University of Abuja

Centre for Artificial Intelligence

CURRICULAR

International Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Embedded Artificial Intelligence

Introduction

The International Master of Science Program in the Field of Embedded Artificial
Intelligence (M.Sc. EmbeddedAI), jointly funded by the Erasmus+ program of the European Union (EU), is a collaboration involving three European universities - University of Siegen (USI), Kungliga Tekniska Högskolan (KTH), Alpen-Adria-Universität Klagenfurt (AAU) - and five Nigerian universities - (University of Port Harcourt (UPH), University of Abuja (UoA), Michael Okapra University of Agriculture Umudike (MOU), Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATB), and Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU).

EmbeddedAI is designed to equip Nigerian students with the latest digital trends, improving employability and entrepreneurship. It is also meant to help Nigerian Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs) engage with various EU HEIs and cultural backgrounds to promote globalisation and technology growth based on their preferences and expectations.

For years, Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been at the top of the technology must-watch list for evolving trends and applications. With the ability to build smart machines that simulate human intelligence, the implications for technological advancement across numerous sectors are endless. Over the past several years, an important shift has occurred from cloud-level to device-level processing of artificial intelligence tasks, data and results. Embedded AI is one direct consequence of the shift to edge computing. Embedded Artificial Intelligence (AI) applies machine and deep learning in software at the device level.

The use and application of embedded AI are vast, as seen in automating processes, providing advanced analytics and business insights, and improving customer service, among numerous other benefits. The application of Embedded AI cuts across several industries such as agriculture, aviation, finance, healthcare, manufacturing, retail, shipping, and supply chain.

The embedded AI skillset is particularly useful for promoting entrepreneurship, where young people are equipped with the complete competence to realize new products that utilize artificial intelligence. Digitalization is identified as the most extended and significant technological development in all sectors of the Nigerian economy. Embedded AI will allow Nigerian HEIs, industries, and entrepreneurs to utilize data to facilitate economic growth.

Philosophy    

The philosophy of EmbeddedAI is to establish an international Master of Science program in the field of embedded Artificial Intelligence with key specialization in embedded systems and a strong emphasis on industrial involvement, which includes application domains for agriculture, healthcare, telecommunication, and manufacturing. It includes establishing a corresponding curriculum with well-defined rules for admission, evaluation, teaching methodologies, certification awarding, and accreditation. In addition, EmbeddedAI aims to use AI and related technologies as an opportunity to create and reinforce diversity. The key to this will be to facilitate and promote the skills development of diverse people and make concerted efforts to level the playing field for women and other minorities in the industry.

Objectives

The objectives of the program are to:

i.               Equip Nigerian students with the latest digital trends, improving employability and entrepreneurship.

ii.              Train and develop manpower for Embedded AI industries and opportunities.

iii.            Develop Embedded AI Solutions in relevant fields: Agric, Medicine, oil & Gas, Energy, Power, etc.

iv.            Foster cooperation and collaboration among Nigerian universities.

v.              Address unemployment and boost international collaboration for the Nigerian universities.

Admission Requirements

In addition to satisfying the School of Postgraduate Studies regulations for higher degrees, candidates seeking admission for the M.Sc. Embedded AI Program must have the following qualifications:   

1. Five O/Level credit passes including English, Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry.
2. A Bachelors’ degree with at least a Second Class Lower (2:2) classification or equivalent in any of the   Engineering  fields or  Physical Sciences (e.g.,  Computer Science,  Mathematics, Statistics, Physics,  Information Technology, etc., or related fields).
3. Candidate with an upper credit pass in the Postgraduate diploma would also be considered.

Mode of Study and Duration

The Mode of study shall be Full Time

The duration shall be a minimum of three semesters and maximum of six semesters, that is, minimum of 18 months and maximum of 36 months.

Good Standing

Any student who fails in any course, shall repeat such a course or do a resit. A student whose cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) falls below 2.5 at the end of 2 consecutive semesters shall be required to withdraw from the programme.

Graduation Requirements:

To be awarded the M.Sc. in Embedded AI, a candidate must have taken and passed the prescribed number of Compulsory and Elective Courses selected from the approved list, and totalling 42 units. This is in addition to the dissertation which carries six (6) Units, totalling forty two (48) Credit Units as follows:

Core Courses                                      24

Elective Courses                                 18

Dissertation                                           6

Total                                                   48

Course assessments shall be at the end of every semester. The minimum pass score in any course shall be  50% (C); continuous assessment shall constitute not less than 30% of the examination for each course.