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851-0748-00L 2 Credits DS D-GESS

The Law and Regulation of AI Seminar

Lecturers & Examiners: Prof. Dr. Alexander Stremitzer, Dr. Talia Batzion Gillis
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-06-01 11:34:02

Abstract

This seminar will explore some of the most pressing legal and ethical challenges associated with the growing deployment of artificial intelligence (AI) in critical domains. Students will be introduced to the evolving regulatory frameworks aimed at managing these challenges, with a particular focus on the legal and policy responses in both the United States and Europe.

Objective

The objective of this seminar is to equip STEM students with a foundational understanding of the legal principles and regulatory mechanisms that govern the development and deployment of AI systems. By the end of the seminar, students will be able to critically assess the legal challenges posed by AI and understand the regulatory approaches to address these challenges. The seminar is meant to deepen the appreciation of the intersection between technology and law, and increase understanding of the barriers to effective AI regulation.

Content

The seminar will begin with a brief introduction to law and regulation and how the legal system in the United States and Europe differ with respect to regulation of technology. The case studies that will then be used to explore law and regulation of AI include: - Algorithmic bias in credit scoring - AI in hiring and employment - Generative AI and content creation - AI and data provide - Predictive diagnostics in medicine - Explainability and the “Right to and Explanation” - Third party AI auditing

General Information

Language
English
Levels
DS

Examination

Type
graded semester performance
The seminar grade will be based on two components: a final group project and presentation (60%) and reaction papers (40%). For the final group project, students will select a new AI product or system, discuss the regulatory challenges that this product presents and how existing and emerging regulation might be applied to address the challenges.

Registration & Places

Max Places
20

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
seminar The Law and Regulation of AI Seminar
  • Wed 10:15-12:00 (IFW C 31)
2 h weekly

Offered In

  • Wissenschaft im Kontext (Science in Perspective) (In Kursen aus dem Programm “Wissenschaft im Kontext” lernen Studierende, die MINT Fächer der ETH aus der Perspektive der Geistes-, Sozial- und Staatswissenschaften zu reflektieren. Nur die in diesem Abschnitt aufgelisteten Fächer können als "Wissenschaft im Kontext" angerechnet werden.)
    • Typ A: Förderung allgemeiner Reflexionskompetenz (WiK-Kurse werden für Bachelorstudierende nach dem ersten Studienjahr sowie für alle Masterstudierende und Doktorierende empfohlen. Alle WiK-Kurse sind in Typ A gelistet. Bei den unter Typ B aufgeführten Kursen handelt es sich lediglich um Belegungsempfehlungen für bestimmte Departemente.)