Studying online (if an online offering is shown below)
There are now 2 possible online modes for units:
Units with modes Online timetabled and Online flexible are available for any student to self-enrol and study online.
Click on an offering mode for more details.
Unit Overview
- Description
This unit examines what it means to be an IT professional in today's world, asking you to think critically (and write clearly) about the ethical issues you may confront in a career in the tech industry. The first half of the unit focuses on professional ethics. We shall discuss the Australian Computer Society's Code of Professional Conduct and consider a wide range of complex ethical issues that may arise in IT settings. We will also examine important concepts in professional ethics, such as integrity, accountability, and respect for autonomy. The second half of the unit turns to broader ethical issues concerning computer technology and society. Do generative AI models steal from artists and creators? Do algorithms have too much control over us? Will the automation of work make our lives more or less meaningful? Will there be (and should we fear) an AI singularity? The aim throughout the unit is for students to develop their ability to explain and evaluate complex arguments with clear writing. There will be short writing exercises almost every week, building up to longer essays (written under exam conditions) and a final examination.
- Credit
- 6 points
- Offering
(see Timetable) Availability Location Mode Semester 1 UWA (Perth) Face to face Semester 2 UWA (Perth) Face to face - Outcomes
Students are able to (1) apply the methods of logic, critical thinking and ethical reasoning to both abstract and practical problems while making use of appropriate research methods; (2) apply skills in written communication appropriate to a range of different audiences and in a variety of different forms; (3) describe and discuss fundamental ethical concepts (including integrity, accountability, privacy, autonomy, virtue, duty, and respect).; (4) deploy the critical thinking and communication skills necessary for professional practice in information technology roles; (5) explain the Australian Computer Society Code of Professional Conduct, and associated bodies and practices (e.g. whistleblower protections), and apply the relevant rules and principles appropriately; and (6) analyse issues in general professional ethics (e.g. conflicts of interest) and issues in professional ethics particular to IT settings (e.g. the digital divide, surveillance and invasions of privacy).
- Assessment
Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) writing exercises; (2) in-class essays; and (3) written examination. Further information is available in the unit outline.
Student may be offered supplementary assessment in this unit if they meet the eligibility criteria.
- Unit Coordinator(s)
- Assistant Professor Michael Rubin and Dr Hamish Russell
- Unit rules
- Prerequisites
- Enrolment in62510 Master of Information Technology
- Contact hours
- 3 hours per week
- Texts
- None
- The availability of units in Semester 1, 2, etc. was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change.
- All students are responsible for identifying when they need assistance to improve their academic learning, research, English language and numeracy skills; seeking out the services and resources available to help them; and applying what they learn. Students are encouraged to register for free online support through GETSmart; to help themselves to the extensive range of resources on UWA's STUDYSmarter website; and to participate in WRITESmart and (ma+hs)Smart drop-ins and workshops.
- Visit the Essential Textbooks website to see if any textbooks are required for this Unit. The website is updated regularly so content may change. Students are recommended to purchase Essential Textbooks, but a limited number of copies of all Essential Textbooks are held in the Library in print, and as an ebook where possible. Recommended readings for the unit can be accessed in Unit Readings directly through the Learning Management System (LMS).
- Contact hours provide an indication of the type and extent of in-class activities this unit may contain. The total amount of student work (including contact hours, assessment time, and self-study) will approximate 150 hours per 6 credit points.
Face to face
Predominantly face-to-face. On campus attendance required to complete this unit. May have accompanying resources online.
Online flexible
100% Online Unit. NO campus face-to-face attendance is required to complete this unit. All study requirements are online only. Unit is asynchronous delivery, with NO requirement for students to participate online at specific times.
Online timetabled
100% Online Unit. NO campus face-to-face attendance is required to complete this unit. All study requirements are online only. Unit includes some synchronous components, with a requirement for students to participate online at specific times.
Online Restricted
Not available for self-enrolment. Students access this mode by contacting their student office through AskUWA. 100% Online Unit.
NO campus face-to-face attendance. All study and assessment requirements are online only. Unit includes some timetabled activities, with a requirement for students to participate online at specific times. In exceptional cases (noted in the Handbook) students may be required to participate in face-to-face laboratory classes when a return to UWA’s Crawley campus becomes possible in order to be awarded a final grade.
External
No attendance or regular contact is required, and all study requirements are completed either via correspondence and/or online submission.
Off-campus
Regular attendance is not required, but student attends the institution face to face on an agreed schedule for purposes of supervision and/or instruction.
Multi-mode
Multiple modes of delivery. Unit includes a mix of online and on-campus study requirements. On campus attendance for some activities is required to complete this unit.