Exploratory Courses
Take a course in an emerging subject area like artificial intelligence, data science, or cybersecurity to develop a foundational understanding of technologies and trends impacting the future of work. These courses are available to all students at the University of Tennessee.

AI 101 – Introduction to the World of AI
This course introduces the foundational concepts, techniques, and applications of Artificial Intelligence (AI) relevant for all disciplines – especially across non-computer science fields. Explore the history and current scope of AI, data sources and tools, and fundamental components of AI solutions and gain experience through hands-on activities using no-code AI platforms.
Vol Core, Engaged Inquiries, Quantitative Reasoning
AI 102 – Natural Language-Based Programming Techniques
Explore the dynamic world of Natural Language Processing (NLP) and its intersection with programming. Learn to manipulate, analyze, and interpret human language through computational methods. Learn about basic string processing, text normalization techniques, and delve into tokenization, stemming, and lemmatization.
Vol Core, Engaged Inquiries, Quantitative Reasoning
CECS 101 – Design Your Degree, Design Your Career
This innovative and student-centered course empowers students to craft a personalized educational journey that aligns with their unique interests and career aspirations. Students are equipped with the tools to shape their academic experience and future career path using methods of Design Thinking to spur curiosity and creativity, pushing them to think both broadly and deeply.
Vol Core, Engaged Inquiries
CYBR 101 – Introduction to Cybersecurity Concepts
Develop a broad overview of cybersecurity concepts, including the nature of cyber attacks and the identification and mitigation of attacks from the perspective of applications in real-world scenarios and sectors. Discuss ethics, privacy, and the governance and policy around cybersecurity as well as terminology, approaches, and underlying technologies used in cybersecurity.
Vol Core, Engaged Inquires
DATA 101 – Data Knowledge and Discovery
Learn the essential elements of data science through the examination of data sets drawn from a variety of fields. Explore data collection and management, the exploration and visualization of data, modeling, computing, and ethical and privacy issues associated with data science. Students are introduced to foundational programming through hands-on activities.
Vol Core, Quantitative Reasoning, Engaged Inquiries
DATA 102 – Data Stewardship and Ethics
Overview of the data life cycle, including creation, collection, assurance, description, discovery, integration, use, reuse, and preservation. Explore data management principles and the development and implementation of data life cycle management plans. Examine the legal, ethical, and technological challenges in developing and implementing data management policies.
Vol Core, Engaged Inquiries
GAME 201 – Introduction to Game Craft
This immersive and hands-on course introduces students to the fundamentals of game design, development, and interactive storytelling. Develop a comprehensive overview of the game creation process, from conceptualization to prototyping. Through discussions, practical exercises, and project-based learning, students gain insight into the dynamic world of game design and development.
Vol Core, Applied Arts & Humanities

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