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Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title Machine Learning
Module Code CSC1044 (ITS: CA3109)
Faculty Computing School Engineering & Computing
NFQ level 8 Credit Rating 5
Description

The purpose of this module is to provide an overview of the tools, techniques and purpose of machine learning. Students will participate in a variety of innovative teaching activities to distinguish approaches and supervised and unsupervised methodologies within machine learning. In addition, they will evaluate the effects and implications of machine learning on sustainability and society and the role of explainable-AI on ML adoption.

Learning Outcomes

1. Understand the purpose and key applications of Machine Learning.
2. Distinguish between supervised and unsupervised Machine Learning methods and when and how to apply them.
3. Understand the concepts and application of machine learning and artificial intelligence in online learning and large data set applications.
4. Apply and synthesise the characteristics of different methods of machine learning
5. Evaluate the ethics of Big Data
6. Investigate the use of training/test data sets
7. Apply the Cross Industry Standard Process for Data Mining - Crisp-dm framework ML lifecycle Overarching process - iterative process
8. Analyse the potential impact of machine learning in the context of sustainability
9. Analyse the difference between ML research and real-world analysis needs


WorkloadFull time hours per semester
TypeHoursDescription
Lecture12Module lectures
Debate12Discussion
Class Presentation6Students will present on topics in ML to other students
Online activity20Access to digital resources
Independent Study25Students will study the module material, related resources and references
Assignment Completion25Students will work on various assignments throughout the module
Group work25Students will work on various aspects of the module in groups
Total Workload: 125
Section Breakdown
CRN20161Part of TermSemester 2
Coursework0%Examination Weight0%
Grade Scale40PASSPass Both ElementsY
Resit CategoryRC1Best MarkN
Module Co-ordinatorClaudia MazoModule TeacherDenise Freir, Michael Scriney
Assessment Breakdown
TypeDescription% of totalAssessment Date
AssignmentThis assignment will enable students to demonstrate an understanding of machine learning20%n/a
Group presentationThis assessment requires students to present on the societal benefits of machine learning with an emphasis on the ethical implications of machine learning and potential impact of machine learning in the context of sustainability.20%n/a
Digital ProjectThis assessment will involve the development of an artefact which demonstrates an students understanding of method selection and experimental design.30%n/a
Oral ExaminationThis will be an interactive oral exam where students discuss their artefact on method selection and experimental design.30%n/a
Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories;
RC1: A resit is available for both* components of the module.
RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module.
RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element.

* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite None
Co-requisite None
Compatibles None
Incompatibles None

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Indicative Reading List

Books:
None

Articles:
None
Other Resources

None

<< Back to Module List View 2024/25 Module Record for CA3109