Introduction to Data Science, Ethics, and Privacy

Postgraduate | 2026

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Mode icon
Mode
Mode
Your studies will be on-campus, and may include some online delivery
On campus
area/catalogue icon
Area/Catalogue
COMP 6005
Course ID icon
Course ID
201678
Campus icon
Campus
Mawson Lakes, Adelaide City Campus East
Level of study
Level of study
Postgraduate
Unit value icon
Unit value
6
Course owner
Course owner
School of Comp Sc & IT
Course coordinator
Course coordinator
Penny de Byl
Course level icon
Course level
2
Work Integrated Learning course
Work Integrated Learning course
No
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Inbound study abroad and exchange
Inbound study abroad and exchange
The fee you pay will depend on the number and type of courses you study.
Yes
University-wide elective icon
University-wide elective course
Yes
Single course enrollment
Single course enrolment
Yes

Course overview

This course introduces students to the foundational concepts of data science, focusing on the ethical, legal, and privacy considerations relevant to the field. Students will gain a basic understanding of the key principles of data privacy and security, as well as the ethical implications of collecting, handling, and analysing data. Through practical exercises and case studies, students will develop the skills to apply ethical frameworks and basic data management techniques in simple real-world contexts. This course aims to build students’ confidence in recognising and addressing ethical and privacy challenges in data science, equipping them with the knowledge and tools to manage data responsibly while adhering to professional standards.

  • Foundations of Data Ethics, Bias, and Privacy
  • Legal, Professional, and Governance Frameworks
  • Ethical and Privacy-Aware Design in Practice

Course learning outcomes

  • Describe core ethical principles and legal frameworks in data science, including fairness, transparency, accountability, and data privacy
  • Identify and mitigate ethical concerns and data privacy risks in real-world data science applications
  • Apply ethical frameworks to evaluate data science projects, balancing ethical considerations with project goals
  • Collaborate effectively in teams to develop inclusive and responsible data science workflows, addressing ethical and legal challenges
  • Reflect on the cultural and societal impacts of data science technologies and incorporate cultural sensitivity in the development and deployment of data-driven systems

Availability

Census date Icon
Census date
Fri 27/03/2026
Enrol by date
Enrol by date
Fri 13/03/2026
Last day to W
Last day to W
Fri 10/04/2026
Last day to WF
Last day to WF
Fri 08/05/2026

Class details

Mawson Lakes

Class number
Class number 22339
Section
Section FR01
Size
Size 135
Available
Available 135
Dates Days Time Campus Location Instructor
27 Feb - 17 Apr Friday 2:10pm - 4pm Mawson Lakes Building F, F1-25
8 May - 5 Jun Friday 2:10pm - 4pm Mawson Lakes Building F, F1-25

Adelaide City Campus East

Class number
Class number 22340
Section
Section FR01
Size
Size 315
Available
Available 315
Dates Days Time Campus Location Instructor
23 Feb - 13 Apr Monday 2:10pm - 4pm Adelaide City Campus East Basil Hetzel, H2-02
4 May - 1 Jun Monday 2:10pm - 4pm Adelaide City Campus East Basil Hetzel, H2-02

Census date Icon
Census date
Fri 04/09/2026
Enrol by date
Enrol by date
Fri 21/08/2026
Last day to W
Last day to W
Fri 18/09/2026
Last day to WF
Last day to WF
Fri 16/10/2026

Class details

Mawson Lakes

Class number
Class number 52504
Section
Section FR01
Size
Size 135
Available
Available 135
Dates Days Time Campus Location Instructor
6 Aug - 24 Sep Thursday 2:10pm - 4pm Mawson Lakes Building F, F1-25
15 Oct - 12 Nov Thursday 2:10pm - 4pm Mawson Lakes Building F, F1-25

Adelaide City Campus East

Class number
Class number 52505
Section
Section FR01
Size
Size 315
Available
Available 315
Dates Days Time Campus Location Instructor
3 Aug - 21 Sep Monday 9:10am - 11am Adelaide City Campus East Basil Hetzel, H2-02
12 Oct - 9 Nov Monday 9:10am - 11am Adelaide City Campus East Basil Hetzel, H2-02

Prerequisite(s)

N/A

Corequisite(s)

N/A

Antirequisite(s)

N/A

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The Student Contribution amount displayed below is for students commencing a new program from 2021 onwards. If you are continuing in a program you commenced prior to 1 January 2021, or are commencing an Honours degree relating to an undergraduate degree you commenced prior to 1 January 2021, you may be charged a different Student Contribution amount from the amount displayed below. Please check the Student Contribution bands for continuing students here. If you are an international student, or a domestic student studying in a full fee paying place, and are continuing study that you commenced in 2025 or earlier, your fees will be available here before enrolments open for 2026.

Degree list
The following degrees include this course