Ai Essentials Syllabus

BCS Essentials Certificate in Artificial Intelligence
Syllabus
V1.0
BCS Essentials Certificate in Artificial Intelligence Syllabus V1.0

©BCS 2018 Page 1 of 16
Change History
This log provides a single point of reference, where a summary of any changes is recorded,
to include the date of the amendment and a summary of the changes made.
Version Changes Made

Number
Version 1.0 Signed off; made live
February 2019
Version 0.6
Reading list updated
January 2019
Version 0.5
Added additional LOs: 2.4, 2.5, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5
December 2018
Version 0.4
BCS Formatted syllabus created.
October 2018

Contents
Change History ..................................................................................................................... 2

Introduction ........................................................................................................................... 4
Levels of Knowledge / SFIA Levels ....................................................................................... 4
Learning Outcomes ............................................................................................................... 4
Target Audience.................................................................................................................... 5
Course Format and Duration ................................................................................................. 5
Examination Format and Duration ......................................................................................... 6
Eligibility for the Examination ................................................................................................ 6
Additional Time ..................................................................................................................... 6
Guidelines for Accredited Training Organisations.................................................................. 7
Syllabus ....................................................................................................................... 8
Learning Objectives ..................................................................................................... 8
1 Artificial and Human Intelligence: an Introduction and History (25%)........................ 8
2 Examples of AI: Benefits, Challenges and Risks (30%) ............................................ 8
3 An introduction to Machine Learning (35%).............................................................. 8
4 The Future of Artificial Intelligence – Human and Machine Together (10%) ............. 9
Exam Weighting ........................................................................................................... 9
Recommended Reading List ............................................................................................... 10
Abbreviations ...................................................................................................................... 12
Glossary of Terms............................................................................................................... 12

Introduction
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a methodology for using a non-human system to learn from
experience and imitate human intelligent behaviour. The BCS Essentials Certificate in Artificial
Intelligence tests a candidate’s knowledge and understanding of the terminology and the
general principles. This syllabus covers the potential benefits; types of Artificial Intelligence;
the basic process of Machine Learning (ML); the challenges and risks associated with an AI
project, and the future of AI and Humans in work.
Levels of Knowledge / SFIA Levels

This syllabus will provide candidates with the levels of difficulty highlighted within the following
table, also enabling them to develop the skills to operate at the highlighted level of
responsibility (as defined within the SFIA framework) within their workplace. The levels of
knowledge and SFIA levels are further explained on the website.
Level Levels of Knowledge Levels of Skill and Responsibility (SFIA)

7 Set strategy, inspire and mobilise
6 Evaluate Initiate and influence
5 Synthesise Ensure and advise
4 Analyse Enable
3 Apply Apply
2 Understand Assist
1 Remember Follow
Learning Outcomes
Candidates should be able to demonstrate a basic knowledge and understanding of general
concepts in the following areas:
1. Human and Artificial Intelligence;

2. The Machine Learning process;
3. The benefits, challenges and risks of a Machine Learning project;
4. The future of humans and machines in Work.

Target Audience
The Artificial Intelligence Essentials certificate is focussed on individuals with an interest in,
(or need to implement) AI in an organisation, especially those working in areas such as
science, engineering, knowledge engineering, finance, or IT services.
The following roles could be interested:

▪ Engineers
▪ Scientists
▪ Professional research managers
▪ Chief technical officers
▪ Chief information officers
▪ Organisational change practitioners and managers
▪ Business change practitioners and managers
▪ Service architects and managers
▪ Program and planning managers
▪ Service provider portfolio strategists / leads
▪ Process architects and managers
▪ Business strategists and consultants
▪ Web page developers
Course Format and Duration

Candidates can choose to study for this certificate from one of two ways: by either attending
a training course provided by a BCS Accredited Training Organisation, or by self-study.
BCS recommends that for full coverage of the syllabus to be achieved, training courses
leading to the certificate should normally run for a minimum 6 hours over 1 day.
Candidates should spend about 40 hours on self-study with no prior knowledge.

