Top Free AI Courses to Learn Artificial Intelligence Online

Written by Eddie Vi

Imagine a world where machines can think, learn, and solve complex problems just like humans. Welcome to the fascinating realm of Artificial Intelligence! As AI technology rapidly advances, it’s transforming industries across the globe – from healthcare and finance to transportation and beyond. In fact, AI is expected to create 97 million new jobs by 2025, particularly in sectors where human and AI collaboration is essential. Here’s the exciting part I want you to know about: You don’t need a computer science degree, be a data scientist, or pay expensive instructors to start taking Artificial Intelligence courses. Thanks to the availability of free online courses, anyone can now unlock the power of AI and spot opportunities to develop an incredible career!

In this article I make it easy to explore the best free artificial intelligence courses I found, from beginner introduction to machine learning fundamentals and advanced deep learning technologies. And as we progress, the free courses I scouted become more advanced and specialized. That way I can guarantee there is something useful for you regardless of your experience level. Some courses require 0 prior experience! And some courses will test your limits!

Getting Started with AI Learning

Now that I have your attention with what artificial intelligence has to offer you, you’re probably eager to dive headfirst into the exciting world of AI. But where do you even begin? I’ve got you covered with a tried and tested collection of beginner-friendly resources to kickstart your AI learning!

But before we start, your humble instructor has a small presentation about the world of Artificial Intelligence.

AI Skills and AI Concepts for Beginners

I think it is worth mentioning here that it helps to have a solid grasp of some key concepts and techniques because it’s easier to commit to a course when you are familiar with things like:

Machine learning is how AI systems learn from data to make predictions and decisions on their own. It’s like teaching a computer to recognize patterns, without having to program every single rule.
Deep learning takes machine learning to the next level by mimicking how our brains process information through neural networks. This allows AI to tackle really tricky tasks like understanding speech, recognizing objects in images as well as handwriting recognition.
Natural language processing (NLP) is all about making computers understand and generate human language. It’s the secret sauce behind chatbots, voice assistants, and language translation tools.
Computer vision enables machines to interpret and understand visual information from the world around them, just like our eyes do. This is found in applications like facial recognition and self-driving cars.

Don’t worry if some of these terms sound like technobabble right now – you’ll become fluent in the language of AI before you know it!

AI Tools and Techniques for Beginners

As you embark on your AI learning adventure, familiarize yourself with some of these useful tools and techniques that I think will make your journey smoother. These tools get mentioned sometimes in free courses I found so this is just an overview:

Jupyter Notebooks provide an interactive coding environment that’s perfect for experimenting with AI algorithms and visualizing data. It’s like having a digital sandbox where you can play with code to your heart’s content.
TensorFlow and PyTorch are two of the most popular deep learning frameworks that allow you to build and train a complex neural network with ease. They’re like the power tools in your AI toolbox.
Scikit-learn is a handy Python library that provides a wide range of machine learning algorithms for tasks like classification, regression, and clustering. It’s the Swiss Army knife of AI libraries.
Pandas is a data manipulation and analysis library that makes working with structured data a breeze. It’s like having Excel, right inside your Python environment.

Again, don’t be intimidated by all these new tools and techniques – you’ll quickly get the hang of them as you work through practical AI projects and exercises.

Free AI Courses for Beginners

Some of these courses offer a free audit option. As a free audit learner, you can access course materials for a limited time but won’t be able to earn a certificate or complete graded assignments. I included these courses because they provide high-quality content, even without the extra features.

With that out of the way, there are plenty of beginner-friendly AI courses that will help you develop your understanding of the fundamentals. Some take less than a week to complete!

AI For Beginners by Microsoft

For a comprehensive overview of AI concepts try Microsoft’s “AI for Beginners” curriculum on GitHub. With 12 weeks of practical lessons, quizzes, and labs, you’ll explore the exciting world of AI at your own pace. It’s like having your own personal AI tutor, minus the fees!

Intro to Artificial Intelligence by Udacity

Another free introductory course I found is “Intro to Artificial Intelligence” by Udacity. It is a very good source of information that does a really goo job of covering concepts mentioned so far.

Free Online Python Programming Courses for Beginners

Are you a gamer like me, and want to try to build your own game? Python has emerged as the clear favorite instrument to wield in game playing engines. Python’s simple syntax, powerful libraries, and active community make it a breeze to get started with AI and machine learning.

To begin learning Python and computer science in general, try these free online courses.

