This module addresses the following topics:

Theory & Knowledge Exchange
Exploration of the range of interactive smart system using both voice and written form, e.g., Alexa, Siri, Staffordshire university Beacon app/bot
Introduction of a suitable programming language for both Alexa and NLP development
Investigation of simple coding examples using Alexa
Ubiquitous applications
Investigation of the problems with Natural Language Processing in written form and attempt elementary analysis
Exploration of the application of interactive smart system in commercial business environments, e.g., commercial/FinTech and entertainment industry

Technology & Resources

Technological Infrastructure / Networking for Chatbots and Intelligent Systems

Practical Content
Intelligent Systems
Chatbots
Natural Language Processing

CRITICAL REPORT: A detailed review of intelligent systems, their productiveness and effectiveness, and the current limitations for a given task scenario (Learning Outcomes 1, 2 and 3).

PRACTICAL DEMONSTRATION: Demonstration of a practical artefact that involves implementation of a chatbot. Students will be expected to analyse a given task scenario to define the problem and then design, develop, and test their solution using the theories and practices covered in the module (Learning Outcomes 2, 3 and 4).

All teaching sessions will blend theory and practical learning. Students will be introduced to curriculum concepts and ideas and will then be able to apply theory to practical examples within the same sessions. In addition, students will be provided with a range of resources for independent study such as case studies, academic papers and industry stories. There will be a mixture of practical and theoretical formative (mock or practice) exercises which will help students build knowledge and confidence in preparation for summative (formal) assessment.

1. Demonstrate a critical awareness of programming languages as applied to chatbots and intelligent systems.
Knowledge and Understanding, Learning

2. Analyse a given task scenario, implement a solution to the given system task and critically appraise the solution.

Application, Reflection, Analysis

3. Apply principles of human speech and natural language processing to chatbots.

Knowledge and Understanding, Application, Reflection

4. Demonstrate capability to explain the technical capabilities of a chatbot or intelligent system to a non-specialist audience.

Application and Communication

Library resources (books, journals accessible online, full IEEE Xplore access to academic papers, and various magazines)

All texts and electronic resources will be updated and refreshed on an annual basis and available for students via the online Study Links resource platform. All reference materials will be collated and curated and aligned to Equality, Diversity & Inclusion indicators.

Core Text/Resource:

Muldowney, O, (2020), Chatbots After 2020: All you need to know about AI, NLP and Chatbots in the new era, Independently published, ISBN-13: 979-8653973789
Batish, R. (2018), Voicebot and Chatbot Design: Flexible conversational interfaces with Amazon Alexa, Google Home, and Facebook Messenger, Packt Publishing, ISBN-10: 1789139627
Shevat, A. (2017), Designing Bots: Creating Conversational Experiences, O’Reilly Publishing, ISBN-10: 1491974826

Optional Text/Resource:

Wongchoosuk, C. (2018) Intelligent System. IntechOpen.
Boden, Margaret A. (1996) Artificial Intelligence. ISBN: 0080527590;9780080527598
Engelbrecht, A.P. (2007) Computational intelligence: an introduction. 2nd edn. Hoboken, N.J: John Wiley. ISBN:¿0470017333
Raj, S. (2018), Building Chatbots with Python: Using Natural Language Processing and Machine Learning, Apress, ISBN-10: 1484240952

All will be updated regularly and available via a module KeyLinks online function.

This module provides a broad ranging discussion of Artificial Intelligence techniques and principles, and knowledge of allied domains to aid students in designing applications for chatbots and intelligent systems that enrich and provide a natural implementation of human to computer interaction. Students will also become experienced in implementing Chat Bot and Intelligent System applications.