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Introduction to Machine Learning Course

The document outlines the course 'Introduction to Machine Learning' offered at Malawi University of Science and Technology, designed for third-year students in Business Information Technology and Computer Systems and Security. The course spans 16 weeks, includes various teaching methods, and covers topics such as regression, classification, and deep learning, with an emphasis on practical application and assessment. Students are expected to develop a comprehensive understanding of machine learning algorithms and their implementation upon completion of the course.

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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
55 views3 pages

Introduction to Machine Learning Course

The document outlines the course 'Introduction to Machine Learning' offered at Malawi University of Science and Technology, designed for third-year students in Business Information Technology and Computer Systems and Security. The course spans 16 weeks, includes various teaching methods, and covers topics such as regression, classification, and deep learning, with an emphasis on practical application and assessment. Students are expected to develop a comprehensive understanding of machine learning algorithms and their implementation upon completion of the course.

Uploaded by

lawrencechikopa1
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

MALAWI UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

1. Programme(s):
Bachelor of Science in Business Information Technology/Bachelor of Science in Computer
Systems and Security
2. Subject: Computing Methodologies
3. Year/Level of Study: 3
4. Course Title: Introduction to Machine Learning
5. Course code: MLEN-310
6. Duration: 16 weeks
7. Presented to: Senate
8. Presented by: Malawi Institute of Technology
9. Lecture (hours/week): 2
10. Tutorial (hours/week): 1
11. Practical Hours Per Week: 2
12. Student Independent Learning Hours Per Week: 2
13. Total Course Credits: 10
14. Prerequisite Courses: COMP-122, STAT-220
15. Co-requisite Courses: None
16. Delivery Methods:
16.1 Mode of Delivery: Blended Learning
16.2 Teaching Methods: Lectures, tutorials, practicals
17. Assessment Methods: Continuous Assessments (tests, quizzes, mid-semester exam, group
and individual assignments) and End of Module Exam
18. Assessment Weighting:
End of Module Examination – Practical + Written (50%).
Continuous assessment (50%)
19. Aims of the Course:
To introduce students to machine learning tools and techniques and their application.

20. Learning Outcomes

129
On completion of this module, students should be able to:

● Develop an understanding of what is involved in learning models from data.


● Understand a wide variety of machine learning algorithms.
● Demonstrate understanding of basic principles, methods and applications of machine
learning.
● Implement machine learning techniques suitable for the applications under
consideration.
● Apply principles and algorithms to evaluate models generated from data.
21. Topics of Study
a) Introduction and Basic Concepts: What is AI, History of Machine Learning, Programs
vs Learning algorithms, Types of Learning (Supervised Learning, Unsupervised
Learning, and Reinforcement Learning)
b) Data Exploration: What is Data, Basic Data Types (Numerical Data, Categorical Data,
Time-Series Data, and Text), Descriptive Statistics (Mean, Standard Deviations,
Variances, Unique Values), Exploratory Data Visualization, Missing Data
c) Regression: Introduction to Regression, Linear Regression, Non-linear Regression,
Simple and Multiple regression, and their applications, Regression Evaluation Metrics
d) Classification: Introduction to Classification, Classification Algorithms (KNN, Decision
Trees, Logistic Regression and SVM), Pros and Cons of the Classification Algorithms,
Classification Accuracy Metrics (Confusion Matrix)
e) Clustering: Introduction to Clustering, Types of clustering, including Partitioned-
based Clustering, Hierarchical Clustering, and Density-based Clustering and Clustering
Algorithms.
f) Deep Learning: Definition of Deep Learning, Neural networks, Applications of Deep
Learning

22. Prescribed Textbooks

Theobald, O. (2017). Machine Learning for Absolute Beginners: a Plain English Introduction.
Scatterplot Press.

Witten, I. H., Frank, E., Mark, A., Orallo, H., Quintana, R., Ramírez, F., & Ye, N. (2017). Data
Mining: Practical Machine Learning Tools and Techniques, (4th ed.). Elsevier Science.

Conway, D., & White, J. (2012). Machine Learning for Hackers. O'Reilly Media, Inc.

23. Recommended Textbooks

Burkov, A. (2019). The Hundred-Page Machine Learning Book (Vol. 1). Canada: Andriy Burkov.

130
Harrington, P. (2012). Machine Learning in Action. Manning Publications Co.

This course outline /module specification was approved by Senate on 22nd April 2021

131

Common questions

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The course uses a blended assessment structure with continuous assessments and an End of Module Examination, each contributing 50% to the final grade. This structure emphasizes a balance between ongoing practical applications and theoretical understanding, ensuring students are continuously engaged and well-prepared for comprehensive evaluation .

Exploratory data visualization is significant as it aids in understanding complex data sets, revealing patterns and insights otherwise obscured. This skill enables students to make informed decisions on data preprocessing and algorithm selection, fundamentally improving model accuracy and efficiency .

The course addresses supervised, unsupervised, and reinforcement learning, each serving distinct educational purposes. Supervised learning involves learning from labeled data to predict outcomes, reinforcing the connection between theory and practice. Unsupervised learning, focusing on data interpretation without prior labels, enhances analytical thinking. Reinforcement learning emphasizes decision-making and strategy development, mimicking real-world problem solving .

Understanding regression evaluation metrics is crucial for assessing a model's accuracy and applicability. Metrics like RMSE and MAE provide insights into model performance, guiding necessary adjustments for improved prediction reliability, crucial for high stakeholder trust and practical utility .

The course provides foundational knowledge in deep learning through concepts like neural networks and their applications. By incorporating basic and advanced machine learning principles, students develop requisite skills for more complex deep learning tasks, facilitating the transition to advanced topics .

The course employs blended learning methods, combining lectures, tutorials, and practical sessions. This integration allows students to apply theoretical knowledge practically, fostering a deeper understanding of machine learning principles through hands-on experience, critical for mastering complex concepts .

The prerequisites, COMP-122 and STAT-220, are foundational courses in computing and statistics. COMP-122 ensures students have the necessary computational skills, while STAT-220 provides a basis in statistical analysis, both crucial for understanding and applying machine learning concepts effectively .

Studying data types, such as numerical, categorical, time-series, and text data, is essential for selecting the right machine learning algorithms and techniques. Different types require specific handling and preprocessing, thus foundational to accurate model training and performance evaluation .

The primary textbooks are 'Machine Learning for Absolute Beginners' by Theobald and 'Data Mining: Practical Machine Learning Tools and Techniques' by Witten et al. These resources cover essential machine learning concepts and practical applications, aligning with the course aim to introduce students to tools, techniques, and their application in machine learning .

Students are expected to understand learning models from data, comprehend a wide array of machine learning algorithms, demonstrate knowledge of basic principles and applications of machine learning, implement appropriate techniques, and apply principles to evaluate data-generated models .

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