Program director Matti Karppa and Niklas Broberg, Department Head of Education, discuss the ideas behind the program.
"The program has two different tracks: AI and computer science"
'The new international program places a strong emphasis on advanced mathematics,' says program director Matti Karppa. 'This is an education aimed at deep expertise in AI and computer science – not a fast track. The reason we set the bar this high already at the bachelor’s level is simply that you will need this grade of mathematical competence to reach the next level in AI.'
Questions for Matti Karppa:
Why a new international bachelor’s program?
'The program responds to a job market where AI is reshaping the entire field. Today’s students need in-depth knowledge of advanced computer science to develop true expertise in AI.'
'The intended target group is students aiming for a demanding education with significant depth of knowledge, where mathematics and analytical thinking play a central role from day one. After the first year, the program offers two tracks for students to choose from: AI and Computer Science.'
'We are launching a bachelor’s program with this focus mainly because we saw that it was actually missing in the region. There are for example master’s programs with an AI focus at both the University of Gothenburg and at Chalmers, but many students seem to lack solid prior knowledge. Students need a sufficiently deep and fundamental competence in AI and computer science, both for working life and for further studies.'
'One aspect we have wanted to highlight in our program is ethics and AI from a societal perspective, which runs as a common thread throughout the entire education. Students are expected not only to master various technical methods in computer science and AI, but also to understand how these technologies affect people, organizations, and society as a whole.'
'The decision to make the program international is largely based on our positive experience with the international bachelor’s program in Software Engineering and Management. That program has existed for over 20 years, attracts many applicants, and has successfully drawn talented students from all over the world. We hope this program might be just as successful!'
Niklas Broberg on the content in the new program:
'The entire first year of the Bachelor’s program in Computer Science and AI is the same for all students, regardless of their intended specialization. Students take mandatory courses in programming and mathematics. This also includes a couple of courses from the two future specializations, allowing students to explore both tracks and gain a clearer idea of what to choose in year two.'
'In year two, students choose a specialization: the AI track or computer science. About half of the courses are mandatory for both tracks, with a focus on advanced mathematics for the AI track, while the computer science track is oriented toward more traditional computer science.'
'Year three consists of elective advanced courses, where students can also take courses from the track they did not choose in year two. There are also opportunities for international exchange studies during this academic year. The program concludes with a bachelor’s thesis.'
'For students who had planned to apply to the national BSc program in Computer Science ("Datavetenskapligt program") which will be discontinued in 2027, the two tracks ensure that the education can still be pursued within the “Computer Science” track.'
