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START HERE: welcome to AI Engineering

You're about to go from "I've never written code" to building and shipping real AI apps: a chatbot, a knowledge assistant, an agent. The way you'll learn is by doing: every session you build something that runs. No background needed. If you can use a web browser, you're ready for day one.

What you need (almost nothing) for day one

  • A laptop (Mac, Windows, Linux, or a Chromebook).
  • A web browser (Chrome, Edge, Firefox, or Safari).
  • A free Google account: we write our first code in Google Colab, which runs Python in your browser. (Have a Google login? You're set.)

You do not need to install anything to begin. M1 and M2 run entirely in the browser. We add a tool only when a lesson needs it, and we walk you through each install in detail: Python on your own machine arrives at M3; an AI provider API key arrives at M4. Nothing before then.

How a session works

Every session is lab-first: a little framing, then you build something and get a win in the first ~20 minutes. Expect: - Breakout pairs: work alongside a partner and compare screens. - A chat wins board: when you hit your win, post it. - Errors are normal and safe. A red error message is the most ordinary thing in programming, even experts see them constantly. Things going "wrong" is how this works. Nobody is behind.

How to get help (in this order)

  1. Re-read the You should now see line under the step you're on.
  2. Read the last line of any red error, it names the problem (usually one tiny typo).
  3. Ask your breakout partner: chances are they just hit the same thing.
  4. Drop it in the class chat: the instructor or a classmate will get you moving in a minute.

Before your first session: a 2-minute readiness check

  • [ ] My laptop turns on and I can reach the internet.
  • [ ] I can open a web browser and load a website.
  • [ ] I can sign in to https://colab.research.google.com with a Google account and see a notebook page. (If a blank notebook opens, you're ready.)
  • [ ] I know how to find this course's chat / meeting link.

That's it. No other accounts, no installs yet.

Where everything lives

  • The module map: the course README and Course-02-Syllabus.md (M1 → M11).
  • Glossary: every new word in plain language: resources/glossary.md.
  • Each module folder (mN-...) has a one-page README.md (the plan), a lab/ (the doing), an in-depth notes.md, a solution/, and starters/.

Welcome aboard. See you in M1, you'll write your first program in the first ten minutes.