Pre-Conference Course: An Introduction to Machine Learning and Data Science for EngineersAn Introduction to Machine Learning and Data Science for Engineers


 
Standing on the Shoulders of Giants
Rosen Plaza Hotel, Orlando, FL  |  January 29–February 1, 2024

COURSE NAME:
An Introduction to Machine Learning and Data Science for Engineers

DATE/TIME:
Sunday, January 28, 2024 | 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

DESCRIPTION:
Machine Learning (ML) and data science are having a huge impact on the way modern engineering is being approached. This is due to three important factors: an exponential increase in available data from in-service systems; significant theoretical developments and new algorithms; several programming frameworks which lower the barrier of entry to these new methods. However, engineering applications still pose unique and challenging use cases for ML tasks. This course will focus on the fundamentals of ML which will allow attendees to make informed decisions about the most appropriate ways to apply this new technology to their problems.

TENTATIVE SCHEDULE:
The course will be a mixture of example-based seminars and hands-on computer sessions.

Seminars:
  1. What is Machine Learning?
    1. How to ask the right questions
    2. Fundamental tasks in ML
    3. From engineering problems to ML solutions
      1. Data exploration etc.
    4. Feature selection and dimensionality reduction
      1. PCA
  2. Clustering/Density Estimation (Acoustic emission example)
    1. Why group data
    2. What is similarity and how to measure it?
    3. The K-means algorithm for clustering
      1. Show distance functions
      2. Show iterated algorithm
    4. Gaussian Mixture Models for clustering
      1. Distances link to probabilities
      2. The EM method as an extension of Kmeans
  3. Classification (Acoustic emission example)
    1. Labels give extra information
    2. A linear discriminant classifier
      1. Least squares classifiers
    3. Neural Networks for classification
      1. Fully connected nets
      2. Forward pass
      3. The backpropagation algorithm
  4. Regression (wind turbine power-curve example)
    1. Meaningful regression in engineering
    2. Linear least squares and not so linear bases
      1. Pseudo inverses
      2. Basis expansions
    3. An aside on Bayes rule
      1. 2 mins on probability
      2. What is Bayes Rule
      3. Engineering interpretations of Bayes rule
    4. Bayes Linear Regression
      1. Conjugate Bayesian linear regression
      2. Non-conjugate – discuss don’t derive
  5. Advanced Topics
    1. Further dimensionality reduction techniques
    2. Semi-supervised approaches to clustering
    3. More on neural networks and Deep Learning
    4. Gaussian processes

INSTRUCTOR:
Lawrence Bull: Lawrence is a research associate in the Engineering Dept. at the University of Cambridge, within the Computational Statistics and Machine Learning group. He researches statistical methods for monitoring telemetry data from systems and infrastructure, working closely with the Cambridge Centre for Smart Infrastructure and Construction (CSIC). Previously, he worked at the Alan Turing Institute in the Data-Centric Engineering programme and the Dynamics Research Group at the University of Sheffield.

COURSE FEE
The regular course fee is $500 and the student fee is $250. Course fee includes lunches, course handout material, and refreshment breaks. Lodging and additional food or materials are not included.

CANCELLATION LIABILITY
If the course is cancelled for any reason, the Society for Experimental Mechanics’ liability is limited to the return of the course fees.

Attendees are encouraged to bring their own laptops. None will be provided.

 


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