Foundations of Large Language Models and Prompt Engineering

Large Language Models (LLMs) are transforming how we interact with technology, but understanding how they work is the first step to leveraging their true potential. This text-based course demystifies the core concepts behind modern AI models without requiring a background in computer science. You will transition from a curious observer to a confident user of generative AI, learning how these models process information and how to structure written prompts for optimal performance. By reading through our structured explanations and analyzing real-world examples, you will build a solid conceptual foundation in artificial intelligence. You will explore how LLMs are trained, how they generate text, and how to guide their behavior effectively to solve practical tasks in your professional or personal projects. What you'll learn: - Understand the core architecture, terminology, and mechanics of Large Language Models. - Explore diverse, real-world use cases for generative AI across different industries. - Apply foundational prompt engineering and tuning techniques to get accurate, high-quality outputs. - Identify the limitations, hallucination risks, and ethical considerations of LLMs. - Learn the basic concepts of modern AI patterns like Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG). This course begins with essential terminology and foundational definitions before guiding you through practical prompt design and modern deployment strategies. It is designed entirely for beginners, requiring no prior programming or machine learning experience. Start reading today to build a strong foundation in generative AI and elevate your technical literacy.