What are Intelligent Systems?
An intelligent system is a machine with an embedded, Internet-connected computer that has the capacity to gather and analyze data and communicate with other systems. Other criteria for intelligent systems include the capacity to learn from experience, security, connectivity, the ability to adapt according to current data and the capacity for remote monitoring and management.
Intelligent systems are technologically advanced machines that perceive and respond to the world around them. Intelligent systems can take many forms, from automated vacuums such as the Roomba to facial recognition programs to Amazon’s personalized shopping suggestions.
What 3rd level courses are available?
Universities and colleges in Ireland are offering courses in Intelligent Systems in the following subject areas:
- Higher Diploma in Science in Artificial Intelligence Applications – Develop knowledge, skill and competence to remain competitive and employable in the ever-advancing sector of Artificial Intelligence.
- Natural and Artificial Intelligence – Explore the creation of intelligent machines, taking in ideas from biology and philosophy as well as computing and technology.
- (MSc) Artificial Intelligence – This course is designed to meet the growing needs in AI throughout the workforce which will create added value and wealth to Irish businesses.
- Computer Science: Software Engineering – An introduction to the technical, methodological, organizational development of reliable software and information technology systems.
- Computer Science: Research – The aim of the research degree in computer science is to provide the student with an opportunity to carry out a significant body of research work with the support and supervision of senior academic researchers.
Studying Intelligent Systems
There are many courses in Intelligent Systems that may take place over a few days, weeks or even 1 year to 4 years depending on the course and modules selected. There are also part-time courses and night courses available so you can be sure to fit in your studies no matter what your schedule is like.
Courses will cover theory work through lectures, assignments, tutorials and taught modules. Assessments will take place on a continuous basis with written examinations and practical assignments combined in order to achieve a qualification.
You could also consider work experience or a work shadow in the industry. Getting a range of work experience in hardware, operating systems, software and team leadership will enhance your skills portfolio. Relevant work experience is a good way of demonstrating a genuine interest in the field and is regarded favorably by employers.
Work Experience will not only give you the opportunity to obtain a deeper knowledge and understanding of the industry, but it will also give you a chance to do some essential networking with other industry professionals and gain valuable contacts for the future.
Career options
After completing an Intelligent Systems course you will be able to get started in a career that uses specific knowledge of design, implementation and management of IT.
From games developer to manager of IT and communications services, you’ll have a range of opportunities open to you as a computer science graduate.
Currently, there is strong industry demand for people who understand intelligent systems technology and know-how to apply it to real-world problems. Graduates in this area can work in academia, national and government labs, and industry companies such as Google, Microsoft, Intel, IBM.
Common employers are IT consultancies and IT service providers. However, as most businesses rely on computers to function effectively, there are also opportunities within the IT departments of major organisations in sectors such as aerospace and defence, agricultural, financial services, healthcare, manufacturing, public and third sectors, retail and telecommunications.
Continuing professional development is especially important when you’re working with computers as technology and software develops at such a rapid pace.
Working hours will depend on whether you are self-employed, employed by a company with set business hours or if you are contracted to various businesses or companies. Working hours are typically 9am to 5pm. However, longer hours are often necessary towards the end of projects as deadlines approach, as well as during the testing stage so that systems can be tested when they’re not being used. In some cases, software engineers may be required to be on call to deal with problems. This can involve evening and weekend work in a shift pattern.
Related jobs include:
- Application analyst
- Applications developer
- Cyber security analyst
- Data analyst
- Data scientist
- Database administrator
- Forensic computer analyst
- Game designer
- Games developer
- Information systems manager
- IT consultant
- Software engineer
- Systems analyst
- UX designer
- Web designer
- Web developer
- IT sales professional
- IT trainer
- Nanotechnologist
- Network engineer
- Supply chain manager
- Telecommunications researcher
- IT technical support officer
- Penetration tester
Further study
After completing a course in Intelligent Systems you may choose to pursue further study in a specialist field to increase your knowledge base and skill set. Postgraduate study can also be used as a means to change career focus or to gain professional qualifications required to practise in certain career areas such as Computer science, Computer software, Computer systems engineering, Electronics, Information systems, Mathematics and Physics.
FAQ
What is the importance of Intelligent Systems?
An intelligent system has sophisticated decision-making processes and the ability to explain actions. The most important aspect of an intelligent system is its ability to effectively interact with humans to teach or assist complex information processing.
What are some applications of Intelligent Systems?
Intelligent systems are poised to fill a growing number of roles in today’s society, including:
- Factory automation
- Field and service robotics
- Assistive robotics
- Military applications
- Medical care
- Education
- Entertainment
- Visual inspection
- Character recognition
- Human identification using various biometric modalities (e.g. face, fingerprint, iris, hand)
- Visual surveillance
- Intelligent transportation
Where can I study Intelligent Systems?
Explore your options here
Did You Know?
- Google CEO Sundar Pichai has claimed that artificial intelligence (AI) will be more transformative to humanity than electricity.
- Productivity can be increased by 40% by using artificial intelligence, allowing people to spend their time more effectively.
- Deep Blue was the first AI robot, made in 1996. It was a chess-playing computer which won its first game against a World Champion on 10 February 1996.
- The best five countries for AI jobs are – China, the USA, Japan, the UK, and India.
- AI has shown to be better at detecting breast cancer than individual doctors, and just as good as double-reading – a diagnosis brought by two doctors.
- In 2020, Elon Musk predicted that AI will overtake humans and grow more intelligent than our species by 2025.
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