12 Kolkata: One of the oldest engineering institutes in the country, the 169-year-old Indian Institute of Engineering Science and Technology (IIEST), Shibpur (formerly BE College), is set to introduce a compulsory artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) course for first-year students from the next academic session.
The institute is also considering the introduction of two new PG programmes in AI and ML from the next academic session. These will be offered by the information technology department and the computer science and technology department.
Director VMSR Murthy said: "As per the NEP 2020, the institute's Senate in principle agreed to the introduction of a mandatory artificial intelligence course for all first-year students across disciplines in the first semester. Since it is an emerging field and AI applications are growing in all domains, it was thought that irrespective of disciplines, students must be equipped with the basic knowledge of AI. We are in the process of finalising the course curriculum."
The compulsory course on artificial intelligence is being developed on a few basic pillars, keeping in mind that the mathematical knowledge of students is up to Class XII. "The students will learn the basic concepts of AI and ML along with deep learning. They will get an understanding of the learning processes of AI, like supervised and unsupervised learning, and how to use AI in decision-making and problem-solving. This basic knowledge will help them in future applications of AI in specific engineering areas later," said Arindam Biswas, professor at the IT department.
Teachers said that over the years, they noticed growing interest among the students in this advanced discipline. "There was a growing tendency among fourth-year students to use AI and ML techniques to solve civil, electrical, and mechanical problems while doing their projects. This prompted us to think about the mandatory course so that it helps the students in the long run. Since companies also look out for candidates with fundamental knowledge in AI and ML, this mandatory course will benefit students and help them to secure premium job offers," said a teacher, adding that there was also a plan to offer elective papers on AI and ML during the four-year engineering course. The institute is also planning infrastructure upgrades, such as a high-performance computing centre, where AI-related computing can be done.