What is an AI Engineer?

An AI Engineer develops AI software, using simple regressions, complex deep learning and state-of-the-art reinforcement learning models. But this program goes further than developing AI Models: you develop a full backend and API to convert the power of AI into an innovative solution and learn the ins and outs of deploying your solution in an agile manner. Unique courses like “AI For Healthcare” show how to apply your skills in a specific context.

So if you want to be a data scientist with excellent software skills, a full stack AI Software Engineer or an innovative data Engineer this ET autumn semester/year is a great start.

NOTE: The courses for this English-taught semester come from 2nd-year modules for the Bachelor of Creative Technology and AI (CTAI).

This programme is only available in English.

Howest - Bachelor Creative Technologies & AI

What makes this semester unique?

IoT and machine learning are the driving forces of the fourth industrial revolution that is rapidly transforming the world as we know it today.
This will inevitably lead to a (nature) shift in the labor market. Many (repetitive jobs) will be taken over by AI applications.
There will be enormous opportunities for IT professionals with knowledge of machine learning who can integrate smart algorithms and system.
In hands-on sessions you’ll acquire the advanced software skills you must master (e.g. containers, Linux…) as an AI Engineer.
The courses for this English-taught semester come from 2nd-year modules for the Bachelor of Creative Technology and AI (CTAI).

Prerequisites

Prerequisites for Exchange Students

Minimum 2 successfully completed semesters or an equivalent of 60-ECTS as part of a Bachelor in Computer Science. In this semester programme, prior knowledge and experience is mandatory.

Prerequisites for All Students

Statistics:

Being familiar with the following statistical concepts:

Central tendency: mean, median, mode
Variability: variance, standard deviation
Probability distributions: binomial distribution, poisson distribution and the normal distributions
Correlation (of bi-variate data)
Simple linear regression
Doing simple predictions on time series: moving average, exponential smoothing

You can find online courses as a refresher e.g. Online course

Python programming (for data science):

Having basic Python programming knowledge:

variables
Python lists & dictionaries
conditions: if statements
loops
Python functions

You can find online courses, e.g.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rfscVS0vtbw

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_uQrJ0TkZlc

Being able to use some data science libraries in Python:

Pandas
Numpy
Matplotlib
Online course

Project management experience is recommended (not mandatory) e.g. WBS, SCRUM, Waterfall, …

All students need to bring their own laptop. We review our laptop requirements annually to ensure they match the software and tools used in the program. Based on this evaluation, we publish updated specifications for the upcoming academic year. These recommendations help students choose a device that meets the demands of their coursework. You can use your preferred operating system: Windows, Linux or Mac OS X.

More details about minimum requirements for laptops can be found on https://www.howest.be/en/hardware?diploma=57&opleiding=523

The course overview mentions any specific software necessary for the course unit. Howest applies a very strict policy on the use of legal software.

Click here for Howest language expectations.

Course overview autumn

Find the course unit descriptions for this programme (course catalogue) here. (select: TAAL: English - OPLEIDING: 2ba Creative Technologies and Artificial Intelligence MCT ENG - ACADEMIEJAAR: current academic year)

To ensure full engagement, you need to attend all classes of the AI ETS (Fundamentals, Intermediate, or Advanced) you select. Therefore, combining classes from different AI ETS in your learning agreement is not permitted. Remember that a semester's workload is capped at 30 ECTS. If you wish to take an optional course of the list below, you'll need to remove another course to stay within this limit.

Deep Learning (6ECTS)

The deep learning module continues where the machine learning module has stopped, namely in the neural networks. Applications include natural language processing and sentiment analysis.

Reinforcement Learning (6ECTS)

This module teaches you how to build AI agents that learn through experience. Reinforcement learning is a type of machine learning where AI models are trained to make optimal decisions within an environment. By interacting with a 3D simulation, you'll learn to develop AI models that can learn from the outcomes of their actions and make data-driven choices.

Cloud Services (6ECTS)

In Cloud Services, the first steps towards Azure cloud are taken. You explore the different possibilities and what cloud services have to offer. You will learn how to use Azure to create a cloud solution for your IoT project.

Big Data (6ECTS)

Big Data & AI is all about exploring the different big data storage systems and how to set them up and use them. From ElasticSearch as a famous NoSQL Search Engine storage, over to InfluxDB, one of the best TimeSeries database systems currently in use. By learning how to properly and quickly transform data for the different database systems, you prepare the best environment for AI.

Team Project (6ECTS)

In Team project, you will work together with other students to deliver a working AI-project in combination with a multitude of other additions created by your colleagues.

Basic Dutch for Exchange Students (3ECTS) - optional course

Through short, lively lesson units, you will learn basic Dutch grammar along with typical expressions and introductory vocabulary to help you during your stay in Kortrijk and Flanders. This language course is complementary to the Strong Belgium Stories lessons and gives additional insights into Flemish and Belgian society and culture.

This course is optional.

Strong Belgium Stories (6ECTS) - optional course

Learn about Belgian storytelling through key themes (heritage, arts, EU, sports, chocolate & beer) explored with international journalism students. The course includes visits, expert insights, and assignments linking tourism and journalism to Belgian culture. Please note that this course costs between 150 and 170 euro extra for travel and tours. All excursions are required.

This course is optional.

Course overview spring

To ensure full engagement, you need to attend all classes of the AI ETS (Fundamentals, Intermediate, or Advanced) you select. Therefore, combining classes from different AI ETS in your learning agreement is not permitted. Remember that a semester's workload is capped at 30 ECTS. If you wish to take an optional course of the list below, you'll need to remove another course to stay within this limit.

Advanced AI (6 ECTS)

This module explores advanced applications of AI, including computer vision, natural language processing (NLP), generative neural networks, belief networks, and MIMO systems.

Beyond data-driven machine learning, we will study and implement reinforcement learning and deep reinforcement learning. These systems learn through trial and error to maximize rewards, finding applications in robotics, process optimization, games, self-driving cars, and recommendations.

Finally, we will delve into optimization and simulation techniques to enhance the performance of your AI algorithms.

Back-end Development (6 ECTS)

Creating an API for AI models requires some knowledge of Backend Development. By connecting multiple systems together using API’s we can easily query AI models and complex databases and give information back to different interfaces.

3D Programming (6 ECTS)

Learn how to work with the 3D game engine Unity, taught by the award-winning school of Digital Arts and Entertainment. Knowledge of Unity is necessary to create XR interfaces in combination with AI data and models.

Data Visualisation (6 ECTS)

More info to follow

Industry Project (6 ECTS)

In this module, you'll collaborate in a team on a real-world AI project commissioned by an external client. While the core focus is AI, the project may involve elements of Web development, XR (Extended Reality), and Infrastructure. You'll also partner with Dutch students from the regular MCT bachelor program to deliver a solution that meets the client's needs.

Machine Learning & AI (6 ECTS) - optional module

IoT and machine learning are driving the fourth industrial revolution, automating jobs and creating IT opportunities in smart algorithm integration. Understanding algorithm functionality for selection, training, evaluation, and tuning is crucial.

This course is optional.