Fundamentals of Generative AI for Beginners from Coursera

Generative AI is a disruptive technology and its impact has been immense. It is causing businesses to rethink customer strategies and redesign their products, chipmakers are scrambling to keep up with the increased demand for processors, and in academia, educators are altering learning paths and curriculums in every field of study. The material presented in this course will introduce you to the world of generative AI and uncover some of the ingredients that make up this groundbreaking field. Using basic terms and a few simple examples, we will explain what generative AI is, what makes it work, and help build a foundation of knowledge that takes you to the next step on your learning journey. Throughout the course, you'll learn what large language models, neural networks, training data sets, and prompts are. You'll also become familiar with some tools and processes used to build generative AI applications.

This course is designed for students, early career professionals, and non-Machine Learning practitioners eager to learn more about Generative AI. The material is "code free" and builds a foundation of knowledge that can be applied towards advanced learning in the areas of Generative AI and machine learning.

What's inside

Syllabus

Fundamentals of Generative AI for Beginners

The History of Generative AI

The Growth of Generative AI

Students will learn about prompts and large language models

Model Training, Evaluation, & Performance

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Provides a solid foundation for a diverse audience ranging from students to non-machine learning practitioners eager to learn about generative AI

Taught by Curtis Evans, an instructor recognized for their work in generative AI

Develops foundational knowledge applicable towards advanced learning in generative AI and machine learning

Leverages basic terms and simplified examples to make generative AI accessible to beginners

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Fundamentals of Generative AI for Beginners with these activities:

Review Terminology

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Refresh your understanding of key terms and concepts in Generative AI, Machine Learning, and Computer Science to strengthen your foundation for the course.

Browse courses on Generative AI

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Read and review the provided course materials.
Create a glossary of key terms and their definitions.
Take a practice quiz to test your understanding.

Review Prompt Engineering

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Review key concepts of prompting generative AI models to refresh your knowledge and ensure a smoother learning experience.

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Practice crafting prompts for various tasks
Read about prompting techniques

Explore Generative AI Model Types

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Enhance your understanding of the different types of generative AI models, their strengths and limitations, to better navigate the course material.

Browse courses on Generative AI Models

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Watch tutorials on different generative AI model types
Experiment with different models using online platforms

Six other activities

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Discuss Best Practices in Generative AI

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Engage with peers to share knowledge, exchange ideas, and stay updated on the latest best practices and trends in generative AI.

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Join online forums or discussion groups
Attend webinars or workshops on generative AI

Gather Industry Examples of Generative AI

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Create a collection of real-world examples of generative AI across various industries to see its practical applications, which will enhance your understanding of its potential.

Browse courses on Generative AI Applications

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Identify different industries using generative AI.
Find and document specific examples of generative AI applications in each industry.
Summarize the benefits and impact of generative AI in each example.
Organize and share your findings in a comprehensive document or presentation.

Practice Prompt Engineering

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Strengthen your understanding and skills in prompt engineering to effectively communicate with generative AI models, enhancing your ability to harness their capabilities.

Browse courses on Prompt Engineering

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Experiment with different prompt formats and structures.
Use online resources and tools to generate and refine prompts.
Receive feedback from others on the effectiveness of your prompts.

Practice Generative AI Task Types

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Strengthen your practical skills in applying generative AI for different tasks, improving your ability to utilize models effectively.

Browse courses on Text Generation

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Complete practice exercises on text generation
Experiment with different prompts for image generation

Attend a Generative AI Workshop

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Participate in a workshop dedicated to Generative AI, where you can engage with experts, learn advanced techniques, and gain hands-on experience with practical applications.

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Research and identify relevant Generative AI workshops.
Register for a workshop that aligns with your interests and learning goals.
Attend the workshop and actively participate in discussions and activities.
Follow up with the workshop organizers or speakers to continue learning and networking.

Build a Generative AI Model for a Specific Task

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Deepen your understanding of model building by creating your own generative AI model for a specific task, applying the knowledge and skills acquired in the course.

Browse courses on Model Building

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Define the specific task and gather relevant data
Experiment with different models and training techniques
Evaluate the performance and iterate on your model

Career center

Learners who complete Fundamentals of Generative AI for Beginners will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

AI Researcher

AI Researchers design and develop new methods and algorithms in artificial intelligence. This course in Generative AI for Beginners will help build a foundation for working with generative AI and machine learning models, which are essential for AI Researchers. The course material will help you build a foundation in generative AI and machine learning that can lead to new breakthroughs in AI. The course also includes a section that discusses the history of generative AI, which is useful for AI Researchers who want to understand the origins and development of this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for AI Researcher

Machine Learning Engineer

Machine Learning Engineers are responsible for making machine learning algorithms work in the real world. This course in Generative AI for Beginners will help build a foundation for working with generative AI and machine learning models, which will help make you a more successful Machine Learning Engineer. The course provides an introduction to machine learning that includes a detailed overview of generative AI. The course also covers the fundamentals of machine learning, which will be essential for aspiring Machine Learning Engineers who are just entering the field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Machine Learning Engineer

AI Engineer

AI Engineers help businesses that are using generative AI to improve business outcomes. This course in Generative AI for Beginners will help build a foundation for working with generative AI and machine learning models. This is useful for an AI Engineer, who may need to stay up-to-date on how to build, deploy, and manage generative AI applications. The course material provides an introduction to the latest techniques in generative AI. The course also includes a section that discusses some of the tools and processes that are used to build generative AI applications.

