615-355 Legal & Ethical Frameworks

This subject is regarded as a non-science subject for students enrolled in the BSc, BASc and combined BSc courses.

Students cannot receive credit for both this subject and 433-343.

62.5 points of 200-level information systems subjects.

This subject introduces students to some of the ethical and legal issues associated with the use of information systems in Australia in the 21st century. Issues associated with ethics, social responsibility and professional practice are discussed. The subject also explores the ethical and legal challenges presented to organisations and Australian society by recent developments in information and communication technologies. Topics may include contracts, intellectual property, internet content control, computer crime, information privacy and safety critical systems.

At the completion of this subject, students should:

• have an understanding of the current legal framework of business with respect to information systems, including business entities, intellectual property, contracts, and privacy; and

• be exposed to, and have grappled with, a series of practical ethical questions; and

• have constructed a personal frame of reference for ethical practice.

In addition to the subject-related skills, students should acquire or extend other valuable, generic skills. These include:

• written communication skills;

• oral communication skills; and

• the ability to think critically about the implications of information technology for individuals, organisations and society.

An end-of-semester written examination (30%); written assignments, group projects and written exercises submitted during the semester equivalent to 4500 words and seminar participation (70%).