Module Specifications...

Current Academic Year 2017 - 2018

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-ordinatorSemester 1: Renaat Verbruggen
Semester 2: Renaat Verbruggen
Autumn: Renaat Verbruggen
Module TeachersRenaat Verbruggen
Gareth Jones
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.



Workload Full-time hours per semester
Type Hours Description
Lecture36based on notes and readings
Lecture36No Description
Independent Study54Readings
Assignment Completion40.5No Description
Assignment Completion100Three 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 Assessment50% Examination Weight50%
Course Work Breakdown
TypeDescription% of totalAssessment Date
Report(s)Critical Precis of Research Paper20%Week 10
PresentationA short oral presentation of precis.14%Week 11
EssayAnalysis of Cyber Ethical Case16%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
CAPDPhD
CAPTPhD-track
ECSAStudy Abroad (Engineering & Computing)
ECSAOStudy Abroad (Engineering & Computing)
EEPTPhD-track
GCSEGraduate Cert in Software Engineering
GCSFGrad Cert in Security & Forensics
GDBINGraduate Diploma in Business Informatics
GDSFGraduate Diploma in Security & Forensics
GSEGraduate Diploma in Software Engineering
GTEGraduate Training Elements (Non Award)
MCMM.Sc. in Computing
MEPDPhD
MEPTPhD-track
Timetable this semester: Timetable for CA640
Date of Last Revision03-FEB-11
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