CSC3230

The computer industry: social and professional issues

4 points
* Two 1-hour lectures per week
* Second semester
* Clayton
* Prerequisites: CSC2020, CSC2030, CSC2040 and CSC2050

Objectives On completion of the subject, students should understand legal issues of copyright and patents, problems of software management, the history of electronic digital computers and software, computer security risks and failures, managerial issues in software development and quality.

Synopsis The subject will survey history of computing, development of electronic digital computers and their subsequent architectural evolution, history of software (compilers, operating systems, database technology) and how all of these developments have been played out in the computer industry. Risks of computer usage, and the legal and ethical implications of computer failures will be examined. Technical legal issues will also be considered, including software copyright, patent protection, non-disclosure arrangements, and licensing. Problems arising from the nature of large-scale software development within large organisations - including software and quality management, scheduling software development, software modularity and reusability - and managerial, ethical and professional responsibilities involved will be treated. In the context of the historical trends in computer and software development, we will consider likely future developments in the technology, and possible points of view about their impact on society and ethics.

Assessment Examination (2 hours): 70%
* Assignments 30%