VEER NARMAD SOUTH GUJARAT UNIVERSITY, SURAT
[Link]. Data Science SEM –V
Data Ethics and Privacy (MINOR) (4credit)
As per NEP 2020
To be implemented from the Academic year 2025-26
Course code Weightage Marks
Course title Data Ethics and Privacy
Credit 4credit
Teaching per 4 Hours
week
Effective 2025-2026
from
Purpose of The purpose of this course is to equip students with a comprehensive
course understanding of the ethical challenges and responsibilities in the age of big
data, artificial intelligence, and data-driven decision-making. As data science
increasingly influences society, business, and policy, it is essential for
practitioners to consider the ethical implications of data collection, analysis, and
use.
Objective of The main objective of this course is to Introduce students to the fundamental
course principles and frameworks of data ethics and their importance in data
science.
Programme PO1: Ethical Awareness in Data Science
outcomes Understand and apply ethical principles to identify and resolve ethical
dilemmas in data collection, analysis, and dissemination.
PO2: Legal and Regulatory Understanding
Demonstrate knowledge of data protection laws and regulations (e.g., GDPR,
CCPA, HIPAA) and their implications on data practices.
PO3: Data Privacy and Confidentiality
Evaluate issues related to data privacy, confidentiality, anonymity, and
informed consent in digital environments.
PO4: Fairness and Bias Mitigation
Recognize sources of bias in data and algorithms, and apply fairness principles
and metrics to promote equity in data-driven systems.
PO5: Critical Thinking and Ethical Reasoning
Apply ethical frameworks (e.g., utilitarianism, rights-based, justice) to real-
world case studies and decision-making in data science.
PO6: Responsible Data Handling and Security
Understand best practices in data storage, access control, and cybersecurity,
and act responsibly in the event of data breaches.
PO7: Societal and Technological Impact
Analyze the broader social implications of AI, automation, and surveillance
technologies with a focus on transparency and accountability.
PO8: Communication and Reflection
Communicate ethical challenges effectively through discussion, written
analysis, and reflective practice, and propose responsible solutions in complex
scenarios.
Programme PSO1: Ethical Decision-Making in Data Science
specific Apply core ethical frameworks and principles to critically assess and address
outcomes ethical challenges in data collection, analysis, and interpretation in various
domains, ensuring responsible and fair use of data.
PSO2: Privacy and Legal Compliance in Data Management
Analyze and apply data privacy laws (such as GDPR and CCPA) and
understand the legal responsibilities of organizations in handling personal and
sensitive data to ensure compliance and safeguard user rights.
PSO3: Mitigation of Bias and Promotion of Fairness
Identify, measure, and mitigate biases in datasets and algorithms, and
implement fairness metrics to ensure that data-driven systems operate
equitably and do not perpetuate discriminatory practices.
PSO4: Responsible Data Security and Governance
Understand and implement best practices for data security, ethical storage, and
access control, and recognize the ethical responsibilities during data breaches
and cybersecurity incidents.
PSO5: Ethical Challenges in Emerging Technologies
Evaluate and address the ethical challenges posed by emerging technologies
like artificial intelligence, machine learning, and automation, focusing on
transparency, accountability, and the societal impact of these technologies.
Mapping PSO1 PSO2 PSO3 PSO4 PSO5
between POs
and PSOs PO1
PO2
PO3
PO4
PO5
PO6
PO7
PO8
Course CO1: Students will understand and apply ethical frameworks to address
outcomes challenges in data collection, analysis, and interpretation.
CO2: Students will gain knowledge of data protection laws (e.g., GDPR,
CCPA, HIPAA) and apply them to ensure compliance and protect user
rights.
CO3: Students will evaluate privacy, confidentiality, and informed consent
issues and apply ethical guidelines for data security and responsible
handling.
CO4: Students will identify and mitigate biases in data and algorithms,
ensuring fairness and equity in data-driven systems.
CO5: Students will analyze the ethical challenges posed by emerging
technologies, with a focus on transparency, accountability, and societal
impact.
Mapping CO PSO1 PSO2 PSO3 PSO4 PSO5
between CO1
COs with
PSOs CO2
CO3
CO4
CO5
Course Unit-I: Introduction to Data Ethics
content
• What is data ethics? Why it matters in data science
• Overview of ethical frameworks (utilitarianism, rights-based, justice)
Unit-II: Privacy in the Digital Age
• Definitions: privacy, confidentiality, anonymity
• Types of privacy (informational, physical, decisional, etc.)
• Informed consent and user data collection
Unit-III: Data Ownership and Control
• Who owns the data?
• Data as labor and data as property
• Transparency and user rights
Unit-IV: Bias and Fairness in Data and Algorithms
• Types of bias: sampling, label, algorithmic
• Case studies: AI discrimination examples
• Fairness metrics in models
Unit-V: Legal & Regulatory Frameworks
• Overview of GDPR, CCPA, HIPAA
• Data protection principles
• Ethical compliance in organizations
Unit-VI: Data Security & Responsible Data Handling
• Data breaches and cybersecurity basics
• Ethical responsibilities during and after a breach
• Ethical data storage and access control
Unit-VII: Ethical Challenges in AI and Automation
• Ethical issues in predictive analytics, facial recognition, surveillance
• Explainable AI and algorithmic transparency
Unit-VIII: Real-World Case Studies & Emerging Issues
• Case discussion: Cambridge Analytica, AI in hiring, health data
sharing
• Ethical dilemmas in modern data-driven platforms
• Final Project/Reflection Submission
References 1. “Weapons of Math Destruction: How Big Data Increases Inequality
and Threatens Democracy” By Cathy O'Neil
2. “Ethics of Big Data: Balancing Risk and Innovation”
By Kord Davis with Doug Patterson
3. “The Ethical Algorithm: The Science of Socially Aware Algorithm
Design” By Michael Kearns and Aaron Roth
4. “Privacy, Big Data, and the Public Good: Frameworks for
Engagement” Edited by Julia Lane, Victoria Stodden, Stefan
Bender, and Helen Nissenbaum
5. “Data Ethics: The New Competitive Advantage” By Gry
Hasselbalch and Pernille Tranberg
6. “Data Ethics: Concepts and Cases for Responsible Data Science”
By Jeffrey Stanton
