INFPS2060 – Ethics and Technology
Schedule, syllabus and examination date
Course content
Information technology is ubiquitous in today’s society; we are witnessing a revolution within mobile technology, biotechnology, nanotechnology etc. The new developments demand ethical reflections ant that before undesirable consequences become obvious. It is important also to consider the role of technology in our understanding of ourselves as well as its role on the communication between us. What do we think about small, funny viruses or worms that destroy our PCs and look like email from our best friend? What do we think about possibility to manipulate not only genes but also photographs, film, art? What do we think about copyrights on digital content in an e-world? We will read newer articles in ethics that fall into the following three categories: communication (via media, internet or email), biotechnology and education.
Learning outcome
Students will learn about intensions, choices, emotions and values. The goal is to develop conscious relationship to technology and its role in our society, to develop critical thinking, improve communication, as well as to learn about possibilities and limitations of that which is created through digital media. After the course, the students should be able to understand multidimensionality and complexity of situations in which one has need to take an ethical stand.
Admission
Students who are admitted to study programmes at UiO must each semester register which courses and exams they wish to sign up for in Studentweb.
If you are not already enrolled as a student at UiO, please see our information about admission requirements and procedures.
The course is reserved for students with admission to Master of informatics (5-years)
Prerequisites
Formal prerequisite knowledge
In addition to fulfilling the Higher Education Entrance Qualification, applicants have to meet the following special admission requirements:
- Mathematics R1 or Mathematics (S1+S2)
The special admission requirements may also be covered by equivalent studies from Norwegian upper secondary school or by other equivalent studies. Read more about special admission requirements (in Norwegian).
Teaching
The course is discussion based. Students will read on their own and be prepared to talk about the subject matter in class.
Examination
Participation in class and essay, 50% each.
Grading scale
Grades are awarded on a pass/fail scale. Read more about the grading system.
Resit an examination
This subject does not offer new examination in the beginning of the subsequent term for candidates who withdraw during an ordinary examination or fail an ordinary examination. For general information about new examination, see /studier/admin/eksamen/sykdom-utsatt/mn/index.html and www.matnat.uio.no/english/studies/examination/repeat.html
Other
Note that the first lecture is mandatory.