This course introduces students to a wide range of theories and topics related to the development, deployment, and regulation of artificial intelligence (AI) systems, with a focus on their application in public sector contexts. Key areas include:

• An overview of AI technology and its potential applications in the public sector.
• The ethical and societal implications of AI, including issues related to bias, transparency, and accountability.
• An introduction to major national and international legal and regulatory frameworks and perspectives that currently govern AI systems.
• The economic and social impacts of AI, including issues related to job displacement, inequality, and the future of work – together with their global ramifications.
• The use of AI in different country contexts across specific domains such as healthcare, law enforcement, transportation, and finance, and the unique challenges and opportunities presented by these areas.

The course also includes a practical component where the students will be exposed to current and relevant debates, case studies, and interactive activities.

Following the successful completion of this course, students will have developed:

• Understanding of the key theories related to the application of AI in various areas of the public sector in local, national, and international contexts.
• Knowledge of the legal and ethical considerations and regulations related to responsible AI design and deployment.
• Understanding of the role of government and public sector organizations in shaping the development and use of AI, and the global implications of AI governance systems.
• The ability to analyse and evaluate the potential benefits and challenges of AI in the public sector, and to identify opportunities for improvement and innovation.
• The ability to apply the knowledge and skills gained in the course to real-world problems and to work effectively in international, interdisciplinary teams to address complex challenges related to the use of public sector AI.

For the dates listed, a minimum of 80% attendance is required. If there is an important reason for missing a course, a maximum of 20% of the total duration of the course can be missed. In cases where cumulative absences amount to more than 20% of the total duration, the course must be retaken.  A valid confirmation (e.g. medical certificate) must be submitted for the absence.

Students are expected to be present on days that assessments are scheduled.

According to WU's examination regulations, important reasons are all those that are outside the student's disposition (illness, accident, death of a close relative). Professional obligations are not regarded as an important reason within the meaning of the examination regulations, since they are the responsibility of the students.

• Input from course instructor
• Individual and group work (in-class/homework)
• Short presentations
• Discussion and feedback

Assessment Due Dates

• Individual Assessed Essay: Friday, 19 December 2025
• Group Presentation: Wednesday, 29 October 2025 (presentation summary) / Friday, 31 October 2025 (presentations)
• Open-Book Examination (Bring Your Own Device): Friday, 5 December 2025

Grading Distribution (Total 100%)

• Individual Assessed Essay (30%)
• Group Presentation (30%)
• Open-Book Examination (40%)

Grading Scheme (total 100%):

• 100-88 Excellent
• 87-75 Good
• 74-62 Satisfactory
• 61-50 Sufficient
• 49-0 Not sufficient

Plagiarism Statement: 

Students are expected to familiarise themselves with the basics of good academic practice and what constitutes plagiarism prior to the start of the course (https://www.wu.ac.at/en/students/my-program/bachelors-student-guide/courses-and-exams/plagiate-neu)

The use of any kind of AI-based software (e.g. ChatGPT, Bard, etc.) is prohibited for the completion of assessments and examinations in this course and is considered as cheating since it would constitute the faking academic performance.

All submitted assignments will be tested for plagiarism and AI use. High scores in either will be reflected in the grading and comments.

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By appointment via e-mail: shefali.virkar@wu.ac.at