GEG2123

Electronics, society and computers

L Spriggs

4.5 points
* 26 lecture hours, 26 laboratory hours and 26 tutorial hours
* First semester
* Gippsland/internal
* Prerequisite: Admission to the Bachelor of Engineering course

Objectives The student is expected to develop a social contextual framework for viewing and understanding the use and impact, of modern technologies. In particular the student will be encouraged to gain an appreciation of the interrelationships between technical, political, business, social and environmental decisions as they relate to the increasing use of electronics and computers in society.

Synopsis Historical and current developments in electronic technology are surveyed to develop a perspective on the direction technology is taking, factors driving technological change and socially desirable future directions for change. Key technologies are discussed: communications (eg ISDN, networks, optical fibre); computers (eg semiconductors, software, PCs, parallel processing); automation (eg CAD/CAM, robotics, AI); information, (eg mass storage, expert systems, hypermedia). Impact on social interaction, structure and instructions (eg family, schools, work, property) are explored and students are stimulated to consider ethical, social and economic criteria in assessing impacts. Economic, educational, technological, political and legal strategies for influencing future technological change are considered.

Assessment Essay (1500 words): 20%
* Overall participation: 20%
* Seminar: 25%
* Case study (2500 words): 35%

Prescribed texts

Forester T Computer ethics MIT Press, 2nd edn, 1994
Spriggs L Evolving society and computers Digital Dynamics, 1995