AI courses
Foundations of Generative AI
A conceptual Georgia Tech foundation in generative AI history, tokens, transformers, model development, and responsible evaluation.
- Provider
- Georgia Institute of Technology
- Level
- Beginner
- Duration
- 3 weeks (2 hours per week)
- Format
- Online, Self-paced
About
Foundations of Generative AI from the Georgia Institute of Technology is a self-paced beginner course on how modern generative AI developed and how its core mechanisms fit together. The recorded scope moves from historical context into tokens, transformers, model development, and responsible use, giving learners a more technical conceptual foundation than a workplace-productivity overview. Basic computer science, coding, and calculus are recommended rather than required. The course is best treated as preparation for deeper implementation study, not as a complete programming or model-training curriculum.
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Learning Outcomes
- Describe the historical and technical context that led to modern generative AI systems
- Explain at a conceptual level how tokens and transformers contribute to generative models
- Connect model-development concepts with responsible evaluation and use of generative AI
Skills Covered
Generative AI, Tokens, Transformers, Model Development, Responsible AI
Syllabus
- Generative AI foundations and history
Places current generative systems in historical context and establishes the terminology needed for the more technical concepts that follow.
- Tokens, transformers, and model development
Explains the recorded mechanical foundations—tokens and transformers—and relates them to the broader process of developing generative models.
- Responsible interpretation and next steps
Connects technical understanding to responsible use and helps learners identify the deeper coding or mathematical study needed after this foundation.
Prerequisites
- There are no required prerequisites; basic computer science, coding, and calculus are recommended in the course record.
Target Audience
Beginners who want a conceptual explanation of how generative AI works, Learners preparing for later technical study in AI or computer science
Best For
- Choose this course when tokens, transformers, and model development matter more than workplace prompt tips.
- It suits learners who want an academic foundation before moving into implementation-focused training.
Pros
- Links the history of generative AI to tokens, transformers, and model-development concepts
- States recommended technical background without making it a formal barrier to entry
Cons
- The foundational orientation does not amount to a complete model-building or programming course.
- Learners focused only on immediate workplace productivity may prefer a shorter, application-led introduction.
Course Facts
- Provider:
- Georgia Institute of Technology
- Duration:
- 3 weeks (2 hours per week)
- Level:
- Beginner
- Language:
- English
Certification & Delivery
Certificate Available
Format: Online, Self-paced