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IS30450

Academic Year 2025/2026

AI, Ethics and Society (IS30450)

Subject:
Information Studies
College:
Social Sciences & Law
School:
Information & Comms Studies
Level:
3 (Degree)
Credits:
5
Module Coordinator:
Dr Susan Leavy
Trimester:
Spring
Mode of Delivery:
On Campus
Internship Module:
No
How will I be graded?
Letter grades

Curricular information is subject to change.

Artificial Intelligence systems are becoming increasingly influential in society. This module presents an overview of different approaches to AI and critically examines the assumptions behind each. The purpose of this course is to equip students with an understanding of AI without the requirement of a math or technology background. The course describes the history of AI and its philosophical foundations how AI works, their impact in society and the regulatory landscape.

About this Module

Learning Outcomes:

On successful completion of this module students should be able to:

1. Demonstrate an overall understanding of AI and its approaches
2. Critically examine different approaches to the development of AI from a philosophical and societal perspective.
3. Evaluate the impact of AI and identify risk societal risk
4. Understand AI regulation

Student Effort Hours:
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

24
Autonomous Student Learning

101
Total

125

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
This module includes lectures, reflective learning, critical reading, class activities, debates and project work.

Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 

Assessment Strategy
Description Timing Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade In Module Component Repeat Offered
Assignment(Including Essay): Assignment 1 Week 4 Graded No
25
 No
Assignment(Including Essay): Assignment 2 Week 8 Graded No
25
 No
Individual Project: AI System Evaluation Week 14 Graded No
50
 No

Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 

Resit In Terminal Exam
Summer No
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 

Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Feedback will be provided to students on Brightspace.

Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
Spring Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 20, 21, 23, 24, 25, 26, 29, 30, 32, 33 Mon 13:00 - 14:50
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