COMPUTING A New, Unique Cyberpsychology Degree

Launched at ATU Donegal

ATU Donegal has recently launched a unique and exciting BSc Cyberpsychology degree programme, aimed at exploring the intersection of human behaviour and digital technology in the online world. Through this program, students will gain a deep understanding of various online technologies, including social media, online gaming, virtual and augmented reality, artificial intelligence, and more, while also studying the psychology behind human use of these technologies.

With the rise of digital technologies, it has become increasingly important for individuals to have appropriate skills to avoid the potential mental health issues associated with the abuse of technology.

This Cyberpsychology programme will equip students with knowledge and strategies to combat problematic internet use and online addictions, while also highlighting the value of cyberethics in a rapidly growing and evolving field.

Graduates from the program will not only understand what people do online, but they will also gain insights into persuasion techniques and hooks that companies use to encourage user engagement. The work placement year within the programme will enable students to implement their skills in a real-world setting, significantly enhancing their future employment prospects with companies across Ireland and beyond. Moreover, Cyberpsychology graduates will be able to assist companies in understanding their customers' behaviour, making strategic decisions regarding the technology they adopt, and encouraging healthy online activity to stay competitive. Graduates from the programme are highly sought after across various areas, including social media, psychology, gaming design, education, and IT.

Dr. Gerry McWilliams, cyberpsychologist and lecturer at ATU says;

"In today's digital age, understanding human behaviour online is as important as understanding technology itself. This fascinating and engaging programme prepares students for a future where digital literacy and psychological insight are essential tools for success."

Graduates of the programme can pursue a master's degree in Cyberpsychology at ATU Donegal to extend their expertise in the field. The programme offers a fantastic opportunity to learn skills that apply to any employer with an online presence, making it an ideal course for anyone interested in a career at the intersection of technology and psychology.

If you would like to find out more about the BSc (Hons) in Cyberpsychology, visit www.atu.ie/AU362

Leading the Way in Computer Science Education, for Teachers and Leaving Certificate Students

In September 2018, a new Leaving Certificate subject in Computer Science was introduced on a phased basis to 40 post-primary schools in Ireland. In support of this introduction, ATU Donegal developed a programme for educators and teachers called the Higher Diploma in Computing for Educators, this programme was designed to help teachers upskill and

Engineers Week at ATU Donegal

ELECTRONIC & MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

ATU and NWRC Collaborate to Provide Cross Border Opportunities in Dynamic Changing Industry

Alchemy Technology Services delightfully sponsored the "Best 3rd Year Project" prize to ATU Donegal Department of Computing students once again this year.

As part of the third year “Team Project” module, students analysed, designed, implemented, and tested a software application which provided students with an experience that closely approximates to a real-world commercial project. Projects like these are so beneficial to students where they develop the skills and confidence to be able to work and contribute as part of a team.

Thirteen teams participated in the project and the winning team was selected on the basis of their excellent team work to enable them to submit a high-quality project. Eoghan Casey, Shane Russell, Aoibheann Simms, and Natasha Spratt displayed first-class collaborative problem-solving skills and produced a well-functioning software application to scoop first place.

Students Compete in Zero Days Annual Capture the Flag Tournament

teach the Leaving Certificate Computer Science curriculum. Importantly, the programme has Teaching Council recognition which enables teachers to deliver Computer Science education to Leaving Certificate students.

As this teacher-focused programme developed, Dr. Gary Cullen and John Conaghan, lecturers in Computing at ATU

Donegal, created a new three-year BSc (honours) degree programme in Computer Science.

This programme was developed for Leaving Certificate students who undertake Leaving Certificate Computer Science as a subject, to progress to an honours degree which matches their skills and interests. This one-of-a-kind honours degree programme provides Leaving Certificate students with a chance to enhance and progress their interest in Computer Science.

Over the last five years, Gary and John have developed workshops for Leaving Certificate students, a free Leaving Certificate Easter revision camp, as well as annual workshops that support the Leaving Certificate Computer Science project.

Over 2,000 students from across Ireland’s post-primary schools have engaged in these workshops and sessions, with ATU Donegal leading the way in Computer Science education for Teachers and Leaving Certificate students.

