Program Overview

Computer Models of Language and Applications

Postgraduate Course

The Computer Models of Language and Applications course is a postgraduate program that focuses on theories and methods based on Artificial Intelligence for the development of linguistic models and applications.

Course Details

• ECTS credits: 15
• Teaching semesters: Autumn
• Course code: LING310
• Number of semesters: 1
• Teaching language: English if students not mastering Norwegian are present, otherwise Norwegian

Course Description

The content of the course may vary with the lecturer, but will focus on theories and methods based on Artificial Intelligence for the development of linguistic models and applications. Examples of relevant topics in modeling are machine learning and classification algorithms based on rule induction, neural networks, nearest neighbor, etc. Examples of language technology applications are interfaces between human and machine, machine translation, proofreading, information retrieval, and information technology aids for persons with disabilities.

Objectives and Content

The course is also suitable for students in e.g. information science and digital humanities.

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge

• The candidate can state principles and methods for modeling of linguistic categories and linguistic processing
• The candidate can state principles and methods for digital natural language processing

Skills

• The candidate can build and test models for language processes and for applications, based on linguistic data and existing algorithms

General Competence

• The candidate can report on a modeling experiment, including design, data collection, tool selection, production of results, interpretation and conclusion
• The candidate can critically evaluate the utility of models for insight into human language processing and for practical applications in society

ECTS Credits and Level of Study

• ECTS credits: 15
• Level of study: Master

Semester and Place of Instruction

• Semester of instruction: Fall
• Place of instruction: Bergen

Required and Recommended Previous Knowledge

• Required previous knowledge: None
• Recommended previous knowledge: LING123 or equivalent basic knowledge and programming skills are strongly advised

Credit Reduction due to Course Overlap

• DASP303 (15 credits), DASP304 (15 credits)

Access to the Course

The course is open to all who have been admitted to study at master's level at UiB.

Teaching and Learning Methods

• Lectures
• Independent exercises on computers
• Supervision

Compulsory Assignments and Attendance

Supervision in connection to the writing of the term paper is obligatory, and must consist of at least one meeting with the supervisor, who must be given access to a draft and a literature list a week in advance.

Forms of Assessment

• Supervised term paper reporting on an individual modeling or programming task
• The paper should have about 5000 words (not counting references, appendices etc.)
• The exam can be submitted in Norwegian, Swedish, Danish or English

Grading Scale

• A-F

Assessment Semester

• Fall

Reading List

The literature consists of an introduction to modeling methods that are used in this field, with a special emphasis on cognitive modeling and machine learning and with regard to possible applications. Computers are used in the exercises.

Course Evaluation

Course evaluation will be conducted in accordance with the University of Bergen's quality assurance system.

Programme Committee and Course Coordinator

• Programme Committee: Programme Committee for Linguistics
• Course Coordinator: Programme Committee for Linguistics
• Course Administrator: Department of Linguistic, Literary and Aesthetic Studies