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School of Electronic Engineering and Computer Science

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  1. School of Electronic Engineering and Computer Science
  2. Postgraduate
  3. Why choose us
  4. Academic profiles
  5. Dr Michael Schlichtkrull

Dr Michael Schlichtkrull

What is it about Risk and Decision Making for Data Science and AI that you enjoy so much?

Risk and Decision-making tackles one of the essential problems in our lives: how to make good decisions. It addresses concepts like beliefs, biases, causality, and how to reason about them. The material provides a good foundation for computational analysis in professional contexts but also makes us think about how we make decisions in everyday life – and I think that’s fascinating!

Why do you think this module is critical for students to learn? What will they gain from it?

Insights into the basics of decision-making. Knowledge of tools like hypothesis testing, Bayesian networks, causal interventions and counterfactuals. The ability to implement and carry out all of these tools in software. The course provides a solid foundation for anyone who wants to reason with data.

How would you describe your teaching style?

During lectures I try to combine traditional teaching with active learning to create an engaging and enjoyable learning experience. I also firmly believe that, in computer science, getting your own hands on the code is crucial for learning so I incorporate demos and exercises as an essential part of my teaching.

What components of the module would be transferable to the industry students end up in?

Depends on the industry but aspects of the course – from probability through hypothesis testing to causal reasoning – are broadly applicable in many contexts.

What advice do you have for students considering a degree in Data Science/AI/etc...?

Data science and AI have the potential to radically transform our society over the next decade. It’s an exciting time to get into the field! But there is a lot of hype, so be careful – good decision-making requires an accurate basis of information upon which to make your decisions.

What has been the highlight of your time at EECS?

I only recently joined, but for me the highlight is the community, both among students and staff. Engaged, diverse, knowledgeable – you make the school.

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