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Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title Professional & Research Practice
Module Code CSC1174 (ITS: CA640E)
Faculty Computing School Engineering & Computing
NFQ level 9 Credit Rating 10
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.
8. Synthesise relevant information about legislation affecting IT


WorkloadFull time hours per semester
TypeHoursDescription
Lecture36Both face to face and online
Assignment Completion45Involves research and writing/presenting
Total Workload: 81
Section Breakdown
CRN11960Part of TermSemester 1
Coursework0%Examination Weight0%
Grade Scale40PASSPass Both ElementsY
Resit CategoryRC1Best MarkN
Module Co-ordinatorIrina TalModule Teacher
Assessment Breakdown
TypeDescription% of totalAssessment Date
Report(s)Critical Precis of Research Paper or initial Literature review for thesis15%Week 8
Report(s)Analysis of Cyber Ethical Case15%Week 10
EssayAnalyse IT legislation and relevant cases10%Week 11
PresentationA short oral presentation of precis or literature review10%Week 12
Formal ExaminationExamination on Ethics and IT Law50%End-of-Semester
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:
  • Robert Barrass: 0, Better writing for scientists, engineers and students, 2, Routledge,
  • Tavani, Herman T.: 0, Ethics and technology : controversies, questions, and strategies for ethical computing, John Wiley & Sons, Inc.,
  • Quinn: 0, Ethics for the Information Age, Pearson Higher Education,
  • Dennis Kelleher: 0, Privacy and data protection law in Ireland, Bloomsbury,
  • Dennis Kelleher, Karen Murray: 0, Information Technology law in Ireland, Butterworths Dublin,
  • Eric Walters and Gale Climenson Walters: 0, Scientists Must Speak, Bringing presentations to life,, Routledge,


Articles:
  • 0: Many articles will be referenced throughut the course,
Other Resources

  • 0: Website: DCU Loop and Online course,

<< Back to Module List View 2024/25 Module Record for CA640E