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IS41720

Academic Year 2024/2025

Language Models and Methods (IS41720)

Subject:
Information Studies
College:
Social Sciences & Law
School:
Information & Comms Studies
Level:
4 (Masters)
Credits:
5
Module Coordinator:
Dr Courtney Ford
Trimester:
Spring
Mode of Delivery:
On Campus
Internship Module:
No
How will I be graded?
Letter grades

Curricular information is subject to change.

This module explores the principles and applications of language models, such as GPT and BERT, within the field of Information and Communication Studies. Students will gain a foundational understanding of natural language processing (NLP) and the role of language models in analysing and generating text, with a focus on their impact on tasks such as summarisation, classification, and conversational systems.

Through both theoretical and practical applications, the module examines how language models are applied to domains such as library studies, information systems, and digital policy. By the end of the module, students will be equipped to critically evaluate and apply language models to real-world challenges relevant to Information and Communication Studies.

About this Module

Learning Outcomes:

On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:

1. Demonstrate an understanding of language models and their applications in Information and Communication Studies.
2. Apply language models to practical tasks and real-world applications in library studies, information systems, and digital policy.
3. Develop technical and conceptual skills in text data and natural language processing.
4. Critically evaluate ethical issues such as bias, transparency, and equitable access in language models.

Indicative Module Content:

- Foundations of language models
- Language model applications in Information and Communication Studies
- Working with text data
- Ethical and societal implications of language models
- Practical approaches to designing and evaluating tools that leverage language models

Student Effort Hours:
Student Effort Type Hours
Autonomous Student Learning

100
Lectures

12
Practical

12
Total

124

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
The module uses a combination of teaching and learning methods to support students in developing both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, including:

Lectures, active/task-based learning, case-based learning, peer and group work, and reflective learning.

Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 

Assessment Strategy
Description Timing Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade In Module Component Repeat Offered
Practical Skills Assessment: Individual Project Week 8 Graded No
40
 No
Group Work Assignment: Language Model Project Week 15 Graded No
60
 No

Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 

Resit In Terminal Exam
Summer No
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 

Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Not yet recorded.

Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
Spring Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33 Mon 13:00 - 14:50
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