Many optimisation problems in business and industry can be expressed in the form of a linear programming problem and this is even more apparent with increasing reliance on Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning. Businesses and industry use linear programming to determine what to make in order to maximise their profits, Amazon use it to schedule your parcels for delivery and it is also used widely in Game Theory: you can use it to beat your friends at rock-paper-scissors and other games!

In this module, we will study the theoretical background behind the linear programming methods, learn how to express real-world questions as linear programming problems and solve them by hand and using computer programs. We will also explore some other optimisation methods used in AI and Machine Learning. Topics may include:

• Canonical forms of linear programming problems.
• Theoretical considerations: relevant results from set theory and geometry.
• Integer linear programming.
• Solutions of linear programming models: Simplex and dual simplex methods, Pivot algorithm, and computer-based techniques.
• Degeneracy, cycling, duality.
• Use of a mathematical computer software package, for example, Python, Matlab, Excel etc.
• Application to logistics in transportation and assignment problems, VAM and the Hungarian algorithm.
• Game theory: zero-sum matrix games, multi-phase games.
• Non-linear optimisation techniques in Machine Learning

This module explores the fundamental ethics and principles of artificial intelligence and understanding how it impacts on society, specifically examining the ethical, social and technical challenges posed by AI systems. As part of this module, students will develop their understanding of key ethical principles, the societal impact of AI and will evaluate how human factors can influence system design/model development and potentially perpetuate human biases. This module will also explore different governance approaches and legislative requirements for AI and will examine the diverse strategies for mitigating discrimination and bias in AI based systems.

Stochastic processes serve as essential mathematical models for systems and phenomena exhibiting apparent randomness. Examples encompass diverse scenarios, such as the growth of a bacterial population, fluctuations in electrical current due to thermal noise, or the motion of gas molecules. The applications of stochastic processes span various disciplines, including biology, chemistry, ecology, neuroscience, physics, image processing, signal processing, and financial markets. In order to understand such random behaviour, we introduce and study Markov chains, random walks, Brownian motion and stochastic differential equations. Through these topics, students will not only establish a robust foundation in the principles of stochastic processes but will also gain valuable insights into their diverse applications across numerous domains. The module's goal is to equip students with analytical tools essential for comprehending and modelling complex uncertainties, thereby enhancing their capacity to address real-world challenges in mathematics, statistics, and related fields.

Topics covered include:

• Brief review of Probability Theory via a Measure Theory approach.
• Martingales: Basic definitions, filtrations, stopping times.
• Doob's Martingale inequalities and Convergence Theorem.
• Markov Chains.
• Moment generating functions.
• Characteristic functions.
• Probability generating functions.

This module provides a comprehensive introduction to data analytics, focusing on foundational concepts and practical applications. Students will develop essential skills to analyze data, solve real-world problems, and explore the rapidly growing field of big data analytics. The key perspectives are:

• Introduction to  the data analytics process, including data collection, cleaning, analysis, visualisation, and interpretation.
• Hands-on experience with data analytics tools and techniques.
• Exploring big data analytics concepts, including scalable data processing and analysis.
• Promoting ethical decision-making and effective communication in data-driven contexts.

The data analytics process covers:

• Identifying business problems and defining objectives.
• Collecting and cleaning raw data for analysis.
• Performing exploratory data analysis (EDA) to uncover patterns.
• Visualising and interpreting results to derive actionable insights.

The statistical and analytical thinking aspect includes: 

• Measures of central tendency and dispersion.
• Regression analysis and correlation.
• Data modelling and simulation.

The tools and techniques component covers:

• cleaning and preprocessing using Python or R.
• SQL for querying and managing databases.
• Data visualisation using tools like Tableau, Power BI, Matplotlib and Apache Superset
• Introduction to big data ecosystem.

The big data analytics aspect addresses:

• Scalable data storage and processing.
• Analysing large datasets with distributed systems.
• Leveraging machine learning for big data insights.
• Real-time analytics and stream processing.

The ethical and professional skills aspect encompasses:

• Ethical issues in data privacy and security.
• Effective communication of data insights through storytelling.
• Collaboration and teamwork in data projects.
• Presentation and reporting of analytics outcomes.

This is an experiential learning opportunity that incorporates, 20 teaching contact hours/lectures to prepare for the150 contract hours where L5 students can use all their skills learned to date on an actual real-world (external business) client driven project, working in teams and produce an artefact. 

Students are also expected to undertake around 30 hours of self study.

This module not only gives them enhanced skills but the opportunity to work for a real client thus giving them a valuable CV and LInkedIn entry as work experience that can contribute to their employability portfolio. 

Students will collaborate in teams and produce full client documentation alongside a reflection of their expereince and this all give some much needed contemplation of their skills to date and how to use them. 

This module provides a structured, university-level work placement for 4, 5 or 7 weeks as one continuous block / period with a placement provider (i.e. industry apprioprate sector). It is designed to enhance your professional skills in a real-world job setting.

The placement can either be organised by you or with support from university staff.

All work placements within this module must be university-level; this means:

• Undertaking high-skilled work commensurate with level 5 study (e.g. report writing, attending meetings, delivering presentations, producing spreadsheets, writing content on webpages, social media, marketing services/products etc)
• Physically placed (albeit part of it can be hybrid) within an employer setting in one continuous block / period for 4, 5 or 7 weeks for a minimum of 140-147 hours over the course of the entire work placement

Where applicable, your existing part-time employer can be approached/used as the placement provider, if the high-skilled work.

• criterion above is fulfilled for the full duration of the placement.
• All quality assurances/agreements provided by the University are adhered to, by you and the employer.

The work placement context may not necessarily, reflect your degree discipline per se, but rather, it will give you an enriched experience to enhance your professional skills in a real-world job setting.