Prompt Engineering for ChatGPT: A Coursera Course Review

This course, offered by Vanderbilt University on Coursera, provides a comprehensive introduction to prompt engineering for ChatGPT and other large language models (LLMs). Taught by Dr. Jules White, a top Coursera instructor, the course is designed for beginners with only basic computer skills required. The curriculum covers various prompt patterns and techniques, enabling learners to effectively utilize LLMs for diverse applications.

Course Highlights

• Beginner-Friendly: The course caters to individuals with minimal prior knowledge of AI or prompt engineering. The instructor provides clear explanations and practical examples.
• Structured Curriculum: The course is divided into six modules, progressing from basic prompt creation to advanced techniques like chain of thought prompting and ReAct prompting.
• Hands-on Assignments: Seven assignments reinforce learning through practical application, allowing students to build their skills progressively.
• Real-World Examples: The course uses numerous real-world examples to illustrate the application of prompt engineering across various domains, including meal planning, speech pathology, and software development.
• Comprehensive Coverage: The course covers a wide range of prompt patterns, including persona, question refinement, cognitive verifier, few-shot examples, game play, and template patterns.
• Flexible Learning: The course offers a flexible schedule, allowing learners to progress at their own pace.

What You'll Learn

Students will learn how to:

• Effectively utilize prompt engineering to interact with LLMs like ChatGPT.
• Employ prompt patterns to unlock the full potential of LLMs.
• Create complex prompt-based applications for personal, professional, or educational use.
• Master various prompt engineering techniques, including chain of thought and ReAct prompting.

Course Structure

The course comprises six modules:

1. Course Introduction: Sets the stage and introduces fundamental concepts.
2. Introduction to Prompts: Explores the basics of prompt creation and fundamental patterns.
3. Prompt Patterns I: Covers several key prompt patterns and their applications.
4. Few-Shot Examples: Focuses on the use of few-shot examples to improve LLM performance.
5. Prompt Patterns II: Introduces additional advanced prompt patterns.
6. Prompt Patterns III: Delves into more complex patterns and concludes with building a prompt-based application.

Comparison with Other Courses

While many courses cover ChatGPT, this course distinguishes itself by focusing specifically on prompt engineering, a crucial skill for maximizing the effectiveness of LLMs. Other courses might touch upon prompt engineering as a small part of a broader AI curriculum, whereas this course provides a dedicated and in-depth exploration of the subject.

Conclusion

This Coursera course offers a valuable opportunity to master prompt engineering for ChatGPT and other LLMs. Its structured approach, practical assignments, and real-world examples make it an excellent resource for anyone looking to harness the power of generative AI.