Professional Issues in Computing (Level 4)
Overview
- Credit value: 15 credits at Level 4
- Convenor: Mr Russell Craigie
- Assessment: a multiple-choice quiz (40%) and group video presentation (60%)
Module description
In this module you will learn about the social, legal, ethical and economic implications of computing in modern society, with a particular focus on the responsibilities and issues facing IT professionals and computer scientists in industry. This is a practical module, grounded in real-life examples/case studies.
Indicative syllabus
- Computer technology in context of technology revolutions
- Brief history of information systems in society and industry
- Information security in everyday life and why information systems fail
- Freedom of information
- Data protection
- Intellectual property
- Computer misuse
- Commercial issues in computing including contracts and liability
- Information surveillance
- Information security careers
Learning objectives
By the end of this module, you will be able to:
- identify legal and professional issues in information systems (IS)
- understand basic commercial issues related to IS
- describe the origins and significance of IS in the modern world
- recognise the roles of various actors involved in the operation and development of IS
- understand the legal, ethical and professional responsibilities of IT practitioners
- design simple solutions to real-world problems using IS/IT constructs
- appreciate the social implications of using computers
- work in teams and plan/deliver a group presentation, as well as gaining minor skills in video editing
- explore potential career paths in IT and make informed decisions about future opportunities.