Computer Science Course

Welcome to the cutting-edge Computer Science Course at the Adelaide Robotics and Computer Science Academy (ARCSA), a transformative journey in Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence. This course is tailored for students who aspire to be at the forefront of technological innovation and digital security. The curriculum offers an in-depth exploration of AI’s capabilities and critical cybersecurity skills, preparing students for the challenges of tomorrow’s technology landscape.

Students can join the Computer Science Course based on experience. Admission to the Advanced Course is only possible through two distinct pathways:

Upon graduation from the Robotics Course or
Upon passing a test designed to demonstrate a solid understanding of Python, JavaScript, HTML and CSS programming languages. The test can be organised by request, Monday to Friday, after 6 pm.

In the Artificial Intelligence component, students will embark on an adventure through the ever-evolving world of AI. From the fundamental principles of machine learning to the advanced concepts of deep learning, the curriculum is designed to spark curiosity and foster innovation. Students will explore various AI applications, such as computer vision, project management, and disaster resilience. Practical projects will range from face recognition systems to intelligent surveillance, offering hands-on experience with real-world implications.

Students will engage in interactive learning experiences throughout the course, blending theoretical knowledge with practical application. The curriculum emphasises the ethical implications of technology, preparing students to use their skills responsibly in various industries. This course cultivates technical proficiency and fosters critical thinking, problem-solving, and moral decision-making.

Upon completing the Computer Science course, students will possess a robust foundation in AI and Computer Science. This program is not just an educational experience but a stepping stone to a future filled with opportunities in the ever-growing fields of technology and digital security.

Each year, we organise excursions to places of significant technological and scientific interest to broaden our students’ understanding and inspire them in their educational journeys. In the past, we have visited esteemed institutions such as the Tonsley Innovation District, Flinders University, BAE Systems, Line Zero (Factory of the Future), the Royal Adelaide Hospital, Hamilton Space School, Fleet Space Technologies, and the Defence Science and Technology Group (DSTG). These visits have been immensely beneficial in providing our students with real-world insights and practical experiences that complement their academic pursuits. The experiences enhanced their theoretical knowledge and offered valuable career insights for our older students who are contemplating their future professional paths.

Scholarships are now available for eligible students enrolled in ARCSA programs, covering tuition costs of up to 50-100% of the annual tuition. Open to current students, with priority given to girls and families demonstrating need and commitment, these scholarships make our robotics, coding, and AI courses even more accessible.

Join us at the ARCSA for an enlightening and empowering journey in Computer Science, where innovation meets security and students become the architects of tomorrow’s digital world. Let’s explore, learn, and create together! You can book a Course on the Enrolments page!

Artificial Intelligence

AI encompasses a diverse range of forms and applications. Despite its pervasiveness in our daily lives, we often use AI without realising it. Currently, AI has advanced to the point where it can perform tasks such as driving cars, engaging in conversation, creating written content, producing art, composing music, and even writing computer programs. However, the question remains whether AI will eventually surpass human intelligence and become more human-like. Additionally, the concept of AI achieving sentience raises questions about its potential superiority over humans. Finally, the changing role of robots in society is a topic of debate, as they have evolved from mere tools to potential companions.

What is AI?

The use of AI has both positive and negative impacts on society. On one hand, algorithms used by platforms such as Facebook and YouTube have led some users to consume dangerous conspiracy theories and become radicalised. Additionally, AI-curated content on Instagram has been linked to instances of self-harm among teenage girls. On the other hand, machine-learned suggestions from companies like Google, Netflix, and Spotify can limit users to a limited selection of options, creating an echo chamber. HR software that only selects resumes with specific degrees and skill sets can also perpetuate biases in the hiring process. The increasing use of data in AI highlights its value as a resource, often referred to as the “new oil.”

There are also many positive examples of AI in use today. For instance, email filtering helps to protect users from spam and scams by automatically sorting and blocking unsolicited messages. Autocorrect in word processing software similarly assists users by suggesting and completing words as they type. Chatbots provide a convenient way for online users to communicate and receive quick responses to their questions by mimicking human conversation. These are just a few examples of how AI can enhance and simplify our daily lives.

This educational program is designed to teach advanced students various aspects of Artificial Intelligence and its applications. The curriculum is structured into seven levels, each focusing on a different part of AI. The comprehensive curriculum covers a wide range of topics in Artificial Intelligence, providing students with the skills and knowledge they need to build practical solutions and commercialise their ideas.

How do we use AI in class?

