Course Catalogue
Students will study ‘Academic Support’ and can choose four modules from the list below
Advanced Programming for Business
On completion of this module students will be able to use effective programming techniques to construct business applications. They will also be able to demonstrate an understanding of, and the ability to use, common data structures, such as arrays and linked lists. Student will have a high-level understanding of Object-Oriented methods and be able to construct applications using at least two distinct programming languages as well as test and debug an application effectively.
Applications for the Cloud
This module will develop learners’ technical knowledge in the application of cloud computing. It will examine cloud computing technologies, cloud technical enablers and cloud architectures. The successful learner will acquire a high level of knowledge of the underlying technologies of cloud computing, namely virtualization, implementation mediums and storage frameworks. The module will generate skills based on the practical application of knowledge, through assessments which will foster real world skills.
Biopsychology
Student will develop an insight into the various topic areas within physiological psychology including stress, addictive behaviour, gender and sexual orientation and some aspects of abnormal behaviour e.g. eating disorders. An insight will also be given into the various topic areas within neuropsychology including movement, sleep and dreaming, learning, and thinking. Students will explore the relationship between biological processes and behaviour and will be able to evaluate contemporary research into the physiological basis of behaviour.
Building Mobile Applications for the Cloud
This module will build students’ key skills in the technologies that underpin mobile applications. They will develop knowledge and understanding of how mobile applications are deployed to the cloud. They will practise using of a variety of web services such as AWS, Azure or GoogleApps for this purpose.
Business Finance
On completion of this module students will be able to accumulate and allocate costs to units in costing systems, for the purpose of stock valuation and profit measurement. They will also develop the use of budgets for planning and compute basic variances for control purposes and be able to identify the relevant costs and cash flows in basic decision-making scenarios incorporating working capital
management and investment appraisal techniques. The module also assesses the sources, suitability, and cost, of various types of finance.
Business Information Systems
On completion of this module learners will be able to demonstrate appreciation of the use and role of business information systems in the modern business environment. Students will also be able to display understanding of the different steps and activities involved in the development of a business information system and critically evaluate the issues, which arise in this context. Also covered within this module will be the evaluation of alternative approaches to a system development project and identify the most appropriate approach for different situations. Students will be able to design and build database /
spreadsheet / for business purposes and utilize project management and modeling tools to plan, schedule, model and control such activity.
Cloud Computing for Business
Learners gain a solid understanding of the fundamental concepts and architecture of Cloud Computing. Learners will learn about the evolution of the cloud and its ability to increase processing power and bandwidth capabilities. They learn about the key stakeholders, technologies, products, services, platforms and applications that enable Cloud Computing. An evaluation of the benefits, challenges, and risks of
implementing a Cloud Computing platform, including standards and best practices will form a crucial component of this module.
Database & Web Application Development
This module extends students competencies in the areas of database and web technologies. Students build on the skills necessary to develop fully functional databases and utilise these skills in the
development of a web store. The student will develop proficiency in many web languages, explore a variety of web software packages, evaluate other web resources and analyse and apply current guidelines that are critical for building an effective presence on the web. They will also explore new developments in technologies and assess how they might impact on the design of current web resources.
Database Design & Development
During this module student will identify and evaluate the role of database applications in business organisations as well as examine the most commonly used methods and techniques for database design and development. Students will develop the ability and confidence to critically analyse data storage and management requirements and issues and to devise appropriate database solutions and develop practical skills in database design and development.
Developmental Psychology
During this module students will explore the various theoretical perspectives in understanding human growth and development, including cognitive, psychosocial, humanistic, social-cognitive, learning and ecological approaches and review the most important empirical work relevant to these domains. They will examine the key biological, social, emotional and cognitive developmental changes that occur across the lifespan. The module will familiarise students with the principal research techniques used within developmental psychology and enable them to assess how work in developmental psychology can be applied to real world issues, such as bullying and divorce.
Digital Media Tools
This practical hands-on-keyboard module explores how a variety of digital marketing tools are developed, used and assessed by marketers. The 100% assessment reflects the applied nature of the course with students developing and evaluating the digital tools they will design.