Examination Format and Duration
Type 20 Multiple choice questions
Duration 30 Minutes
Supervised Yes
Open Book No
Pass Mark 13/20
Calculators No calculators nor mobile technology is permitted
Delivery Paper based examination
Eligibility for the Examination
There are no specific pre-requisites for the entry to the examination, although a good
knowledge of computers and a basic understanding of data using computers (e.g.
spreadsheets) is highly recommended.
Additional Time
For Candidates Requiring Reasonable Adjustments Due to a Disability
Please refer to the reasonable adjustments policy for information on how and when to apply.
For Candidates Whose Language is Not the Language of the Examination
If the examination is taken in a language that is not the candidate’s native/official language,
then they are entitled to:
▪ 25% extra time.

▪ Use their own paper language dictionary (whose purpose is translation between the
examination language and another national language) during the examination.
Electronic versions of dictionaries will not be allowed into the examination room.

Guidelines for Accredited Training Organisations
Each major subject heading in this syllabus is assigned an allocated percentage of study time.
The purpose of this is:
1) Guidance on the proportion of time allocated to each section of an accredited course.
2) Guidance on the proportion of questions in the exam.
Courses do not have to follow the same order as the syllabus and additional exercises may
be included, if they add value to the training course.
Trainer Criteria
The following criterion apply:
▪ Hold a Foundation Certificate;
▪ Have 3 years’ experience in related subject (including, but not limited to: data science,
high performance computing, scientific computing, data analytics, statistics,
mathematics);
▪ Have taught courses professionally.
Classroom Size
Trainers may instruct up to 15 candidates.
Invigilator to Candidate Ratio During Examination

Up to 25 candidates per invigilator.

Syllabus
Learning Objectives
1. Artificial and Human Intelligence: An Introduction and History (25%)
Candidates will be able to:
1.1 Recall the general definition of human and Artificial Intelligence (AI);
1.2 Describe ‘learning from experience’ and how it relates to Machine Learning (ML) (Tom
Mitchell’s explicit definition);
1.3 Understand that ML is a significant contribution to the growth of Artificial Intelligence;
1.4 Describe how AI is part of ‘Universal Design,’ and ‘The Fourth Industrial Revolution’.
2. Examples of AI: Benefits, Challenges and Risks (30%)
2.1 Explain the benefits of Artificial Intelligence, and

2.1.1 list advantages of machine and human and machine systems;
2.2 Describe the challenges of Artificial Intelligence, and give:

2.2.1 general examples of the limitations of AI compared to human systems,
2.2.2 general ethical challenges AI raises.
2.3 Demonstrate understanding of the risks of Artificial Intelligence, and

2.3.1 give at least one a general example of the risks of AI;
2.4 Identify a typical funding source for AI projects;
2.5 List opportunities for AI.
3. An introduction to Machine Learning (35%)

3.1 Demonstrate understanding of the AI intelligent agent description, and:
3.1.1 identify the differences with Machine Learning (ML), and:
3.1.2 list the four rational agent dependencies,
3.1.3 describe agents in terms of performance measure, environment, actuators and
sensors,

3.1.4 describe four types of agent: reflex, model-based reflex, goal-based and utility-
based.
3.2 Give typical examples of Machine Learning in the following contexts:

3.2.1 business,
3.2.2 social (media, entertainment),
3.3.3 science.
3.3 Recall which typical, narrow AI capability is useful in ML and AI agents’ functionality;
3.4 Describe and give examples of the following forms of ML:

3.4.1 supervised,
3.4.2 unsupervised,
3.4.3 reinforcement.
3.5 Describe the basic schematic of a neutral network.
4. The Future of Artificial Intelligence – Human and Machine Together (10%)
4.1 Demonstrate an understanding that Artificial Intelligence (in particular, Machine

Learning) will drive humans and machines to work together;
4.2 List future directions of humans and machines working together.
Exam Weighting
Syllabus Area Target Number of Questions
Artificial and Human Intelligence: An 25% - 5 Questions – K1
Introduction and History
Examples of AI - Benefits, Challenges and 30% - 6 Questions – K2
Risks
An introduction to Machine Learning 35% - 7 Questions – K1
The Future of Artificial Intelligence – Human 10% - 2 Questions – K1
and Machine Together

