Core Module Information
Module title: Computing in Contemporary Society

SCQF level: 09:
SCQF credit value: 20.00
ECTS credit value: 10

Module code: CSI09101
Module leader: Khristin Fabian
School School of Computing, Engineering and the Built Environment
Subject area group: Computer Science
Prerequisites

There are no pre-requisites for this module to be added

Description of module content:

This module aims to develop a deep understanding of the place of computing systems in contemporary society, and the role of the computing professional within their social and professional context. Students will consider the relationship between information, technology, and society, and examine a range of ethical questions, including issues of trust and identity in cyberspace, algorithmic bias, data ethics, data justice, and the ethical use of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence. They will also explore relevant legal factors, focusing on data protection, computer misuse, and recent developments in areas such as AI regulation. Professional issues form a further strand of the module, with attention to the computing profession and professional codes of practice (including those of the BCS and IEEE). In addition, the module purposefully embeds academic skills development relevant to a computing professional.

Learning Outcomes for module:

Upon completion of this module you will be able to

LO1: Identify the legal, social and ethical factors, which affect and are affected by computing systems.

LO2: Critically assess factors impacting on computing as a profession, and on individuals joining that profession.

LO3: Analyse and evaluate ethical issues affected by computing in society

Full Details of Teaching and Assessment
2026/7, Trimester 2, In Person,
VIEW FULL DETAILS
Occurrence: 001
Primary mode of delivery: In Person
Location of delivery: MERCHISTON
Partner:
Member of staff responsible for delivering module: Khristin Fabian
Module Organiser:


Student Activity (Notional Equivalent Study Hours (NESH))
Mode of activityLearning & Teaching ActivityNESH (Study Hours)NESH Description
Face To Face Lecture 20 The lecture covers four main inter-related themes which affect and are affected by computing systems: social factors, ethical issues, legal factors and professional issues.
Independent Learning Tutorial 10 The tutorial focuses on developing academic skills (such as academic writing, critical analysis of the literature) relevant to the assessments.
Online Guided independent study 170 Guided independent study. Students work on their own to explore the topics/complete assignments and deepen their understanding of the subject. This involves engaging with the required and recommended readings/resources as well as conducting independent research to expand understanding of the topic.
Total Study Hours200
Expected Total Study Hours for Module200


Assessment
Type of Assessment Weighting % LOs covered Week due Length in Hours/Words Description
Essay 50 1~3 Week 8 , WORDS= 1500 words Essay. Students will work in a small group to evaluate and improve a GEN-AI literature review on a contemporary challenge in computing.
Project - Practical 50 1~2~3 Week 13 HOURS= 7 mins A video presentation that covers a critical analysis of an article from an ethical perspective on a topic related to computing and society.
Component 1 subtotal: 50
Component 2 subtotal: 50
Module subtotal: 100

Indicative References and Reading List - URL:
CSI09101 Computing in Contemporary Society