Course Description and Competencies

What to Expect

In this course, you will work through two modules. These modules are broken into smaller units, which are comprised of lessons. Studying this material will build foundational knowledge of prompt engineering. Throughout the course, you will find readings, videos, and a variety of interactive elements. At the end of each lesson, you will be able to check your understanding of the material with optional quizzes called Lightning Rounds. Engaging with these activities can reinforce new learning. It also complements the knowledge you bring to this area of study. 

Course Competencies

This course covers the following competencies:

  • The learner explains why prompt engineering is necessary.
  • The learner creates effective prompts with the consideration of scope, specificity, and context to elicit targeted information.
  • The learner evaluates the images, texts, and sound of the prompt and adjusts prompts to output relevant results.
  • The learner evaluates the efficacy of writing different prompts on research outcomes and improves the depth and quality of their analytical investigations. 

Assessment

This course requires one performance assessment and one final exam. These assessments provide an opportunity to demonstrate your mastery of the competencies in this course. You must achieve a ranking of Competent on each assessment to pass the course. You may attempt each assessment two times before additional support is necessary. If you require further attempts, please contact our support team at (888) 320-0540 or support@academy.wgu.edu.

1 Final Exam
1 performance assessment
2 Competency Units

Course Outline

ModuleUpon completion of this module, you will be able to:
Artificial Intelligence
  • Identify the limits and abilities of AI.
  • Describe the fundamentals of prompt engineering.
  • Identify the role of context when creating AI prompts.
The Art of the Prompt
  • Explain human interaction with generative AI.
  • Explain the significance of using effectively designed prompts with search tools, databases, and AI tools like large language models
  • Describe the main components of writing an effective prompt.
Prompt Patterns
  • Describe the optimal prompt for a desired outcome.
  • Choose an advanced prompting method to make AI more specific.
Metrics and Context
  • Evaluate the effectiveness and usability of differing prompt engineering solutions in different contexts.
  • Describe common generative AI mistakes.
  • Choose the best method to generate an AI image.
  • Evaluate nuances in prompts and guide the model toward the desired response using research-based best practices.
  • Improve the quality, relevance, and accuracy of AI model responses through iterative experimentation.
Advanced Applications
  • Generate advanced content using AI.
  • Solve data analytics problems using an AI chatbot tool
  • Sort data using a generative AI tool.
  • Understand the ethical complications of generative AI.

Technology Requirements

We want you to have the tools to succeed! Since this course includes at least one proctored test, please be sure to have a working microphone, speakers, and an external webcam. Unfortunately, an internal webcam (built into many laptops) is not acceptable. (Note: The external webcam is required only for exams that have proctors. You do not need one for practice tests and other non-proctored assessments.) If you haven't already, be sure to download the Meazure Learning Guardian browser, which you will need for the proctoring system.

You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader DC. If you haven't already, download this free software. You may encounter an interactive form that contains fields that you can select or fill in. Review how to fill in a PDF form.

Key Contacts

Certificate Connect
Check out this online community to take advantage of course resources, including videos and tips from your educators. You can ask and answer questions, provide feedback on your progress, and interact with fellow students. You will find this platform in the Student Resources section of the course. Log on and do some exploring!

Technical Support
If you encounter technical issues, be sure to contact the Help Desk. Just submit a Support Request for assistance.

Program Support
Do you have questions about your account? Student Support has answers. They can help with billing, switching courses, and other requests. You can contact them at (888) 320-0540 or support@academy.wgu.edu.

Accommodations

WGU provides compliant and accessible learning experiences. If you require accommodation, please contact us at the start of the course. You can email disability@academy.wgu.edu.

We are committed to ensuring that all students with disabilities have equal access to WGU's services and materials. We strive to use best practices for accessibility. Our goal is to conform to existing U.S. laws, including the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 and Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act.

Our learning management system (LMS) platform is Open edX. Open edX’s commitment to accessible content is published in their Website Accessibility Policy.