University of St Andrews

Key information

SCOTCAT credits : 15

ECTS credits : 7

Level : SCQF level 11

Semester: 2

Availability restrictions: 40 places allocated by ballot.

Planned timetable: To be arranged

There is much interest in both academic research and the mass media about the potential effects of algorithmic decision-making and bias, with stories about manipulation of news feeds affecting elections, discriminatory adverts or search engine results, companies using big data to subvert regulators, and so forth. The aims of this module are to introduce students to the various ethical dilemmas that are arising in our "data-driven society", with an emphasis on the ethics of using data science, data protection and privacy, and algorithmic governance.

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact: Weekly seminars (x11 weeks), practical classes (x2 weeks)

Scheduled learning hours: 32

Guided independent study hours: 120

Assessment pattern

As used by St Andrews: 40% Written Examination 60% Coursework

As defined by QAA
Written examinations : 0%
Practical examinations : 0%
Coursework: 100%

Re-assessment: 40% Written Exam 60% Existing Coursework

Personnel

Module coordinator: Dr T N H Henderson
Module teaching staff: TBC Module coordinator(s): Director of Postgraduate Teaching - Computer Science (dopgt-cs@st-andrews.ac.uk)

Additional information from school

This module runs with a cap with effect from 2019/20. There is reassessment in the form of an oral examination.