From Discrete Mathematics to AI applications: A progression path for an undergraduate program in math Abdul Huq Middle East College of Information Technology, Sultanate of Oman huq@mecit.edu.om and Narayanan T. Ramachandran narayanan@mecit.edu.om

Approaches to AI Can be approached in different ways.. AI as a branch of Computer Science AI’s strong links with Math May be thought of as Applied Math Clarification of Theoretical issues

AI and Math The term AI has its roots in Math Dominant role played by Mathematicians in the establishment of CS disciplines: Introduced by John McCarthy,Prof. of Math, Dartmouth College There are Math departments with AI Groups Use of technology in traditionally strong Mathematical subjects

Proposed approach Computer Science Math Modules Discrete Math and Logic Formal Specification Automata & Formal Lang.

Three essential aspects fundamental concepts of AI computational language concepts that support AI and applications of AI

Component mapping with essential aspects Discrete Math and Logic Automata & Formal Lang. Formal Specification Prolog fundamental concepts of AI computational language concepts that support AI and applications of AI Natural Lang. Processing Expert System Auto-matic Theorem Proving Robotics

Discrete Math Data Structures Discrete Structures - Sets - Sequences - Relations

Logic Propositional Logic Predicate Logic Logics of higher order Fuzzy Logic Useful in Knowledge Representation There are researchers who consider logic as the most important factor in developing strategic, fundamental advances

VDM A formal specification language Specifies what needs to be done rather than how it is to be done Based on predicate logic Useful in program development and proving correctness of programs

Prolog Based on predicate logic A logic programming language Automatic Theorem Proving Developed into a general purpose programming language for AI applications

Key Features Ensure a firm understanding of the basic tools and techniques that are required for AI applications Instill knowledge in a spectrum of related subjects Encourage Creativity in the process of developing solutions to a variety of problems Provide opportunities to convert complex scenarios into various solvable parts and identify a solution from a list of known options Increase ability to search for solutions Develop computational skills that are needed in the industry Develop the ability to reason logically, analytically and critically Ensure that there is clear understanding of the role of AI specialists Provide the necessary skills to appreciate different AI concepts, their use and rationale

Categories of modules Fundamentals Computation Applications General Education Additional Modules Projects

Categories of modules :Fundamentals Graph Theory Combinatorics Discrete Math Logic Operating Systems Operations Research Introduction to AI

Categories of modules :Computation Data Structures Algorithms Formal Specification Prolog Theory of computation

Categories of modules :Applications Pattern Recognition Expert Systems Natural Language Processing Automatic Theorem Proving Robotics Machine Intelligence Human Computer Interaction

Categories of modules :General Education English Biology Philosophy Pyschology

Additional Modules Calculus Mathe. Statistics Numerical Methods Hardware Networking Systems Software Computer Architecture DBMS Physics Computer vision Fuzzy set &fuzzy logic

Structure of the programme Four year/8 semester 15 weeks/sem No. of modules?? Credit points?? Exit points??

Pedagogy Group work Task based Effort based Individual effort Self study Blend of theory and practice Exposure to real life problems

Learning outcomes of the programme On completion of the programme, student will be able to: Formulate AI problems Mathematically Apply standard Mathematical methods Write code to implement solution procedures Search for information in tackling advanced problems