This module develops students’ appreciation for research-led learning, equipping them with independent inquiry and critical thinking skills essential for university study. It provides foundational exposure to technologies and venture creation at XJTLU Entrepreneur College (Taicang) (“XEC” hereinafter), exploring their integration to deliver enhanced value while fostering collaborative learning, teamwork, and innovation. The module includes an immersive site visit to Innovation factory and X3 Co-Venture to observe real-world technology integration and value creation, complemented by hands-on STEM activities that reinforce collaborative problem-solving and practical application. This module also integrates with the School/Academy-led interdisciplinary context with the wider Year 1 LIFE Spine, which will provide discipline-specific support, such as evidence use, responsible digital practice, reflection, and provisional pathway alignment.
A Adapt to English‑medium university study by engaging with academic expectations, utilizing learning resources effectively, and navigating the structures of university learning with growing confidence. B Apply research‑led learning approaches through developing independent inquiry and applying critical thinking skills essential for university-level study. C Identify technologies offered at XEC, through applying integrative approaches to create added value, and participating in collaborative learning practices that foster teamwork and innovation. D Engage with broad academic fields by developing an understanding of interdisciplinary ways of thinking, programme expectations, and potential academic pathways.
This module spans six weeks of seminar (4 hours per seminar per week) plus a revision session of two hours in a lecture style. Seminars will be split by four seminars to be delivered at the SIP Campus alongside two practical workshops hosted at XEC Campus. Academic staff from the LIFE will provide 13 X 1 hours of tutorial consultation thereafter to guide students' progression in practical learning. The teaching content is enriched with practical equipment showcases, on-site facility tours, simulated exercises, and data visualization sessions grounded in authentic industrial scenarios. This module adopts an immersive and interactive pedagogical framework, including seminar sessions co-taught by guest practitioners, who design bespoke practical activities closely aligned with the module’s core curriculum. STEM and experiential activities will be incorporated to allow students to learn, reflect and recreate prototypes. Technology integration constitutes a core pillar of this module’s design. Learners will undertake site visits to XEC Campus Innovation Factory and X3 Co-Venture, gaining first-hand experience of cross-disciplinary technology fusion and theoretical knowledge implementation. This is the supporting reason the delivery of this module is designed to be 4 hours per session per week. Ultimately, the module empowers students to translate classroom learning and research-informed methodologies into actionable solutions for real industry challenges. The module is co-delivered with LIFE through the common Semester 1 Academic Horizons spine, by means of a weekly one-hour LIFE studio. The studio uses a hands-on, project-based approach in which students develop key academic skills. These include asking clear questions, finding and using evidence, using AI tools responsibly, working effectively in a team, and communicating their ideas clearly. Students apply these skills to real-world topics related to their subject area.