Practical AI: Artificial Intelligence in the Digital Age

This module introduces the dynamic field of Artificial Intelligence (AI), providing an exploration of its academic foundations and practical applications.

Over 10 weeks, you will uncover how AI technologies influence our digital era, through engaging lessons combining theory and practical activities.

The module will cover core AI concepts, including neural networks, machine learning, and ethical considerations.

Through lectures, practical programming exercises, case studies, and group discussions, you will develop a robust grasp of how AI shapes modern society.

This course will equip you with valuable, transferable skills and knowledge, paving the way for future academic pursuits or careers in technology.

Learning and teaching

Teaching in this module will include lectures, interactive discussions, and practical activities, all tailored to deepen understanding of Artificial Intelligence.

The course begins by introducing foundational concepts of AI, including types of AI models, neural networks, and the role of data in machine learning. These concepts are reinforced through interactive lectures and the analysis of real-world AI applications.

Over a semester (10 weeks), with 2-hour weekly sessions, students will explore topics such as generative AI, the impact of AI in various industries, and ethical considerations in AI deployment.

Each class session is designed to allow ample time for discussions, encouraging students to explore and debate the multifaceted effects and potentials of AI technologies.

Practical sessions will include activities like programming basic AI models, data manipulation exercises, and the development of simple neural networks using AI libraries and frameworks.

Group projects will focus on creating AI-driven solutions to real-world problems, and role-playing exercises will help students understand the complexities of human-AI interaction.

This hands-on approach ensures that students not only learn theoretical concepts but also apply them in practical, impactful ways.

Coursework and assessment

The module coursework will involve conceptualising an AI solution to a real-world problem.

This project encourages you to apply what you've learned by designing a practical AI application that addresses genuine challenges.

The final assessment is a class test at the course’s conclusion, designed to be straightforward and stress-free.

This test will help ensure you have a firm grasp of key concepts in a supportive environment, reinforcing your learning and boosting your confidence in using AI technologies.

Reading suggestions

• Goodfellow, I., Bengio, Y. and Courville, A., 2016. Deep learning. MIT press.
• Melanie Mitchell: Artificial intelligence—a guide for thinking humans: Picador, New York, 2019, 336 pp, ISBN: 978-1-250-75804-0
• Boddington, P., 2023. AI ethics: a textbook. Springer Nature.

Library and computing facilities

As a student on this course you are entitled to join and use the University’s library and computing facilities. Find out more about using these facilities.

Accessibility

Our aim is access for all. We aim to provide a confidential advice and support service for any student with a long term medical condition, disability or specific learning difficulty. We are able to offer one-to-one advice about disability, pre-enrolment visits, liaison with tutors and co-ordinating lecturers, material in alternative formats, arrangements for accessible courses, assessment arrangements, loan equipment and dyslexia screening.