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Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title Professional & Research Practice for Data Science
Module Code CSC1095 (ITS: CA375)
Faculty Computing School Engineering & Computing
NFQ level 8 Credit Rating 5
Description

The aim of this module is for the student to understand and manage the Social, Legal, Ethical and Regulatory issues and dilemmas associated with professional work in a Data Science environment. This includes the philosophy of research, qualitative and quantitative research, accessing and evaluating research materials, assessing outcomes and dissemination. It will examine the specific issues of experimental design relevant to data science.

Learning Outcomes

1. Discriminate between the key social, legal, ethical and regulatory issues involved in working professionally in computing.
2. Critically analyse the detail and implications of key Irish and European legislation with respect to data, data storage and data analysis.
3. Construct approaches to managing within legal, ethical and regulatory parameters.
4. Describe the vocabulary and concepts of both social, legal, ethical and regulatory approaches and be prepared to deal with workplace issues on the basis of this understanding.
5. Develop a philosophical and legal outlook that will be transferable to academic study and work generally.
6. Describe and deploy the concepts of research and novel investigation.
7. Design experiments for data based investigations in data science.


WorkloadFull time hours per semester
TypeHoursDescription
Lecture24Course content, including supplementary material on key topics and associated tutorial material will be made available online using the DCU Loop e-learning system and other appropriate electronic means.
Independent Study101This comprises time for reading, reviewing given and other exercises, group interaction on project, project time and write-up and revision.
Total Workload: 125
Section Breakdown
CRN10593Part of TermSemester 1
Coursework0%Examination Weight0%
Grade Scale40PASSPass Both ElementsY
Resit CategoryRC1Best MarkN
Module Co-ordinatorGareth JonesModule Teacher
Assessment Breakdown
TypeDescription% of totalAssessment Date
Extended Essay / DissertationReview of selected topic in use of practical investigations in data science, reflecting on the potential legal, ethical, societal and regulatory implications of the work.20%n/a
Group assignmentProposal and plan for data science experimental investigation.20%n/a
Group presentationPresentation corresponding to experimental design in written report.10%n/a
Report(s)Series of scenario based short report assignments applying research methods introduced in the module.25%n/a
Report(s)Complete series of assignments considering the application of ethical and legal principles for data scientists.25%n/a
Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories;
RC1: A resit is available for both* components of the module.
RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module.
RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element.

* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite None
Co-requisite None
Compatibles None
Incompatibles None

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

Indicative Reading List

Books:
  • John Ladley: 0, Data Governance: How to Design, Deploy and Sustain an Effective Data Governance Program, Morgan Kaufmann, 264, 0124158293
  • Alex Berson, Larry Dubov: 0, MASTER DATA MANAGEMENT AND DATA GOVERNANCE, 2/E, McGraw-Hill Osborne Media, 536, 0071744584
  • Alan Calder, Steve Watkins: 2015, IT Governance: An International Guide to Data Security and ISO27001/ISO27002 Paperback, 978074947405
  • David Sutton: 2014, Information Risk Management: A Practitioner's Guide, 1780172656
  • Lothar Determann: 2016, Determann's Field Guide to Data Privacy Law: International Corporate Compliance, 1783476885


Articles:
None
Other Resources

None

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