
IIT Madras expands AI education with new online courses, check details here
These new AI courses launched on SWAYAM Plus platform cater to diverse academic backgrounds without prior coding requirements.
Image from Wikimedia Commons The Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) has launched five innovative online Artificial Intelligence (AI) courses through its SWAYAM Plus platform. These offerings are part of a strategic effort to democratise AI education, making it accessible to a wide audience, including undergraduate and postgraduate students, as well as working professionals. These courses are available for free, though certification can be obtained for a nominal fee, and participants have until May 12 to enrol. The courses on offer include "AI in Physics," "AI in Chemistry," "AI in Accounting," "Cricket Analytics with AI," and "AI/ML using Python." Each course spans 25 to 45 hours and is designed to provide practical, hands-on learning experiences using real datasets and case studies. Importantly, no prior experience in AI or coding is required to enrol, making the courses suitable for a broad spectrum of learners. IIT Madras has structured these courses to cater to specific fields of study and interest. "AI in Physics" and "AI in Chemistry" explore the application of machine learning and neural networks to tackle complex problems in their respective disciplines. "AI in Accounting" integrates AI with traditional commerce practices, highlighting the role of automation. "Cricket Analytics with AI" offers insights into data analysis through the lens of real-life cricket statistics, while "AI/ML using Python" provides foundational training in AI concepts, Python programming, statistics, and optimisation. The SWAYAM Plus platform, an initiative by the Ministry of Education and operated by IIT Madras, offers these courses as part of its extensive catalogue of over 380 programmes. These are aimed at enhancing employment prospects across sectors such as engineering, IT, and hospitality. Prof. R. Sarathi, Dean (Planning) and SWAYAM Plus Coordinator at IIT Madras, confirmed that the courses align with the National Credit Framework, making them eligible for academic credits across universities. Eligibility for these AI courses is broad, encompassing students and faculty from various disciplines such as engineering, science, commerce, and arts, along with interdisciplinary studies. The only requirement is a basic level of digital literacy and an eagerness to learn. This initiative underscores IIT Madras's commitment to fostering AI proficiency among learners from varied educational backgrounds, providing them with the tools needed to thrive in an increasingly digital world.

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