Starting this fall semester, Fudan University will launch at least 100 courses in artificial intelligence (AI) to accelerate the development of a scientific and intelligent innovation ecosystem. This initiative aims to enhance interdisciplinary talent training in AI and usher in a new era of AI-integrated innovation.
By next fall, Fudan University plans to achieve comprehensive AI education integration across three key dimensions: 100% coverage of AI courses for all undergraduate and graduate students, integration of AI across all first-level disciplines, and AI competency requirements for every major. "We envision our AI courses as a catalyst for building an innovative ecosystem at the university, exploring new models for cultivating AI talent, and establishing a strong educational foundation for paradigm shifts in scientific intelligence," says Chen Yan, Executive Deputy Dean of Fudan University Graduate School.
The initiative stems from Fudan University’s commitment to evolving into a world-class institution with distinctive Chinese characteristics and to supporting Shanghai's international innovation center. To realize this vision, the university has created a dedicated team to design AI courses in line with global trends in AI education. This effort has birthed the AI-BEST course system, which calls upon various departments to collaboratively create and teach core AI courses under the leadership of renowned experts in the field.
To ensure high-quality offerings, Fudan has formed a central team and an expert committee focused on the development and assessment of AI courses. This committee includes strategic consultants and course development specialists who work to continuously enhance curriculum design and quality assurance. As of April, the university had over 300 existing AI-related courses generated by various departments, though only a select few will be incorporated into the new curriculum. This fall, approximately 70% of the new courses will be created or significantly optimized.
"The AI curriculum is tailored for students from diverse academic backgrounds, ensuring that those in humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, engineering, and medicine acquire essential AI competencies for the future," explains Lin Wei, Director of the Academic Affairs Office. Dean Yang Min of the School of Computer Science and Technology highlights the importance of integrating cutting-edge technology and top-tier research experiences into education, enabling world-class scholars to engage in teaching and mentorship.
The AI-BEST course system features a layered structure, which includes foundational AI courses, core specialized courses, advanced interdisciplinary courses, and applied courses addressing real-world challenges. This framework accommodates students' varied professional backgrounds and developmental needs.
The foundational AI courses (AI-B) are accessible to all students, including those with no prior AI experience. Core courses (AI-E) focus on nurturing top innovative talent, while advanced courses (AI-S) provide discipline-specific knowledge aimed at fostering interdisciplinary integration. Applied courses (AI-T) address industry-specific issues and cater to students wishing to deepen their expertise in specialized AI fields.
Beginning with the class of 2024, the curriculum will mandate clear AI competency requirements for all degree programs at Fudan University. Lin Wei asserts the importance of empowering students for the future by equipping them with both foundational AI knowledge and the ability to apply AI skills in their academic pursuits.
Fudan University is committed to leveraging social resources to enhance its AI curriculum, pioneering course development, and educational reform. High-quality courses will also be available to students at other universities in Shanghai, contributing to the growth of key industries and the international innovation center.
"As interdisciplinary efforts evolve from mere cooperation to true integration, they create new knowledge structures and innovation paradigms that cultivate versatile, high-caliber talent," concludes Chen Yan. "We hope that through our AI courses, more young people will learn, apply, and innovate, enhancing their ability to shape the future."
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