Digital Planning & Management
This classroom based module offers the learner both the theory and practice of planning and managing a Digital Marketing campaign. It also covers planning elements including campaign scoping, objectives, budgeting and performance reviews, central to any digital campaign. Understanding the costs, rewards and risks associated with developing any interactive digital media campaign will also be outlined.
Fundamentals of Digital Marketing
This classroom based module enables learners to get an overview of the Digital Marketing industry, its players and best practices. The aim is for the learner to appreciate how Digital Marketing is part of any modern day marketing function. Whether a marketing department is launching an integrated brand communications strategy, customer acquisition strategy, product sampling exercise or consumer research, digital media plays a central role in delivering results for the organisation.
Information Management
During this module students will develop critical awareness of the importance of information management as a potential and underpinning source of competitive advantage and will critically evaluate and apply a range of information management models and concepts in a wide range of organisational contexts. Students will appraise and assess the principal elements of managing the information function evaluate organisational and technical issues which arise. The course will instil in individuals the ability to recognize issues in the area of IS/IT and to develop strategies to successfully resolve them and ensure organisational success.
Information Systems Development & Management
This module is designed to provide learners with an understanding of information systems for business and the range of tools and techniques for systems analysis, design and development and knowledge of a number of specific systems development methodologies. Learners will also build key practical skills in current database languages, analytical and diagramming tools.
Management
This module introduces the learner to a range of studies which are useful in understanding people in the workplace. It examines the concept of management within the global business environment and through the appraisal of business cases, a variety of approaches are considered. This module encourages learners to synthesize knowledge and experience gained in other modules by considering competing perspectives on the nature of management. It encourages them to reflect upon the contribution that they might make as individuals to the management process, and to explore their own skills as potential managers, within the context of their peer group. The module touches practical, moral and ethical dimensions of the management role.
Network & Communications Management
This module aims to equip students with the basic knowledge of how local area networks and the Internet work and how they interact. To give them an appreciation of the interaction of the main protocols and the helper protocols combine to provide a hierarchy of communications services
Organisational Behaviour
The aim of this module is to provide the student with an understanding of the factors that influence the behaviour of individuals in organisations. It will also enable students to understand and apply theories of group dynamics and behaviour in organisation and to understand how organisational behaviour affects business metrics, overall performance. The course will also enable students to apply OB theory to cases and real life organisational settings, by using their knowledge to diagnose possible causes of problems, and redesign processes, or initiatives accordingly.
Principles of Programming
This module introduces the student to the basic concepts of Computer programming and provides a foundation for later programming courses. It also aims to introduce algorithms, explore methods of algorithm development and explore best practice in interface design. Students will also explore the history and development of programming languages and learn principles of modern programming techniques. The module will also introduce Object-Oriented design principles and modern diagramming notation.
Project Management
This module will provide students with realistic scenarios in which key course concepts can be applied to further foster and enhance the development of important project management skills while at the same time adding a degree of realism to these concepts. It will facilitate students to appreciate the practicalities of project management and enable them to understand and use techniques for project evaluation and management.
Project Planning & Control
This module allows learners to evaluate and apply the key knowledge and skills that underpin the
professional practice of project management as it is used in a wide range of technical and business related disciplines. Learners achieve a critical understanding of established and emerging project management theories and issues and become competent in the use of tools and techniques to achieve best professional practice.
Project Feasibility
This module provides learners with an understanding of the social, organizational, behavioural and systems issues of project management. Learners get an insight into the importance of the management of
competencies required of the project manager and the project team. On completion of the module learners will be able to analyse the concepts of stakeholders, success criteria and critical factors in the context of projects.
Psychology
The objectives of this module are to allow students to develop an insight into the various areas within psychology including biological, cognitive, developmental, social and personality and to understand how these diverse areas can be integrated. The module will also explore and examine recent research trends and findings, research methodologies employed presently and historically and the contribution these make to our understanding of human behaviour. It will also build an awareness of the historical
development of the discipline and explore the influence of prevailing historical and intellectual climates on the development of the many schools of thought that represent modern psychology. The module will also introduce learners to the role of psychology within an organisational context.
