Module Details

Module Code: LEGS8001
Title: Ethical and Legal Issues in IT
Long Title: Ethical and Legal Issues in IT
NFQ Level: Advanced
Valid From: Semester 1 - 2016/17 ( September 2016 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 5
Field of Study: 3800 - Law
Module Delivered in: 2 programme(s)
Module Description: This module will provide students with an understanding of the role of ethics and law in IT. The role of ethics, law and professional codes in regulating conduct in the field of IT will be examined. The legal rules governing privacy, intellectual property, data protection and cyber crime will be critically analysed.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Evaluate the application of ethical theories, legal rules and professional codes of practice in the context of Information Technology.
LO2 Critically analyse the nature and scope of computer crime and the relevant criminal offences in Irish Law
LO3 Critically analyse the operation of Intellectual Property Law in the context of Information Technology.
LO4 Evaluate the protection of privacy under Irish Law.
LO5 Critically analyse the data protection regime under EU and Irish Law
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is strongly recommended before enrolment in this module. You may enrol in this module if you have not acquired the recommended learning but you will have considerable difficulty in passing (i.e. achieving the learning outcomes of) the module. While the prior learning is expressed as named MTU module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).
Incompatible Modules
These are modules which have learning outcomes that are too similar to the learning outcomes of this module. You may not earn additional credit for the same learning and therefore you may not enrol in this module if you have successfully completed any modules in the incompatible list.
No incompatible modules listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Requirements

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed. You may not enrol on this module if you have not acquired the learning specified in this section.
No requirements listed
 
Indicative Content
Ethics, Law and Professional Codes of Practice
The meaning of ethics and the development of computer ethics. Identifying ethical issues and utilising ethical theories. Sources of IT Law. Civil and criminal cases. Challenges to legal regulation, jurisdictional issues. The nature of a profession. The importance of professional conduct. The development of codes of practice in IT and computing.
Computer Crime
The range of activities which constitute computer crime. The legal response - relevant criminal offences. The scale of the problem. Combating computer crime and the limits of the law.
Intellectual Property Law
The scope of Intellectual Property Law and application to Information Technology, including Copyright, Trademarks and Patents. Disputes relating to Domain Names.
Privacy
The meaning of privacy. The right to privacy in Irish Law. The impact of technology on privacy - cookies, spam, surveillance and interception of communications. Anonymity on the internet.
Data Protection in Ireland
The origin and scope of the Data Protection legislation.Duties under the Data Protection Act 1988. Enforcement and the role of the Data Protection Commissioner. Developments at EU level.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework30.00%
End of Module Formal Examination70.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Short Answer Questions % of Total Mark 30
Timing Week 10 Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4
Assessment Description
Assessment based on a serious of factual scenarios. Students must identify the issue and apply ethical codes and legal rules to resolve the problem in each scenario.
End of Module Formal Examination
Assessment Type Formal Exam % of Total Mark 70
Timing End-of-Semester Learning Outcomes 1,2,3,4,5
Assessment Description
End-of-Semester Final Examination
Reassessment Requirement
Repeat examination
Reassessment of this module will consist of a repeat examination. It is possible that there will also be a requirement to be reassessed in a coursework element.

The University reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Presentation of Topic in Class Every Week 3.00 3
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Reading and Research Every Week 4.00 4
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 3.00
Workload: Part Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact No Description Every Week 5.00 5
Lecture Contact Presentation of Topic in Class Every Week 2.00 2
Total Hours 7.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 2.00
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Steve Hedley. (2006), The Law of Electronic Commerce and the Internet in the UK and Ireland, 1st. Cavandish, [ISBN: 1859419739].
  • Law Society of Ireland. (2008), Technology and IP Law, 1st. Bloomsbury Professional, Dublin, [ISBN: 9781847660947].
  • McDonogh M, O'Dowd M. (2015), CyberLaw in Ireland, 1st. Kluwer Law International, [ISBN: 9041160051].
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Denis Kelleher, Karen Murray. Information Technology Law in Ireland, 2nd. Tottel Publishing, p.894, [ISBN: 1845921119].
  • Denis Kelleher. (2015), Privacy and Data Protection Law in Ireland, 1st. Bloomsbury Professional, [ISBN: 9781780432038].
  • Deborah Johnson. (2008), Computer Ethics, 4th. Pearson International, [ISBN: 978-013111241].
  • Penny Duquenoy, Simon Jones, Barry G. Blundell (Editor). (2008), Ethical, Legal and Professional Issues in Computing, Cengage Learning Business Press, [ISBN: 9781844807499].
  • Frank Bott. (2014), Professional Issues in Information Technology, 2nd. British Computing Society, [ISBN: 9781780171807].
This module does not have any article/paper resources
Other Resources
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_BBISY_8 Bachelor of Business (Honours) in Information Systems 8 Mandatory
CR_KITMN_8 Bachelor of Science (Honours) in IT Management 8 Mandatory