Note - SPPU's Degreeplus Beta Version is up, stay tuned for more details.
Note - SPPU's Degreeplus Beta Version is up, stay tuned for more details.

Course

AI For Software Engineers

48 hours 33 minutes

Credits: Optional Learning

Description

In this course, learners will develop a comprehensive and technically grounded understanding of generative AI — from foundational concepts through to hands-on model fine-tuning, retrieval-augmented generation, AI-assisted development, and AI-powered testing. Learners will explore generative AI, GPT models, machine learning, deep learning, and prompt engineering, applying responsible AI principles throughout. They will examine large language models, transformer architecture, and Hugging Face, and implement neural networks using PyTorch. Learners will fine-tune language models, build retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) applications, and apply advanced RAG techniques. They will use AI-assisted development tools including Claude Code and Codex CLI to build applications, and develop API testing skills with Postman covering RESTful APIs, variables, data files, end-to-end testing, and mock servers. The course concludes with a practical AI-assisted testing track covering front-end and back-end testing strategies, debugging, and production-ready testing using AI tools.

What Students Will Learn

  • Generative AI, Prompting and Ethics Awareness
  • An Introduction to Generative AI
  • An Introduction to GPT Models
  • Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
  • Deep Learning and Neural Networks
  • Getting Started with Prompt Engineering
  • Exploring Prompt Engineering Techniques
  • Case Studies in Prompt Engineering
  • Considerations for Using AI Responsibly

  • NLP and LLMs Proficiency (Advanced Level)
  • Introduction to Large Language Models (LLMs)
  • Transformers: The "T" in GPT
  • Exploring Transformers with Hugging Face
  • Exploring Transformers Lab: Exploring Their Carbon Footprint
  • Introduction to PyTorch and Neural Networks
  • Introduction to PyTorch and Neural Networks Lab: Predicting Electric Vehicle Charging Loads

  • Introduction to Hugging Face
  • Introduction to Finetuning
  • Finetuning Transformers with Hugging Face
  • Finetuning Language Models: Practice Lab
  • Portfolio Project: Analyze Texts With NLP
  • RAG Foundations
  • Build a RAG App
  • RAG Techniques

  • AI Development Tools
  • Introduction to Claude Code and AI-Assisted Development
  • Claude Code and AI-Assisted Development: Tic-Tac-Toe

  • Introduction to Codex CLI and AI-Assisted Development
  • Codex CLI and AI-Assisted Development Lab: Tic-Tac-Toe

  • API Fundamentals and Testing Literacy (Beginner Level)
  • Introducing API Fundamentals & Testing: Understanding APIs
  • Introducing API Fundamentals & Testing: Working with RESTful APIs
  • API Testing: Getting Started with Postman & API Requests
  • API Testing: The Basics of Testing APIs with Postman
  • API Testing: Working with Variables in Postman
  • API Testing: Data Files, End-to-end Testing, & Mocks in Postman

  • AI-Assisted Testing and Debugging Strategies
  • Fundamental Front-End Testing with AI
  • AI-Assisted React Testing Lab: Weeding Out Hidden Issues in SudoBloom
  • Production-Ready Front-End Testing with AI
  • AI-Assisted Back-End Testing
  • AI-Assisted Back-End Testing Lab: Project Task Tracker API

  • Generative AI: Navigating the Course to the Artificial General Intelligence Future

Overall Learning Outcomes

  • Explain generative AI, GPT models, machine learning, deep learning, and neural network concepts
  • Apply structured prompt engineering techniques and evaluate AI outputs responsibly
  • Describe large language model (LLM) architecture including transformer models and their real-world applications
  • Implement and explore transformer models using Hugging Face for NLP tasks
  • Build and train neural networks using PyTorch and apply them to practical prediction tasks
  • Fine-tune pre-trained language models using Hugging Face for custom NLP applications
  • Design and build retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) applications using foundational and advanced RAG techniques
  • Use AI-assisted development tools including Claude Code and Codex CLI to accelerate application development
  • Explain API fundamentals and test RESTful APIs using Postman including variables, data files, mocks, and end-to-end workflows
  • Apply AI-assisted testing strategies to front-end and back-end applications including debugging and production-ready testing