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COMP10330

Academic Year 2025/2026

Critical Thinking in Software Development (COMP10330)

Subject:
Computer Science
College:
Science
School:
Computer Science
Level:
1 (Introductory)
Credits:
5
Module Coordinator:
Dr Camille Nadal
Trimester:
Autumn
Mode of Delivery:
On Campus
Internship Module:
No
How will I be graded?
Pass/Fail (GPA Neutral)

Curricular information is subject to change.

This module is designed to enhance students' critical thinking skills by encouraging reflection on various aspects of the software development process. Students will engage with both longstanding and emerging issues in the field, fostering a deeper awareness of the challenges and considerations that shape software development. Through reflective exercises and discussions with peers, students will refine their critical thinking skills and gain valuable insights applicable to their academic and professional practice. This module will support students in cultivating a broader perspective on their learning journey, and a more comprehensive understanding of the discipline of Computer Science as a whole.

About this Module

Learning Outcomes:

Upon completion of this module, students should be able to:

1) Demonstrate an understanding of key longstanding and emerging issues in software development.

2) Critically analyse an issue and consider its impact at different levels (e.g., system users, society, industry, environment).

3) Actively participate in critical discussions with peers.

4) Articulate an informed viewpoint with clarity and coherence.

Indicative Module Content:

Week 1: Critical thinking and Reflective writing
Week 2: Data presentation - Power, choice and ethics
Week 3: Privacy, consent and tracking technologies
Week 4: Accessibility and Inclusive Design
Week 5: Generative AI, its cost and the role of humans
Week 6: Systems failures and technology acceptance
Week 7: Algorithms biases, transparency and uncertainty
Week 8: Affective technology
Week 9: Ethics of automation and liability
Week 10: Digital divide and politics in software development
Week 11: Culturally-aware technologies
Week 12: Resisting harmful technologies and imagining better systems

Student Effort Hours:
Student Effort Type Hours
Autonomous Student Learning

74
Lectures

24
Tutorial

12
Total

110

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
This class will be delivered through a combination of:

* lectures and tutorials
* critical writing/reflective learning

If students are permitted to use generative AI tools in assignments, that will be indicated in the assignment specification.

Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 

Assessment Strategy
Description Timing Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade In Module Component Repeat Offered
Reflective Assignment: Worksheet to be completed in pairs during each tutorial Week 2, Week 3, Week 4, Week 5, Week 6, Week 7, Week 8, Week 9, Week 10, Week 11, Week 12 Pass/Fail Grade Scale Yes
100
 Yes

Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 

Remediation Type Remediation Timing
In-Module Resit Prior to relevant Programme Exam Board
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 

Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, on an activity or draft prior to summative assessment
• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Not yet recorded.

Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
Autumn Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12 Mon 13:00 - 13:50
Autumn Practical Offering 1 Week(s) - Autumn: All Weeks Thurs 12:00 - 12:50
Autumn Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - Autumn: All Weeks Wed 11:00 - 11:50
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