introduction to Quality Management	7	6	Semester 1 (Aug-Dec)
Biology and Biotechnology I	7	6	Semester 2 (Jan-May)
Biology and Biotechnology II	7	6	Semester 2 (Jan-May)
Physics I	7	6	Semester 1 (Aug-Dec)
Physics II	7	6	Semester 2 (Jan-May)
Operations Engineering	7	6	Semester 1 (Aug-Dec)
Introduction to Operations Engineering	7	6	Semester 1 (Aug-Dec)
Information Technology	7	6	Semester 1 (Aug-Dec)
CAD Modelling	7	6	Semester 2 (Jan-May)
Database Applications	7	6	Semester 2 (Jan-May)
Introduction to Environmental Science	7	6	Semester 2 (Jan-May)
Molecular Medicine	7	6	Semester 1 (Aug-Dec)
Introduction Management Science	7	6	Semester 2 (Jan-May)
Maths I	7	6	Semester 2 (Jan-May)
Maths II	7	6	Semester 1 (Aug-Dec)

Students opting to take module(s) under the modular learning route do so mainly for professional development reasons. Some students will already have attained a previous diploma or degree award and wish to upskill or retrain in a particular area which has undergone change in recent years since their original qualification and wish to supplement their existing award.

Equally, students opt for standalone modules in areas which are unrelated to any previous work experience or qualifications that they may have and are seeking a new career direction. In this instance, students may select free-standing modules for the purposes of “tasting” this subject area with a view to completing the full programme award at a later date.

The fees are €380 per Level 7 and 8 module (6ECTS), €875 per 5ECTS Level 9 module and €1,750 per 10ECTS Level 9 module.

This fee includes:

Registration
Exam & Tutor Fees
Course Materials
Meals/Refreshments during seminars at the distance learning locations (level 9 modules only)

Prospective students on the following allowances may be eligible for a 30% reduction in fees:

Jobseekers benefit
Jobseekers allowance
One-parent family allowance
Disability allowance
Social insurance contribution credits

A separate scholarship application form applies and is available in the Apply Online section of this site.

Entry Requirements
Applicants must meet the minimum entry requirements of the programme from which the selected module is taken. So as a first step check out the entry requirements and application details on the ‘APPLY’ page of the relevant programme.

Application Deadlines
Modules are delivered either August to December or January to May. The closing date for modules starting in late August is the last Sunday in June each year. The closing date for modules starting in January is the second Sunday in December each year.

Apply Online
The next step is to apply on-line. Choose the Modular Learning link at the appropriate QQI level

On-line application forms are available here.

“The MSc in Technology Management offered both flexibility and structure by setting out a clear timetable from the very start of year 1, which outlined the content of the modules and the examination methods. Module assessment enabled me to analyse and improve on every day work practices, in addition to opening discussions with company employees and managers. The overall course content was sufficiently comprehensive to greatly help me set-up my own technology led company”.

Gavan O'Sullivan, Managing Director - Nortev Limited

“I found the Diploma in Innovation Management to be very stimulating and applicable to my role. I found that after each subject there was a new initiative I had begun or that I had a renewed professional interest in certain aspects of my organisation’s business. As I have now progressed onto the MSc in Technology Management, I can now appreciate that the diploma was a good way of gradually reintroducing myself back into third level education.”

Ed Purtill

“There is an excellent combination of observing, reading, discussion forums, assignments and studying. This combination along with the method of delivery allows the student flexibility in maintaining a good balance between work, study and personal life … and having instant access to the course via the internet; you never feel distant from your classmates or lecturers. The Diploma in Commercialisation Technology has been a real accelerator to my post-graduate education and has been an excellent stepping stone to the Masters programme which I am now pursuing.”

Caitriona Conneely

I found the whole experience totally rewarding, I have now completed the degree and in the process I have made many friends from different industries and changed my career direction to engineering in the Medical Devices industry. The interaction and support between classmates and tutors is great and the course subjects are interesting and applicable. The blend of continuous assessment coupled with end of semester exams caters well for students with different learning skills.

Daniel McWalter, B.Sc. in Science & Technology Graduate 2011

The Lean & Quality Systems course was very beneficial as it outlined the requirements needed for improving industry standards and output within an organisation. This course helped me greatly understand the efforts being made at my organisation to improve the operations and bring about the best quality product possible for the customer. The Lean & Quality Systems course gave me a greater understanding of the techniques used to create the best possible product with the least amount of defects. This course is extremely helpful for anyone wanting to be involved in progressing within their organisation and providing input to improve their organisation’s product and output.

Laura Joyce, Specialist Diploma in Lean & Quality Systems Graduate 2012

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Diploma in Science & Technology Studies