Registry

Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2012 - 2013
Please note that this information is subject to change.

Module Title	Professional & Research Practice
Module Code	CA640
School	School of Computing
Online Module Resources
Module Co-ordinator	Semester 1: Renaat Verbruggen Semester 2: Renaat Verbruggen Autumn: Renaat Verbruggen
Module Teacher	Renaat Verbruggen
NFQ level	8	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.

Workload	Full-time hours per semester
*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Lecture	36	No Description
Lecture	36	based on notes and readings
Independent learning	54	Readings
Assignment	40.5	No Description
Assignment	100	Three in total
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%

Course Work Breakdown
Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Report (s) (written / oral)	Critical Precis of Research Paper	20%	Week 10
Presentation	A short oral presentation of precis.	14%	Week 11
Essay	Analysis of Cyber Ethical Case	16%	Week 12

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
This module is category 1

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,

Array

Programme or List of Programmes

BSSA

Study Abroad (DCU Business School)

BSSAO

Study Abroad (DCU Business School)

CAPD

PhD

CAPT

PhD-track