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Politics & International Relations  (PTW2)

BSc (NFQ Level 8) · Academic Year 2024/2025
School
School of Politics and International Relations
Attendance
Full Time
Level
Undergraduate
NFQ Level
8
Award
Bachelor of Science
Mode of Delivery
On Campus
Programme Director
Assoc Professor Alexander Dukalskis
Overall Programme Credits:
240
Programme Credits:
Stage 1
Core/Option: 55 Electives: 5
Stage 2
Core/Option: 50 Electives: 10
Stage 3
Core/Option: 50 Electives: 10
Stage 4
Core/Option: 50 Electives: 10
Major/Minor Core & Option Credits:
Stage 1: 20
Stage 2: 30
Stage 3: 30
Stage 4: 30

Curricular information is subject to change.

UCD is Ireland’s Global University and its largest university with a track record in empowering students to enter a diverse range of careers that reflects the most diverse curriculum on the Island of Ireland. Consistently, over 90% of graduates are employed or in further study or training 9 months following course completion. The QS World Ranking on Graduate Employability has placed UCD at number 1 in Ireland for Graduate Employability since 2018. On the global stage UCD leads the Irish higher education sector and is the only Irish university to be ranked inside the world’s top 80 for Graduate Employability.

At University College Dublin we are aware that for many students, programme outcomes in terms of graduate jobs and career options is important. The purpose of this statement is to help you understand and appreciate the range of skills you may develop during your time at UCD and how you may develop your employability. Visit the UCD Careers Networks website and MyCareer, the UCD Career management Platform, to access career information, internships and graduate roles as well as information about the range of initiatives, supports and events available to you.

This programme provides opportunities for students to develop in areas such as:
  • Information & Communication Technology
  • Numeracy
  • Writing
  • Researching
  • Oral Communication
  • Written Communication
  • Presentations
  • Teamwork
  • Professionalism, e.g. internships, work experience
  • Global awareness
  • Social responsibility
  • Critical thinking


This programme supports students’ career development and employability through:
  • Career and professional development e.g. internships and work placements
  • Cultural awareness, resilience and self-confidence e.g. Study Abroad/ERASMUS
  • Language skills e.g. Chinese and Spanish via UCD Centre for English & Global Languages
  • Social responsibility e.g. UCD In the Community and UCD Volunteers Overseas
  • Enhancing digital literacy skills
  • Development of critical thinking, problem solving skills and decision-making e.g. through individual and group projects and assignments


Stage 3

Please ensure that you register to a minimum of 30 credits overall for stage 3. You must select a minimum of 20 credits from the first list. Remaining credits can be selected from either option list. If you are studying abroad (Erasmus/non EU exchange) and/or undertaking an internship, please see registration guidelines here.

Stage 4

Please ensure that you register for a minimum of 30 credits for stage 4. Students should contact the school directly to apply for a place on POL30860 and POL30870 (these two modules must be taken together).

In order to complete your Undergraduate degree, you must earn at least 40 credits at level 3 or above. It is your responsibility to ensure that you meet this requirement.

Below is a list of all modules offered for this degree in the current academic year. Click on the module to discover what you will learn in the module, how you will learn and assessment feedback profile amongst other information.

Incoming Stage 1 undergraduates can usually select an Elective in the Spring Trimester. Most continuing undergraduate students can select up to two Elective modules (10 Credits) per stage. There is also the possibility to take up to 10 extra Elective credits.

