We live in an era of rapid technological change which will increasingly see intelligent/data-driven computer systems take over control and decision making in diverse areas from business, law and security to healthcare and food production. This blended style course aims to equip you with the philosophical and ethical foundation needed by AI/Data Science professionals who will be at the forefront of transformation through AI and Data Science.

The role of an AI Professional and Data Scientist is an increasingly ubiquitous job role in many organisations of varying size. As well as a variety of technical skills, the practicing AI/Data Scientist also requires knowledge and awareness of key ethical, privacy and governance considerations for managing data, and data security and related techniques for implementing such. Moreover, a Data Scientist in an organisation must be an effective communicator both with other business units and with management, displaying an ability to both understand business needs and to communicate analyses effectively to inform decision making.

This course will: introduce concepts related to legal, ethical, privacy, governance issues for data collections; describe techniques for effectively managing such issues; provide you with techniques for effective communication and other considerations required of the AI practitioner or Data Scientist in a professional organisation.

The course will also: introduce the history of AI and Data Science, fundamental philosophical issues; consider current ethical issues in AI and building a responsible data science practice; explore the wider legal, social and economic impacts of widescale deployment of intelligent systems, and teach students to be innovative thinkers, leveraging the available datasets for social good.