Python Course by Google

Google’s Python is a free intensive two-day course that is perfect for those with some programming experience. It covers Python basics using lecture videos and written materials.

Elements of AI

Elements of AI is another amazing free online course created by MinnaLearn and University of Helsinki. Part 1 provides an intro to AI with no math or programming required. Part 2 covers algorithms and requires basic Python skills. Over 1 million students from 170 countries have enrolled.

CS50’s Introduction to AI with Python

Harvard University’s CS50’s Introduction to Artificial Intelligence with Python is a free 7-week course that teaches AI algorithms, game-playing engines, handwriting recognition, and machine translation. But it requires completing CS50’s Intro to Computer Science first.

With a little Python under your belt, you’ll be ready to tackle more advanced AI concepts!

Free online courses for Machine Learning Fundamentals

Ever wonder what a machine learning engineer does? It’s time to look at free courses about machine learning. I think algorithms that enable machines to think and make decisions that often surpass human capabilities are a pretty big deal.

At the heart of machine learning there are complicated fundamental concepts that form the bedrock of this fascinating field. Luckily, there are plenty of free resources to help you grasp these key concepts.

Machine Learning Fundamentals by UCSD

The University of California, San Diego offers a fantastic Machine Learning Fundamentals course that covers key topics like supervised and unsupervised learning algorithms. Using real-world case studies, you’ll learn how to classify images, identify topics in documents, and build descriptive and predictive models. All programming examples use Python and Jupyter notebooks.

Free AI Course Machine Learning Fundamentals

Machine Learning Crash Course by Google

For a more hands-on approach, check out Google’s Machine Learning Crash Course. This free course features a series of lessons with video lectures, real-world case studies, and hands-on practice exercises. You’ll learn about key ML concepts, training and loss, classification, clustering, and more. The course is designed for people with some programming experience.

With these excellent free resources, you’ll be well on your way to mastering the fundamentals of machine learning!

Free Neural Networks and Deep Learning Courses

These powerful algorithms, inspired by the workings of the human brain, are the driving force behind some of the most awe-inspiring AI technologies out there.

Introduction to Deep Learning by MIT

To get started with neural networks, check out MIT’s Introduction to Deep Learning. This free course covers the fundamentals of deep learning, including convolutional networks, recurrent networks, and more. You’ll learn through engaging lecture videos and have the opportunity to apply your knowledge to real-world problems.

CS230 Deep Learning by Stanford University

For more, consider Stanford University’s CS230: Deep Learning. This course, available for free online, dives into the theory and practice of deep learning. With the help of Instructor Andrew Ng, you’ll explore topics like neural networks, backpropagation, and machine learning projects. The course materials, including lecture notes and assignments, are accessible to anyone interested in learning about deep learning.

Free Data Science for Machine Learning Courses

Data is the fuel that powers the machine learning engine, and that’s why we need data science. There are plenty of free resources to help you level up your data science skills. I’ll share the following free online courses that caught my attention the most.

Data Science: Machine Learning by Harvard

The “Data Science: Machine Learning” course from Harvard teaches popular machine learning algorithms, dimensionality reduction techniques, and regularization with hands-on case studies.

Introduction To Computer Science And Programming In Python by MIT

MIT OpenCourseWare Introduction to Computer Science and Programming in Python: A comprehensive MIT course introducing Python programming for data science applications.

Free Courses on AI Algorithms and Models

Now time for AI algorithms and models. From classic techniques like decision trees and k-nearest neighbors to state-of-the-art approaches like gradient boosting and generative adversarial networks, you can learn the full spectrum of machine learning magic for free.

Artificial Intelligence Algorithms Models and Limitations

To get a broad overview of different AI algorithms, models, and their limitations, check out LearnQuest’s free 4-week course “Artificial Intelligence Algorithms Models and Limitations“. This course discusses the rise of algorithms and ways to make them more ethically sound as they begin making important real-world decisions like loan approvals or traffic routing. You’ll explore basic to fully-autonomous algorithms and their ethical implications.

Building AI

For a more technical perspective into specific algorithms, the University of Helsinki’s free “Building AI” course, which is part 2 of their Elements of AI offering, covers key algorithms that make AI methods possible. You’ll learn about techniques like linear regression, gradient descent, and neural networks. Some basic Python programming skills are recommended to get the most out of the hands-on exercises. Over 1 million students from 170 countries have enrolled in the Elements of AI courses.

