DATA SCIENCE ETHICS
WHY THIS COURSE?
As patients, we care about the privacy of our medical record; but as patients, we also wish to benefit from the analysis of data in medical records. As citizens, we want a fair trial before being punished for a crime; but as citizens, we want to stop terrorists before they attack us. As decision-makers, we value the advice we get from data-driven algorithms; but as decision-makers, we also worry about unintended bias. Many data scientists learn the tools of the trade and get down to work right away, without appreciating the possible consequences of their work.
This course focuses on ethics specifically related to data science and will provide you with the framework to analyze these concerns. This framework is based on ethics, which are shared values that help differentiate right from wrong. Ethics are not law, but they are usually the basis for laws. Through this you course you will learn who owns data, how we value different aspects of privacy, how we get informed consent, and what it means to be fair.
Everyone, including data scientists, will benefit from this course. No previous knowledge is needed.
PREREQUISITES
The ability to think critically about the impact of one's decisions.
EFFORT
Learners should expect to commit about 1 hour per module in order to fully engage with the course materials and fellow learners in the discussion forums.
COURSE SCHEDULE & GRADING POLICY
All course assignments are due on Saturday, June 24th, at 23:00 UTC.
|
WEEK # |
MODULE |
TOPIC |
ASSIGNMENTS and POINT VALUES |
1 |
1 |
What are Ethics? |
Quiz (10 points) |
|
2 |
History, Concept of Informed Consent |
Quiz (10 points) |
|
|
3 |
Data Ownership |
Quiz (10 points) |
|
2 |
4 |
Privacy |
Quiz (10 points) |
|
5 |
Anonymity |
Quiz (10 points) |
|
3 |
6 |
Data Validity |
Quiz (10 points) |
|
7 |
Algorithmic Fairness |
Quiz (10 points) |
|
4 |
8 |
Societal Consequences |
Quiz (10 points) |
|
9 |
Code of Ethics |
Quiz (5 points) Peer Graded Assignment (15 points) |
GRADING POLICY
Quizzes are worth 70% of the final grade and the peer assessment is worth 30% of the final grade. Learners must earn an overall grade of 60% in order to pass the class.
HONOR CODE & DISCUSSION FORUM ETIQUETTE
While learning from each other is very important we all recognize the difference between collaboration and simply copying and pasting work done by others. I strongly encourage you to work collaboratively using good judgment. Similarly, please respect all copyright rules of all materials, including books, articles, etc. While we ultimately cannot monitor everything, edX and my team will monitor the forums for any activity that violates such codes of conduct and basic civility to each other. Participation in the discussion forum is not required, though it is strongly encouraged.
CONTACT WITH THE INSTRUCTOR
Given the large number of students in this course the teaching assistants or instructor(s) should not be contacted directly with any questions. While we appreciate the time and effort you put into the course, responding to questions is virtually impossible. But teaching assistants will monitor the forums and will keep the instructor informed on a regular basis.