Curriculum Overview
The curriculum at AIU Imphal West is meticulously designed to provide students with a strong foundation in core computer science concepts while exposing them to emerging technologies and industry practices. The program spans 8 semesters, with each semester structured to build upon previous knowledge and introduce advanced topics.
The first two semesters focus on foundational subjects such as programming, mathematics, and computer organization. These courses lay the groundwork for understanding more complex systems and concepts in later years. Students are introduced to languages like C++, Python, Java, and SQL through a combination of lectures and laboratory sessions.
From the third semester onwards, students begin exploring specialized areas such as data structures, algorithms, database management, operating systems, and computer networks. The curriculum emphasizes practical application, with lab sessions that reinforce theoretical concepts and allow students to experiment with real-world tools and technologies.
Advanced electives in the fifth and sixth semesters enable students to specialize in areas of interest. These include artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, data science, cloud computing, and software engineering. Students can choose from a wide range of courses tailored to their career aspirations and research interests.
The final two semesters are dedicated to capstone projects and internships, where students apply their knowledge to solve real-world problems or contribute to industry-sponsored initiatives. This hands-on experience is crucial for developing professional skills and preparing students for careers in technology.
Course Structure
The following table outlines the complete course structure across all eight semesters:
| Semester | Course Code | Course Title | Credit Structure (L-T-P-C) | Pre-requisites |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | CS101 | Introduction to Programming | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| 1 | CS102 | Mathematics for Computing | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| 1 | CS103 | Computer Organization & Architecture | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| 1 | CS104 | English for Communication | 2-0-0-2 | - |
| 1 | CS105 | Introduction to Data Structures and Algorithms | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| 1 | CS106 | Lab: Programming & Problem Solving | 0-0-3-1 | - |
| 2 | CS201 | Object-Oriented Programming | 3-0-0-3 | CS101 |
| 2 | CS202 | Discrete Mathematics | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| 2 | CS203 | Database Management Systems | 3-0-0-3 | CS105 |
| 2 | CS204 | Operating Systems | 3-0-0-3 | CS103 |
| 2 | CS205 | Software Engineering | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| 2 | CS206 | Lab: Object-Oriented Programming | 0-0-3-1 | CS101 |
| 3 | CS301 | Computer Networks | 3-0-0-3 | CS204 |
| 3 | CS302 | Design & Analysis of Algorithms | 3-0-0-3 | CS105 |
| 3 | CS303 | Data Structures and Algorithms Lab | 0-0-3-1 | CS105 |
| 3 | CS304 | Web Technologies | 3-0-0-3 | CS201 |
| 3 | CS305 | Compiler Design | 3-0-0-3 | CS201 |
| 3 | CS306 | Lab: Web Technologies | 0-0-3-1 | CS201 |
| 4 | CS401 | Machine Learning | 3-0-0-3 | CS202, CS302 |
| 4 | CS402 | Cybersecurity | 3-0-0-3 | CS203 |
| 4 | CS403 | Data Science | 3-0-0-3 | CS302 |
| 4 | CS404 | Cloud Computing | 3-0-0-3 | CS301 |
| 4 | CS405 | Internship I | 0-0-0-6 | - |
| 4 | CS406 | Lab: Machine Learning | 0-0-3-1 | CS202 |
| 5 | CS501 | Artificial Intelligence | 3-0-0-3 | CS401 |
| 5 | CS502 | Advanced Database Systems | 3-0-0-3 | CS203 |
| 5 | CS503 | Distributed Systems | 3-0-0-3 | CS301 |
| 5 | CS504 | Mobile Computing | 3-0-0-3 | CS201 |
| 5 | CS505 | Research Methodology | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| 5 | CS506 | Lab: Distributed Systems | 0-0-3-1 | CS301 |
| 6 | CS601 | Capstone Project I | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| 6 | CS602 | Internship II | 0-0-0-6 | - |
| 6 | CS603 | Human Computer Interaction | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| 6 | CS604 | Embedded Systems | 3-0-0-3 | CS201 |
| 6 | CS605 | Big Data Analytics | 3-0-0-3 | CS403 |
| 6 | CS606 | Lab: Capstone Project I | 0-0-3-1 | - |
| 7 | CS701 | Capstone Project II | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| 7 | CS702 | Quantitative Finance | 3-0-0-3 | CS403 |