Research Methods
This module aims to lead student in examining the scientific method, specifically as a means of producing knowledge in the field of social studies and to outline the importance of ethical modes of working with people in the research context of the field of social studies. The module explores relevant societal and individual questions that would be appropriate for social studies research. Students will examine the quantitative and qualitative approaches to conducting research in the field of social studies. It will also include debates and discussions relating to research methods through classroom activities and the production of written academic tasks.
Social Psychology
This module will enable students to understand and examine the basic principles and themes within Social Psychology as well as recent research, trends and findings. It will also explore the contributions made by Social Psychology to the understanding of the individual, the interpersonal processes and group processes. Students will engage with the literature concerned with Social Psychology and examine the issues and begin to understand the application of the principles of Social Psychology within the environment.
System Architecture & Technology
Business Maths & Research Techniques
This skills-based module provides learners with data analysis tools and skills relevant business situations. This involves the concepts involved and the mathematical problem solving skills required in the research process. Also, the application of key mathematical techniques to support business decisions is a core objective in preparing learners for the work-place.
Communications & Personal Development
This module gives learners an appreciation of the importance of effective communication and business skills and their significance within a commercial environment through the identification of personal learning strengths and preferred learning styles will form an underpinning to this module. Organisational communication approaches will be founded and evidenced through key communication documents that support operations, training, sales and the recruitment process from both an organisational and personal perspective.
The Psychology of Organisations and Work
This module critically evaluates the underlying and underpinning issues and assumptions of the theories and principles of work and organizational psychology. It develops a critical appreciation of the research practices employed in work and organizational psychology, as well as developing a clear understanding of the role of psychology in organisational settings.
This module will allow students to appraise and critically evaluate key theories explaining how personality develops and to encourage students to critically evaluate the different theoretical perspectives. It will enable students to evaluate some of the instruments used to assess individual differences in personality and intelligence and provide students with a deeper understanding of the factors underpinning individual differences in personality, temperament and intelligence. Students will evaluate research concerning the dimensions of personality that are stable and those that change across the lifespan. The course will also familiarise students with the structure and dynamics of the two psychoanalytic topographies of the mind. The programme will also enable students to appreciate the difference between the reality principle and the pleasure principle as outlined by both the earlier and the later Freudian texts on the subject. Students will be encouraged to critically evaluate the differences between the psychoanalytic and the psychological conceptions of personality and individual difference.
Web Design & Media
This module introduces the student to current web technologies and provides the student with the skills necessary to develop web resources. Student will develop proficiency in many web languages, explore and utilize a variety of web software packages, evaluate other web resources and analyse and apply current guidelines that are critical for building an effective presence on the web.
They will also explore new developments in technologies and assess how they might impact on the design of current web resources.
Health Studies
The aim of this module is to lead learners in examining the field of health studies and improve student understanding of the role that behaviour plays in determining health and illness. The programme will highlight the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to understanding health and well-being and enable students to gain an understanding of the theory and application of health research.
Contemporary Social Policy
In this module learners explore the theories of social policy and relate the implementation of social policy to contemporary issues of concern. The effectiveness of social policy practice is considered and learners will examine how the EU, institutions in the Single European Market influence Irish social policy
implementation. Learners assess the value of Social Partnership as well as critically analysing certain issues, debates and discussions relating to concepts of social policy through classroom activities and the production of written academic tasks.
Applied Social Policy
During this module students will explore the implementation of social policy to contemporary issues of concern and specifically investigate the areas of disability, ageing and mental health. Students will also evaluate theories of poverty and develop an awareness of mainstream and alternative explanations for poverty, deprivation, and social exclusion. The module explores the various approaches used to measure poverty, deprivation and social exclusion and comprehend the impact of poverty and deprivation on economic status, economic inequality and lifestyle. On completion of the programme students will be able to demonstrate an awareness of the multi-faceted relationships between social exclusion and such themes as education, employment, crime, housing, disability and health.
Exploring Social Thought
This module leads learners to explore issues, debates and discussions from the field of social thought, in context, and explore its contribution to the multidisciplinary field of social science. The module
investigates some of the main thinkers who have shaped social theory. Learners will explore the conditions that lead, and have led, to the production of social thought and the ways in which learning about social thought can aid in understanding contemporary thinking about a variety of topics. This module will lead learners in outlining, discussing and beginning to analyse certain issues, debates and discussions from the field of social thought through classroom activities and the production of written academic tasks.