Recommended Reading List
Artificial Intelligence and Consciousness
Title Artificial Intelligence, A Modern Approach, 3rd Edition

Author Stuart Russell and Peter Norvig,
Publication Date 2016,
ISBN 10 1292153962
Title The Cambridge Handbook of Artificial Intelligence,

Author Keith Frankish and William Ramsey
Publication Date 2014
ISBN 978-0-521-69191-8
Title The Conscious Mind

Author David Chalmers
ISBN 978-0-19-511789-9
Title Life 3.0

Author Max Tegmark
Publisher Penguin Books
ISBN 978-0-141-98180-2
Machine Learning
Title Machine Learning
Author Tom Mitchell,
Publisher McGraw-Hill
Publication Date 1997,
ISBN 0071154671.
Title Machine Learning For Absolute Beginners: A Plain English Introduction (2nd Edition),
Author Oliver Theobald,
ISBN 1549617214.
High Level / Management Consultant View of Machine Learning

Title The Fourth Industrial Revolution
Author Klaus Schwab
Publisher Penguin Random House
ISBN 978-0-241-30075-6

©BCS 2018 Page 10 of 16
Title Human + Machine - Reimagining Work in the Age of AI
Author Paul R. Daugherty and H. James Wilson
Publisher Harvard Business Review Press
ISBN 1633693869.
High Level / Research and Political View of Machine Learning

https://royalsociety.org/topics-policy/projects/machine-learning/
Professional Development of Machine Learning Algorithms and Planning

Title Hands-On Machine Learning with -Learn and TensorFlow: Concepts, Tools, and
Techniques to Build Intelligent Systems
Author Aurélien Géron
Publisher O’Reilly
ISBN 1491962291.
Title Machine Learning – A Probabilistic Perspective

Author Kevin P. Murphy
Publisher MIT
ISBN-10 0262018020
Additional Reading:
Title The Singularity is Near

Author Ray Kurzweil
Publisher Duckworth Overlook
ISBN 978-0715635612
Title The Mythical Man Month

Author Frederick P. Brooks, JR.,
Publisher Addison Wesley
ISBN 0-201-83595-9
Title Artificial Intelligence: 101 Things You Must Know Today About Our Future
Author Lasse Rouhiainen
Publisher CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform
ISBN 1982048808.

©BCS 2018 Page 11 of 16
Abbreviations
Abbreviation Meaning
AI Artificial Intelligence
IoT Internet of Things
ANN Artificial Neural Network
NN Neural Network
CNN Convolution Neural Network
ML Machine Learning
OCR Optical Character Recognition
NLP Natural Language Processing
DL Deep Learning
DNN Deep Neural Networks
AGI Artificial General Intelligent
CPU Central Processing Unit
GPU Graphical Processing Unit
RPA Robotic Process Automation
CART Classification and Regression Trees
IT Information Technology
IQ Intelligence Quotient
EQ Emotional Quotient
Glossary of Terms
Term Description or Definition
Activation Function The activation function defines the output of a node given an input
or set of inputs.
Agent Modelling An intelligent agent (IA) is autonomous, observes through sensors
and acts on its environment using actuators.
Algorithm An algorithm is an unambiguous specification of how to solve a

class of problems.
Artificial Intelligence A branch of computer science dealing with the simulation of

(AI) intelligent behaviour in computers.
Automation Automatically controlled operation of an apparatus, process, or

system by mechanical or electronic devices that take the place of
human labour.
Autonomous Undertaken or carried on without outside control
Axon An axon is a long, slender projection of a nerve cell, or neuron,
that typically conducts electrical impulses.
Axon Terminals Axon terminals are terminations of the telodendria (branches) of

an axon.
Back-propagation A method used in artificial neural networks to calculate

a gradient required in the calculation of the weights to be used in
the network.
Bayesian Network A Bayesian network or belief network is a probabilistic graphical
model that represents a set of variables and their conditional
dependencies.
Bias Deviation of the expected value of a statistical estimate from the
quantity it estimates.

