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Introduction to Generative AI

Noah Gift, Alfredo Deza, and Derek Wales

This introductory course is designed for beginners with no prior knowledge of generative AI. You will start by gaining a high-level understanding of what generative AI is and how it works. Through interactive lessons and hands-on examples, you will learn fundamental skills like providing effective prompts and iteratively improving the generated outputs. As the course progresses, you will dive deeper into specific major generative AI models, including their unique capabilities and limitations. Finally,, you will get practical experience using leading systems like GitHub Copilot, DALL-E, and OpenAI to generate code, images, and text. By the end, you will have developed core knowledge to start experimenting with generative AI in a responsible and effective way for a variety of applications. This course aims to provide a friendly introduction to prepare complete beginners for further exploration of this rapidly evolving technology.

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Syllabus

Introduction to Generative AI
This week, you will learn what generative AI is and how it has evolved from early AI to the large language models used today. You'll understand how these models work in applications by learning about model architectures and the training process. The week provides an overview of major foundation models like ChatGPT and Hugging Face, highlighting their capabilities and limitations. You'll explore the generative AI landscape, comparing options like open source models, local models, and cloud APIs. By the end, you'll have a solid base of knowledge about the foundations of this technology and options for accessing and leveraging different AI systems.
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Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Provides a comprehensive introduction to generative AI, from foundational concepts to practical applications
Taught by experienced instructors with expertise in generative AI
Offers hands-on experience with leading generative AI systems like GitHub Copilot, DALL-E, and OpenAI
Develops core skills in prompt engineering, enabling learners to effectively interact with generative AI models
Covers a wide range of generative AI applications, from image generation to text summarization
Suitable for beginners with no prior knowledge of generative AI

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Reviews summary

Excellent beginner's gateway to generative ai

According to students, the "Introduction to Generative AI" course is a largely positive and highly accessible starting point for newcomers to the field. Learners consistently praise its ability to demystify complex concepts, making them easy to understand even without prior technical background. The course is noted for its clear explanations and well-structured content. A significant strength highlighted is the practical, hands-on experience with leading tools such as GitHub Copilot, DALL-E, and the OpenAI API. Many found the module on prompt engineering techniques to be particularly valuable and immediately applicable. While exceptionally suited for beginners, some advanced learners noted it might feel too basic for deep technical dives, serving more as a comprehensive overview than an in-depth development course.
Teaches essential skills for interacting with AI models.
"The prompt engineering module was a game-changer for my daily work."
"The 'Interacting with Models' week was particularly insightful, teaching practical prompt engineering techniques."
"The prompt engineering strategies were incredibly useful."
Offers valuable practice with leading Generative AI tools.
"I particularly enjoyed the hands-on demos with DALL-E and GitHub Copilot, they made the concepts much easier to grasp."
"The hands-on exercises were quite useful, especially the OpenAI API section."
"The hands-on experience with OpenAI's DALL-E and GitHub Copilot were highlights. I now have a much clearer idea of how to leverage these tools responsibly."
Demystifies complex Generative AI concepts for beginners.
"The content is well-structured and the explanations are incredibly clear, even for someone with no technical background."
"I knew nothing about AI, and now I feel confident enough to use tools like ChatGPT effectively and understand the basics of how they work."
"The course explains complex concepts like model architectures and training processes in an accessible way."
Perfectly suited for those with no prior AI knowledge.
"This course is an excellent starting point for anyone curious about Generative AI."
"Absolutely fantastic for beginners! I knew nothing about AI..."
"For a complete beginner, this is very strong. This course delivers on its promise as an 'introduction'."
May be too basic for learners seeking deep technical dives.
"While it doesn't dive super deep into the math, it gives you enough understanding to start experimenting. My only minor feedback is that some topics could be expanded if you're looking for more advanced knowledge..."
"I came in with a bit of programming experience and found some parts a bit too basic. I was hoping for more coding examples or deeper dives into the actual model implementation."
"It's a good survey, but don't expect to become an expert developer."

