Module-1: Introduction to AI and
Applications
VTU Course Code: 1BAIA103/203
By: Maruthi S T
Hour 1: What is AI?
• Definition of AI
• Everyday examples
• Activity: Share AI experiences
• Demo: ChatGPT
Explanation:
AI refers to the simulation of human intelligence in machines. Start with simple, relatable
examples such as YouTube recommendations, Google Maps navigation, Alexa voice
assistant, and ChatGPT. Engage students by asking where they’ve personally used AI.
Conclude with a small demo to make it real.
Hour 2: History of AI & Applications
• Timeline from 1950s to present
• AI winters and recoveries
• Success stories: Deep Blue, Watson, Siri
• Discussion
Explanation:
Explain the journey of AI: Alan Turing’s ideas, the boom in the 1960s, AI winters caused by
limitations, and resurgence through Machine Learning and Deep Learning. Highlight
landmark achievements such as IBM Deep Blue defeating Kasparov. Ask students why AI
failed earlier (lack of data, limited compute power).
Hour 3: Types of AI
• Weak AI vs Strong AI
• Reactive Machines
• Limited Memory
• Theory of Mind
• Self-awareness
Explanation:
Differentiate narrow AI (chatbots, assistants) from general AI (hypothetical human-level
intelligence). Explain reactive machines (like chess engines), limited memory (self-driving
cars that remember past data), and future AI concepts like theory of mind and self-
awareness. Group activity helps categorize real-world examples.
Hour 4: AI vs Human Intelligence
• Components of Intelligence
• Comparison: Human vs Machine
• Mini-debate
Explanation:
Cover perception, reasoning, learning, and problem-solving as components of intelligence.
Compare human strengths (creativity, empathy) vs AI strengths (speed, accuracy). Run a
small debate to encourage critical thinking: Can AI ever truly think like humans?
Hour 5: Machine Intelligence Basics
• Augmented vs Cognitive Computing
• Basics of ML & DL
• Analogy
• Demo
Explanation:
Introduce augmented intelligence (AI assisting humans) and cognitive computing (AI
mimicking human thought). Simplify ML as machines learning from examples, like a student
learning from practice problems. Use Google Teachable Machine demo for visual impact.
Hour 6: Agents & Environments
• Definition of agent & environment
• Sensors & Actuators
• Example: Self-driving car
• Activity
Explanation:
Explain that agents perceive through sensors and act using actuators. Use a self-driving car
as an example: sensors (cameras, LiDAR), actuators (steering, braking). Activity: Ask
students to design a ‘Campus Cleaning Robot’ and list its sensors, actuators, and
environment.
Hour 7: Search in AI
• State, Actions, Goal
• Uninformed vs Informed Search
• Greedy Best-First Search
• Activity
Explanation:
Introduce search as problem-solving. Uninformed search explores blindly, informed search
uses heuristics. Greedy Best-First chooses the node closest to the goal. Activity: Solve a
maze puzzle manually, then discuss how AI would solve it using heuristics.
Hour 8: Knowledge Representation
• Definition
• Types: Declarative, Procedural, Semantic, Episodic
• Knowledge-based agent
• Recap quiz
Explanation:
Knowledge representation allows AI to reason. Declarative (facts), procedural (how-to),
semantic (meaning), episodic (experiences). Example: Medical diagnosis system using rules
and facts. Wrap up with a quiz for reinforcement.