Introduction to Artificial Intelligence
| Module title | Introduction to Artificial Intelligence |
|---|---|
| Module code | SPA1004 |
| Academic year | 2025/6 |
| Credits | 15 |
| Module staff |
| Duration: Term | 1 | 2 | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration: Weeks | 11 |
Module description
This module will introduce the core societal, philosophical and ethical issues raised by Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Large Language Models (LLM) and provide a practical introduction to ethical use of Generative AI, with a focus on higher education. The module is suitable for all philosophy, sociology, criminology, anthropology, politics and international relations students who want to understand the philosophical issues related to AI and LLMs, and to acquire practical skills in the ethical use of AI.
Module aims - intentions of the module
- You will learn to identify and assess societal, philosophical and ethical issues raised by the development of artificial intelligence.
- You will learn research skills in ethically using Generative AI.
- You will develop core philosophical skills such as critical reflection, argumentation and clarity of expression.
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
ILO: Module-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 1. Demonstrate familiarity with current work on philosophy and sociology of artificial intelligence.
- 2. Demonstrate an acquisition of knowledge of different issues connected to new technological advancements.
- 3. Demonstrate competence in ethical use of GenAI models.
ILO: Discipline-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 4. Understand and engage with philosophical arguments.
- 5. Problematise and assess philosophical implications of interdisciplinary issues.
ILO: Personal and key skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 6. Develop clear and concise written and oral communication skills.
- 7. Demonstrate comprehension of complex ideas.
Syllabus plan
Whilst the precise content may vary from year to year, it is envisaged that the syllabus will cover all or some of the following topics:
- Fundamentals of AI
- Artificial minds and the problem of consciousness
- Generative AI
- Ethics of AI
- AI and art
- Governing AI
Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | Guided independent study | Placement / study abroad |
|---|---|---|
| 22 | 128 |
Details of learning activities and teaching methods
| Category | Hours of study time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching | 22 | 11 x 2 hours per week comprising of lectures and seminars |
| Guided Independent Study | 70 | Reading and research |
| Guided Independent Study | 29 | Completion of the practical task |
| Guided Independent Study | 29 | Completion of the presentation |
Formative assessment
| Form of assessment | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Practical task outline | 500 words | 1-7 | Written |
Summative assessment (% of credit)
| Coursework | Written exams | Practical exams |
|---|---|---|
| 100 | 0 | 0 |
Details of summative assessment
| Form of assessment | % of credit | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Practical task report | 50 | 1,500 words | 1-7 | Written |
| Presentation (recorded) | 50 | 7 minutes | 1-7 | Written |
Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)
| Original form of assessment | Form of re-assessment | ILOs re-assessed | Timescale for re-assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Practical task report | Practical task report (1,500 words) | 1-7 | August/September reassessment Period |
| Presentation (recorded) | 7 minute recorded presentation | 1-7 | August/September reassessment Period |
Indicative learning resources - Basic reading
- Nick Bostrom, Superintelligence: Paths, Dangers, Strategies, Oxford University Press (2014).
- Melanie Mitchell, Artificial Intelligence: A guide for thinking humans, Pelican Books (2019).
- Shannon Vallor, Technology and the Virtues: A Philosophical Guide to a Future Worth Wanting, Oxford University Press (2018).
| Credit value | 15 |
|---|---|
| Module ECTS | 7.5 |
| Module pre-requisites | None |
| Module co-requisites | None |
| NQF level (module) | 4 |
| Available as distance learning? | No |
| Origin date | 01/01/2022 |
| Last revision date | 02/04/2025 |
