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AI & Data Science Subject Spotlight

Data Science: The Power of AI
with Dr Annabel Latham from Manchester Metropolitan University

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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.

Dr Annabel LathamManchester Metropolitan UniversityComputer science

All episodes
1. An introduction to Data Science and AI
2. An introduction to machine learning
3. Navigating the future: AI planning and decision making
4. Activity: visualising data

About the university


Manchester Metropolitan University
Manchester Metropolitan University
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 academic
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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Interactive quizzes and activities

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Content to enhance students’ personal statements

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Certificate of completion

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