433-343 Professional Issues in Computing

Students may not gain credit for both 433-343 Professional Issues In Computing and 615-355 Legal and Ethical Frameworks.

This subject is regarded by the Faculty of Science as a non-science subject for students enrolled in the BSc.

Successful completion of at least 37.5 points of study from 200-level subjects in either computer science or information systems.

The aim of this subject is to develop an appreciation of what it means to be considered a professional in computer science and software engineering. To achieve this objective, we will critically examine such issues as intellectual property and related legal aspects of software development, codes of practice and ethical principles in professional computer associations and the social implications of information technology in modern society. The development of oral and written communication skills, itself a professional issue, will also be a focal part of the subject.

• understanding of the social, cultural, global and environmental responsibilities of the professional engineer, and the need for sustainable development

• understanding of professional and ethical responsibilities and commitment to them

• capacity for independent critical thought, rational inquiry and self-directed learning

• intellectual curiosity and creativity, including understanding of the philosophical and methodological bases of research activity

• openness to new ideas and unconventional critiques of received wisdom

• profound respect for truth and intellectual integrity, and for the ethics of scholarship

• international awareness and openness to the world, based on understanding and appreciation of social and cultural diversity and respect for individual human rights and dignity

Staged written assignment of approximately 6000 words in total during semester (80%); and participation in tutorials including oral presentation and group activities (20%).