Data Science: The Power of AI

This is a Computer science Subject Spotlight with Dr Annabel Latham from Manchester Metropolitan University. An interactive, cinematic course taster experience to allow students to gain insights into what it's like to study Computer science.

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In this fascinating Subject Spotlight, Dr Annabel Latham explores the ever-changing landscape of AI and Data science. In episode 1, Annabel sets out to outline the relationship between Artificial Intelligence and Data Science, and define some of the key concepts of data science itself. In episode 2, Annabel introduces machine learning and discusses how it works and what it’s used for. Annabel then goes on to discuss some of the ethical considerations surrounding machine learning. In episode 3, Annabel looks at classification modelling and what this is, using decision trees and clustering as an example. Annabel provides some practical uses for data classification and showcases how they can be used. Finally, in episode 4, Annabel discusses some of the common types of data visualisation that you may come across on a regular basis. Annabel then sets you an interesting activity which gets you to study data provided by a local council in Manchester and define why they have chosen to visualise data in a specific way.

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About Manchester Metropolitan University

Manchester Met is home to one of the UK’s largest and most diverse student communities, with over 43,000 students representing over 100 countries. Located in the heart of Manchester, we provide a caring environment where students, staff, businesses and communities come together to innovate, share knowledge and help improve life for all. The courses we offer are designed around you and your future, and we collaborate with our partners to help you get hands-on industry experience. Rated Gold standard under the Teaching Excellence Framework, we’re committed to providing an outstanding student experience that gets you career, life, and future ready.

Meet the academics

Dr Annabel Latham

Dr Annabel Latham is a Senior Lecturer, Department of Computing and Mathematics at Manchester Metropolitan University. She is a Senior Member of the IEEE, Chair of IEEE Computational Intelligence Society Education Strategy Planning subcommittee, Past Chair of IEEE UK & Ireland Women in Engineering (2019-2022), and a UK STEM Ambassador. Annabel’s research includes conversational agents (chatbots), user profiling, adaptive systems, intelligent tutoring systems, big data, agent intelligence and knowledge engineering. Her recent focus is on two key challenges: ethics and public trust in AI and developing AI systems for Education to improve access and support success in personalised learning. Annabel has helped SMEs develop AI products and services through the AI Foundry, Centre for Digital Innovation and Knowledge Transfer Partnerships. Annabel is keenly interested in changing the face of computer science by challenging stereotypes and promoting careers in computing and engineering to young girls and women.

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On-demand interactive video content

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Remarkable & relatable academics

Learn from some of the UK's finest and most decorated academics as they give you a genuine, insightful, and engaging experience of studying their courses at their universities.

Interactive quizzes and activities

Have a go at fascinating interactive quizzes and activities, then get meaningful and intuitive feedback from the academics to see how you've done.

Content to enhance students university applications

Hear direct from the academics what's expected of you in your university application, and the things you can do to improve your chances of getting on the course you most desire!

Certificate of completion

You'll receive a certificate of completion to evidence your learning - why not add this to your CV and university applications to show your dedication to your future pathway!

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Subject Spotlight?

Subject Spotlights fuse education and entertainment to bring you the new way of researching your university options.

Entirely free and available on-demand, you can choose to engage with the content in the way that best suits you - whether that's in bite-sized chunks or in binge-sessions!

Why should I check out Subject Spotlights?

Get a real, representative impression of what pursuing a subject at university is actually like, so that you can make the right decision for you.

Stand out from the competition by completing a Subject Spotlight to gain the most relevant references and evidence for your personal statement.

Who is this Spotlight for?

This subject spotlight is made for students aged 16 and above, that are considering applying to University, particularly to study the subject in the title, or similar areas.

How should I talk about completing a Subject Spotlight on my UCAS application?

Completing a Subject Spotlight shows the university you're applying to that you've taken time outside of school to engage with relevant content.

The easiest way to include it would be to briefly mention one or two things you learned from it and how/why those learnings have furthered your desire to study the subject. We don't want to prescribe an answer because it's your personal statement but this is a good starting point!