Welcome to your AI and Robotics course

Throughout your academic journey, you will have ample opportunities to enhance your knowledge and skills. You can learn through various methods, such as lectures, seminars, workshops, and laboratory practical. Seminars are ideal for discussing and gaining a deeper understanding of topics covered in lectures with smaller groups of peers. Additionally, you can meet with your personal tutor twice a year to receive guidance and support.

Our learning spaces offer top-notch education, often accredited, or recognized by professional, statutory, or regulatory bodies. We offer a range of modules that concentrate on common AI workloads/areas, such as machine learning, deep learning, anomaly detection, computer vision, natural language processing, and/or conversational AI. The course provides you with a robust conceptual foundation in AI and an opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge in a practical setting. Our lab is well-equipped with robotic kits, robotic arms, and software platforms that provide you with access to all the necessary tools for programming Machine Learning algorithms, embedded micro-controllers and robotic modelling.

You can informally test your comprehension of the subject before completing formal assessments that contribute to your final grade. Each module has practice or 'formative' assessments that provide feedback from your tutor. These assessments are meant to be developmental, and any grades received do not count towards your module mark. For each module that you study, there is a formal or 'summative' assessment that includes various coursework assessments, such as essays, reports, portfolios, performances, presentations, independent project, and written examinations.  Your module mark is determined by the grades obtained from formal assessments. 

In the first few weeks we will be starting to deliver the technical content of your course and help you build working relationships with the staff and other students. We will also help you solve any issues you have and help you with the transition into higher education and the different methods of learning used, leading onto you becoming an autonomous, self-motivated learner.

The modules in your semester one are:

Algorithms and Programming Concepts

In this module, you'll start an exciting journey in programming that will help you in your studies and future career. In the first few weeks, you'll learn to design and write Python programs, and you'll also cover basics like algorithms, data structures, problem-solving, and testing. Get ready to dive into the world of programming!

Computer Architecture and Operating Systems Design

In this module, you'll explore different areas of technology in computing and learn how to make smart choices for buying, designing, and developing systems. In the first few weeks, you'll dive into understanding operating systems like Windows and Unix, and learn how to set up and program them. Get ready for an exciting journey into the core of computing technology!

Network & Communications

In the first few weeks, you'll dive into the basics of how networks work, learning about key concepts like TCP/IP, IP addresses, and both wired and wireless networks. You'll get hands- on experience with switching, routing, and designing networks. By the end of the module, you'll be able to design, configure, manage, and troubleshoot networks like a pro! This foundational knowledge will be crucial when you later explore our AI module, where you'll understand how data is generated and transmitted for further processing, enabling advanced applications like voice assistants.

We advise to start looking at the field of AI and see the areas where it is used in industry. Here are links to interesting resources on AI, deep learning, and its applications, along with programming AI artifacts and data analytics solutions to get you started:

• John Lennox: Should We Fear Artificial Intelligence?

In addition, watch this video where AI deep learning expert and University of Montreal Professor Yoshua Bengio talks about deep learning.

He explains what it is, its development, future directions, and how you can learn more about it. He also covers the latest topics in neural nets, unsupervised learning, generative adversarial networks, soft attention, optimization, and more.

Link to Video: Research in Focus: Deep Learning Research and the Future of AI

Do you like to start programming Machine Learning models, check this: Python programming for Machine Learning

Please feel free to watch other introductory videos, TED Talks and YouTube are a good starting place. Please do not worry if you do not understand everything, that is what we are going to help you with.

Foundation year students will be initially registered on the BSc (Hons) Artificial Intelligence (with a Foundation Year). When you arrive, you will be starting 3 modules which will run through the semester 1. These modules are designed to begin your journey into both computing, and academia itself. All our courses in the Foundation Year start from scratch but move forward quickly.

Study Skills and Data Analytics I: This module is designed to introduce you to the world of academia and provide you with the skills that you will need to successfully read for your degree, and also complete assignments effectively first time! You’ll be working on building up your research and writing skills to help you through your university journey. In particular you will learn how to approach assignments and to undertake literature reviews and reflective reports at university level.

Computer Systems and Data: In this module, you'll start by learning the basics of communication principles and setting up a small network using industry-grade equipment. You'll then dive into cybersecurity, learning to identify attacks and threats, understand data privacy, and protect users and organizations. With both theory and hands-on practice, you'll gain a well-rounded knowledge that's crucial for the tech world. Get ready for an exciting and practical journey into networking and cybersecurity!

Programming and Artificial Intelligence: In the first few weeks, you'll learn how to solve problems by analysing them and creating simple applications. We'll introduce you to programming concepts and help you build solutions with different interfaces. You'll also get a glimpse into the fascinating field of artificial intelligence (AI), using voice assistants as a fun example.

Throughout your University journey you will be supported by a specifically assigned academic mentor, as well as a team of module tutors who will always be on hand to help you with whatever you need!

You also have a dedicated course leader, who you can always turn to if you have any concerns or need anything at all!

Read news articles around digital technologies to get an idea of the latest ideas and innovations. Consider how technology supports day to day processes and how data is collected and stored.

The following are useful:

The podcast Twit (This Week in Tech) https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-tech

The British Computer Society Impact page: https://impact.bcs.org/

A suitable PC preferably Windows OS, ideally Intel i7, i9 or equivalent with a minimum of 16-32GB memory. Alternatively, a Mac or Linux based machine, warning the new Macs (“M” series based) are not recommended at present due to virtualisation issues.

Once enrolled, you will be able to download a range of software from the University.

Software link

Download software

There may be an opportunity for us to run a number of visits, these will be optional and communicated out to you closer to the time.

Our goal is to offer you a diverse range of opportunities to engage in research and attend commercial guest talks. Although these talks are not mandatory components of your coursework, they provide valuable insights into the latest developments in computing. By participating in these events, you can stay up-to-date with the cutting-edge trends in the industry and expand your knowledge and expertise.

Information about several clubs is available

These are run by our Student Union, a fantastic way to get involved in your student experience and meet people! Don’t forget all students form the union, it only works if everyone is involved!