Zhejiang University (ZJU) has officially launched a pioneering undergraduate program, the Brain-Machine Intelligence Innovation Class. This visionary initiative is jointly established by four premier institutions within the university: the Department of Psychology and Behavioral Sciences, the College of Biomedical Engineering and Instrument Science, the State Key Laboratory of Brain-Machine Intelligence, and the School of Brain Science and Brain Medicine. By integrating engineering, medicine, and cognitive science, the program aims to cultivate future leaders in a highly transformative scientific field.

As brain science and artificial intelligence continue to reshape the global technological landscape, the demand for talents who can bridge the gap between human cognition and machine intelligence has never been greater. The new program focuses precisely on this intersection. It empowers students to explore cutting-edge frontiers such as brain-computer interfaces (BCIs), neural modulation, smart interaction, and advanced medical instrumentation. By transcending traditional academic boundaries, the initiative transforms theoretical concepts into tangible technological realities.

To provide a world-class education, the program features a highly integrated curriculum divided into two core modules. The first module, Cognitive Science and Human-AI Interaction, aligns with the rapid development of modern AI models. It combines psychology with computer science to help students master computational modeling and human-machine interaction mechanisms. Meanwhile, the Neural Engineering and Technology Application module is deeply rooted in biomedical engineering. It equips students with the practical skills needed to design intelligent hardware, develop neural modulation devices, and bring laboratory innovations into real-world clinical and consumer applications.

Research and practical training are at the heart of the learning experience. Students will be encouraged to enter state-of-the-art laboratories early in their academic journey. Under the mentorship of distinguished faculty members, they will engage in rigorous scientific projects, evolving from traditional learners to active explorers capable of decoding the underlying neural mechanisms of the human brain.

Graduates of the program will have diverse and promising career pathways. For those inclined toward academia, the comprehensive curriculum lays a solid foundation for advanced studies in neuroscience, brain-inspired computing, and human-computer interaction at top-tier institutions worldwide. For students aiming for the industry, the practical training prepares them to become innovative leaders in medical technology, smart healthcare, and the rapidly expanding consumer BCI market.

By fusing rigorous engineering training with forward-thinking cognitive science, Zhejiang University continues its commitment to addressing global challenges. The new program stands as a vital platform for young visionaries ready to redefine the boundaries of human and machine potential.

Adapted and translated from the article written by Chen Qilisha
Translator: JIANG Chenqi ('27, Structural Engineering)
Editor: JIANG Chenqi, DING Chenwei