Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing industries by enabling automation, data-driven decision-making, and intelligent systems. Businesses, healthcare, finance, and manufacturing increasingly rely on AI-powered solutions, creating a growing demand for professionals with practical AI skills. This professional diploma program provides foundational and advanced knowledge in AI, equipping learners with hands-on experience to build and apply AI-driven technologies.

The Professional diploma aims to equip learners with essential AI knowledge and practical skills to develop and implement AI-powered solutions in various industries.

By the end of the program, participants will be able to:

1. Understand AI Fundamentals – Develop a solid foundation in AI concepts, machine learning, and automation.
2. Apply AI Techniques in Problem-Solving – Use AI tools and models to address real-world challenges
3. Develop AI Models & Solutions – Gain practical experience in AI-driven automation and machine learning.
4. Use AI for Business & Industry Applications – Implement AI in areas like finance, healthcare, and manufacturing.
5. Master AI Ethics & Responsible AI Development – Address issues related to AI governance, bias, and ethical AI.
6. Improve Employability & Career Opportunities – Prepare for AI-related jobs or entrepreneurial ventures.

Keep Up with AI Innovations – Stay updated on the latest AI trends, including generative AI and deep learning

This diploma is ideal for:
✅ School Leavers (O’ Level Holders) – Those looking for an entry-level qualification in AI.
✅ Aspiring AI & Tech Professionals – Beginners who want to start a career in AI, automation, and data science.
✅ Entrepreneurs & Business Owners – Individuals interested in integrating AI into business operations.
✅ Freelancers & Digital Marketers – Professionals looking to enhance their skills with AI-driven automation.
✅ Career Changers – Those transitioning into the AI and technology field from other industries.

Minimum Qualification: O’ Level Certificate (Grade 12 or Equivalent)
Basic Computer Knowledge – No prior coding experience required, but familiarity with computers is an advantage.
A functional computer with internet access for practical AI training.

This six-month diploma therefore responds to:

1. Skills shortage – giving O-level leavers and career-changers practical, portfolio-ready AI competences.
2. Industry alignment – focusing on business, healthcare, finance and manufacturing use-cases flagged by local employers.

Economic development – supporting Zambia’s Digital Transformation Strategy 2023-2030 goal of 30 000 new tech jobs by 2030

• Duration: 6 months

• Mode of Learning: Fully Online (Google Meet, Zoom, and Learning Management System)

• Assessment: Continuous Assessment (Projects, Quizzes, Assignments – 60%) & Final Exam (40%)

1. Module 1: Introduction to Artificial Intelligence

   • History, Evolution, and Applications of AI.
   • Traditional vs. AI-Driven Problem-Solving.
   • Basics of AI Algorithms and Machine Learning.
   • AI in Everyday Life: Chatbots, Virtual Assistants, and Automation.

   Module 2: Fundamentals of Machine Learning

   • Supervised vs. Unsupervised Learning.
   • Data Collection, Preprocessing, and Model Training.
   • Introduction to AI Tools.
   • Hands-on: Creating a Simple AI Model.

   Module 3: AI in Business & Industry Applications

   • AI in Finance: Fraud Detection, Automated Trading, and Risk Analysis.
   • AI in Healthcare: Medical Diagnosis & Predictive Analytics.
   • AI in Manufacturing: Robotics & Process Automation.
   • AI in Retail: Customer Insights & Personalized Recommendations.

   Module 4: AI-Powered Automation & Data Science

   • Introduction to Data Science for AI.
   • AI-Powered Chatbots & Virtual Assistants.
   • Automating Business Operations with AI.
   • Hands-on: Building an AI-Powered Chatbot.

   Module 5: Computer Vision & AI in Digital Marketing

   • Image Recognition & Object Detection.
   • AI-Powered Video & Image Processing.
   • AI in Social Media & Digital Advertising.
   • Hands-on: AI-Powered Social Media Post Generation.

   Module 6: AI Ethics, Data Privacy & Security

   • Ethical AI Development & Avoiding Bias.
   • AI and Data Privacy Regulations.
   • Security Risks in AI Systems.
   • Case Studies: Ethical AI Failures & Lessons Learned.

   Module 7: Generative AI & Future AI Trends

   • Understanding Generative AI & Its Applications.
   • AI in the Metaverse & AR/VR Integration.
   • AI for Cybersecurity & Threat Detection.
   • Future AI Trends & Industry Impact.

   Module 8: AI Project & Capstone Assignment

   • Practical AI Project: Solving a Real-World Challenge.
   • AI Model Deployment & Testing.
   • Final Presentation & Feedback.
   • Career Guidance & Job Market Insights.

• Upon successful completion, participants will receive a Professional Diploma in Applied Artificial Intelligence from Mulungushi University.
•  A grade will be awarded based on performance in exams, assignments, and the capstone project.

• Endorsement: This curriculum was approved by the Academic Development Committee on 24th April 2025.

✅ Practical, Job-Ready AI Training – Hands-on AI projects & real-world applications.
✅ Entry-Level AI Skills for Beginners – No advanced programming knowledge required.
✅ Industry-Aligned Curriculum – Covers AI for business, finance, healthcare, and automation.
✅ Flexible Learning Format – 6-month fully online course with interactive sessions.
✅ High-Demand Skills for the Future – Prepare for AI jobs, freelancing, or entrepreneurship.