AI Fundamentals

Our AI Fundamentals course provides a thorough exploration of artificial intelligence, covering core concepts, societal impact, and the evolution of AI, offering learners a holistic understanding and practical skills for navigating the dynamic AI landscape.

Steve Birtles

Head of Digital Teaching and Learning, Eton College
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Course overview

Our AI Fundamentals course offers a comprehensive journey through the world of artificial intelligence (AI), providing an in-depth understanding of AI’s core concepts and its societal impact and exploring the evolution and implications of AI in our daily lives. You will gain an holistic understanding of AI, from its basics to its societal and future implications. It equips learners with valuable knowledge and practical skills for navigating the ever-changing world of artificial intelligence.

Syllabus

1

What is AI?

  • AI in everyday life
  • AI history lesson
  • The AI effect

2

Types of AI

  • What are algorithms?
  • Neural networks
  • Machine learning

3

Conversational AI

  • Large language models (LLMs)
  • Connected conversational AIs
  • The bootstrap problem

4

Prompt engineering

  • Detail and refinement
  • Simulation and simulacra
  • Prompts for learning

5

Society and AI

  • Inclusion and accessibility
  • Ethics and alignment
  • Safety and responsibility

6

The Future of AI

  • Jobs and intellectual property
  • Artificial general intelligence (AGI)
  • Existential threat!?

AI Fundamentals – learning outcomes

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

  • build on what you already know about AI from everyday experiences and work towards a definition of what AI is
  • gain an overview of the different ways AIs can be designed and built, and how different types of AIs can solve different problems
  • develop the practical skills needed to interact with generative AIs
  • make some educated and well-reasoned predictions as to how AI might continue to evolve in our lifetimes.

Study options

Course Pack

This course is also available as part of our 'Start a Career' Course Pack

Important information

Safeguarding

As part of our rigorous safeguarding procedures, all EtonX staff have passed an enhanced DBS check and child safeguarding course.

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Free access for state schools

If you’re a state school student in the UK aged 13 or over, you get free access to all of our courses. No catch. Start building your skills today!

Not in the State Sector?

Don't worry - you can still purchase a 12 month subscription! Individual and bulk school licence purchases are available.