At the Open Institute of Technology (OPIT), we have a simple goal – to provide high-quality yet accessible education in the technology field. But for our courses to be high-quality, the professors behind them must be equally exceptional.
And they absolutely are.
The OPIT professors are paragons of expertise and passion. Each professor has been handpicked for their profound understanding of technology, coupled with extensive academic achievements and industry experience. That’s why these architects of knowledge bring both theoretical depth and real-world insights into every class at OPIT.
So, what better way to get to know our world-class OPIT faculty than to hear their thoughts on the topics they’re passionate about? In this article, you’ll read what five of our top-notch faculty members have to say about tech innovations transforming the world. Of course, you’ll also get a quick overview of other members of our inspiring faculty shaping the next generation of leaders in technology and digital space.
The OPIT Faculty at a Glance
Before diving into our faculty members’ fascinating biographies and insights, let’s take a moment to appreciate the diverse expertise that forms the backbone of OPIT.
Our faculty is a mosaic of over 30 accomplished professionals from all over the world, each bringing a unique perspective to the table.
And that’s the beauty of online learning. How else would you be able to connect with experts spanning the globe, all from the comfort of your own home?
Our inspiring faculty comes from over 15 countries and four continents. The U.S., Canada, Brazil, Lebanon, Germany, France, India and Italy are just some of the nations represented. This collage of diverse backgrounds (and experiences) ensures that your education at OPIT transcends geographical boundaries, offering a truly global perspective on technology.
Meet the OPIT Faculty at the Forefront of Technology
Now that you have a better idea of the diverse expertise within our faculty, let’s introduce you to the brilliant minds at the forefront of technology education at OPIT. This time, we asked five of our esteemed faculty members how recent tech innovations have transformed the world. Here are their answers.
Raj Dasgupta, Ph.D.
Professor Raj Dasgupta is an impressive individual in every regard. He’s currently a research scientist at the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory after teaching computer science for almost 18 years at the University of Nebraska. His research projects have been funded by the U.S. Department of Defense and NASA, and he has earned a Ph.D. in Computer Engineering from the University of California. Talk about a multifaceted professional!
At OPIT, Professor Dasgupta teaches Data Structures and Algorithms, Reinforcement Learning, and Introduction to Artificial Intelligence in the Bachelor of Science in Modern Computer Science program. The last subject is also a part of the Bachelor of Science in Digital Business program. He also teaches Machine Learning in the Responsible Artificial Intelligence program.
When asked about the transformative impact of tech innovations, Professor Dasgupta singled out the brain-computer interface (BCI) system as the technology that fascinates him the most. He explains, “We have been able to link the human thought, the human brain, with these assistive devices.” This connection means that these BCI systems can extract (and use) any thoughts from people who can’t speak for themselves or express their thoughts. As Professor Dasgupta puts it, all it takes is for them to “just think what they want to do.”
Santhosh Suresh, Ph.D.
With giants like PayPal, Meta, and McKinsey & Company on his resume at a young age, it’s evident that Professor Santhosh Suresh possesses remarkable expertise in business problem-solving. Business Problem Solving is precisely the subject he teaches at OPIT’s Master of Science in Applied Data Science & AI and Applied Digital Business programs.
So, it’s no wonder his answer to our question also focuses on solving problems, this time with technology. He rejoices at the fact that the ultimate knowledge is no longer reserved only for the rich and privileged. Thanks to advanced data science-based algorithms, “the efficiency of airlines or railroads or how we do operations in the surgery room has gone up exponentially, and that is improving the quality of lives of millions if not billions of people.”
Paco Awissi, MBA
A data science leader. An analytics expert. A machine learning practitioner. These are just some of the impressive attributes that define Professor Paco Awissi’s career. These flattering attributes also landed him the coveted positions of Vice President of Data and Reporting at Morgan Stanley, Lead Instructor at McGill University School of Continuing Studies, and, of course, Professor at OPIT.
Professor Awissi teaches three courses in our Master of Science in Applied Data Science & AI program – Project Management, Applications in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (Part 2), and Business Communication.
When asked about new tech advancements, he also focuses on AI, explaining that the technology is revolutionizing “risk management, fraud detection, and personalized financial services.” Professor Awissi adds that AI is also used in “algorithmic trading, credit scoring, and automating customer service through chatbots, which improves the efficiency and inclusiveness of financial services.”
Filip Biały, Ph.D.
