CPD in Applied Machine Learning Using Social Data

Overview

This CPD is part of a programme of Continuous Professional Development in the area of Applied Social Data Analysis that the School of Social Sciences and Philosophy will deliver from Spring 2022. Addressing the scarcity of training in data science in Ireland and co-created with key industry partners, the Applied Social Data Analysis CPD programme trains participants in the fundamental knowledge and skills of social data analysis. The programme goes beyond social data analytics to address causal analysis and consider social issues that are important to industries such as inequality, unemployment, climate change and ethics. This CPD will be of interest to individuals who wish to progress their careers through acquiring valuable social data analysis skills that are widely sought after in the private, public and non-profit sectors.

Short description

The CPD in Applied Machine Learning Using Social Data introduces students to applied computational methods in the social sciences. There will be a significant emphasis on machine learning (ML) applications.  Students will be able to apply common machine learning tools to answer social science questions.

On successful completion of this module students will be able to:

1. Understand the fundamentals of machine learning methods.
2. Describe the statistical theory behind widely used supervised and unsupervised machine learning methods
3. Explain the variety of machine learning methods available for social science research and an ability to discern appropriate usage for a variety of research questions.
4. • Identify appropriate machine learning methods to address a variety of research questions.

What topics will you cover?

The Applied Machine Learning Using Social Data CPD will introduce participants to the basics of machine learning applications, specifically with a hands-on curriculum aimed at developing knowledge and skills in establishing ML pipelines with state-of-the-art toolkits. Participants will integrate supervised and unsupervised methods for classification and prediction with social science data in a research exercise at the end of the CPD. Participants will also be introduced to practical quantitative text analysis methods using real world datasets.

Who is this course for?

The CPD is designed for participants with basic prior experience in computer programming, with a focus on setting up an effective pipeline for processing datasets to execute common ML techniques to answer social science questions. Participants need to have some background in quantitative research methods e.g. degree or equivalent experience acquired in workplace setting. Participants are expected to have a working knowledge of the R programming language. The target learner cohort are participants working in the private sector, for example ITC, finance, banking sectors. Participants should also have access to a laptop with camera and a microphone.

Who teaches the course?

Assistant Professor Tom Pashkalis, Department of Political Science, School of Social Sciences and Philosophy, Trinity College Dublin.

How is the course delivered?

The CPD will be delivered in two different modes for two different intakes of participants at different times of the year:

1. The CPD will be delivered over 5 consecutive weeks with one 5-hour session each week (1 day X 5 weeks X 5 hours). This will be preceded by 2 hours of preparatory online instruction. Additionally participants will undertake 20 hours of self study over the course of the programme and complete a combination of in-class and 1 take home exercise. One additional week will be included for submitting CPD exercises. In order to be awarded the Certificate of Completion of Applied Machine Learning Using Social Data participants will need to have completed all required CPD exercises.
2. The CPD will be delivered through a week-long, intensive programme (5 days X 5 hours) in Trinity College. This will be preceded by 2 hours preparatory online instruction. Additionally participants will undertake 20 hours self study over the course of the intensive programme and complete a combination of in class and 1 take home exercise. One additional week will be included for submitting CPD exercises. In order to be awarded the Certificate of Completion of Applied Machine Learning Using Social Data participants will need to have completed all required CPD exercises.