Foundations of Local Large Language models (Coursera)

Offered by Duke University,
Foundations of Local Large Language models (Coursera)

By the end of this course, a learner will have a solid understanding of Large Language Models running locally. You'll be able to setup a local environment using powerful tooling to run different LLMs and interact with them both with a web interface as well as with APIs.

Class Deals by MOOC List - Click here and see Coursera's Active Discounts, Deals, and Promo Codes.

You will explore other tools and programming languages to interact with these LLMs and using LLMs via via Hugging Face Candle and Mozilla llamafile.

What you'll learn

  • Local Large Language Models (LLMs)
  • Tools for running LLMs locally like Llamafile

Syllabus

Local LLMOps
This week, you will learn mitigation strategies, evaluate task performance, and operationalize workflows by identifying risks in notebooks and deploying an LLM application.

Production Workflows and Performance of LLMs
This week, you will explore different types of generative AI applications, including API-based, embedded model, and multi-model systems. You'll learn the fundamentals of building robust applications using techniques like Retrieval Augmented Generation (RAG) to improve context. Through hands-on exercises, you'll gain experience evaluating real-world performance of large language models using Elo ratings coded in Python, Rust, R, and Julia. Then you'll explore production LLM workflows using tools like skypilot, Lorax, and Ludwig for fine-tuning models like Mistral-7b. Finally, you'll gain hands-on experience testing an application locally and deploying it on the cloud.

Responsible Generative AI
This week you will learn foundations of generative AI and responsible deployment strategies to benefit from the latest advancements while maintaining safety, accuracy, and oversight. By directly applying concepts through hands-on labs and peer discussions, you will gain practical experience putting AI into production.

Go to Class
MOOC List is learner-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Related Courses

Machine Learning in Healthcare: Fundamentals & Applications (Coursera) Coursera
Northeastern University

Machine Learning in Healthcare: Fundamentals & Applications (Coursera)

Examines data mining perspectives and methods in a healthcare context. Introduces the theoretical foundations for major data mining methods and studies how to select and use the appropriate data mining method and the major advantages for each. Students are exposed to contemporary data mining software applications and basic programming skills. Focuses on solving real-world problems, which require data cleaning, data transformation, and data modeling.

Sep 28th 2026
4 Weeks
General AI Mastery Toolbox: Master AI and Drive Success (Coursera) Coursera
Coursera Instructor Network

General AI Mastery Toolbox: Master AI and Drive Success (Coursera)

General Artificial Intelligence (AI) has proven its value in the business world with its multiple uses. The various applications of AI have proved to be of increasing value to businesses in their ability to meet customer demand with efficiency and creativity. To remain in sync with the direction of business entities, individuals need a tool kit to assist them as they master this technology.

Sep 28th 2026
1 Week
Amazon Bedrock - Getting Started (Coursera) Coursera
AWS

Amazon Bedrock - Getting Started (Coursera)

Amazon Bedrock is a fully managed service that makes foundation models (FMs) from Amazon and leading artificial intelligence (AI) startups available through an API. In this course, you will learn the benefits of Amazon Bedrock. You will learn how to start using the service through a demonstration in the Amazon Bedrock console. You will also learn about the AI concepts of Amazon Bedrock and how you can use the service to accelerate development of generative AI applications.

Sep 28th 2026
1 Week
Developing AI Applications on Azure (Coursera) Coursera
LearnQuest

Developing AI Applications on Azure (Coursera)

This course introduces the concepts of Artificial Intelligence and Machine learning. We'll discuss machine learning types and tasks, and machine learning algorithms. You'll explore Python as a popular programming language for machine learning solutions, including using some scientific ecosystem packages which will help you implement machine learning.

Sep 21st 2026
5-12 Weeks
Next-Generation AI Assistant: Claude by Anthropic (Coursera) Coursera
Coursera Instructor Network

Next-Generation AI Assistant: Claude by Anthropic (Coursera)

In this guided project, you will explore the capabilities of Claude AI, Anthropic's advanced AI assistant, and learn how to effectively apply its features in your work. This journey involves mastering the skills needed to create compelling materials, persuasive messaging, and strategic campaigns that engage your target audience and enhance your projects.

Sep 28th 2026
1 Week
Google Cloud Product Fundamentals em Português Brasileiro (Coursera) Coursera
Google Cloud

Google Cloud Product Fundamentals em Português Brasileiro (Coursera)

Este curso é uma continuação do "Business Transformation with Google Cloud" e guiará você pela jornada de transformação de uma organização do ponto de vista tecnológico. Explicaremos como as organizações podem fazer a transformação digital usando a tecnologia do Google Cloud nestas categorias: modernização da infraestrutura de TI; melhorias no processo de desenvolvimento dos aplicativos da empresa; uso do machine learning e da inteligência artificial para criar novo valor; a importância de ferramentas de produtividade como o G Suite na realização do trabalho; e compreender as oportunidades e os desafios da gestão do custo que uma infraestrutura de TI na nuvem traz.

Sep 28th 2026
5-12 Weeks
Introduction to Generative AI Studio (Coursera) Coursera
Google Cloud

Introduction to Generative AI Studio (Coursera)

This course introduces Generative AI Studio, a product on Vertex AI, that helps you prototype and customize generative AI models so you can use their capabilities in your applications. In this course, you learn what Generative AI Studio is, its features and options, and how to use it by walking through demos of the product. In the end, you will have a quiz to test your knowledge.

Sep 28th 2026
1 Week
Generative AI in HR - Impact and Application of Gen AI (Coursera) Coursera
Board Infinity

Generative AI in HR - Impact and Application of Gen AI (Coursera)

"Generative AI in HR - Impact and Application of Gen AI HR Tools" is a comprehensive course designed to explore the transformative role of generative AI in human resources. Across two modules, this course covers the fundamentals of generative AI, its applications in HR, and the broader implications for the future. It delves into practical uses in recruitment, employee engagement, and training, as well as critical discussions on ethics, bias, and privacy. Emerging trends and predictive analytics are also explored, preparing HR professionals for the evolving landscape of AI in the workplace.

Sep 28th 2026
2 Weeks
Responsible AI in the Generative AI Era (Coursera) Coursera
Fractal Analytics

Responsible AI in the Generative AI Era (Coursera)

This one-week microlearning course provides an introduction to the Principles of Responsible AI and how those principles align with the Generative AI or GenAI space. It also informs the learners about the various challenges that Generative AI brings. You will explore the fundamental principles of responsible AI, and understand the need for developing Generative AI tools responsibly.

Sep 28th 2026
1 Week
Artificial Intelligence (AI) Education for Teachers (Coursera) Coursera
Macquarie University

Artificial Intelligence (AI) Education for Teachers (Coursera)

Today’s learners need to know what artificial intelligence (AI) is, how it works, how to use it in their everyday lives, and how it could potentially be used in their future. Using AI requires skills and values which extend far beyond simply having knowledge about coding and technology. This course is designed by teachers, for teachers, and will bridge the gap between commonly held beliefs about AI, and what it really is. AI can be embedded into all areas of the school curriculum and this course will show you how. This course will appeal to teachers who want to increase their general understanding of AI, including why it is important for learners; and/or to those who want to embed AI into their teaching practice and their students’ learning.

Sep 21st 2026
5-12 Weeks