Free Generative AI Courses

If you thought exploring algorithms and models was a wild ride, just wait until you see what generative AI has in store. It’s like stepping into a futuristic wonderland where machines become the artists, writers, and creators of our wildest dreams.

Imagine a world where AI isn’t just learning from data, but actively generating new content that’s almost indistinguishable from human creations. That’s the magic of generative AI! These mind-blowing models can create images, videos, music, and text that will make your jaw drop and your creativity run wild.

But how does it all work? Generative AI models like GANs (Generative Adversarial Networks) and transformer-based language models are the masterminds behind the curtain. They learn the intricate patterns and structures hidden in massive datasets, then use that knowledge to conjure up original content that looks, sounds, and reads just like the real deal.

Introduction to Generative AI by Google

So, want to go into the fascinating world of generative AI? Check out Google Cloud for a free “Introduction to Generative AI” course. This beginner-friendly, non-technical introduction will get you up to speed on the key concepts, model types, and applications of this game-changing technology. It’s part of Google’s larger “Introduction to Generative AI” learning path.

Generative AI for Beginners by Microsoft

For more, consider Microsoft’s free “Generative AI for Beginners” course. This comprehensive 12-lesson offering teaches you the fundamentals of building generative AI applications using Python or TypeScript. You’ll cover topics like understanding large language models, prompt engineering, and designing user experiences for AI applications.

With these free courses, you’ll be well on your way to unlocking the incredible potential of generative AI. Get ready to let your imagination run wild and create content that pushes the boundaries of what’s possible!

Generative AI Projects and Use Cases

Now that you’re armed with the knowledge and tools of generative AI, it’s time to put them to work on some mind-blowing projects and use cases. The possibilities are endless, but here are a few examples to get your creative juices flowing:

Generate photorealistic images and videos for marketing campaigns and product demos.
Create synthetic data to train machine learning models when real data is scarce or sensitive.
Build chatbots and virtual assistants that can engage in natural, context-aware conversations.
Design innovative products and optimize manufacturing processes with generative design.
Compose original music, artwork, and stories to show your creativity.

I say go big and let your imagination run wild with generative AI! But always keep one eye on the bigger picture, and use your newfound powers for good. The future of content creation is in your hands – let’s make it a bright one!

AI Ethics and Responsible Development

Yes, there are free courses for that too! As AI becomes increasingly integrated into our daily lives, it’s crucial to consider the ethical implications and ensure responsible development practices to avoid AI bias.

I was amazed at how much this field has grown. Upon learning more about it I figured it deserves a small breakdown of it’s concepts. At its core, AI ethics is about ensuring that the development and deployment of AI systems align with human values and moral principles. Some key ethical principles to consider include:

Transparency and Explainability: AI systems should be transparent about their decision-making processes, and their outputs should be explainable to users and stakeholders.
Fairness and Non-Discrimination: AI systems should treat all individuals fairly, without perpetuating or amplifying biases based on protected characteristics like race, gender, or age.
Privacy and Security: AI systems must respect individual privacy rights and ensure the secure handling of personal data.
Accountability and Responsibility: There should be clear lines of accountability for the actions and decisions made by AI systems, and developers should take responsibility for any negative consequences.

Free Course on AI Ethics and Principles

Putting AI ethics into practice requires a thoughtful approach to the entire AI development lifecycle. Some of the best practices for ethical AI development include:

Diverse and Inclusive Teams: Ensuring that AI development teams are diverse and inclusive can help mitigate biases and blind spots in the design and implementation of AI systems.
Rigorous Testing and Evaluation: AI systems should undergo extensive testing and evaluation to identify and address potential biases, errors, or unintended consequences before deployment.
Ongoing Monitoring and Adjustment: Even after deployment, AI systems should be continuously monitored for fairness, accuracy, and alignment with ethical principles, with adjustments made as needed.

Ethics of AI by University of Helsinki

If you’re interested in learning more about AI ethics, check out this free online course from the University of Helsinki: Ethics of AI. It’s a great resource for anyone looking to navigate ethical and societal discussions surrounding AI development and deployment.

Responsible AI for Developers: Fairness & Bias

For a hands-on introduction to responsible AI development, consider taking “Responsible AI for Developers: Fairness & Bias” from Google Cloud. It covers key concepts and practical techniques for building AI systems that are fair, accountable, and transparent.

