We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.

Ethical Issues in AI and Professional Ethics

Computing systems and technologies fundamentally impact the lives of most people in the world, including how we communicate, get information, socialize, and receive healthcare. This course is the second of a three course sequence that examines ethical issues in the design and implementation of computing systems and technologies, and reflects upon the broad implication of computing on our society. It covers algorithmic bias in machine learning methods, professional ethics, and issues in the tech workplace.

This course can be taken for academic credit as part of CU Boulder’s MS in Computer Science degrees offered on the Coursera platform. These fully accredited graduate degrees offer targeted courses, short 8-week sessions, and pay-as-you-go tuition. Admission is based on performance in three preliminary courses, not academic history. CU degrees on Coursera are ideal for recent graduates or working professionals. Learn more:

MS in Computer Science: https://coursera.org/degrees/ms-computer-science-boulder

Enroll now

Or subscribe to Coursera Plus

And get unlimited access to Coursera

Here's a deal for you

Save money when you learn with a deal that may be relevant to this course.

All coupon codes, vouchers, and discounts are applied automatically unless otherwise noted.

Valid until August 30

Google AI App Builder

Learn how to use Gemini API and API Studio with a three-course series from Google DeepMind

What's inside

Syllabus

Course Overview and Ethical Foundations

In this introductory week, you will delve into the fascinating world of computing, ethics, and society. You will explore the fundamental concepts of ethics and ethical frameworks, providing a solid foundation for the entire course. You will gain insights into key ethical theories, including Kantianism, Virtue Ethics, Utilitarianism, and Social Contract Theory. Through interactive discussions and engaging resources, you will understand how these theories shape our moral decision-making processes and their significance in the context of computing technologies.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Examines the ethical component of computing technologies, which is highly relevant to developing computing systems

Builds the learners' foundation in ethical dimensions of technology

Teaches professional skills for computing professionals, which helps learners expand their ethical skillset

Emphasizes the importance of diversity and inclusion, which is becoming more and more important in today's workforce

Focuses on the algorithmic bias of machine learning, which is a core concern for developers of ML and AI

Save this course

Create your own learning path. Save this course to your list so you can find it easily later.

Save

Reviews summary

Ethical ai: comprehensive theory and professional insights

According to learners, this course offers an incredibly comprehensive and insightful look into the ethical challenges of AI and computing. Students particularly commend its timely and relevant content, including discussions on algorithmic bias (especially related to gender and race) and the societal implications of generative AI. Many found the lectures to be clear, well-structured, and thought-provoking, effectively balancing theoretical ethical frameworks with practical case studies. While generally perceived as highly valuable for professionals and students, some reviewers noted a desire for more hands-on practical exercises and felt certain topics occasionally skimmed the surface or were repetitive. Recent reviews suggest a positive trend, indicating the course remains up-to-date and highly relevant.

Strong theoretical base; some desired more practical application.

"Some parts felt a bit theoretical, but the case studies brought it back to practical applications."

"I was looking for something more hands-on or problem-solving oriented. This course felt very lecture-heavy and focused more on theory than practical application."

"I wish there were more practical exercises or projects to apply these concepts effectively."

Complex topics are explained clearly and are well-structured.

"The lectures were clear, well-structured, and thought-provoking."

"The instructor explained complex topics clearly."

"The syllabus is well-designed, progressing logically from foundational ethics to cutting-edge topics like generative AI."

Deep dive into algorithmic bias, particularly gender and race.

"I particularly appreciated the deep dive into algorithmic bias and real-world examples like facial recognition."

"The content on gender and race in computing was particularly strong and necessary."

"I explored the intersections of gender, race, and algorithms, especially racial bias in AI systems."

Highly relevant to current events and future AI challenges.

"Excellent course! The information on generative AI was very timely and current."

"The content is highly relevant to current events and future challenges in AI."

"I particularly liked the balance between theoretical frameworks and practical case studies."

Provides a comprehensive and insightful look at AI ethics.

"This course provided an incredibly comprehensive and insightful look into the ethical challenges surrounding AI."

"The course covered foundational ethics well and then moved into modern AI issues."

"I gained a comprehensive understanding of the ethical challenges posed by AI in hiring and policing."

Pacing was fast at times; some topics felt surface-level.

