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IE1501: ENTERPRISE AND INNOVATION (2026-2027)

Last modified: 1 Day, 12 Hours, 19 Minutes ago


Course Overview

This course provides an introduction to the worlds of innovation, invention, creativity, commercialisation and entrepreneurship. The course is primarily about learning to think and act like an entrepreneur. Entrepreneurs see opportunities where others see obstacles, they come up with creative solutions and find ways to make things happen. In a future shaped by artificial intelligence – where creativity, adaptability, and problem-solving are more valuable than ever – this course will help you develop the skills and mindset to thrive in a fast-changing world.

Course Details

Study Type Undergraduate Level 1
Term Second Term Credit Points 15 credits (7.5 ECTS credits)
Campus Aberdeen Sustained Study No
Co-ordinators
  • Dr I.R. Greig

What courses & programmes must have been taken before this course?

  • Any Undergraduate Programme (Studied)

What other courses must be taken with this course?

None.

What courses cannot be taken with this course?

None.

Are there a limited number of places available?

No

Course Description

This is the first in a series of courses that focus on aspects of “applied entrepreneurship” that will be invaluable whatever your future careers.

“Luck is when opportunity meets preparation”: this course aims to prepare you for when those opportunities land in your lap.

It doesn’t matter if you go on to work for a giant multinational company, for a medium-sized fast-moving research-intense tech company, for your own micro-start-up, in the public sector or in academic research – an entrepreneurial attitude is required if you are to succeed in your role. You must have the ability to recognise unmet needs and opportunities, to create or identify solutions to those problems and, crucially, to be the person willing and able to turn these into a reality.

At the end of the course you will be able to:

  • Recognise opportunities in everyday problems and challenges.
  • Use creative methods to come up with and test solutions.
  • Build resilience, adaptability, and confidence when facing uncertainty.
  • Turn your ideas into action through experiments, prototypes, and feedback.
  • Share your vision in ways that excite and influence others.
  • Work effectively with others to make ideas happen.
  • Present your ideas with enthusiasm and passion to persuade others to take an involvement.
  • Apply entrepreneurial thinking to your career, community, or future ventures.
  • Understand how entrepreneurial skills can give you an edge in an AI-driven future.

Contact Teaching Time

Information on contact teaching time is available from the course guide.

Teaching Breakdown

More Information about Week Numbers


Details, including assessments, may be subject to change until 31 August 2025 for 1st Term courses and 19 December 2025 for 2nd Term courses.

Summative Assessments

Oral Presentation: Individual

Assessment Type Summative Weighting 50
Assessment Weeks 39 Feedback Weeks 39

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Feedback

Elevator Pitch. This is a 3 to 4 minute presentation on an idea generated by the student for a new “product” that will solve an unmet need. The pitch will need to cover these aspects: team, problem, solution, technical details, market.

This may be submitted as a video for students who are uncomfortable presenting in-person. Students are also offered the opportunity to present without the audience.

Students will receive some verbal feedback immediately after the presentation, and may also request written feedback via MyAberdeen.

Learning Outcomes
Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
ConceptualUnderstandUnderstand the fundamentals of setting up and running a business.
ConceptualUnderstandUnderstand how invention becomes innovation.
ProceduralApplyCommunicate a clear and persuasive vision that engages and influences others.
ProceduralCreateCreate a solution to an unmet need.
ReflectionApplyReflect on personal and professional development and appreciate the importance of entrepreneurial thinking in securing future career success.

Essay

Assessment Type Summative Weighting 50
Assessment Weeks 32 Feedback Weeks 35

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Feedback

Word Count: 1200

The essay will focus on a broad aspect of business, enterprise entrepreneurship, or invention, using a specific subject chosen by the student. The student will be encouraged to select a topic that is personally meaningful to them.

Feedback will be provided via MyAberdeen on how well the chosen topic has been covered, pointing out any aspects that have been omitted, and explains any misunderstandings.  Guidance will also be given concerning the accessibility of the writing to the reader.

Word Count 1200
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
ConceptualUnderstandUnderstand how invention becomes innovation.
ProceduralApplyCommunicate a clear and persuasive vision that engages and influences others.

Formative Assessment

There are no assessments for this course.

Resit Assessments

Resubmission of failed elements(s)

Assessment Type Summative Weighting
Assessment Weeks Feedback Weeks

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Feedback
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
Sorry, we don't have this information available just now. Please check the course guide on MyAberdeen or with the Course Coordinator

Course Learning Outcomes

Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
ProceduralCreateCreate a solution to an unmet need.
ProceduralApplyCommunicate a clear and persuasive vision that engages and influences others.
ReflectionApplyReflect on personal and professional development and appreciate the importance of entrepreneurial thinking in securing future career success.
ConceptualUnderstandUnderstand the fundamentals of setting up and running a business.
ConceptualUnderstandUnderstand how invention becomes innovation.

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