The Generative AI and Deep Learning course at the Bangladesh-Korea Information Access Center (BK-IAC), Department of CSE, BUET, is designed for learners who want to develop a practical understanding of modern Generative AI. This course introduces the essential foundations of artificial intelligence, machine learning, deep learning, generative models, Transformers, Large Language Models (LLMs), prompt engineering, fine-tuning, and Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG).
The course follows a hands-on approach using Python-based tools and modern AI libraries. Participants will learn how generative AI models work, how they are applied in real-world systems, and how to build practical applications such as text generation systems, image generation models, chatbots, and document question-answering systems. The course also introduces responsible AI practices, including limitations, hallucination, bias, privacy, and ethical use of Generative AI.
We expect participants to have prior programming knowledge, specifically in Python. Basic understanding of mathematics, including linear algebra and probability, will be helpful. Prior knowledge of machine learning is recommended, but the course will briefly review the essential concepts required for understanding Generative AI.
This course involves hands-on programming, model training, and project work. Enrolling without adequate Python knowledge may lead to significant difficulties in understanding the content and completing the assignments. This responsibility lies solely with the participant. We have also offered an "Introduction to Python" course (Course Details Link), which participants may complete prior to enrolling in this course.
The course length will be 8 weeks with two classes in each week and 3 hours in each class. The tentative lecture plan of the course is as follows:
| Class# | Content |
|---|---|
| 1 | Introduction to Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and Generative AI: Concepts, Applications, Current Trends, and Responsible Use |
| 2 | Machine Learning Fundamentals: Classification, Regression, Training, Validation, Model Evaluation, and Overview of Classical ML Algorithms |
| 3 | Neural Network Foundations: Perceptron, Multilayer Networks, Activation Functions, Loss Functions, Backpropagation, and Gradient Descent |
| 4 | Introduction to PyTorch: Tensors, Autograd, Dataset and DataLoader, Model Definition, Training Loop, and Practical Neural Network Implementation |
| 5 | Deep Learning Architectures - I: Convolutional Neural Networks, Image Processing, Transfer Learning, and Practical CNN Applications |
| 6 | Deep Learning Architectures - II: Sequential Data, Word Embeddings, RNN, LSTM, GRU, and Introduction to Text Generation |
| 7 | Introduction to Generative Modeling: Discriminative vs. Generative Models, Latent Space, Sampling, Autoencoders, and Variational Autoencoders |
| 8 | Generative Adversarial Networks and Image Generation: GAN Framework, Generator, Discriminator, DCGAN, Conditional GAN, Style-Based Generation, and Assignment 1 |
| 9 | Transformers - I: Attention Mechanism, Self-Attention, Query-Key-Value, Positional Encoding, and Transformer Architecture |
| 10 | Transformers - II: Encoder Models, Decoder Models, BERT, GPT-style Models, Tokenization, and Self-Supervised Pretraining |
| 11 | Large Language Models: Instruction-Tuned Models, ChatGPT-style Systems, LLaMA-style Models, Code Models, Multilingual LLMs, and Real-World Applications |
| 12 | Prompt Engineering: Zero-Shot and Few-Shot Prompting, Prompt Design Principles, Structured Prompts, Reasoning Prompts, and Prompt Evaluation |
| 13 | LLM Fine-Tuning and Adaptation: Transfer Learning, Domain-Specific Fine-Tuning, Parameter-Efficient Fine-Tuning, LoRA, Model Evaluation, and Assignment 2 |
| 14 | Retrieval-Augmented Generation: Embeddings, Vector Databases, Document Chunking, Semantic Search, RAG Pipeline Design, and Hallucination Reduction |
| 15 | Generative AI Applications and Deployment: Chatbots, Document Assistants, Image Generation Tools, Model Compression, Quantization, On-Device AI, and Responsible Deployment |
| 16 | Final Project Evaluation: Presentation of Generative AI Case Studies, Project Demonstration, Discussion on Career Pathways, Research Directions, and Future Trends |
Email: iac@cse.buet.ac.bd
Phone: 9665650-80 Ext-6438
Mobile: 01670032959