Law, Innovation and Technologies PG (11471.1)

This unit examines how law engages with and shapes disruptive technologies. It does so by examining regulation, law reform, and practical implications of technological innovation both in theory, and through application to case studies. Case studies will be drawn from fields including biotechnologies, information, and communication technologies. Students will gain an understanding of the relationship between technology and society, and the role of law as a mediator for change. The unit provides students with unique exposure to cross-disciplinarity between sciences and law. Students will identify, analyse, and articulate relevant issues and legal responses. This unit may be co-taught with an undergraduate version of the unit.

Learning outcomes

After successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
1. Apply and analyse legal processes to understand law reform and regulation in the context of technology and society;
2. Create and evaluate legal arguments demonstrating the operation of existing legal frameworks, and arguing for reform using advanced legal communication skills; and
3. Create and evaluate arguments about the impact of technologies on society and law's role in moderating or mediating technological disruption.

Graduate attributes

1. UC graduates are professional - display initiative and drive, and use their organisation skills to plan and manage their workload
1. UC graduates are professional - employ up-to-date and relevant knowledge and skills
1. UC graduates are professional - use creativity, critical thinking, analysis and research skills to solve theoretical and real-world problems
2. UC graduates are global citizens - make creative use of technology in their learning and professional lives
3. UC graduates are lifelong learners - adapt to complexity, ambiguity and change by being flexible and keen to engage with new ideas
3. UC graduates are lifelong learners - evaluate and adopt new technology
3. UC graduates are lifelong learners - reflect on their own practice, updating and adapting their knowledge and skills for continual professional and academic development
1. UC graduates are professional - communicate effectively
1. UC graduates are professional - display initiative and drive, and use their organisation skills to plan and manage their workload

Prerequisites

Students must have completed 12 credit points of study at postgraduate level.

Corequisites

None.

Assumed knowledge

None.