To find out more about studying Computer Science at ATU Donegal, visit www.atu.ie/AU361

ZeroDays CTF is an annual Capture The Flag (CTF) tournament. This year’s CTF took place on the 1st of April 2023 in Croke Park. ATU Donegal had two teams compete in this year’s competition. Team 1: Dominik Kuzmic, Harvey Reynolds, Declan Kelly, Dennis Olubunmi.

Team 2: Anjaly Babu, Liam Gallagher, Brandon Meehan, Ivan Boranijasevi.

The Irish Colleges Cyber-Security Challenge aims to showcase and identify the best cybersecurity students in the country. The event caters for all levels from complete IT beginners to experienced professional penetration testers. Each year the Zero Days CTF has a different theme which sees participants dressed as characters related to whatever the annual theme is. The theme for this year’s event was Harry Potter Vs Lord of The Rings. Themes for previous years have included Superheroes and Father Ted.

The event gave each member of the ATU Donegal team the ability to upskill in cybersecurity in a challenging but also fun environment and gave them the chance to learn a lot more about the work that is expected in the industry.

Atlantic Technological University (ATU) and North West Regional College (NWRC) have collaborated to create a unique crossborder pathway for learners to advance their studies in Electric Vehicle (EV) Technology. The initiative endorsed by Hyundai is part of the North West Tertiary Education Cluster and welcomed the first cohort to the campuses this semester.

The North West Tertiary Education Cluster was established in 2018 and brings together the four education partners in the North West City Region namely, Atlantic Technological University, Ulster University, North West Regional College and Donegal ETB. The aim of the cluster is to provide pathways and progression routes for students on a cross-border basis and to work with industry to ensure greater economic prosperity and high value jobs for the region.

Talking about this new collaboration, ATU Donegal, Head of College, Paul Hannigan says; “I am delighted to see this pathway created for our students. There has been significant emphasis on institutional engagement activity over recent years and it’s great to see our learners benefit from the relationships that have been built in this area. The cluster plays a key role in driving the development of the North West region and this education pathway is an example of the great work that is being done”.

This new collaborative programme (Level 6 ROI, Level 4 Northern Ireland equivalent) is fully funded by the Department for the Economy, Northern Ireland and provides a stepping-stone for graduates to advance to the degree programme in EV Technology at ATU, a

Environmental Research in Mechanical Engineering at ATU

Jamie Farren, BEng (Hons) in Mechanical Engineering, and Hugh Coyle, Masters by Research, displayed their work at the Environ 2023 Conference, which was attended by hundreds of visitors and participants, the longest running and most prominent forum for environmental researchers in Ireland.

Jamie presented “Force Analysis for Conversion of Hydraulic Track Drive Machines to Electrification” and Hugh presented “Mobile Plant Electric Track Drives”, both supervised by Department staff.

new cross-border education and training pathway developed in partnership by NWRC and ATU.

This course will allow graduates to work in an industry embarking on the rapid transition to electrified propulsion. This cross-border initiative provides opportunities for learners in the North West region to gain knowledge in this rapidly changing industry and will provide graduates with the necessary skills and knowledge to pursue their careers.

During the course, which is 15 weeks in duration, students will spend two days a week learning practical skills at NWRC’s Springtown Campus, with one day of online learning delivered by ATU.

If you would like to find out more about the BEng (Ord) in Electric Vehicle Engineering, visit www.atu.ie/AU252

Engineers Week is an annual national initiative that celebrates the contributions of engineers in society and inspires the next generation of engineers. To celebrate this important event, ATU Donegal held various events on campus.

ATU Donegal’s primary objective of these events and activities is to promote awareness around the importance engineering plays in modern society and the engineering employment opportunities that exist within the North West. Every day, engineers work locally to design and create infrastructure, technologies, and innovations that improve our daily lives, from roads and bridges to medical devices and clean energy.

More than 100 secondary school students from across Donegal were welcomed to our Letterkenny campus on ‘Engineers Day’ and participated in a number of events. These events included engineering presentations, guided engineering lab tours, demonstrations, discussion groups and opportunities to network with industry experts, many of whom are alumni of ATU Donegal.