Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2023-2024

Module MATH4267: Deep Learning and Artificial Intelligence

Department: Mathematical Sciences

MATH4267: Deep Learning and Artificial Intelligence

Type Open Level 4 Credits 10 Availability Available in 2023/24 Module Cap None. Location Durham

Prerequisites

  • Machine Learning and Neural Networks (MATH3431)

Corequisites

  • None

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • None

Aims

  • To provide advanced methodological and practical knowledge in the field of deep learning and artificial intelligence, covering a wide range of the modelling and computational techniques ubiquitous in recent scientific and technological applications.

Content

  • Multilayer perceptrons.
  • Deep networks: CNNs, space, and computer vision; RNNs, time, and language processing.
  • SGD and variants, dropout, etc.
  • Network design.
  • Programming deep networks.
  • Extensions: autoencoders, GANs, or reinforcement learning.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • a systematic and coherent understanding of the mathematical theory underlying deep neural networks and their training;
  • an understanding of the relationship of this theory to other statistical techniques;
  • the ability to make appropriate modelling and algorithmic choices for a given problem or application;
  • the ability to implement those choices using currently available software packages, and test their validity and performance;
  • sufficient understanding and expertise to be able to expand their knowledge of theory and practice to encompass newly developed techniques and software.
Subject-specific Skills:
  • Students will have advanced mathematical skills in the following areas: modelling, optimization, computation.
Key Skills:
  • Students will have advanced skills in the following areas: problem formulation and solution, critical and analytical thinking, computer skills.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

  • Lectures demonstrate what is required to be learned and the application of the theory to practical examples.
  • Computer practicals consolidate the studied material and enhance practical understanding.
  • Assignments for self-study develop problem-solving skills and enable students to test and develop their knowledge and understanding.
  • Formative assessments provide feedback to guide students in the correct development of their knowledge and skills in preparation for the summative assessment.
  • The written project report assesses the ability to implement the concepts introduced in the module using statistical software, to apply them in the analysis of a realistic problem, and to report scientific outputs in a clear and structured way.
  • The end-of-year examination assesses the knowledge acquired and the ability to solve predictable and unpredictable problems.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
Lectures 21 Two per week in Epiphany term, one in week 21 1 hour 21
Computer practicals 4 Weeks 13, 15, 17, 19 1 hour 4
Preparation and reading 75
Total 100

Summative Assessment

Component: Examination Component Weighting: 80%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Written Examination 2 hours 100%
Component: Coursework Component Weighting: 20%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Mini project report 100%

Formative Assessment:

Three written or electronic assignments to be assessed and returned. Other assignments are set for self-study and complete solutions are made available to students.


Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University