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Unit of study_
USSC6007: Intelligence Agencies and Emerging Tech
2025 unit information
This unit examines the scope and impact of emerging technologies on intelligence agencies and national security. It explores how technologies like big data, artificial intelligence, and the Internet of Things are shaping the work of intelligence agencies. Students will develop an understanding of intelligence communities and agencies in the United States and Australia and critically evaluate the ethical and legal implications of emerging technologies in intelligence activities, such as collection, analysis, and decision-making. Students will learn from current and former intelligence practitioners and examine case studies of how emerging technologies impact modern intelligence agencies.
Unit details and rules
Managing faculty or University school:
DVC (Research)
| Study level | Postgraduate |
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| Academic unit | United States Studies Centre |
| Credit points | 6 |
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Prerequisites:
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None |
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Corequisites:
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None |
| Prohibitions:
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None |
| Assumed knowledge:
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None |
At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:
- LO1. Differentiate intelligence agency functions in the United States, Australia and globally.
- LO2. Evaluate the relationships between emerging technologies and intelligence agencies.
- LO3. Critically evaluate the ethical and legal implications of using emerging technologies in intelligence gathering and analysis.
- LO4. Analyse emerging technologies and assess their impact on the work of intelligence agencies.
- LO5. Develop a comprehensive understanding of the technological landscape of intelligence agencies.
- LO6. Understand how to develop and manage a project for a think tank environment.
Unit availability
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