Dean of Western Caspian University, Associate Professor Naila Guliyeva gave an interview to AZERTAC
Dean of the School of High Technologies and Engineering of Western Caspian University, Associate Professor Naila Guliyeva gave an interview to AZERTAC about the integration of artificial intelligence technologies into the educational process at the higher education institution, current specialties and future plans.
The interview discusses the “Deep Tech Artificial Intelligence Research and Computing Laboratory”, innovative approaches at the university, technological development directions and goals set in the field of artificial intelligence.
Artificial Intelligence Teaching at Western Caspian University: Institutional Development and Future Plans.
Associate Professor Naila Guliyeva, Dean of the School of High Technologies and Engineering at Western Caspian University, provided detailed information to AZERTAC about the integration of artificial intelligence technologies into the educational process at the higher education institution, current specialties, and future plans.
She stated that the integration of artificial intelligence technologies into the educational process at the university is already at the institutional and development stage: “The "Deep Tech Artificial Intelligence Research and Computing Laboratory" has been established at the university. An interesting fact is that, like other laboratories, this laboratory is also provided with uninterrupted electricity through solar panels located on the roof of the university. Artificial intelligence is taught in relevant specialties, and regular lectures, seminars, and scientific-practical discussions are organized. The course systematically presents the fundamental concepts, application areas, ethical and legal aspects, and historical development stages of artificial intelligence. The teaching process is aimed at developing students' analytical thinking, problem solving, and practical application skills.
"In order to overcome the shortage of local specialists, cooperation is being carried out with foreign specialists. In the current academic year, the subject of artificial intelligence was taught to students by the world-renowned scientist, Professor Bassim Khan."
Our interviewee noted that currently, there is no independent artificial intelligence specialty in the classification of specialties at the bachelor's level of higher education approved by the relevant Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Azerbaijan. However, this field is widely taught within the framework of computer engineering, computer science and information technology specialties. In accordance with the university's strategic development plan, it is planned to create independent specialties or specializations or educational programs in artificial intelligence in the future stages.
"Artificial intelligence subjects are taught at both the undergraduate and graduate levels at the Western Caspian University's School of High Technologies and Innovative Engineering. At the undergraduate level, students are introduced to basic concepts, while at the graduate level, the teaching is more in-depth and specialized. In particular, expert systems and artificial intelligence are taught in the computer engineering and management information systems specializations," he added.
According to her, the "Deep Tech Artificial Intelligence Research and Computing Laboratory" provides students with the opportunity to work practically on artificial intelligence technologies. In the laboratory, students carry out projects in the areas of developing artificial intelligence and machine learning models, collecting and cleaning data, and other areas. A team of students has also developed an artificial intelligence platform that will work on a local network, adapted to the specific requirements of the university. Naila Guliyeva said that the university attaches special importance to improving the knowledge and skills of its teaching staff in the field of artificial intelligence. For this purpose, thematic lectures, seminars, training programs and events with the participation of international experts are organized. These programs serve to familiarize teachers with modern artificial intelligence technologies, methods and teaching approaches, as well as to integrate this knowledge into the teaching process.