PENG9540 Universal Design in Multidiciplinary contexts Course description

The course on Universal Design of ICT and Accessible Systems will introduce the students to the research discourse and cutting-edge research within universal design, including the research conducted by the members of the Universal Design of Information and Communication Technologies research group.The course will focus on interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary research where knowledge and expertise in universal design of ICT play an important role.

The course will be offered once a year, provided 3 or more students sign up for the course. If less than 3 students sign up for a course, the course will be cancelled for that year.

Bachelor's degree in computer science related subjects, and master's degree course in research methods.

None.

Students who complete the course are expected to have the following learning outcomes, defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:

Knowledge:

On successful completion of the course, the student:

• knows the most influential channels where universal design research of digital systems is communicated.

• knows the historically most influential research works and the most important contemporary works and problems areas within universal design and accessibility, including the local research group's own research discourse.

• understand the role of universal design and accessibility in the bigger picture of digital engineering.

• has in-depth knowledge of important stakeholders nationally and internationally related to universal design and accessibility, including special interest organisations.

• has in-depth knowledge of various national and international legislature, regulations, recommendations and standards related to universal design of accessible computer systems.

• has in-depth knowledge of key research methods used in universal design of accessible computer systems.

Skills:

On successful completion of the course, the student can:

• discuss issues related to universal design, accessibility and vulnerable groups using non-discriminatory and inclusive language.

• plan, lead and manage research projects related to universal design of accessible digital systems.

• take responsibility for the universal design of ICT aspect in interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary research projects.

• ensure that a research project adheres to the highest standards in terms of ethics, protecting vulnerable participants, adequate provisions of consent and adhering to formal requirements for storing information about participants.

• challenge the existing knowledge and practices in the chosen specialisation area of engineering, design or art.

General competence:

On successful completion of the course, the student can:

• conduct ethical and scientific research of high international standard

• communicate  and collaborate with experts from other disciplines on larger interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary research projects.

• Recognise and assess a project's potential for innovation and its likely impact on society.

• participate in debates and communicate results through recognised international channels, such as academic conferences.

The course will give the students insights into the forefront of knowledge about universal design and into developing accessible systems. Specific topics that will be taught include, but are not limited to, national and international legislation, regulations, recommendations and standards related to universal design of accessible computer systems, inclusion of vulnerable groups, and communication using inclusive and non-discriminatory language.

The course will take the form of a series of seminars where the students actively participate in the Universal Design of ICT research group meetings, in which current and state-of-the-art research is discussed. The students will learn by doing in a real-world research setting with a group of established and respected researchers. The students will present their own papers and listen to those of other students and staff. The students will also actively critique and challenge the other participants. The students are provided with a sound foundation in research skills and naturally integrated into the local research community and its research discourse.

The following required coursework must be approved before the student can take the exam:

• Three individual oral presentations of assigned publications.

• Participate as prepared discussant for three presentations by other group members.

• Independently find and study publications relevant to the research discourse.

• Minimum 80% attendance at research group meetings during the course.

An individually written survey paper on a selected topic related to the course. The paper should be 10 pages in length following the ACM SIG format.

The exam can be appealed.

For students who only want to attend the course, no written coursework is required.

All support materials are allowed.

Pass or fail.

One internal examiner.