AI and Society: AI for a Greater Good

This course is part of the UBC Micro-certificate in AI and Society: AI for a Greater Good.

This micro-certificate will explore the implications and ethical considerations of combining creativity and automation and the importance of eliminating biased data regarding racial, cultural, gender or political identities for AI-powered decision-making. Learners will gain an understanding of ethical considerations and potential challenges that can emerge during the development and deployment of AI solutions while exploring the positive potential of AI in contributing to the common good, emphasizing its broader societal benefits and responsible implementation. This micro-certificate addresses the gaps that industry and research think tanks have identified as issues with AI technologies that are increasing as AI adoption grows worldwide. In the contexts of AI development, use and governance, there is a need to establish ethical standards that address concerns surrounding bias, accountability, transparency and human rights.

By the end of the course, you'll be able to:

• Gain a fundamental understanding of what AI is and how the public interacts with AI on a daily basis
• Learn how AI is built and identify AI problem-solving applications
• Learn about the impact that AI has on work and society
• Explore the ethical challenges that can arise in the development and use of AI
• Understand how AI can be applied to the common good

How am I assessed?

You're assessed on successfully completing weekly activities, including your contributions to discussion posts and applied case study projects (based on real-life scenarios). These activities are marked using a proficiency scale, and your instructor provides you informal feedback in the live sessions.

While you're not assessed on your attendance of the live sessions, we encourage you to attend these classes, so you don't miss the opportunity to learn and interact with your instructor and other participants. All sessions are recorded in case you miss one.

Expected effort

Expect to spend approximately 5-7 hours per week completing all learning activities, including attending online live sessions.

Technology requirements

All course content is provided in the online courses. To take this program, you'll need access to:

• an email account
• a computer, laptop or tablet, using Windows or macOS
• the latest version of a web browser (or previous major version release)
• a reliable internet connection
• a video camera and microphone

Course format

This part-time, 100% online course consists of instructor-supported real-time classes that allow for a high degree of personal engagement and interactivity, with subject matter experts available during each weekly virtual evening session (PST). These virtual classes are also recorded for later viewing. Each week, learners will review readings and videos, and apply their knowledge in exercises and case studies, and contribute to a discussion forum and connect with other students.