Utah Tech University to offer free course in generative AI, prompt engineering

As prompt engineering continues to rapidly grow as an occupation, Utah Tech University is offering a free weekly community course on the opportunities generative artificial intelligence provides to connect, collaborate and exchange ideas.

The course is open to the public, but with limited seating, and will be held every Wednesday, Aug. 30 through Dec. 6, from noon to 12:45 p.m. in room 105 of Utah Tech’s Science, Engineering & Technology building.

“I have seen in my own education the power that generative AI has to empower individuals to enrich their own education,” Konnor Young, the instructor of the course and a recent graduate from Utah Tech, said. “Prompt engineering is the key to unlocking the power of generative AI.”

Generative AI focuses on creating original content by learning patterns and characteristics from the data it is trained on, rather than analyzing existing data. This technology is used to create things like art, music and even videos, opening opportunities and pushing the boundaries to what computers can do.

Open to everyone, including individuals new to AI or coding, the class will mainly be an open-forum discussion about generative AI, but will also incorporate discussions on large language models and prompt engineering. Additionally, expert instructors will guide participants through hands-on exercises that provide them with the skills and knowledge necessary to kickstart generative creations.

Additionally, the class will offer opportunities for participants to discover how this cutting-edge technology can be harnessed to learn and create in disciplines ranging from art and humanities to science, technology and engineering.

“Generative AI isn’t going anywhere, and it will become a part of our lives moving forward,” Young said. “Now is the time for everyone to learn and experiment with prompt engineering.”

Offering this generative AI course free to the community is in line with Utah Tech University’s polytechnic approach to education. This model emphasizes hands-on learning and career preparation while Utah Tech maintains its commitment to providing open, inclusive and comprehensive educational opportunities to students and community members. Learn more at utahtech.edu/polytech.