Purdue’s Engineering in the World of AI Learning Community brings together first-year engineering students & faculty who share an interest and enthusiasm for artificial intelligence (AI) and its applications in professional engineering practice.
Meet the teaching team
Courses
Students accepted into the learning community will take an exclusive, one-hour seminar course each semester: ILS 103 in the fall and ENGR 103 in the spring. You’ll also be in the same sections of ENGR 131 & 132, which are required for first-year engineering. Taking four classes together as a cohort is a great way to make friends, study in groups, and collaborate closely in design teams. Your academic advisor can help you register for these classes once you’ve been admitted and accepted.
ILS 103 – Introduction to Data Lifecycle Management
1 credit, fall semester – You’ll learn about different types of data in engineering, how to locate and evaluate data, the ethical use of data, and the basics of data management, analysis, representation, and archiving.
ENGR 103 – Applications of AI in Engineering
1 credit, spring semester – We’ll introduce the fundamentals of artificial intelligence, covering key concepts, methods, and terminology with a focus on engineering applications. Students will explore how AI is used across different engineering disciplines using real-world case studies. Through hands-on work with datasets, students will apply AI tools and techniques such as machine learning, data analysis, and generative design to solve practical engineering problems. No programming experience is required.
Living on campus
Students in the Engineering in the World of Data Learning Community have typically lived together in the mighty Shreve Hall. Your roommate will likely be a member of the community, too. Students who also belong to the Women in Engineering Learning Community may reside in either community’s hall.
Common questions
What exactly is a learning community?
Learning communities (LCs) are groups of students who are interested in a particular topic or share a major who live together in the same residence hall and often take one or more classes together as a cohort. Our LC is led by professors who engage students both inside and outside of the classroom through a variety of activities that are social, educational, and fun.
Are LC applications competitive?
Yes, we have a limited number of spots. We are looking for curious, motivated, first-year students across all engineering majors.
Is there more coursework involved?
Our community adds a one-credit hour class to your fall semester (ILS 103) and a one credit-hour class to your spring semester (ENGR 103). These sections are exclusive to the learning community.
Why should I join a learning community?
Purdue is a big place… over 57,000 students. Joining a learning community like ours will help you make friends and connect directly and personally with professors who share similar interests. Studies have demonstrated that students who participate in learning communities get better grades and report greater satisfaction with their university experience after graduation.
Plus we have a lot of fun – check out our LC’s Instagram to get a better idea of the kinds of experiences you can look forward to in our community!
Do I need to know how to write code?
No, we do not assume any programming experience for our courses, which are introductory. There will be a few, optional opportunities for experienced programmers to flex their chops in coding competitions.
Why should I care about AI?
According to the McKinsey Global Institute, AI will generate between $13 and $22 trillion value annually by 2033. AI is transforming every practice of engineering, reshaping how problems are solved and innovations are built. Proficiency with AI has become a fundamental competency expected of today’s engineering professionals.
What are some recent awards that have recognized Engineering in the World of AI and our faculty?
- Excellence in Teaching Award, Purdue University Libraries and School of Information Studies (Witt), 2024
- Exceptional Learning Community Event or Experience Award, 2023
- Book of Great Teachers (Witt), 2023
- Charles B. Murphy Outstanding Undergraduate Teaching Award (Witt), 2023
- Teaching Academy Fellow (Witt), 2023
- Learning Community Instructor Advocate Award, 2021 & 2023
- Award for Exceptional Teaching and Instructional Support during the COVID-19 Pandemic, 2021
- Frederick L. Hovde Outstanding Faculty Fellow (Witt), 2008
How do I join?
After you have been admitted to Purdue, you will apply for learning communities at the same time that you apply for on-campus housing.
Any questions about the Engineering in the World of AI Learning Community?
Email mwitt@purdue.edu.
