ULMS Electronic Module Catalogue
The information contained in this module specification was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change, either during the session because of unforeseen circumstances, or following review of the module at the end of the session. Queries about the module should be directed to the member of staff with responsibility for the module.
Title AI Ethics and Regulations
Code EBUS638
Coordinator Dr A Sarwar
Operations and Supply Chain Management
Atif.Sarwar@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2024-25 Level 7 FHEQ Second Semester 15

Pre-requisites before taking this module (other modules and/or general educational/academic requirements):
 

Modules for which this module is a pre-requisite:
 

Programme(s) (including Year of Study) to which this module is available on a required basis:
 

Programme(s) (including Year of Study) to which this module is available on an optional basis:
 

Teaching Schedule
  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours 20

 5

         25
Timetable (if known)              
Private Study 125
TOTAL HOURS 150

Assessment
EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
Examination Reassessment Opportunity: Yes Penalty for Late Submission: Standard UoL Penalty Applies Anonymous Assessment: Yes Final Assessment: Yes  2    60       
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
Group Project Reassessment Opportunity: Yes Penalty for Late Submission: Standard UoL Penalty Applies Anonymous Assessment: Yes Final Assessment: No  0    40       

Aims

The module aims to provide students with a deep understanding of the ethical principles that must guide AI development and deployment.

The objectives of the module are to:

equip students with the ability to navigate and resolve complex moral dilemmas associated with AI and emerging technologies through relevant frameworks and policies;

provide students with knowledge of the legal and regulatory environments that govern AI, both locally and internationally across various cultural and societal norms;

instil a sense of social responsibility regarding the impact of AI on society, including issues of bias, fairness, and inclusivity;

teach students how to achieve and maintain transparency, data privacy and explainability in AI applications.

Learning Outcomes

(LO1) Students will be able to propose the ethical principles that guide AI design and deployment.

(LO2) Students will be able to critically evaluate the complex moral dilemmas and ethical considerations associated with AI.

(LO3) Students will be able to communicate the sustainability and environmental impacts of AI.

(LO4) Students will be able to critically evaluate the social and cultural impacts of AI.

(LO5) Students will be able to reflect on practical ethical decision-making through relevant case studies.

(S1) Adaptability
Students will develop their adaptability through case study work and assignments in order to understand the application of artificial intelligence regulatory frameworks within various business environments.

(S2) Problem solving skills
Students will develop their problem-solving skills through practical exercises, case studies and through undertaking assignments.

(S3) Commercial awareness
Students will develop knowledge of commercial contexts associated with artificial intelligence ethics and regulations within several industries.

(S4) Organisation skills
Students will develop time management skills to meet deadlines for class discussion tasks and assignments.

(S5) IT skills
IT skills will be developed during exercises, class activities and report writing.

(S6) International awareness
Students will develop their international awareness through case study work associated with international regulatory frameworks relevant to technology and AI.

(S7) Lifelong learning skills
Students will develop their lifelong learning skills through preparation for their assessments and self-directed study of cases in preparation for class discussions.

(S8) Teamwork and Leadership
Students will develop teamwork, collaboration and leadership skills by working in groups for class activities and coursework.

(S9) Ethical Awareness
Students will develop their awareness of ethical issues through research and preparation for assessment.

Teaching and Learning Strategies

Lectures x 20 hours (10 lectures of 2 hours each)
Students will attend a weekly 2 hour lecture during which the key concepts will be covered.

Seminars x 5 hours (5 seminars of 1 hour each)
During these sessions, students will be exposed to several AI regulatory frameworks and case studies.

Self-Directed Learning x 125 hours
Self-directed learning hours are aimed at supporting the directed student learning. The module leader will provide guidance in the form of suggested readings or topics to be completed outside of the classroom with the expectation that students will be well prepared to contribute to the seminar activities and to understand the content of lectures.

Syllabus
 

The module covers the following topics:

Ethical AI design and implementation;

Moral frameworks and the respective regulatory and compliance issues;

Ethical considerations such as bias, fairness, transparency, accountability, privacy and surveillance;

Intellectual property regulations and Generative AI;

Sustainability and environmental impact of AI;

Social and cultural impact of AI;

Case studies of practical ethical decision-making.

Recommended Texts
Reading lists are managed at readinglists.liverpool.ac.uk. Click here to access the reading lists for this module.