In this course, students will explore how modern artificial intelligence works, how it is used, and the opportunities and challenges it creates. Students will learn how AI models and large language models generate and retrieve information, evaluate AI-generated content for accuracy and reliability, and develop practical skills in prompt engineering and other AI tools. The course also examines generative AI, AI agents, and AI-assisted programming, along with important issues such as bias, privacy, copyright, misinformation, academic integrity, and responsible use. Through research, investigations, and projects, students will consider how AI is changing technology, society, and the workplace while developing the skills needed to use it effectively and responsibly. It is approved by the University of California A-G as a College-Preparatory Elective (category G) / Interdisciplinary.

This course asks you to actually use AI tools. Please review “What You’ll Need for This Course” before enrolling to confirm that you can access all of the required tools. Some tools may require permission from a parent or guardian or access to a device that does not restrict them. If you cannot get the necessary permissions or access the required tools on an available device, this course may not be the right fit for you at this time.

Upon completion of this course, the student is awarded 5 credits. Each credit corresponds to 15 hours of study. Of course, some students work more quickly than others, and some can devote more hours to study, so some students are able to complete the course at an accelerated rate.