This module explores some of the various ways in which our understanding and perception of the media have been informed by developments in contemporary society. It will expose learners to a wide variety of relevant debates, theories and histories, and allowing them to explore these within the context of the module, this module will challenge the learners’ existing perceptions about the many ways in which they receive, view and transmit information. The module will also allow learners to explore some of the methodological problems involved in analysing issues of reception and transmission.
Globalisation & Identity
This module leads learners in exploring certain issues, debates and discussions relating to globalisation and identity. It assists learners in developing critical understanding of concepts relating to globalisation and identity. Learners will examine issues relating to identity, ethnicity and the politics of diversity, within the context of globalization. This module leads the learners in critically analysing certain issues, debates and discussions relating to concepts of globalisation through classroom activities and the production of written academic tasks.
Social Care: Theory and Practice
This module provides an understanding for learners of the diverse aspects of social care. It highlights the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to understanding social care. Learners will develop
understanding of the interaction between social policy and law and the provision of social care. Learners will examine core aspects of Irish law and the legal system, related specifically to themes and issues of relevance to social care policy and provision in both in the national and community arenas. This module will lead learners in discussing and analysing certain issues, debates and discussions from the field of social care through classroom activities and the production of written academic tasks.
Behavioural Science
This module aims to develop an understanding of the theoretical underpinnings of the principles of behavioural analysis and demonstrates how behaviour change principles have been applied to a variety of behaviours in diverse settings.The programme also highlight the importance of clinical research related to the works of important behavioural psychologists and the implications these have for behavioural models of clinical disorders and treatment.
Psychology of Physical and Mental Health
This module introduces learners to the rapid developing field of both physical and mental health. It improves learners understanding of the role that behaviour plays in determining physical health and illness. This module highlights the importance of a biopsychosocial approach to understanding physical and mental health and enables learners to critically evaluate physical and mental health research. Part of this module enables learners to appraise and evaluate of the diagnostic criterion and behaviours with maladaptive behaviours. The module also encourages learners to critically evaluate the distinction between normal and abnormal behaviour by shifting the focus onto the underlying psychical structures. One of the aims of the module is to enable learners to evaluate the psychoanalytic understanding of psychopathology and its implications for treatment. The module also allows learners to critically evaluate aetiological theories, treatment options and current trends/limitations in the research in regards physical and mental health.
Film in the Digital Age
This module begins by examining in detail the history and process of film reviewing. It also consider the history and significance of film festivals as a forum for cultural coverage and examines significant examples of film reviewing across the history of cinema and consider the relationship between film reviews and the history and practices of film festivals. Learners will then develop their own reviewing skills through a series of classroom exercises, seminar discussions and other activities designed to allow learners to respond appropriately to mainstream, independent and foreign language films within a variety of relevant reviewing formats. Learners will also be given the opportunity to develop a personal writing style and create an individual portfolio of reviews and/or contribute to the creation of a festival programme, a film journal, an online forum or other areas where film reviewing is a relevant form of activity.
Film Studies Learning Lab
To promote academic confidence and awareness in new learners by allowing them to reflect upon the key issues that arise when starting a degree. Guided by a series of pertinent questions and supported by practical exercises, workshops, site visits, seminars, discussions and other related activities learners will be given the opportunity to begin to develop the necessary skills required for participation and progression. This module will also outline and examine the key responsibilities all new learners have in relation to their own academic development. They will also be provided with an environment where issues of critical thinking, self-directed learning, coordinating research activities, synthesising arguments and establishing connections between ideas can also be explored. Learners will also be given the opportunity to to develop as forward-thinking individuals through individual and group activities.
Digital Imaging & Audio: Tool & Techniques
This module will introduce learners to the principles, practices, technologies, history, and critical frameworks associated with digital imaging and audio production. It will also introduce learners to, and involve them in, a design studio methodology appropriate to digital media and provide a grounding in the creative and technical aspects of image capture, editing and manipulation for use in new media.
