AI for Efficient Programming: Harnessing the Power of LLMs (Coursera)

Unique Features of this Course

• Exploration of multiple browser-based AI tools
• Hands-on, yet simple activities requiring no installations of software
• Emphasis on responsible and ethical use of AI
• Beginner friendly for those who want to get started using generative AI tools
• Useful ideas for how to leverage tools to make your work better and more efficient
• Tried and tested strategies for using AI tools from practicing data scientists and scientific software developers
• A fun and playful approach to learning

Intended Audience

• Professionals looking to improve efficiency
• Students hoping to learn more about programming
• Anyone curious about how AI can be harnessed for technology

Note: Those completely new to programming will find using AI tools to create software solutions challenging at this time. It is helpful to have some fundamental knowledge to write appropriate prompts and to discern when code is not working as expected. We advise novices to seek expert review.

Learning Objectives

• Explain the basics of AI and its potential for improving software development workflows
• Implement strategies to write and debug code using AI-based tools
• Describe the benefits of refactoring code using AI-powered techniques, such as making code readable, keeping it brief, and optimizing code
• Apply best practices for annotating code using AI
• Recognize strategies for using AI-based tools to understand and analyze code, such as code comprehension of unfamiliar languages or functions
• Discuss the challenges and ethical implications of using AI for different aspects of software development

What you'll learn
You'll learn the basics of AI's potential for efficient programming, the ethics of AI use, and how different LLMs work for common coding tasks.

Syllabus

Introduction; Ethics of Using AI
This module provides a general overview of AI Large Language Models, how this technology will change software development, and ethical considerations for using LLMs when creating code and software.

Writing Code; Refactoring Code
This module covers using LLMs to write, debug, and plan your coding project, as well as how LLMs can help with common refactoring tasks.

Annotating Your Code; Understanding Unfamiliar Code
This module covers how to use LLMs to properly annotate your code and to understand code and functions that you did not write.

AI for Bioinformatics
This bonus section covers possible uses and caveats for LLMs in bioinformatics, particularly when working with private data.