Large Language Models: From Transformer Basics to Agentic AI
Gain hands-on experience using and deploying LLMs in real-world applications.
This program offers ample opportunity for participants to explore, implement, and experiment with code during guided sessions. We’ll conclude with an optional hackathon, giving you a chance to apply what you’ve learned to real-world problems.
“The hands-on skills and foundational understanding you’ll gain in this course will make you a more effective AI professional. You’ll build proficiency in cutting-edge techniques like instruction-based LLMs, RAG methods, agents, and fine-tuning—empowering you to design intelligent systems that solve real-world problems with confidence and creativity.” – Pavlos Protopapas, Program Director
Key Course Information
- Live Online (synchronous) program, including 19 hours of interactive instruction
- Pre-program boost: Optional, robust self-study videos and assignments to get you prepared at your own pace
- Live instructional sessions: 9 days, 1 hour to 2.5 hours per day
- Thursday, October 2, 2025, 8:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. EDT
- Friday, October 3, 2025, 8:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. EDT
- Saturday, October 4, 2025, 8:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. EDT
- Sunday, October 5, 2025, 8:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. EDT
- Tuesday, October 7, 2025, 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. EDT
- Wednesday, October 8, 2025, 8:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. EDT
- Thursday, October 9, 2025, 8:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. EDT
- Friday, October 10, 2025, 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. EDT
- Saturday, October 11, 2025, 8:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. EDT
- Plus an optional live Hackathon capstone on Sunday, October 12, 2025, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. EDT
- Course fee $950 per participant
- Discounts available for groups of 3 or more participants from an organization—contact ProfEd@seas.harvard.edu to learn more
- Course topics include:
- Introduction to Language Models
- Deep Neural Networks as Language Models
- Transformer Architecture, BERT, and GPT
- Instruction-based Models: From GPT to ChatGPT
- Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG), Self-RAG, and Graph-RAGs
- Agents
- Fine-Tuning LLMs Using LoRA
- Join a community of innovators and thought leaders transforming industries with LLMs
- Earn your program participation certificate as you build connections with peers using the power of AI for real-world impact
- Click here for course details
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