Professor Filip Biały comes from Poland, where he has taught at the Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznan for over 15 years. When it comes to Professor Biały, it’s hard to tell whether he has more education or experience in computer science and artificial intelligence.
However, his main goal is to understand the consequences of AI for democratic politics, which is why he also emphasizes that the negative impact of digital technologies shouldn’t be overlooked. As for the positive sides of this life-changing technology, Professor Biały says that it is “essential in improving the efficiency of business processes and advancing research, for example, in discovering new drugs.”
At OPIT, you can listen to Professor Biały’s fascinating insights in the Bachelor of Science in Modern Computer Science and Digital Business programs (ICT Fundamentals, Web Development, and Ethics of Computer Science & AI courses).
Tom Vazdar, Ph.D.
Like his colleague, Professor Tom Vazdar also primarily focuses on the negative implications of technological advancements. As a current AI and Cybersecurity Strategist of a boutique consulting firm and the former Chief Security Officer at Erste Bank Croatia, he knows just how important cybersecurity is and how dangerous technological progress can be without adequate safeguards.
That’s why he’s the expert OPIT put in charge of its latest Master of Science program – Enterprise Security. OPIT has worked closely with Professor Vazdar to develop this program and equip students with the most in-demand technical, managerial, and soft skills.
Professor Vazdar also teaches Introduction to Computer Security in the Modern Computer Science and Digital Business programs, as well as Behavioral Cybersecurity in the abovementioned Enterprise
Security program.
Meet More OPIT Faculty Members Helping You Succeed
If you apply to OPIT, you’ll get the unique chance to learn from the very best from all over the world. But until then, you can hear more intriguing perspectives from our faculty members. Visit the Faculty section of our website to get a sneak peek of the incredible expertise and global perspectives that shape OPIT.
The professors at OPIT have either taught at prestigious universities or have a long and impressive history in the industry. For the former, our professor’s biographies are adorned with institutions like the University of Copenhagen, the University of Rome, the Italian Institute of Technology, and the University of Stuttgart.
As for the latter, Microsoft, Meta, Symantec, and UBS are just some of the world-famous companies where our faculty members have left a lasting impact. The same goes for institutions like the Europol, the European Parliament, and the European Investment Bank (EIB).
Though our faculty members come from different corners of the world, they all share a common goal – a relentless pursuit of knowledge. By learning from these top-notch professionals, you’ll get an insight into decades of cutting-edge research, industry collaboration, and real-world experience. This knowledge and the skills you acquire at OPIT will help you play a leading role in the technological revolution, just like your professors.
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Computer Science is fast becoming one of the most valuable fields of study, with high levels of demand and high-salaried career opportunities for successful graduates. If you’re looking for a flexible and rewarding way to hone your computing skills as part of a supportive global community, the BSc in Computer Science at the Open Institute of Technology (OPIT) could be the perfect next step.
Introducing the OPIT BSc in Computer Science
The OPIT BSc in Computer Science is a bachelor’s degree program that provides students with a comprehensive level of both theoretical and practical knowledge of all core areas of computer science. That includes the likes of programming, databases, cloud computing, software development, and artificial intelligence.
Like other programs at OPIT, the Computer Science BSc is delivered exclusively online, with a mixture of recorded and live content for students to engage with. Participants will enjoy the instruction of world-leading lecturers and professors from various fields, including software engineers at major tech brands and esteemed researchers, and will have many paths open to them upon graduation.
Graduates may, for example, seek to push on with their educational journeys, progressing on to a specialized master’s degree at OPIT, like the MSc in Digital Business and Innovation or the MSc in Responsible Artificial Intelligence. Or they could enter the working world in roles like software engineer, data scientist, web developer, app developer, or cybersecurity consultant.
The bullets below outline the key characteristics of this particular course:
- Duration: Three years in total, spread across six terms.
- Content: Core courses for the first four terms, a student-selected specialization for the fifth term, and a capstone project in the final term.
- Focus: Developing detailed theoretical knowledge and practical skills across all core areas of modern computer science.
- Format: Entirely online, with a mixture of live lessons and asynchronous content you can access 24/7 to learn at your own pace.
- Assessment: Progressive assessments over the course of the program, along with a capstone project and dissertation, but no final exams.
What You’ll Learn
Students enrolled in the BSc in Computer Science course at OPIT will enjoy comprehensive instruction in the increasingly diverse sectors that fall under the umbrella of computer science today. That includes a close look at emerging technologies, like AI and machine learning, as well as introductions to the fundamental skills involved in designing and developing pieces of software.
