There is a tremendous world-wide interest in the development of the theory and application of artificial intelligence (AI) and related techniques both in tertiary institutions and in industry. This paper presents a brief survey of overseas AI teaching programs together with a review of the teaching program in the University of South Australia. In addition, post-graduate projects undertaken by the Knowledge-Engineering Systems Group (KES), and sponsored by the Defence, Science and Technology Organisation (DSTO), are discussed. These involve expert systems, neural networks, fuzzy logic and genetic algorithms. It is shown by using a classical exclusive-OR problem that it is useful to use hybrid techniques which offer fast convergence in optimization problems. Although much of this work is still at an early stage, sufficient progress has been made to demonstrate the merit of using AI and related techniques to help create solutions to these problems. >

Hybrid connectionist systems in research and teaching

Development of an Expert Systems course for electronics studentsIn 1986, ‘Expert Systems’ was first offered to Computing and Information Systems students. Over time, Business, Management, and Engineering students elected to take this subject. In 1991, ‘Electronic Design with Expert Systems’ was specifically created for Electronic Engineering students. The evolution of both subjects and the lessons learned are discussed.

Development of Expert System Course for Electronic Engineering Students

Hybrid Connectionist Systems Research and Teaching in

The interdisciplinary Master of Science program in Artificial Intelligence at the University of Georgia is intended to prepare students for careers as developers of artificial intelligence applications or for further graduate work in artificial intelligence or related areas. The program includes foundational courses in computer science, linguistics, logic, philosophy, and psychology as well as specialized courses in artificial intelligence programming languages and techniques. Seminars emphasize knowledge-based systems, natural language understanding, and logic programming. Students are admitted to the program with degrees in many areas including business, computer science, education, linguistics, philosophy, and psychology. A liberal undergraduate education with some previous experience in computing is desirable. It normally takes two years to complete all prerequisites, all required courses, and the thesis.

M.A. Covington

Papers

The Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence Program at the University of Georgia