IGNITE Artificial Intelligence Fundamentals Curriculum

Course Title: IGNITE Artificial Intelligence Fundamentals

Course Code: IGN|AI|001
Course Version: 1.0
Course Level: Beginner
Course Duration: 16 Weeks | 86 hours
Delivery Mode: Instructor-led and self-paced

m
Trainers:

●​ Barbara Munyendo

ra
●​ Elvis Lukalo
●​ Grace Irungu
●​ Joseph Wathome

og Curriculum Description

The IGNITE Artificial Intelligence (AI) Fundamentals Curriculum is designed to equip learners
Pr
with a strong foundation in AI concepts, technologies, and real-world applications. This
competency-based program integrates theoretical learning with hands-on practical labs to
prepare students for entry-level roles in AI, automation, and data-driven decision-making.

Aligned with industry best practices and international AI frameworks, the curriculum develops
TE

critical skills in AI model development, machine learning workflows, data analysis, automation,
and ethical AI practices. Learners will engage in real-world AI case studies, industry projects,
and applied learning experiences to bridge the gap between education and workplace demands.
NI

Objectives

By the end of this modules, learners will be able to:

IG

Technical Skills

1)​ Understand foundational AI concepts, including Machine Learning and Deep Learning.
2)​ Develop and deploy AI models using Python, TensorFlow, and open-source frameworks.
3)​ Gain hands-on experience with data preprocessing, feature engineering, and model
evaluation.
4)​ Learn automation techniques and AI-powered workflow development.
5)​ Explore AI ethics, bias mitigation, and responsible AI deployment.
6)​ Understand and apply generative AI and Natural Language Processing (NLP).

Soft Skills

Page 1 of 13
 1)​ Develop problem-solving skills for AI-driven challenges.
2)​ Enhance collaboration and communication in AI projects.
3)​ Gain experience in technical writing and AI project documentation.
4)​ Prepare for industry-recognized AI certifications.

Target Audience and Pre-requisites

Target Audience

●​ Students in ICT-related fields transitioning into AI and data science roles.

●​ Recent graduates seeking industry-recognized AI certifications.

m
●​ Professionals looking to gain AI skills for automation and analytics.
●​ Educators and trainers incorporate AI concepts into their teaching.

ra
Entry Requirements & Prerequisites

Eligibility

og
●​ Students or graduates in ICT, Computer Science, Data Science, or related fields.
●​ Individuals with practical IT experience seeking to strengthen their AI skills.

Prerequisites & Technical Requirements

Pr
●​ Hardware/Software Needs:
○​ Laptop or Desktop with Windows, Mac, or Linux OS.
○​ Reliable Internet Connection.
TE

○​ Basic proficiency in Python and data handling.

○​ Basic knowledge of statistics and algebra.
○​ Administrative Access Rights to install AI tools and libraries.
NI

Target Audience and Prerequisites

1)​ Comprehensive Curriculum: 14 modules covering AI fundamentals, ML, and

IG

automation.
2)​ Hands-on Experience: 40+ hands-on labs reinforcing AI concepts through real-world
applications.
3)​ Capstone Projects: Apply AI skills to solve real-world business and technical challenges.
4)​ AI Model Development Challenges: Practical exercises in building, training, and
optimizing models.
5)​ Certification: Successful completion of the course leads to the IGNITE AI Fundamentals
Certificate.

Page 2 of 13
6)​ Flexible Learning: Self-paced e-learning, video content, and interactive coding challenges.
7)​ Career Readiness: AI job market insights, portfolio-building, and industry certifications.