"The course has good intentions, but some of the material felt a bit repetitive, especially around algorithmic bias across different weeks."

"The pacing felt a bit fast in some areas, and I sometimes wished for more time to digest the concepts."

"While it introduces many concepts, it doesn't always provide actionable solutions or deeper analyses for complex dilemmas."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Ethical Issues in AI and Professional Ethics with these activities:

Follow tutorials on data visualization

Show steps

Explore data visualization techniques to enhance your understanding of data interpretation.

Browse courses on Data Visualization

Show steps

Identify online tutorials or resources on data visualization.
Follow the tutorials and practice creating visualizations.

Build a simple machine learning model

Show steps

Start building a simple machine learning model to apply the concepts you learn in class.

Browse courses on Machine Learning

Show steps

Choose a dataset and define the problem you want to solve.
Select a machine learning algorithm and implement it.
Train and evaluate your model.
Refine your model and iterate on the process.

Join a study group to discuss course concepts

Show steps

Collaborate with peers to reinforce your understanding of course material.

Show steps

Find a study group or form one with classmates.
Meet regularly to discuss course topics and assignments.
Share notes, perspectives, and support to enhance learning.

Five other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all eight activities

Attend a workshop on algorithmic bias

Show steps

Gain practical insights and strategies to address algorithmic bias.

Browse courses on Algorithmic Bias

Show steps

Identify and attend a workshop on algorithmic bias.
Listen attentively and take notes on the presented material.

Read 'Ethics in the Digital Age' by Luciano Floridi

Show steps

Gain a comprehensive understanding of ethical issues in the digital age.

View The Green and the Blue: Digital Politics in... on Amazon

Show steps

Read the book and take notes on key concepts and arguments.
Summarize the main ethical theories and their implications for technology.
Discuss the ethical challenges of artificial intelligence and data privacy.

Mentor a junior student in computer science

Show steps

Strengthen your understanding of course concepts by mentoring others.

Show steps

Volunteer as a mentor for a junior student.
Provide guidance on course material, projects, and career advice.
Reflect on your own understanding and identify areas for improvement.

Design a poster on the social implications of facial recognition technology

Show steps

Apply your understanding of ethical issues in facial recognition technology to create a visually engaging deliverable.

Browse courses on Facial Recognition

Show steps

Research the social implications of facial recognition technology.
Gather data and examples to support your arguments.
Design the poster using visual elements and clear messaging.

Write a blog post on the ethical challenges of generative AI

Show steps

Explore the ethical challenges of generative AI and share your insights with others.

Browse courses on Generative AI

Show steps

Research the ethical implications of generative AI.
Develop your own arguments and perspectives on these challenges.
Write a blog post that clearly communicates your ideas and insights.

Career center

Learners who complete Ethical Issues in AI and Professional Ethics will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

AI Researcher

AI Researchers develop new AI algorithms and techniques. The Ethical Issues in AI and Professional Ethics course can help AI Researchers understand the ethical implications of their work, such as the potential for bias in algorithms and the importance of fairness and accountability. This course can help AI Researchers build a strong foundation in the ethical principles that should guide their work.

See salaries and explore the career path for AI Researcher

AI Engineer

AI Engineers design and develop AI systems. The Ethical Issues in AI and Professional Ethics course can help AI Engineers understand the ethical implications of their work, such as the potential for algorithmic bias and the importance of fairness and accountability. This course can help AI Engineers build a strong foundation in the ethical principles that should guide their work.

See salaries and explore the career path for AI Engineer

Machine Learning Engineer

Machine Learning Engineers design, develop, and maintain machine learning algorithms. The Ethical Issues in AI and Professional Ethics course can help Machine Learning Engineers understand the ethical implications of their work, such as the potential for bias in algorithms and the importance of fairness and accountability. This course can help Machine Learning Engineers build a strong foundation in the ethical principles that should guide their work.

See salaries and explore the career path for Machine Learning Engineer

Privacy Officer

Privacy Officers are responsible for protecting the privacy of individuals. The Ethical Issues in AI and Professional Ethics course can help Privacy Officers understand the ethical implications of their work, such as the importance of informed consent and the right to privacy. This course can help Privacy Officers build a strong foundation in the ethical principles that should guide their work.