Module Type Module   Trimester Credits
Stage 1 Core Modules
POL10160 Foundations of Contemporary Politics Autumn  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
POL10170 Foundations in Political Research Autumn  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
INRL10020 Foundations of Intl Relations Spring  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
POL10180 Foundations of Pol Theory Spring  5
Stage 2 Core Modules
INRL20040 Theories and Concepts in International Relations Autumn  5
Stage 2 Core Modules
POL20010 Individuals and the State: The Idea of Freedom in the History of Political Thought Autumn  5
Stage 2 Core Modules
POL20020 Comparative Politics Spring  5
Stage 2 Core Modules
POL20050 Research Methods in Political Science Spring  5
Stage 2 Options - A) Min 2 of:
Select a minimum of 2 of the following option modules. Additional options can be selected in place of electives.
INRL20080 Irish Foreign Policy Autumn  5
Stage 2 Options - A) Min 2 of:
Select a minimum of 2 of the following option modules. Additional options can be selected in place of electives.
INRL20160 Introduction to European Union Politics Autumn  5
Stage 2 Options - A) Min 2 of:
Select a minimum of 2 of the following option modules. Additional options can be selected in place of electives.
POL20260 Introduction to Chinese Politics Autumn  5
Stage 2 Options - A) Min 2 of:
Select a minimum of 2 of the following option modules. Additional options can be selected in place of electives.
POL20270 Post-Soviet Politics Autumn  5
Stage 2 Options - A) Min 2 of:
Select a minimum of 2 of the following option modules. Additional options can be selected in place of electives.
DEV20010 Topics in Intl Development Spring  5
Stage 2 Options - A) Min 2 of:
Select a minimum of 2 of the following option modules. Additional options can be selected in place of electives.
DEV20130 Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals Spring  5
Stage 2 Options - A) Min 2 of:
Select a minimum of 2 of the following option modules. Additional options can be selected in place of electives.
INRL20110 Intro to Middle East Politics Spring  5
Stage 3 Options - A) Min 20CR:
Please ensure that you register to a minimum of 30 credits overall for stage 3. You must select a minimum of 20 credits from this list. Remaining credits can be selected from this list or the list below.
If you are studying abroad (Erasmus/non EU exchange) and/or undertaking an internship, please see registration guidelines here. Additional options can be selected in place of electives.
DEV30010 Sustainable Development through the Lens of Gender Autumn  10
Stage 3 Options - A) Min 20CR:
Please ensure that you register to a minimum of 30 credits overall for stage 3. You must select a minimum of 20 credits from this list. Remaining credits can be selected from this list or the list below.
If you are studying abroad (Erasmus/non EU exchange) and/or undertaking an internship, please see registration guidelines here. Additional options can be selected in place of electives.
INRL30330 Integration and Fragmentation in the Global System Autumn  10
Stage 3 Options - A) Min 20CR:
Please ensure that you register to a minimum of 30 credits overall for stage 3. You must select a minimum of 20 credits from this list. Remaining credits can be selected from this list or the list below.
If you are studying abroad (Erasmus/non EU exchange) and/or undertaking an internship, please see registration guidelines here. Additional options can be selected in place of electives.
INRL30370 Terrorism & Political Violence Autumn  10
Stage 3 Options - A) Min 20CR:
Please ensure that you register to a minimum of 30 credits overall for stage 3. You must select a minimum of 20 credits from this list. Remaining credits can be selected from this list or the list below.
If you are studying abroad (Erasmus/non EU exchange) and/or undertaking an internship, please see registration guidelines here. Additional options can be selected in place of electives.
POL30780 Justice in Education Autumn  10
Stage 3 Options - A) Min 20CR:
Please ensure that you register to a minimum of 30 credits overall for stage 3. You must select a minimum of 20 credits from this list. Remaining credits can be selected from this list or the list below.
If you are studying abroad (Erasmus/non EU exchange) and/or undertaking an internship, please see registration guidelines here. Additional options can be selected in place of electives.
POL36120 Gender, Religion & Colonialism Autumn  10
Stage 3 Options - A) Min 20CR:
Please ensure that you register to a minimum of 30 credits overall for stage 3. You must select a minimum of 20 credits from this list. Remaining credits can be selected from this list or the list below.
If you are studying abroad (Erasmus/non EU exchange) and/or undertaking an internship, please see registration guidelines here. Additional options can be selected in place of electives.
POL36160 Northern Ireland Politics Autumn  10
Stage 3 Options - A) Min 20CR:
