Technology continues to shape our world – each day more than the one before it. From the smartphones we use to the sophisticated AI-driven machines we encounter, technology is ever-present and has the potential to shape our future in unknown ways. It is, therefore, crucial for all young learners to have a solid foundation in technology education, as this will not only enhance their career prospects but also their ability to contribute positively to society.
At Rishihood University, we believe technology education to be ‘horizontal’ and not a ‘vertical’. The concept of horizontal technology education refers to a model of education that provides foundational training to all learners in critical aspects of technology, irrespective of their academic disciplines. This approach recognizes that technology is not only a tool for engineers, computer scientists, or data scientists but also has become an essential aspect of modern society, impacting every industry and profession.
The proposed foundation training for learners consists of four key pillars:
Learners will study current and emerging technology trends, including the potential implications of these trends on various aspects of society. This includes topics like blockchain, quantum computing, artificial intelligence, gene editing, and the Internet of Things (IoT).
Learners will study the historical and cultural context of technology, including how it has shaped society and how society has shaped technology. This includes understanding the evolution of technologies like the printing press, the telephone, the internet, and social media and the impact they had on shaping society and the world.
Learners will study the fundamentals of programming, including coding languages, algorithms, and data structures. They will also learn about computational thinking, which is a problem-solving technique that uses algorithms and abstraction to approach complex problems.
Learners will study how to apply technology to scale solutions, particularly those aimed at creating social impact. This includes understanding how to use emerging technologies to create innovative solutions and enterprises that address societal challenges, such as poverty, healthcare, climate change, livelihoods, and education.
By providing learners with foundational training in these four key areas, we aim to equip learners with the necessary knowledge and skills to be tech-savvy and understand the potential of technology in shaping the future. This will not only help learners to become more competitive in the job market, but also enable them to contribute positively to society, by applying technology in innovative and impactful ways.
We list 8 courses of 3 credits each (total 24 credits) that will together comprise the Computer Science minor at Rishihood. This will be offered to all undergraduate students at Rishihood. We believe that together these courses should fulfill the learning objectives we have listed above.
Computer Science Minor at Rishihood (8 courses X 3 credits = 24 credits)
We list 8 courses below that together comprise the Computer Science Minor for undergraduate students at Rishihood. The broad course outlines are shared to give a sense of the topics covered. Each bullet point roughly corresponds to 1hr of the content.
Course Description:
This 3-credit undergraduate course will explore the complex interplay between technology and society. Students will examine the history of technology, technological revolutions, and the role of technology in shaping social, economic, political, and cultural aspects of society. Through lectures, readings, case studies, and discussions, students will gain a deeper understanding of how technology both drives and is both driven by societal needs and values.
Course Outline:
Week 1: Introduction to Technology and Society
Week 2: The History of Technology
Week 3: Technological Revolutions
Week 4: Technology and Social Change
Week 5: Technology and the Economy
Week 6: Technology and Politics
Week 7: Technology and the Environment
Week 8: Technology and Culture
Week 9: Ethical Considerations in Technology
Week 10: Future of Technology and Society
Course Description:
This 3-credit undergraduate course will provide students with an understanding of cutting-edge technologies, their applications, and their potential impact on society. Through lectures, readings, case studies, and discussions, students will explore technology trends and analyze the implications of emerging technologies for various industries and society as a whole. The course will foster critical thinking skills and prepare students to adapt and thrive in a rapidly changing technological landscape.
Course Outline:
Week 1: Introduction to Emerging Technologies and Trends
Week 2: Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
Week 3: Robotics and Automation
Week 4: Internet of Things (IoT) and Edge Computing
Week 5: Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering
Week 6: Virtual and Augmented Reality
Week 7: Blockchain and Cryptocurrencies
Week 8: Renewable Energy and Energy Storage
Week 9: Quantum Computing
Week 10: Preparing for the Future of Emerging Technologies
Course Description:
This 3-credit undergraduate course aims to introduce students to the fundamental concepts and techniques of computational thinking and apply them to real-world problem-solving. Students will learn to approach problems from a computational perspective, using algorithms, abstraction, decomposition, pattern recognition, and evaluation. The course will include hands-on activities, case studies, and group projects to foster critical thinking, collaboration, and creativity.
Course Outline:
Week 1: Introduction to Computational Thinking
Week 2: Problem Decomposition
Week 3: Pattern Recognition
Week 4: Abstraction and Modeling
Week 5: Algorithm Design and Development
Week 6: Basic Data Structures and Control Structures
Week 7: Algorithm Evaluation and Optimization
Week 8: Recursion and Divide-and-Conquer
Week 9: Searching and Sorting Algorithms
Week 10: Applying Computational Thinking to Real-World Problems
Course Description:
This 3-credit undergraduate course aims to provide students with an introduction to programming as a meta-skill, focusing on the mindset and problem-solving techniques employed by programmers. Students will learn how to think like a programmer without writing code themselves. The course will cover topics such as problem decomposition, algorithm design, abstraction, and optimization. Students will engage in hands-on exercises, group discussions, and projects to develop their critical thinking, logical reasoning, and problem-solving skills.
