Introductory description

This module is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of responsible computing, focusing on ethical considerations and best practices in the use and development of technology. The course will cover topics such as the societal impact of computing, ethical considerations of software development and the key considerations of emerging technologies. Students will engage in discussions, case studies, and hands-on activities to explore the ethical implications of technology and develop strategies for responsible computing.

Module aims

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

• Ethics vs morality
• Social context of computing
• Professional ethics & codes of conduct
• Sustainability
• Software issues, including risks and liabilities
• Data privacy & security
• Algorithmic bias
• Governance
• The digital divide, democracy and work
• Decolonising Computer Science
• The Internet of Things
• Mobile communications and ecosystems
• Online communities
• Augmented and virtual reality technologies
• Artificial Intelligence
• Generative Artificial Intelligence
• Computer crime investigations and the use of biometrics
• Responsible Research and Innovation
• Ethical aspects of emerging and converging technologies

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• Apply ethical frameworks to emerging technological issues
• Understand how to operate ethically within a professional context
• Identify, analyse and debate the impact of technological change on society
• Analyze the societal impact of technology and its role in shaping ethical norms
• Demonstrate critical reasoning skills for evaluating ethical dilemmas
• Develop confidence in their own ethical identity

Indicative reading list

Tavani, Herman T. Ethics and technology: Controversies, questions, and strategies for ethical computing. John Wiley & Sons, 2016.

Kizza, Joseph Migga, Ethical and social issues in the information age 6th ed. New York, NY: Springer New York, 2017.

Subject specific skills

• Understanding of ethical computing.
• Knowledge of how computing affects the wider world, and the ethical dilemmas that come with that.
• Professional approaches to the ethical development of technology.
• Ability to analyse technology based case studies through the lens of chosen ethical frameworks.

Transferable skills

• Critical thinking
• Ethical Values
• Information Literacy
• Organisational Awareness
• Professionalism
• Self awareness
  Sustainability