A few years back, the release of a simple chatbot set off an unprecedented artificial intelligence revolution. Since then, hundreds and thousands of AI models, tools, and platforms have flooded the internet, each better than the last. AI is now a vital part of daily life, transforming industries and opening up new creative possibilities. As a result, it is changing our world, from healthcare to banking and education.
It is not an overstatement to say that AI is the most important technological advancement at present. It has the potential to solve complex problems, automate mundane activities, and reveal previously unachievable discoveries. As AI advances, it accelerates economic growth and paves the door for new technologies that boost productivity and quality of life.
This is why AI has emerged as one of the biggest and most lucrative career options available today. If you want to build a career in this field, then you need to have a strong grasp of the subject. One of the most dynamic and productive ways to learn about AI is to take courses online.
Several AI courses can be taken online. These courses provide a thorough introduction to the subject and delve into the heart of AI, covering topics like machine learning, computer science, and programming languages. The best thing about online courses is that you don’t have to sit for hours in exams to qualify for them and pay thousands of dollars. Most of these courses are free for everyone.
Harvard University, one of the top universities in the world, also offers some AI courses that can be studied for free. The courses cover the fundamentals as well as the complexities of AI, and impart you with the skills to understand and apply AI concepts in real-world scenarios.
In this article, we will provide you with an exhaustive list of free AI courses offered by Harvard University. If you are serious about pursuing a career in AI, you can take these courses to build a solid foundation on the subject.
Free AI Courses by Harvard University [2024]
| Course Name | Duration | Level | Key Topics | Course Link |
| CS50’s Introduction to Artificial Intelligence with Python | 7 weeks | Intermediate | Graph search algorithms, Reinforcement learning, Machine learning, Artificial intelligence principles, Intelligent systems, AI in Python programs, Deep Learning, | Introduction to AI with Python |
| Machine Learning and AI with Python | 6 weeks | Intermediate | Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Algorithms, Data Science, Data Analysis | ML and AI with Python |
| Data Science: Machine Learning | 8 weeks | Beginner | Machine learning, Algorithms, Data science, Basics of Machine Learning | Data Science: ML |
| Fundamentals of TinyML | 5 weeks | Beginner | Fundamentals of Machine Learning (ML), Deep Learning, Embedded ML, Responsible AI Design, Neural Networks, Embed Systems | Fundamentals of TinyML |
| Applications of TinyML | 6 weeks | Intermediate | Computer Science, Deep Learning, Machine Learning, Neural Networks, Embedded Systems, Data Science | Applications of TinyML |
| Deploying TinyML | 6 weeks | Intermediate | Computer Science, Deep Learning, Machine Learning, Neural Networks, Embedded Systems, Program your own TinyML device | Deploying TinyML |
1. CS50’s Introduction to Artificial Intelligence with Python
What We Like
- Free access with an option to audit the course.
- Offers hands-on projects to apply AI concepts in Python.
- Covers a broad range of AI topics, including graph search algorithms, machine learning, and reinforcement learning.
- Backed by Harvard’s prestigious School of Engineering and Applied Sciences.
What We Don’t Like
- The cost for a verified certificate is relatively high ($299).
- Lacks direct interaction with instructors or mentors.
About the course: This intermediate course by Harvard delves into the fundamentals of core concepts and algorithms behind contemporary AI technologies. It covers subjects like graph search algorithms, reinforcement learning, machine learning and neural networks – all seen through the perspective of Python programming language. The lessons are designed for students to work on practical projects, letting them use what they learned in theory for real-life situations. Though obtaining the completion certificate will require a one-time payment, you can audit the course materials for free.