Free AI Courses on Socially Beneficial Applications

While it’s crucial to address the ethical risks of AI, it’s equally important to recognize the immense potential for AI to be used for social good. Some examples of socially beneficial AI applications include:

Healthcare: AI can assist in early disease detection, personalized treatment planning, and drug discovery, improving patient outcomes and access to care.
Online Education Platform: AI-powered adaptive learning systems can personalize instruction to each student’s needs, helping to close achievement gaps and improve educational outcomes.
Environmental Sustainability: AI can optimize resource use, predict and mitigate natural disasters, and support conservation efforts to protect our planet.
Social Justice: AI can help identify and combat discrimination, improve access to legal services, and support more equitable decision-making in various domains.

To learn AI for social good, consider these free online courses.

AI for Social Good from Data Science Dojo is a free online course that explores real-world examples of how AI is being used to address societal challenges like poverty, healthcare access, and sustainability. Learn from CEO Raja Iqbal about the data and approaches organizations are using to create positive impact.

Machine Learning for Social Good also from Data Science Dojo: This course dives into specific machine learning techniques and algorithms that can be applied to social good initiatives. Discover how ML is being used in areas like education, criminal justice, and environmental conservation.

By prioritizing transparency, fairness, accountability, and social benefit, we can harness the power of AI to create a better world for all. It’s not just the smart thing to do – it’s the right thing to do.

Free AI Courses in Marketing, Finance, and Operations

Well, we covered the basics, now it’s time for business. In this section, we’ll explore how businesses are leveraging AI to gain a competitive edge and how you can acquire the skills needed to thrive in an AI-driven world.

Right now AI is transforming key business functions like marketing, finance, and operations, enabling companies to make data-driven decisions and optimize their processes. In marketing, AI powers personalized content recommendations, sentiment analysis, and customer segmentation. In finance, AI is used for fraud detection, risk assessment, and algorithmic trading. And in operations, AI enables predictive maintenance, supply chain optimization, and intelligent automation.

To start learning about AI applications in specific business functions, check out these free courses.

AI for Marketing by HubSpot Academy

AI for Marketing from HubSpot Academy is teaching marketers how to use AI to optimize content creation, gain predictive insights, and transform their marketing strategy. This AI free course covers topics like AI-powered chatbots, personalization, and analytics.

Free Online AI in Finance Masterclass

Online Artificial Intelligence in Finance Masterclass from CFTE explores the impact of AI on financial services and AI applications in areas like banking, wealth management, and credit scoring. This free masterclass features industry experts from IBM and UOB who share real-world insights on how AI is reshaping finance.

AI Basic Course for Business – Foundations of AI

With the AI Basic Course for Business – Foundations of AI from appliedAI Institute you will gain a foundational understanding of AI technologies and their potential applications in various business functions, including operations. This free course is designed for decision-makers looking to responsibly bring AI into their organizations.

By understanding how AI is being applied in core business functions, you’ll be better equipped to identify opportunities for AI-driven innovation and optimization within your own organization.

Free AI Courses for Entrepreneurs and Startups

For entrepreneurs and startups, AI presents both opportunities and challenges. On one hand, AI can help startups automate processes, gain insights from data, and create innovative products and services. On the other hand, implementing AI requires significant resources and expertise, which can be a barrier for early-stage companies.

To help entrepreneurs navigate the AI landscape, here are some free resources. A LinkedIn profile is required to access some of them.

AI for Startups by NVIDIA

AI for Startups from NVIDIA is a free program designed to help startups understand and leverage AI. NVIDIA Inception nurtures cutting-edge startups with access to technology, expertise, and marketing support. Learn about AI fundamentals, use cases, and best practices for implementing AI in your startup.

Foundations of Responsible AI by LinkedIn Learning

As a tech founder, it’s crucial to understand the ethical implications of AI. Foundations of Responsible AI from LinkedIn Learning is a course that covers principles of responsible AI, algorithmic bias, fairness, accountability, and human rights in AI. Access it for free with LinkedIn’s one-month trial.

What is Generative AI by LinkedIn Learning

What is Generative AI? from LinkedIn Learning is a course that explains the foundations of generative AI, how it works, and popular applications for startups. It’s a great primer for entrepreneurs looking to leverage this technology. Access it for free with LinkedIn’s one-month trial.

Boost Your Productivity with AI by Google

Boost Your Productivity with AI from Google Digital Garage is a short free course introduces practical ways to use AI to boost productivity in your startup or small business. Learn how to automate tasks, generate content, and make data-driven decisions using AI tools.

