Module manager: Owen Johnson
Email: o.a.johnson@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable
Year running 2023/24
This module is not approved as a discovery module
In the age of computers, where all sectors of society rely heavily on computer systems, it is vital that those responsible for planning, designing, developing and administrating computer systems adhere to the highest of professional standards and are aware of the relevant legal, social, ethical and professional issues. This module focuses on developing professionally responsible Computer Science practitioners and lays the foundation for discussions on legal, social, ethical and professional issues throughout the Computer Science curriculum. This module provides an opportunity for students to participate in group work, developing an understanding of team dynamics and is delivered in partnership with industry and the centre of applied ethics.
This module aims to ensure that students are prepared to have considered discussions about legal, ethical, social and professional issues as well as ensuring that students are responsible and security conscious Computer Science practitioners.
On successful completion of this module a student will have demonstrated the ability to:
- evaluate their strengths and weakness as an individual and as a member of a team and will be able to develop a personal development plan that reflects their findings.
- present themselves as a computer science professional who is aware of relevant legal, social, ethical and professional issues that affect their discipline.
- present technical reports and well-reasoned arguments, using credible sources and cited appropriately, both orally and in written form to a professional standard.
- describe the characteristics of IT projects and employ appropriate project management techniques.
- use appropriate techniques to manage and evaluate the performance of IT projects.
This module covers the following 5 topic areas:
- Legal issues: copyright, intellectual property, trademarks, licensing and applicable UK/EU legislation (Computer Misuse Act, Data Protection Act, Copyright, Designs and Patents Act).
- Ethical issues: privacy, security, hacking, safety, professional codes of practice and academic issues (academic integrity and misconduct).
- Professional issues: continuing professional development (CPD), professional societies and codes of conduct,
- Personal Skills: presentation skills, personal presentation, time management, academic skills and self-reflection.
- Project management: characteristics of IT projects, project management, group work, team roles, risk and risk management, quality management.
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lecture | 22 | 1 | 22 |
| Private study hours | 178 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 22 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 200 | ||
Coursework and labs.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| In-course Assessment | Coursework 1 | 10 |
| In-course Assessment | Coursework 2 | 10 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 20 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
| Exam type | Exam duration | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Standard exam (closed essays, MCQs etc) | 2.0 Hrs 0 Mins | 80 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Exams) | 80 | |
This module will be reassessed by examination.
The reading list is available from the Library website
Last updated: 9/26/2023
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team