There are three main core courses this semester (as well as 3 other courses). Personally, I believe that they’re all relevant to my proposed research question(s)/ project idea(s) – see my second blog post – albeit some are more directly linked to the course’s topics but either way, in truth, they are some of the foundational topics that underpin a great many things in the AI sphere.  

Interdisciplinary Futures 

This class delves into what is disciplinarity (multidisciplinarity & interdisciplinary) and transdisciplinarity – see Nicolescu (2014) for an explanation into the distinction between the differing types and how they inter-link – and how these can be used in an advantageous way, especially when dealing with such complex topics that are fed by a variety of disciplines and hence can be approached from many different perspectives. The ability to analyse an array of different perspectives/ disciplines and form links between them to garner a greater understanding of a particular topic is essential.  

In relation to my proposed research question(s)/ project idea(s), each would benefit from being looked at from a variety of perspectives to better understand real world applications, with the hope of making a feasible and realistic proposition and/or recommendations from my research.  

Data and AI Ethics, Law and Governance 

This class explored some macro topics such as: what is ethics within data and AI and how can it be efficiently governed and regulated. To be a bit more specific, we focused on the paradox of privacy in the digital age, the intricacies of GDPR and the upcoming EU AI Act, among other topics.  

In relation to my proposed research question(s)/ project idea(s), many of the different themes encompassed an element of data governance and regulation, making this course fundamental in my learning.  

Insights Through Data  

This class teaches the foundations of data science and programming (in Python), which as a beginner to coding, I think it is a vital skill to have in a digital age. Although there may not be a direct relevance to my proposed research question(s)/ project idea(s), as it underpins the technology itself it is paramount to have an understanding of the intricate mechanisms in order to be able to make true developments and/ or changes that reflect the innerworkings of the technology. Otherwise, an individual would effectively be working in the dark which could inadvertently lead to negative outcomes.  

Reference  

Nicolescu, B. (2014) ‘Methodology of Transdisciplinarity’, World Futures, 70(3-4), pp. 186-199, DOI: 10.1080/02604027.2014.934631 

‘Reflect on the programme core course and its relevance to the development of your project idea(s)’ / Dana’s Blogs by is licensed under a