Studying online
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 introduces and teaches students to apply vital critical thinking skills, with a particular focus upon ethical issues connected to advancements in technology (e.g. artificial intelligence). The early weeks will focus upon skills in critical thinking and written expression. Subsequent weeks will provide a general introduction to ethical theory (accounts of what makes an action or policy right or wrong), followed by consideration of a wide range of complex applied cases. In the near future, for example, autonomous vehicles will be routinely confronted with the need to make life-or-death decisions. What values should we ‘programme in' to such machines for such cases, and how should we decide? Is it possible for a machine to reason morally? How should we manage the risks inherent in the development of new technology? Could the use of artificial intelligence in legal decision-making be justified? The unit will also focus upon issues in 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. Teaching in this unit will be highly interactive, and focuses upon the development of students' skills in written and oral communication and argumentation.
- 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 and analysis to both abstract and practical problems while making use of appropriate research methods; (2) apply skills in oral and written communication appropriate to a range of different audiences and in a variety of different forms; (3) describe fundamental ethical notions (including stakeholders, responsibility, harm, benefit, rights, virtues, duty, respect and consequences) and evaluate influential theories of ethics as they apply to problems arising out of the development of digital technologies; (4) deploy analytical and communication skills necessary to facilitate a transition to 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) in-class assessment; (2) writing task; and (3) presentation. 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.