©BCS 2018 Page 12 of 16
Big Data Big data is data sets that are so big and complex that
traditional data-processing application software are inadequate to
deal with them.
Boosting Boosting is an ensemble meta-algorithm for reducing bias, and
also variance in supervised learning and family algorithms that
convert weak learners to strong ones.
Bootstrap Aggregating – Bootstrap aggregating, is an ensemble meta-algorithm used
Bagging in statistical classification and regression.
Chatbot A chatbot is an artificial intelligence program that conducts
a conversation via auditory or textual methods.
Classification Classification is the problem of identifying to which of a set
of classes a new observation belongs.
Clustering Clustering groups a set of objects in such a way that objects in the
same group are more similar to each other than to those in other
groups.
Cognitive Simulation Cognitive simulation uses computers that test how the human
mind works.
Combinatorial Complexity Is the exponential growth in computer power required to solve a
problem that has many combinations with increasing complexity.
Combinatorial Explosion A combinatorial explosion is the rapid growth of the complexity of
a problem due to the combinations of the problem’s input
parameters.
Connectionist Cognitive science that hopes to explain intellectual abilities using
artificial neural networks.
Data Analytics The discovery, interpretation, and communication of meaningful
patterns in data.
Data Cleaning Data cleaning detects and corrects
( or removes ) corrupt or inaccurate records from a record
set, table, or database and refers to identifying incomplete,
incorrect, inaccurate or irrelevant parts of the data and then
replacing, modifying, or deleting the dirty or coarse data.
Data Mining The process of discovering patterns in large data sets.
Data Science Data science uses scientific methods, processes, algorithms and
systems to understand data.
Data Scrubbing See data cleaning.
Decisions Trees A decision tree is a decision support tool that uses a tree-
like graph or model of decisions and their possible consequences.
Deep Learning
Deep learning is a class of algorithms that use a cascade of
multiple layers for feature extraction and transformation. Each
successive layer uses the output from the previous layer as input.
Dendrites Dendrites are branched extensions of a nerve cell that propagate
the electrochemical stimulation.
Edges Edges are the machine learning name for the brain’s axons
Emotional Intelligence or The understanding of our emotions and the emotions of others.
Emotional Quotient (EQ)
Ensemble Ensemble methods use multiple learning algorithms to obtain
better predictive performance than could be obtained from any of
the constituent learning algorithms alone.
Expert Systems An expert system is a computer system that emulates the
decision-making ability of a human expert.
Feedforward Neural Network A feedforward neural network is an artificial neural
network wherein connections between the nodes do not form a
cycle.
Functionality The tasks that a computer software program can do
Genetic Algorithms a genetic algorithm (GA) is an algorithm inspired by the process
of natural selection.

©BCS 2018 Page 13 of 16
Hardware Hardware are the physical parts or components of a computer.

Heuristic Heuristic is a strategy derived from previous experiences with
similar problems.
High Performance Computing HPC or Supercomputing is a computer with a high level of
– Super Computing performance compared to a general-purpose computer.
Hyper-parameters A hyperparameter is a parameter whose value is set before the
learning process begins.
Inductive Reasoning Inductive reasoning makes broad generalisations from specific
observations.
Internet of Things (IoT) The Internet of Things (IoT) is the network of physical devices,
vehicles, home appliances, and other items embedded
with electronics, software, sensors, actuators,
and connectivity which enables these things to connect and
exchange data.
Intelligent Quotient (IQ) Is a standard test of intelligence.
k-Means k-Means is a clustering algorithm that partitions observations
into k clusters, where each observation belongs to the cluster with
the nearest mean, serving as a prototype of the cluster.
k-Nearest Neighbours The simplest clustering algorithm used to classify new data points
based on the relationship to nearby data points.
Layers Neural networks are organised into layers and a layer is a set of
interconnected nodes.
Linear Algebra Linear algebra is the branch of mathematics concerning linear
equations and functions and their representations
through matrices and vector spaces.
Logistic Regression Logistic Regression is used in binary classification to predict two
discrete classes.
Machine Learning Machine learning is a subset of artificial intelligence in the field of
(ML) computer science that gives computers the ability to learn from
data.
Model Optimisation The improvement of the output of a machine learning algorithm
(e.g. adjusting hyper parameters).
Natural Language Processing Natural Language Processing (NLP) is an area of artificial
(NLP) intelligence concerned with the interactions between computers
and human (natural) languages, and how these happen.
Natural Language Natural Language Understanding is the term used to describe
Understanding machine reading comprehension.
(NLU)
Nearest Neighbour Algorithm The Nearest Neighbour Algorithm was one of the
first algorithms used to determine a solution to the travelling
salesman problem.
Neural Network A Machine Learning Algorithm that is based on a mathematical
(NN) model of the biological brain.
Nodes Nodes represent neurons (biological brain) and are
interconnected to form a neural network.
One-hot Encoding Transforms text-based features into a numerical form, e.g. false is
given the number zero and true is given the number 1.
Ontology Ontology is the philosophical study of the nature
of being, becoming, existence, or reality, as well as the
basic categories of being and their relations.
Optical Character Recognition Optical Character Recognition is the conversion of images of
(OCR) typed, handwritten or printed text into machine-encoded text.
Over-fitting or Over-training Overfitting is a machine learning model that is too complex, has
high variance and low bias. It is the opposite of Under-fitting or
Under-training.
Probabilistic Inference Probabilistic Inference uses simple statistical data to build nets for
simulation and models.

