Define artificial intelligence
Describe AI as computer-based simulation of intelligent behaviour and distinguish it from ordinary automation.
This sequence follows Cambridge IGCSE Computer Science 0478, 2026–2028 syllabus Version 6. It covers subject content sections 6.1–6.3 only. The separately published 2029–2031 syllabus is not mapped here. Practice is original, self-checked and does not award an official Cambridge grade. Full timed papers and human subject-teacher review remain outstanding.
Before you begin
- No programming language is required. Be comfortable with place value and multiplication; each lesson introduces the computer-science notation it uses.
Work on paper. Try each question before revealing help, and explain why your method works.
Quick readiness check
What does AI stand for?
What you will learn
- Define artificial intelligence
- Explain that AI simulates intelligent behaviour
- Distinguish AI from a fixed automated rule
AI is a branch of computer science
Artificial intelligence (AI) is a branch of computer science concerned with simulating intelligent behaviour using computers. An AI system processes information and applies rules or learned patterns to produce a response.
Apply and check the rule
A fixed automated rule can respond to a condition without being AI. AI has the additional characteristics in the syllabus, such as reasoning with data and rules or learning and adapting. Do not label every computer-controlled device as AI.
Pause and explain
Does one fixed timer automatically count as AI?
Worked example
A thermostat switches a heater on below one fixed temperature. Does that alone show AI?
Show the worked solution
- The thermostat measures a condition.
- It follows a fixed threshold rule.
- A single rule-based control loop does not by itself demonstrate AI.
Answer No. It is automated control, but a fixed threshold alone does not establish AI.
Try a topic test
Choose Easy, Normal or Difficult. Save your answers and open worked review after finishing.
Test this topic →From guided practice to a new situation
Write your answer and reasoning first. Use a hint only if you are stuck. The model solution is for self-checking; your written work is not automatically marked.
Define AI using the idea of simulation.
Give me a hint
State the field and the behaviour it models.
Compare my reasoning
- AI is a branch of computer science.
- It uses computers to simulate intelligent behaviour.
- Systems process information to produce responses.
Artificial intelligence is a branch of computer science that uses computers to simulate intelligent behaviour.
Look for these in your work
- Field
- Simulation
- Behaviour
A motion sensor turns a hallway light on for 30 seconds. Explain why this is automated but not enough evidence to call it AI.
Give me a hint
Identify whether the rule learns or applies a fixed response.
Compare my reasoning
- A sensor triggers a programmed action.
- The same fixed rule is applied each time.
- No reasoning or learning characteristic has been shown.
It is automated control, but a fixed sensor rule alone does not show AI reasoning or learning.
Look for these in your work
- Automation
- Fixed rule
- AI distinction
A learner claims that AI always learns from every interaction. Correct the claim using the two syllabus examples.
Give me a hint
The syllabus includes more than one AI type.
Compare my reasoning
- Expert systems use a knowledge base and rule base with an inference engine.
- Machine learning can automatically adapt processes or data.
- Only machine learning necessarily involves adaptation in this syllabus description.
Not all AI learns: an expert system applies stored rules to a knowledge base, while machine learning can adapt its processes or data.
Look for these in your work
- Expert system
- Machine learning
- Overgeneralisation corrected
Common mistakes
- Using AI as a synonym for any software
- Assuming AI must learn from data in every syllabus example
What can you explain now?
What is AI concerned with simulating?
Compare with the explanation
Intelligent behaviour
AI systems process information to produce responses associated with intelligent tasks.
After trying it yourself, choose your next review. This is your self-assessment.
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Make it stick
How is AI different from a simple automated rule?
If you needed the solution, close it and solve the problem again from a blank page. A correct answer is stronger when you can explain the reason for each step.