433-343 Professional Issues in Computing

Note

Students may not gain credit for both 433-343 and 433-256, or for both 433-343 and 615-355

Credit Points

Coordinator

Prerequisites

Successful completion of at least 35 points of study from 200-level subjects in either Computer Science or Information Systems.

Semester

Contact

Subject Description

The objective of this subject is for students: to develop an appreciation of the diverse areas of human endeavour which are affected by computer technology; to develop a basic knowledge of issues involving legal protection available to software, e.g. copyright; to understand in broad terms the application of ethical principles in interpreting the behaviour of computer professionals; and to be familiar with a range of other areas which impinge upon the working context of computing professionals and be able to present an articulate account of at least one of these areas.

This subject studies the present and potential uses and significance of computers in society and of the management and professional responsibility of computing professionals.

Topics include: computer uses in industry, education, medicine, law, economics and public administration; social implications of computers; professional aspects, including ethical questions; security and privacy; intellectual property and its protection; computer facilities management.

Assessment

Assessment is based on performance in a combination of written assignments (not exceeding 10,000 words in total), oral presentation in tutorials (not exceeding 30 minutes in total) and participation in tutorials. A satisfactory performance on each component is required to pass the subject. Weighting of assessment components will be made known at the start of the subject