IDIS00010 First Steps - Intro to HE

Academic Year 2023/2024

This module introduces students to practices in higher education, including college life and activities. It aims to build confidence and self-esteem by encouraging students to reflect critically on their emerging student identity. This module is the first of three core modules which teach effective study skills and practices for higher education. The module is the first step towards engaging students into UCD culture and structures. This module introduces students to the university and through lectures and group work provide students with the skills to navigate the university and plan their progression path.
Among the topics covered are managing student learning; reading skills; note-taking; memory techniques; essay writing; referencing; sourcing academic literature and preparing for examinations.
This module will provide introductions to effective strategies and established practices in listening, reading and writing in higher education. Students will be assessed on a continuous basis. The module will be delivered in a small group setting with an emphasis on student participation.

Show/hide contentOpenClose All

Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

Learning Outcomes: on completion of this modules students should be able to:

1. Demonstrate a basic understanding of what is meant by higher education and the nature of study at this level
2. Navigate the UCD systems and CAO application systems effectively
3. Document their learning strategies and experiences to identify key strengths and approaches to learning and time management
4. To identify the key points in reading and listening and apply them to essay writing, lecture attendance and revision.

Indicative Module Content:

Week 1: Learner Identity: Your Strengths
Week 2: Learner Planning and Expectations
Week3: Active Listening and Note Taking
Week4: Active Reading and Note Taking
Week 5: Steps in Writing I
Week 6: Steps in Writing II
Week 7: Chatology/Speed-dating/ Café ( Introduction to various disciplines)
Week 8: Taster Lectures
Week 9: One to One Feedback
Week 10: Revision
Week 11: Module Overview

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

22
Autonomous Student Learning

88
Total

110
Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
Teaching in small class groups. Highly participative and learner centred, with opportunities for activities, discussion and feedback throughout 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations
Learning Requirements:

The student must be registered to Access to Arts, Humanities , Social Sciences & Law.

Learning Exclusions:

Students are required to attend Core Study classes, that they use the additional resources offered on Blackboard, and that they avail of the Open Door policy and on-going guidance and support available in the Access & Lifelong Learning Centre.

Learning Recommendations:

It is recommended that students attend additional supporting workshops, that they use the additional resources offered on BrightSpace and that they avail of the Open Door policy and on-going guidance and support available in the Access & Lifelong Learning Centre.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Continuous Assessment: This module is assessed by a written portfolio of four assignments (500 words each) delivered in Weeks 2, 4, 6 and 8. Throughout the Trimester n/a Graded No

100

Carry forward of passed components
No
 
Resit In Terminal Exam
Spring No
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Online automated feedback

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

You will receive regular feedback on your four assignments through Brightspace.

Name Role
Dr Frances Nolan Tutor
Ms Nicola O'Leary Tutor
Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
 
Autumn
      
Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - Autumn: Weeks 2-12 Tues 10:00 - 11:50
Lecture Offering 2 Week(s) - Autumn: Weeks 2-12 Wed 10:00 - 11:50
Autumn