FAQs

What is the main focus of the course?
The course focuses on introducing participants to artificial intelligence (AI) and its applications in public health and healthcare. It covers foundational AI concepts and shows how these techniques can be used to solve real-world health problems.
Do I need prior knowledge of AI or programming to take this course?
No, prior knowledge of AI or programming is not required. The course is designed for beginners who may not have experience with AI or coding.
What are the prerequisites?
You need a basic understanding of statistics and health research methods, but no advanced skills in AI or programming are necessary.
How is this course different from other AI courses?
This course is unique because it specifically focuses on the applications of AI in public health and healthcare. It combines theoretical knowledge with real-world public health examples and hands-on practice, which is not common in most general AI courses.
What will I gain from this course?
By the end of the course, you’ll understand how AI is used in public health, be familiar with key AI methods, and be able to assess and apply AI models to real-world health scenarios. You’ll also learn how to handle ethical concerns related to AI in healthcare, such as bias and fairness.

How long is the course?
The course is equivalent to 4 credit hours and is delivered over the 2025-26 session. The virtual format offers monthly sessions, so you can attend as your schedule allows.
How are the classes structured?
Each class includes lectures on AI concepts, followed by practical activities where participants work with AI tools and techniques. There are also discussions on real-world case studies and readings from scientific papers.
What topics are covered?
- History of AI in public health
- Key AI methods (supervised learning, unsupervised learning, neural networks)
- Evaluation of AI model performance
- Ethical issues like bias in AI
- Real-world applications of AI in healthcare (e.g., disease surveillance, predictive analytics)
Will there be hands-on practice?
Yes, the course includes hands-on exercises where participants will work with AI tools and health data. This practice will help you apply what you learn to public health problems.
Is there a final project or exam?
While there’s no final exam, there may be assessments like quizzes or small projects to test your understanding. These assignments will help you apply AI techniques in practical scenarios.

How is the course delivered?
The course is available both in-person (by invitation from universities) and virtually. The virtual sessions are held every month, so you can join remotely.
How do I access the course materials?
All materials, including lecture slides, code, and reading materials, will be posted on Flock/Slack, which serves as the main platform for communication and sharing resources.
What technology do I need?
You will need a reliable internet connection for the virtual sessions, a computer for accessing course materials, and software that can run basic AI models (guidance on this will be provided).
How do I communicate with the instructor?
You can contact Md. Jubayer Hossain, the course instructor, via email ([email protected]) or during his Zoom office hours (Fridays from 9 pm–10 pm). For quick questions, you can message him via Flock/Slack.
Is attendance mandatory?
Regular attendance is encouraged, especially for the live virtual sessions, as it helps you stay engaged with the course. If you miss a session, materials will be shared online.
How do I ask questions during the course?
You can ask questions during live sessions, in Flock/Slack, or directly during office hours. Flock/Slack will be the primary platform for communication with the instructor and other participants.

How do I enroll?
Enrollment details will be provided by CHIRAL or the universities offering the in-person format. For the virtual course, you can contact Md. Jubayer Hossain for registration information.
Is there a course fee?
Fee details will be shared during enrollment. As a participant, I would suggest reaching out to the instructor for more specific information on this.
Can I receive a certificate after completing the course?
Yes, participants who successfully complete the course will receive a certificate from CHIRAL, recognizing their understanding and skills in AI applications for public health.

Can I take the course if I am not from a health background?
Yes, the course is designed to be accessible to participants from various fields, not just health professionals. The focus is on making AI concepts easy to understand and applicable to public health.
How can I best prepare for the course?
Reviewing basic statistics and health research methods will help, but no intensive preparation is necessary. All the essential concepts will be introduced during the course.
Will there be networking opportunities with other participants?
Yes, Flock/Slack will be a platform for group discussions, sharing insights, and networking with fellow participants.
What if I fall behind?
All sessions are recorded, and materials are posted online, so you can catch up if you miss a class or need to review content.
Are there group projects?
While it depends on the specific iteration of the course, there may be opportunities for group collaboration, especially during hands-on activities or discussions about case studies.
How does this course help in my career?
AI is rapidly growing in importance, especially in healthcare. This course will equip you with the knowledge and skills to leverage AI in public health research and practice, giving you an edge in careers related to healthcare, research, and health innovation.

By taking this course, you'll gain practical, relevant skills in AI for public health that are applicable in both academic and professional settings.

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