Introduction to Artificial Intelligence

Catalog description

Ever wondered how ChatGPT writes code, how self-driving cars navigate, or what the path to artificial general intelligence (AGI) might look like? This hands-on introduction to AI combines cutting-edge technology with foundational concepts to prepare you for the AI-driven future. You'll take a deep dive into large language models—not just using them as tools, but understanding how transformers work, mastering the art of prompt engineering, and exploring advanced techniques like fine-tuning and retrieval-augmented generation. Through programming lovable R2D2 robots with LLM-generated code, implementing classic AI algorithms, and wrestling with ethical dilemmas, you'll discover both the remarkable capabilities and important limitations of artificial intelligence. Perfect for students beginning their AI journey, this course balances rigorous computer science with creative problem-solving and critical thinking about AI's role in society. No prior AI experience needed—just curiosity and a willingness to explore the frontier of human-machine collaboration. Prerequisite: CIS 1200