Science in the Age of Artificial Intelligence
FYSEMR 51C
Subject & Catalog Number
Course Information
Description
Science is focused on discovering and explaining the world around and within us. This has been its goal for hundreds of years and has produced astonishing breakthroughs from population genetics to general relativity, to plate tectonics. Artificial intelligence is touted as a tool for learning about a complex system in ways that humans can’t and has seen exceptional progress in natural language processing and image identification. In this seminar we explore the emerging linkages between scientific inquiry and artificial intelligence.
The central goal of this seminar is to question the classical role of the scientist as a creator of theories and consider how scientists may become interpreters of theories developed by AI. We do this by developing an understanding of how AI systems actually work (they’re astonishingly simple), explain recent success cases, and then consider how we may (or may not) rebuild science in an AI-first manner. Examples will be drawn from the earth and planetary sciences as well as the life sciences.
NOTE: Recommended Preparation - High school calculus and/or computer programming would be extremely useful.
Class Notes
First-Year Seminars are available only to first-year students. You may apply to both Fall 2026 and Spring 2027 First-Year Seminars via the FYS lottery between July 6 and August 6, 2026 at 11:59PM-midnight.
You may apply to as many seminars each term as you would like, but we recommend you apply to at least six in fall and three in spring.
As part of your application, you must provide a brief statement on why you are interested in each seminar. You will be notified of lottery results for both fall and spring seminars at 5 pm on August 11. If you are unsuccessful in the lottery, you may still join any seminar with open seats. A list of open seminars and instructions on next steps will be available on the First-Year Seminar Program website August 11 at 12 Noon.
Not Available for Cross Registration
