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COMP08181 2021 Ethics in Computing

General Details

Full Title
Ethics in Computing
Transcript Title
Ethics in Computing
Code
COMP08181
Attendance
N/A %
Subject Area
COMP - Computing
Department
BUS - Business
Level
08 - NFQ Level 8
Credit
05 - 05 Credits
Duration
Semester
Fee
€
Start Term
2021 - Full Academic Year 2021-22
End Term
9999 - The End of Time
Author(s)
Aine Doherty, Diane O'Brien
Programme Membership
SG_MBUSI_H08 202100 Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Business and ICT SG_MBUSI_H08 202200 Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Business and ICT
Description

This module addresses the need for a strong ethical framework as applied to information and communications technology.  

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this module the learner will/should be able to;

1.

Understand the philosophical framework and tools for analysing computer ethics in personal, public, and professional spheres.

2.

Describe the impact of computer technology on issues of security, privacy, and anonymity.

3.

Examine intellectual property rights in the context of computing.

4.

Appraise the new frontiers of ethics presented by artificial intelligence, virtualisation technologies, virtual reality, and the Internet.

Teaching and Learning Strategies

The module will build skills through the continuous application of theoretical material to practical problems and scenarios through the use of case studies.  Material will be delivered in weekly lectures followed by weekly lab-based workshops. Active learning will be achieved through the use of case based learning where students will apply their knowledge to real world scenarios. Students will typically work in teams to produce and present solutions.

Module Assessment Strategies

This module is assessed through coursework on the completion and presentation of an individual project/case study and on completion of a final written exam.

Repeat Assessments

This module is reassessed n the basis of re-submitted coursework and/or repeat written examination.

Indicative Syllabus

LO 1 - Understand the philosophical framework and tools for analysing computer ethics in personal, public, and professional spheres.

  • Examine personal and public morality, identifying assumptions and values and the law, looking at both conventional and natural law and the intertwining of morality and the law.
  • Discuss the moral and ethical premises and their corresponding values in the changing technology arena.
  • Traditional vs Functional code of Ethics.
  • Ethical decision making.
  • Codes of Ethics (IEEE/ACM).
  • Professional and ethical responsibilities including the four pillars of professionalism: commitment, integrity, responsibility, and accountability.

LO 2 - Describe the impact of computer technology on issues of security, privacy, and anonymity.

  • Analysis of how security, privacy and anonymity are influenced by computer technology.
  • Security and computer crimes including penetration and denial-of-service attacks, ad educating the user to be aware of possible sources of computer crimes    
  • Cyberbullying
  • Privacy and surveillance

LO 3 - Examine intellectual property rights in the context of computing, including the risks and liabilities associated with software

  • The foundations of intellectual property rights and how computer technology has influenced and changed the traditional issues of property rights.
  • The laws on copyright, patents, data protection and the General Data Protection Regulation
  • The digital divide, workplace issues such as employee monitoring, health risks from computer use, and how these issues are changing with the changing computer technology.

LO 4 - Appraise the new frontiers of ethics presented by artificial intelligence, virtualisation technologies, virtual reality, and the Internet.

  • An examination of how these new frontiers are affecting the traditional ethical and social issues.

Coursework & Assessment Breakdown

Coursework & Continuous Assessment
100 %

Coursework Assessment

Title Type Form Percent Week Learning Outcomes Assessed
1 The student will be expected to investigate and research a particular topic relevant to the area of Ethics in Computing Project Project 40 % Week 7 1,2
2 Case Study Analysis Coursework Assessment Assignment 60 % OnGoing 1,2,3,4
             

Full Time Mode Workload


Type Location Description Hours Frequency Avg Workload
Lecture Online Lecture 1 Weekly 1.00
Practical / Laboratory Computer Laboratory Workshop 2 Weekly 2.00
Independent Learning Not Specified Independent learning 4 Weekly 4.00
Total Full Time Average Weekly Learner Contact Time 3.00 Hours

Required & Recommended Book List

Required Reading
2016-04-15 Ethics in Computing Springer
ISBN 3319291041 ISBN-13 9783319291048

This textbook raises thought-provoking questions regarding our rapidly-evolving computing technologies, highlighting the need for a strong ethical framework in our computer science education. Ethics in Computing offers a concise introduction to this topic, distilled from the more expansive Ethical and Social Issues in the Information Age. Features: introduces the philosophical framework for analyzing computer ethics; describes the impact of computer technology on issues of security, privacy and anonymity; examines intellectual property rights in the context of computing; discusses such issues as the digital divide, employee monitoring in the workplace, and health risks; reviews the history of computer crimes and the threat of cyberbullying; provides coverage of the ethics of AI, virtualization technologies, virtual reality, and the Internet; considers the social, moral and ethical challenges arising from social networks and mobile communication technologies; includes discussion questions and exercises.

Module Resources