Regulatory framework for electronic communications networks and services

Objetives of review:

The aims of course review are to give key stakeholders an opportunity to reflect on the development of the course, and for the LEFIS to ensure that the criteria required for LEFIS Seal of Approval is met.

Programme of Studies:

Complementary Masters in Law of Information and Communication Technologies organized at the University of Namur (Faculty of Law, Informatics Institute, Faculty of Economics, Social Sciences and Management). Under the Belgian French Community Bologna Decree (Decret du 31 mars 2004 definissant I’enseignement superieur, favorisant son integration a l’espace europeen de l’eseignement superieur et refinancant les universities, M.B.,18 juin 2004, 2e ed.)

Name of the course unit: Regulatory framework for electronic communications networks and services.

Type of course (e.g. major, minor, elective): Major

Level of the Module/course unit (e.g. BA, MA, PhD): Complementary MA (3+2+1 years)

Prerequisites: MA

Number of ECTS credits: 3

Skills to be developed:

1. Accessing legal texts

2. Interpretation of legal texts

3. Application of legal texts in context

4. Presenting information visually and orally

Learning Outcome:

An introduction to the Regulatory framework for electronic communications networks and services and its issues at stake

Student Background:

Law, Management, Economics and Computer Science

Educational Activities

This course covers the European and Belgian regulations, governing electronic communication networks, services (as well as basic elements on terminal equipment). Elements of international regulation are also delivered. The networks and services form the backbone of the information society and the e-commerce. The course explains the institutional organization (roles and organization of the national regulatory authorities, role of the European Commission…) as well as the organization of the market (access to the market, measures aiming at sustainable competition, measures in order to guarantee the interest of end users like those regarding universal services….). The website of the associated with the course contains two separate reading lists: the compulsory reading list and advised reading list, which efficiently complements the lectures given in course. The course is assessed by an oral examination.

My findings after reviewing the course are following:

· The multi-disciplinary nature of the course makes it one of a kind

· The curriculum is up-to-date and relevant

· The course has academic coherence in relation to its core modules

· The course has appropriate and clearly defined learning outcomes and these are assessed in an appropriate manner

    · Through appropriate curriculum design students have opportunities to acquire both general transferable skills and discipline-specific skills relevant to their future employment and learning (most students get employment before passing of the course)

· The curriculum is informed by the research and scholarship of the staff of involved in teaching of the course. I have found them extremely enthusiastic about the course

· My understanding is that the views of students have been taken into account in the development of the curriculum

· The views of a range of other interested parties have also been taken into account in the design of the curriculum and the learning outcomes

· There is evidence of appropriate continuing demand for the course

· Appropriate resources continue to be available to enable the course to be delivered effectively

· Responsibility for the course is clearly defined, and extremely well managed

· Appropriate mechanisms are in place at University level to ensure the effective management of quality and standards