Computer Science

This module will introduce you to the law regulating the use of computers. It will encourage your awareness and critical thinking regarding the social impact of information technology and AI, and help you relate professional IT/Computing Societies' Codes of conduct to ethical theories.

The module aims to provide the student with the tools to reflect upon both their role in the interface between computers and society and the moral and ethical use of computers and the technologies that rely upon them, and to be aware of their legal responsibilities when using and developing software and hardware systems.

As part of this, the module will cover ethical theories, computer law and professional codes of conduct, as well as how broader areas of law (e.g. defamation, contracts, privacy and freedom of information legislation, etc) impact upon users and developers of software.
 

Module Specific Skills and Knowledge:
1 recognise those aspects of computing regulated by the law;
2 recognise the impact of computing and related work practices on society;
3 recognise how a Code of Conduct (e.g.such as that of the BCS) relates to practical professional dilemmas;
4 recognise the different perspectives of different ethical theories on issues relating to computing.
Discipline Specific Skills and Knowledge:
5 recognise where ethical and legal issues apply throughout the subject.
Personal and Key Transferable/ Employment Skills and  Knowledge:
6 relate reading materials to lecture content;
7 construct a well-structured argument;
8 question assumptions confidently and critically evaluate competing viewpoints.

The syllabus will be based on the four themes listed below, each individual topic listed being related to at least one of these themes. 1. Computers and the Law : computer misuse, copyright, patents, data protection, contracts, software ownership, piracy. 2. ‘Progress’ & Dependence : Safety-critical systems & software development, Artificial Intelligence, Computerisation, Efficiency, Working Practices, ‘Communication’, Quality of life. 3. Individuals vs. ‘Society’ : Data Protection, Freedom of Information, Cryptography, Artificial Expertise. 4. Doing the ‘right’ thing : Ethical dilemmas, Ethical notions (duty, utility, choice), Professional Codes (e.g. BCS).

Referred and deferred assessment will normally be by examination. For referrals, only the examination will count, a mark of 40% being awarded if the examination is passed. For deferrals, candidates will be awarded the higher of the deferred examination mark or the deferred examination mark combined with the original coursework mark.
 

ELE – http://vle.exeter.ac.uk

Web based and electronic resources:

Reading list for this module: