Course co-ordinator(s): Dr Diana Bental (Edinburgh), Prof Nick Taylor (Edinburgh).
Aims:
- To instil a professional and ethical attitude toward the application of computer technology
- To introduce methods for the rational resolution of ethical problems
- To provide an appreciation of the relevant professional and legal requirements concerning computer-based systems
- To ensure an awareness of, and encourage deliberation about, the social implications of information technology
Detailed Information
Pre-requisites: none.
Linked course(s): F29SO Software Engineering assessed synoptically.
Location: Edinburgh.
Semester: AY.
Syllabus:
Professionalism - British Computer Society.
Rules & Regulations - Codes & Standards; Computer Law; Ethical Decision Making.
Risks & Threats - Computer Crime; Viruses.
Privacy & Security – Databases; Biometrics.
Dependence & Change - Safety-Critical Systems; Technology & Society.
Brave New Worlds - Co-operative Computing; eLife.
Learning Outcomes: Subject Mastery
Broad and integrated knowledge and understanding of:
- British Computer Society Codes - Conduct; Practice
- ISO & BSI Standards - Safety; Quality; Security
- Statute Law - Contracts, Torts, Restitution; Data Protection; Freedom of Information, Intellectual Property; Computer Misuse
- Ethics - Frameworks; Decision Making
Critical understanding and detailed knowledge of:
- Development life-cycle of a software system
- Bi-directional influence between technological and societal trends
- Current concerns over the application of computer technology
- Current and potential remedies to abuse of computer technology
- Can apply learned knowledge to work based computing projects
Learning Outcomes: Personal Abilities
- Practice in personal decision making and introspection
- Identification and analysis of justification of personal choices to others
- Critical analysis of rational reasoning, consequential reasoning and debate
- Practice and reflective analysis of communication skills using a variety of media
- Aware of and can adapt to distinctive features of industrial practice as appropriate
- Can identify, define, and analyse alternative project scenarios
- Take significant responsibility for their work and for a range of resources
- Practice in working in a group, negotiating requirements, reaching a consensus, and working with others to a deadline
- Can communicate effectively with work colleagues on learned issues
Assessment Methods: Due to covid, assessment methods for Academic Year 2021-22 may vary from those noted on the official course descriptor. Please see the Computer Science Course Weightings and the Maths Course Weightings for 2020-21 Semester 1 assessment methods.
SCQF Level: 9.
Credits: 15.