Artificial intelligence has significantly impacted higher education, transforming how we teach, learn and conduct research. Inspired by discussions at the upcoming Lovelace-Hodgkin Symposium on AI Ethics in October 2024, we are excited to announce that we have received a Learning and Teaching Development Fund grant to develop an online course on AI ethics for and co-created by students.

This online course will address ethical approaches to AI and its consumption, reflecting on how bias and discrimination can affect vulnerable and minority groups. It will consider how to use AI responsibly and equip students to critique AI development, deployment and communication. The course will also examine the broader impacts of AI, promoting transparency and accountability. We aim to empower students to advocate for inclusive and equitable AI practices within and beyond the university. This course equips students with essential skills and knowledge in AI ethics but also fosters a socially conscious learning environment.

With support from the university’s Digital Education, Learning Innovation and Support Service, the course will be designed to be accessible and inclusive and will be available electronically and asynchronously to all students. We envision this course as a model for ethical AI education.

By having students play a key role in co-developing the course content, we are excited to include their experiences, perspectives, and insights in the course development process. Our student interns will also learn valuable skills, fostering professional growth, project management, and essential work-related competencies.

Once developed, several schools within the College of Science and Engineering are looking to integrate and trial the course on a more formal basis. Thus far, the Schools of Chemistry and Computing Science have shown strong support for incorporating the AI ethics course into their current curricula.

The AI ethics course will also be part of the Student Learning and Development Digital Skills suite, launching in 2024/2025, ensuring accessibility across disciplines and providing robust student support.

In the long term, we aim to broaden the course's adoption across the College of Science and Engineering and eventually throughout the entire university. This strategic approach ensures that all students benefit from critical knowledge in ethical AI practices.



First published: 31 July 2024

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Dates: 2nd to 4th October 2024 at the Advanced Research Centre and online

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