Practical Ethics for Computing Scientists, 6 Credits

Contents

The course teaches the basics of practical ethics in the context of computing science. Computing scientists and software developers play a fundamental role in the 4th industrial revolution, as they enable connectivity, smart automation, artificial intelligence, robotics, etc. However, the design and deployment of software systems poses ethical risks that require ethically responsible actions to mitigate. Professionals must therefore be trained in identifying potential ethical risks and in planning how to mitigate them. The course is intended to be followed in parallel with either other courses in Computing Science or daily work in the IT industry. The assignments are meant to be personalized to each student's study/work context.

Expected learning outcomes

Knowledge and understanding
After completing the course, the student should be able to:

• (FSR 1) explain basic concepts in ethics and exemplify them in the context of of computing science.

Competence and skills
After completing the course, the student should be able to:

• (FSR 2) decide upon and apply an ethical course of action for dealing with ethical risks.

Judgement and approach
After completing the course, the student should be able to:

• (FSR 3) assess potential ethical risks in their own practice of computing science,
• (FSR 4) engage in ethically responsible actions in a real-world setting.

Required Knowledge

At least 60 ECTS, including 30 ECTS Computing Science.

Form of instruction

The instruction consists of a sequence of modules with pre-recorded lectures, reading assignments, individual at-home activities, and online seminars. During the final phase of the course, students select their own Computing Science-related ethical issue and engage in deliberate action to identify and mitigate the ethical risks.

Examination modes

The examination consists of written assignments and active participation in online seminars. Absence from a seminar can be compensated by completing an extra written assignment related to the topic of the seminar. The grading scale is Fail (U), Pass (G), Pass with Distinction (VG).

Adapted examination
The examiner can decide to deviate from the specified forms of examination. Individual adaptation of the examination shall be considered based on the needs of the student. The examination is adapted within the constraints of the expected learning outcomes. A student that needs adapted examination shall no later than 10 days before the examination request adaptation from the Department of Computing Science. The examiner makes a decision of adapted examination and the student is notified.

Other regulations

If the syllabus has expired or the course has been discontinued, a student who at some point registered for the course is guaranteed at least three examinations (including the regular examination) according to this syllabus for a maximum period of two years from the syllabus expiring or the course being discontinued.