Build foundational AI knowledge with IBM — explore machine learning, deep learning, computer vision, and NLP, then build and test your own AI model using IBM Watson Studio.

AI Fundamentals with IBM SkillsBuild is a comprehensive, beginner-friendly course developed in collaboration between Cisco Networking Academy and IBM. You will explore AI’s history and real-world impact, then dive into how AI understands language, interprets images, and learns through neural networks modeled after the human brain. You will complete hands-on simulations to build and test a machine learning model using IBM Watson Studio, explore the ethical considerations surrounding AI, and finish with practical guidance on navigating the fast-growing AI job market. No prior knowledge of AI or coding is required.

Curriculum Chapters

  • 1. Introduction to Artificial Intelligence
  • 2. Natural Language Processing and Computer Vision
  • 3. Machine Learning and Deep Learning
  • 4. Run AI Models with IBM Watson Studio
  • 5. AI Ethics
  • 6. AI Careers and the Job Market
  • 7. The Money Maker GANs Game

Skills You Will Learn

Define key AI concepts including machine learning, deep learning, neural networks, and generative AI. Explain how natural language processing enables AI to understand and generate human language. Describe computer vision techniques and their real-world applications. Understand how machine learning models are trained on structured, unstructured, and semi-structured data. Build, test, and save a machine learning model using IBM Watson Studio and Jupyter Notebooks. Identify ethical considerations and responsible use of AI. Recognize AI career opportunities, professional roles, and the skills required to succeed in an AI-driven workforce.

Technologies Used

IBM Watson Studio
Jupyter Notebooks
IBM SkillsBuild Platform
Interactive practice simulations

Course Details

Course Type: Free self-paced
Time: 10 Hours
Modules: 6
Labs: 1 AI machine learning project & interactive practice simulations & 25 quizzes

Prerequisites

None. Basic computer skills recommended.

Certification & Career

Career and Certification alignment: Upon completion, earners receive both a Cisco Networking Academy digital badge and an industry-recognised IBM SkillsBuild Artificial Intelligence Fundamentals credential via Credly. The course supports career exploration in roles such as AI Developer, Data Scientist, Machine Learning Engineer, and AI Ethics Specialist. The recommended next course is Introduction to Cybersecurity.

Achievements & Badges

Upon completion, earn both a Cisco Networking Academy digital badge and an IBM SkillsBuild Artificial Intelligence Fundamentals credential. Share your verified achievements on LinkedIn, your CV, or professional profile.

What Cisco and IBM verify: Cisco, in collaboration with IBM SkillsBuild, verifies the earner of this badge successfully completed the AI Fundamentals with IBM SkillsBuild course and achieved the student level credential. Earner demonstrates knowledge of AI concepts including natural language processing, computer vision, machine learning, deep learning, neural networks, and AI ethics, and has a conceptual understanding of how to run an AI model using IBM Watson Studio.

Ready to Start This Course?

This course is delivered through Cisco Networking Academy — the official global learning platform. To enroll, click the button and you will be taken to the official course page on netacad.com. If you already have a Cisco Networking Academy account, simply log in and click Get Started. If you are new to the platform, creating a free account takes less than a minute. Enrollment is completely free.

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