Vector Institute Collaborative Specialization in AI

Artificial intelligence is a well-established branch of computer science concerned with methods to make computers, or machines in general, intelligent. More specifically an artificially intelligent system is one that can learn on its own from experience and derive implicit knowledge. Examples of commonly used applications that use AI include spam filters, Google’s gmail categorization into primary, social and promotion inboxes, product recommendations, and personal assistants (e.g., Alexa, Siri). On the horizon we see the promise of AI in early diagnosis of cancer, autonomous vehicles, Industry 4.0 and neuroscience. The techniques used in AI are as diverse as the problems tackled, ranging from classical logic to statistical approaches based on the model of the brain (deep learning).

The combination of large amounts of data (“big data”) from various sources (e.g., social media, sensor data, public data, medical data, business transactions, social media), advances in computing power, recent AI research and recent successes in using AI for real-world applications has  led to a growing demand  for AI knowledge and skills.    

To support the growing demand, the Department of Computer Science in conjunction with the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering (CSAI) offers the  Vector Institute Accredited Graduate Collaborative Specialization in Artificial Intelligence (CSAI).  This program enhances the education and research of a graduate student in one of the participating programs by adding a module to their program of study which will provide training in Artificial Intelligence (AI) with a strong focus on artificial intelligence methodologies and enabling technologies with applications in their core research area.  The student receives a degree from his or her home department program along with the annotation Artificial Intelligence.

The goals of the programs are: i) to provide an excellent foundation in the techniques and methodologies used in AI; ii) to encourage interdisciplinary actions in AI e.g., by fostering collaborative research; iii) to train students to recognize the broader ethical and social implications of AI.

Requirements

The courses to be taken have been organized as machine learning, advanced artificial intelligence which includes deep learning and the enabling technologies that allow for AI analysis.  Students are required to take the following courses: 

• The PHIL 9232B seminar course
• DS 9000: Intro to Machine Learning
• CS 9542: Artificial Intelligence II
• One of these courses:
  • CS 9635: Distributed and Parallel Systems
  • CS 9647: Unstructured Data
• For MSc thesis students the successful completion of thesis work in AI
• For MSc coursework students the successful completion of a directed study in AI

One of the co-Directors of CSAI can grant alternative choices.

Please note that the above courses can be counted to the MSc thesis and the MSc coursework options e.g., a student does not have to take these in addition to the course requirements for the MSc thesis and MSc coursework options.

Eligibility

Only full-time MSc students (thesis and coursework) in  Computer Science  are eligible to be considered for this program. Acceptance to the program to be approved by CS Co-Director.

Scholarships

The Vector Scholarships in Artificial Intelligence are merit-based awards that recognize top candidates pursuing AI-related studies in master’s programs recognized by the Vector Institute or who are following an individualized study path that is demonstrably AI-focused in Ontario, Canada. Scholarships will be awarded to students in both core technical programs and complementary fields such as business and health.

The Vector Institute awards scholarships to meritorious students who pursue a full-time AI-related master’s degree in the Province of Ontario. Scholarships are valued at $17,500 CAD for one full year of study.

The key dates are the following:

January 2, 2025    Launch of 2025-2026 VSAI Competition (all forms made available at this date)

March 1, 2025       Internal deadline for submissions

March 20, 2025     Deadline for receipt of nominations from university programs

Nomination forms can be found at https://vectorinstitute.ai/scholarship/

In order to be considered for a scholarship, candidates must have applied for entrance into a master’s program in an AI-related field at an Ontario University for the 2023-2024 academic year, meet the CSAI eligibility criteria, and supply necessary documentation to the Department of Computer Science. 

Please send completed applications to angie.muir@uwo.ca