School of Physical Sciences opens Ideas Lab

Dublin City University’s School of Physical Sciences today opened its Ideas Lab. A fully hybrid enabled space, the Ideas Lab is an inclusive and creative learning environment with a computing capability/sophistication that enhances student collaboration and communication beyond what is possible in traditional lecture halls.

The Intel supported space will support innovative learning activities like hackathons, sprints and collaborative group work, both in person and virtually. It will support student-centered pedagogical practices like challenge based learning (CBL) and it will also be cloud ready with teaching and research project servers.

Speaking about the new lab, Prof Blanaid White, Executive Dean of the Faculty of Science and Health said

“We are reimagining our teaching spaces and computing infrastructure within the School to support the implementation of an innovative new curriculum, particularly in our BSc in Physics with Data Analytics.

Our new curriculum enhances subject learning, but also the development of transversal skills. Group projects, enabled by the Ideas Lab, will help students to learn in an academic study environment that mirrors the real environment of larger, interdisciplinary teams. 

The generous support of Intel has enabled this project to come to completion.”

Dr. Eilish McLoughlin, former Head of School of Physical Sciences, has led the redesign of computational facilities in the school over the past two years, commented 

“We are delighted to provide a state-of-the-art collaborative and inclusive learning environment that supports the diverse needs of all our physics students.

The contribution from Intel has allowed us to develop a bespoke physics teaching space, including server backends for computational CBL, that support student learning throughout their undergraduate programmes and prepare graduates to make significant contributions to modern society.”

Dr. Karsten Fleischer Chair of the BSc in Physics with Data Analytics from the School of Physical Sciences said 

“The Ideas lab is a learning space capable of supporting up to 40 students to work independently, engage in group activities or peer tutoring, and at the same time facilitate blended learning through remote video conferencing/lectures.”

We can already see the positive influence on student learning and engagement, across a range of activities, including,  hackathons, challenge based learning, and small group tutorials.”

Dr. Darren Carty, Manager and Leader at Intel said

“We are thrilled to support DCU in the establishment of this cutting-edge teaching facility. As Advanced Semiconductor Manufacturing evolves, the specialised skills fostered here will play a pivotal role in driving the industry forward. We look forward to strengthening our collaboration with DCU, a valued academic partner in Dublin.”