Please ensure that you register to a minimum of 30 credits overall for stage 3. You must select a minimum of 20 credits from this list. Remaining credits can be selected from this list or the list below.
If you are studying abroad (Erasmus/non EU exchange) and/or undertaking an internship, please see registration guidelines here. Additional options can be selected in place of electives.
POL36180 Politics of Care Autumn  10
Stage 3 Options - A) Min 20CR:
Please ensure that you register to a minimum of 30 credits overall for stage 3. You must select a minimum of 20 credits from this list. Remaining credits can be selected from this list or the list below.
If you are studying abroad (Erasmus/non EU exchange) and/or undertaking an internship, please see registration guidelines here. Additional options can be selected in place of electives.
POL36190 Political Networks Autumn  10
Stage 3 Options - A) Min 20CR:
Please ensure that you register to a minimum of 30 credits overall for stage 3. You must select a minimum of 20 credits from this list. Remaining credits can be selected from this list or the list below.
If you are studying abroad (Erasmus/non EU exchange) and/or undertaking an internship, please see registration guidelines here. Additional options can be selected in place of electives.
POL36200 Democracy, Elections and Campaigns Autumn  10
Stage 3 Options - A) Min 20CR:
Please ensure that you register to a minimum of 30 credits overall for stage 3. You must select a minimum of 20 credits from this list. Remaining credits can be selected from this list or the list below.
If you are studying abroad (Erasmus/non EU exchange) and/or undertaking an internship, please see registration guidelines here. Additional options can be selected in place of electives.
INRL30390 Foreign Policy Mistakes Spring  10
Stage 3 Options - A) Min 20CR:
Please ensure that you register to a minimum of 30 credits overall for stage 3. You must select a minimum of 20 credits from this list. Remaining credits can be selected from this list or the list below.
If you are studying abroad (Erasmus/non EU exchange) and/or undertaking an internship, please see registration guidelines here. Additional options can be selected in place of electives.
INRL30400 EU Foreign Policy: understanding how the European Union and its member states engage with the world Spring  10
Stage 3 Options - A) Min 20CR:
Please ensure that you register to a minimum of 30 credits overall for stage 3. You must select a minimum of 20 credits from this list. Remaining credits can be selected from this list or the list below.
If you are studying abroad (Erasmus/non EU exchange) and/or undertaking an internship, please see registration guidelines here. Additional options can be selected in place of electives.
POL30660 Data Analytics for Social Sciences Spring  10
Stage 3 Options - A) Min 20CR:
Please ensure that you register to a minimum of 30 credits overall for stage 3. You must select a minimum of 20 credits from this list. Remaining credits can be selected from this list or the list below.
If you are studying abroad (Erasmus/non EU exchange) and/or undertaking an internship, please see registration guidelines here. Additional options can be selected in place of electives.
POL30680 Gender and Politics Spring  10
Stage 3 Options - A) Min 20CR:
Please ensure that you register to a minimum of 30 credits overall for stage 3. You must select a minimum of 20 credits from this list. Remaining credits can be selected from this list or the list below.
If you are studying abroad (Erasmus/non EU exchange) and/or undertaking an internship, please see registration guidelines here. Additional options can be selected in place of electives.
POL30690 Introduction to Asian Politics Spring  10
Stage 3 Options - A) Min 20CR:
Please ensure that you register to a minimum of 30 credits overall for stage 3. You must select a minimum of 20 credits from this list. Remaining credits can be selected from this list or the list below.
If you are studying abroad (Erasmus/non EU exchange) and/or undertaking an internship, please see registration guidelines here. Additional options can be selected in place of electives.
POL30820 Political Risk and Foreign Direct Investment Spring  10
Stage 3 Options - A) Min 20CR:
Please ensure that you register to a minimum of 30 credits overall for stage 3. You must select a minimum of 20 credits from this list. Remaining credits can be selected from this list or the list below.
If you are studying abroad (Erasmus/non EU exchange) and/or undertaking an internship, please see registration guidelines here. Additional options can be selected in place of electives.
POL30840 Electoral Systems and their Consequences Spring  10
Stage 3 Options - A) Min 20CR:
Please ensure that you register to a minimum of 30 credits overall for stage 3. You must select a minimum of 20 credits from this list. Remaining credits can be selected from this list or the list below.
If you are studying abroad (Erasmus/non EU exchange) and/or undertaking an internship, please see registration guidelines here. Additional options can be selected in place of electives.
