Studying AI: Embrace the age of smart technology

26 Jul 2018

“It’s going to be interesting to see how society deals with artificial intelligence, but it will definitely be cool.” — Colin Angle

Experts state that the speed of computer processing doubles every 18 months.

The Internet of Things, or IoT, encompasses billions of physical devices across the globe that are now intrinsically linked by the internet, collecting and sharing data from users worldwide.

Forrester Research predicts that by the end of the year, the commercialisation of IoT data will be approved by brand-new EU guidelines. Cities will flourish with hi-tech innovation, spurred by the concept of high-speed connectivity as they make the confident move towards ‘smart’.

An evolution of convenience will transform both the workplace and the home, sparked by the widespread implementation of AI and automation. By the time we hit 2020, an estimated 20.4 billion devices will be linked by the global IoT network, reaching 100 billion over the next decade.

Tech has permeated every aspect of human civilisation, slowly but undoubtedly automating and innovating. Though sometimes met with uncertainty, with the late, great Stephen Hawking deeming it “either the best, or the worst, thing to ever happen to humanity”, you can’t deny AI’s capability to extend human capacity and cognition.

Source: Faculty of Informatics, USI

“For large commercial and energy users, IoT technology offers significant opportunities to transform energy strategies by improving efficiencies, generating savings and creating additional revenue streams, while enhancing green credentials by meeting environmental and sustainability commitment,” says Michael Phelan, Chief Executive of GridBeyond; a company currently exploring how the IoT has potential to unlock a sustainable Fourth Industrial Revolution.

Repetitive tasks now have the potential to be automated, boosting workplace productivity and improving quality of life as machines take on more mundane roles. This will drive a modern employment revolution, elevated by the scientists, designers and engineers who will fill rising global demand.

Improvements in health, economics and research means human well-being will reach new heights, allowing us to monitor every minute shift in universal development.

Machine learning will support natural human interaction with technology. Introduce a computer to a set of examples, for instance, and it will be able to complete said task in a way that excels human capability, eliminating the need for us to code one arduous step at a time.

The world can now be broken down into intricate clusters of data, and our computerised counterparts are already much better at interpreting these crucial info-bytes than we can ever hope to be.

All things considered, the blend of human ability and hi-tech machines ultimately holds the power to solve some of the world’s most complex issues.

Here are 5 world-class schools that are embracing the age of smart technology…

FACULTY OF INFORMATICS, UNIVERSITÀ DELLA SVIZZERA ITALIANA (USI) – SWITZERLAND

Choosing to study at USI is a decision to experience the high-class Swiss education system – consistently described as one of the best in the world. The institution hosts a respected international faculty, valuing the global perspective and unique exchange of ideas.

Source: Faculty of Informatics, USI

Powered by strong corporate ties and unrivalled industry opportunities, USI is well-known to produce world- and work-ready graduates.

The Faculty of Informatics at USI is known as a centre of competence in advanced informatics. In a few short years, the school has become a leader in specialist teaching and research, currently ranking third in the nation for the study of this discipline.

The faculty’s Master in AI is the first in Switzerland, offered from the hi-tech campus in Lugano; a city nestled in the Italian-speaking Ticino region. Here, students benefit from proximity to Swiss AI Lab, the IDSIA – an institute dedicated to the study of artificial intelligence.

Upon completion of the programme, students gain a Master of Science qualification – a globally-relevant and recognised asset that will carry them into the future.

DEPARTMENT OF COMPUTER SCIENCE, ÉCOLE POLYTECHNIQUE (l’X) – FRANCE

École Polytechnique is a pioneering French institution of education and research, seamlessly blending top-level, academics and innovation to produce graduates who stand at the cutting-edge of science and technology.

The Department of Computer Science at “l’X”, as it is known locally, develops highly qualified graduates equipped with the competence and confidence needed to engineer a connected, digital future.

The Artificial Intelligence & Advanced Visual Computing Master sits at the forefront of maths and computer science. Here, students – supported by World-class professors – learn to conceive and create intelligent systems with the ability to effectively operate on their own.

This new postgraduate curriculum (opening in September 2018) also delves into the fields of advanced Visual Computing, including 3D computer graphics, virtual and augmented reality, multimodal interaction, computer vision and robotics.

The programme is shaped by the rapid technological developments of the modern age, cultivating AI experts who go on to thrive in an increasingly digital world.

Source: École Polytechnique

SCHOOL OF COMPUTING AND COMPUTER SCIENCE (SCCS), LANCASTER UNIVERSITY – UK

This UK-based institution is internationally-ranked. Known as a hub for inspiring teaching and learning, Lancaster promotes a strong student experience and outstanding graduate employability.

Lancaster’s SCCS designs courses to challenge and inspire. Understanding the dynamic nature of the discipline and its wide range of applications, this school offers degrees that let students explore both the theory and practice of computer science in an innovative, experimental manner.

The school offers a range of undergraduate, graduate and PhD study, allowing students to refine their expertise regardless of current professional level.

“Our courses span a wide range of subject areas, from Human/Computer Interaction to Digital Systems,” the faculty website notes.

“We’ll provide you with a unique blend of theory and practical experience. We encourage practical experimentation and hands-on learning through workshops alongside lectures.”

DEPARTMENT OF COMPUTER SCIENCE, VRIJE UNIVERSITEIT BRUSSEL (VUB) – BELGIUM

VUB is the offshoot of the French-speaking Université Libre de Bruxelles, representing a dynamic, contemporary university with two parkland campuses in the Brussels Capital Region.

High quality education and research are central to the institution, with its research teams receiving international recognition in many disciplines of fundamental and applied research. VUB may not be the biggest university, but its research departments punch well above their weight in the global higher education world.

The English-taught Master of Science in Applied Sciences and Engineering: Computer Science is designed for students with an informed, fundamental academic background in computer science. The course offers four specialisations in Artificial Intelligence, Multimedia, Software Languages and Software Engineering, and Web and Information Systems.

Source: Shutterstock

On top of the comprehensive core curriculum, VUB offers a broad range of electives that can be specially-tailored student interests.

Here, courses encompass proactive learning strategies. In addition to regular lectures, varied methods of instruction are employed, with programmes being delivered through group and individual projects, seminars, workshops and research training.

*Some of the institutions featured in this article are commercial partners of Study International