Junior Summer School: AI & Data Science

Welcome to HSBA! In this module, you will get to know our university and learn what makes it special. We will introduce you to our degree programmes, campus highlights and exciting career prospects. You will also get an overview of the Junior Spring School and get to know the other participants – the perfect start to a week full of business, networking and fun!

Lecturer: Annabel Baxter

Programme Director for Business Informatics Prof. Dr. Kamyar Sarshar offers an insight into business informatics. Core topics surrounding information systems, such as hardware, software and databases, are explained and connected to solving business problems.

Lecturer: Prof. Dr. Kamyar Sarshar

In this module, you will learn what a data scientist does, why data is worth its weight in gold and how important data preprocessing is for AI models. The focus is on dealing with everyday problems when working with datasets.

Lecturer: tba

This module provides an overview of three key areas of artificial intelligence: unsupervised learning, supervised learning and search/optimisation. It also examines the differences between human and artificial intelligence.

Lecturer: tba

We take a look at how AI and data science are used today in companies and organisations. An entrepreneur reports on the use of artificial intelligence in various projects and presents current practical solutions. The aim of this module is to give you a realistic picture of how diverse modern AI applications already are today, and which challenges arise in practice.

Lecturer: tba

The day ends with a company visit to one of HSBA's business partners. Here, you can experience first-hand what working with AI looks like.

We will explore two of the most important foundational ideas in AI and data science: regression and classification. Together, we will look at how computers can make predictions from data or sort things into categories. Using simple, illustrative examples, we will understand which types of problems AI can solve and where the differences between various tasks lie.

We will also look at how a typical data science project is structured step by step: from data collection through preparation and analysis to the evaluation of results. It becomes clear that good AI applications consist not only of models, but above all of clean data work and smart questions. Through small examples, we will see how raw data can yield fascinating insights.

Lecturer: Prof. Dr. Maria Bockhahn

During this special lunch break, you will have the opportunity to meet dual students and learn more about HSBA.

Current trends and projects in artificial intelligence are presented in a poster session prepared by HSBA students.

Lecturer: Prof. Dr. Kamyar Sarshar

We look at how artificial neural networks came about and why they now form the basis of many AI applications. We explore how generative AI can support learning and work. We also learn how to write good prompts, ask targeted comprehension questions and critically evaluate AI responses. The aim is not simply to let AI provide answers, but to use it sensibly as support in your own learning process. Afterwards, working in groups, you will implement AI projects using the skills you have acquired by then and present them. Together, we will discuss which challenges arose, which approaches worked well and what can be learned from typical mistakes.

Lecturer: Prof. Dr. Maria Bockhahn

We hear first-hand which projects did not succeed in practice and why they failed. An overview drawn from 15 years of experience with artificial intelligence projects gives a sense of the challenges AI projects face in practice and how companies deal with them

Lecturer: tba

Get to know our partner company.

Will AI wipe out humanity? How are large language models developing? Can ChatGPT and similar tools become even smarter? What happens if AI becomes autonomous? This module offers an outlook on possible future scenarios. At the same time, we discuss the limits of such systems and learn why AI responses are not always correct, fair or reliable.

Lecturer: Prof. Dr. Maria Bockhahn

Where do you want to go – and how will you get there? This module helps you recognise your strengths, define your goals and develop a clear career plan. With tips on job applications, networking and self-marketing, you can take the first step towards your future.

Lecturer: Annabel Baxter

At the end of the Junior Summer School, we will look back together: What did you learn, what did you particularly enjoy, and what can we do even better? In this module, you will have the opportunity to share your impressions, ask questions, and provide valuable feedback. We will also celebrate your success and say goodbye with an outlook on your next steps – so that you can move forward into the future feeling motivated and inspired!

Lecturer: Annabel Baxter