Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) is helping prepare post-secondary students for artificial intelligence in the workforce through a new partnership with the Alberta Machine Intelligence Institute (Amii).
Joining Amii's AI Workforce Readiness (AIWR) program, KPU faculty are helping develop accessible learning resources that introduce students to applied AI across disciplines. The new initiative, supported by Google.org, brings together Canadian post-secondary institutions to equip students with foundational AI literacy skills and tools for their studies and future careers.
"At KPU, we're committed to preparing our students with the skills and tools needed to thrive in an evolving workforce," says Dr. Amy Jeon, Associate Vice-President, Academic pro tem. "Artificial intelligence is changing how work gets done and is becoming an increasingly important part of many industries. Rather than replacing the value of human insight and creativity, AI can serve as a powerful tool that enhances the work students will do throughout their careers."
"This program is recognizing a gap in the university system -- especially within smaller institutions -- where our programs are lacking that AI and machine learning training," says KPU biology instructor Dr. Nick Inglis. "In fields like biology and health sciences, it's becoming clear that nearly every career path students pursue will involve AI in some way."
As part of the initiative, Inglis has helped develop a curriculum package for biology and health sciences students, titled AI in Computational Biology.
The curriculum explores practical, real-world applications of machine learning tools, such as image analysis tools to detect plant diseases based on images of infected leaves, and even malaria from microscopic images of blood; analyzing gene expression data to distinguish cell types; and exploring genetic patterns across populations.
"We want to introduce machine learning tools and ideas in a way that isn't intimidating to someone who doesn't know any math or computer science. They can use and understand the tools without needing to know everything happening under the hood."
The package also discusses how to critically evaluate the output accuracy of each of the AI tools explored and assess if adjustments are needed. Bias and ethical considerations are also covered, including how data limitations can affect AI accuracy and fairness in healthcare and research.
The curriculum is designed to be utilized throughout a student's academic journey -- with introductory exposure in first year and more advanced applications for upper-level courses.
KPU journalism instructor Chad Skelton is also contributing to a curriculum package. Currently in development, the curriculum will focus on how journalists can use AI in their research, including analyzing large datasets and document collections.
For more information on the initiative, visit Amii's AI Workforce Readiness page.
