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Chris Callison-Burch
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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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.
Read more
Traffic lights
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause and
possible dealbreakers
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
Show steps
Improve your understanding of the concepts by explaining them to others.
Browse courses on
Machine Learning
Show steps
-
Choose an AI algorithm to write about.
-
Research the algorithm.
-
Write a blog post explaining the algorithm.
Watch tutorials on Coursera about AI
Show steps
Supplement your learning with additional resources.
Show steps
-
Find a tutorial on Coursera.
-
Watch the tutorial.
Attend a workshop on AI
Show steps
Learn from experts and network with other AI professionals.
Browse courses on
Artificial Intelligence
Show steps
-
Find a workshop on AI.
-
Register for the workshop.
-
Attend the workshop.
Volunteer at an AI organization
Show steps
Gain practical experience and contribute to the AI community.
Show steps
-
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
Show steps
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.
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
Show steps
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
Show steps
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
Show steps
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
Show steps
Improve your understanding of the concepts by explaining them to others.
Browse courses on
Machine Learning
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Choose an AI algorithm to write about.
- Research the algorithm.
- Write a blog post explaining the algorithm.
Watch tutorials on Coursera about AI
Show steps
Supplement your learning with additional resources.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find a tutorial on Coursera.
- Watch the tutorial.
Attend a workshop on AI
Show steps
Learn from experts and network with other AI professionals.
Browse courses on
Artificial Intelligence
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find a workshop on AI.
- Register for the workshop.
- Attend the workshop.
Volunteer at an AI organization
Show steps
Gain practical experience and contribute to the AI community.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- 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
Show steps
Strengthen your understanding of AI by teaching it to others.
Browse courses on
Artificial Intelligence
Show steps
Show steps
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:
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/lh29jr/artificial
Reading list
We haven't picked any books for this reading list yet.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/lh29jr/artificial
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Effort
4 weeks of study, 8-12 hours/week
Level
Intermediate
Via
Coursera
Institution
University of Pennsylvania
Instructor
Chris Callison-Burch
Language
English
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