Overview
More than ever before, the choices of those who work in computing and information systems and data science have a significant impact on society. The choices made when creating systems and accessing data affect the behaviours and capabilities of others to do their jobs, access services, and feel secure. COMP 351 provides a foundation in ethical thinking, designed to support computing and data science practitioners in making thoughtful choices in their approaches to and implementation of data-driven systems.
Learning outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, you should be able to
- explain the interconnected and interdisciplinary nature of data used in computing and information systems.
- describe your own ethical position and its implications for decision making.
- develop and use foundational logical and critical-thinking skills.
- analyze the impacts (social, economic, cultural, environmental, and/or sustainability) of
- lapses in security and privacy of data.
- data collection without a rationale or business case.
- use of an unsuitable analytic model / machine learning / artificial intelligence technique.
- poor communication in reporting results.
- predict and evaluate near-future issues in the ethical relationships between humans and data-driven technologies.
Evaluation
To receive credit for COMP 351, you must achieve a course composite grade of at least D (50 percent) and a grade of at least D on each assignment.
The weighting of these grades is as follows:
| Activity | Weight |
| Assignment 1 | 20% |
| Assignment 2 | 15% |
| Assignment 3 | 15% |
| Assignment 4 | 50% |
| Total | 100% |
Materials
This course either does not have a course package or the textbooks are open-source material and available to students at no cost. This course has a Course Administration and Technology Fee, but students are not charged the Course Materials Fee.
Challenge for credit
Overview
The challenge for credit process allows you to demonstrate that you have acquired a command of the general subject matter, knowledge, intellectual and/or other skills that would normally be found in a university-level course.
Full information about challenge for credit can be found in the Undergraduate Calendar.
Evaluation
To receive credit for the COMP 351 challenge registration, you must complete a project assigned to you after you register for the challenge and achieve a grade of at least D (50 percent) on the project.
Challenge for credit course registration form