Course Modules Overview

The course consists of 12 modules, organized into four major phases:

Weeks Module Title Trainer Hours Days

1-4 Module 1 Introduction to Artificial ●​ Barbara Munyendo 2 1

Intelligence

m
Module 2 Introduction to Machine ●​ Joseph Wathome 4 2
Learning

Module 3 Introduction to Generative ●​ Grace Irungu 2 1

ra
Artificial Intelligence

5-7 Module 4 Software Engineering and ●​ Barbara Munyendo 2 1

Artificial Intelligence

ogModule 5

Module 6
Artificial Intelligence Tools
Walkthrough

Introduction to APIs and

●​

●​
Grace Irungu

Grace Irungu
2

2
1

1
Pr
Development Tools

8 - 11 Module 7 Introduction to AI Workflows ●​ Joseph Wathome 2 1

Module 8 Introduction to Python and ●​ Barbara Munyendo 2 1

Notebooks
TE

Module 9 Artificial Intelligence and Data ●​ Grace Irungu 4 2

●​ Joseph Wathome

12 - 15 Module 10 Introduction to Deep Learning ●​ Grace Irungu 4 2

NI

and Transformers ●​ Joseph Wathome

Module 11 Risks and Ethics of AI and ●​ Barbara Munyendo 2 1

Presentation Walkthrough

​ Module 12 Final Project Presentation ●​ Barbara Munyendo 2 1

IG

●​ Grace Irungu
●​ Joseph Wathome
●​ Elvis Lukalo

Total 30 15

Page 3 of 13
 Learning Methods

1.​ Instructional Strategies: A blended learning approach combines instructor-led

sessions with self-paced content.

○​ Lectures & Interactive Sessions: Engaging instructor-led lessons covering AI

theories and concepts.

○​ Self-Paced Learning: Online modules, recorded video tutorials, and

supplementary reading materials.

m
○​ Live Q&A Sessions: Real-time interaction with instructors and AI experts.

2.​ Practical Engagement: Hands-on learning is a key component of this curriculum.

ra
○​ Coding Labs and AI Model Development: Learners will build and deploy AI
models using Python, TensorFlow, and Scikit-learn.

○​ AI Automation and Workflow Development: Practical experience with

og
no-code and low-code AI automation tools (e.g., N8N).

○​ Data Science and Machine Learning Projects: Real-world data

preprocessing, feature engineering, and AI model training.

3.​ Collaborative Learning: Encourages teamwork and peer learning through group
Pr
discussions and shared projects.

○​ AI Study Groups: Peer collaboration for problem-solving and AI project

brainstorming.
TE

○​ Discussion Forums and Online Communities: Engage with fellow learners

and instructors via platforms like Whatsapp or Discord.

○​ Peer Reviews and Feedback Sessions: Structured feedback on coding

assignments and AI projects.
NI

4.​ Experiential Learning: AI learners develop real-world skills through

simulation-based exercises.
IG

○​ AI Case Studies: Analyze real-world AI use cases in healthcare, finance,

cybersecurity, and other industries.

○​ AI Model Optimization Challenges: Competitions to improve the

performance of AI models using hyperparameter tuning.

○​ Industry Simulations: Hands-on experience with AI-powered business

automation, sentiment analysis, and chatbot development.

○​ AI Ethics and Bias Detection Exercises: Identify and mitigate AI bias using
fairness and explainability techniques.

Page 4 of 13
5.​ Project-Based Learning: Practical application of knowledge through real-world
projects.

○​ Capstone AI Project: Each learner develops and presents a full-fledged AI

application, from problem identification to deployment.

○​ Portfolio Development: Learners build a GitHub repository showcasing AI

models, automation workflows, and technical documentation.

○​ AI Hackathons and Challenges: Opportunities to participate in AI-focused

competitions for innovation and creativity using Kaggle.

6.​ Supplementary Learning Resources: To reinforce learning, additional resources

m
are provided.

○​ Video Tutorials: Step-by-step AI model-building guides.

ra
○​ Interactive Notebooks: Jupyter notebooks for coding exercises.

○​ AI Research Papers & Whitepapers: Exposure to the latest trends and

advancements in AI.

og
○​ Industry Certifications: Resources to prepare for AI certification exams from
Google, IBM, and Coursera.

7.​ Assessment and Continuous Feedback: Evaluations ensure learners gain the
Pr
required competencies.