POL36110 Comparative Political Theory Spring  10
Stage 3 Options - A) Min 20CR:
Please ensure that you register to a minimum of 30 credits overall for stage 3. You must select a minimum of 20 credits from this list. Remaining credits can be selected from this list or the list below.
If you are studying abroad (Erasmus/non EU exchange) and/or undertaking an internship, please see registration guidelines here. Additional options can be selected in place of electives.
POL36150 Feminist Perspectives on Social Policy Spring  10
Stage 3 Options - A) Min 20CR:
Please ensure that you register to a minimum of 30 credits overall for stage 3. You must select a minimum of 20 credits from this list. Remaining credits can be selected from this list or the list below.
If you are studying abroad (Erasmus/non EU exchange) and/or undertaking an internship, please see registration guidelines here. Additional options can be selected in place of electives.
POL36170 Respecting Diversity Spring  10
Stage 3 Options - A) Min 20CR:
Please ensure that you register to a minimum of 30 credits overall for stage 3. You must select a minimum of 20 credits from this list. Remaining credits can be selected from this list or the list below.
If you are studying abroad (Erasmus/non EU exchange) and/or undertaking an internship, please see registration guidelines here. Additional options can be selected in place of electives.
POL36220 Political Communication and Propaganda Spring  10
Stage 3 Options - A) Min 20CR:
Please ensure that you register to a minimum of 30 credits overall for stage 3. You must select a minimum of 20 credits from this list. Remaining credits can be selected from this list or the list below.
If you are studying abroad (Erasmus/non EU exchange) and/or undertaking an internship, please see registration guidelines here. Additional options can be selected in place of electives.
POL36230 Authoritarian Politics Spring  10
Stage 3 Options - A) Min 20CR:
Please ensure that you register to a minimum of 30 credits overall for stage 3. You must select a minimum of 20 credits from this list. Remaining credits can be selected from this list or the list below.
If you are studying abroad (Erasmus/non EU exchange) and/or undertaking an internship, please see registration guidelines here. Additional options can be selected in place of electives.
POL36240 Diplomacy & Int. Organisation Spring  10
Stage 3 Options - B) Min 0CR:
Students may select up to two modules from the following 5-credit options list to fulfill their 30 credit requirement. Additional options can be selected in place of electives.
ECON30590 Economics of Gender Autumn  5
Stage 3 Options - B) Min 0CR:
Students may select up to two modules from the following 5-credit options list to fulfill their 30 credit requirement. Additional options can be selected in place of electives.
INRL20080 Irish Foreign Policy Autumn  5
Stage 3 Options - B) Min 0CR:
Students may select up to two modules from the following 5-credit options list to fulfill their 30 credit requirement. Additional options can be selected in place of electives.
INRL20160 Introduction to European Union Politics Autumn  5
Stage 3 Options - B) Min 0CR:
Students may select up to two modules from the following 5-credit options list to fulfill their 30 credit requirement. Additional options can be selected in place of electives.
POL20260 Introduction to Chinese Politics Autumn  5
Stage 3 Options - B) Min 0CR:
Students may select up to two modules from the following 5-credit options list to fulfill their 30 credit requirement. Additional options can be selected in place of electives.
POL20270 Post-Soviet Politics Autumn  5
Stage 3 Options - B) Min 0CR:
Students may select up to two modules from the following 5-credit options list to fulfill their 30 credit requirement. Additional options can be selected in place of electives.
DEV20010 Topics in Intl Development Spring  5
Stage 3 Options - B) Min 0CR:
Students may select up to two modules from the following 5-credit options list to fulfill their 30 credit requirement. Additional options can be selected in place of electives.
DEV20130 Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals Spring  5
Stage 3 Options - B) Min 0CR:
Students may select up to two modules from the following 5-credit options list to fulfill their 30 credit requirement. Additional options can be selected in place of electives.
ECON30500 Field Experiments Social Sci Spring  5
Stage 3 Options - B) Min 0CR:
Students may select up to two modules from the following 5-credit options list to fulfill their 30 credit requirement. Additional options can be selected in place of electives.
INRL20110 Intro to Middle East Politics Spring  5
Stage 3 Options - B) Min 0CR:
Students may select up to two modules from the following 5-credit options list to fulfill their 30 credit requirement. Additional options can be selected in place of electives.
MUS31330 Post-Truth, Politics & Music Spring  5
