An interactive, step-by-step introduction to running linear and non-linear predictive models and key diagnostics using the R software platform.
This course is being held online over 3 days via Zoom and run on Australian Eastern Daylight Time (UTC +11)
(Canberra, Sydney, Melbourne, Daylight Savings time)
This masterclass is an introduction to deep learning applications in the social sciences. It offers a step-by-step guide to working with basic classification tasks, image recognition using convolutional neural networks (CNNs), and natural language processing (NLP) with recurrent neural networks (RNNs). The course utilizes Python, TensorFlow, and Google Colab but does not require prior coding experience. These foundational tools provide practical experience in applying essential deep learning techniques to the social sciences domain.
This masterclass is part of the ACSPRI suite of courses in social data science and does not require prior knowledge of machine learning or Python programming.
This course will be run over 3 days using the following timetable:
Day 1
- 9.30 am - 10.00 am – Introductions and setup check
- 10.00 am - 11.30 am - Session 1
- 12.30 pm - 2.00 pm - Session 2
- 3.00 pm - 5.00pm - Session 3 + exercises
Days 2 and 3
- 9.00 am - 10.30 am - Session 1
- 11.30 pm - 1.00 pm - Session 2
- 2.00 pm - 4.00pm - Session 3 exercises and consultation
Dr. Maria Prokofieva is a Lead data scientist at the Mitchell Institute, Vic, where her expertise in cyberpsychology and business analytics informs policy development. As a machine learning engineer with a deep passion for the responsible application of AI, Maria's work deciphers complex online behaviours to inform consumer and business strategies. She also chairs the CPA Australia Business Analytics Group and spearhead R Business Software Development Group, driving innovation in data analysis tools. Maria’s contributions to both research and practical applications are shaping the integration of AI in business and policy on a global scale.
Data in social sciences come in various forms: numbers, text, and images. In this masterclass, you will learn how to work with these data types using neural networks, which are the foundation of deep learning. You will apply deep learning approaches to social science data, gaining hands-on experience with basic neural network structures for classification problems, CNNs for image recognition, and RNNs for text analysis and NLP.
This course is based on Python and uses TensorFlow libraries in Google Colab, which are essential tools for working with unstructured data and neural networks. The course does not assume prior coding experience or knowledge of Python, and one of the sessions will be dedicated to the basics of working with data in Python, including using the NumPy library for numerical operations, Pandas for data manipulation, and Matplotlib for data visualization.
This course is tailored for social scientists, PhD students, and researchers who aim to use machine learning techniques in their work. It will particularly benefit those interested in using large datasets for uncovering patterns within complex social behaviours. Additionally, marketing specialists and business strategists will find the course's practical focus on real-world applications invaluable to gain consumer insights from social media and other digital platforms. No prior expertise in programming is necessary, making it accessible to a wide audience keen on bringing data-driven decision-making into their respective fields.
Day 1
- Morning Session: Python Basics
- Introduction to Python Programming
- Essential Python Libraries
- Afternoon Session: Foundations of Deep Learning
- Understanding Deep Learning
- Neural Networks Basics
- Hands-On Activity
Day 2
- Morning Session: Deep Learning Architectures
- Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs)
- Recurrent Neural Networks (RNNs) and Long Short-Term Memory Networks (LSTM)
- Afternoon Session: Preparing Data and Training Models
- Data Preprocessing
- Model Training and Evaluation
- Hands-On Activity
Day 3
- Morning Session: Introduction to Deep Learning Projects in Social Sciences
- Overview of Deep Learning Applications in Social Sciences
- Project Briefing
- Afternoon Session: Project Work
- Project Kickoff: choose your project area & work on it with instructor guidance
- Hands-On Project Work
This workshop will take place online.
BYO Laptop + Zoom. Both PC and MAC are great
The course uses Google Colab and requires a Google account (please make sure you have one or please register one before the session)
All course materials will be provided
The course requires understanding of a basic of statistical concepts, exposure to machine learning foundations is beneficial as well, such as Machine Learning for Data Science: Surpervised Learning Techniques
The course assumes no prior knowledge of Python, though some programming experience (e.g. using R) is beneficial.
TensorFlow official Getting Started Guide
https://www.tensorflow.org/tutorials/quickstart/beginner
Géron, A. (2022). Hands-on machine learning with Scikit-Learn, Keras, and TensorFlow. O'Reilly Media, Inc.
https://learning.oreilly.com/library/view/hands-on-machine-learning/9781492032632/
Q. How much mathematics do I need to start working with deep learning in TensorFlow?
A. You do not need an in-depth understanding of advanced mathematics. The course is designed to introduce you to deep learning applications in an accessible manner, focusing more on implementation and practical use rather than the statistical underpinnings. A basic understanding of algebra and some familiarity with concepts of arrays and matrices will be enough to get you started.
Q. Do I need to install anything before the session? What is Google Colab?
A. No, you do not need to install anything. We will work with Google Colab which is a free cloud service hosted by Google. It allows you to write and execute Python code through your browser. Just make sure you have a Google account! You can sign up here:
https://accounts.google.com/signin
Q. I have used R before, but not Python. Will I struggle?
A. Coming from an R background, you'll find that Python has some differences in syntax and data structures, but many of the underlying concepts are similar – you will be fine!
Q. Where can I see resources for the course?
A. All resources will be available after the course in open access, including Jupyter notebooks with practical examples covered throughout the course and additional cases.
1. BOOKING - ACSPRI does not accept ‘expressions of interest’ for course places, i.e. all bookings, are considered firm, and a cancellation fee is charged if you cancel your booking after the early-bird date.
2. DISCOUNT RATE – The discounted rate for ACSPRI members is available to all staff and students of member organisations. To be eligible for this rate:
The course fee must be paid by either the member organisation or by you. Where fees are paid by a non-member organisation the non-member rate applies:and
You must either have a valid email address issued by the member organisation; or you must hold, or have a right to hold, a current staff or student identity card from the member organisation.
In addition, to be eligible for a full time student discount the participant must:
Hold, or have a right to hold, a current student identity card from the member organisation;
Be enrolled as a full-time student;
Make payment in full with your application, arrange electronic funds transfer (EFT), or contact ACSPRI to advise credit card details for payment, by the early-bird closing date;
Provide ACSPRI with contact details of your supervisor, so we can request them to confirm your eligibility for the full time student rate.
The early bird rate applies to all bookings paid in full by the early bird close date, otherwise you will be charged at the standard rate.
3. REFUNDS & CANCELLATIONS - Course fees are not refundable unless:
we cancel the course in which you have enrolled; or
you cancel your enrolment before the early-bird closing date.
A cancellation fee of $250 will be charged if you cancel within the period from the early-bird closing date of and one week prior to the commencement of the program. The full course fee will be charged if you cancel within 1 week of the beginning of your course.
4. PRE-REQUISITES - Course descriptions specify course pre-requisites. You must undertake to meet the pre-requisites of the course(s) in which you enrol. If in any doubt, you should contact ACSPRI prior to enrolling.
Delivery of this course is online - via Zoom.
Please ensure you have the following:
- Reliable Internet connection with at least 5Gb per day of data available (i.e. a 5 day course will use about 25Gb of data just on the Zoom application)
- A computer/laptop with the Zoom application installed (free)
- A webcam (built in to most laptops)
- A headset with a microphone (not required but ideal)
- A second monitor/screen if possible
Please also check the course page for specific software requirements (if any).