Generative AI for Software Developers Specialization Course Syllabus

Overview: This specialization provides a comprehensive, intermediate-level exploration of generative AI in software development, designed for professionals seeking to integrate AI tools into their workflows. The program spans approximately 31 hours across five core modules and a final project, offering self-paced learning with hands-on applications. You’ll gain practical skills in prompt engineering, code generation, and AI-augmented development processes, all taught by IBM experts. Lifetime access ensures flexibility to learn and revisit content as needed.

Module 1: Generative AI: Introduction and Applications

Estimated time: 7 hours

• Understand the fundamentals of generative AI
• Explore real-world applications across industries
• Learn about generative AI capabilities in text, code, image, audio, and video generation
• Identify use cases in software development

Module 2: Generative AI: Prompt Engineering Basics

Estimated time: 7 hours

• Introduction to prompt engineering concepts
• Practice zero-shot and few-shot prompting techniques
• Use tools for creating effective prompts
• Optimize prompts for accuracy and relevance

Module 3: Generative AI: Elevate Your Software Development Career

Estimated time: 17 hours

• Apply generative AI for code generation
• Use AI in software design and architecture
• Leverage AI for bug detection and debugging
• Optimize code with AI-powered tools

Module 4: Applying Generative AI in Development Workflows

Estimated time: 5 hours

• Integrate AI into version control and CI/CD pipelines
• Generate test cases using large language models
• Automate documentation with AI

Module 5: Building Applications with AI-Powered Tools

Estimated time: 6 hours

• Develop full applications using AI-generated code
• Enhance user interfaces with generative AI
• Implement AI-driven refactoring and optimization

Module 6: Final Project

Estimated time: 10 hours

• Design and build a software application using generative AI
• Apply prompt engineering to generate functional code
• Submit a portfolio-ready project demonstrating AI integration

Prerequisites

• Familiarity with basic programming concepts
• No prior AI experience required
• Access to a modern web browser and internet connection

What You'll Be Able to Do After

• Explain the core principles of generative AI and its role in software development
• Use prompt engineering techniques to generate accurate and useful outputs
• Generate code, tests, and documentation using AI tools
• Apply generative AI in real-world software engineering tasks
• Build and deliver AI-enhanced software applications