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AI & Data

AI & Machine Learning: First Steps

This course turns the idea of AI into something you can build yourself. You will learn, in plain language, how machines learn from data, then use Python with pandas and scikit-learn to clean a dataset, train a model, and measure how well it works. Every concept is tied to a small, real example rather than abstract maths. It follows the Python Programming Foundations course in this roadmap.

Beginner · 13 lessons · 10 hours · English · Part of the Python + AI/ML Beginner Roadmap

AI & Machine Learning: First Steps course cover artwork

What you will learn

  • Explain AI, machine learning, and deep learning in plain words
  • Load and explore a dataset with pandas
  • Clean messy data: missing values and wrong types
  • Train a classification model with scikit-learn
  • Measure a model with accuracy and a confusion matrix
  • Recognise overfitting and common beginner mistakes

Curriculum

Module 1: Understanding AI and Data
  • What AI and Machine Learning Really MeanFree preview11 min
  • How Machines Learn: Data, Features and Labels12 min
  • Exploring a Dataset with pandas13 min
  • Module Quiz: AI Concepts and DataQuiz
Module 2: Preparing Data for a Model
  • Cleaning Data: Missing Values and Duplicates12 min
  • Turning Categories into Numbers11 min
  • Splitting Data into Training and Test Sets10 min
  • Module Quiz: Data PreparationQuiz
Module 3: Training Your First Models
  • Training a Classifier with scikit-learn14 min
  • Is My Model Any Good? Accuracy and Confusion Matrix12 min
  • Overfitting: Why Perfect Scores Can Lie10 min
  • Reading: Using AI Tools Responsibly7 min
  • Module Quiz: First ModelsQuiz

Project: Train a Model that Predicts Flower Species from Measurements — you finish this course by building it, not just by watching.

Requirements

  • Python basics (the Python Programming Foundations course or equivalent)
  • A computer able to run Python and Jupyter notebooks
  • School-level mathematics is enough

Frequently asked questions

Is AI & Machine Learning: First Steps really free?

Yes. This course is free and open. Its lessons use public learning videos with FUTEAC summaries, tasks and quizzes. An optional verified certificate is available after completion.

Do I get a certificate?

You receive a completion record when you finish the course and pass its quizzes. A verifiable certificate with a public verification link is available as an optional upgrade.

What do I need before starting?

Check the Requirements section on this page. If a course builds on an earlier one, we say so there — and the roadmap shows you the right order.

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