| 7 | CS703 | Special Topics in AI | 3-0-0-3 | CS501 |
| 7 | CS704 | Research & Development | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| 7 | CS705 | Entrepreneurship & Innovation | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| 7 | CS706 | Lab: Capstone Project II | 0-0-3-1 | - |
| 8 | CS801 | Thesis / Final Year Project | 0-0-0-12 | - |
| 8 | CS802 | Final Internship | 0-0-0-6 | - |
| 8 | CS803 | Professional Ethics & Social Responsibility | 2-0-0-2 | - |
| 8 | CS804 | Capstone Project Presentation | 0-0-0-2 | - |
| 8 | CS805 | Industry Exposure Workshop | 0-0-0-2 | - |
| 8 | CS806 | Lab: Thesis / Final Year Project | 0-0-3-1 | - |
Advanced Departmental Electives
Several advanced departmental electives are offered to provide in-depth knowledge in specialized domains:
- Deep Learning: This course covers advanced neural network architectures, including convolutional networks, recurrent networks, and transformers. Students learn to implement and optimize models for image classification, natural language processing, and reinforcement learning.
- Cryptography and Network Security: The course explores modern cryptographic algorithms, secure communication protocols, and network vulnerability assessment techniques. It includes hands-on labs on penetration testing and digital signature implementation.
- Big Data Analytics: This course introduces students to Hadoop, Spark, and NoSQL databases. Students learn how to process large datasets using distributed computing frameworks and apply machine learning algorithms for pattern recognition.
- Quantum Computing Fundamentals: Designed for advanced learners, this course covers quantum mechanics, qubit manipulation, and quantum algorithms. Students gain insight into the future of computing through practical simulations using IBM Quantum Experience.
- Mobile App Development: This course teaches students how to develop cross-platform mobile applications using Flutter and React Native. It includes modules on UI/UX design, app deployment, and monetization strategies.
- Software Architecture & Design Patterns: Students learn architectural principles such as microservices, cloud-native design, and design patterns. The course emphasizes scalability, maintainability, and performance optimization in software systems.
- Human-Computer Interaction: This course explores the psychology of user behavior, usability testing, and interaction design. Students work on designing interfaces for diverse user groups and conduct empirical studies to validate their designs.
- DevOps & Continuous Integration: The course covers automation tools like Jenkins, Docker, Kubernetes, and GitLab CI/CD pipelines. It focuses on building robust deployment workflows that support agile development practices.
- Computer Vision: Students learn image processing techniques, feature extraction, object detection, and facial recognition systems. Practical sessions involve using OpenCV libraries and TensorFlow for real-time applications.
- Blockchain Technology: This course covers blockchain fundamentals, smart contracts, consensus mechanisms, and decentralized applications (dApps). It includes hands-on labs on Ethereum and Hyperledger Fabric platforms.
Project-Based Learning Approach
The department places a strong emphasis on project-based learning as a core component of the curriculum. Mini-projects are introduced in the second year, allowing students to apply learned concepts in small-scale real-world scenarios. These projects involve problem identification, solution design, implementation, and presentation.
The final-year thesis or capstone project is a comprehensive endeavor that requires students to conduct independent research or solve complex industry problems. Students select their projects based on their interests and available faculty expertise. Each student works closely with a mentor who guides them through the research process, methodology, data collection, analysis, and documentation.
The evaluation criteria include innovation, technical depth, presentation quality, and impact potential. Regular milestone reviews ensure that students stay on track and receive timely feedback throughout the project lifecycle. The department also encourages collaboration between students from different specializations to foster interdisciplinary thinking and problem-solving skills.