Introduction to Artificial Intelligence

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Introduction to Artificial Intelligence

Instructor: Robert J. Brunner

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4 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

62 reviews

Beginner level

Recommended experience

Flexible schedule

2 weeks at 10 hours a week

Learn at your own pace

97%

Most learners liked this course

4 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

62 reviews

Beginner level

Recommended experience

Flexible schedule

2 weeks at 10 hours a week

Learn at your own pace

97%

Most learners liked this course

What you'll learn

The course develops AI innovation, scalability, and thought leadership, fostering expertise in generative AI, business strategy, and ethics.

Skills you'll gain

Tools you'll learn

Details to know

Shareable certificate

Add to your LinkedIn profile

Assessments

25 assignments¹

AI Graded see disclaimer

Taught in English

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There are 4 modules in this course

Artificial Intelligence is revolutionizing industries, reshaping business strategies, and transforming the way we work. Are you ready to understand AI’s potential and harness its power?

In this engaging online course, you’ll dive into the fundamentals of AI, from its historical roots to cutting-edge innovations in machine learning, deep learning, and generative AI. Through real-world applications and expert insights, you’ll discover how AI models work, how businesses are leveraging AI, and what the future holds for Artificial General Intelligence (AGI). But AI isn’t just about technology—it’s about impact. That’s why this course also explores the ethical challenges, regulatory considerations, and societal implications of AI. By the end, you’ll gain the critical knowledge needed to confidently navigate the evolving AI landscape. Whether you’re a business professional, entrepreneur, or tech enthusiast, this course is designed to equip you with practical insights and a strong foundation in AI. Join us today and take the first step toward mastering the future of AI!

This module offers a comprehensive introduction to AI, encompassing its historical development, fundamental mechanisms, ethical considerations, and regulatory landscapes.

What's included

18 videos6 readings7 assignments1 discussion prompt1 plugin

18 videos Total 86 minutes

Introduction to Artificial Intelligence 3 minutes
Meet Your Instructor 5 minutes
The Impact of the Gies Community 2 minutes
The Intelligence Spectrum 4 minutes
Origins of AI 5 minutes
Development of Modern AI 5 minutes
Anatomy of an Algorithm 4 minutes
Gallery of Algorithms 6 minutes
Introduction to Neural Networks 6 minutes
What Is Data? 5 minutes
Data Preprocessing and Transformation 5 minutes
Finding Data 4 minutes
Ethical Concerns of AI 6 minutes
Techniques to Mitigate Bias in AI 5 minutes
Cultural Issues With AI 5 minutes
How Can AI Be Regulated? 5 minutes
The AI Regulatory Landscape 5 minutes
New Regulatory Opportunities with AI 5 minutes

6 readings Total 60 minutes

Syllabus 10 minutes
About the Discussion Forums 10 minutes
Online Education at Gies College of Business 10 minutes
Updating Your Profile 10 minutes
Module 1 Overview 10 minutes
Module 1 Readings 10 minutes

7 assignments Total 155 minutes

Orientation Quiz 5 minutes
Lesson Quiz: Origins of AI 15 minutes
Lesson Quiz: How AI Works 30 minutes
Lesson Quiz: Importance of Data 30 minutes
Lesson Quiz: AI Biases and Ethics 15 minutes
Lesson Quiz: AI Regulations 30 minutes
Module Quiz: History and Overview of Artificial Intelligence 30 minutes

1 discussion prompt Total 10 minutes

Getting to Know Your Classmates 10 minutes

1 plugin Total 15 minutes

Welcome! Please Tell Us About Yourself 15 minutes

This module introduces learners to the foundational techniques of machine learning, focusing on how data-driven models classify, predict, and group information to generate actionable insights. This module provides a comprehensive understanding of three key machine learning approaches—Classification, Regression, and Clustering—and their applications in solving real-world problems.

What's included

15 videos2 readings6 assignments

15 videos Total 92 minutes

What Is Classification? 5 minutes
Classification Applications 6 minutes
Key Classification Algorithms 6 minutes
What Is Regression? 6 minutes
Regression Applications 7 minutes
Key Regression Algorithms 6 minutes
What Is Clustering? 6 minutes
Clustering Applications 6 minutes
Key Clustering Algorithms 7 minutes
Metrics for Performance Evaluation 6 minutes
Pitfalls to Avoid (Overfitting and Underfitting) 6 minutes
Cross-Validation and Retraining 6 minutes
The Data-Model-Application Process 6 minutes
Transition From ML to AI 7 minutes
Newer AI Models 7 minutes

2 readings Total 20 minutes

Module 2 Overview 10 minutes
Module 2 Readings 10 minutes

6 assignments Total 180 minutes

Lesson Quiz: Classification 30 minutes
Lesson Quiz: Regression 30 minutes
Lesson Quiz: Clustering 30 minutes
Lesson Quiz: Evaluation & Selection 30 minutes
Lesson Quiz: Machine Learning Models 30 minutes
Module Quiz: Machine Learning Basics 30 minutes

This module delves into advanced concepts of artificial intelligence, emphasizing how machines can process, interpret, and create complex data. This module introduces learners to the cutting-edge techniques that power today’s AI systems, such as neural networks, deep learning architectures, and generative models.

