Panaji: Goa University has introduced artificial intelligence as an elective for all postgraduate students from this academic year, in line with the National Education Policy 2020’s emphasis on industry readiness, critical thinking and creativity. The course will be open to students across disciplines, including science, languages and humanities, vice-chancellor Harilal Menon said.“We felt that offering AI as an elective subject would keep students updated with industry requirements. NEP based reforms in PG programmes were introduced by GU from 2021-22 and flexible curriculum and interdisciplinary learning is a part of the reforms,” said Menon, whose term ends this next month.Recently, Goa University began offering a two-year MSc programmes in artificial intelligence and data science. Last year, Goa University established an advanced artificial intelligence (AAI) laboratory on campus within its research park unit.Menon said Goa University began implementation of NEP in 2022, under which all its departments were reorganised into 10 schools as part of the academic restructuring. Research component has also been implemented as part of PG programmes at GU now under NEP, he said.“If a student has a cumulative grade point average of 7.5 after the first two semesters of his or her PG programme, the student can opt for research as part of the masters programme either in fourth semester or in both third and fourth semesters. The student gets a guide, under whom field work like collection of data or samples is carried out. They can carry out literature review, data analysis and can publish ,” said Menon.Earlier, this research component was available for few programmes, now under NEP it has been extended to all programmes, he said.Menon said that students also have an option to carry out this research component in any of the partner institutes of GU in other parts of India with whom the varsity has an MoU like IITM Pune and INCOIS Hyderabad.
