Ethical Issues in Computing Applications from Coursera

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 third 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 medical applications, uses of robotics, autonomous vehicles, and the future of work.

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

What's inside

Syllabus

Course Overview

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.

Medical Applications

This week is dedicated to the ethical considerations in the intersection of technology and healthcare. Throughout this week, you will explore the complex ethical landscape of computing applications in medical contexts, delving into the ethical dilemmas arising from gene editing technologies such as CRISPR; the ethical dimensions of medical data, investigating issues of privacy, consent, and security in healthcare information systems, and the challenges posed by neural implants, contemplating the boundaries of human augmentation and the preservation of individual autonomy in the age of technological integration with the human body.

Robotics

This week you'll focus on the ethical considerations of robotics across diverse domains. You'll begin the week by examining robotics in healthcare, uncovering the potential benefits and challenges that arise when technology meets medicine. Then,. you'll shift focus to the ethically complex terrain of robotics in warfare, scrutinizing the implications of autonomous machines in armed conflicts. Finally, you will explore the use of robotics in policing, where we'll discuss the evolving roles of machines in law enforcement and the ethical questions they raise.

Autonomous Vehicles

This week will explore he fascinating realm of autonomous vehicles, where you will unravel the intricate ethical and safety considerations surrounding self-driving cars. You will analyze the arguments both for and against the widespread adoption of autonomous vehicles, dissecting the potential benefits and challenges they present to society. Finally, you will also assess the various risks inherent in the use of self-driving cars, considering issues of safety, liability, and the impact on urban landscapes.

Future of Work

In this final week, you will look explore and discuss the future of artificial intelligence. Throughout the week, you will explore the evolving landscape of employment as AI technologies continue to advance, and the potential trajectories of AI in the workplace, contemplating the roles it may play in augmenting human labor, automating tasks, and transforming industries. You will closely examine the profound implications of AI on both workers and employers, exploring how these technologies may reshape job roles, workforce dynamics, and the broader job market.

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Taught by Bobby Schnabel, who is recognized for their work in ethical issues in computing

Explores ethical issues in the design and implementation of computing systems and technologies, which is standard in industry

Examines ethical considerations in medical applications, uses of robotics, autonomous vehicles, and the future of work, which is highly relevant to computing ethics

Provides a foundation for ethical decision-making in the context of computing technologies

Develops ethical reasoning skills and knowledge, which are core skills for ethical decision-making

Requires extensive background knowledge in ethics and computing, which may be a barrier for some students

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 Computing Applications with these activities:

Volunteer at a Non-Profit Focused on Tech Ethics

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Contribute your skills and knowledge to a non-profit organization that promotes ethical practices in the tech industry

Browse courses on Community Involvement

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Research non-profit organizations focused on tech ethics
Apply for a volunteer position that aligns with your interests

Read 'Ethics for the Information Age'

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Gain insights into the ethical challenges and responsibilities of computing professionals.

View Ethics for the Information Age on Amazon

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Read and comprehend the key chapters
Summarize and present the main ethical theories discussed

Explore Ethical Considerations in Robotics

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Review the ethical implications of robotics and autonomous systems, fostering a deeper understanding of the potential societal impacts.

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Watch videos and read articles about robotics ethics
Join online forums or discussion groups dedicated to robotics ethics

Four other activities

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Solve Ethical Dilemmas in Computing

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Practice applying ethical frameworks to real-world computing scenarios, enhancing your ability to identify and resolve ethical issues.

Browse courses on Ethical Theories

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Identify ethical dilemmas in computing
Analyze ethical issues using different ethical theories
Develop and evaluate potential solutions

Design an Ethical Policy for a Tech Company

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Create an ethical policy document that outlines a tech company's ethical responsibilities and commitments.

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Research and consult with stakeholders on ethical issues
Develop a comprehensive ethical policy document
Present the policy to company leadership for review and feedback

Design an Ethical Decision-Making Framework

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Create a comprehensive framework to guide ethical decision-making in the context of computing systems and technologies, deepening your understanding of the ethical considerations involved.

Browse courses on Ethical Decision-Making

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Research and analyze existing ethical frameworks
Identify key ethical principles and values
Develop a systematic process for ethical decision-making
Present and share your framework with peers or industry experts

Develop an Ethical AI Application

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Apply ethical principles to the design and implementation of an AI-powered application, strengthening your understanding of the practical implications of AI ethics.

Browse courses on AI Ethics

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Identify a real-world problem that could be addressed with AI
Develop an AI-based solution that considers ethical principles
Test and iterate on your solution based on ethical feedback

Career center

Learners who complete Ethical Issues in Computing Applications will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Medical Ethicist

Medical Ethicists help ensure the ethical treatment of patients in healthcare settings. They develop and implement policies and procedures that promote ethical decision-making, and they advise healthcare professionals on ethical issues. This course would be helpful for Medical Ethicists because it provides a foundation in ethical theories and frameworks, and it explores the ethical considerations of medical applications, such as gene editing and neural implants.

