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Module Specifications..

Current Academic Year 2023 - 2024

Please note that this information is subject to change.

Module Title Professional & Research Practice
Module Code CA640I
School School of Computing
Module Co-ordinatorSemester 1: Renaat Verbruggen
Semester 2: Renaat Verbruggen
Autumn: Renaat Verbruggen
Module TeachersRenaat Verbruggen
NFQ level 9 Credit Rating 7.5
Pre-requisite None
Co-requisite None
Compatibles None
Incompatibles None
Repeat examination
Resit examination
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 in Ireland 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.



Workload Full-time hours per semester
Type Hours Description
Online activity120There will be two topics per week
Assignment Completion70Completing the three asignments
Total Workload: 190

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 Assessment50% Examination Weight50%
Course Work Breakdown
TypeDescription% of totalAssessment Date
EssayEthical Case Study Report16%Week 8
Report(s)Literature review and proposal for practicum20%Week 11
PresentationPresentation on early Literature review for practicum14%Week 12
Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories;
1 = A resit is available for all components of the module
2 = No resit is available for 100% continuous assessment module
3 = No resit is available for the continuous assessment component
This module is category 1
Indicative Reading List

  • Tavani, Herman T.: 2016, Ethics and Technology: Controversies, Questions, and Strategies for Ethical Computing, %, Wiley, 978-1-1192375
  • Dennis Kelleher, Karen Murray: 2006, , Information Technology law in Ireland,, (Butterworths: Dublin),
  • Spinello, Richard: 2017, Cyberethics: Morality and Law in Cyberspace, 6, Jones and Bartlett,
Other Resources

48618, Loop VLE, Renaat Verbruggen, 0, Notes, links et cetera,
Programme or List of Programmes
GCCMGraduate Certificate in Computing
MCMM.Sc. in Computing
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