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There are 5 modules in this course
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
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.
What's included
5 videos14 readings2 assignments
Show info about module content
5 videos•Total 58 minutes
Course Overview•16 minutes
Kantianism and Virtue Ethics: Part 1•8 minutes
Kantianism and Virtue Ethics: Part 2•9 minutes
Utilitarianism and Social Contract Theory: Part 1•12 minutes
Utilitarianism and Social Contract Theory: Part 2•12 minutes
14 readings•Total 171 minutes
Course Updates and Accessibility Support•1 minute
Earn Academic Credit for Your Work!•10 minutes
Course Support•10 minutes
Assessment Expectations•10 minutes
AI Citation and Acknowledgement•10 minutes
Introduction to Ethics•10 minutes
Applying an Ethical Framework•10 minutes
"The Trolley Problem" - Video•10 minutes
Kantianism/Deontology and Virtue Ethics•15 minutes
Optional Readings on Virtue Ethics and Ethical Theories•30 minutes
Utilitarianism and Social Contract Theory•15 minutes
Should Batman Kill the Joker?•15 minutes
ACM Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct Studies (Malware)•10 minutes
Optional Reading on Utilitarianism•15 minutes
2 assignments•Total 15 minutes
AI Policy Quiz•5 minutes
Ethical Theories •10 minutes
Medical Applications
Module 2•9 hours to complete
Module details
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.
Ethical Issues Related to Gene Editing: Part 1•19 minutes
Ethical Issues Related to Gene Editing: Part 2•20 minutes
Ethical Issues Related to Neural Implants: Part 1•22 minutes
Ethical issues related to Neural Implants: Part 2•14 minutes
7 readings•Total 235 minutes
AI Unleashed on Healthcare•70 minutes
Optional: Innovations That Are Revolutionizing Global Healthcare•10 minutes
Medical Advances in Gene Editing •60 minutes
Optional: CRISPR Overview•25 minutes
The Power of AI-Enabled Brain Implants•35 minutes
The Ethics of Neurotechnology•20 minutes
Optional: AI Helping Woman Regain Her Ability to Communicate•15 minutes
1 assignment•Total 15 minutes
AI in Healthcare•15 minutes
1 peer review•Total 90 minutes
Gene Editing and More•90 minutes
2 discussion prompts•Total 90 minutes
Gene Editing•45 minutes
Article Discussion•45 minutes
Robotics
Module 3•7 hours to complete
Module details
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.
Ethical Issues Related to Uses of Robots in Healthcare: Part 1•20 minutes
Ethical Issues Related to Uses of Robots in Healthcare: Part 2•14 minutes
Ethical Issues Related to Uses of Robots in Warfare: Part 1•15 minutes
Ethical Issues Related to Uses of Robots in Warfare: Part 2 •19 minutes
Ethical Issues Related to Uses of Robots in Policing: Part 1•14 minutes
Ethical Issues Related to Uses of Robots in Policing: Part 2•15 minutes
5 readings•Total 165 minutes
Robots in Healthcare•40 minutes
Optional: The Future of Medical Robotics•10 minutes
Robots in Warfare•75 minutes
Robot Law Enforcement: Should We be Scared? •25 minutes
Ethical Considerations: Using AI for Warfare•15 minutes
1 assignment•Total 15 minutes
Ethical Issues with Robots•15 minutes
1 peer review•Total 90 minutes
The Use of Robots in Healthcare, Warfare, and Policing•90 minutes
1 discussion prompt•Total 45 minutes
Can AI for War be Ethical? •45 minutes
Autonomous Vehicles
Module 4•7 hours to complete
Module details
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.
Autonomous Vehicles - Framing the Issues: Part 1•19 minutes
Autonomous Vehicles - Framing the Issues: Part 2•22 minutes
Autonomous Vehicles - Moving Forward: Part 1•16 minutes
Autonomous Vehicles - Moving Forward: Part 2•15 minutes
4 readings•Total 145 minutes
Self-Driving Cars: Ethics and Safety •60 minutes
Optional: Autonomous Car Crashes•15 minutes
Autonomous Vehicles: The Argument for Them •55 minutes
Autonomous Vehicles: The Argument Against Them•15 minutes
1 assignment•Total 15 minutes
Autonomous Vehicles •15 minutes
1 peer review•Total 90 minutes
The Ethics of Autonomous Vehicles•90 minutes
2 discussion prompts•Total 85 minutes
The Risks of Using Autonomous Vehicles•45 minutes
Article Discussion •40 minutes
Future of Work
Module 5•6 hours to complete
Module details
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.
Future of Work - What Should Society Do?: Part 1•15 minutes
Future of Work - What Should Society Do?: Part 2•16 minutes
Specialization Wrap-up•13 minutes
5 readings•Total 180 minutes
AI: The Future of Work in America•70 minutes
How Automation Will Impact the Job Market•45 minutes
Optional: White-Collar Workers Feeling the Heat From AI Chatbots•10 minutes
What We Often Get Wrong About Automation•40 minutes
Who's Protecting the Workers?•15 minutes
1 peer review•Total 60 minutes
Future of Work Article Review•60 minutes
1 discussion prompt•Total 30 minutes
Future of Work and AI•30 minutes
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Build toward a degree
This course is part of the following degree program(s) offered by University of Colorado Boulder. If you are admitted and enroll, your completed coursework may count toward your degree learning and your progress can transfer with you.¹
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Build toward a degree
This course is part of the following degree program(s) offered by University of Colorado Boulder. If you are admitted and enroll, your completed coursework may count toward your degree learning and your progress can transfer with you.¹
¹Successful application and enrollment are required. Eligibility requirements apply. Each institution determines the number of credits recognized by completing this content that may count towards degree requirements, considering any existing credits you may have. Click on a specific course for more information.
CU Boulder is a dynamic community of scholars and learners on one of the most spectacular college campuses in the country. As one of 34 U.S. public institutions in the prestigious Association of American Universities (AAU), we have a proud tradition of academic excellence, with five Nobel laureates and more than 50 members of prestigious academic academies.
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What will I get if I subscribe to this Specialization?
When you enroll in the course, you get access to all of the courses in the Specialization, and you earn a certificate when you complete the work. Your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile.
Is financial aid available?
Yes. In select learning programs, you can apply for financial aid or a scholarship if you can’t afford the enrollment fee. If fin aid or scholarship is available for your learning program selection, you’ll find a link to apply on the description page.