AI 100: Fundamentals - Course Overview
This course is designed to introduce students to the fundamentals of AI including neural networks and transformer large language models (LLMs). Beginning with the math behind neural networks and how they are trained, students will learn how these networks are used for natural language processing and the architecture of modern transform LLMs, providing a full picture of how neural networks and LLMs actually work. This course does not focus on how to use AI tools.
By the end of this course, students will have a foundational understanding of how AI models work. You'll practice by using Ollama to self-host your own local LLM.
This course is the first step to diving deeper into AI security, including how to penetration test AI models and applications or how to design and implement secure AI applications.
Key Topics Covered:
- What is a neural network and how do they function
- Designing, implementing, and training your own basic neural network
- Transformer LLM architecture including encoder/decoder, encoder only, and decoder only
- How LLMs function internally
- Setting up and interacting with your own local LLMs
Prerequisites
The following courses or the equivalent knowledge from them is suggested before taking this course.
- Practical Help Desk
- Linux 100: Fundamentals
- Programming 100: Fundamentals
- Practical Security Fundamentals
System Requirements
- A computer with the ability to run a virtual machine (VMWare or Virtual Box)
- 16 GB of RAM (however 32 is recommended)
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At least 100GB of free storage space for virtual machine installation and to install local models
AI 100: Fundamentals - Course Objectives
- Understand the basics of how neural networks function and are trained
- Understand the inner workings of LLMs
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Learn how to host and run your own local AI models
Who Should Take AI 100: Fundamentals?
This course is designed for anyone who is interested in how AI works under the hood. It will be especially beneficial for developers or security practitioners who are looking to work with AI models, either in designing secure AI applications or performing penetration tests against AI models or applications. The course will give students the requisite knowledge of how the internals of AI works so that they can understand the limitations and security risks associated with it.
AI 100: Fundamentals Curriculum - 4 Hours
About the Instructor: Andrew Bellini
My name is Andrew Bellini and I sometimes go as DigitalAndrew on social media. I’m an electrical engineer by trade with a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering and am a licensed Professional Engineer (P. Eng) in Ontario, Canada. While my background and the majority of my career has been in electrical engineering, I am also an avid and passionate ethical hacker.
In addition to my love for all things ethical hacking, cybersecurity, CTFs and tech I also am a dad, play guitar and am passionate about the outdoors and fishing.
Courses Included in the Free Tier
Subscribe for free and get access to the follow courses! No credit card required.
Free Tier FAQ
Is this a free trial?
No! To access the free content, create an account using your email address to receive unlimited access to the free tier courses. There is no expiration date or time limit on access.
Do I need to have a credit card?
No, you are not required to enter a credit card number to access the free content. Just create an account using your email address and you’ll be able to access the free course content.
When will I be charged?
Never! You will only be charged if you purchase an All-Access Membership.
What is an All-Access Membership?
The All-Access Membership is a monthly subscription that provides you with unlimited access to 25+ on-demand video courses in the TCM Security Academy.
I don't see the free tier courses in my Academy account. Where are they?
You must have an active All-Access Membership subscription to access the free tier content. If you purchased individual courses in the past, or have access to course materials because you purchased a certification voucher, you will need to enroll in the Academy. If you enroll using the same email, the free courses will appear in your existing account.
Please contact support if you are still having issues at [email protected].
I can see the course, but it won’t load or play. What should I do?
We use Cloudflare to protect our course platform and unfortunately, it does not play nice with VPNs. If you are experiencing issues, turn off your VPN and try again. If that does not solve the issue, please contact our support team at [email protected] and we will help you out.
Will I receive a certificate of completion when I finish a course?
Yes. All courses come with a certificate of completion.
Do the courses count as Continuing Education Units (CEUs)?
Yes. Every certificate of completion comes with the total CEUs earned listed on the certificate.