Introduction to the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence

This micro-credential is ideal for leaders and professionals who work with technology and want a better understanding of AI and its ethical implications for organisations and broader society. It is also ideal for organisations that want to upskill their technology, risk and leadership teams in the area of AI Ethics.

Learning is applicable across industries and the private, public and not-for-profit sectors.

Some previous professional experience or study of information technologies (IT) is beneficial before you undertake this course, but it's not an official eligibility requirement.

This micro-credential is delivered by the University of Melbourne's Centre for AI and Digital Ethics (CAIDE), which facilitates cutting-edge cross-disciplinary research, teaching and leadership on the ethical, technical, regulatory and legal issues relating to Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digital technologies.

CAIDE professionals, including Professor Tim Miller, Professor Jeannie Paterson, and Dr Simon Coghlan have also contributed to the development of this course, ensuring you'll be able to draw upon best industry practices to gain skills and knowledge that are immediately applicable to your own workplace setting.

The course may contribute to continuing professional development (CPD) points for some professional societies, including certification as a Certified Technologist or Certified Professional from the Australian Computer Society. It is your responsibility to check if you are eligible.

The course's learning and assessment are aligned with SFIA 8 Skill - Emerging technology monitoring at the following levels.

Level 4:

• Supports monitoring of the external environment and assessment of emerging technologies
• Contributes to the creation of reports, technology road mapping and the sharing of knowledge and insights.

Level 5:

• Monitors the external environment to gather intelligence on emerging technologies
• Assesses and documents the impacts, threats and opportunities to the organisation
• Creates reports and technology roadmaps and shares knowledge and insights with others.

By the end of this micro-credential, you'll be able to:

• Interpret and communicate the social and ethical issues raised by the use of artificial intelligence to other technical professionals and the wider community
• Apply established ethical frameworks to demonstrate reasoning in relation to social and ethical issues in the design, development and deployment of digital technologies, with a focus on AI.

This course runs for six weeks. Your total time commitment is 42 hours maximum, which includes:

• 3 x synchronous online workshops ( 3 hours total)
• Guided online learning ( 6 - 12 hours)
• Readings and independent study ( 6 - 12 hours )
• Assessment task 1 ( 5 hours )
• Assessment task 2 ( 15 hours ).

Assessment:

• AI ethics 'cheat sheet’ (30%)
• Case study (70%).

• Once you've successfully completed this course, you will be awarded your Introduction to the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence Melbourne MicroCert. This digital certificate will warrant the achievement of knowledge, skills and capabilities outlined in the learning outcomes. It may also include artefacts (such as videos and written material) related to both experiential and work-integrated learning, including translatable assessment that is practical to your professional life. You can also share your Melbourne MicroCert digitally and via social media by adding it to your personal platforms, such as LinkedIn. See example certificate.

Introduction to the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence is currently a standalone course.

Delivered fully online, this course provides a convenient way to develop your skillset from a location that suits you. Within our digital learning environment, you'll engage with other professionals and leaders and take part in synchronous and asynchronous learning activities.

You'll have access to videos of industry leaders discussing real-world case studies. You'll also take part in live, online workshops, contribute to discussion boards with your peers, and complete independent study to deepen your knowledge of AI ethics.

There is no set expiry date.