Welcome to your Artificial Intelligence course

Welcome to the Artificial Intelligence course at University of Staffordshire! We are thrilled to have you join us and excited for all that you will learn. Our goal is to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of AI fundamentals and Machine Learning techniques, along with the practical skills needed to excel in these rapidly growing fields. We believe that this course will challenge and inspire you. Let's get started!

Course delivery

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 practicals. 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 recognised by professional, statutory, or regulatory bodies. We offer a range of modules that focus on common AI areas, such as machine learning, deep learning, anomaly detection, computer vision, natural language processing, and conversational AI. The course provides you a robust conceptual foundation in AI and opportunities to apply theoretical knowledge in practical settings. Our lab is well-equipped with robotic kits, robotic arms, and software platforms, giving you access to all the necessary tools for programming Machine Learning algorithms and embedded micro-controllers.

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 developmental, and do not count towards your module mark. For each module, there is a formal or 'summative' assessment, which includes various coursework assessments such as essays, reports, portfolios, performances, presentations, independent projects, and written examinations. Your module mark is determined by the grades obtained from formal assessments.

Semester one activities

In the first few weeks, we will begin delivering the technical content of your course and help you build strong working relationships with staff and fellow students. We will also assist you in resolving any issues and support your transition into higher education, introducing you to different learning methods. Our goal is to guide you towards becoming an autonomous, self-motivated learner.

The modules in your first semester 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 and 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.

Pre-learning

We encourage you to start exploring the field of AI and its various industry applications. Here are some valuable resources to get you started:

Feel free to explore other introductory videos on platforms like TED Talks and YouTube. Don't worry if you don't understand everything right away; we're here to help you along the way.

Foundation year semester one activities

Foundation year students will be initially registered on the BSc (Hons) Artificial Intelligence (with a Foundation Year). When you arrive, you will be starting three modules which will run through the semester one. 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 1: 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!

Foundation year pre-learning

We recommend you 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, stored and analysed.

The following resources are useful:

Equipment and software

Software

The software requirements will vary based on the individual modules you are studying. The University provides software at no extra cost to all students, which you can access from our University Software Portal.

Hardware

All of our labs are equipped with powerful computers, and additional computers are available in various areas for student use.

For personal hardware, we recommend a laptop with at least an i7 processor (or equivalent.), and at least 16 GB of RAM to ensure you can complete specific assignments. Using Linux or Apple-based laptops is perfectly fine, but please note that not all software has a compatible version for macOS. This is particularly true for some freeware utilities that might be used in your modules.

Tips and activities

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 industry 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.

Groups and Societies

While studying with us, we encourage you to engage with at least one of our numerous clubs or societies. Joining a club or society offers you the chance to meet and connect with like-minded peers, enriching your student life and experience.

For more information on the types of clubs and societies available here at University of Staffordshire please visit our Students Union website.

Meet the team

Dr David Dyke

Course Director

David's expertise focuses on control engineering, electrical circuit analysis, analogue electronics and hardware-based digital electronics. His research interests focus on social implications of technology and the use of AI for power systems design.

David's profile

Christopher Howard

Course Director

Chris is a networking professional with over 30 years’ experience in the technical and academic field. He is currently the course director for Cyber Security and Networks.

Christopher's profile

Dr Benhur Bakhtiari Bastaki

Senior Lecturer

Benhur is Course Leader for BSc Artificial Intelligence. His is an active researcher and his current areas of interest are artificial intelligence, machine learning, ambient intelligence, ubiquitous sensing, contextual information and data mining.

Benhur's profile

Stephen Cahill

Senior Lecturer

Steve is a Networks and Server Specialist who focuses primarily on teaching Virtualisation and Infrastructure Modules. His area of interest is primarily Hardware Platforms and Monitoring Systems.

Stephen's profile

Dr Saeed Shiry Ghidary

Lecturer

I hold a Ph.D. in Robotics from Kobe University. With 20 years of teaching experience in AI and Robotics, I have published numerous papers. My research interests include Robotics, AI, machine learning, telerobotics, mobile robots, and theoretical ML

Saeed's profile

Dr Ali Sadegh Zadeh

Lecturer

Ali specialises in the field of machine learning, data mining, and computational neuroscience. His main expertise is applying machine learning techniques in the field of neuroscience to early detection of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's.

Ali's profile

What to expect on Welcome Week

We're so excited for you to join us on campus and to welcome you to where you matter. During your welcome week you'll be able to meet our friendly student services teams, connect with new friends, join societies, explore on-campus venues attend club nights and much more.

We are here to help you learn, please ask questions and seek advice as and when needed so that we can make your studies with us fun and lead on to a fantastic career.

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Research Excellence Framework 2021

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