COURSE DETAILS
| Provider | Harvard University in collaboration with edX |
| Duration | 7 Weeks |
| Level | Intermediate |
| Description | “CS50’s Introduction to Artificial Intelligence with Python explores the concepts and algorithms at the foundation of modern artificial intelligence, diving into the ideas that give rise to technologies like game-playing engines, handwriting recognition, and machine translation.” |
| Key Topics | Graph search algorithms, Reinforcement learning, Machine learning, Artificial intelligence principles, Intelligent systems, AI in Python programs, Deep Learning, |
2. Machine Learning and AI with Python
What We Like
- Focuses on decision trees, providing a strong foundation in a key machine learning algorithm.
- Includes practical examples with real-world data sets.
- Explores advanced topics like random forests and gradient boosting.
- Free access to the course.
What We Don’t Like
- Intermediate difficulty may not be suitable for beginners.
- The verified certificate costs $299, which may be pricey for some learners.
- Lack of direct instructor support or mentorship.
About the course: “Machine Learning and AI with Python” offers an in-depth look at the basic algorithm of machine learning, which are known as decision trees. The course, found on edX and supported by Harvard’s School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, is designed to build your core understanding of machine learning. It starts off with simple topics and gradually moves towards more complicated ones like bagging, random forests, or gradient boosting. Through handling genuine data sets and story problems, you will acquire skills to train models, form forecasts, and enhance decision-making via Python (edX). The course emphasizes recognizing data bias and avoiding overfitting, ensuring that your machine-learning models are both accurate and reliable.
COURSE DETAILS
| Provider | Harvard University in collaboration with edX |
| Duration | 6 Weeks |
| Level | Intermediate |
| Description | “In Machine Learning and AI with Python, you will explore the most basic algorithm as a basis for your learning and understanding of machine learning: decision trees.” |
| Key Topics | Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Algorithms, Data Science, Data Analysis |
| Correct URL Link to Course | https://pll.harvard.edu/course/machine-learning-and-ai-python |
3. Data Science: Machine Learning
What We Like
- Introductory course suitable for beginners.
- Focuses on practical application by building a movie recommendation system.
- Part of a Professional Certificate in Data Science, adding value to the course.
- Affordable verified certificate option at $149.
What We Don’t Like
- Limited to specific algorithms, which may not cover all areas of interest in machine learning.
- Self-paced format with no live interaction or real-time feedback.
About the course: This beginner-friendly course aims to familiarize you with basic concepts in machine learning, while also giving you practical experience in building a movie recommendation system. It is a part of the Professional Certificate Program in Data Science and covers important subjects like famous machine learning rules, principal component analysis, regularization, and cross-validation to stop overtraining. This beginner-friendly course provides practical skills that are directly applicable to real-world data science challenges.
COURSE DETAILS
| Provider | Harvard University in collaboration with edX |
| Duration | 6 Weeks |
| Level | Intermediate |
| Description | “In this course, part of our Professional Certificate Program in Data Science, you will learn popular machine learning algorithms, principal component analysis, and regularization by building a movie recommendation system.” |
| Key Topics | Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Algorithms, Data Science, Basics of Machine Learning |
| Correct URL Link to Course | https://pll.harvard.edu/course/data-science-machine-learning |
4. Fundamentals of TinyML
What We Like
- Ideal for beginners interested in both machine learning and embedded systems.
- Covers foundational topics like deep learning and responsible AI design.
- Focuses on the emerging field of TinyML, which has growing relevance.
- Short duration with a manageable weekly time commitment (2-4 hours).
- Part of a broader TinyML Professional Certificate series.
What We Don’t Like
- The verified certificate is relatively expensive, at $299.
- May require additional courses in the series to gain a comprehensive understanding of TinyML.
- No live interaction or real-time support due to the self-paced format.
About the course: This beginners course by the Harvard School of Engineering and Applied Sciences on introduces you to the basics of Tiny Machine Learning (TinyML). The syllabus of the course concentrates on machine learning, deep learning, and embedded systems’ fundamentals, with special attention to where these technologies meet within TinyML applications. By taking this course, you will learn about the methods for gathering data within data science and also about training as well as deploying basic models of machine learning on small gadgets such as smartphones. This course aims to equip you with an understanding of the “language” of TinyML so you can delve further into complicated subjects during future courses.
