Mr. Nagaraja Hebbar N is the Head of the AI & DS Department at Srinivas Institute of Technology. He has done M.Tech (NIE) and Ph.D. He has around 17 years of work experience in the teaching field. His areas of expertise include Embedded Systems, Image Processing, Machine Learning, and Data Analytics. He has published ten papers in national and international journals. 

Srinivas Institute of Technology

What is the latest program that you are offering in your institute/dept. which will help students outperform and stand apart from the crowd?

We offer industry-standard internships from experts that bridge the gaps in the curriculum. We also offer a one-week duration of hands-on training in demanding subjects.

What are the factors that make this program the best for the students to opt for?

High demand for skilled professionals, highly paid Engineers such as Data Scientists, Machine learning Engineers, AI Researchers, AI and DS bled various disciplines such as Statistics, Mathematics, and Computer Science.

What will you say are the “best practices” in the course you’re offering?

Students will develop projects in each semester of their study. This gives practical knowledge of the subjects they learn. Students use real-data sets for their projects, exposure to live projects, and use practical tools and software, Students can discuss ideas, share insights, and collaborate on projects. We regularly collect feedback from students about the course content, structure, and teaching methods. Use this feedback to make improvements for future iterations of the course.

What are some valuable insights into the program that you are offering at your institute/dept.?

Some of the valuable insights include an updated curriculum, well-balanced theory and practical, inclusion of practical part for each subject, placement training from well-known experts, and global certification. Students are encouraged to participate in hackathons which are organized by the college and in other colleges. This improves the technical skills of the students.

How does the program ensure that students are being prepared for the future?

Strong foundation in core concepts, algorithms, and methodologies that underpin AI and Data Science. Incorporate opportunities for students to explore emerging technologies Introduce students to cutting-edge technologies such as deep learning, reinforcement learning, and AI ethics. Engage students in projects that simulate real-world scenarios.

Check Srinivas Institute of Technology Placement

How did you train yourself/faculty to deliver this program to the students?

We encourage faculty members to attend FDP in college and other colleges. This will help faculty members upgrade themselves. We also utilize online platforms such as NPTEL SWAYAM Course era courses in the related subjects – so that faculty will get practical knowledge while teaching such subjects to students. We also invite guest speakers from academia and industry to deliver lectures and share their experiences. We organize internal hackathons and workshops for faculty to work on AI and Data Science projects. 

How do you tend to build an industry connection with this program?

We build an industry connection by establishing partnerships with companies that offer internships to students. Internships provide hands-on experience and a chance for students to demonstrate their skills to potential employers. Our students get to work with industry partners on collaborative projects that students can work on as part of their coursework. We also organize field trips to companies working on AI and Data Science projects.

What were the challenges that you faced while inculcating this program into your curriculum?

Finding qualified faculty with expertise in AI and Data Science can be challenging due to the high demand for professionals in the field. Designing a curriculum that strikes the right balance between theoretical foundations and practical applications can be complex, and Accessing quality data for the project work. 

What are the types of projects that the students are working on through this program?

As students are in their second year, their project will commence after a year of their study.

What are the benefits and career options after pursuing an AI and Data Science course?

High demand for professionals in the field of AI and DS drives applications of AI and DS in domains such as health care, marketing, finance, technology, etc. Carrier options include Data Scientist, Machine Learning Engineer, Data Architect, Data Engineer, AI Researcher/Scientist. AI Ethics Specialist, AI Product Manager, AI Consultant Business Analyst, and Healthcare Data Analyst.