See salaries and explore the career path for AI Engineer

Data Scientist

Data Scientists create predictive models that can help make decisions and improve business outcomes by analyzing company data. This course in Generative AI for Beginners will help build a foundation for working with generative AI and machine learning models, which are essential to the daily work of a Data Scientist. The course material introduces you to artificial intelligence, machine learning, generative AI, and how these technologies can be used to make predictions and solve business problems. The section on prompts will teach you how to get the information that you need from generative AI models.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist

AI Product Manager

AI Product Managers work with engineers to develop and launch new AI products. This course in Generative AI for Beginners will help you to understand the business side of AI and machine learning. This will make you a more effective AI Product Manager who can make better decisions about product development and marketing. The course covers the fundamentals of generative AI and machine learning. It also includes a section that discusses the tools and processes that are used to build generative AI applications.

See salaries and explore the career path for AI Product Manager

Risk Manager

Risk Managers use machine learning models to assess risk and uncertainty. This course in Generative AI for Beginners will help you build a foundation of knowledge in generative AI and machine learning, which will make you a more successful Risk Manager. This course will introduce you to the latest risk management techniques that are used in today's business world. The course also includes a section that discusses the tools and processes that are used to build generative AI applications.

See salaries and explore the career path for Risk Manager

Software Developer

Software Developers build and maintain computer applications. This course in Generative AI for Beginners will help you to stay up-to-date on the latest advances in generative AI and machine learning. This will make you a more valuable Software Developer who can quickly learn new technologies and apply them to your work. The course covers the fundamentals of generative AI and machine learning, and it also includes a section that discusses the tools and processes that are used to build generative AI applications.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Developer

Quantitative Analyst

Quantitative Analysts use mathematical and statistical models to analyze financial data. This course in Generative AI for Beginners will help you to understand the ways that generative AI and machine learning are used in quantitative finance. This will make you a more successful Quantitative Analyst who can stay up-to-date with the rapidly changing financial landscape. The course covers the fundamentals of generative AI and machine learning. It also includes a section that discusses the tools and processes that are used to build generative AI applications.

See salaries and explore the career path for Quantitative Analyst

Data Analyst

Data Analysts collect and analyze data to help businesses make decisions. This course in Generative AI for Beginners will help you understand the ways that data is used in business. The course will also teach you how to use generative AI to analyze data and uncover patterns. This course may be useful for Data Analysts who are looking to stay up-to-date on the latest techniques in data analysis.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst

Product Manager

Product Managers work with engineers to develop and launch new products. This course in Generative AI for Beginners will help you to understand the business side of generative AI and machine learning. This will make you a more effective Product Manager who can make better decisions about product development and marketing. The course covers the fundamentals of generative AI and machine learning. It also includes a section that discusses the tools and processes that are used to build generative AI applications.

See salaries and explore the career path for Product Manager

Healthcare Data Analyst

Healthcare Data Analysts analyze data to improve the delivery of healthcare. This course in Generative AI for Beginners will help you to understand the ways that data is used in healthcare. The course will also teach you how to use generative AI to analyze data and uncover patterns. This course may be useful for Healthcare Data Analysts who want to stay up-to-date on the latest techniques in data analysis. The course does not have any healthcare-specific content, so it may not prepare you for all aspects of the job.

See salaries and explore the career path for Healthcare Data Analyst

Financial Analyst

Financial Analysts analyze financial data to help businesses make decisions. This course in Generative AI for Beginners will help you to understand the ways that data is used in finance. The course will also teach you how to use generative AI to analyze data and uncover patterns. This course may be useful for Financial Analysts who want to stay up-to-date on the latest techniques in data analysis.

See salaries and explore the career path for Financial Analyst

Consultant

Consultants help businesses solve problems and improve performance. This course in Generative AI for Beginners will help you to understand the business applications of generative AI and machine learning. This will make you a more effective Consultant who can provide better solutions to your clients. The course covers the fundamentals of generative AI and machine learning. It also includes a section that discusses the tools and processes that are used to build generative AI applications.

See salaries and explore the career path for Consultant

Business Analyst

Business Analysts help businesses analyze their operations and improve performance. This course in Generative AI for Beginners will help you to understand the business applications of generative AI and machine learning. This will make you a more effective Business Analyst who can provide better solutions to your clients. The course covers the fundamentals of generative AI and machine learning. It also includes a section that discusses the tools and processes that are used to build generative AI applications.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst