Component

MA Public Opinion and Political Behaviour
PhD%20Data%20Science options

Year 1, Component 02

Option from List A
MA214-7-SP
Network Analysis
(15 CREDITS)

Everything in the world is linked together, and this module introduces the theory of networks which illuminates these mysterious links. You will begin with an introduction to the most common types of network and their mathematical properties, as well as typical network models. You will also use Python/R methods to model and analyse real-world networks.

MA305-7-AU
Nonlinear Programming
(15 CREDITS)

How do you apply an algorithm or numerical method to a problem? What are the advantages? And the limitations? Understand the theory and application of nonlinear programming. Learn the principles of good modelling and know how to design algorithms and numerical methods. Critically assess issues regarding computational algorithms.

MA306-7-AU
Combinatorial Optimisation
(15 CREDITS)

In this module you will learn techniques underpinning algorithms for studying integer-valued systems, and apply these algorithms to solve integer and mixed integer problems with cutting-plane algorithms.

MA338-7-SP
Dynamic programming and reinforcement learning
(15 CREDITS)

Are you interested in understanding how AlphaGo was able to beat a top Go player? In this module, you will learn about the models behind successful stories of Reinforcement Learning, where a machine (agent) makes sequential decisions to reach an optimal goal. The lectures will be complemented with Lab sessions where we will take advantage of the Open AI Gym environments, allowing us to train our agents to perform tasks such as playing videogames (Atari) and more.

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