AI for Efficient Programming: Harnessing the Power of LLMs

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AI for Efficient Programming: Harnessing the Power of LLMs

Instructors: Elizabeth Humphries, PhD

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4 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

Beginner level

Recommended experience

1 week to complete

at 10 hours a week

Flexible schedule

Learn at your own pace

4 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

Beginner level

Recommended experience

1 week to complete

at 10 hours a week

Flexible schedule

Learn at your own pace

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.

Skills you'll gain

Tools you'll learn

Details to know

Shareable certificate

Add to your LinkedIn profile

Assessments

13 assignments

Taught in English

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There are 4 modules in this course

This course on Artificial Intelligence (AI) for software development explores the use of AI large language models such as ChatGPT, Bard, and others and their potential benefits and challenges. Through examples and hands-on activities, you will develop an understanding of the ways in which AI can speed up software development tasks and free up time for more creative and strategic work.

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 Key Words Artificial Intelligence (AI), ChatGPT, Generative AI, Large Language Models (LLMs), Software Development, Coding, Data Science 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 Accessibility We are committed to making our content accessible and available to all. We welcome any feedback you might have at https://forms.gle/3sTZpctxzYyhj74NA. Questions related to accessibility accommodations should be directed to https://studentserviceportal.force.com/s/. PDF versions of this course can be found at https://leanpub.com/courses/fredhutch/ai_for_software.

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.

What's included

3 videos4 readings4 assignments2 discussion prompts

3 videos Total 7 minutes

General Introduction and Course Overview 3 minutes
AI Code of Ethics 2 minutes
Combating Bias in LLMs 2 minutes

4 readings Total 37 minutes

About the course 5 minutes
About the Authors 2 minutes
Introduction 10 minutes
Ethics of Using AI 20 minutes

4 assignments Total 110 minutes

Introduction Practice Questions 20 minutes
Ethics Practice Questions 30 minutes
Introduction Quiz 30 minutes
Ethics Quiz 30 minutes

2 discussion prompts Total 20 minutes

Introduction Discussion 10 minutes
AI Ethics Discussion 10 minutes

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

What's included

4 videos2 readings4 assignments2 discussion prompts2 plugins

4 videos Total 8 minutes

Writing Code Introduction 4 minutes
Writing Code Summary 1 minute
Refactoring Code Introduction 2 minutes
Refactoring Code Summary 1 minute

2 readings Total 60 minutes

Writing Code 30 minutes
Refactoring Code 30 minutes

4 assignments Total 120 minutes

Writing Code Practice Questions 30 minutes
Refactoring Practice Questions 30 minutes
Writing Code Quiz 30 minutes
Refactoring Quiz 30 minutes

2 discussion prompts Total 20 minutes

Writing Code Discussion 10 minutes
Refactoring Code Discussion 10 minutes

2 plugins Total 40 minutes

Writing Code Hands-on Activity 20 minutes
Refactoring Code Hands-on Activity 20 minutes

This module covers how to use LLMs to properly annotate your code and to understand code and functions that you did not write.

What's included

4 videos2 readings4 assignments2 discussion prompts2 plugins

4 videos Total 8 minutes

Annotating Your Code Introduction 5 minutes
Annotating Your Code Summary 0 minutes
Understanding Unfamiliar Code Introduction 2 minutes
Understanding Unfamiliar Code Summary 1 minute

2 readings Total 60 minutes

Annotating Your Code 30 minutes
Understanding Unfamiliar Code 30 minutes

4 assignments Total 120 minutes

Annotating Practice Questions 40 minutes
Understanding Unfamiliar Code Practice Questions 20 minutes
Annotating Quiz 30 minutes
Understanding Unfamiliar Code Quiz 30 minutes

2 discussion prompts Total 20 minutes

Annotating Code Discussion 10 minutes
Understanding Unfamiliar Code Discussion 10 minutes

2 plugins Total 40 minutes

Annotating Your Code Hands-on Activity 20 minutes
Understanding Unfamiliar Code Hands-on Activity 20 minutes

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

What's included

1 video1 reading1 assignment1 discussion prompt2 plugins

Instructors

Elizabeth Humphries, PhD

Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center

4 Courses 10,875 learners

Offered by

Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center

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