○​ Quizzes and Knowledge Checks: Short assessments after each module to

reinforce key concepts.

○​ Hands-on Practical Assignments: AI programming tasks and workflow

TE

automation exercises.

○​ Industry Mentor Feedback: Guidance from AI professionals to refine project

implementations.
NI

○​ Final Capstone Evaluation: Learners present AI solutions to industry

professionals for real-world validation.
IG

Page 5 of 13
 Assessment and Evaluation

Assessment Breakdown: Assessments are structured to evaluate both theoretical knowledge

and hands-on skills.

Assessment Type Weight (%) Description

Hands-on Practical Labs 40% Coding exercises, AI model development,

workflow automation, and deployment tasks.

m
Capstone Project 60% A real-world AI application project
demonstrating end-to-end AI development.
Minimum Passing Score: 80%

ra
1.​ Hands-on Practical Labs (40%): Learners will complete structured AI coding labs to
reinforce learning. Key Practical Assessments:

og
○​ Data Preprocessing & Feature Engineering: Cleaning datasets.
○​ Machine Learning Model Training: Developing and evaluating models.
○​ Deep Learning & Neural Networks: Building models.
Pr
○​ Natural Language Processing (NLP): Sentiment analysis, chatbot
development, and text classification.
○​ Generative AI & Computer Vision: Image classification and object detection.
TE

Each lab includes:

●​ Task Instructions: Step-by-step AI problem-solving guides.

NI

●​ Code Implementation: Python-based AI coding exercises.

●​ Performance Evaluation: Model accuracy metrics, explainability, and
IG

optimization.
2.​ Capstone Project (20%): A final project that integrates all AI concepts learned in the
course.

Project Requirements:

○​ Problem Definition: Identify a real-world challenge AI can solve.

○​ Data Collection & Preprocessing: Understand the process of cleaning and

preprocessing data.

Page 6 of 13
 ○​ Model Development: Learn how to train and optimize an AI model.
○​ Deployment and Documentation: Develop and Deploy an AI solution and
document process.
○​ Presentation: Present the project to peers and industry mentors.

Evaluation Criteria:

●​ Technical Complexity: Depth of AI implementation.

●​ Innovation and Creativity: Unique application of AI to solve problems.

m
●​ Presentation and Communication: Clear articulation of AI concepts,
findings, and impact.

ra
4.​ Continuous Feedback & Improvement:

○​ Instructor Feedback: Personalized guidance on assignments and projects.

og○​ Peer Reviews: Learners evaluate each other's projects and provide constructive
feedback.
○​ Industry Mentor Evaluations: AI professionals assess final projects and offer
Pr
career insights.
○​ Course Reflection Surveys: Feedback collected to refine curriculum quality.
TE

Entry-Level Job Roles Targeted

Graduates will be ready for roles such as:

1)​ AI Project Coordinator: Managing AI-based initiatives.

NI

2)​ Machine Learning Associate: Training and fine-tuning AI models.

3)​ Automation Specialist: Implementing AI-driven workflow solutions.

IG

4)​ AI Data Analyst: Cleaning, visualizing, and interpreting AI datasets.

Entry-Level Job Roles Targeted

To ensure a comprehensive and hands-on learning experience, learners will have access to a
wide range of AI tools, libraries, and platforms. These resources support AI model development,
automation, workflow integration, and deployment.

1.​ Programming and Development Tools: These tools facilitate AI coding,

automation, and model development.

Page 7 of 13
 Tool Purpose

Jupyter Notebook Interactive coding environment for AI and ML experiments.

Google Colab Cloud-based Jupyter Notebook with free GPU support for AI projects.

PyCharm / VS Code Popular IDEs for AI and machine learning development.

Git & GitHub Version control for AI projects and collaboration.

Docker Containerization for deploying AI models.

Postman API testing and integration tool for AI-based applications.

m
2.​ AI and Machine Learning Libraries: Key Python-based libraries for building AI

ra
models and processing data.

