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Artificial Intelligence Essentials

Take a look at artificial intelligence through philosophical and science fiction lenses, and review Python basics. Then explore AI algorithms through studying rational agents and common search algorithms like A* search. Complete short coding assignments in Python.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Week 1: Artificial Intelligence Overview

In the first week of the course, we will introduce AI by delving into the philosophical underpinnings of artificial intelligence, integrating the work of important thinkers from Descartes to Alan Turing. We’ll also look at how Science Fiction often foretells the future of artificial intelligence, including examples of AI from hit 1970s and 1980s films that, decades later, have become a reality. We will also start refreshing our Python knowledge to prepare for our coding assignments later in the course.

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Read about what's good

what should give you pause

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Emphasizes the philosophical and scientific aspects of artificial intelligence, providing a well-rounded understanding

Taught by Chris Callison-Burch, a renowned expert in natural language processing and machine translation

Provides a practical approach through Python coding assignments, enabling learners to apply their knowledge

Covers fundamental concepts such as rational agents and common search algorithms, laying a solid foundation in AI

Suitable for learners seeking an introduction to AI, particularly those interested in its philosophical underpinnings and Python programming

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Reviews summary

Foundational ai concepts with philosophical insights

According to students, 'Artificial Intelligence Essentials' offers a highly accessible and positive introduction to AI, particularly beneficial for beginners and those seeking a broad understanding. Learners frequently highlight the course's unique integration of philosophical discussions and sci-fi examples, alongside clear explanations of core AI algorithms like A* search. The lectures and instructor's clarity are consistently praised, contributing to a manageable pace for newcomers. While the short coding assignments are effective for reinforcing basic concepts, some learners, especially those with prior technical experience, found the practical content too basic and noted a lack of technical depth for real-world application. A minority also felt the emphasis on philosophy was too extensive, preferring more hands-on technical material.

Pacing is good for beginners; assignments are light.

"As someone new to AI, I found the short Python assignments helpful for reinforcing understanding."

"The pacing was just right for a beginner. The Python exercises were manageable even for someone with minimal prior experience."

"The assignments are light, suitable for ensuring understanding rather than heavy coding practice."

Lectures are clear and easy to follow.

"The instructor's passion for the subject shone through. Even the coding parts were made approachable."

"The clarity of the lectures was a major plus. The instructors did a great job explaining complex ideas..."

"I appreciated the well-produced lectures and clear explanations from the instructors."

Integrates AI's philosophical roots and sci-fi influences.

"Absolutely loved the philosophical deep dives and sci-fi references! It made learning about AI so much more captivating..."

"The historical and philosophical context was surprisingly insightful and gave a broader perspective."

"I found the philosophical parts interesting and a unique way to approach AI."

Excellent for beginners and those new to AI.

"This course truly lives up to its name, 'Essentials.' It offered a very accessible and engaging introduction to AI..."

"Perfect for a total beginner! I knew nothing about AI and this course made it so understandable."

"Fantastic for non-technical people or those just starting out. It really breaks down AI in a way that's not intimidating."

Some found the philosophical content too lengthy.

"There's a lot of theory and philosophy, which was interesting but felt a bit disproportionate to the 'essentials' of practical AI."

"Too much focus on history, not enough on current tech."

"I felt it was a bit slow in parts, especially the detailed philosophical sections."

Focuses on concepts; less on practical application.

"I was expecting more hands-on coding and practical applications. There's a lot of theory and philosophy..."

"Disappointing. I enrolled hoping for a technical foundation in AI, but it felt more like a humanities course on AI."

"Waste of time if you're looking for real AI development. The coding was extremely basic..."

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 Artificial Intelligence Essentials with these activities:

Read 'Gödel, Escher, Bach: An Eternal Golden Braid'

Show steps

Get a philosophical background of artificial intelligence early on.

View Metamagical Themas: Questing for the Essence of... on Amazon

Show steps

Get a copy of the book.
Read the book.

Read 'Superintelligence: Paths, Dangers, Strategies'

Show steps

Get a broad perspective on the potential benefits and risks of AI.

View Deep Utopia: Life and Meaning in a Solved World on Amazon

Show steps

Get a copy of the book.
Read the book.

Solve Python coding problems on LeetCode

Show steps

Practice your Python skills and learn to solve algorithmic problems.

Browse courses on Python

Show steps

Sign up for a LeetCode account.
Choose a problem to solve.
Solve the problem.

Five other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all eight activities

Write a blog post about the different types of AI algorithms

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Improve your understanding of the concepts by explaining them to others.

Browse courses on Machine Learning

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Choose an AI algorithm to write about.
Research the algorithm.
Write a blog post explaining the algorithm.

Watch tutorials on Coursera about AI

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Supplement your learning with additional resources.

Show steps

Find a tutorial on Coursera.
Watch the tutorial.

Attend a workshop on AI

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Learn from experts and network with other AI professionals.

Browse courses on Artificial Intelligence

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Find a workshop on AI.
Register for the workshop.
Attend the workshop.

Volunteer at an AI organization

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Gain practical experience and contribute to the AI community.

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Find an AI organization to volunteer for.
Contact the organization and express your interest in volunteering.
Attend a volunteer orientation.
Start volunteering.

Mentor other students in AI

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Strengthen your understanding of AI by teaching it to others.

Browse courses on Artificial Intelligence

Show steps

Find other students who are interested in learning about AI.
Offer to mentor them.
Meet with your mentees regularly to help them learn about AI.

Career center

Learners who complete Artificial Intelligence Essentials will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Reading list

We've selected 48 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 Artificial Intelligence Essentials.

Artificial Intelligence

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The definitive benchmark textbook of modern artificial intelligence, rigorously unifying search algorithms, probabilistic reasoning, knowledge representation, and machine learning into an elegant, coherent agent-based framework.

Artificial Intelligence: A Modern Approach

Hardcover

$$$$

Fluent Python

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Serves as the ultimate masterclass in idiomatic Python, guiding developers through data models, generators, metaprogramming, and concurrent concurrency patterns.

Artificial Intelligence Essentials

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What's inside

Syllabus

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Reviews summary

Foundational ai concepts with philosophical insights

Activities

Career center

Reading list

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