This module seeks to introduce students to the rationale, themes and strategies for regulating emerging technologies.

The specific aims of this module are to:
1. To examine key concepts and techniques for regulation.
2. To explore the role of law and its limits as an instrument for regulation against the background of emerging technologies and innovations.
3. To identify and appraise the ethical and legal questions raised by rapid technological changes and innovations.
4. To critically reflect on the impact of economic and social goals for regulatory choices and responses.

(LO1) Students will acquire relevant knowledge and understanding of key regulatory concepts, techniques and processes.

(LO2) Students will be able to recognise the conditions which influence the regulatory options being chosen.

(LO3) Students will have greater awareness of the role and limits of law as an instrument for regulation.

(LO4) Students will be able to identify and critically assess the legitimacy of regulatory responses to emerging technologies and innovations.

(LO5) Students will be familiar with regulatory responses from other jurisdictions such as the United States, Australia and the European Union.

(S1) Communication (oral, written and visual) - Academic writing (inc. referencing skills)

(S2) Critical thinking and problem solving - Critical analysis

(S3) Critical thinking and problem solving - Evaluation

(S4) Critical thinking and problem solving - Problem identification

The topics selected each year will be used as case studies to examine the impact of emerging technologies and innovations on sectors such as health, transport, finance and legal profession, with particular focus on the role of law and its limits as an instrument of regulation.
Below an indicative syllabus of topics:

Emerging Technologies and Innovations
Theories of regulation
Regulatory Tools and Techniques
Models of Governance
Case studies include:
AI enabled decision making in Health
Data driven decision making in Finance
Automation of the Legal Profession
Automation of Transport Systems

The Learning and Teaching Strategy has been guided by the Curriculum 2021 Framework, Attributes and Hallmarks. This includes the emphasis placed on the value of developing module content informed by current and cutting-edge research in the relevant subject area (s) and needs of professionals in the business and commercial sector. The focus on diverse settings and case examples will enable students to gain a better understanding of the role of ethics, legal rules and strategies for promoting responsible innovation and governance. During the course of their studies students will be provided with a learning and teaching environment that will facilitate their acquisition and development of a set of rigorous analytical and problem solving skills which will enable them to critically engage with existing and emerging legal and ethical challenges posed by emerging technologies in diverse settings and contexts.

Teaching Method 1 - Lecture

Description: The lecture will equate to 2 hours per week over a 9 week duration. The lectures are designed to provide a context for gaining insight into the rules, concepts and themes associated with the regulation of emerging technologies. The lectures will be complemented by the use of discussion boards, and interactive exercises to facilitate the attainment of the module’s learning aims and outcomes as well acquisition of problem solving and legal skills.
Attendance Recorded: Yes

Teaching Method 2 - Seminar
Description: There will 4 x 1 hour seminars every fortnight. The seminars are designed to enable you to not only build on the foundations provided in lectures and but also to facilitate your ability to identify the governance challenges, address key issues and engage critically in debates. An integral part of the seminars is the provision of opportunities to seek clarification, demonstrate understanding and completion of reading and selected tasks and develop analytical skills in readiness for ass essment. Students will also be directed to key academic and general literature to further develop their knowledge and problem solving skills.

Attendance Recorded: Yes