Product or technology manager
Discuss technical trade-offs with developers.
Stanford / Stanford Online
Understand AITechnical Fundamentals of Generative AI
A conference-style course on how generative AI works, taught by Stanford HAI experts.
Curriculum
- Foundations and mechanics of generative AI
- Strategies to improve model performance
- Implications of generative systems
Before you start
Exercises require access to an LLM of your choice; no paid third-party tools required.
Who it suits
Our assessment, based on the syllabus.
Consultant
Assess potential applications beyond marketing claims.
Business leader
Understand generative systems before sponsoring projects.
Expected outcomes
- Discuss how generative AI works.
- Evaluate capabilities with more technical confidence.
- Choose more informed questions for AI vendors and teams.
Example application
Ask a vendor how it evaluates a proposed generative AI feature.
Limits
- Nine hours is a technical orientation, not an engineering bootcamp.
- Higher-priced comparison against MIT’s US$300 LLM course.
How current is it?
A recent curriculum revision date could not be confirmed.
When to choose it
Consider this for a short technical orientation. Compare the scope and fee with MIT’s longer US$300 LLM course.
Sources
- Official course page ↗online.stanford.edu
Checked 20 October 2026. Confirm the current offer on the provider’s page before paying.