COMP SCI 7212 - Human and Ethical Factors in Computer Science

North Terrace Campus - Trimester 3 - 2025

In this course, students will be introduced to two important areas in contemporary computing: human factors and ethical theory and practice. In human factors, students will study all areas that assist us in performing work in an appropriate manner. In ethics, students will study those areas that discuss whether the tasks that we seek to achieve fit our definitions of what is right for individuals, companies, and our society. By combining these two areas of study, participants will be introduced to tools, thinking, and analyses to establish whether the computing tasks they are being asked to perform are fit for purpose in terms of both usage and ethics. At the end of this course, students will have a sound understanding of key issues in ethics and human factors, be able to compare approaches and propose solutions, and have participated in a number of authentic activities to give them confidence as future professional practitioners in this sphere.

  • General Course Information
    Course Details
    Course Code COMP SCI 7212
    Course Human and Ethical Factors in Computer Science
    Coordinating Unit Computer Science
    Term Trimester 3
    Level Postgraduate Coursework
    Location/s North Terrace Campus
    Units 3
    Contact Up to 3 hours per week
    Available for Study Abroad and Exchange Y
    Assessment Written exam and/or assignments
    Course Staff

    Course Coordinator: Nordiana Shah

    Course Timetable

    The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from Course Planner.

  • Learning Outcomes
    Course Learning Outcomes
    Upon completion of this course/subject, students will be able to:
    1. discuss identified human and ethical factors that can affect digital solutions
    2. discuss ethical factors from a traditional ethical and code of conduct based focus
    3. critically evaluate digital solutions from an ethical perspective
    4. evaluate solutions to address human and ethical issues in the design of digital solutions
    5. develop solutions to address human and ethical issues in the design of digital solutions
    6. advocate strategies and processes that meet accepted societal and ethical standards for the design of digital solutions
    University Graduate Attributes

    This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attribute(s) specified below:

    University Graduate Attribute Course Learning Outcome(s)

    Attribute 1: Deep discipline knowledge and intellectual breadth

    Graduates have comprehensive knowledge and understanding of their subject area, the ability to engage with different traditions of thought, and the ability to apply their knowledge in practice including in multi-disciplinary or multi-professional contexts.

    4,5

    Attribute 2: Creative and critical thinking, and problem solving

    Graduates are effective problems-solvers, able to apply critical, creative and evidence-based thinking to conceive innovative responses to future challenges.

    1,2,3,4

    Attribute 3: Teamwork and communication skills

    Graduates convey ideas and information effectively to a range of audiences for a variety of purposes and contribute in a positive and collaborative manner to achieving common goals.

    2,5,6

    Attribute 4: Professionalism and leadership readiness

    Graduates engage in professional behaviour and have the potential to be entrepreneurial and take leadership roles in their chosen occupations or careers and communities.

    3,4,5,6

    Attribute 5: Intercultural and ethical competency

    Graduates are responsible and effective global citizens whose personal values and practices are consistent with their roles as responsible members of society.

    1,2,3,6

    Attribute 6: Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural competency

    Graduates have an understanding of, and respect for, Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander values, culture and knowledge.

    6

    Attribute 7: Digital capabilities

    Graduates are well prepared for living, learning and working in a digital society.

    1,3,4,5,6

    Attribute 8: Self-awareness and emotional intelligence

    Graduates are self-aware and reflective; they are flexible and resilient and have the capacity to accept and give constructive feedback; they act with integrity and take responsibility for their actions.

    1,2,3,6
  • Learning Resources
    Required Resources
    A detailed list of readings and course resources are provided through the University Library and as a reading list.
    Recommended Resources
    There are no recommended resources for this course.

    Library Resources
    The University of Adelaide’s Barr Smith Library provides a range of learning resources including texts, journals, periodicals, magazines, and access to online databases and information services. It also offers a virtual library which is accessible via the University’s website. Access to the Library's electronic resources.
    Online Learning
    MyUni is the University of Adelaide's online learning environment. It is used to support traditional face-to-face lectures, tutorials and workshops at the University. MyUni provides access to various features including announcements, course materials, discussion boards and assessments.
  • Learning & Teaching Activities
    Learning & Teaching Modes

    The course uses a lage number of readings and videos, supported by a weekly seminar where topics are introduced and then discussed for the theme of a given module. Each module spans two weeks and covers a different aspect of the course, although we do expect that knowledge gained in earlier modules inform discussion throughout the course.

    Workshops (2 hours per week): The philosophy of HEFCS is based in active learning - to learn you need to do. The workshops provide you with the opportunity to actively participate in learning tasks designed to apply concepts to practice. You must come prepared for each seminar.

    Workload

    The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.

    Workload is approximately 10 hours a week on average but weeks with assignment work may attract more of those hours.

    Learning Activities Summary
    In this course, you will be introduced to two important areas in contemporary computing: human factors and ethical theory and practice.Topics covered include:

    WeekTopic
    Week 1   Human Factors
    Week 2   Foundational Ethics Approach
    Week 3   Ethical Dilemmas
    Week 4   Ethical Decision-Making & Bias
    Week 5   Codes of Conduct
    Week 6   Ethical Failures (Part 1)
    Week 7   Presenting Ethical Case Studies
    Week 8   Ethical Failures (Wrap-Up) 
    Week 9   Ethics & Culture
    Week 10   Human Factors & Ethics in the Real World
    Week 11   Human Factors & Ethics: Critical Thinking
    Week 12   Reflection
  • Assessment

    The University's policy on Assessment for Coursework Programs is based on the following four principles:

    1. Assessment must encourage and reinforce learning.
    2. Assessment must enable robust and fair judgements about student performance.
    3. Assessment practices must be fair and equitable to students and give them the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned.
    4. Assessment must maintain academic standards.

