Course in Ethics in Dual-Use Systems Testing
Online 300-hour course in ethics in dual-use systems testing. 6 modules covering Regulation (EU) 2021/821 (dual-use goods control), ISO/IEC/IEEE 29119 (software testing) and Polarion ALM. Assigned tutor and enrolment open.
Take the controls.
Run a real engineering trade-off from this programme. Move the sliders, watch the model react in real time and beat the challenge.
What you will be able to do
Characterise dual-use systems and the specific challenges of their verification.
Ensure the integrity and traceability of test results under external pressure.
Apply risk analysis to protect people and the environment during testing.
Design robustness, bias and unexpected-behaviour tests for AI-based systems.
Identify export control obligations for test data and results.
Assess ethical dilemmas in communicating negative or non-conforming results.
Plan a responsible test campaign with ethical and safety criteria.
Who it's for
- Verification and validation engineer seeking to specialise in Ethics in Dual-Use Systems Testing.
- Test quality manager seeking to specialise in Ethics in Dual-Use Systems Testing.
- Systems safety engineer seeking to specialise in Ethics in Dual-Use Systems Testing.
- Export control technician seeking to specialise in Ethics in Dual-Use Systems Testing.
- Specialist in testing AI systems seeking to specialise in Ethics in Dual-Use Systems Testing.
- Test campaign director seeking to specialise in Ethics in Dual-Use Systems Testing.
- Engineering or science graduates seeking to enter the defence industry.
What you'll work with
- Regulation (EU) 2021/821 (dual-use goods control)
- ISO/IEC/IEEE 29119 (software testing)
- MIL-STD-882E (system safety)
- ISO/IEC 17025 (testing laboratory competence)
- IEC 61508 (functional safety)
- ISO/IEC 42001 (AI management system)
- Law 31/1995 (occupational risk prevention)
6 modules · 300 h
1.1What makes a technical system dual-use1.2Verification versus validation: differences1.3V-model lifecycle and test points1.4Testing safety-critical systems1.5IEC 61508 and safety integrity levels (SIL)1.6Software testing according to DO-178C1.7Risks of transferring civil tests to defence1.8Stakeholders in a test campaign1.9Responsibilities of the test engineer1.10Workshop: test map of a dual-use system
2.1Data fabrication, falsification and plagiarism2.2Confirmation bias in interpretation2.3Self-interested selection of test cases2.4Traceability from requirements to tests2.5Management of non-conformities and deviations2.6Schedule and client pressures2.7Reporting channels and whistleblower protection2.8Signature and responsibility for the test report2.9Retention and custody of raw data2.10Case study: altered test report
3.1Risk assessment before testing3.2HAZOP analysis according to IEC 618823.3Exclusion zones and access control3.4Radiofrequency testing and human exposure3.5Tests with laser equipment: IEC 60825-1 classification3.6Noise, vibration and test waste3.7Emergency stop protocols3.8Insurance and civil liability3.9Communication with nearby communities3.10Laboratory: safety plan for a field test
4.1Testing machine learning models4.2Representative test datasets4.3Robustness against adversarial inputs4.4Bias and fairness testing4.5Testing requirements of Regulation (EU) 2024/16894.6Risk management according to ISO/IEC 238944.7Simulation versus real-world testing4.8Post-deployment monitoring4.9Technical documentation and model cards4.10Practical: test plan for an image classifier
5.1Testing with international partners5.2Test data as controlled technology5.3Regulation (EU) 2021/821 and technical data5.4Legal review of Article 36 of Protocol I5.5Ethics committees in test programmes5.6Contracts and clauses on use of results5.7Publication of results and proliferation risks5.8Independent audits of testing5.9Lessons from historical testing incidents5.10Case study: ethical review of a joint campaign
6.1Definition of the system and its dual use6.2Requirements and acceptance criteria6.3Campaign risk analysis6.4Data integrity and custody plan6.5Safety and environmental measures6.6Ethical and legal assessment6.7Results communication plan6.8Monitoring indicators6.9Report and presentation6.10Final review with the tutor
How you'll learn
100% online training on the SEIUM campus, with downloadable material, recorded classes and an assigned technical tutor. There are no fixed timetables: students progress at their own pace within the intake, which makes it possible to combine the course with work.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is Polarion ALM, MATLAB/Simulink, Python (pytest), Microsoft Excel advanced, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Tests are studied using real procedures from system verification and validation campaigns, robustness testing of AI models, and traceability audits of test results. Assessment is continuous by module, plus a final integrative project.
Build it end to end
Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.
Characterise dual-use systems and the specific challenges of their verification.
Ensure the integrity and traceability of test results under external pressure.
Apply risk analysis to protect people and the environment during testing.
Design robustness, bias and unexpected-behaviour tests for AI-based systems.
Identify export control obligations for test data and results.
Where this takes you
Requirements
- No prior degree is required.
- Internet connection and a computer capable of running the programme's software.
- Sufficient command of Spanish to follow technical standards documentation.
Ready to start?
Send your application today. Our admissions team replies within 72 hours with your study plan and funding options.
Frequently asked questions
The programme totals 300 hours, spread over 3 to 5 months. That is between 10 and 15 hours per week on average, compatible with full-time work.
You work with Polarion ALM, MATLAB/Simulink, Python (pytest), Microsoft Excel advanced. Free, academic or evaluation versions are used, and the tutor indicates the free alternative where one exists.
A SEIUM own diploma upon passing the continuous assessment and the final integrative project. It is in-house training, not an official qualification from the Ministry.
Yes. Modules passed in a course or postgraduate diploma in the same area are credited towards the advanced programme. Check the recognition policy when you enrol.
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