AI Fundamentals for Practical Work
- Covers neural networks, language models, and decision systems without assuming a math background
- Hands-on exercises using real tools — Python notebooks, open-source models, and API-based workflows
- Structured for professionals who need working knowledge, not just theory
What the programme covers
Eight modules move from foundational concepts to applied technique. Each session is self-contained enough to revisit, but structured so the sequence builds on itself.
How machine learning actually works
Pattern recognition, training loops, and the difference between supervised and unsupervised approaches — explained through concrete examples rather than equations.
Neural networks from input to output
Layers, weights, and activation functions. You build a small network by hand in a notebook to see exactly what each step does before touching a library.
Language models and how text gets processed
Tokenisation, embeddings, attention mechanisms. Covers GPT-style architectures at the level needed to use them responsibly and configure them for specific tasks.
Working with APIs and open-source models
Practical integration using REST APIs, Hugging Face pipelines, and local inference. Includes rate limits, cost estimation, and output validation patterns.
Decision systems and classification tasks
When to use a classifier versus a generative model. Evaluation metrics — precision, recall, F1 — explained through a worked dataset rather than abstract formulas.
Applied projects and review
Three guided projects covering text classification, image recognition basics, and a retrieval-augmented generation pipeline. Each includes a written debrief on what went wrong and why.
Taught by Adrienne Voclain
Adrienne spent eight years building production ML systems at two mid-size software companies before moving into education full-time in 2021. Her work focused on NLP pipelines and recommendation engines — the kind of applied problems that rarely match textbook examples.
She teaches from documented failure as much as from success. Each module includes notes on what broke during her own implementations and how those problems were diagnosed.
Enrolment options
- All 8 modules with full video recordings
- 12 Python notebooks with working code
- Access to 6 live Q&A sessions per year
- 3 guided project briefs with instructor feedback
- Certificate of completion from Field Notes Daily
- Lifetime access including future content updates
Group pricing is available for teams of 4 or more. Contact info@fieldnotesdaily.eu for details. Invoicing available for institutional purchases.