The vision of the Department of Computer Science (DCS) is to become a leading institution both regionally and internationally in the field of Computer Science. To advance this vision, the DCS offers a Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Artificial Intelligence (AI) program. This program is designed to equip students with in-depth knowledge and specialized skills in AI, an area that is rapidly transforming industries and driving innovation across sectors. Through this program, students will engage with machine learning algorithms, data analysis, and ethical considerations in AI, preparing them to address complex challenges and contribute to advancements in this dynamic field.

To earn a Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Artificial Intelligence (AI), a student must complete a total of 122 credit hours according to the requirements outlined in the table below.

The structure of the BSc. in Artificial Intelligence Degree Program

Program Educational Objectives (PEOs)

Within a few years after graduation, graduates of the computer science program at Sultan Qaboos University will be able to use the knowledge and skills acquired from their academic program to attain some of the following accomplishments.

• PEO1: Become successful computer science professionals and practitioners who can interact and collaborate effectively in various work environments

• PEO2: Engage in ongoing lifelong learning and be able to pursue graduate studies at respectable universities.

• PEO3: Contribute productively to the IT needs of the society, be socially responsible, and become mature societal leaders locally and globally. 

Student Outcomes (SOs)

The Computer Science program at SQU enables the students to achieve at the time of graduation the following student outcomes:

• SO1: Analyze a complex computing problem and to apply principles of computing andother relevant disciplines to identify solutions.

• SO2: Design, implement, and evaluate a computing-based solution to meet a given set of computing requirements in the context of the program’s discipline.

• SO3: Communicate effectively in a variety of professional contexts.

• SO4: Recognize professional responsibilities and make informed judgments in computing practice based on legal and ethical principles.

• SO5: Function effectively as a member or leader of a team engaged in activities appropriate to the program’s discipline. 

• SO6: Apply computer science theory and software development fundamentals to produce computing-based solutions.

Admission to the Artificial Intelligence Major

To apply for a major in the College of Science BSc programs, the students need to complete LANC2058 and 3 introductory science courses. The students who want to major in the proposed BSc program in Artificial Intelligence should satisfy the following requirements:

Dr. Farha Al Kharousi

 (Office#: 209, Tel. Ext: 2228, e-mail: farha@squ.edu.om)

The new B.Sc. in Artificial Intelligence student must complete a total of 122 credits over the span of 8 semesters (4 academic years) after the Foundation Program; out of which 54 credits are Major Requirements and 18 credits are Major Electives. The other 50 credits are distributed into University Requirements (6 credits), University Electives (6 credits), College Requirements (3 credits), College Electives (16 credits), and Department Requirements (10 credits) and Department Electives (9 credits). Graduates from the proposed program will be awarded the degree of Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence. 

The degree plan & degree audit can be downloaded by clicking on the following links:

Course Descriptions

COMP2101     Introduction to Computer Science 

4 Credit Hours         

Prerequisite: (FPCS0101, FPEL0560) or (FPCS0102, FPEL0560) or (FPCS0101, FPEL0600) or  (FPCS0102, FPEL0600) or (FPCS0101, FPEL0601) or (FPCS0102, FPEL0601) or (FPCS0101, FPEL0602) or (FPCS0102, FPEL0602).

This course introduces some fundamental topics in computer science. This includes numbering systems, data representation, problem solving and algorithm design. Furthermore, the course includes the study and practice of basic programing concepts such as data types, variables, arrays, selection, repetition, data files and functions.

COMP2202      Fundamentals of Object Oriented Programming

3 Credit Hours  

This course introduces the concepts of object-oriented programming (OOP) and object-oriented-design (OOD). The course addresses the following topics: Abstract Data Types (ADTs), Classes, Objects, Inheritance, Polymorphism, Exceptions, and Memory Allocation. On Completion of this course students should be familiar with OOP principles and be able to implement them using an object oriented programming language.

COMP3203      Introduction to Data Structures and Algorithms

3 Credit Hours  

This course introduces the basic data structures, and algorithms for processing data. It emphasizes how to specify, use, and implement Abstract Data Types (ADT). The course also covers algorithm complexity analysis techniques. Topics covered include ADTs (e.g. lists, stacks, queues, trees, hash tables), and basic sorting, and searching algorithms.

• Summer Training

The students need to undertake a department approved practical training on an IT-related topic in a government or private institution in Oman. The training will take place during the normal summer teaching period. A training supervisor from the institution should be assigned. The student is expected to submit a report and the supervisor is expected to submit a statement of student performance.

1. Summer Training Course (COMP4445)

• Required degree course by cohort 2008 and above
• Performed in IT-related department at private/public employers
• Pass/Fail grade
• Conducted during summer time (June-September)
• Duration: minimum of 6 weeks
• Cannot overlap with other degree courses
• Done only once

2. Summer Training Benefits

• Get exposed to real-world
• Build relation with industry (Job Market)
• Get exposed to new technologies
• Others…

3. Entry Requirements

• Completion of 80 credits (on 122 CH plan)
• CGPA of 2.0 or above
• Majoring computer science
• No other degree course is possible with conjunction of Summer Training

4. Completion Requirements

• Spending minimum of 6 weeks (full-time; 5-days a week, 5-7 hours a day; expected total training hours:  150)
• Submission of Training Appraisal Form (TAF)
  • Must be filled, signed & stamped by the training center
  • To be submitted one week after the training ends
• Submission of Training Feedback Report (TFR)
  • Individual report to be written and submitted by each student
  • To be submitted one week after the training ends

        e.  Summer Training Life Cycle

             f. Training Places

The following are the training places in the previous years.

• Eidaad Internship Program

Eidaad is an optional training program that is managed by the Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation with the association of the Oman job market. The program aims to narrow the gap between Industry and Academia and to establish an Internship that lasts for one academic year so that students can engage in a longer period of applied learning.

This program provides an opportunity for university/college students with a year of valuable experience, which will give the graduate an edge when they enter the real world after their studies. The students who are successful through the selection process will be designated as Interns and they will embark into a one-year internship at the chosen industry and will resume their final year studies to complete the remaining credits at the campus to graduate in their chosen field of study.

EIDAAD program will be substituted in the Computer Science program with two major elective courses:  COMP5591 (0 credits) and COMP5592 (6 credits). More details about the Eidaad internship program is provided in the following links:

• Eidaad Training Program
• Student training