Course Title: Essentials of IT & Ethics

Part A: Course Overview

Course Title: Essentials of IT & Ethics

Credit Points: 12.00


Course Coordinator: Iqbal gondal

Course Coordinator Phone: +61 3 9925 5974

Course Coordinator Email: iqbal.gondal@rmit.edu.au

Course Coordinator Location: Building 014 Floor 11 Room 021

Course Coordinator Availability: Email for appointment


Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities

None


Course Description

In this course, you will gain both practical and theoretical insights into the realm of ethical IT professionalism in contemporary times. Through the exploration of various issues pertinent to workplace practices, you will also come to grasp the broader responsibilities that IT professionals carry in society. By examining case studies and situating them within the broader context of computing's impact on society, this course aims to foster a comprehensive comprehension of the social, ethical, legal, and professional dimensions relevant to the field.

This course covers a diverse range of topics, including the social implications of computing in a digital world, the impact of social media and networking, ethical theories and principles within an IT context, IT professional ethics, professional communication, as well as computer crime and cybersecurity.


Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development

Program Learning Outcomes

This course contributes to the program learning outcomes for the following program(s):

List the programs the course contributes to.

BP162P23 Bachelor of Information Technology
BP349 Bachelor of Information Technology (Professional)
BP355 Bachelor of Cyber security
BP356 Bachelor of Cyber security (Professional)

This course contributes to the development of the following Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs):

Knowledge -- Develop and integrate a broad and coherent set of knowledge and skills for developing user-centric cyber security solutions for contemporary societal challenges.

Problem Solving -- Apply systematic problem solving and decision-making methodologies to identify, design and implement cyber security solutions to real world problems.

Cognitive and Technical Skill -- Critically analyse and evaluate user requirements and design systems employing software development tools, techniques and emerging technologies.

Communication - Collaborate effectively with diverse audiences in the cyber security ecosystem to address the needs of the cybersecurity industry.

Collaboration and Teamwork -- Investigate cyber security tools and practices to manage and meet cyber security project deliverables by means of effective teamwork and collaboration.

Responsibility and Accountability – Advocate and critically review integrity, ethical conduct, sustainable and culturally inclusive professional standards, including First Nations knowledges and input in designing and implementing cyber security solutions. 

For more information on the program learning outcomes for your program, please see the program guide.


Course Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, you will be able to:

  • CLO 1 Apply ethical theories and principles within the IT context to make informed decisions when confronted with ethical dilemmas in Information Technology processes
  • CLO 2 Demonstrate problem-solving skills by identifying and analysing instances of cybersecurity threats and provide solutions for the threats.
  • CLO 3 Demonstrate effective professional communication skills to articulate complex ethical issues and engage in constructive discussions with various audiences.
  • CLO 4 Assess and interpret case studies that illustrate ethical challenges faced by IT professionals, situating these issues within the broader societal context of computing.
  • CLO 5 Effectively collaborate and critically evaluating peer work within small groups in analysing computing practice scenarios.
  • CLO 6 Demonstrate tangible evidence of practical application of lifelong learning principles to enhance IT career progression.


Overview of Learning Activities

You will be actively engaged in a range of learning activities such as lectorials, tutorials, practicals, laboratories, seminars, project work, class discussion, individual and group activities. Delivery may be face to face, online or a mix of both, known as hybrid.

You are encouraged to be proactive and self-directed in your learning, asking questions of your lecturer and/or peers and seeking out information as required, especially from the numerous sources available through the RMIT library, and through links and material specific to this course that is available through myRMIT Studies Course.

You will be actively engaged in a mix of self-directed online and timetabled, face-to-face learning activities (lectures, tutorials, practicals, etc.) Prior to attending the timetabled, face-to-face sessions you will be expected to have completed the specified online activities.


Overview of Learning Resources

RMIT will provide you with resources and tools for learning in this course through myRMIT Studies Course.

There are services available to support your learning through the University Library. The library provides guides on academic referencing and subject specialist help as well as a range of study support services. For further information, please visit the library page on the RMIT University website and the myRMIT student portal.


Overview of Assessment

Assessment Tasks

Assessment Task 1: Individual Written Essay and Video Presentation, 30% CLO1, CLO2 and CLO3

Assessment Task 2: Professional Written Group Report and Video Presentation, 40%, CLO1, CLO2, CLO3, CLO4, CLO5, CLO6

Assessment Task 3: Review Quizzes, 30% CLO1, CLO2

If you have a long-term medical condition and/or disability it may be possible to negotiate to vary aspects of the learning or assessment methods. You can contact the program coordinator or Equitable Learning Services if you would like to find out more.