AI in practice

Minor content 

The minor consists of two distinct, yet complementary tracks. The “AI for Everyone” track focuses on understanding, evaluating, and applying AI from a non-technical perspective, with the application domain of the participant as the starting point. The “AI for Image Data” track focuses on the design, development, and implementation of AI-based solutions, with a special focus (but not limited to) image data.

The “AI for Everyone” track is intended for students who want to:
• Explore what AI can (and cannot) do in their professional field
• Investigate how existing AI tools can improve work processes, decision-making, or creativity
• Analyze the impact of AI on organizations, users, and society
• Address ethical, legal, and societal implications of AI use

This track emphasizes research into impact, stakeholder interaction, and professional reflection. By the end of the minor, students have a broad overview of available AI tools and how these can be applied in their future profession. Continuous support is provided throughout the minor to help students to work on a research question that aligns with their interests. Students work with existing software tools, frameworks, and AI-based applications, combining research skills, creativity, and domain knowledge.

The “AI for Image Data” track focuses on the design, development, and implementation of AI-based solutions. It is aimed at students with an IT or strong technical background and is intended for students who want to:
• Learn how to approach and structure a new AI challenge
• Develop, train, and evaluate machine learning and deep learning models
• Validate and optimize AI performance using real-world datasets
• Program AI solutions using relevant libraries, frameworks, tools and high-performance computer hardware.
• Apply research methodology and document results in a technical manner

In this track, students work on applied research projects provided by external partners, together with experienced researchers. Projects are carried out using state-of-the-art lab facilities, such as hyperspectral cameras, embedded AI systems, and high-performance computing resources. By the end of the minor, students can develop, validate, and evaluate AI-based solutions for practical problems using appropriate tools and methodologies.

Structure of the minor

The minor is offered physically in Leeuwarden. It runs for a full semester (second semester, 30 EC), and is primarily taught in English. The minor starts with a shared kick-off phase, during which students build a common foundation in AI concepts and applied research.

Throughout the semester, students work individually or in small teams on real-life applied research projects together with external stakeholders. While each track has its own focus and indicators, students collaborate across tracks where relevant, reflecting the multidisciplinary nature of AI in Practice. Each students is supported by a supervisor (tutor).

This minor is closely connected to the research activities of the Professorship Computer Vision & Artificial Intelligence. Students are supervised by experienced researchers, and agile project management (e.g. SCRUM), Design Thinking, short prototyping cycles, and regular feedback moments are integral parts of the program.