Columbia From Anywhere

A new series of short courses offers both executive overviews and deeper dives into fields ranging from quantum optics to epidemic modeling

Sep 30 2020 | By Jesse Adams | Photo Credit: Timothy Lee Photographers

Better COVID-19 testing, deep learning, clean energy—for anyone interested in better understanding the transformative technologies behind today’s headlines, Columbia Engineering has unveiled a new series of concise courses designed to succinctly break down big ideas in engineering.

When campus closed this spring and universities around the world abruptly shifted online, Columbia had a secret weapon: decades of experience delivering state of the art digital education through the Columbia Video Network (CVN), pioneers in distance education since the days of VHS.

As the pandemic continued, the School considered how best to leverage all that expertise, not only for conducting coursework online but to recreate the diversity and intellectual experience on campus—where as much is learned in talks and conversations outside the formal curriculum as within it. Consulting with faculty and the CVN team, Dean Mary C. Boyce and Senior Vice Dean Soulaymane Kachani launched a new program of online courses short in length—just three to seven hours—but long on utility.

So began the Short Courses, now a library of two dozen options spanning both intros and deeper dives into fields ranging from quantum optics to epidemic modeling, all taught by faculty experts. Through a series of videos, assignments and self-assessments, users can absorb a wealth of information at their own pace and convenience.

The content debuted for students and the Class of 2020 over the summer, drawing over 1,700 enrollees (and counting) averaging three courses a piece. Popular choices have included applying deep reinforcement learning to robotics from Matei Ciocarlie of mechanical engineering and an introduction to central banking and foreign exchange from David DeRosa of industrial engineering and operations research.

“Machine learning, artificial intelligence, and robotics are important parts of the cultural conversation right now,” says Ciocarlie. “These courses highlight the exciting possibilities that are now open to us right at the interplay between these fields, and provide the technical literacy to pursue these possibilities."

As part of the rollout plan, the Short Courses became available this fall to all SEAS alumni: the program was always envisioned as a resource not just for students but professionals at any stage of their careers, with options ranging from primers to executive overviews. Alumni can contact [email protected] for more information about registration.

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