Governance of Data Science - COM00200M

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Module summary

The aim of this module is to introduce students to the governance of data science. Governance of data science will be situated within the broader area of Responsible Research and Innovation and will be linked to trustworthiness and the trust of different stakeholders in the process and outcomes of data science projects.

Professional requirements

n/a

Module will run

Occurrence	Teaching period
A	Semester 1 2025-26

Module aims

The aim of this module is to introduce students to the governance of data science. Governance of data science will be situated within the broader area of Responsible Research and Innovation and will be linked to trustworthiness and the trust of different stakeholders in the process and outcomes of data science projects. Students will develop an ability to identify, describe and analyse different policy instruments that are applicable to data science projects including legislation, professional codes and technical standards. Students will also develop an ability to design and evaluate data science projects with respect to applicable policy instruments, to formulate robust arguments regarding the design and evaluation of projects, and to engage and communicate effectively with different project stakeholders, including regulators and approval bodies. Students will be encouraged to consider the different theoretical and practical challenges that data science projects pose for governance. Students will explore the governance of data science in real-world contexts through case studies drawn from different domains, including healthcare, and will develop an awareness of how governance structures and processes are operationalised within these domains.

Module learning outcomes

At the end of the module, students will be able to:

• Articulate and analyse the goals that underpin the governance of data science projects and the governance challenges posed by them

• Describe and critically analyse key policy instruments that are applicable to the governance of data science projects, including legislation and professional codes

• Identify and interpret different policy instruments that are applicable to a data science project

• Design advanced data science projects to be consistent with applicable policy instruments

• Formulate robust arguments relating to the interpretation of policy instruments and communicate effectively with different project stakeholders

• Critically evaluate the design and delivery of data science projects against the standards defined in these policy instruments

Module content

The module will cover the following topic areas:

• Data Science

• Responsible Research and Innovation

• Policy Instruments

• Policy to Practice

• Challenges in the Governance of Data Science

• Case Study (e.g. Governance of Data Science in Healthcare)

Indicative assessment

Task	% of module mark
Essay/coursework	100

Special assessment rules

None

Indicative reassessment

Task	% of module mark
Essay/coursework	100

Module feedback

Feedback for this module is provided throughout the sessions, and after assessment as per normal University guidelines.

Indicative reading

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