University of Colorado Boulder
Ethical Issues in AI and Professional Ethics
University of Colorado Boulder

Ethical Issues in AI and Professional Ethics

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
Beginner level

Recommended experience

37 hours to complete
3 weeks at 12 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace
Build toward a degree
Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
Beginner level

Recommended experience

37 hours to complete
3 weeks at 12 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace
Build toward a degree

What you'll learn

  • Describe the causes and prevention of algorithmic bias in machine learning algorithms.

  • Identify key instances of algorithmic bias, including relations to gender and race.

  • Describe the main code of professional ethics in computing.

  • Analyze issues in the culture of the tech workplace and reflect about how to address these in your career.

Details to know

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Assessments

4 quizzes

Taught in English

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This course is part of the Computing, Ethics, and Society Specialization
When you enroll in this course, you'll also be enrolled in this Specialization.
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There are 5 modules in this course

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

6 videos11 readings1 quiz1 peer review

This week, you'll explore algorithmic bias, focusing on the ethical dimensions of facial recognition technology. The beginning of the week will be dedicated to an overview of algorithmic bias, its prevalence, and its consequences. Then, you'll examine real-world instances of algorithmic bias. Towards the end of the week, you'll focus on facial recognition technology by exploring its mechanics, addressing the concerning of racial bias, and the legal and regulatory challenges.

What's included

8 videos15 readings1 peer review2 discussion prompts

This week you'll explore the intersections of gender, race, and algorithms. In the beginning of the week, you'll revisit algorithmic bias focusing bias related to gender and race. You'll explore the advantages and disadvantages of employing AI in hiring processes and unravel the complexities of predictive policing with AI, shedding light on its drawbacks and ethical implications. Then, you'll narrow focus to Gender and Race in Algorithms, specifically addressing the pervasive issue of racial bias in AI systems. Throughout this week, you'll gain a comprehensive understanding of the ethical challenges posed by AI in hiring and policing, as well as the broader implications of gender and race biases in algorithms, empowering you to critically assess and navigate these critical topics in the realm of technology and ethics.

What's included

4 videos5 readings1 quiz1 peer review1 discussion prompt

This week is dedicated to professional ethics in computing and considerations of gender and race in the tech workforce. The first lesson will lay the foundational principles of ethical conduct in the computing industry, examining the ACM code of ethics as a guiding framework. Then, you'll explore the critical need for diversity in the workforce and the ethical considerations surrounding it. Finally, we'll spotlight real-world examples, including diversity and gender biases at tech giant Google, and delve into the compelling story of Timnit Gebru, shedding light on the challenges and opportunities in building a more inclusive and ethical computing workforce. Throughout this week, you'll gain a comprehensive understanding of the ethical dimensions of technology and the importance of diversity and inclusion in shaping the future of computing.

What's included

8 videos8 readings1 quiz1 peer review1 discussion prompt

In this final week you'll explore the ethical dimensions of artificial intelligence. The beginning of the week will venture into the captivating yet challenging world of generative AI, unraveling the potential dangers of its applications while demystifying what generative AI truly entails. Then you'll look to the future of AI, where you'll navigate the complex ethical terrain that emerges as AI technologies continue to advance. Throughout this week, you will develop a profound understanding of the ethical concerns that accompany AI's evolution, equipping you with the knowledge to engage thoughtfully and responsibly with this transformative technology.

What's included

4 videos6 readings1 quiz2 discussion prompts

Instructor

Bobby Schnabel
University of Colorado Boulder
4 Courses4,836 learners

Offered by

Recommended if you're interested in Algorithms

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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