Registry

Module Specifications

Archived Version 2015 - 2016

Module Title	Professional & Research Practice
Module Code	CA640
School	School of Computing
Online Module Resources
Module Co-ordinator	Mr Renaat Verbruggen	Office Number	L2.43
NFQ level	9	Credit Rating	7.5
Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

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	based on notes and readings
Lecture	36	No Description
Independent Study	54	Readings
Assignment Completion	100	Three in total
Assignment Completion	40.5	No Description
Total Workload: 266.5

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

Reassessment Requirement
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
Unavailable

Indicative Reading List

Robert Barrass: 2002, Scientists Must Write – a guide to better writing for scientists, engineers and students, (Second Edition), Routledge,
Quinn: 2008, Ethics for the Information Age: International Edition, Third, Pearson Higher Education,
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

1241, Website, Renaat Verbruggen, 0, Moodle Website,

Programme or List of Programmes

BSSA	Study Abroad (DCU Business School)
BSSAO	Study Abroad (DCU Business School)
ECSA	Study Abroad (Engineering & Computing)
ECSAO	Study Abroad (Engineering & Computing)
GCCM	Graduate Certificate in Computing
GCSE	Graduate Cert in Software Engineering
GCSF	Grad Cert in Security & Forensics
GDBIN	Graduate Diploma in Business Informatics
GDCM	Graduate Diploma in Computing
GDSF	Graduate Diploma in Security & Forensics
GSE	Graduate Diploma in Software Engineering
GTE	Graduate Training Elements (Non Award)
HMSA	Study Abroad (Humanities & Soc Science)
HMSAO	Study Abroad (Humanities & Soc Science)
MCM	M.Sc. in Computing
SHSA	Study Abroad (Science & Health)
SHSAO	Study Abroad (Science & Health)

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