See salaries and explore the career path for Privacy Officer

Risk Manager

Risk Managers identify and assess risks to organizations. The Ethical Issues in AI and Professional Ethics course can help Risk Managers understand the ethical implications of their work, such as the importance of considering the potential impact of AI systems on individuals and society. This course can help Risk Managers build a strong foundation in the ethical principles that should guide their work.

See salaries and explore the career path for Risk Manager

Compliance Officer

Compliance Officers ensure that organizations comply with laws and regulations. The Ethical Issues in AI and Professional Ethics course can help Compliance Officers understand the ethical implications of their work, such as the importance of fairness and transparency. This course can help Compliance Officers build a strong foundation in the ethical principles that should guide their work.

See salaries and explore the career path for Compliance Officer

Data Scientist

Data Scientists use their knowledge of algorithms and machine learning to solve problems, such as predicting customer behavior and improving product recommendations. The Ethical Issues in AI and Professional Ethics course can help Data Scientists understand the ethical implications of their work, such as the potential for bias in algorithms and the importance of fairness and privacy. This course can help Data Scientists build a strong foundation in the ethical principles that should guide their work.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist

Software Engineer

Software Engineers design, develop, and maintain software systems. The Ethical Issues in AI and Professional Ethics course can help Software Engineers understand the ethical implications of their work, such as the potential for algorithmic bias and the importance of privacy and security. This course can help Software Engineers build a strong foundation in the ethical principles that should guide their work.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer

Entrepreneur

Entrepreneurs start and run their own businesses. The Ethical Issues in AI and Professional Ethics course can help Entrepreneurs understand the ethical implications of their work, such as the importance of sustainability and social responsibility. This course can help Entrepreneurs build a strong foundation in the ethical principles that should guide their work.

See salaries and explore the career path for Entrepreneur

Data Analyst

Data Analysts collect, analyze, and interpret data to help businesses make informed decisions. The Ethical Issues in AI and Professional Ethics course can help Data Analysts understand the ethical implications of their work, such as the importance of privacy and confidentiality. This course can help Data Analysts build a strong foundation in the ethical principles that should guide their work.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst

Product Manager

Product Managers define the vision and roadmap for products. The Ethical Issues in AI and Professional Ethics course can help Product Managers understand the ethical implications of their decisions, such as the potential for bias in algorithms and the importance of user privacy. This course can help Product Managers build a strong foundation in the ethical principles that should guide their work.

See salaries and explore the career path for Product Manager

Technologist

Technologists work with technology to solve problems and improve the world. The Ethical Issues in AI and Professional Ethics course can help Technologists understand the ethical implications of their work, such as the potential for unintended consequences and the importance of privacy and security. This course can help Technologists build a strong foundation in the ethical principles that should guide their work.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technologist

IT Auditor

IT Auditors assess the security and compliance of IT systems. The Ethical Issues in AI and Professional Ethics course can help IT Auditors understand the ethical implications of their work, such as the importance of privacy and confidentiality. This course can help IT Auditors build a strong foundation in the ethical principles that should guide their work.

See salaries and explore the career path for IT Auditor

Policy Analyst

Policy Analysts develop and analyze policies for governments and organizations. The Ethical Issues in AI and Professional Ethics course can help Policy Analysts understand the ethical implications of their work, such as the importance of considering the impact of policies on different groups of people. This course can help Policy Analysts build a strong foundation in the ethical principles that should guide their work.

See salaries and explore the career path for Policy Analyst

Consultant

Consultants provide advice and guidance to organizations on a variety of topics. The Ethical Issues in AI and Professional Ethics course can help Consultants understand the ethical implications of their work, such as the importance of conflicts of interest and the duty to provide unbiased advice. This course can help Consultants build a strong foundation in the ethical principles that should guide their work.

See salaries and explore the career path for Consultant

Reading list

We've selected nine books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Ethical Issues in AI and Professional Ethics.

Ethics in Information Technology

Save

Is commonly used as a textbook by those teaching and studying about ethics in information technology and artificial intelligence.

Ethical Issues in AI and Professional Ethics

Here's a deal for you

What's inside

Syllabus

Traffic lights

Save this course

Reviews summary

Ethical ai: comprehensive theory and professional insights

Activities

Career center

Reading list

Share

Similar courses