CSSE undergraduate programs director leads project to expand artificial intelligence education statewide

Many text-focused artificial intelligence (AI) technologies have become mainstream. But are students really prepared to maximize their capabilities toward success in the workforce?

Vishalini Ramnath, assistant director of undergraduate programs in the Department of Computer Science and Software Engineering (CSSE), is principal investigator on a project to make sure they can.

Building on the Alabama Commission on Higher Education’s (ACHE) A3 Initiative, designed to introduce students in the state to basic AI concepts, Ramnath, CSSE Assistant Professor Sathyanaranyan Aakur (co-PI) and CSSE Associate Department Chair Dean Hendrix (mentor) developed, “The A3 Initiative: Advancing AI Literacy for Alabama’s Students,” earning ACHE’s AI Culture Grant.

The result: two new AI-focused pilot courses open to all Auburn University students in Spring 2025 as part of the university’s AI@AU Initiative. 

“With the AI Culture grant, we aim to revolutionize computer science education by equipping our students with essential AI literacy,” Ramnath said. “This initiative is not just about integrating cutting-edge technology into our curriculum, but about preparing our graduates to navigate and excel in an increasingly AI-driven world.

“Many students today are using these AI tools, but without understanding the core knowledge,” she said. “We thought that it is necessary for us to teach them that core knowledge and show them where they can improve.”

An undergraduate course, “The Power of AI: Fundamentals to Applications (COMP 1100),” will be comprised of four modules, 1) history and foundations of AI, 2) machine learning fundamentals, 3) AI application and analysis and 4) ethics, pitfalls and future directions.”

An advanced course (COMP 5000/6000) will be designed for juniors, seniors and graduate-level students. Titled “Programming Fundamentals for Artificial Intelligence,” it will feature 1) introduction to Python programming, 2) vectorization and parallel programming, 3) exploratory data analysis and 4) advanced Python programming.

Both courses, which require no prerequisites, will feature hands-on exercises and projects to enable comprehension and practical skill development.

In addition to imparting essential AI-related skills needed for the workforce, the new courses will prepare interested students for AI-related M.S. degrees offered at Auburn: M.S. in artificial intelligence engineering and M.S. in data science and engineering.

“By fostering a comprehensive understanding of AI tools and their practical applications, we are committed to ensuring that our students, regardless of their academic background, are well-prepared for the future workforce and advanced AI-related studies,” Ramnath said. “This endeavor underscores our dedication to creating an inclusive and forward-thinking educational environment in Alabama.

“As these courses can be offered both online and on-campus, we will explore the possibility of making them available in the future to students at other institutions of higher education in Alabama.”