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 Introduction to Generative AI with these activities:
Review Probability and Statistics
Review the basics of probability and statistics to strengthen your foundation for generative AI.
Browse courses on Probability
Show steps
  • Go over your notes or textbook from previous probability and statistics courses.
  • Practice solving problems related to probability and statistics.
Review prerequisite math concepts for generative AI
Reviewing prerequisite math concepts will strengthen your foundational understanding and help you grasp the mathematical underpinnings of generative AI models.
Browse courses on Math
Show steps
  • Identify the math concepts used in generative AI, such as linear algebra, calculus, and probability
  • Review the relevant concepts from your previous coursework or textbooks
  • Solve practice problems to test your understanding
Practice prompt engineering for generative AI models
Practicing prompt engineering will enhance your ability to effectively interact with generative AI models and obtain desired outputs.
Browse courses on Prompt Engineering
Show steps
  • Familiarize yourself with different prompt engineering techniques, such as context establishment, fine-tuning, and chaining
  • Use online tools or platforms to practice prompt engineering
  • Experiment with different prompts and observe the corresponding model outputs
  • Iteratively refine your prompts based on feedback from the model or human evaluators
Two other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all five activities
Volunteer as a mentor or tutor for aspiring generative AI learners
Mentoring or tutoring others will reinforce your understanding of generative AI and help you develop your communication skills.
Browse courses on Community Involvement
Show steps
  • Reach out to organizations or platforms that offer mentoring or tutoring programs related to generative AI
  • Share your knowledge and expertise with aspiring learners
  • Provide guidance, feedback, and encouragement to help others succeed
Participate in hackathons or competitions focused on generative AI
Participating in competitions will push your generative AI skills to the limit and provide opportunities to learn from others.
Show steps
  • Identify upcoming hackathons or competitions related to generative AI
  • Form a team or collaborate with others
  • Develop a creative and impactful project or solution
  • Present your project and compete against other teams
  • Network with other participants and industry professionals