Free AI Courses for Specific Industries

As AI continues to evolve in various industries, it’s important to acquire industry-specific AI skills and knowledge. Here are some free courses that focus on AI applications in specific domains.

AI in Healthcare by Taipei Medical University

AI in Healthcare from Taipei Medical University: Explore AI’s role in healthcare, including its history, benefits, challenges, and future applications. Learn about data sharing, patient safety, and more in this 4-week course.

AI for Healthcare by Kaggle

AI for Healthcare from Kaggle, the largest data science community, is a reading group via Youtube that helps healthcare professionals understand AI, machine learning, deep learning, and their role in diagnosis, treatment, and patient care. A a free certificate upon completion is available.

Free Online Training on AI in Education

AI in education from itec is a free online training that provides a comprehensive overview of AI’s potential in education. Explore the relationship between AI and education, data in AI tools, challenges, and practical guidelines for integrating AI in education sector.

Fundamentals of AI in Manufacturing by NMIS

Fundamentals of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Manufacturing from National Manufacturing Institute Scotland: This course demystifies AI and demonstrates its transformative power in manufacturing environments. Explore key modelling techniques and their impact on manufacturing processes through theoretical and hands-on workshops.

AI Business School For Manufacturing by Microsoft

AI business school for manufacturing from Microsoft: Learn to develop an enterprise AI strategy to create business value in manufacturing, including machine learning technologies and culture. Free course available on Class Central.

AI Foundations for Everyone by IBM

For anyone who is looking to enhance their career, the AI Foundations for Everyone Specialization program from IBM is a must! It’s a free course via Coursera that covers AI basics, applications, and ethical concerns.

By acquiring industry-specific AI skills and staying up-to-date with the latest trends and best practices, you’ll be well-equipped to thrive in the AI-powered future of business in your field.

Conclusion

We’ve just explored a wealth of free online courses and resources to help you learn about AI, from the fundamentals to advanced applications. I checked each resource to make sure it’s available for free, and I hope this collection of free AI courses helped you gain insight, answered your questions and inspired you to take the full advantage of online learning.

In addition to knowledge, completing free courses can result in hands on projects and earning a certificate. Whether you are starting or continuing your AI learning, remember to apply your skills to real-world problems, question assumptions, and always consider the societal implications of your work.

By taking advantage of these free resources and committing to continuous learning, you’ll be well-equipped to develop a career in the AI-powered future. So please go ahead, enrol in a course that sparks your interest, and let your curiosity guide you from there.

FAQs

Is Google cloud offering free AI courses?

Yes, Google is offering free AI courses through its Google Cloud Skills Boost platform. There is a Google Cloud course for any aspect of Artificial Intelligence, including Generative AI, Large Language Models, and AI Ethics. Learners can earn completion badges and learn valuable AI skills, AI techniques, and AI concepts for free.

Do free AI courses offer certification?

Some free AI courses offer certification upon completion. Platforms like Coursera and edX provide certificates for courses such as “AI for Everyone” and “Introduction to Artificial Intelligence with Python.” These AI certifications can enhance your resume and demonstrate your AI skills.

Can I learn Python programming in free AI courses?

Yes, many free AI courses include Python programming as part of their curriculum. Python is a popular language for AI development due to its simplicity and extensive libraries. Courses like “Introduction to Artificial Intelligence with Python” by Harvard University teach Python programming alongside AI concepts.

How can I stay updated with the latest AI resources?

To stay updated with the latest AI resources, regularly check platforms like Coursera, edX, and Class Central for new courses. Follow AI research publications and join AI communities online. Engaging in continuous AI learning and exploring new AI tools and AI techniques will keep you informed.

Can I Learn AI in 3 Months?

Yes, you can learn the basics of Artificial Intelligence in three months with dedication and the right resources. Focus on AI basics, Machine Learning, Python programming, and AI applications. Utilize online courses, tutorials, and practical projects to build foundational AI skills and apply AI techniques in simple projects.

About the Author

Eddie Vi is an entrepreneur and insightful tech writer who provides thoughtful commentary on how technology intersects with culture and business. When Eddie is not writing, you can find him attending tech conferences, and trying out new gadgets and apps. His goal is to help readers understand how technology is shaping the world we live in – for better or worse. Even when discussing complex or controversial topics, Eddie maintains an approachable and engaging style with a grounded perspective.