Introduction to Deep Learning with Python May 26 – until 27, 2026

UCL-ARC will be hosting a Carpentries workshop, covering an introduction to Python for Deep Learning.

This is an in-person event, held over 2 x full-day sessions 10:00-17:00 on 26-27 May 2026 (Tue & Wed).

This is a hands-on introduction to the first steps in deep learning, intended for researchers who are familiar with (non-deep) machine learning.

The use of deep learning has seen a sharp increase of popularity and applicability over the last decade. While deep learning can be a useful tool for researchers from a wide range of domains, taking the first steps in the world of deep learning can be somewhat intimidating. This introduction covers the basics of deep learning in a practical and hands-on manner, so that upon completion, you will be able to train your first neural network and understand what next steps to take to improve the model.

We start with explaining the basic concepts of neural networks, and then go through the different steps of a deep learning workflow. Learners will learn how to prepare data for deep learning, how to implement a basic deep learning model in Python with Keras, how to monitor and troubleshoot the training process and how to implement different layer types such as convolutional layers.

Prerequisites

Learners are expected to be familiar with:

• Basic python programming skills and the pandas package.
• Basic machine learning, including the following concepts: data cleaning, train & test split, type of problems (regression, classification), overfitting & underfitting, metrics (accuracy, recall, etc.).

All learners must complete installation steps received by email before the first session begins

If you face any installation issue:
please e-mail ARC.Education+carpentries@UCL.ac.uk specifying the operating system you are using and any error messages that you have received.

Please do not forget to review, download, and install each required item above as there will not be time to do this during the workshop.

Learners may arrive from 09:30 on first day of the workshop to check their installation and setup with the instructors before the session begins at 10:00.

Schedule

Session 1 - Tuesday, 26 May 2026 - in-person

• Start time: 10:00 (installation checks from 09:30)
• End time: 17:00
• Venue: Room LG01 in 222 Euston Road

Session 2 - Wednesday, 27 May 2026 - in-person

• Start time: 10:00
• End time: 17:00
• Venue: Room LG01 in 222 Euston Road

Outline of topics:

1. Introduction
2. Classification by a neural network using Keras
3. Monitor the training process
4. Advanced layer types
5. Transfer learning
6. Outlook