Exploring artificial intelligence
Cutting-edge research in artificial intelligence paves the way for developments in machine learning technology.
Studying Computer Science is a highly rewarding subject that can open up a wide range of career opportunities. Our students are involved in developing innovative technologies in emerging areas such as AI, robotics and network security. For BSc Computer Science student Tim La-Roche, his final year project was a chance to make an impact on a real-life topic.
Getting involved with research is fantastic! It takes learning to a deeper level and you study each concept to apply it to novel ideas.
Tim had the chance to get involved in a real-life project with Dr Andrea Soltoggio, computer science and AI lecturer in the department. His project title was: “Exploring Deep Reinforcement Learning: Algorithms, Games and Meta-Learning”. The project studied an area of machine learning called reinforcement learning which tries to find algorithms and methods to train AI agents that interact with the world and gain a positive or negative stimulus when doing so. AI agents are hardware/software systems that are designed to complete tasks autonomously, such as a self-driving car that can drive from A to B without human supervision.
Artificial intelligence will be a part of our future whether or not people like it. Of course, work needs to be done to make it more understandable and efficient but already it is used to help people in medical domains to route-dispatching.
Working with the experts
Tim was involved in a cutting-edge AI project on lifelong learning machines. This research project, in collaboration with partners and sponsored by the US government, aims to create AI that learns incrementally over a lifetime, similarly to humans, thus making current AI systems more adaptive and better able to improve with experience.
At Loughborough, student development is at the forefront of our learning and teaching agenda. Our graduates are highly skilled and can apply their knowledge in a wide range of fields. Dr Soltoggio describes the importance of research as part of the undergraduate student journey.
Undergraduate students are very important in research projects because they allow the research group to formulate hypotheses on aspects of the research and test them by giving tasks and responsibilities to talented undergraduate students. The process involves formulating learning objectives that coincide with our research agenda, and thus offer the best development opportunities for both the students and the research group.
Join the Loughborough family
Tim wouldn’t change his time at Loughborough. He encourages students to pursue their passions during their university degree.
The thing I love the most about Loughborough University is how connected we are as a student body. With the Computer Science course, I really liked the mix of theory and practical elements.
Work hard and always ask questions. Think deep and this way you can become an expert and carry on doing what you enjoy. Loughborough is great for the student experience, there is a balance between academic and extra-curricular. There’s something for everyone.
