ECUST Launched New “AI+” Dual Bachelor’s Degree Program
Recently, the Shanghai Municipal Education Commission issued the Notice on 2026 List of Interdisciplinary Dual Bachelor’s Degree Programs at Shanghai Higher Education Institutions. ECUST has been approved to launch a dual bachelor’s degree program in Materials Chemistry and Artificial Intelligence, which will open for enrollment in the autumn of 2026. This move marks a step by ECUST in advancing interdisciplinary talent cultivation and serving major national strategic needs.
Against the backdrop of rapid technological advancement and in-depth industrial integration, interdisciplinary innovation combining materials science and artificial intelligence has become a core driving force for the research and development of new materials and the upgrading of intelligent manufacturing.
In response to this trend, ECUST leverages its strengths in two leading disciplines: Chemistry (Science) and Control Science and Engineering (Engineering). By integrating the core resources and distinctive strengths of the two majors, the university cultivates interdisciplinary talent to meet major national strategic demands for new materials, intelligent manufacturing and digital economy.
The program integrates materials science and artificial intelligence through a well-designed curriculum. Centering on the training philosophy of fundamental chemistry, intelligent technology and practical innovation, it establishes a four-tier curriculum framework consisting of general education, disciplinary foundation, core courses and interdisciplinary courses. Core courses are integrated to train key skills including Python programming, machine learning and intelligent characterization of material properties.
Supported by national-level laboratories and industry-academia cooperation platforms of the two disciplines, the university builds a three-in-one practical platform featuring virtual simulation, hands-on operation and research projects. Students will have opportunities to participate in cutting-edge research projects such as the development of intelligent materials, optimization of catalytic processes and AI-aided molecular design.
The launch of this program responds to the requirements of the “New Generation Artificial Intelligence Development Plan” and the initiative of extending applied science to engineering disciplines. It also serves as an approach to breaking the efficiency bottleneck in traditional materials chemistry research and facilitating the industrial application of artificial intelligence technologies.
Equipped with solid theoretical knowledge of materials chemistry and proficient application capabilities of advanced artificial intelligence technologies, graduates will be competent for scientific research, technological development, engineering management and other positions in fields including new energy materials, intelligent chemical engineering, biomedicine and high-end manufacturing. The program delivers talent support for the digital and intelligent upgrading of relevant industries.
The approval of this dual bachelor’s degree program represents a notable achievement of ECUST in advancing “New Engineering” education and optimizing disciplinary layout. It reflects the proactive efforts of higher education institutions to adapt to technological revolution and industrial transformation. By breaking down disciplinary barriers and innovating talent training models, the university fosters high-caliber interdisciplinary talents for the development of national strategic emerging industries and the construction of Shanghai Science and Technology Innovation Center.
Taking this opportunity, ECUST will further improve the training plan and pool high-quality resources, contributing ECUST’s expertise and innovative approaches to the cultivation of top-tier interdisciplinary innovative talents.