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

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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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Know what's good

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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

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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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