The first four terms are the same for all students. These will include introductions to software engineering, computer security, and cloud computing infrastructure, as well as courses focusing on the core skills that computer scientists invariably need in their careers, like project management, quality assurance, and technical English.
For the fifth term, students will have a choice. They can select five electives from a pool of 27, or select one field to specialize in from a group of five. You may choose to specialize in all things cybersecurity, for example, and learn about emerging cyber threats. Or you could focus more on specific elements of computer science that appeal to your interests and passions, such as game development.
Who It’s For
The BSc in Computer Science program can suit a whole range of prospective applicants and should appeal to anyone with an interest or passion for computing and a desire to pursue a professional career in this field. Whether you’re seeking to enter the world of software development, user experience design, data science, or another related sector, this is the course to consider.
In addition, thanks to OPIT’s engaging, flexible, and exclusively online teaching and learning systems, this course can appeal to people from all over the globe, of different ages, and from different walks of life. It’s equally suitable for recent high school graduates with dreams of making their own apps to seasoned professionals looking to broaden their knowledge or transition to a different career.
The Value of the BSc in Computer Science Course at OPIT
Plenty of universities and higher education establishments around the world offer degrees in computer science, but OPIT’s program stands out for several distinctive reasons.
Firstly, as previously touched upon, all OPIT courses are delivered online. Students have a schedule of live lessons to attend, but can also access recorded content and digital learning resources as and when they choose. This offers an unparalleled level of freedom and flexibility compared to more conventional educational institutions, putting students in the driving seat and letting them learn at their own pace.
OPIT also aims not merely to impart knowledge through lectures and teaching, but to actually help students gain the practical skills they need to take the next logical steps in their education or career. In other words, studying at OPIT isn’t simply about memorizing facts and paragraphs of text; it’s about learning how to apply the knowledge you gain in real-world settings.
OPIT students also enjoy the unique benefits of a global community of like-minded students and world-leading professors. Here, distance is no barrier, and while students and teachers may come from completely different corners of the globe, all are made to feel welcome and heard. Students can reach out to their lecturers when they feel the need for guidance, answers, and advice.
Other benefits of studying with OPIT include:
- Networking opportunities and events, like career fairs, where you can meet and speak with representatives from some of the world’s biggest tech brands
- Consistent support systems from start to finish of your educational journey in the form of mentorships and more
- Helpful tools to expedite your education, like the OPIT AI Copilot, which provides personalized study support
Entry Requirements and Fees
To enroll in the OPIT BSc in Computer Science and take your next steps towards a thrilling and fulfilling career in this field, you’ll need to meet some simple criteria. Unlike other educational institutions, which can impose strict and seemingly unattainable requirements on their applicants, OPIT aims to make tech education more accessible. As a result, aspiring students will require:
- A higher secondary school leaving certificate at EQF Level 4, or equivalent
- B2-level English proficiency, or higher
Naturally, applicants should also have a passion for computer science and a willingness to study, learn, and make the most of the resources, community, and support systems provided by the institute.
In addition, if you happen to have relevant work experience or educational achievements, you may be able to use these to skip certain modules or even entire terms and obtain your degree sooner. OPIT offers a comprehensive credit transfer program, which you can learn more about during the application process.
Regarding fees, OPIT also stands out from the crowd compared to conventional educational institutions, offering affordable rates to make higher tech education more accessible. There are early bird discounts, scholarship opportunities, and even the option to pay either on a term-by-term basis or a one-off up-front fee.
The Open Institute of Technology (OPIT) provides a curated collection of courses for students at every stage of their learning journey, including those who are just starting. For aspiring tech leaders and those who don’t quite feel ready to dive directly into a bachelor’s degree, there’s the OPIT Foundation Program. It’s the perfect starting point to gain core skills, boost confidence, and build a solid base for success.
Introducing the OPIT Foundation Year Program
As the name implies, OPIT’s Foundation Program is about foundation-level knowledge and skills. It’s the only pre-bachelor program in the OPIT lineup, and successful students on this 60-ECTS credit course will obtain a Pre-Tertiary Certificate in Information Technology upon its completion. From there, they can move on to higher levels of learning, like a Bachelor’s in Digital Business or Modern Computer Science.