Career center

Learners who complete Introduction to Generative AI will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Machine Learning Engineer
As a Machine Learning Engineer, you will be responsible for designing, developing, and deploying machine learning models to improve business outcomes. This course can help you build a foundation in generative AI, which is a rapidly growing field with applications in various industries. You will learn how to interact with generative AI models effectively, build robust generative AI systems, and apply these models to solve real-world problems. With the skills gained from this course, you will be well-positioned to succeed as a Machine Learning Engineer and drive innovation through the use of generative AI.
See salaries and explore the career path for Machine Learning Engineer
Data Scientist
Data Scientists are responsible for extracting insights from data to improve decision-making. This course can help you develop the skills needed to use generative AI models for data analysis and prediction. You will learn how to interact with these models effectively, build robust systems, and apply them to a variety of data-driven tasks. With the knowledge gained from this course, you will be well-equipped to succeed as a Data Scientist and leverage generative AI to drive data-driven decision-making.
See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist
Software Engineer
Software Engineers design, develop, and maintain software systems. This course can help you build a foundation in generative AI, which is becoming increasingly important in software development. You will learn how to interact with generative AI models effectively, build robust systems, and apply them to various software development tasks. With the skills gained from this course, you will be well-positioned to succeed as a Software Engineer and drive innovation through the use of generative AI.
See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer
Product Manager
Product Managers are responsible for managing the development and launch of new products. This course can help you develop the skills needed to use generative AI to enhance product development. You will learn how to interact with generative AI models effectively, build robust systems, and apply them to a variety of product development tasks. With the knowledge gained from this course, you will be well-equipped to succeed as a Product Manager and leverage generative AI to drive innovation and improve product outcomes.
See salaries and explore the career path for Product Manager
Quantitative Analyst
Quantitative Analysts use mathematical and statistical models to analyze financial data. This course can help you build a foundation in generative AI, which is increasingly being used in quantitative analysis. You will learn how to interact with generative AI models effectively, build robust systems, and apply them to a variety of financial analysis tasks. With the skills gained from this course, you will be well-positioned to succeed as a Quantitative Analyst and leverage generative AI to drive innovation in financial analysis.
See salaries and explore the career path for Quantitative Analyst
Research Scientist
Research Scientists conduct research in various fields, including computer science, engineering, and medicine. This course can help you build a foundation in generative AI, which is rapidly growing in research. You will learn how to interact with generative AI models effectively, build robust systems, and apply them to a variety of research projects. With the skills gained from this course, you will be well-positioned to succeed as a Research Scientist and drive innovation through the use of generative AI.
See salaries and explore the career path for Research Scientist
Data Analyst
Data Analysts collect, clean, and analyze data to identify trends and patterns. This course can help you build a foundation in generative AI, which can be used to automate data analysis tasks. You will learn how to interact with generative AI models effectively, build robust systems, and apply them to a variety of data analysis tasks. With the skills gained from this course, you will be well-positioned to succeed as a Data Analyst and leverage generative AI to drive efficiency and improve data-driven decision-making.
See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst
Business Analyst
Business Analysts identify and solve business problems using data and technology. This course can help you build a foundation in generative AI, which has applications in various business domains. You will learn how to interact with generative AI models effectively, build robust systems, and apply them to identify opportunities, solve problems, and improve business outcomes. With the skills gained from this course, you will be well-positioned to succeed as a Business Analyst and leverage generative AI to drive innovation and improve business performance.
See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst
UX Designer
UX Designers design user interfaces that are both functional and enjoyable to use. This course can help you build a foundation in generative AI, which can be used to enhance the user experience. You will learn how to interact with generative AI models effectively, build robust systems, and apply them to generate ideas, design prototypes, and improve user interfaces. With the skills gained from this course, you will be well-positioned to succeed as a UX Designer and leverage generative AI to create innovative and user-centric designs.
See salaries and explore the career path for UX Designer
Content Creator
Content Creators develop and publish content for various platforms, including websites, social media, and video channels. This course can help you build a foundation in generative AI, which can be used to create engaging and informative content. You will learn how to interact with generative AI models effectively, build robust systems, and apply them to generate ideas, write text, and create images and videos. With the skills gained from this course, you will be well-positioned to succeed as a Content Creator and leverage generative AI to produce high-quality and engaging content that resonates with your audience.
See salaries and explore the career path for Content Creator
Technical Writer
Technical Writers create documentation and other materials that explain technical concepts. This course can help you build a foundation in generative AI, which can be used to improve the quality and efficiency of technical writing. You will learn how to interact with generative AI models effectively, build robust systems, and apply them to generate documentation, create training materials, and translate technical content. With the skills gained from this course, you will be well-positioned to succeed as a Technical Writer and leverage generative AI to create clear and concise technical communication.
See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Writer
Digital Marketer
Digital Marketers use digital technologies to promote products and services. This course can help you build a foundation in generative AI, which can be used to enhance digital marketing campaigns. You will learn how to interact with generative AI models effectively, build robust systems, and apply them to generate ad copy, create social media content, and optimize marketing campaigns. With the skills gained from this course, you will be well-positioned to succeed as a Digital Marketer and leverage generative AI to drive innovation and improve marketing outcomes.
See salaries and explore the career path for Digital Marketer
Educator
Educators teach students at all levels, from elementary school to university. This course can help you build a foundation in generative AI, which can be used to enhance teaching and learning experiences. You will learn how to interact with generative AI models effectively, build robust systems, and apply them to create lesson plans, generate teaching materials, and provide personalized feedback to students. With the skills gained from this course, you will be well-positioned to succeed as an Educator and leverage generative AI to create engaging and effective learning environments for your students.
See salaries and explore the career path for Educator
Consultant
Consultants provide advice and guidance to businesses and organizations. This course can help you build a foundation in generative AI, which can be used to enhance consulting services. You will learn how to interact with generative AI models effectively, build robust systems, and apply them to generate reports, presentations, and other materials for clients. With the skills gained from this course, you will be well-positioned to succeed as a Consultant and leverage generative AI to provide innovative solutions and drive value for your clients.
See salaries and explore the career path for Consultant
Project Manager
Project Managers plan, execute, and close projects. This course can help you build a foundation in generative AI, which can be used to enhance project management processes. You will learn how to interact with generative AI models effectively, build robust systems, and apply them to generate project plans, track progress, and communicate with stakeholders. With the skills gained from this course, you will be well-positioned to succeed as a Project Manager and leverage generative AI to improve project efficiency and outcomes.
See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager

