Developing a new low-barrier introductory course in AI

TitleDeveloping a new low-barrier introductory course in AI
Faculty/College/UnitScience
StatusActive
Duration1 Year
Initiation04/01/2026
Project Summary

Since large language models (LLMs) have become widely accessible to the public in the shape of chatbots such as ChatGPT, artificial intelligence (AI) and its effect on society have entered mainstream conversation. Equipping students with core AI competencies will prepare them to navigate and shape a world where this technology is increasingly ubiquitous. To achieve this, the Computer Science Department is developing AI 100, a first-year course that will be open to students from all UBC faculties. After introducing students to the technical and historical foundations of the field, the course surveys modern applications of AI, exploring their impacts, limitations, and likely futures. This TLEF will support innovative content development, implementation of inclusive pedagogy, and capacity-building for a large-scale delivery of the course.

Funding Details
Year 1: Project YearYear 1
Year 1: Funding Year2026/2027
Year 1: Project TypeSmall TLEF
Year 1: Principal InvestigatorGiulia Toti
Year 1: Funded Amount49,989
Year 1: Team Members

Giulia Toti, Associate Professor of Teaching, Computer Science, Faculty of Science
Kevin Leyton-Brown, Professor, Computer Science, Faculty of Science
Cinda Heeren, Professor of Teaching, Computer Science, Faculty of Science
Elham Khoda, Assistant Professor of Teaching, Computer Science, Faculty of Science
Hila Gonen, Assistant Professor, Computer Science, Faculty of Science
Parsa Rajabi, PhD Student, Computer Science, Faculty of Science
Stephan Koenig, Science Education Specialist, Computer Science, Faculty of Science