Stage 3 Options - B) Min 0CR:
Students may select up to two modules from the following 5-credit options list to fulfill their 30 credit requirement. Additional options can be selected in place of electives.
POL36210 Climate Targets and Their Implementation in the European Regions (UZH) Spring  5
Stage 3 Options - B) Min 0CR:
Students may select up to two modules from the following 5-credit options list to fulfill their 30 credit requirement. Additional options can be selected in place of electives.
SSCI20030 Building Resilience Spring  5
Stage 4 Options - B) Min 30CR:
Students are required to take at least 30 option credits in Stage 4. Students who wish to take POL30860 and POL30870 must apply in advance directly to the school. The top 15 applicants will get a place. These modules must be taken together. Additional options can be taken in place of electives.
DEV30010 Sustainable Development through the Lens of Gender Autumn  10
Stage 4 Options - B) Min 30CR:
Students are required to take at least 30 option credits in Stage 4. Students who wish to take POL30860 and POL30870 must apply in advance directly to the school. The top 15 applicants will get a place. These modules must be taken together. Additional options can be taken in place of electives.
INRL30330 Integration and Fragmentation in the Global System Autumn  10
Stage 4 Options - B) Min 30CR:
Students are required to take at least 30 option credits in Stage 4. Students who wish to take POL30860 and POL30870 must apply in advance directly to the school. The top 15 applicants will get a place. These modules must be taken together. Additional options can be taken in place of electives.
INRL30370 Terrorism & Political Violence Autumn  10
Stage 4 Options - B) Min 30CR:
Students are required to take at least 30 option credits in Stage 4. Students who wish to take POL30860 and POL30870 must apply in advance directly to the school. The top 15 applicants will get a place. These modules must be taken together. Additional options can be taken in place of electives.
POL30780 Justice in Education Autumn  10
Stage 4 Options - B) Min 30CR:
Students are required to take at least 30 option credits in Stage 4. Students who wish to take POL30860 and POL30870 must apply in advance directly to the school. The top 15 applicants will get a place. These modules must be taken together. Additional options can be taken in place of electives.
POL30860 Advanced Seminar in Politics 1 Autumn  5
Stage 4 Options - B) Min 30CR:
Students are required to take at least 30 option credits in Stage 4. Students who wish to take POL30860 and POL30870 must apply in advance directly to the school. The top 15 applicants will get a place. These modules must be taken together. Additional options can be taken in place of electives.
POL36120 Gender, Religion & Colonialism Autumn  10
Stage 4 Options - B) Min 30CR:
Students are required to take at least 30 option credits in Stage 4. Students who wish to take POL30860 and POL30870 must apply in advance directly to the school. The top 15 applicants will get a place. These modules must be taken together. Additional options can be taken in place of electives.
POL36160 Northern Ireland Politics Autumn  10
Stage 4 Options - B) Min 30CR:
Students are required to take at least 30 option credits in Stage 4. Students who wish to take POL30860 and POL30870 must apply in advance directly to the school. The top 15 applicants will get a place. These modules must be taken together. Additional options can be taken in place of electives.
POL36180 Politics of Care Autumn  10
Stage 4 Options - B) Min 30CR:
Students are required to take at least 30 option credits in Stage 4. Students who wish to take POL30860 and POL30870 must apply in advance directly to the school. The top 15 applicants will get a place. These modules must be taken together. Additional options can be taken in place of electives.
POL36190 Political Networks Autumn  10
Stage 4 Options - B) Min 30CR:
Students are required to take at least 30 option credits in Stage 4. Students who wish to take POL30860 and POL30870 must apply in advance directly to the school. The top 15 applicants will get a place. These modules must be taken together. Additional options can be taken in place of electives.
POL36200 Democracy, Elections and Campaigns Autumn  10
Stage 4 Options - B) Min 30CR:
Students are required to take at least 30 option credits in Stage 4. Students who wish to take POL30860 and POL30870 must apply in advance directly to the school. The top 15 applicants will get a place. These modules must be taken together. Additional options can be taken in place of electives.
INRL30390 Foreign Policy Mistakes Spring  10
Stage 4 Options - B) Min 30CR:
Students are required to take at least 30 option credits in Stage 4. Students who wish to take POL30860 and POL30870 must apply in advance directly to the school. The top 15 applicants will get a place. These modules must be taken together. Additional options can be taken in place of electives.
