Semester:
How can AI and Computing be integrated in our thinking for solving societal and scientific challenges?
We define ourselves as Homo Sapiens –wise humans- distinguished by our problem solving capabilities, and our constant development of new technologies. One of our technologies, computers, possesses a dizzying capability of acquiring, transmitting and processing massive amounts of data. Harnessing this resource requires a new form of inquiry: Computing. Computing is transforming our Thinking for solving complex problems and it is fueling the Artificial Intelligence (AI) revolution that is changing our world. This course is a guided exploration of how AI and Computing may affect our Thinking and aims to assist students to acquire the skills that computers do not possess. These include formulating problems and questions while understanding algorithmic powers and limitations and reflecting on the complementarity of artificial and natural intelligence. The course will introduce you to elementary algorithmic and programming concepts, discuss data driven and first principle models, argue about evidence, uncertainty and decision making aided by computing and AI. You will leave this course better prepared to assess the role of AI and Computing in society and technology and become more aware of the vehicles that will empower your journey into AI and Computing that may change the future definition of “Sapiens”.