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Calendar

2023-01-12

PA 470 – Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in the Public Sector

Public sector applications of artificial intelligence and machine learning. Philosophical foundations of artificial intelligence and major frameworks for learning.

Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) have transformed the private sector pressuring the public sector to follow suit and become smart by adopting AI/ML. Yet, public sector applications differ greatly from private sector ones where issues like data availability and equity can be easily sidestepped. Key assumptions of AI/ML models often conflict with traditional principles of government like transparency, accountability, universality, and equality/equity.

In this course, we will explore critical issues with AI/ML in the public sector and learn simple applications in R and tidymodels to provide public sector technologists with adequate tools to navigate AI/ML in government.

Assignments and readings should be completed before the week listed, unless otherwise noted.

Week 1, 1/12

Introductions, Course Technology Stack, and Review

Assignment: Coding Warmup 0

Week 2, 1/19 (online)

Review, Conceptual Foundations, and Geospatial

Assignment: Coding Warmup 1

Week 3, 1/26 (online)

Coding 1

Assignment: Coding Warmup 2

Week 8, 3/2

Coding 4

Assignment: Detroit Part 2

Week 11, 3/23

Spring Vacation No Class

Week 12, 3/30

Guest Speaker, public sector careers

Week 14, 4/13

Coding 6

Week 16, 4/27 (Online)

Final Presentations

Assignment: Final Project, Due 5/2