This machine learning portfolio challenge requires students to demonstrate both theoretical understanding and practical application of machine learning methodologies introduced during the second block of the module. During Weeks 7–12, students select one of the machine learning methods covered in class and apply it to a dataset of their choice. The completed work contributes to an assessment portfolio and must demonstrate a clear, systematic and professionally documented experimental process. The accompanying learning material places particular emphasis on Support Vector Machines (SVMs) and kernel-based machine learning. SVMs are presented as maximum-margin classifiers that construct a decision hyperplane between classes, with support vectors playing the key role in defining the classification boundary. The material also introduces soft-margin optimisation, slack variables, the regularisation parameter C, primal and dual formulations, and the use of KKT multipliers. SVMs are additionally discussed in relation to multiclass classification through approaches including one-versus-all and Error Correcting Output Codes (ECOC). Kernel methods extend these principles by replacing explicit feature transformations with similarity functions. Students encounter concepts including Gram matrices, feature mappings, Mercer conditions and the kernel trick, alongside common kernel choices such as linear, radial basis function and polynomial kernels. The material demonstrates how kernel methods can represent nonlinear decision boundaries in the original input space while retaining a linear representation in an embedded feature space. The final submission must be produced as a single PDF lab notebook. It should contain clear and well-commented MATLAB, Python or equivalent code explaining each methodological step, experimental results presented through appropriate tables and/or plots, and narrative discussion explaining the selected approach, observations and conclusions. The notebook should integrate code, outputs and written explanation into a coherent and professional submission. Students may also optionally present their solution in class, where the quality of explanation and discussion can contribute additional marks.
Machine Learning · Support Vector Machines · SVM · Kernel Methods · Kernel Trick · Maximum Margin Hyperplane · Support Vectors · Soft Margin SVM · Kernel Functions · RBF Kernel · Polynomial Kernel · Linear Kernel
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