433-343 Professional Issues In Computing

Note

Credit Points

HECS Band

Coordinator

Prerequisites

Successful completion of at least 37.5 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, for example copyright; to understand in broad terms the application of ethical principles in interpreting the behaviour of computer professionals; to be familiar with a range of other areas which impinge upon the working context of computing professionals; and to improve oral and written communication skills. 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. Technical and scholarly writing. Document preparation and maintenance. Use of library and Internet resources. Principles and technologies for oral presentation.

Assessment

Written essays (not exceeding 6000 words in total); oral presentation in tutorials of the essay material (not exceeding 30 minutes in total); and participation in tutorials and group activities. Weighting of assessment components will be advised at the commencement of the subject.