The new hurrah: Creating a fundamental rôle for artificial intelligence in the computing science curriculum

Abstract

This paper outlines why artificial intelligence (ai) topics should assume a more prominent rôle in the discipline of computing science. Moreover, an argument is presented for considering ai as the cultural foundation for computing science. Key ai topics are discussed, as well as the importance of the laboratory component. Emphasis is placed on what could be done in the laboratory and in courses “outside” the ai course to reinforce the central concepts. A proposal is made that, given the importance of this material, the core topics should be required for students in mathematics, science and engineering, in addition to those in computing science.