Diploma in

Artificial
Intelligence
Starter Pack
 Tips for getting started on your AI journey:

PyCharm
The main projects in this course will be done in PyCharm. PyCharm
is developed by Jetbrains. Google Colab can also be utilised, as
both are integrated for ML and AI tasks. It would be beneficial
to select one environment and stick to it, as jumping between
environments might confuse you. We suggest that you play around

Introduction to with the different environments to see which suits your workflow
best.
Artificial Intelligence
Python
Being familiar with Python will be beneficial for this course. We’ll
be using Pandas for working with files (reading, writing and data
manipulations). Dataframes will also be used to store data from
files. We will also use Matplotlib and Seaborn to visualise data and
models. The uses of these software libraries will be mentioned but
they will not be covered in detail in this course. Considering doing
the python programming course at shaw academy, just course
will help you feel more comfortable with concepts like Pandas and
Dataframes.

Mathematics
Although there is no need to be a ‘numbers guru’ to do this course,
mathematics does build the foundation for all AI operations, from
algorithms to model evaluation. Keeping up with the principles will
allow you to better grasp concepts and their application in certain
situations. AI is largely based on the following mathematical
domains:
• Linear algebra
• Calculus
• Probabilities

If you are not familiar with statistical analysis and probabilities,

consider doing the data analytics course here at shaw academy,
this will get you used to statistical terms along with giving a
thorough grasp on some of the concepts that will be used in this
course.
 Libraries
There are various libraries used in AI projects. These libraries
are optimal under certain use cases and conditions. We will
be making use of libraries such as Keras, Scikit and SpaCy,
however, the full scope of their usage will not be explained. You
might prefer working with certain libraries as they suit your task
or programming style better. Becoming familiar with different
libraries and understanding the further scope of libraries in the
course might be to your benefit. Some of the popular libraries we
Introduction to will use:
• Sci-kit learn
Artificial Intelligence • SpaCy
• Tensorflow
• Keras
• pyTorch

Data, data and more data

At times, it can be difficult to make head or tail of your workspace. It
happens to the most experienced programmers. Before you know
it, a file can get lost in a repository/directory that is unbeknown to
you, like a popcorn kernel having no place lodging between your
teeth and refusing to move. Making sure files are ordered from the
get-go will make the world of difference.

Familiarise yourself with data before jumping into a problem.

Knowing what type of data you are working with, and what
information you might need, can save you from potential
migraines. Before approaching a task, understanding your data
should always be the first step.

Speaking of data
Datasets and sample code for problems will be shared on GitHub,
Jupyter and in the Summary Notes. Be sure to follow along and
play around with the code and data. You will gain a stronger
intuition on what happens when parameters are changed in
models. This is how you really learn.
 Comments build competence

Introduction to
Artificial Intelligence

Get into the habit of commenting on steps and actions that you
take. On small problems, it might seem trivial but you will soon
become lost in a flurry of variables and functions that you can’t
make sense of. Keeping comments allows you to stay on top of
your game and helps other people who work with your programs.
Imagine all those handy scripts from ‘stack exchange’ without any
comments? There would be no way to navigate your way through
them. So, get into the habit of making comments regularly, even if
they are just for your reference.
 Challenge yourself
Our community is one of inclusiveness and sharing. Never has
there been a knowledge base so charitable with information and
resources. There are tons of sample code solutions to complex
problems. People collaborate all over the web, with different
people working on and contributing to projects all over the globe.
Interesting questions and their solutions are freely available.
Take on some of these challenges, and if you get stuck, you are
Introduction to sure to always find some help. Data science and machine learning
competitions are regularly held that present interesting problems
Artificial Intelligence you can learn from. And when you’re ready, you can step onto the
stage and participate.

The power is at your fingertips

The field of AI is growing at a tremendous pace with new research
published almost daily. There are endless resources at your
fingertips along with a community that is continually sharing new
work and ideas. Make use of all this! Explore every aspect of AI. This
field is predicted to have a major impact on the operation of the
workforce of tomorrow, so understanding what it has to offer will
put you one step closer to being part of the future of technology.

Well done on deciding to take this course. All the best as you
embark on this exciting journey to explore the astounding and
amazing world are Artificial Intelligence.