Course in Ethics in ISR Scenario Simulation
Online 300-hour course in ethics in ISR scenario simulation. 6 modules covering Additional Protocol I to the Geneva Conventions (1977), Regulation (EU) 2016/679 (GDPR) and VBS4. Assigned tutor and open enrolment.
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
Understand why scenario simulation raises ethical dilemmas.
Analyse how people and populations are represented in simulation data.
Detect bias in real and synthetic data used to train systems.
Define the role of human judgement versus the automation of analysis.
Apply the legal and regulatory framework to simulation tools.
Design governance for the lifecycle of models and scenarios.
Develop an integrative project on responsible simulation.
Who it's for
- Modelling and simulation engineer who wants to specialise in Ethics in ISR scenario simulation.
- Scenario analyst who wants to specialise in Ethics in ISR scenario simulation.
- Synthetic data specialist who wants to specialise in Ethics in ISR scenario simulation.
- AI ethics adviser who wants to specialise in Ethics in ISR scenario simulation.
- Simulation programme manager who wants to specialise in Ethics in ISR scenario simulation.
- Security studies researcher who wants to specialise in Ethics in ISR scenario simulation.
- Graduates in engineering or science seeking to enter the defence industry.
What you'll work with
- Additional Protocol I to the Geneva Conventions (1977)
- Regulation (EU) 2016/679 (GDPR)
- Regulation (EU) 2024/1689 (Artificial Intelligence Act)
- IEEE 1278 (DIS, distributed interactive simulation)
- IEEE 1516 (HLA, high-level architecture)
- ISO/IEC 23894 (AI risk management)
- NATO Principles of Responsible Use of AI (2021)
6 modules · 300 h
1.1What is simulated in intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance1.2Tabletop exercises, constructive simulation and virtual simulation1.3Difference between training, planning and justifying decisions1.4The model as a partial representation of the world1.5Hidden assumptions in every scenario1.6Responsibility of the scenario designer1.7Applicable ethical frameworks: deontological, consequentialist and virtue ethics1.8Principles of distinction, proportionality and precaution1.9Boundaries between academic and operational use1.10Opening debate: a scenario and its assumptions
2.1Origin of the data feeding a scenario2.2Synthetic versus real data2.3Anonymisation and re-identification risk2.4Representation of the civilian population in the model2.5Geographic, cultural and linguistic biases2.6How a data bias becomes a conclusion2.7Traceability of data provenance2.8Consent, licences and secondary uses2.9Documentation of the dataset2.10Practice: auditing the provenance of a dataset
3.1Degrees of autonomy in decision-support tools3.2Meaningful human control: what it means in practice3.3Automation bias and overconfidence3.4Explainability of a simulation result3.5Uncertainty, intervals and how they are communicated3.6Interface design as an ethical decision3.7Decision logging and auditability3.8Stop points and human review3.9Discussion of the international debate on autonomy3.10Practice: defining the human control points of a workflow
4.1International humanitarian law: applicable notions4.2Human rights and surveillance4.3Data protection and security exemptions4.4European artificial intelligence regulation and high-risk systems4.5Export control of dual-use technology4.6Information classification and need-to-know4.7Responsibility of the operator and the organisation4.8Professional codes of ethics4.9Oversight and accountability mechanisms4.10Practice: mapping the obligations of a specific project
5.1Prior ethical review of a simulation project5.2Ethics committees: composition and operation5.3Ethical and rights impact assessment5.4Model verification and validation5.5Management of foreseeable misuse5.6Communication of results and risk of distortion5.7Withdrawal or restriction of a model5.8Team training and organisational culture5.9Internal channels for raising objections5.10Practice: drafting a committee opinion
6.1Choosing a realistic simulation case6.2Description of the scenario and its purpose6.3Data and bias analysis6.4Identification of dilemmas and alternatives6.5Design of human control6.6Ethical and legal impact assessment6.7Mitigation and governance measures6.8Periodic review plan6.9Project report6.10Oral defence and group discussion
How you'll learn
Fully 100 % online training on the SEIUM campus, with downloadable material, recorded classes and an assigned technical tutor. No fixed timetable: students progress at their own pace within the intake, which makes it possible to combine with work.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is VBS4, MATLAB, Python (pandas), QGIS, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Case work is based on real procedures from scenario simulation exercises, bias auditing of synthetic data, and lifecycle review of simulation models. Assessment is continuous per module plus the final integrative project.
Build it end to end
Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.
Understand why scenario simulation raises ethical dilemmas.
Analyse how people and populations are represented in simulation data.
Detect bias in real and synthetic data used to train systems.
Define the role of human judgement versus the automation of analysis.
Apply the legal and regulatory framework to simulation tools.
Where this takes you
Requirements
- No prior degree required.
- Internet connection and a computer capable of running the programme's software.
- Sufficient Spanish to follow technical regulatory texts.
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.
The programme works with VBS4, MATLAB, Python (pandas) and QGIS. Free, academic or evaluation versions are used, and the tutor indicates the free alternative where one exists.
An own SEIUM diploma upon passing continuous assessment and the integrative project. It is in-house training, not an official Ministry qualification.
Yes. Modules passed in a course or postgraduate diploma in the same area are credited towards the higher programme. Check the credit transfer policy when you enrol.
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