In other words, the Foundation Program provides a gentle welcome into the world of higher technological education, while also serving as a springboard to help students achieve their long-term goals. By mixing both guided learning and independent study, it also prepares students for the EQF Level 4 experiences and challenges they’ll face once they enroll in a bachelor’s program in IT or a related field.
Here’s a quick breakdown of what the OPIT Foundation Program course involves:
- Duration: Six months, split into two terms, with each term lasting 13 weeks
- Content: Three courses per term, with each one worth 10 ECTS credits, for a total of 60
- Focus: Core skills, like mathematics, English, and introductory-level computing
- Format: Video lectures, independent learning, live sessions, and digital resources (e-books, etc.)
- Assessment: Two to three assessments over the course of the program
What You’ll Learn
The OPIT Foundation Program doesn’t intensely focus on any one particular topic, nor does it thrust onto you the more advanced, complicated aspects of technological education you would find in a bachelor’s or master’s program. Instead, it largely keeps things simple, focusing on the basic building blocks of knowledge and core skills so that students feel comfortable taking the next steps in their studies.
It includes the following courses, spread out across two terms:
- Academic Skills
- Mathematics Literacy I
- Mathematics Literacy II
- Internet and Digital Technology
- Academic Reading, Writing, and Communication
- Introduction to Computer Hardware and Software
Encompassing foundational-level lessons in digital business, computer science, and computer literacy, the Foundation Program produces graduates with a commanding knowledge of common operating systems. Exploring reading and writing, it also helps students master the art of communicating their ideas and responses in clear, academic English.
Who It’s For
The Foundation Year program is for people who are eager to enter the world of technology and eventually pursue a bachelor’s or higher level of education in this field, but feel they need more preparation. It’s for the people who want to work on their core skills and knowledge before progressing to more advanced topics, so that they don’t feel lost or left behind later on.
It can appeal to anyone with a high school-level education and ambitions of pushing themselves further, and to anyone who wants to work in fields like computer science, digital business, and artificial intelligence (AI). You don’t need extensive experience or qualifications to get started (more on that below); just a passion for tech and the motivation to learn.
The Value of the Foundation Program
With technology playing an increasingly integral role in the world today, millions of students want to develop their tech knowledge and skills. The problem is that technology-oriented degree courses can sometimes feel a little too complex or even inaccessible, especially for those who may not have had the most conventional educational journeys in the past.
While so many colleges and universities around the world simply expect students to show up with the relevant skills and knowledge to dive right into degree programs, OPIT understands that some students need a helping hand. That’s where the Foundation Program comes in – it’s the kind of course you won’t find at a typical university, aimed at bridging the gap between high school and higher education.
By progressing through the Foundation Program, students gain not just knowledge, but confidence. The entire course is aimed at eliminating uncertainty and unease. It imbues students with the skills and understanding they need to push onward, to believe in themselves, and to get more value from wherever their education takes them next.
On its own, this course won’t necessarily provide the qualifications you need to move straight into the job market, but it’s a vital stepping stone towards a degree. It also provides numerous other advantages that are unique to the OPIT community:
- Online Learning: Enjoy the benefits of being able to learn at your own pace, from the comfort of home, without the costs and inconveniences associated with relocation, commuting, and so on.
- Strong Support System: OPIT professors regularly check in with students and are on hand around the clock to answer queries and provide guidance.
- Academic Leaders: The OPIT faculty is made up of some of the world’s sharpest minds, including tech company heads, experienced researchers, and even former education ministers.
Entry Requirements and Fees
Unlike OPIT’s other, more advanced courses, the Foundation Program is aimed at beginners, so it does not have particularly strict or complex entry requirements. It’s designed to be as accessible as possible, so that almost anyone can acquire the skills they need to pursue education and a career in technology. The main thing you’ll need is a desire to learn and improve your skills, but applicants should also possess:
- English proficiency at level B2 or higher
- A Secondary School Leaving Certificate, or equivalent
Regarding the fees, OPIT strives to lower the financial barrier of education that can be such a deterrent in conventional education around the world. The institute’s tuition fees are fairly and competitively priced, all-inclusive (without any hidden charges to worry about), and accessible for those working with different budgets.
Given that all resources and instruction are provided online, you can also save a lot of money on relocation and living costs when you study with OPIT. In addition, applicants have the option to pay either up front, with a 10% discount on the total, or on a per-term basis, allowing you to stretch the cost out over a longer period to ease the financial burden.
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