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COMP42115: Natural Language Analysis

Type Tied
Level 4
Credits 15
Availability Available in 2025/2026
Module Cap None.
Location Durham
Department Computer Science

Prerequisites

  • None

Corequisites

  • None

Excluded Combinations of Modules

  • None

Aims

  • To introduce students to cutting-edge techniques for automated analysis of textual data and their applications

Content

  • Preparation of textual data for machine learning
  • Advanced machine learning techniques for natural language analysis
  • Application of natural language analysis techniques within business analytics e.g. sentiment analysis, social media analysis

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:

  • By the end of this module, students should:
  • have a critical appreciation of how natural language texts can be effectively represented for machine learning
  • have an advanced understanding of automated natural language analysis through machine learning
  • understand how natural language analysis can be applied effectively within business analytics

Subject-specific Skills:

  • By the end of this module, students should be able to:
  • prepare natural language texts for machine learning
  • train a machine learning application based on real textual data

Key Skills:

  • Effective written communication
  • Planning, organising and time-management
  • Problem solving and analysis
  • Reflecting and synthesising from experience

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

  • Learning outcomes are met through classroom-based workshops, supported by online resources. The workshops consist of a combination of taught input, group work, case studies, discussion and computing labs. Online resources provide preparatory material for the workshops typically consisting of directed reading and video content.
  • The summative assessment is an individual written assignment based on the development of a program to analyse a real natural language data set. This is designed to test students skills in problem identification, their theoretical understanding, and their ability to analyse the situation in order to categorise the potential solutions.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

ActivityNumberFrequencyDurationTotalMonitored
Lectures91 per week2 hours18Yes
Workshops41 every other week2 hours8Yes
Preparation and Reading124 
Total150 

Summative Assessment

Component: CourseworkComponent Weighting: 100%
ElementLength / DurationElement WeightingResit Opportunity
Assignment1500 words100

Formative Assessment

A range of formative assessment methods will be used, including case study based exercises, group presentations and group discussions, simulation exercises and business games designed to prepare students for the summative business report. Oral and written feedback will be provided on an individual and/or group basis as appropriate.

More information

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