Introduction to GenAI: from Theory to Practice

This course offers students from diverse backgrounds a comprehensive introduction to Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) and its potential impact on education, research, and society in general. It looks at the implications of Gen AI beyond its technical aspects, focusing on its significant role in reshaping education, science, research, and society. Through theoretical understanding, practical applications, discussions, and critical analysis, students will develop the competencies and knowledge necessary to critically understand the opportunities and challenges of AI technologies in academia and beyond. 

At the end of the course students will: 
•    Understand the basics of how GenAI works 
•    Learn the most important steps in the historical development of AI and GenAI
•    Be able to evaluate ethical, legal, psychological, geopolitical implications of using GenAI tools 
•    Explore GenAI applications in education and research
•    Develop practical skills (gain hands-on experience with AI tools and platforms) 
•    Learn to use GenAI for study purposes and for private life with awareness 
•    Effectively use and prompt the most diffused GenAI platforms (ChatGPT, Copilot, Midjourney, ...) 
•    Critically evaluate the outputs generated by GenAI 
•    Critically reflect on the impact of GenAI on science and society 

In presenza

The course will have the form of an interdisciplinary “Ringvorlesung” or lecture series, in which different experts will talk about generative AI from the perspective of their own field of expertise. 

The bibliography will be provided on iCorsi. 
 

Course evaluation will take place during the official exam session in the form of an online quiz.