CPSC 2000

Ethics and Sustainability in IT

https://ufred.ca/courses/cpsc-2000/

Course description

This course examines the ethical, legal, and environmental responsibilities of computing professionals in a rapidly changing digital landscape. Students explore how information technologies shape society, influence decisionmaking, and impact sustainability, with particular attention to the role of artificial intelligence and data-driven systems. Foundational ethical theories and professional codes of conduct are used to analyze issues such as privacy, cybersecurity, intellectual property, environmental sustainability, algorithmic fairness, and equitable access to digital services. Through contemporary case studies, students learn to identify ethical challenges, evaluate competing stakeholder interests, and propose responsible solutions grounded in professional standards. By the end of the course, learners will be prepared to make informed and socially responsible decisions that address both the opportunities and risks associated with modern information technologies.