See salaries and explore the career path for Medical Ethicist

AI Ethicist

AI Ethicists develop and implement ethical guidelines for the development and use of artificial intelligence. They work to ensure that AI systems are fair, transparent, and accountable. This course would be helpful for AI Ethicists because it provides a foundation in ethical theories and frameworks, and it explores the ethical considerations of AI, such as the future of work and the impact on workers and employers.

See salaries and explore the career path for AI Ethicist

Autonomous Vehicle Engineer

Autonomous Vehicle Engineers design, build, and test self-driving cars. They work to ensure that autonomous vehicles are safe and reliable. This course would be helpful for Autonomous Vehicle Engineers because it explores the ethical and safety considerations of autonomous vehicles, including the potential benefits and challenges they present to society.

See salaries and explore the career path for Autonomous Vehicle Engineer

Robotics Engineer

Robotics Engineers design, build, and maintain robots. They work in a variety of industries, including manufacturing, healthcare, and defense. This course would be helpful for Robotics Engineers because it explores the ethical considerations of robotics in diverse domains, such as healthcare, warfare, and policing.

See salaries and explore the career path for Robotics Engineer

Healthcare Data Analyst

Healthcare Data Analysts collect, analyze, and interpret data to improve the quality and efficiency of healthcare services. They work with healthcare providers, insurers, and other stakeholders to identify trends and patterns in healthcare data. This course would be helpful for Healthcare Data Analysts because it explores the ethical dimensions of medical data, including issues of privacy, consent, and security in healthcare information systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Healthcare Data Analyst

Policy Analyst

Policy Analysts research, analyze, and make recommendations on public policy issues. They work with government agencies, non-profit organizations, and businesses to develop and implement policies that address social and economic problems. This course would be helpful for Policy Analysts because it provides a foundation in ethical theories and frameworks, and it explores the ethical considerations of computing applications in a variety of domains, such as healthcare, robotics, and autonomous vehicles.

See salaries and explore the career path for Policy Analyst

User Experience Researcher

User Experience Researchers study how users interact with products and services. They work to improve the usability and satisfaction of products and services by understanding the needs and wants of users. This course would be helpful for User Experience Researchers because it provides a foundation in ethical theories and frameworks, and it explores the ethical considerations of computing applications in a variety of domains.

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Consultant

Consultants provide advice and guidance to organizations on a variety of topics. They help organizations to solve problems, improve performance, and achieve their goals. This course would be helpful for Consultants because it provides a foundation in ethical theories and frameworks, and it explores the ethical considerations of computing applications in a variety of domains.

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Technical Writer

Technical Writers create user manuals, technical documentation, and other written materials. They work with engineers, scientists, and other experts to translate complex technical information into easy-to-understand language. This course would be helpful for Technical Writers because it provides a foundation in ethical theories and frameworks, and it explores the ethical considerations of computing applications in a variety of domains.

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Product Manager

Product Managers develop and manage products and services. They work with engineers, designers, and marketers to bring products to market. This course would be helpful for Product Managers because it provides a foundation in ethical theories and frameworks, and it explores the ethical considerations of computing applications in a variety of domains.

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Project Manager

Project Managers plan, organize, and manage projects. They work with teams of people to achieve project goals and objectives. This course would be helpful for Project Managers because it provides a foundation in ethical theories and frameworks, and it explores the ethical considerations of computing applications in a variety of domains.

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Software Engineer

Software Engineers design, develop, and maintain software applications. They work in a variety of industries, including healthcare, finance, and technology. This course would be helpful for Software Engineers because it provides a foundation in ethical theories and frameworks, and it explores the ethical considerations of computing applications in a variety of domains.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer

Data Scientist

Data Scientists collect, analyze, and interpret data to extract insights and knowledge. They work in a variety of industries, including healthcare, finance, and technology. This course would be helpful for Data Scientists because it provides a foundation in ethical theories and frameworks, and it explores the ethical considerations of computing applications in a variety of domains.

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Business Analyst

Business Analysts help organizations to improve their performance by analyzing business processes and systems. They identify areas for improvement and develop solutions to address them. This course would be helpful for Business Analysts because it provides a foundation in ethical theories and frameworks, and it explores the ethical considerations of computing applications in a variety of domains.

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Teacher

Teachers educate students at all levels, from preschool to college. They develop lesson plans, teach lessons, and assess student learning. This course may be useful for Teachers because it provides a foundation in ethical theories and frameworks, and it explores the ethical considerations of computing applications in a variety of domains.

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Ethical Issues in Computing Applications

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