Library Purpose

og
NumPy & Pandas

Matplotlib & Seaborn

Data manipulation, preprocessing, and analysis.

Data visualization and plotting for AI models.

Pr
Scikit-learn Essential machine learning models and preprocessing tools.

TensorFlow & Keras Deep learning frameworks for training neural networks.

PyTorch Alternative deep learning framework with dynamic computation

graphs.
TE

Hugging Face Pre-trained NLP models (BERT, GPT, etc.).

Transformers
NI

OpenCV Computer vision and image processing.

NLTK & SpaCy Natural language processing libraries.

IG

3.​ Generative AI & Automation Tools: For building AI-powered automation workflows
and content generation.

Tool Purpose

ChatGPT & DeepSeek AI chatbot and content generation.

DALL·E & Stable Diffusion Image generation using AI.

N8N Workflow automation and AI task integration.

Page 8 of 13
 OpenAI API Building AI-powered applications with GPT models.

LangChain Developing AI agents and chatbots.

4.​ Collaboration & Documentation Tools: For team-based AI projects, brainstorming,

and documentation.

Tool Purpose

m
Miro Visualizing AI workflows and brainstorming ideas.

Trello Task management for AI project tracking.

ra
Google Docs AI project documentation and research.

WhatsApp Community engagement and AI discussions.

og
Zoom Online meetings and AI study groups.

5.​ Learning & Reference Resources: Additional materials for in-depth AI learning.
Pr
Resource Provider Focus Area

Elements of AI University of Helsinki Intro to AI concepts.

AI for Everyone Coursera (Andrew Ng) High-level AI concepts for

TE

beginners.

Google Machine Learning Google Hands-on ML training.

Crash Course
NI

Fast.ai Open Source Deep learning tutorials.

IBM AI Engineering IBM ML and AI deployment.

Certificate
IG

Student Support

1.​ Support Services: Tutoring, discussion forums, mentorship programs, and technical
support.
2.​ Learning Policies: Guidelines for attendance, academic integrity, assignment
submissions, and assessment criteria.
3.​ Feedback Mechanisms: Regular mid-course reviews and end-of-module surveys to
gather student feedback and continuously improve the curriculum.

Continuous Improvement

Page 9 of 13
 1.​ Curriculum Review: Annual review meetings with industry experts to ensure content
remains current with evolving threats and technologies.
2.​ Feedback Integration: Incorporate learner and instructor feedback for ongoing
curriculum enhancements.

Course Modules Overview

m
Module Title Outcome Content Assessment

Module Introduction to ●​ Understand ●​ Introduction to AI: ●​ Case Study

1 Artificial fundamental Definition, Evolution, AI vs. Analysis

ra
Intelligence AI concepts, Human Intelligence, ●​ Assignments
its evolution, Applications. ●​ Labs
and its ●​ Design Thinking for AI: ●​ Readings
applications. Phases of Design Thinking
●​ Differentiate (Empathize, Define, Ideate,

Module
og
Introduction to
AI from
human
intelligence.

●​ Learn the
Prototype, Test).

●​ Machine Learning ●​ Case Study

Pr
2 Machine basics of Fundamentals: Analysis
Learning machine Supervised vs. ●​ Assignments
learning, Unsupervised Learning, ●​ Labs
models, and Statistical Models, ML ●​ Readings
algorithms. Algorithms, Use Cases.
●​ Understand ●​ Hands-on Practice:
TE

supervised vs. Using Kaggle for ML

unsupervised challenges.
learning.

Module Introduction to Explore generative ●​ Generative AI ●​ Case Study

NI

3 Generative AI, large language Fundamentals: LLMs, Analysis

Artificial models, and Responsible AI, Ethics in ●​ Assignments
Intelligence prompt AI. ●​ Labs
engineering. ●​ Prompt Engineering: ●​ Readings
Best Practices, Tools,
IG

Applications.
●​ Practical
Implementation: Use
GPT-based models to
generate content, images,
and analyze code.

