Overview

The topics that the students will study may include;

• What is data ethics and how is data used? – What is ‘Big Data’? How do we use ‘Big Data’? How do we analyse and extract information from ‘Big Data’?
• What is privacy? - Data privacy or information privacy is a branch of data security concerned with the proper handling of data – consent, notice, and regulatory obligations
• Relevant aspects of the law – Data Protection Act, Freedom of Information Act
• Public consent – What is GDPR? Why is it important? What to regulate. How much understanding does the public have about consent?
• What are ethical best practices for data practitioners? eg The Data Ethics group led by the Alan Turing Institute.
• The Data Ethics Framework principles – Government guidance, the principles

Assessment Strategy

-threshold -Equivalent to 40%.Uses key areas of theory or knowledge to meet the Learning Outcomes of the module. Is able to formulate an appropriate solution to accurately solve tasks and questions. Can identify individual aspects, but lacks an awareness of links between them and the wider contexts. Outputs can be understood, but lack structure and/or coherence.

-good -Equivalent to the range 60%-69%.Is able to analyse a task or problem to decide which aspects of theory and knowledge to apply. Solutions are of a workable quality, demonstrating understanding of underlying principles. Major themes can be linked appropriately but may not be able to extend this to individual aspects. Outputs are readily understood, with an appropriate structure but may lack sophistication.

-excellent -Equivalent to the range 70%+.Assemble critically evaluated, relevant areas of knowledge and theory to constuct professional-level solutions to tasks and questions presented. Is able to cross-link themes and aspects to draw considered conclusions. Presents outputs in a cohesive, accurate, and efficient manner.

Learning Outcomes

• Describe the relationship between data, ethics, and society

• Identify and articulate some basic ethical and policy-based frameworks

• Identify the potential ethical harms and benefits presented by data

• Understand Ethical ‘best practices’ for data practitioners