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Module Description

Module Name, Abbreviated Name, Code

Information Systems, IS, COIY059H7

Credits, Level

15 credits, level 7

Lecturer

Dave Wilson, Brian Gannon

Online Material

Module web pages

Module Outline

The module sets the social and organisational contexts in which computing is deployed before exploring approaches, processes, methodologies and techniques commonly used for organisational information systems development. The impact of major movements, e.g. packaged approaches to information infrastructure development, outsourcing and offshoring are also explored. Students are required to demonstrate insight into professional and legal issues surrounding Information Systems development.

Aims

To empower students to appraise the environments in which information and communications technologies are effectively deployed and to make informed professional decisions about their development within fast changing socio-technical systems. Further to appraise, select or design information processing constructs including files and data schemata, programs and other coded units and the contexts to which they will be fitted. To understand the process of Information Systems development and develop powerful insights to the affects of such systems on evolving social constructs e.g. on-line markets, social structure as well as more traditional processes such as transaction processing and information reporting to management.

Syllabus

  • The Software Development Life Cycle
  • Project Identification and Selection
  • Implementing and Sourcing Information Infrastructures
  • Requirements Analysis
  • Use Case Modelling
  • Class Modelling and Codd's Normalisation
  • Class and Method Design
  • Human Computer Interface Design
  • Data Protection
  • Freedom of Information
  • IT Profession
  • Intellectual Property Rights
  • Software Contracts and Liability

Prerequisites

none

Timetable

All dates and timetables are now listed in the programme booklets of the individual programmes.

Coursework

Two in-class tests

Assessment

Examination (80%): In-class-tests (20%)

Recommended Reading

  • Tegarden, Dennis, & Wixom, Systems Analysis and Design with UML. International Student Version, 4th Edition, ISBN 978-1-118-09236-1 (main text)
  • Bott. Professional Issues in IT. BCS, 2005 ISBN 1 902505 654 (recommended for social and professional issues topics)
  • Other supplementary readings will be distributed.

If you have a question about the MSc Information Technology that is not covered here or on the Birkbeck FAQ , please contact Liam Simmonds.

Apply online Full-time or Part-time or contact My Birkbeck for an application form. See also Fees

Programme Administrator: Liam Simmonds
Admissions Tutor: Sergio Gutierrez Santos
Programme Director: Dell Zhang