Engineering is not limited; it is beyond the study of forty-five subjects in eight semesters, a moral study of cerebral concepts. Thadomal Shahani Engineering College, in Bandra West, Mumbai, is one of India’s most prestigious engineering colleges. As Dr G. T. Thampi, the Principal of this institute, described, its comprehensive curriculum was designed to shape students into adept solution builders in electronics, programming, and mathematics and master the concepts of AI and Machine Learning.
In the first year, students are introduced to the fundamental pillars of basic electronics, programming, mathematics, and physics. This foundational year aims to provide them with a firm footing in mathematical formulations of physical systems and essential problem-solving through logical thinking. It lays the groundwork for electronics.
In the second year, the curriculum deepens its focus on electronics with subjects like Digital Logic Circuits and Microprocessors. These courses empower students to understand the inner workings of digital electronic systems and create hardware solutions for digital technologies. Additionally, students are introduced to Discrete Mathematics, Data Structures, Algorithm Analysis, Database Management, and Operating Systems, equipping them with tools to tackle complexity and understand the fundamentals of digital databases. Extensive laboratory work in JAVA and Python programming languages explores their possibilities.
In the third year, students face a diverse set of courses, including Computer Networks, Web Computing, Artificial Intelligence, Data Warehousing & Mining, and Statistics for Artificial Intelligence & Data Science. Soft skills are honed through courses like Business Communication and Ethics-II, with practical experience through data-related projects and labs.
By the final year students study a comprehensive set of subjects designed to transform them into proficient solution architects. These subjects encompass cutting-edge areas like Deep Learning, Big Data Analytics, Natural Language Processing, and AI for Healthcare. Additionally, they delve into User Experience Design with Virtual Reality, Blockchain Technologies, Game Theory for Data Science, Quantum Computing, and more. Two major projects serve as the pinnacle of their education, ensuring they are well-prepared to excel in various fields, including finance, banking, and social media analytics.
Staying at the Forefront Through Collaboration
Dr G. T. Thampi discussed the institution’s proactive approach to AI education and skill development.
Thadomal Shahani Engineering College is committed to AI education, which began in 2015 by offering extensive training programs to staff members with postgraduate qualifications in computer engineering and information technology. A significant number of these staff members were encouraged to pursue AI-related topics for their doctoral research, fostering expertise within the college.
To stay in the avant-garde of AI advancements, the college actively collaborates with startup companies. Through these partnerships, they identify areas that require strengthening and work towards reducing skill gaps between academia and industry practices.
Furthermore, Thadomal Shahani Engineering College promotes continuous learning by offering refresher courses and training programs for both students and faculty members. They also emphasize the importance of Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) to ensure that their educational community matches well with the recent developments in Artificial Intelligence.
It shortens the gap between academic and industry perspectives to prepare students for the rapidly evolving field of AI.
Projects and Initiatives related to AI and Machine Learning
At Thadomal Shahani Engineering College, students at the graduate level engage in a wide-ranging spectrum of projects that harness the cutting-edge potential of artificial intelligence (AI). These projects span from healthcare, where reinforcement learning aids in synthetic dataset utilization, to the development of Large Language Models (LLMs) for Marathi language chatbots, and the creation of generative AI-driven Excel macros.
Students delve into the realms of cybersecurity prediction, interactive art generation using GANs, and Fintech solutions. They also work on enhancing productivity in sectors like the automotive industry and sales and marketing through AI applications.
At the Ph.D. level, the focus shifts to advanced research, including intelligent robotic process automation, CRM services powered by AI, air quality forecasting, and the optimization of 6G networks. These projects exemplify the college’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of AI’s transformative potential across various domains.
Promoting Hands-On Experiences
Thadomal Shahani Engineering College has invested significantly in its laboratory infrastructure, providing students with access to high-performance computing resources, including Mac and HP machines equipped with GPUs, as well as essential software tools like MATLAB and Python. The college focuses on practical learning, making mini projects and major projects compulsory components of the curriculum.
Furthermore, it actively encourages graduating students to pursue internships in the field of Artificial Intelligence, enabling them to develop hands-on competencies in various AI applications. The results are evident in the impressive placements achieved by students, with renowned companies like JP Morgan Chase & Co, Deutsche Bank, Oracle Financial Services Software, Marwardi Shares, TIAA India, and Deloitte USI & India offering competitive packages, underscoring the college’s commitment to nurturing talent and making students industry ready.
Thadomal Shahani Engineering College offers specialized tracks and concentrations within the dynamic field of AI and Machine Learning. These specialized tracks include natural language processing, computer vision, and robotics. Students are not only introduced to the intricacies of natural language processing and the design and implementation of chatbots (conversational AI) but are also immersed in computer vision and image processing. The college is also diligently cultivating competencies in Robotic Process Automation, with a focus on creating efficiencies that contribute to environmentally sustainable human activities.
This forward-looking initiative, initiated three years ago, aims to produce accredited and esteemed alumni by 2025. Moreover, the institution actively monitors emerging literature in the AI and related technology domains, facilitating the adaptation of cutting-edge practices that can revolutionize business processes and governance.
Thadomal Shahani Engineering College remains dedicated to equipping its graduates with nascent and transformative technologies, fostering behavioural change, and championing the cause of creating a carbon-neutral and equitable society for the sustainable future of humanity on Earth.
Empowering Student Engagement
Thadomal Shahani Engineering College has forged valuable collaborations with magnificent companies like Futurepreneur Tech Pvt. Ltd, Salins Technologies Pvt. Ltd, and Quantiphi, illustrating its commitment to nurturing innovation and industry readiness. Through these partnerships, the institution has implemented a flexible academic framework that empowers students to actively engage in specialized training programs.
Moreover, recognizing the importance of cloud services and the need for access to cutting-edge tools and equipment in AI and ML, the college extends financial support to students, ensuring they can harness these essential resources.
One distinguishing aspect of the college’s approach is its appreciation for students who exhibit not only intellectual prowess but also emotional integrity. It places a premium on mathematical proficiency, recognizing that a strong foundation in this discipline is fundamental to success in AI and ML. Furthermore, it values students with a natural aptitude for algorithmic problem-solving and demonstrate competencies in approaching challenges with a thoughtful architectural mindset.
These collaborative efforts and the cultivation of multifaceted skills underscore the college’s dedication to preparing students who are not just academically accomplished but also equipped to thrive in the ever-evolving landscape of AI and ML, making a positive impact on the industry and society at large. Thadomal Shahani Engineering College remains committed to nurturing a generation of well-rounded, forward-thinking professionals.
Diverse Learning Journey
Thadomal Shahani Engineering College’s journey through innovation and excellence in engineering education culminates in a vision of producing well-rounded professionals equipped to lead in the dynamic world of AI and ML. By fostering a flexible academic environment, promoting hands-on experience, and nurturing collaborations with industry leaders, the college not only bridges the academic-industry gap but also nurtures future problem solvers and solution builders. With a strong commitment to ethical values, sustainability, and cutting-edge technology, the institution prepares graduates to make a meaningful impact in the ever-evolving landscape of AI, contributing to a better, more equitable world.
