Applied AI in Python
This semester-long course will give students hands-on experience with artificial intelligence (AI) by applying machine learning models and libraries using the Python programming language. The course will explore the construction of algorithms which can learn from and make predictions on real-world data. Students will firstly recap on Python loops, lists and dictionaries and learn how to manage file input and output. They will then learn how to use the Pandas and Numpy libraries to analyze and interpret data. Students will then be introduced to the Tensorflow and Keras frameworks and build machine learning models to analyze images and text. Students will apply their knowledge to implement and refine machine learning models to a data set of their choice and understand the ethical implications. Finally, students will present their findings to an authentic audience. Emphasis will be placed on the project development life cycle and the importance of testing. Students will be expected to conduct independent research in addition to working collaboratively on projects.
Weekly Zoom sessions will be used for short presentations, Q&A and discussions. In person sessions will be used to present and discuss project progress with the rest of the class and meet with guest experts. At the end of the course, students will have a basic knowledge of machine learning models and libraries and how to use these tools effectively with real-world data.
Prerequisites: Introduction to Python Programming (B+ and above) or sufficient knowledge of Python.
  UC Approved: Mathematics  
About the Instructor
Tony Pound – Branson School
Tony has been teaching computer science at The Branson School since August 2016. He currently teaches classes in web design, Java, Arduino, Python and iOS mobile application development. He holds a Bachelor of Sciences degree in Psychology and Computing from the University of Plymouth and a Master of Arts in Education from the University of Bath. Tony previously worked for a leading cell phone company in England as a software developer and team leader from 1998 to 2005, prior to becoming a computer science teacher. He was chair of computer science at Priory Community School in North Somerset, England from 2006 to 2015. Tony lives in San Francisco with his wife and young son. He enjoys cycling, golf and snowboarding in his spare time.
Student Testimonials
I enjoy the F2F meetings as they are super interesting and a fun way to meet the other people in the class.
Anonymous Midterm Student Feedback, Fall 2023I really enjoyed the final project because it let me collaborate with other kids in the class and helped with my understanding of machine learning models.
Junior at Urban, Fall 2023I enjoyed working on the group projects because it was a chance to find what we were interested in. I feel like I learned most of the knowledge I got from this course by working on the projects. It was really fun working with new people.
Junior at College Prep, Fall 2022I thought the topics we covered were really engaging. The guest speakers always provided new ideas and I found great pleasure listening because we got real world examples of people working with machine learning.
Senior at Athenian, Fall 2021I really enjoyed the basic python and AI work that we did in the very beginning of the class. Especially the movie rating predictor I particularly enjoyed because it was just difficult enough that it was challenging, but I wasn’t lost or super confused.
Senior at MA, Fall 2023I really, really enjoyed this class. Mr. Pound was an amazing teacher, always made time to meet with students, and was super knowledgeable about the course material. I also had a great time meeting and working with new friends from other schools.
Senior at UHS, Fall 2021While I found all the material fascinating— I have to compliment Mr. Pound. He was one of the most passionate and compassionate teachers I’ve ever had. He was always extremely understanding, always willing to help, and gave quick and useful feedback to any question I had. I really had a great experience because of him.
Senior at College Prep, Fall 2021