AI-Based Tool for Curriculum-Based Course Timetabling at the University of Potsdam

Abstract

Education is a fundamental component of universities and is linked with the non-trivial possibly time-consuming task of creating suitable timetables for teaching. The corresponding problem is known as Curriculum-Based Course Timetabling, which takes into account various constraints while seeking a conflict-free timetable. We addressed this problem by following a knowledge representation and reasoning approach, describing constraints and feasible assignments of courses to time slots. Possible assignments are gathered through a prototypical web interface, and the corresponding constraints are respected by automatically finding a timetable using an AI. We discuss the resolved redundancies, time saved and potential future benefits when comparing the traditional and new approach regarding the needs of teachers, students and administration at the University of Potsdam.