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• • INFPS2060

This course is no longer available, see the current course list.

INFPS2060 - Ethics and Technology

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 outcomes

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

The course is reserved for students with admission to Master of informatics (5-years)

Students at UiO must apply for courses in StudentWeb.

International applicants, if you are not already enrolled as a student at UiO, please see our information about admission requirements and procedures for international applicants.

The examination in this course is not available for external candidates. Only students admitted to the course may sit for the examination.

Prerequisites

Formal prerequisites

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.

Teaching

The course is discussion based. Students will read on their own and be prepared to talk about the subject matter in class.

Exam information

Participation in class and essay, 50% each.

Assessment and grading

Students are awarded either a passing or a failing grade. Read more about the grading system .

An external auditor regularly evaluates the academic quality of the course, including the form of exam used on the course.

Possibility of make-up exams and re-takes

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 http://www.mn.uio.no/studier/admin/eksamen/utsatt-og-ny-eksamen/index.html and www.matnat.uio.no/english/studies/examination/repeat.html

Other information

Note that the first lecture is mandatory.

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