Machine Learning & Deep Learning (MSc)Yilan Xiao
Yilan came from an articulation programme in China to study BEng Computer & Electronic Systems. After completing the undergraduate course, Yilan decided to stay for the postgraduate degree in Machine Learning & Deep Learning. Here Yilan talks about her experience at Strathclyde...
Why Strathclyde
I first heard about Strathclyde when I was studying at the University of Electronic Science and Technology of China (UESTC) back in China. It was a 2+2 program that would allow me to do the first and second year in UESTC and the third and fourth year at the University of Strathclyde.
The course from Strathclyde, Computer and Electronics Systems, was a perfect match to my previous degree (in Computer Science and Engineering) from UESTC. My friends and teachers who studied or visited the UK told me that Glasgow/Scotland is an amiable place. Considering all these factors, Strathclyde sounded like the ideal place to go!
After completing the 2+2 program in Strathclyde with a 2.1 in BEng Computer and Electronics Systems, I chose to transfer and progress into MEng Computer and Electronics Systems to do 5th year. I always wanted to do further study after my bachelors, and transfer to the course that has triple professional accreditation (by IET, BSC and Engineering Council). It also offered the opportunity to do a group project and trade show for the MEng project. I would learn more in the area that I'm interested and do it in an environment that I'm already familiar with. So I thought overall, this was an excellent option, and I took it.
Unfortunately, my 5th year was interrupted due to Covid-19, some projects and exams were cancelled, and the trade show didn't happen. Although I still managed to graduate with merit from MEng Computer and Electronics Systems, there's so much uncertainly about what's going to happen next.
During my MEng course and project experience, I developed an interest in artificial intelligence/machine learning/deep learning. Strathclyde happens to offer a postgraduate taught degree in this area, too - I want to take this year to learn about the area in more detail and systematically. Hence, I chose to stay here again.
Highlights of the course
Both MSc Machine Learning and Deep and MEng Computer and Electronic Systems are joint degrees between CIS and EEE - and I get to choose modules between both department. The practical labs and projects designed in each module are instrumental and helpful for learning. The course has people from all over the world - adapting to a diverse environment is an exciting and essential experience.
The highlight of my studies so far has to be when I worked as a student helper in Strathclyde EEE China summer school in 2019. The students from universities in China were on an exchange to Strathclyde for a two-week summer school. My job was to offer them lab assistance and other help such as language aid. Being a "bridge" between language and culture and helping out in the lab made me realise how much I've learned since coming to Strathclyde in 2017. I am very grateful for that opportunity and I'd be willing to do it again.
New ways of working
The response and adaptation from Strathclyde when we moved to online learning was quick. I received check-ins from my PDA, project mentors, and course lecturers. Overall, I think Strathclyde responded fast and handled online learning well.
Online learning is different from what I'm used to (going to the computer labs in Royal College Building, library and studying in a cafe). I miss the social side of things in real labs. But I like that there are now recordings of the course materials that I can go back to look at whenever I want and several times if I need to. My course members are trying to socialise online too.
I like that I can study the materials in the unsynchronised session whenever I want. The tutorial session is used as a Q&A session - I think that's quite effective. I'm also quite happy that I'm able to learn at my own pace.
Keeping in touch while studying at home
I live off-campus and study from home. I set up a dedicated area for working from home. Since most of my course only requires works on computers, I'm able to do all my work from home - and use the remote lab machine if needed. Sometimes I pop in the library for printing or scanning documents.
In semester one, our PDA organised a meeting every two weeks to have a chat with us. At the end of semester one, there was even an online Christmas event organised for students and staff in my degree - it was pretty good.
Emails, mattermost channels, class forums, zoom meetings are all used by student and staff. Other than that, I also have group chats with students doing the same course or modules on messaging apps; we discuss things and help each other out and organise video meetings if needed.
I took part in "writing to recovery" in the past pre-covid. Recently I took part in a training course offered by the disability and wellbeing service and became mental health first aider.
Looking ahead & reflecting
In the future, I want to work in the technology or engineering field - become a Chartered Engineer or Chartered IT specialist to start with and go from there.
A few years back, this seemed to be an unreachable goal. I spent a lot of time in dance performances being part of the dance troupe back in UESTC and school. I seemed to be better at language than maths and physics. I didn't feel confident enough doing my degree in engineering and had a lot of doubts about myself.
But I wanted to take this opportunity as a 2+2 student to give it another try before jumping to the conclusion that engineering isn't for me. And I'm happy that I tried it out - I felt inspired by the passionate students in Strathclyde.
I learned by doing practical labs and projects, and I felt encouraged. It has not been easy; it has been challenging and demanding. But I feel that I have built a strong foundation in my years studying here. I feel confident doing engineering - I proved to myself that I could do this. Being passionate about dancing, good at language and interested in culture is not contradictory to being an engineer. My experiences here help me to build up confidence as an engineer and overall.
I believe that things I learned from here will eventually help me achieve my goal eventually - just like a lot of other students from here did.
Final thoughts
In a nutshell, I like that there's a lot of practical and applicable learning here. The environment is friendly, supportive, diverse and inclusive.
Specifically, I enjoy the typical engineering student life running between labs and the library, debating with peers and chatting with lectures. I also like it when I finish working and go to the dance socials and rock climbing, taking part in the student clubs. I get to meet interesting people and feeling inspired by them. As Strathclyde is located in the city centre, I can take the advantage to go for a walk or shopping to take my mind off my studies.
I love the Chinese Burns Night organised by students in Strathclyde! What an excellent culture-exchange idea to celebrate Chinese new year and Burns Night together!
The Gala dinner organised by students was also amazing - it was an excellent opportunity to network with employers and students, and I got invited to a company site visit there and then. Very nice experience.
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