From Discrete Mathematics to AI

applications:
A progression path for an undergraduate
program in math
Abdul Huq
Middle East College of Information Technology, Sultanate of
Oman
huq@mecit.edu.om
and
Narayanan T. Ramachandran
Middle East College of Information Technology, Sultanate of
Oman
narayanan@mecit.edu.om
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Approaches to AI

Can be approached in different ways..

AI as a branch of Computer Science
AIs strong links with Math
May be thought of as Applied Math
Clarification of Theoretical issues

AI and Math

The term AI has its roots in Math

Dominant role played by Mathematicians in
the establishment of CS disciplines:
Introduced by John McCarthy,Prof. of Math,
Dartmouth College
There are Math departments with AI Groups
Use of technology in traditionally strong
Mathematical subjects
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Proposed approach

Math
Modules

Computer
Science
Modules

Discrete Math
and Logic
Formal
Specification
Automata &
Formal Lang.

Three essential aspects

fundamental
concepts of AI

computational language concepts

that support AI and

applications of AI

Component mapping with essential

aspects

fundamental
concepts of AI

computational language
concepts
that support AI and

Expert
System

applications of AI

Discrete Math and Logic

Automata & Formal Lang.

Formal Specification
Prolog

Natural
Lang.
Proces
sing

Automatic
Theorem
Proving

Robotics

Discrete Math

Data Structures
Discrete Structures
- Sets
- Sequences
- Relations

Logic

Propositional Logic
Predicate Logic
Logics of higher order
Fuzzy Logic
Useful in Knowledge Representation
There are researchers who consider logic as
the most important factor in developing
strategic, fundamental advances
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VDM

A formal specification language

Specifies what needs to be done
rather than how it is to be done
Based on predicate logic
Useful in program development and proving
correctness of programs

Prolog

Based on predicate logic

A logic programming language
Automatic Theorem Proving
Developed into a general purpose
programming language for AI applications

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Key Features

Ensure a firm understanding of the basic tools and techniques that

are required for AI applications
Instill knowledge in a spectrum of related subjects
Encourage Creativity in the process of developing solutions to a
variety of problems
Provide opportunities to convert complex scenarios into various
solvable parts and identify a solution from a list of known options
Increase ability to search for solutions
Develop computational skills that are needed in the industry
Develop the ability to reason logically, analytically and critically
Ensure that there is clear understanding of the role of AI specialists
Provide the necessary skills to appreciate different AI concepts, their
use and rationale

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Categories of modules

Fundamentals
Computation
Applications
General Education
Additional Modules
Projects

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Categories of modules :Fundamentals

Graph Theory
Combinatorics
Discrete Math
Logic
Operating Systems
Operations Research
Introduction to AI

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Computation

Categories of modules :

Data Structures
Algorithms
Formal Specification
Prolog
Theory of computation

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Applications

Categories of modules :

Pattern Recognition
Expert Systems
Natural Language Processing
Automatic Theorem Proving
Robotics
Machine Intelligence
Human Computer Interaction
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Categories of modules :General

Education

English
Biology
Philosophy
Pyschology

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Additional Modules

Calculus
Mathe. Statistics
Numerical Methods
Hardware Networking
Systems Software
Computer Architecture
DBMS
Physics
Computer vision
Fuzzy set &fuzzy logic
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Structure of the programme

Four year/8 semester

15 weeks/sem
No. of modules??
Credit points??
Exit points??

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Pedagogy

Group work
Task based
Effort based
Individual effort
Self study
Blend of theory and practice
Exposure to real life problems
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Learning outcomes of the

programme
On completion of the programme, student will be
able to:
Formulate AI problems Mathematically
Apply standard Mathematical methods
Write code to implement solution procedures
Search for information in tackling advanced
problems
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