Professional Issues in Info Systems

Subject 615-355 (2009)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2009. Search for this in the current handbook

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 3 (Undergraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2009:

Semester 2, - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period not applicable
Assessment Period End not applicable
Last date to Self-Enrol not applicable
Census Date not applicable
Last date to Withdraw without fail not applicable

Lectures and seminars.

Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: Twelve 90-minute lectures and nine 90-minute seminars during the semester together with additional unsupervised seminar preparation averaging 90 minutes per week
Total Time Commitment: 120 hours total time commitment.
Prerequisites:

62.5 points of second year level information systems subjects.

Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
Non Allowed Subjects: Students cannot receive credit for both this subject and 433-343.
Core Participation Requirements: It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study and reasonable steps will be made to enhance a student’s participation in the University’s programs. Students who feel their disability may impact upon their active and safe participation in a subject are encouraged to discuss this with the relevant subject coordinator and the Disability Liaison Unit.

Coordinator

Dr Reeva Lederman
Subject Overview:

This subject introduces students to some of the ethical and legal issues associated with the use of information systems in Australia in the 21st century. Issues associated with ethics, social responsibility and professional practice are discussed. The subject also explores the ethical and legal challenges presented to organisations and Australian society by recent developments in information and communication technologies. Topics may include contracts, intellectual property, Internet content control, computer crime, information privacy and safety critical systems.

Objectives:

At the completion of this subject, students should:

  • have an understanding of the current legal framework of business with respect to information systems, including business entities, intellectual property, contracts, and privacy;

  • be exposed to, and have grappled with, a series of practical ethical questions; and

  • have constructed a personal frame of reference for ethical practice.

Assessment:

Written assignments, group project work, and in-class exercises totalling up to 4500 words due during the semester (60%); a 2-hour written examination in the examination period (40%). Satisfactory completion of both project work and the examination is necessary to pass the subject.

Prescribed Texts: None
Breadth Options:

This subject potentially can be taken as a breadth subject component for the following courses:

You should visit learn more about breadth subjects and read the breadth requirements for your degree, and should discuss your choice with your student adviser, before deciding on your subjects.

Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:

Upon completion of this subject, students should acquire or extend valuable, generic skills. These include:

  • written communication skills;

  • oral communication skills; and

  • the ability to think critically about the implications of information technology for individuals, organisations and society.

Notes: Previously known as 615-355 Legal & Ethical Frameworks.

Download PDF version.