©BCS 2018 Page 14 of 16
Probability Probability is the measure of the likelihood that an event will

occur.
Pruning Pruning reduces the size of decision trees.
Python A programming language popular in machine learning.
Random Decision Forests Random Decision Forests are an ensemble learning method
for classification, regression and other tasks.
Random Forests Random Forests are an ensemble learning method
for classification, regression and other tasks, that operate by
constructing a multitude of decision trees at training time.
Regression Analysis In machine learning, regression analysis is a simple, supervised
learning technique used to find a trendline to describe the data.
Reinforcement Machine Reinforcement Learning (RL) uses software agents that
Learning (RL) take actions in an environment to maximise some notion of
cumulative reward.
Robotics Robotics deals with the design, construction, operation, and use
of robots, as well as computer systems for their control, sensory
feedback, and information processing.
Robotic Process Automation Robotic Process Automation is a business process
(RPA) automation technology based on the notion of software
robots or artificial intelligence workers.
Scripting Scripting are programs written for a special run-time
environment that automate the execution of tasks that could
alternatively be executed one-by-one by a human operator.
Search The use of machine learning in search problems, e.g. shortest
path.
Semi-supervised Machine Machine learning that uses labelled and unlabelled data for
Learning training.
Sigmoid Function A sigmoid function is a mathematical function having a
characteristic "S"-shaped curve or sigmoid curve.
Software Software is a generic term that refers to a collection of data and
computer instructions that tell the computer how to work.
Software Robots A software robot replaces a function that a human would
otherwise do.
Strong AI or Artificial General Strong AI's goal is the development of artificial intelligence to the
Intelligence point where the machine's intellectual capability is functionally
equal to a human’s.
Supervised Machine Learning Supervised Machine Learning is the task of learning a function
that maps an input to an output based on example input-output
pairs.
Support Vector Machine A support vector machine constructs a hyperplane or set of
hyperplanes in a high- or infinite- dimensional space, which can
be used for classification, regression, or other tasks like outlier
detection.
Swarm Intelligence (SI) Swarm Intelligence is the collective
behaviour of decentralised, self-organised systems, natural or
artificial
Symbolic Symbolic artificial intelligence is the term for the collection of all
methods in artificial intelligence research that are based on high-
level "symbolic" (human-readable) representations of
problems, logic and search.
System A regularly interacting or interdependent group of items forming a
unified whole.
The Fourth Industrial The Fourth Industrial Revolution builds on the Digital Revolution,
Revolution representing new ways in which technology becomes embedded
within societies and even the human body.
Turing Machine A Turing machine is a mathematical model of computation.

