Module: Professional & Research Practice

Module Specifications.

Current Academic Year 2024 - 2025

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Date posted: September 2024

Module Title	Professional & Research Practice
Module Code	CA640 (ITS) / CSC1131 (Banner)
Faculty	Engineering & Computing	School	Computing
Module Co-ordinator	Renaat Verbruggen
Module Teachers	Brian Davis, Gareth Jones
NFQ level	9	Credit Rating	7.5
Pre-requisite	Not Available
Co-requisite	Not Available
Compatibles	Not Available
Incompatibles	Not Available

Repeat examination
Array

Description

The module will introduce topics and issues in professional and research practice for computing professionals in an industrial and academic context. Research Methods: This will include the philosophy of research, qualitative and quantitative research, accessing and evaluating research materials, assessing outcomes and dissemination. This aspect of the module will provide the skills and understanding to plan and manage the practical aspects of the Practicum for the course. Professional: There will be an introduction to the legal aspects of information technology and relevant topics in ethics for computing professionals.

Learning Outcomes

1. Find research materials relevant to their degree.
2. Analyse and summarise research papers.
3. Develop and make an academic presentation.
4. Analyse Ethical cases in the field of Computing.
5. Apply professional codes of ethics to computing environments.
6. Source and understand the relevant legislation pertaining to computing.
7. Explain best practice in the collection of digital evidence.

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full-time hours per semester
Lecture	36	No Description
Assignment Completion	151.5	Background research and assessments
Lecture	36	based on notes and readings
Independent Study	54	Readings
Assignment Completion	100	Three in total
Total Workload: 377.5

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Research methods
Introduction to Research; Research Quality and Creativity; Paper and Report Writing; Speaking and Presentations; Research Tools.

Ethical issues in information and software.
Introduction to Philosophy; Cyber-Ethics; Critical Analysis; Liffick's Analytical Method; Ethics and Morality; Codes of Ethics.

Information Technology Law in Ireland
Introduction to the Irish Legal System; Digital Evidence; Copyright; Trade Marks and Patents; Computer Fraud; Data Protection; Compliance.

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment	50%	Examination Weight	50%

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Course Work Breakdown
Report(s)	Initial Literature Review	16%	Week 8
Presentation	A short video presentation of review.	16%	Week 11
Essay	Analysis of Cyber Ethical Case	16%	Week 12

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories: Resit category 1: A resit is available for both* components of the module. Resit category 2: No resit is available for a 100% continuous assessment module. Resit category 3: No resit is available for the continuous assessment component where there is a continuous assessment and examination element.
* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a Continuous Assessment/Examination split; where the module is 100% continuous assessment, there will also be a resit of the assessment
This module is category 1

Indicative Reading List

Herman T. Tavani: 2016, Ethics and Technology, John Wiley & Sons, 9781119239758
Robert Barrass: 2002, Scientists Must Write – a guide to better writing for scientists, engineers and students, (Second Edition), Routledge,
Dennis Kelleher, Karen Murray: 2006, Information Technology law in Ireland, (Butterworths: Dublin),
AnneMarie Mooney Cotter, Colin Babe: 0, Information Technology Law Professional Practice Guide (Law Society of Ireland Professional Practice Guides), Law Society of Ireland .,
Eric Walters and Gale Climenson Walters: 2002, Scientists Must Speak, Bringing presentations to life, Routledge,

Other Resources

59416, Online VLE, Renaat Verbruggen, 0, Loop, DCU,