Course Outline:
Week 1: Introduction to the Programmer’s Mindset
Week 2: Problem Decomposition
Week 3: Algorithm Design and Pseudocode
Week 4: Abstraction and Modeling
Week 5: Pattern Recognition and Generalization
Week 6: Logical Reasoning and Critical Thinking
Week 7: Optimization and Efficiency
Week 8: Error Handling and Debugging Techniques
Week 9: Collaborative Problem-Solving and Communication
Week 10: Applying the Programmer’s Mindset to Real-World Problems
Course Description:
This 3-credit undergraduate course aims to provide students with a beginner-friendly introduction to artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning, with a focus on understanding the core concepts, techniques, and real-world applications without the need for advanced mathematics. Students will explore the fundamentals of AI and machine learning, such as supervised and unsupervised learning, and learn about practical applications in areas like natural language processing, computer vision, and recommendation systems. Through hands-on exercises, interactive discussions, and group projects, students will gain a solid foundation in AI and machine learning.
Course Outline:
Week 1: Introduction to Artificial Intelligence
Week 2: Demystifying Machine Learning
Week 3: Supervised Learning: Regression and Classification
Week 4: Unsupervised Learning: Clustering and Dimensionality Reduction
Week 5: Natural Language Processing (NLP)
Week 6: Computer Vision and Image Recognition
Week 7: Recommendation Systems
Week 8: Ethics and Bias in AI and Machine Learning
Week 9: AI in the Real World: Challenges and Opportunities
Week 10: Course Wrap-up and Reflections
Course Description:
This 3-credit undergraduate course aims to provide students with an understanding of building startups by applying artificial intelligence. Students will learn about AI applications, APIs, and how to use them to build technology startups. The course focuses more on entrepreneurial thinking and leveraging AI technologies for business purposes rather than software development. Through case studies, guest lectures, hands-on projects, and interactive discussions, students will gain the practical knowledge and skills needed to start and grow AI-driven businesses.
Course Outline:
Week 1: Introduction to Artificial Intelligence for Entrepreneurs
Week 2: Identifying AI Opportunities and Market Needs
Week 3: AI-driven Business Models and Value Propositions
Week 4: AI APIs and Platforms for Entrepreneurs
Week 5: Building MVPs with AI Technologies
Week 6: Scaling AI-driven Startups and Overcoming Challenges
Week 7: Marketing and Sales Strategies for AI-driven Startups
Week 8: Funding and Financial Management for AI-driven Startups
Week 9: Building a Strong AI-driven Startup Team
Week 10: Course Wrap-up and Final Presentations
Course Description:
This 3-credit undergraduate course aims to provide students with an understanding of how technology can be used for the social and public good. Students will explore various initiatives and projects that have utilized technology to address social, environmental, and economic challenges, and make a positive impact on society. Through case studies, group discussions, guest lectures, and hands-on projects, students will learn about the role of technology in addressing global issues and will develop the skills to design and implement their own technology-driven solutions for the social good.
Course Outline:
Week 1: Introduction to Technology for Social and Public Good
Week 2: Digital Inclusion and Accessibility
Week 3: Open Data and Civic Technology
Week 4: Technology for Education and Learning
Week 5: Technology for Health and Well-being
Week 6: Technology for Environmental Sustainability
Week 7: Technology for Economic Development and Financial Inclusion
Week 8: Technology for Disaster Response and Humanitarian Aid
Week 9: Ethical Considerations and Responsible Innovation
Week 10: Designing and Implementing Technology Solutions for Social Good
Course Description:
This 3-credit undergraduate course aims to provide students with an understanding of the interface between public policy and technology. Students will explore the role of government and public policy in regulating technology and addressing its impact on society. Through case studies, group discussions, guest lectures, and hands-on projects, students will learn about various aspects of technology policy, such as privacy and data protection, intellectual property rights, digital inclusion, and the ethical implications of emerging technologies.
Course Outline:
Week 1: Introduction to Public Policy and Technology
Week 2: Privacy and Data Protection
Week 3: Intellectual Property Rights and Technology
Week 4: Digital Inclusion and Accessibility
Week 5: Cybersecurity and National Security
Week 6: Technology and the Future of Work
Week 7: Regulation of Emerging Technologies
Week 8: Technology and Environmental Policy
Week 9: International Cooperation and Technology Policy
Week 10: Developing Effective Technology Policies
Register your interest with our 3-step selection process-
1
Online Application
2
Aptitude Test
3
Personal Interview