Page 10 of 13
Module Software Learn the basics of ●​ Software Development: ●​ Case Study
4 Engineering software SDLC, Software Analysis
and Artificial engineering, Architecture, Design ●​ Assignments
Intelligence development Patterns. ●​ Labs
lifecycle, and ●​ Backend & Automation: ●​ Readings
backend Backend Development,
automation. Low-Code/No-Code
Automation Tools.
●​ Practical
Implementation:
Walkthrough of backend
architectures, no-code
automation tools.

m
Module Artificial Learn how to use
5 Intelligence AI tools
Tools
Walkthrough

ra
Module
og
Introduction to Learn how to ●​ APIs & Webhooks: ●​ Case Study
Pr
6 APIs integrate AI with REST, GraphQL, HTTP Analysis
external APIs and Methods, API ●​ Assignments
webhooks. Authentication. ●​ Labs
●​ Practical ●​ Readings
Implementation: API
Calls with Postman, Slack
TE

Webhook Integration.
NI

Module Introduction to Understand ●​ Process Automation ●​ Case Study

7 Workflows business Plan: Document and Map Analysis
transitioning to AI the workflow for a selected ●​ Assignments
usage by focusing persona using Whimsical ●​ Labs
on business ●​ Workflow Automation: ●​ Readings
IG

processes, process Develop a basic automated

flows and workflow to automate the
automating process flow.
business flows.

Page 11 of 13
Module Introduction to Learn Python ●​ Python Fundamentals: ●​ Case Study
8 Python programming for Python for AI & ML, API Analysis
AI development Development using Python. ●​ Assignments
and build a basic ●​ Practical ●​ Labs
API. Implementation: Learn ●​ Readings
how to use notebooks.
●​ Introduction to Git and
Github: Common Git
Commands, Storing
AI-related Data.

Module Artificial Understand the ●​ Big Data & AI: Structured ●​ Case Study
9 Intelligence and role of data in AI vs. Unstructured Data, Data Analysis
Data and build AI Collection & Quality, Data ●​ Assignments

m
applications using Privacy & Security. ●​ Labs
open-source AI ●​ Data Preprocessing: ●​ Readings
models. Cleaning, Splitting Data,
Normalization & Scaling.

ra
●​ Open-Source AI
Models: Overview of
Hugging Face, Mistral,
Llama3.

og ●​ Practical
Implementation:
Develop a Python chatbot
using an Open-Source
Model, Integrate AI Chat
via No-Code Tools.
Pr
Module Introduction to Understand deep ●​ Deep Learning Basics: ●​ Case Study
10 Deep Learning learning concepts What is Deep Learning? Analysis
and and Differences from ML, ●​ Assignments
Transformers transformer-based Training Deep Learning ●​ Labs
TE

models. Models, Limitations & ●​ Readings

Applications.
●​ Transformer Models:
Transformer Architecture,
Applications, Performance
Benchmarks.
NI

●​ Practical
Implementation:
Hands-on deep learning
experiments.
IG

Module Risks and Ethics Assess AI ethics, ●​ AI Risks & Ethics: Bias, ●​ Case Study
11 of AI and risks, compliance, AI Weaponization, Data Analysis
Presentation and security Security, Compliance & ●​ Assignments
Walkthrough concerns. Regulations, AI and Job ●​ Labs
Market. ●​ Readings
●​ Practical
Implementation: Review
Case Studies on AI Misuse.
●​ Technical
Documentation: Writing
a User Guide and Business
Case for an AI System.

Page 12 of 13
 ●​ Refining AI Projects:
Presentation Feedback,
Stakeholder Q&A, Final
Adjustments.

Module Final Project Showcase AI-based ●​ Final Project Showcase: ●​ Final Project
12 Presentation projects and Present Problem Statement, Evaluation
demonstrate AI Solution, and Results to ●​ Peer Review
technical Peers & Stakeholders. ●​ Stakeholder
knowledge. Feedback.

m
ra
og
Pr
TE
NI
IG

Page 13 of 13