Artificial Intelligence 101is a well-structured, practical introductory course designed for first-year students.  The course moves logically from fundamental principles to real-world applications, with a strong emphasis on hands-on experience.  It begins by grounding students in the ethical considerations of AI, which is a crucial first step in today’s landscape.  The subsequent modules build upon this foundation, covering essential skills like data literacy and basic machine learning, before moving on to more advanced topics like neural networks and Large Language Models (LLMs).  The progression ensures that students are not just learning theory but are actively developing a robust set of skills from the very start. A key strength of this curriculum is its focus on skill-based, applied learning.  The syllabus goes beyond a theoretical overview by dedicating entire modules to practical tasks, such as collecting and preparing datasets, training simple models and designing effective prompts for LLMs.  By using tools and exercises that lead to tangible outputs, like a “data card” or a “prompt pack,” the course ensures that students are capable of performing core AI functions.  The inclusion of a no-code-first approach for machine learning and smart contract interaction makes the course highly accessible, enabling students to grasp complex concepts without a deep coding background. The course culminates in modules that directly prepare students for the professional world. The “Applied Mini-Projects” module allows for specialization in either natural language processing or computer vision, giving students a chance to apply their skills to a specific domain.  This leads into the final “Portfolio Sprint,” which is a crucial element for career readiness.  By packaging their work into a professional portfolio, students have concrete examples to showcase to potential employers, effectively bridging the gap between academic learning and the demands of the job market.  This practical approach, combined with an early emphasis on ethics, makes the course an excellent foundation for anyone looking to build a career in the field of AI and Expert Systems.