Computing Technologies in Society

Computing Technologies in Society is a short, university credit bearing course which provides a wide-ranging transdisciplinary introduction to the evolution and application of increasingly complex and powerful digital technologies.

This course provides a wide-ranging transdisciplinary introduction to the evolution and application of increasingly complex and powerful digital technologies. Particular attention is given to the impact of technologies on society, the individual and the environment. A broad range of past, present and future technologies and techniques are considered within a framework which is designed to support you in acquiring crucial skills which underpin the duties and responsibilities of today's computing professionals.

A strong research-infused curriculum is adopted and is reinforced by an expectation that you will regularly contribute to the virtual classroom's Discussion Forum. This will provide opportunities to consider diverse cutting-edge issues and current events - thereby supporting you in the acquisition of a broad range of transferable skills which are of pivotal importance in professional practice.

As part of the assessment for this course, you will have the opportunity to carry out a research-informed case study in which they will be able to focus on ethical issues relating to specific past, current or emerging hardware and/or software systems/trends. Alternatively you may elect to undertake a practically based exercise. In either case, you will work within a small group - with each member being marked individually for their contributions.

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of the course, you will be able to:

1. Demonstrate competence in understanding key technical and environmental issues concerning the operation, implementation and application of digital systems
2. Critically appraise past, present and future applications of digital systems with particular emphasis on their impact upon both society and the individual
3. Formulate professional ethical positions in relation to the development, manufacture, application, proliferation and disposal of digital systems
4. Participate effectively in group work and proactively contribute to the overall organisation of the group
5. Recognise the varied roles and responsibilities which are associated with professional activity in the computing/IT domain and the importance of continued professional development

Course content

Indicative topics:

• Digital systems and genocide
• Environmental stewardship: The computer life cycle - from inception to e-waste
• Long-term data archiving
• Server farms and sustainability
• Digital shadows and personnel privacy
• Empowering digital systems - fully automated processes
• Predictive modelling
• Surveillance systems
• Drones for surveillance and warfare
• Radio Frequency Identification Devices (RFID's)
• When technology goes wrong - from cancer therapy to avionics
• Animatronics
• Ethical and professional responsibilities
• Ethics in a multi-cultural context
• Ethics and the Internet
• From technology to human factors
• Professional codes of conduct - turning theory into practice
• Professional roles and responsibilities - professional development

• Shahadat Al-Thanawaya Al-Aama
• Students with an overall score of 60% would usually be eligible for the International Foundation Year
• UKVI IELTS 4.5 with a minimum of 4.0 in all components (CEFR B1) is also required

• If you are studying and completing any internationally recognised qualification such as A-levels; International Baccalaureate (IB) or the American Curricula from the International Schools within Jordan, then you can begin from the first year of a Bachelors degree. Please see individual course pages for specific entry requirements
• If you have completed a recognised international foundation programme with good grades
• Advanced entry to year 2 or 3 may be possible. You will need to supply detailed information including courses taken, grades achieved, syllabus and a grading guide