Postgraduate - UnitFIT5122 - Professional practice

This unit entry is for students who completed this unit in 2014 only. For students planning to study the unit, please refer to the unit indexes in the the current edition of the Handbook. If you have any queries contact the managing faculty for your course or area of study.

print version

6 points, SCA Band 2, 0.125 EFTSL

Refer to the specific census and withdrawal dates for the semester(s) in which this unit is offered, or view unit timetables.

Level	Postgraduate
Faculty	Faculty of Information Technology
Offered	Not offered in 2014

Synopsis

This unit provides a practical and theoretical introduction to what it means to be an IT professional today. Students will encounter a range of issues relevant to professional practice in the workplace, as well as an understanding of the wider responsibilities that professionals are called upon to uphold in society. Topics addressed include: organisational and professional communication; teamwork; the nature of the IT professions; the role of professional associations; problem solving and information use; cross-cultural awareness; personal and professional ethics and codes of practice.

Outcomes

On successful completion of this units, students should be able to:

identify the variety of roles available to IT professionals;
describe the role and function of professional associations;
describe the ACS code of ethics and apply them when required, and describe the rights and responsibilities of IT professionals;
identify and analyse the organisational and social impacts arising from the use of IT, and the ethical dimensions associated with IT-related decisions;
describe and apply effective communication and interpersonal skills;
demonstrate sensitivity to cultural differences to improve intercultural communication;
describe, select and apply strategies for effective and efficient productive (speaking and writing) and receptive (reading and listening) communications;
explain the purpose of and apply protocols, roles and procedures for meetings and interviews;
demonstrate the ability to work co-operatively and manage conflict;
demonstrate the ability to make effective use of technology in oral and written communication;
develop and apply information gathering, critical evaluation (information and sources) and problem solving skills.

Assessment

Examination (3 hours): 25%, In-semester assessment: 75%

Chief examiner(s)

Ms Chris Gonsalvez

Workload requirements

Minimum total expected workload equals 12 hours per week comprising:

(a.) Contact hours for on-campus students:

One 1-hour lecture
One 3-hour laboratory

(b.) Additional requirements (all students):

A minimum of 8 hours independent study per week for completing lab and project work, private study and revision.

Co-requisites

It is highly recommended that students enrol in FIT5122 in conjunction with FIT5120 and FIT5121 where possible.