Academic Handbook Course Descriptors and Programme Specifications

LCSCI62114A Predictive Analytics Using Programming Course Descriptor

Course code LCSCI62114A Discipline Computer Science
UK Credit 15 US Credit N/A
FHEQ level 6 Date approved  October 2023
Compulsory/
Optional
Compulsory for Business Analyst Specialism, or, Data Analyst Specialism
Pre-requisites None
Co-requisites None

Course Summary

This course introduces the end-to-end data-driven statistical modelling and predictive modelling approach using open source programming languages such as Python with applications and case studies in business contexts. The course includes all the data and modelling steps in a full modelling cycle; exploratory data analysis and data cleansing for outlier imputation and data normalisation; commonly applied modelling techniques such as classification, linear regression, and logistic regression; modelling steps such as model training, validation, and testing; and a range of business analysis investigative techniques. This course trains learners with fundamental knowledge in machine learning and data mining using programming languages (such as Python). The course encompasses the entire data analytics workflow. The course will also address the barriers that exist to effective data analysis between analysts and their stakeholders and how to avoid or resolve these.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of the course, learners will be able to:

Knowledge and Understanding

K1c Have in-depth knowledge and understanding of the underlying mathematical principles and concepts of machine learning and data mining.
K2c Have extensive knowledge of the data science workflow and the importance of data cleansing in professional data science.
K3c Have in-depth knowledge of dimension reduction strategies and their use for visualisation.

Subject Specific Skills

S1c Develop and apply computer programmes to perform machine learning and data mining tasks.
S2c Use programming to manipulate, cleanse and interrogate data.
S3c Use programming to visualise the results of data analysis.

Transferable and Professional Skills

T1c(i) Demonstrate advanced critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
T1c(ii) Display an advanced level of technical proficiency in written English and competence in applying scholarly terminology, so as to be able to apply skills in critical evaluation, analysis and judgement effectively in a diverse range of contexts.
T2c Approach problems in a professional, structured manner.
T3c Effectively communicate to a range of stakeholders and resolve related communication barriers

Teaching and Learning

This is an e-learning course, taught throughout the year.

This course can be offered as a standalone short course.

Teaching and learning strategies for this course will include:

  • On-line learning
  • On-line discussion groups
  • On-line assessment

Course information and supplementary materials will be available on the University’s Virtual Learning Environment (VLE).

Learners are required to attend and participate in all the formal and timetabled sessions for this course. Learners are also expected to manage their self-directed learning and independent study in support of the course.

The course learning and teaching hours will be structured as follows:

  • Off-the-job learning and teaching (6 days x 7 hours) = 42 hours
  • On-the-job learning (12 days x 7 hours) = 84 hours (e.g. 2 days per week for 6 weeks)
  • Private study (4 hours per week) = 24 hours

Total = 150 hours

Workplace assignments (see below) will be completed as part of on-the-job learning.

Assessment

Formative

Learners will be formatively assessed during the course by means of set assignments. These will not count towards the final degree but will provide learners with developmental feedback.

Summative

Assessment will be in two forms:

AE  Assessment Type Weighting Online submission Duration Length
1 Written Assignment 60% Yes 2,000 words ,  excluding data tables
2 Set exercise 40% Yes Requiring on average 10-20 hours to complete

Feedback

Learners will receive formal feedback in a variety of ways: written (via email or VLE correspondence) and indirectly through online discussion groups. Learners will also attend a formal meeting with their Academic Mentor (and for apprentices, including their Line Manager). These bi- or tri-partite reviews will monitor and evaluate the learner’s progress.

Feedback is provided on summatively assessed assignments and through generic internal examiners’ reports, both of which are posted on the VLE.

Indicative Reading

Note: Comprehensive and current reading lists for courses are produced annually in the Course Syllabus or other documentation provided to learners; the indicative reading list provided below is used as part of the approval/modification process only.

Books

  • Said, A., and Torra, V., (2019), Data Science in Practice, Cham: Springer International Publishing: Imprint: Springer
  • Lutz, M. (2011), Programming Python, Beijing; Farnham: O’Reilly
  • Allen, B. (2015), Think Python: How to Think Like a Computer Scientist. Farnham: O’Reilly

Journals

Learners are encouraged to consult relevant journals on predictive analytics.

Electronic Resources

Learners are encouraged to consult relevant electronic resources on predictive analytics.

Indicative Topics

  • Machine Learning
  • Data Mining
  • Data Cleansing

Version History

Title: LCSCI62114A Predictive Analytics Using Programming

Approved by: Academic Board

Location: Academic Handbook/BSc (Hons) Digital & Technology Solutions 

Version number Date approved Date published Owner Proposed next review date Modification (As per AQF4) & category number
4.0 October 2023 October 2023 Dr. Alexandros Koliosis October 2028 Category 1: Corrections/clarifications to documents which do not change approved content or learning outcomes

Category 2: Change to assessment strategy

Category 3: Changes to Learning Outcomes

3.0 October 2022 January 2023 Scott Wildman June 2025 Category 1: Corrections/clarifications to documents which do not change approved content or learning outcomes

Category 3: Changes to Learning Outcomes

2.1 June 2022 June 2022 Scott Wildman June 2025 Category 1: Corrections/clarifications to documents which do not change approved content.
2.0 January 2022 April 2022 Scott Wildman June 2025 Category 3: Changes to Learning Outcomes
1.0 June 2020 June 2020 Scott Wildman June 2025
Print/Save PDF