What's included

15 videos2 readings6 assignments

15 videos Total 88 minutes

Understanding Neural Networks 5 minutes
Convolutional Neural Networks 6 minutes
Recurrent Neural Networks 5 minutes
Natural Language Processing 6 minutes
Computer Vision 6 minutes
Predictive Analysis 6 minutes
Overview of Generative Models 5 minutes
Generative Adversarial Networks 6 minutes
AI in Creative Industries 6 minutes
AI in Marketing & Communications 6 minutes
AI in Human Resources 6 minutes
AI in Manufacturing & Sales 6 minutes
Data Requirements for AI 6 minutes
Computational Costs of AI 6 minutes
Model Interpretability 6 minutes

2 readings Total 20 minutes

Module 3 Overview 10 minutes
Module 3 Readings 10 minutes

6 assignments Total 150 minutes

Lesson Quiz: Fundamentals of Deep Learning 30 minutes
Lesson Quiz: Applications of Deep Learning 30 minutes
Lesson Quiz: Introduction to Generative AI 30 minutes
Lesson Quiz: Business Applications of Generative AI 15 minutes
Lesson Quiz: Challenges in Deep Learning 15 minutes
Module Quiz: Deep Learning and Generative AI 30 minutes

This module explores the transformative potential and challenges associated with AGI and its evolution toward superintelligence. The module provides learners with insights into the technological, societal, and ethical implications of AI advancements, focusing on preparing for a future shaped by these powerful technologies.

What's included

17 videos4 readings6 assignments1 peer review1 plugin

17 videos Total 97 minutes

Narrow AI, AGI, and Super AI 6 minutes
Testing for AGI 6 minutes
Milestones and Potential Timelines for Achieving AGI 6 minutes
Economic Impacts of Narrow AI, AGI, and Super AI 6 minutes
Societal Challenges With Narrow AI, AGI, and Super AI 6 minutes
Ethical Considerations of Narrow AI, AGI, and Super AI 6 minutes
Application of Narrow AI, AGI, and Super AI on Front Oﬃce 7 minutes
Application of Narrow AI, AGI, and Super AI on Factories 7 minutes
Application of Narrow AI, AGI, and Super AI on Customer Interaction 7 minutes
Policy and Governance With AGI and Super AI 6 minutes
Impact of AGI and Super AI on Education and The Workforce 6 minutes
Societal Impacts of AGI and Super AI 7 minutes
Technological Singularity 6 minutes
Philosophy About Consciousness 7 minutes
AI Safety and Control Problems 7 minutes
Course Wrap-Up 2 minutes
Learn on Your Terms 1 minute

4 readings Total 40 minutes

Module 4 Information 10 minutes
Module 4 Readings 10 minutes
Congratulations on Completing the Course! 10 minutes
Get Your Course Certificate 10 minutes

6 assignments Total 180 minutes

Lesson Quiz: The Path to AGI 30 minutes
Lesson Quiz: Implications of AGI 30 minutes
Lesson Quiz: Business Applications of AGI 30 minutes
Lesson Quiz: Preparing for an AI Future 30 minutes
Lesson Quiz: Limitations and Philosophical Considerations 30 minutes
Module Quiz: The Future of AI and Artificial Generative Intelligence (AGI) 30 minutes

1 peer review Total 60 minutes

Peer-Review Assignment: Future of AI 60 minutes

1 plugin Total 15 minutes

How Was the Course? 15 minutes

Build toward a degree

This course is part of the following degree program(s) offered by University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. If you are admitted and enroll, your completed coursework may count toward your degree learning and your progress can transfer with you.¹

Instructor

Instructor ratings

(23 ratings)

Robert J. Brunner

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

8 Courses 34,635 learners

Offered by

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

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Reviewed on Aug 25, 2025

One of the better introductions to AI, it makes sure to mention people like Pitts and covers more than most others. If you are only going to take just one, I would suggest this one.

Reviewed on Aug 10, 2025

Everything explained in the course is clean and simple for beginners

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