CSP7001 – Introduction to Machine Learning

Module CodeCSP7001
Module NameIntroduction to Machine Learning
ECTS Weighting5 ECTS
Semester taught Semester 2
Module Coordinator/s  Giovanni Di Liberto
  Module Learning Outcomes with reference to the Graduate Attributes and how they are developed in discipline          On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:

MLO1 Configure a programming environment suitable for exploring ML techniques
MLO2 Prepare datasets for ML processing, visualise the data, and understand the consequences of decisions made in cleaning data
MLO3 Assess the performance of a ML pipeline
MLO4 Critically evaluate the outputs of a ML pipeline
MLO5 Communicate with ML experts and non-experts: Explain goals and requirements of a project, interpret the outcomes of typical ML analyses, present results to non-experts.
MLO6 Assess the cost/benefit of distinct ML methodologies and explain what makes one approach more suitable than another one for a given task
MLO7. Understand challenges involving data sharing, storage, and privacy

Graduate Attributes: levels of attainment
To act responsibly – Introduced
To think independently – Enhanced
To develop continuously – Enhanced
To communicate effectively – Attained
Module Content Introduction to Machine Learning is designed to offer an introduction to the basics of ML, specifically with a hands-on curriculum aimed at developing knowledge and skills in establishing ML pipelines with state of the art languages and toolkits. This module is designed for students with limited prior experience of programming. It will introduce the fundamentals of programming, with a focus on setting up an effective pipeline for processing datasets to execute common ML techniques such as Support Vector Machines and Linear Regression. Students will be assessed both on the acquired technical skills and on their ability to understand the ML pipeline and results and communicate effectively with experts and non-experts.
Teaching and Learning Methods  Lectures, tutorials, group project, guest lecture/seminar, classroom discussion
Assessment ComponentAssessment DescriptionLO Addressed% of totalWeek due
Engagement and CommunicationClass engagement/discussionAll LOs10 
Technical (coding & ML) skillsIndividual laboratory assignmentsLO1-450Weeks 3, 6, 9, 11
Written Examination2h written test (both open and multiple choice questions)LO1-4,6,740Final exam
Reassessment Requirements  100% written examination
Contact Hours and Indicative Student Workload3      Contact hours: 26h in total: 11h lectures + 11h tutorials + 4h lab assignments
Independent Study (preparation for course and review of materials): 40h
Independent Study (preparation for assessment, incl. completion of assessment): 50h  
Recommended Reading List   Python Crash Course: A Hands-On, Project-Based Introduction to Programming, Eric Matthes (eBook available in the TCD library)

Hands-On Machine Learning with Scikit-Learn, Keras, and TensorFlow, Aurélien Géron, 2nd Edition, O’Reilly Media (part 1)
Module Pre-requisiteNone
Module Co-requisite 
Module WebsiteBlackboard. Website (to be defined).
Are other Schools/Departments involved in the delivery of this module? If yes, please provide details. 
Module Approval Date 
Approved by 
Academic Start YearSeptember 2021
Academic Year of Date2021-22