Reading list

We've selected 11 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Introduction to Generative AI.
Cover image
Dive into Deep Learning
Save
Comprehensive textbook on deep learning. It covers the fundamentals, architectures, and applications of deep learning models, providing a solid foundation for understanding and applying generative AI techniques.
Dive into Deep Learning
Paperback
$$
Cover image
Computer Vision
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of computer vision, which key field related to generative AI. It covers topics such as image processing, feature detection, and object recognition, providing a foundation for understanding how generative AI models generate images.
Computer Vision
Paperback
Check
Computer Vision
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
Deep Learning for Coders with fastai and PyTorch
Save
Introduces the fundamentals of deep learning using the Fastai library and PyTorch framework. It covers basic concepts like neural networks, convolutional neural networks, and natural language processing, which are essential for understanding generative AI.
Deep Learning for Coders with Fastai and PyTorch:...
Paperback
$$
Deep Learning for Coders with fastai and PyTorch:...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Reinforcement Learning, second edition
Save
Classic introduction to reinforcement learning, which type of machine learning that is used in generative AI models. It provides a comprehensive overview of the theory and algorithms, helping readers understand how generative AI models can learn from feedback and improve their performance.
Reinforcement Learning, second edition: An...
Hardcover
$$$
Reinforcement Learning, second edition: An...
Kindle Edition
$$$
Statistical Learning with Sparsity
Save
Covers the theory and methods of statistical learning with sparsity. It provides a deep dive into the mathematical underpinnings of generative AI models, helping readers understand how they learn from data and make predictions.
Statistical Learning with Sparsity
Paperback
Check
Statistical Learning with Sparsity
Kindle Edition
Check
Understanding Machine Learning
Save
Provides a theoretical foundation for machine learning. It covers topics such as supervised learning, unsupervised learning, and reinforcement learning, helping readers understand the mathematical underpinnings of generative AI.
Understanding Machine Learning: From Theory to...
Hardcover
$$$
Understanding Machine Learning: From Theory to...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Machine Learning Engineering
Save
Concise introduction to machine learning and deep learning. It provides a quick overview of the core concepts and algorithms, making it a good starting point for learners who are new to the field.
Machine Learning Engineering
Paperback
$$
Machine Learning Engineering
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Deep Learning with Python, Second Edition
Save
While not specifically focused on generative AI, this book offers a comprehensive introduction to deep learning, providing a solid foundation for understanding and working with generative AI models.
Deep Learning with Python, Second Edition
Paperback
$$
Deep Learning with Python, Second Edition
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Human-in-the-Loop Machine Learning
Save
Examines the role of humans in the development and deployment of machine learning systems, including generative AI models, providing insights into responsible and effective use of these technologies.
Human-in-the-Loop Machine Learning: Active learning...
Paperback
$$
Human-in-the-Loop Machine Learning: Active learning...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Deep Learning
Save
Explores the theory and practice of generative adversarial networks (GANs), a type of generative AI model, providing in-depth knowledge for those interested in the technical aspects of GANs.
Deep Learning (Adaptive Computation and Machine...
Hardcover
$$$
Deep Learning (Adaptive Computation and Machine...
Kindle Edition
$$$
Cover image
Introduction to Applied Linear Algebra
Save
Explores the theory and algorithms of convex optimization, which is used in some generative AI models, providing a solid mathematical foundation for understanding and working with these models.
Introduction to Applied Linear Algebra: Vectors,...
Hardcover
$$
Introduction to Applied Linear Algebra: Vectors,...
Kindle Edition
$$

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Course image
Effort
37 hours to complete
Level
Introductory
Via
Coursera
Institution
Duke University
Instructors
Noah Gift
Alfredo Deza
Derek Wales
Language
English
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Provides a comprehensive introduction to generative AI, from foundational concepts to practical applications
Taught by experienced instructors with expertise in generative AI
Offers hands-on experience with leading generative AI systems like GitHub Copilot, DALL-E, and OpenAI
Develops core skills in prompt engineering, enabling learners to effectively interact with generative AI models
Covers a wide range of generative AI applications, from image generation to text summarization
Suitable for beginners with no prior knowledge of generative AI
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