COURSE DETAILS
| Provider | Harvard University in collaboration with edX |
| Duration | 5 Weeks |
| Level | Beginner |
| Description | “The first course in the TinyML Certificate series, Fundamentals of TinyML will focus on the basics of machine learning, deep learning, and embedded devices and systems, such as smartphones and other tiny devices.” |
| Key Topics | Fundamentals of Machine Learning (ML), Deep Learning, Embedded ML, Responsible AI Design, Neural Networks, Embed Systems |
| Correct URL Link to Course | https://pll.harvard.edu/course/fundamentals-tinyml |
5. Applications of TinyML
What We Like
- Offers practical, hands-on experience with real-world TinyML applications.
- Focuses on highly relevant use cases like keyword spotting and gesture recognition.
- Provides insight into the neural network aspects of TinyML, including training and inference.
- Part of the broader TinyML Professional Certificate series, building on foundational concepts.
What We Don’t Like
- The verified certificate is priced at $299, which may be expensive for some learners.
- May require prior completion of the foundational TinyML course for full comprehension.
About the course: The online professional certificate course covers the applications of Tiny Machine Learning (TinyML). It is the second part of the TinyML Professional Certificate series and dives into the practical use cases for Tiny Machine Learning (TinyML). You will study real-world industry applications of TinyML and focus on tasks like keyword spotting, gesture recognition, and anomaly detection. The course also covers neural networks that fuel such applications, highlighting training, and inference procedures. By taking the course, you will obtain practical knowledge about the code used in famous TinyML tools like Google Home and smartphone features. You will also get to learn about dataset engineering principles and responsible AI development. This is a great way to lean how TinyML is begin used across industries.
COURSE DETAILS
| Provider | Harvard University in collaboration with edX |
| Duration | 6 Weeks |
| Level | Intermediate |
| Description | “Following on the Foundations of Tiny ML course, Applications of TinyML will give you the opportunity to see tiny machine learning applications in practice.” |
| Key Topics | Computer Science, Deep Learning, Machine Learning, Neural Networks, Embedded Systems, Data Science |
| Correct URL Link to Course | https://pll.harvard.edu/course/applications-tinyml |
6. Deploying TinyML
What We Like
- Provides hands-on experience with deploying machine learning models on microcontroller-based devices.
- Uses TensorFlow Lite for Microcontrollers, a popular framework for TinyML applications.
- Focuses on real-world applications like voice recognition, sound detection, and gesture detection.
- Comes with a practical project using a TinyML Program Kit, including an Arduino board and ARM Cortex-M4 microcontroller.
What We Don’t Like
- Requires a payment of $299 to receive the verified completion certificate.
- Requires purchasing or having access to specific hardware (Arduino board, sensors) for full participation.
About the course: This is an intermediate online course from the Harvard School of Engineering and Applied Sciences and the third in a sequence of TinyML courses. It concentrates on real-world application techniques to put machine learning models into action on microcontroller-centered devices. In just six weeks, you will learn how to code TinyML tools with TensorFlow Lite for Microcontrollers. It will cover everything from writing code, transferring it onto the microcontroller, and running as well as training models. Learners of this course will receive a TinyML Program Kit. It consists of an Arduino board that has sensors on it and an ARM Cortex-M4 microcontroller, providing all the needed hardware for creating and launching TinyML apps. You will also learn about deploying AI responsibly, and understand the ethical aspects related to putting AI into use in embedded systems.
The Bottom Line
The free courses on AI provided by Harvard University are some of the best ones you can find online. These courses can be taken by anyone, irrespective of their skills and knowledge. Harvard University AI courses offer high-quality instruction from experts in the field. By enrolling in them, you can gain valuable skills and knowledge that can help you stay competitive in this field.
Recommended reading:
List of Stanford University AI Courses for FREE
Best Google AI Courses and Certifications for FREE
Best Microsoft AI Courses and Certifications for FREE
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