The Department of Artificial Intelligence (AI) Engineering is one of the leading departments in the College of Engineering at the University of Zakho (UoZ). It will be established in September 2024 to help the local community with the current shortage of AI engineers. The first batch of students will be enrolled for 2024-2025.

Artificial Intelligence Engineering (AIE) is a rapidly advancing field with great potential to shape the future of technology. We are firmly committed to imparting innovative and high-quality technical education at the undergraduate level in this emerging discipline.

Our faculty and staff are dedicated to educating students in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning to prepare them for modern society. With AI's potential to create millions of jobs, our engineering degree course focuses on understanding machine learning model development and applying AI-based software solutions effectively. This equips students to build intelligent machines, software, and applications.

Besides the advanced computer laboratories at UoZ College of Science, Jazari Research Center (JRC) established, by Dr. Ismail and other colleagues in UoZ, is an interdisciplinary research center for interrelated disciplines aiming at a comprehensive understanding of real-world problems toward collaborative research-based solutions and applications in the domain of human-computer-interaction for applications in both Computer Science and Cognitive Psychology. Additionally, Cisco Networking Academy center provides students with the fundamental knowledge in the field of information and communication technologies. For more information about JRC see the following links.

https://jazarirc.uoz.edu.krd/people/    and  https://jazarirc.uoz.edu.krd/projects/

AI department prioritizes academic excellence and AI-based solutions for real-world business problems. We encourage students to broaden their understanding and nurture their personality and soft skills. Our AI department fosters robust industry-institute collaborations to enhance student's employability skills and practical industry exposure, bridging the gap between academia and industry and equipping them with the necessary knowledge for future careers.

Our AI and Machine Learning program offers students the opportunity to benefit from the expertise of distinguished university members. With their extensive knowledge in AI, machine learning, and related fields, these professors provide personalized mentorship, guiding students through complex projects and research initiatives. Students can collaborate on cutting-edge research, leveraging their insights to explore advanced topics such as deep learning, computer vision, and natural language processing. Additionally, regular workshops and seminars led by these experts ensure that students stay updated on the latest advancements in the field. This close interaction with experienced professors deepens students' technical understanding and helps them build strong academic and professional networks within the university.

To qualify for a bachelor's degree from the College of Engineering, students must acquire 3300 hours (over eight semesters). The Department offers a B.Sc. program in AI Engineering and, in the future, a two-year M.Sc. and a four-year Ph.D. program.

Mission

Preparing outstanding engineers in the field of artificial intelligence (AI) engineering and its applications, as well as creating engineering graduate students with professional and scientific qualifications that can compete in the job market.

• To facilitate students with latest hardware, software technologies and technical expertise.
• To inspire and nurture creativity amongst the students.
• To make the students industry ready and inculcate entrepreneurship skills.
• To enrich students’ technical skills for finding innovative solutions to societal needs.
• Cultivate a research and continuous learning culture, empowering students to contribute to the global AI community.
• Promote interdisciplinary learning by integrating AI with other fields, such as healthcare, robotics, and environmental science, enabling students to apply AI solutions across diverse sectors.

·       Vision

·       In order to meet the needs of the industrial and societal sectors, the department must strive to become a leader in artificial intelligence engineering, both locally and regionally, and in education, scientific research, and community service. It must also provide an environment that is both stimulating and encouraging for students to learn in, and keep up with the rapid advancements in this vital field of engineering.

Objectives

1.     Giving students the scientific and technical information and abilities that improve their ability to compete in the job market

2.     Equipping graduate students with advanced scientific and professional skills to work in organizations that develop and deploy AI-based applications.

3.     Improving artificial intelligence developers' capacity for logical and analytical thought.       

4.     Fostering, assisting, and expanding the student's capacity for artificial intelligence research.

5.     Offering top-notch theoretical and applied artificial intelligence programs that meet worldwide criteria for academic excellence.

6.     Apply the knowledge of mathematics, computer science, and engineering to provide realistic solutions to the problems in their domain.

7.     Exhibit technical skills to analyze, design, and develop solutions for engineering issues by using innovative methods, cutting-edge tools, and techniques.

8.     Apply professional practices and ethical principles and improve communication skills to enhance the career avenues.

9.     Display a thirst for emerging technologies and curiosity to tackle societal and environmental needs.

Job description

According to the Engineers Union in Kurdistan, students will graduate with a bachelor's degree in artificial intelligence engineering and be registered as junior engineers. Our specialized engineering degree course has been designed to enable students to build intelligent machines, software, and applications by leveraging machine learning, analytics, and visualization technologies in most of local industries and organizations. In addition, they can enter careers in information and communication technology, cybersecurity and network automation. Graduates will also be well-equipped to pursue roles in data science, AI research, and system architecture, contributing to advancements in AI-driven solutions across multiple sectors.