©BCS 2018 Page 15 of 16
Unsupervised Machine Unsupervised Machine Learning infers a function that describes

Learning the structure of unlabelled data.
Underfitting Underfitting is when the machine learning model has low variance
and high bias. It is the opposite of Overfitting or Overtraining.
Universal Design Universal Design (close relation to inclusive design) refers to
broad-spectrum ideas meant to produce buildings, products and
environments that are inherently accessible to older people,
people without disabilities, and people with disabilities.
Validation Data A set of data used to test the output of a machine learning model
that is not used to train the model.
Variance Variance is the expectation of the squared deviation of a random
variable from its mean.
Visualisation Visualisation is any technique for creating images, diagrams,
or animations to communicate a message.
Weak AI or Narrow AI Weak artificial intelligence (weak AI), also known as Narrow
AI, is artificial intelligence that is focused on one narrow task. It is
the contrast of Strong AI.
Weights A weight function is a mathematical device used when performing
a sum, integral, or average to give some elements more "weight"
or influence on the result than other elements in the same set.

©BCS 2018 Page 16 of 16

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BCS Essentials Certificate in Artificial Intelligence

BCS Essentials Certificate in Artificial Intelligence Syllabus V1.0

Version Changes Made

BCS Essentials Certificate in Artificial Intelligence Syllabus V1.0

Change History ..................................................................................................................... 2

BCS Essentials Certificate in Artificial Intelligence Syllabus V1.0

Levels of Knowledge / SFIA Levels

Level Levels of Knowledge Levels of Skill and Responsibility (SFIA)

1. Human and Artificial Intelligence;

BCS Essentials Certificate in Artificial Intelligence Syllabus V1.0

The following roles could be interested:

Course Format and Duration

BCS Essentials Certificate in Artificial Intelligence Syllabus V1.0

Eligibility for the Examination

For Candidates Whose Language is Not the Language of the Examination

▪ 25% extra time.

BCS Essentials Certificate in Artificial Intelligence Syllabus V1.0

Invigilator to Candidate Ratio During Examination

BCS Essentials Certificate in Artificial Intelligence Syllabus V1.0

1. Artificial and Human Intelligence: An Introduction and History (25%)

Candidates will be able to:

1.3 Understand that ML is a significant contribution to the growth of Artificial Intelligence;

2. Examples of AI: Benefits, Challenges and Risks (30%)

Candidates will be able to:

2.1 Explain the benefits of Artificial Intelligence, and

2.2 Describe the challenges of Artificial Intelligence, and give:

2.3 Demonstrate understanding of the risks of Artificial Intelligence, and

2.4 Identify a typical funding source for AI projects;

2.5 List opportunities for AI.

3. An introduction to Machine Learning (35%)

Candidates will be able to:

BCS Essentials Certificate in Artificial Intelligence Syllabus V1.0

3.2 Give typical examples of Machine Learning in the following contexts:

3.4 Describe and give examples of the following forms of ML:

3.5 Describe the basic schematic of a neutral network.

4. The Future of Artificial Intelligence – Human and Machine Together (10%)

Candidates will be able to:

4.1 Demonstrate an understanding that Artificial Intelligence (in particular, Machine

4.2 List future directions of humans and machines working together.

BCS Essentials Certificate in Artificial Intelligence Syllabus V1.0

Artificial Intelligence and Consciousness

Title Artificial Intelligence, A Modern Approach, 3rd Edition

Title The Cambridge Handbook of Artificial Intelligence,

Title The Conscious Mind

Title Life 3.0

High Level / Management Consultant View of Machine Learning

BCS Essentials Certificate in Artificial Intelligence Syllabus V1.0

High Level / Research and Political View of Machine Learning

Professional Development of Machine Learning Algorithms and Planning

Title Machine Learning – A Probabilistic Perspective

Title The Singularity is Near

Title The Mythical Man Month

BCS Essentials Certificate in Artificial Intelligence Syllabus V1.0

Algorithm An algorithm is an unambiguous specification of how to solve a

Artificial Intelligence A branch of computer science dealing with the simulation of

Automation Automatically controlled operation of an apparatus, process, or

Axon Terminals Axon terminals are terminations of the telodendria (branches) of

Back-propagation A method used in artificial neural networks to calculate

BCS Essentials Certificate in Artificial Intelligence Syllabus V1.0

BCS Essentials Certificate in Artificial Intelligence Syllabus V1.0