Commercial Applications

In this Module, the students develop practical solutions they can commercialise, such as clothing virtual measurement tools, retail traffic counters, custom object detection (i.e. suspicious luggage detector or weapons detection), Augmented Reality (AR) virtual glasses try-ons, car counters, customer engagement (face emotion), license plate recognition, OCR (text extraction), face mask detector, personal protection equipment (PPE) detection, drowsiness detection, intruder detector, face attendance, blink counter, multiple choice questions (MCQ) automatic grading and more.

Project Management and Disaster Resilience

In this Module, students learn to program robots and drones using programming languages like Python, JavaScript, Node-RED, and OpenCV. They utilise these skills to solve complex challenges in various scenarios that require innovation, adaptability, and teamwork. Additionally, they learn about Project Management and Disaster Resilience by simulating challenging missions and war room strategy games.

Computer Vision

In this Module, the Advanced students learn Computer Vision with OpenCV and build practical applications such as face tracking, line following, object monitoring, document scanner, OCR, Instagram and Snapchat filters, virtual mouse, virtual painter, money counter, vesture volume control, barcode/QR code scanner, intrusion detection, digital signatures, ArUco markers, etc.

Machine Learning

In this Module, advanced students learn Machine Learning and work on building applications such as face recognition, intelligent body monitoring (including body poses and gestures), dashboard cameras, drowsy driver detection, lane detection for vehicles, attendance management systems, people counting, surveillance, and security systems, among others. They will also learn how to use single/multiple linear regression, as well as polynomial regression, to train an AI model to predict data (such as COVID-19), classify waste, recognise faces, and more.

Deep Learning

In this Module, students take the next step toward deep learning with the PyTorch framework and TensorFlow library. They study neural networks and build projects such as X-ray analysers, obstacle avoidance systems for cars, AI-powered personal gym trainers, and more.

Web Apps

In this Module, the students learn how to deploy real-world Computer Vision solutions to the web. Nowadays, developers can create fantastic computer vision projects. Still, they often struggle to convert them into commercially viable products that can be sold because their apps require attractive graphical user interfaces (GUIs). Therefore, we decided to teach the students web development using HTML, CSS and JavaScript so they can create web apps.

UI and UX

In this Module, the students will continue to study the principles of good design and user experience to create web apps that are not only functional but also user-friendly. They will also learn to use the latest tools and techniques to capture, process, and interpret visual data.

iOS & Arduino Computer Vision Mobile Apps

In this Module, students learn to create AI mobile apps, including Augmented Reality (AR), QR code detection, face detection, document scanning, colour detection, and object detection.

Game Development

In this Module, students learn how to develop games for Windows and macOS. The course covers the fundamentals of game development, including scene management, creating graphical interfaces and animations, adding physics to the game, and more.

Natural Language Processing

In this Module, the students develop AI bots for educational purposes. They learn how to use Bag of Words, Word2Vec, RNNs, LSTMs, Neural Machine Translation, Attention Mechanisms, Transformers, GPT Models, Nano GPT, and advanced GPT customisations to create projects such as

E-commerce Chatbot: Design a bot that assists users in product selection, answers FAQs, and processes orders
Resume Parser: Build a Natural Language Processing system that extracts key details from resumes, aiding HR in shortlisting candidates
Customer Support Bot with Memory: Develop a chatbot that not only answers queries but remembers past interactions, providing a seamless experience for returning users
Topic Modelling Tool: Implement a Natural Language Processing system that can scan vast amounts of text and categorise content into distinct topics, aiding in content analysis and organisation
Conversational AI for Healthcare: Develop a chatbot that provides primary medical advice, books appointments, and answers health-related queries
Sentiment Analysis Tool: Create a program that analyses customer reviews and detects their sentiment, be it positive, negative, or neutral
Voice-Activated Virtual Assistant: Integrate Natural Language Processing with voice recognition to create a virtual assistant that can perform tasks like setting reminders, sending emails, or answering questions
News Summariser: Create a Natural Language Processing tool that reads lengthy news articles and provides concise, coherent summaries, keeping users informed in less time
Event Booking Chatbot: Design a bot that helps users discover events, book tickets, and get event details, all through natural language interactions

Other Projects

In this Module, the students develop various projects using a combination of Computer Vision and Machine Learning, such as:

Interactive educational world map using Computer Vision
Smart city using software for traffic management (detect and predict), intelligent parking monitoring, and automated waste classifier
Video conference with face recognition using a real-time database) and anti-spoofing software
Visual money counter
Automated hand sign language (ASL) detector/reader
Gesture-controlled sound level on a computer
Virtual mouse

Our Computer Science Course is a continuous program built on an evolving curriculum, regularly updated to reflect the latest in coding, AI, and technology. Students are constantly learning the most relevant and future-ready skills.

Sailing through Programs, Steering towards Dreams!

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