Penn State is launching an artificial intelligence major this fall, focusing on AI development, applications, and ethics. Professors emphasize the need for students to understand the societal impacts of AI, particularly regarding data biases. An introductory course on AI last fall generated significant interest, paving the way for the new major and potential minors across various disciplines.
Starting this fall, Penn State is introducing a major in artificial intelligence, which will delve into not just the technical aspects but also the ethics surrounding AI. Vasant Honavar, a professor at the College of Information Sciences and Technology, emphasizes the growing need for students to grasp the societal implications as AI whirs its way into various industries. “I think it’s crucial for the next generation of professionals to prepare for the emerging tech landscape,” he stated.
One intriguing part of the curriculum will focus on predictive modeling using data. AI can boost efficiency and insights, but Honavar warns that if the data fed into these systems is biased, the outcomes can be damaging. “There’s evidence in areas like predictive policing and hiring where entrenched biases in historical datasets have led to harmful results,” he pointed out.
John Yen, another Penn State IST professor, noted that existing data science programs have laid the groundwork for this new major. He indicated there will likely be overlapping elements in the capstone courses, as the two fields do intersect yet maintain distinct focal points. “As our faculty discuss curriculum advancements, linking data science and AI seems a natural progression,” Yen remarked.
In a bid to make AI learning accessible for all students, Honavar taught an introductory course last fall that attracted over 30 enrollments. This elective did not have prerequisites and was open to students from all backgrounds. “It’s about giving them a foundational understanding of how to use AI in diverse contexts,” Honavar explained.
With enthusiasm for the AI course swelling, it’s set to return this fall due to student demand. Honavar also mentioned how he has seen students successfully apply their AI skills in the real world. One former student, for instance, heads an AI-driven drug discovery initiative at a major pharmaceutical firm and had previously taken just a couple of courses on the subject.
Looking ahead, Honavar hopes to work with fellow educators to create minors across different colleges, tailored for various disciplines and career trajectories, all to further enrich the educational landscape for students interested in AI.
Penn State is gearing up to enrich its curriculum with a new artificial intelligence major, beginning this fall, that will emphasize both ethical considerations and practical applications. The inclusion of this program reflects a growing recognition that understanding AI’s societal effects is crucial for future professionals. With prior introductory courses confirming student interest, the university aims to prepare a generation ready to engage responsibly with this powerful technology, ensuring graduates are equipped for diverse career paths in an AI-driven world.
Original Source: radio.wpsu.org