Students will also develop skills in the use of Photoshop, Illustrator, related software for
image/graphic/artwork preparation for multimedia authoring and give learners a practical introduction to the recording and editing of digital audio as well as develop a critical understanding of the way sound and image combine in digital media culture.
Ireland: Poetry, Drama and Nation Current Trends in Film Theory
This module seeks to extend learners conceptual and discursive understanding of the key developments in film theory since the 1970’s. It will provide a critique of the key modalities which underscore recent theorising about film culture and spectatorship. The module addresses and critiques recent trends in the study of film which has allowed more historiographical approaches to assume a prominent position within the canon. It also provides a critical reflection on the role film theory plays in the critical analysis of cinema culture.
Contemporary Media Analysis
This module will provide learners with detailed knowledge of the Irish audiovisual production sector (film and television), its institutions, funding sources and regulatory framework. Students will also gain knowledge of the historical development of the Irish film and television industries as well as the legal and financial aspects of film and television production and distribution. The module will also cover current economic issues affecting film production & television broadcasting. Students will be provided with an understanding of Ireland’s position within the international media market and how this affects conditions in the Irish audiovisual production sector along with the knowledge of the development of mass media and new media technologies. Students will develop independent and critical thinking on the nature and lived experience of our media-saturated world and will be equipped with the relevant theoretical
perspectives to analyse the role of contemporary media in shaping our experience of the world around us.
Digital Photography for the Journalist
This module explores the history and importance of photography as a medium, beginning with a history of the medium and a consideration of some of the key debates associated with it. Practical instruction will be provided in the basics of digital photography and provide opportunities for the learner to develop an ability in this area. Students will also have an opportunity to further develop skills relevant to the principles and practices of digital photography with special regard to post-production and will also be provided with a grounding in the technical and creative aspects of image capture, editing and manipulation.
This module introduces students to the medium of radio as a force for both information and
entertainment, in the context of Public Service Broadcasting and Commercial stations currently operating in Ireland and abroad. Students will develop an ear for “good radio” through listening to and analyzing a variety of programmes and broadcasting styles. The module also aims to provide learners with the skills and resources to research programme ideas and put ideas to practical use by way of programme items. To teach learners basic skills needed to hone Radio Production skills: script-writing, interviewing and vox-popping the general public being chief among these. Basic editing skills are covered which will see individual items being shaped to form a final product upon which they would be ultimately assessed. Students will work as a production team under dead-line conditions to produce informative and entertaining magazine programmes for the medium of radio.
Key Approaches to Digital Film Production
This module aims to foreground a variety of strategies for visualising stories and translating them into moving images.It will equip learners with basic skills in camera operation along with essential skills required for lighting digital film and explore the principles underpinning the shooting and editing of digital film for narrative continuity as well as introduce learners to the practice of editing, using Final Cut Pro. Students will be provided with a platform to practice and explore the skills and strategies fundamental to digital film production, fostering a willingness in the learner to evaluate their own learning and further learning requirements in this area.
Economics, Politics and Society
This module examines how political power is distributed between state and society, how it is institutionalised and how it is exercised. The module will also examine power in society through, for example, theories of citizenship, participative democracy, social capital and social movements and explore the role of economy in society and ways in which economy and society interpenetrate one another. Students will also examine contemporary examples where economic development, or crises, have impacted on a society(ies) and how they have been covered by the media
Understanding the Image
This modules provides an introduction to the history and importance of photography as a medium, beginning with a history of the medium and a consideration of some of the key debates associated with it. Students will be provided with a practical instruction in the basics of digital photography and provide opportunities for the learner to develop an ability in this area. The module also provides students with an opportunity to further develop skills relevant to the principles and practices of digital photography with special regard to post-production as well as a grounding in the technical and creative aspects of image capture, editing and manipulation.
Contact us:
Dublin Business School 13/4 Aungier Street Dublin 2 Ireland Tel: 00353 1 4177500 Email: [email protected] Web: www.dbs.ie
Dublin Business School reserves the right to alter or withdraw any of the modules or programmes described in this document. While every effort has been made to ensure the information contained
