- Online
- $475
This micro-course can be applied toward the UBC Certificate in AI Skills Accelerator for IT, Digital and Enterprise Systems Professionals and is the introductory level 1 micro-course in the AI and Data Literacy track.
This introductory level micro-course empowers IT and digital professionals to understand the critical role data plays in AI systems and develop the skills to work effectively with data in AI contexts. Gain practical experience with data evaluation, machine learning platforms and APIs while building the confidence to collaborate with technical teams on data-driven AI initiatives.
By the end of this course, you will be able to:
- Recognize and articulate the critical role of data in AI model accuracy and effectiveness
- Evaluate datasets for quality, relevance and potential risks in AI applications
- Collaborate confidently with technical teams using appropriate data-focused questions
- Implement and work with APIs in AI contexts for data integration
- Navigate popular machine learning platforms to analyze data and extract insights
- Apply fundamental machine learning techniques including clustering, classification and regression
- Interpret machine learning model results and communicate findings effectively to diverse stakeholders
- Design and execute real-world machine learning solutions for business challenges like forecasting and anomaly detection
This micro-course is designed for IT professionals in technical and product management roles. It is highly technical and recommended for students with a technical background. It requires a basic understanding of data concepts (spreadsheets, databases), familiarity with business analytics or reporting, comfort with web-based platform and willingness to engage with hands-on technical exercises. No prior machine learning experience required.
Platform and tool selection varies and is regularly updated to reflect current industry trends. Students can expect to interact with:
- Popular machine learning platforms (Google Colab, Azure Machine Learning Studio, or similar accessible platforms)
- API development and testing tools
- Data visualization and analysis platforms
- Business intelligence and reporting tools
- Cloud-based data analytics services
- Collaborative data science environments
Course outline
- Module 1: Data's role in AI systems
- Module 2: Data quality and risk assessment
- Module 3: Technical team collaboration
- Module 4: APIs in AI context
- Module 5: Machine learning tools and platforms
- Module 6: Machine learning techniques exploration
- Module 7: Results interpretation and communication
- Module 8: Real-world machine learning applications
How am I assessed?
You will be assessed on successfully completing weekly activities, including exercises, quizzes, applied case study projects (based on real-life scenarios) and your contributions to discussion posts. These activities are marked using a proficiency scale, and your instructor provides you informal feedback during live online sessions.
While you are not assessed on your attendance of the live online sessions, we encourage you to attend so you can learn and interact with your instructor and other participants. All sessions are recorded in case you miss one.
This micro-course operates on a pass/fail basis. You must achieve an overall grade of 70% or greater to pass and be eligible to earn the UBC Certificate in AI Skills Accelerator for IT, Digital and Enterprise Systems Professionals.
Expected effort
Expect to spend approximately 14 hours per week per course completing all learning activities, including attending live sessions online.
Requisites
Recommend completion of AI Foundations 1: Concepts and Tools or equivalent foundational AI knowledge.
Course format
This 100% online part-time program consists of instructor-supported real-time classes combined with independent study.
Each micro-course will consist of a weekly virtual class taught by subject matter experts and a high degree of personal engagement and interactivity. Outside of class, you can access online materials on your own time.
One business day before the micro-course start date, we’ll email you step-by-step instructions for accessing your micro-course.