This course introduces students to a wide range of theories and topics related to the development, deployment, and regulation of artificial intelligence (AI) systems, with a focus on their application in public sector contexts. Key areas include:

• An overview of AI technology and its potential applications in the public sector.
• The ethical and societal implications of AI, including issues related to bias, transparency, and accountability.
• The legal and regulatory frameworks that govern AI, including data protection laws, competition laws, and intellectual property laws.
• The economic and social impacts of AI, including issues related to job displacement, inequality, and the future of work.
• The use of AI in specific domains such as healthcare, law enforcement, transportation, and finance, and the unique challenges and opportunities presented by these areas.

The course also includes a practical component where the students will be exposed to current and relevant debates, case studies, and interactive activities.

For the dates listed, a minimum of 80% attendance is required. If there is an important reason for missing a course, a maximum of 20% of the total duration of the course can be missed. In cases where cumulative absences amount to more than 20% of the total duration, the course must be retaken.  A valid confirmation (e.g. medical certificate) must be submitted for the absence.

Students are expected to be present on days that assessments are scheduled.

According to WU's examination regulations, important reasons are all those that are outside the student's disposition (illness, accident, death of a close relative). Professional obligations are not regarded as an important reason within the meaning of the examination regulations, since they are the responsibility of the students.

Assessment Due Dates

• Individual Assessed Essay: Wednesday, 8 May 2024
• Group Presentation: Tuesday, 19 March 2024 (presentation summary) / Wednesday, 20 March 2024 (presentations)
• Open-Book Examination: Wednesday, 24 April 2024

Grading Distribution (total 100%)

• Individual Assessed Essay (30%)
• Group Presentation (30%)
• Open-Book Examination (40%)

Grading Scheme (total 100%):

• 100-88 Excellent
• 87-75 Good
• 74-62 Satisfactory
• 61-50 Sufficient
• 49-0 Not sufficient

Plagiarism Statement: 

Students are expected to familiarise themselves with the basics of good academic practice and what constitutes plagiarism prior to the start of the course (https://www.wu.ac.at/en/students/my-program/bachelors-student-guide/courses-and-exams/plagiate-neu)

The use of any kind of AI-based software (e.g. ChatGPT, Bard, etc.) is prohibited for the completion of assessments and examinations in this course and is considered as cheating as it would constitute faking academic performance.

All submitted assignments will be tested for plagiarism and AI use. High scores in either will be reflected in the grading and comments.