COMP SCI 7212 - Human and Ethical Factors in Computer Science

North Terrace Campus - Trimester 1 - 2024

In this course, students will be introduced to two important areas in contemporary computing: human factors and ethical theory and practice. In human factors, students will study all areas that assist us in performing work in an appropriate manner. In ethics, students will study those areas that discuss whether the tasks that we seek to achieve fit our definitions of what is right for individuals, companies, and our society. By combining these two areas of study, participants will be introduced to tools, thinking, and analyses to establish whether the computing tasks they are being asked to perform are fit for purpose in terms of both usage and ethics. At the end of this course, students will have a sound understanding of key issues in ethics and human factors, be able to compare approaches and propose solutions, and have participated in a number of authentic activities to give them confidence as future professional practitioners in this sphere.

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Course Details

Course Code	COMP SCI 7212
Course	Human and Ethical Factors in Computer Science
Coordinating Unit	Computer Science
Term	Trimester 1
Level	Postgraduate Coursework
Location/s	North Terrace Campus
Units	3
Contact	Up to 3 hours per week
Available for Study Abroad and Exchange	Y
Assessment	Written exam and/or assignments

Course Staff

Course Coordinator: Nordiana Shah

Course Timetable

The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from Course Planner.

Course Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course/subject, students will be able to:

discuss identified human and ethical factors that can affect digital solutions
discuss ethical factors from a traditional ethical and code of conduct based focus
critically evaluate digital solutions from an ethical perspective
evaluate solutions to address human and ethical issues in the design of digital solutions
develop solutions to address human and ethical issues in the design of digital solutions
advocate strategies and processes that meet accepted societal and ethical standards for the design of digital solutions

University Graduate Attributes

This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attribute(s) specified below:

University Graduate Attribute	Course Learning Outcome(s)
Attribute 1: Deep discipline knowledge and intellectual breadth Graduates have comprehensive knowledge and understanding of their subject area, the ability to engage with different traditions of thought, and the ability to apply their knowledge in practice including in multi-disciplinary or multi-professional contexts.	4,5
Attribute 2: Creative and critical thinking, and problem solving Graduates are effective problems-solvers, able to apply critical, creative and evidence-based thinking to conceive innovative responses to future challenges.	1,2,3,4
Attribute 3: Teamwork and communication skills Graduates convey ideas and information effectively to a range of audiences for a variety of purposes and contribute in a positive and collaborative manner to achieving common goals.	2,5,6
Attribute 4: Professionalism and leadership readiness Graduates engage in professional behaviour and have the potential to be entrepreneurial and take leadership roles in their chosen occupations or careers and communities.	3,4,5,6
Attribute 5: Intercultural and ethical competency Graduates are responsible and effective global citizens whose personal values and practices are consistent with their roles as responsible members of society.	1,2,3,6
Attribute 6: Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural competency Graduates have an understanding of, and respect for, Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander values, culture and knowledge.	6
Attribute 7: Digital capabilities Graduates are well prepared for living, learning and working in a digital society.	1,3,4,5,6
Attribute 8: Self-awareness and emotional intelligence Graduates are self-aware and reflective; they are flexible and resilient and have the capacity to accept and give constructive feedback; they act with integrity and take responsibility for their actions.	1,2,3,6

Learning Resources

Required Resources

A detailed list of readings and course resources are provided through the University Library and as a reading list.

Recommended Resources

There are no recommended resources for this course.

Online Learning

The majority of the course is available as on-line modules, with an optional delivery mode of on-line for the tutorial. On-line delivery is provided through the MyUni system.
Learning & Teaching Activities

Learning & Teaching Modes

The course uses a lage number of readings and videos, supported by a weekly seminar where topics are introduced and then discussed for the theme of a given module. Each module spans two weeks and covers a different aspect of the course, although we do expect that knowledge gained in earlier modules inform discussion throughout the course.

The first four weeks will be delivered remotely as per University policy for 2022, Trimester 1, and a Zoom address will be advertised prior to the session. We hope to resume face-to-face seminars from Week 5.

Workload

The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.

Workload is approximately 10 hours a week on average but weeks with assignment work may attract more of those hours.

Learning Activities Summary

This course employs on-line discussion boards with themed discussions, interactive seminars, readings, videos, and assignments to assist students with meeting the learning outcomes.

Specific Course Requirements

There are no specific requirements or assumed knowledge.

The University's policy on Assessment for Coursework Programs is based on the following four principles:

Assessment must encourage and reinforce learning.
Assessment must enable robust and fair judgements about student performance.
Assessment practices must be fair and equitable to students and give them the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned.
Assessment must maintain academic standards.

Assessment Summary

The course has four written assignments, all submitted electronically. Work is conducted individually and plagiarism detection is automatically applied on submission. Each assignment has a defined rubric and your own existing interests and background can be included in some of the assignment details. Students will have the opportunity to discuss assessment work in class and on shared discussion forums.

Assessment Related Requirements

We do not accept hard copy or physical submissions. Students will need a computer and network access to submit their work. (Computers are not required in face-to-face tutorials.)

Assessment Detail

Assignment 1: Introductory Analysis (20%)

Assignment 2: Introductory Case Study (30%)

Assignment 3: Detailed Industry Case Study (30%)

Assignment 4: Take home case study (20%)

All assignment details are available on the course MyUni forum.

Submission

All work will be submitted through the Assignment submission points on MyUni for each individual assignment.

Course Grading

Grades for your performance in this course will be awarded in accordance with the following scheme:

M10 (Coursework Mark Scheme)
Grade	Mark	Description
FNS		Fail No Submission
F	1-49	Fail
P	50-64	Pass
C	65-74	Credit
D	75-84	Distinction
HD	85-100	High Distinction
CN		Continuing
NFE		No Formal Examination
RP		Result Pending

Further details of the grades/results can be obtained from Examinations.

Grade Descriptors are available which provide a general guide to the standard of work that is expected at each grade level. More information at Assessment for Coursework Programs.

Final results for this course will be made available through Access Adelaide.

Student Feedback

The University places a high priority on approaches to learning and teaching that enhance the student experience. Feedback is sought from students in a variety of ways including on-going engagement with staff, the use of online discussion boards and the use of Student Experience of Learning and Teaching (SELT) surveys as well as GOS surveys and Program reviews.

SELTs are an important source of information to inform individual teaching practice, decisions about teaching duties, and course and program curriculum design. They enable the University to assess how effectively its learning environments and teaching practices facilitate student engagement and learning outcomes. Under the current SELT Policy (http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/101/) course SELTs are mandated and must be conducted at the conclusion of each term/semester/trimester for every course offering. Feedback on issues raised through course SELT surveys is made available to enrolled students through various resources (e.g. MyUni). In addition aggregated course SELT data is available.
Student Support
Policies & Guidelines
This section contains links to relevant assessment-related policies and guidelines - all university policies.
Fraud Awareness

Students are reminded that in order to maintain the academic integrity of all programs and courses, the university has a zero-tolerance approach to students offering money or significant value goods or services to any staff member who is involved in their teaching or assessment. Students offering lecturers or tutors or professional staff anything more than a small token of appreciation is totally unacceptable, in any circumstances. Staff members are obliged to report all such incidents to their supervisor/manager, who will refer them for action under the university's student’s disciplinary procedures.

The University of Adelaide is committed to regular reviews of the courses and programs it offers to students. The University of Adelaide therefore reserves the right to discontinue or vary programs and courses without notice. Please read the important information contained in the disclaimer.

Authorised by:	Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President (Academic)
Maintained by:	Course Outlines Administrator