Introduction to AI: Concepts, Applications, and Impact

Catalog description

The goal of the course is to enable Penn students to navigate the opportunities and challenges of AI by giving an overview of how AI works, how it is applied, its limitations and where it might be headed. The concepts underlying AI will only be introduced at a basic level but students will gain an intuitive understanding and feel empowered to use it with greater confidence. Exercises with easy to use AI-based tools will enable students to explore data and carry out experiments with some of the leading AI products. The various ways in which AI carries risks for individuals and our society will be discussed. By understanding the origin of the different risks, students will gain an understanding of the possibilities for mitigating them. Finally, the myriad applications of AI in the real world will be surveyed with an eye towards emerging trends. Thus the course is a self-contained attempt at “everything you need to know about AI before stepping into the real world”. Students will also be better prepared to use AI during college: in their selection and performance in courses, for research projects and internships.