AI Python for Beginners: A Crash Course
Program Overview
Join us for a 6-hour, in-person/online crash course designed for complete coding beginners (no coding experience needed) who want to dive into Python and AI development.
In this interactive, hands-on session, you'll write your first Python program, build AI-powered tools, and learn how AI can be integrated into real-world applications.
✅ No prior coding experience needed! We'll guide you through every step, making learning fun and accessible.
Please remember to bring your laptop to the class.
What You'll Learn & Tools You'll Use
💻 Python Basics – Learn variables, loops, functions, and data structures
🚀 Build Your First AI App – A smart to-do list, chatbot, or recipe generator
🛠 Debugging & AI Assistants – Learn how AI can help you write and fix code
📊 Working with Real-World Data – Extract insights from text and structured data
🔗 Using AI APIs – Connect Python scripts to AI-powered services
Platforms & Tools You'll Use
🖥 Cursor AI – AI-powered code assistant to help write and debug Python code
📂 Google Colab – A free, cloud-based coding environment (no installation needed)
🖼 UI Development – Learn how to build simple interfaces for AI-powered apps
🤖 OpenAI & Hugging Face – Use AI models to generate text, analyze data, and more
By the end of the course, you’ll have the skills to build and present your own AI-powered app!
Who Should Attend?
👩💻 Absolute Beginners – No prior programming experience needed
📈 Entrepreneurs & Business Professionals – Learn how AI can automate tasks
🎓 Students & Career Changers – Gain a valuable skill for future tech opportunities
🧠 Curious Learners – If you’ve always wanted to learn coding and AI, this is your chance!
Schedule
🕘 9:30 AM - 10:00 AM | Welcome & Setup
🔹 Get settled, meet fellow participants, and set up your coding environment.
🕙 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM | Python Fundamentals
🔹 Write your first lines of Python code and learn core programming concepts.
🕦 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM | Python Applications with AI Assistance
🔹 Start building a Python app with a clear use case, using an AI coding assistant to help with development and problem-solving.
🥗 12:30 PM - 1:15 PM | Lunch Break (Provided)
🕜 1:15 PM - 2:30 PM | Connecting to AI APIs & Using Real-World Data
🔹 Learn how to connect your app to AI services like OpenAI and Hugging Face. Use AI to make your app more personalized, such as adapting to user preferences, giving smart recommendations, or automating tasks.
🕝 2:30 PM - 3:15 PM | Creating a User-Friendly AI App
🔹 Build a simple, easy-to-use interface so people can interact with your app. Work on making it ready for public use.
🎉 3:15 PM - 3:30 PM | Final Project Presentations & Awards
🔹 Show off your app and compete for prizes!
Facilitators
Issam Laradji – Research Scientist, ServiceNow & Adjunct Professor, UBC
🔹 Expert in Machine Learning, Natural Language Processing, and AI research
🔹 Former Postdoc at McGill University & PhD from UBC
Dylan Nihte – AI Staffing Expert
🔹 Specialist in AI-driven automation and workforce solutions
🔹 Founder of multiple AI-powered businesses
Eric Laycock – Machine Learning Engineer
🔹 Oversees AI model finetuning and large-scale AI provider scaling
🔹 Expert in building agentic AI applications
🏆 Prizes for the Top 3 Projects!
At the end of the course, participants will present their first Python-powered AI apps, and the top 3 projects will be recognized with exclusive prizes!
🏆 Prizes will be awarded based on:
✔ Creativity – Unique and innovative approach
✔ Functionality – A working and useful AI-powered tool
✔ Learning Effort – Overcoming challenges and applying new skills
Even if your project is simple, your effort counts!
Why Join?
✅ Hands-on, beginner-friendly learning
✅ Taught by experienced AI professionals
✅ Lunch included
✅ Certificate of Completion
✅ Prizes for top projects
✅ Join a growing AI community in Vancouver!
This crash course is designed to be fast, interactive, and practical, helping you go from zero experience to coding AI-powered apps in just one day.