Huazhong Agricultural University (HZAU) is actively driving the deep integration of artificial intelligence (AI) with the Emerging Agricultural Education Development to nurture cutting-edge innovative talent. The goal is to develop leaders capable of using AI to solve critical scientific and industrial challenges and spearhead the future of agriculture.
HZAU is pursuing curriculum development by promoting the cross-integration of core professional courses with dedicated AI curricula. This includes proactively updating textbooks with the latest AI knowledge and techniques relevant to agriculture. The teaching approach emphasizes case-based instruction, allowing faculty to focus less on rote delivery and more on guiding students through complex problem-solving, character building, and emotional development.
Furthermore, AI is shaping a new paradigm for experimental education. The university has established five intelligent platforms for smart horticulture, agriculture, manufacturing, animal husbandry, and fisheries. These digital platforms effectively train students to apply AI to real-world agricultural issues. Laboratory equipment is undergoing digital transformation with IoT and AI, enabling intelligent comparison and personalized guidance during experiments, thus supporting individualized learning, hands-on practice, and deep teacher-student interaction.
A new "Agriculture AI + " ecosystem is being developed to bolster talent cultivation. HZAU has strategically optimized its academic structure by adding eight undergraduate majors, including smart agriculture and robotics engineering. Collaborative partnerships with leading tech firms have resulted in joint innovation classes and the development of practical "Agricultural Scenario + AI" projects, emphasizing the combination of fundamental knowledge, core technology, and practical application.