In 2009-2010, UCD provided funding for a number of general elective modules. The primary motivation for this was the provision of extra elective choice for students. This project will examine data on elective choice in UCD in 2009-2010, paying particular attention to the new general electives. We will also interview deans and heads of schools to ascertain their views on the introduction of general electives and we will compare the provision of general electives in UCD with that elsewhere. The results of the project will inform the process of selecting further general electives for 2010-2011.

1. A study and analysis of elective choice in UCD in 2009-2010.

2. Presentation to SMT Plenary Meeting of findings.

3. Analysis and review of the five new general elective modules that are being funded in 2009-2010.

4. Participation in call and selection of new general elective modules for 2010-2011.

5. Gather feedback from deans and heads of schools on general electives and electives in general.

6. Paper on comparison of general elective provision in UCD with other institutions, in Ireland and abroad.

1. Perform a statistical analysis of elective choice. This will be a follow-up of Bairbre Redmond's paper of May 2009 and will pay particular attention to the five new general electives on offer in 2009-2010.

2. Give a presentation to and receive feedback from the SMT Plenary Meeting (senior management, deans, principals, heads of schools), March 2010.

3. Analysis and review of the five general elective modules that are being funded in 2009-2010. This will include:
(a)Attendance at lectures in each general elective module;
(b)Interview/discussion with module co-ordinator/lecturer;
(c)Report on Electives and proposals for 2010-2011, including promotion of General electives and call for further General electives.

4. Give input to call for General electives for 2010-2011 and participate in selection process.

5. Interviews with deans and heads of schools:
(a) school/head/programme/dean/staff interest in general electives and electives in general;
(b) academic/educational/promotion issues;
(c) resource/financial issues (including RAM).

6. Investigation of general elective provision in other universities and third-level institutions, in Ireland and abroad. Comparison of our findings in Irish and international contexts.

1. Paper on elective choice, with particular concentration on the new general electives.

2. Presentation to SMT Plenary Meeting, March 2010.

3. Report on five general electives in 2009-2010.

4. Involvement in proposal and selection of further general electives for 2010-2011.

5. Report on interviews with deans and heads of schools

6. Paper on general elective provision elsewhere and comparison of UCD general elective provision to that in other institutions.

See preliminary findings below:

• Structured Electives in Civil Engineering
• Structured Electives in Computer Science
• Structured Electives in Social Science

The fellows delivered a presentation on the first phase of the project on the Development of General Electives at a Teaching and Learning morning on 14th May 2010.

The results of the project will inform the process of selecting further general electives for 2010-2011.