PENG9540 Universal Design in Multidisciplinary 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.

An Individual written exam of three hours.

Exam results can be appealed.

In the event of a resit or rescheduled exam, an oral examination may be used instead. In case an oral exam is used, the examination result cannot be appealed.

No aids are allowed.

Graded scale A-F.

One internal examiner. External examiners is used regularly.

Hadi Zahmatkesh

The course has 2 ECTS overlaps with the course ELI1500 Digital Systems.