Exploring the potential of AI as a student at LSE

Today, few shifts in technological advancement hold as much promise and potential as the rise of artificial intelligence (AI). The rapid and extraordinary advancement we are seeing in this field provides huge opportunities to accelerate human progress, boost scientific discovery and improve the lives of people all around the world.  

AI can potentially make a difference in all aspects of our lives. We can already see intelligent algorithms powering generative AI tools and virtual assistants, and autonomous vehicles navigating our streets.  

As a current postgraduate student pursuing an MSc in data science at LSE, my journey into this field has been quite enriching.  

I enrolled onto the artificial intelligence course offered by the department of statistics, where I delved into a variety of topics including simple and advanced search algorithms, gameplay, constraint satisfaction problems (CSP), knowledge representation, supervised learning and reinforcement learning.  

Each module provided a comprehensive understanding of various concepts and methodologies to help shape our understanding of AI. 

For instance, in the introductory lecture, we were provided with the foundational concepts of AI, where we examined the two primary approaches: the top-down approach of using human cognition (where we try to imitate/exceed human intelligence) and the bottom-up approach (where we try to build something that’s intelligent using mathematics and logic).  

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We also explored building intelligent and rational AI agents, starting off by using the classic example of a simple vacuum cleaner agent. This lecture was helpful in setting the foundation to explore more advanced concepts. 

One of the projects that I completed during the course was the creation of a strategic AI agent for the two-player hand game of chopsticks. By implementing sophisticated evaluation functions, I managed to elevate the agent’s winning rate to 96 per cent against multiple bots, earning a distinction for this project.  

This experience emphasised the significance of algorithmic design and strategic thinking in AI development, helping me gain transferable skills that are applicable to various areas.  

I’m looking forward to using this knowledge and these skills in my career to make contributions to the field of data science using AI-driven solutions and decision-making.  

Apart from coursework, there are other opportunities provided by LSE’s department of statistics.  

Students enrolled in the deep learning course can participate in the ongoing GENIAL (GENerative AI Tools as a Catalyst for Learning) study, which is focused on understanding how LSE students are integrating (or are yet to integrate) AI chatbots such as ChatGPT or Bard into their studies. The project aims to fill a knowledge gap and obtain insights into possible future paths for education considering these new technologies.  

With rapid advancements in artificial intelligence, we are on the brink of a revolution that could even surpass the shift to mobile or to the web.  

That’s what excites me – that the impact of AI is profound and far-reaching for everyone. The boundary of what is possible is constantly being redefined; therefore, it is crucial that we understand the opportunities and risks that come with this new era of technological advancement.  

Through hands-on projects, collaborative discussions and a spirit of curiosity we can all unlock the true potential of AI to shape a better future.