The Indian Institute of Technology, Hyderabad (IIT-H) is all set to launch a full-fledged BTech program in Artificial Intelligence (AI) from the ensuing academic year 2019-2020.
The institute claims to be the first Indian educational institution to offer such a full-fledged BTech program in AI and likely the third institute globally – after Carnegie Mellon University and Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), both of which are in the US.
According to a press release issued by the Institute on Thursday, the course will have an intake of 20 students who will be selected through the joint entrance examination (advanced). The institute is already offering MTech program in artificial intelligence – machine learning.
Speaking about the importance of the course, Prof UB Desai, director, IIT-H said — “The basic aim is to create a complete ecosystem for artificial intelligence academics and research at IIT-Hyderabad. This involves BTech, MTech and different minor programs in AI. Moreover, the R&D will be strongly entwined with academics.”
The course will comprise algorithms from the computer science department, signal processing from the electrical engineering department, robotics from the mechanical engineering department and mathematical foundations. The course will also focus on application verticals such as healthcare, agriculture, smart mobility among many others. Further, the ethical impact of AI and its technologies on areas such as privacy, bias, and related issues will also be a key component of the BTech program.
Students pursuing other degrees such as BTech in chemical engineering or mechanical engineering can also pursue minor in AI as well from the ensuing academic year.
Speaking about the course, Vineeth N Balasubramanian, associate professor, department of computer science and engineering, IIT-H said, — “It will provide training on various aspects of AI, ranging from technical ones like machine learning algorithms to ethical issues as well. It will make our students very sought after by the Industry as their training will be comprehensive and well-rounded when working on smart AI-based technology solutions.”
Courtesy: TOI