INRL30400 EU Foreign Policy: understanding how the European Union and its member states engage with the world Spring  10
Stage 4 Options - B) Min 30CR:
Students are required to take at least 30 option credits in Stage 4. Students who wish to take POL30860 and POL30870 must apply in advance directly to the school. The top 15 applicants will get a place. These modules must be taken together. Additional options can be taken in place of electives.
POL30660 Data Analytics for Social Sciences Spring  10
Stage 4 Options - B) Min 30CR:
Students are required to take at least 30 option credits in Stage 4. Students who wish to take POL30860 and POL30870 must apply in advance directly to the school. The top 15 applicants will get a place. These modules must be taken together. Additional options can be taken in place of electives.
POL30680 Gender and Politics Spring  10
Stage 4 Options - B) Min 30CR:
Students are required to take at least 30 option credits in Stage 4. Students who wish to take POL30860 and POL30870 must apply in advance directly to the school. The top 15 applicants will get a place. These modules must be taken together. Additional options can be taken in place of electives.
POL30690 Introduction to Asian Politics Spring  10
Stage 4 Options - B) Min 30CR:
Students are required to take at least 30 option credits in Stage 4. Students who wish to take POL30860 and POL30870 must apply in advance directly to the school. The top 15 applicants will get a place. These modules must be taken together. Additional options can be taken in place of electives.
POL30820 Political Risk and Foreign Direct Investment Spring  10
Stage 4 Options - B) Min 30CR:
Students are required to take at least 30 option credits in Stage 4. Students who wish to take POL30860 and POL30870 must apply in advance directly to the school. The top 15 applicants will get a place. These modules must be taken together. Additional options can be taken in place of electives.
POL30840 Electoral Systems and their Consequences Spring  10
Stage 4 Options - B) Min 30CR:
Students are required to take at least 30 option credits in Stage 4. Students who wish to take POL30860 and POL30870 must apply in advance directly to the school. The top 15 applicants will get a place. These modules must be taken together. Additional options can be taken in place of electives.
POL30870 Advanced Seminar in Politics 2 Spring  15
Stage 4 Options - B) Min 30CR:
Students are required to take at least 30 option credits in Stage 4. Students who wish to take POL30860 and POL30870 must apply in advance directly to the school. The top 15 applicants will get a place. These modules must be taken together. Additional options can be taken in place of electives.
POL36110 Comparative Political Theory Spring  10
Stage 4 Options - B) Min 30CR:
Students are required to take at least 30 option credits in Stage 4. Students who wish to take POL30860 and POL30870 must apply in advance directly to the school. The top 15 applicants will get a place. These modules must be taken together. Additional options can be taken in place of electives.
POL36150 Feminist Perspectives on Social Policy Spring  10
Stage 4 Options - B) Min 30CR:
Students are required to take at least 30 option credits in Stage 4. Students who wish to take POL30860 and POL30870 must apply in advance directly to the school. The top 15 applicants will get a place. These modules must be taken together. Additional options can be taken in place of electives.
POL36170 Respecting Diversity Spring  10
Stage 4 Options - B) Min 30CR:
Students are required to take at least 30 option credits in Stage 4. Students who wish to take POL30860 and POL30870 must apply in advance directly to the school. The top 15 applicants will get a place. These modules must be taken together. Additional options can be taken in place of electives.
POL36220 Political Communication and Propaganda Spring  10
Stage 4 Options - B) Min 30CR:
Students are required to take at least 30 option credits in Stage 4. Students who wish to take POL30860 and POL30870 must apply in advance directly to the school. The top 15 applicants will get a place. These modules must be taken together. Additional options can be taken in place of electives.
POL36230 Authoritarian Politics Spring  10
Stage 4 Options - B) Min 30CR:
Students are required to take at least 30 option credits in Stage 4. Students who wish to take POL30860 and POL30870 must apply in advance directly to the school. The top 15 applicants will get a place. These modules must be taken together. Additional options can be taken in place of electives.
POL36240 Diplomacy & Int. Organisation Spring  10

See the UCD Assessment website for further details, including worked examples of how degree award GPAs are calculated

Module Weighting Info
 
  Award GPA
Programme Module Weightings Rule Description Description >= <=
BHSOC010 Stage 4 - 50.00%
Stage 3 - 30.00%
Stage 2 - 20.00%
Standard Honours Award First Class Honours

3.68

4.20

Second Class Honours, Grade 1

3.08

3.67

Second Class Honours, Grade 2

2.48

3.07

Pass

2.00

2.47