Course Description
This course will dive into Cybersecurity, Artificial Intelligence and Quantum Computing. These areas impact many aspects of our lives today and the demand for trained professionals is growing exponentially.
Students will learn about Cybersecurity, Cybercrimes, Phishing, Cryptography, the Internet and how to stay safe online. Students will also compete in CyberTitan – Canada’s largest cyber defense competition. The top ranked Canadian Teams could be invited to Ottawa to go head-to-head for the coveted title of CyberTitan National Champions. The top Canadian team is invited to the USA for the Cyber Patriot National finals.
Students will learn about Artificial Intelligence (AI) ethics, training data & bias, machine learning, neural networks, and computer vision. They will work on projects to create a portfolio for application to post-secondary educational institutions, or for their job applications.
Quantum computing is a rapidly advancing field that uses quantum mechanics to solve complex problems faster than classical computers, using qubits that can be 0, 1, or both simultaneously. This enables massive parallel calculations in areas such as AI, cryptography, and for searching huge datasets, enabling quantum computers to solve certain problems much faster than regular computers. Vancouver, BC, is a significant and growing hub for quantum computing with pioneering companies (D-Wave), world-class research at universities (UBC, SFU), and government initiatives (Quantum Algorithms Institute). Technology giants Google, IBM and Amazon are all researching and investing in Quantum Computing.
Industry & academic experts will come and share their stories and advice with our students.
More information about the course can be found at https://cybersecurityand.ai
Prerequisites
Students are required to have a genuine Interest in learning about Cybersecurity, Artificial Intelligence, and Quantum Computing. No prior programming experience needed. However, there is an expectation that students in the course will compete in the CyberTitan Competition, which is held over several weekends (either Saturday or Sunday) from September to January, with the World finals being in March and the National finals taking place in May.
Course Requirements:
Students who are selected for this course are required to have their own personal laptop with internet connection.
Curriculum Delivery Method
This course will be delivered in a Hybrid Model which means that course material will be presented both online and in-person delivery.
Main School Location
The majority of the course curriculum will be delivered in-person at West Vancouver Secondary School (WVSS) with days and times outside the regular timetable. However, there will be days and times scheduled for hybrid lessons when students will have the opportunity to come in person to WVSS or log on virtually.
Days and Times
The majority of the course curriculum will be delivered in-person at West Vancouver Secondary School (WVSS). In addition, students are required to attend several weekends (maybe a Saturday or a Sunday) for participating in the CyberPatriot competition,
Days of the Week: Tuesday or Thursday (students will be assigned)
Time: 3:30 – 6:00 p.m.
Course Fee
The course fee is $350 for the year to cover the cost of the registration for the CyberPatriot Competition as well as equipment. This fee will be collected through School Cash Online, upon registration for the program.
*fees are subject to change
The Selection Process
Maximum: 30 students per class will be selected from across the school district.
*This is a Ministry ADST course. Students in Grade 10 are welcome to apply and their applications will be considered. Students may contact Dr. Mahesh Chugani (mchugani@wvschools.ca) if they have any questions.
Registration
Interested students are to complete the online Student Information Form. Please upload your latest learning update and indicate whether you prefer to be registered on Tuesday or Thursday or no preference.