    Assessment Summary
    The course includes a mix of individual and group assessments, combining written work, presentations and participation. There are four written submissions, all to be submitted electronically. Plagiarism detection will be applied automatically upon submission. Each assessment has a clearly defined rubric and students are encouraged to draw on their own interests and backgrounds where relevant. Assessment tasks will be discussed during workshops and on the course discussion forums to support your preparation.
    Assessment Related Requirements
    We do not accept hard copy or physical submissions. Students will need a computer and network access to submit their work. (Computers are not required in face-to-face seminars.)
    Assessment Detail
    Assessment Task Task Type Length Weighting

    Ethics Case Study 

    Individual

    1,000 words per submission

    20%

    Case Study Pitch 

    Individual

    8-10 minutes

    20%

    Poster

    Group 

    N/A

    5%

    Oral Presentation

    Group

    10-12 minutes

    15%

    Feedback Task

    Group

    600 - 850 words per submission

    10%

    Free Writing

    Individual

    various

    10%

    Quiz 

    Individual

    30 minutes

    10%

    Workshop participation and

    professional conduct

    Individual

    N/A

    10%

    Submission

    All text based assignments must be submitted via MyUni:

    • Assignment Submission: Assignments should not be emailed to the instructor; they must be lodged via the MyUni Course site (unless specified to do both).
    • Cover Sheet: Please include in the assignment a completed University of Adelaide Assessment Cover Sheet (found in MyUni, under Modules) providing details of yourself and your team members (if applicable), your assignment, the course, date submitted, etc. as well as the declaration signed by you that this is your (your team’s) work. Note that the declaration on any electronically submitted assignment will be deemed to have the same authority as a signed declaration.
    • Backup Copy of Assignments: You are advised to keep a copy of your assignments in case the submitted copy goes missing. Please ensure that all assignment pages are numbered. If your assignment contains confidential information, you should discuss any concerns with the Course Lecturer prior to submission.
    • Assessment extensions request: An application for Assessment Extension should be made before the due date of the assignment to the Course Lecturer. Normally, extensions will only be granted for a maximum of two weeks from the original assignment submission date. Extensions will only be granted in cases of genuine medical, compassionate or extenuating circumstances. See sections 3 and 7a) i. in particular on assessment extensions in the Modified Arrangements for Coursework Assessment (MACA) Policy.
    • Failure to submit: Failure to submit an assignment on time or by the agreed extension deadline may result in penalties and may incur a fail grade. Note that a late penalty of 10% of the total available marks for that assessment item will be incurred each day an assignment is handed in late (Unless otherwise stated in 'Assessment Related Requirements' or 'Assessment Detail' above). Assignments handed in after 14 days from the due submission date will fail even if a 100% mark is granted for the work.
    • Resubmission: of an assignment after reworking it to obtain a better mark will not normally be accepted. Approval for resubmission will only be granted on medical or compassionate grounds.
    • Appealing a mark or grade: If you are dissatisfied with your mark or grade, you may request a review or re-mark. There must be academic or procedural reasons for your request, so you can’t simply request a re-mark because you are disappointed with your result. For more information on the process see Assessment Grievance: Appealing a mark or grade
    Course Grading

    Grades for your performance in this course will be awarded in accordance with the following scheme:

    M10 (Coursework Mark Scheme)
    Grade Mark Description
    FNS   Fail No Submission
    F 1-49 Fail
    P 50-64 Pass
    C 65-74 Credit
    D 75-84 Distinction
    HD 85-100 High Distinction
    CN   Continuing
    NFE   No Formal Examination
    RP   Result Pending

    Further details of the grades/results can be obtained from Examinations.

    Grade Descriptors are available which provide a general guide to the standard of work that is expected at each grade level. More information at Assessment for Coursework Programs.

    Final results for this course will be made available through Access Adelaide.

  • Student Feedback

    The University places a high priority on approaches to learning and teaching that enhance the student experience. Feedback is sought from students in a variety of ways including on-going engagement with staff, the use of online discussion boards and the use of Student Experience of Learning and Teaching (SELT) surveys as well as GOS surveys and Program reviews.

    SELTs are an important source of information to inform individual teaching practice, decisions about teaching duties, and course and program curriculum design. They enable the University to assess how effectively its learning environments and teaching practices facilitate student engagement and learning outcomes. Under the current SELT Policy (http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/101/) course SELTs are mandated and must be conducted at the conclusion of each term/semester/trimester for every course offering. Feedback on issues raised through course SELT surveys is made available to enrolled students through various resources (e.g. MyUni). In addition aggregated course SELT data is available.

  • Student Support
  • Policies & Guidelines
  • Fraud Awareness

    Students are reminded that in order to maintain the academic integrity of all programs and courses, the university has a zero-tolerance approach to students offering money or significant value goods or services to any staff member who is involved in their teaching or assessment. Students offering lecturers or tutors or professional staff anything more than a small token of appreciation is totally unacceptable, in any circumstances. Staff members are obliged to report all such incidents to their supervisor/manager, who will refer them for action under the university's student’s disciplinary procedures.

The University of Adelaide is committed to regular reviews of the courses and programs it offers to students. The University of Adelaide therefore reserves the right to discontinue or vary programs and courses without notice. Please read the important information contained in the disclaimer.