Technological Foundations (DIG503)

The course Technological Foundations gives students a firm grasp of digital technologies and how they work. Understanding the technological frameworks of digital transformations is key to working in the digital society. Key concepts include data and information systems; AI and machine learning; algorithms, platforms, networks and telecommunications; persuasive technologies and gamification.


Course description for study year 2024-2025

Facts

Course code

DIG503

Version

1

Credits (ECTS)

10

Semester tution start

Spring

Number of semesters

1

Exam semester

Spring

Language of instruction

English

Offered by
Time table

View course schedule

Content

To ensure citizen rights as digital technologies become more and more embedded in social, political, cultural, and economic relations, a firm understanding of how information systems shape the distribution of power in society is necessary. This course introduces students to key technological and conceptual vocabulary of digital communication networks and digitalisation, including protocols, algorithms, data typologies, and metrics. Furthermore, the course also relates the ethical issues and the underlying technical infrastructure necessary to understand how digitalisation works, and the vocabulary needed to communicate with data engineers.

Learning outcome

It is expected that the students after completing the course will have the following knowledge, skills, and general competencies.

Knowledge

On completion of this course, the student has:

  • Comprehensive knowledge of how digital technologies work.
  • Comprehensive knowledge of the internet, world wide web and social networking.

Skills

On completion of this course, the student can:

  • Describe how digital technology and computer systems work.
  • Apply technical vocabulary and concepts and relate them to ethics of technological issues.

General competencies

On completion of this course, the student has:

  • Thorough understanding of digital technologies and their underlying technical infrastructure.
  • Comprehensive knowledge of data ontologies and the ethics related to data, computers and AI technology.

Required prerequisite knowledge

None

Exam

Form of assessment Weight Duration Marks Aid
Home exam 1/1 6 Hours Letter grades All

Coursework requirements

Compulsory assignments
Student presentations, group work. Further information given in Canvas.

Course teacher(s)

Course coordinator:

Raul Ferrer Conill

Study Program Director:

Helle Sjøvaag

Study Adviser:

Magda Hognestad

Method of work

Lectures, case- and problem-based group work.

Open for

Digital Society and Societal Transformations - Master's Degree Programme
Exchange programme ECIU University
Exchange programmes at UIS Business School
Exchange programme at Faculty of Social Sciences
Exchange programme at Faculty of Science and Technology
Courses offered to inbound exchange students at the University of Stavanger

Course assessment

There must be an early dialogue between the course supervisor, the student union representative and the students. The purpose is feedback from the students for changes and adjustments in the course for the current semester.In addition, a digital subject evaluation must be carried out at least every three years. Its purpose is to gather the students experiences with the course.

Literature

Search for literature in Leganto