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AI Foundations
Understand how AI actually works — without writing a single line of code to start. Master large language models, prompt engineering, AI ethics, real-world use cases, and how to put AI to work in your business today.
schedule
12 hours of content
layers
8 modules · 42 lessons
signal_cellular_alt
No experience required
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English
update
Updated May 2026
all_inclusive
Lifetime access
public
SA-specific context
What you'll learn
By the end of this course you'll be able to:
check_circleExplain how large language models work in plain language
check_circleWrite effective prompts that get consistent, high-quality
results
check_circleIdentify AI use-cases relevant to your specific industry
check_circleUnderstand the difference between AI models and when to use
which
check_circleSpot AI hallucinations and know how to mitigate them
check_circleUnderstand AI ethics, bias, and POPIA considerations
check_circleBuild a basic AI-assisted workflow without any coding
check_circleEvaluate AI tools and services critically, not just by hype
Course Curriculum
8 modules · 42 lessons · 12 hours
Lessons marked Free Preview are available before purchasing.
01 How AI Actually Works expand_more
- play_circleWhat is a Large Language Model? Free Preview
- play_circleTraining, tokens, and context windows explained Free Preview
- lockWhy AI "hallucinates" — and what to do about it 18 min
- lockDeterminism vs probability: why answers change 12 min
- lockThe AI landscape: Claude, GPT, Gemini, local models 22 min
- lockModule project: AI model comparison exercise 15 min
02 Prompt Engineering Fundamentals expand_more
- lockWhat makes a good prompt vs a bad one 15 min
- lockRole, task, context, format — the four pillars 20 min
- lockFew-shot prompting with examples 18 min
- lockChain-of-thought: getting AI to reason step-by-step 22 min
- lockSystem prompts and AI personas 16 min
- lockModule project: Build a reusable prompt library 19 min
03 Advanced Prompting Techniques expand_more
- lockTree-of-thought and multi-step reasoning 20 min
- lockStructured output: JSON, tables, and templates 18 min
- lockNegative prompting — what not to do 14 min
- lockIterative refinement and prompt debugging 22 min
- lockModule project: Prompt chain for a business workflow 21 min
04 AI Models & When to Use Which expand_more
- lockClaude 3/4: strengths, weaknesses, pricing 18 min
- lockGPT-4o and OpenAI ecosystem overview 16 min
- lockGemini, Grok, and alternatives 14 min
- lockOpen-source models: Llama, Mistral, local AI 20 min
- lockModule project: Model selection framework 17 min
05 Real-World AI Use Cases expand_more
- lockContent creation and marketing automation 18 min
- lockCustomer service and chatbot design 20 min
- lockData analysis, summarisation, and reporting 16 min
- lockCode assistance and developer productivity 14 min
- lockAI in finance, legal, and healthcare (SA context) 22 min
- lockModule project: Map AI to your own workflow 10 min
06 AI Ethics, Bias & Responsibility expand_more
- lockHow bias enters AI models 18 min
- lockDeepfakes, misinformation, and detection 16 min
- lockPOPIA and AI data processing in South Africa 22 min
- lockResponsible deployment and human oversight 14 min
- lockModule project: AI ethics audit for a use case 10 min
07 Building AI-Assisted Workflows expand_more
- lockWhat is a workflow and how to map one 15 min
- lockAutomating with no-code AI tools 20 min
- lockConnecting AI to your existing apps 18 min
- lockHuman-in-the-loop: where to keep control 16 min
- lockModule project: Design a full AI workflow 21 min
08 Capstone: Your AI Strategy expand_more
- lockAuditing your organisation's AI readiness 18 min
- lockBuilding an AI adoption roadmap 16 min
- lockMeasuring AI ROI and outcomes 14 min
- lockFinal project: Present your AI strategy 17 min
Requirements
- check_circleA computer and internet connection — that's literally it
- check_circleCuriosity about AI and how it can improve your work
- check_circleAccess to a free Claude.ai or ChatGPT account (we'll walk you through setup)
- cancelNo coding experience required whatsoever
- cancelNo technical background needed
- cancelNo previous AI experience expected
Who this course is for
- personBusiness owners and managers wanting to understand and apply AI
- personMarketing, HR, and operations professionals looking to automate tasks
- personDevelopers who want to understand AI before diving into code
- personAnyone who's heard the AI hype and wants to cut through it with real knowledge
Your Instructor
VM
VoxMachina Team
AI Engineers & Educators · VoxMachina
The VoxMachina team has been designing, building, and
deploying production AI systems for South African
enterprises since 2022. We've built everything from OWASP
security scanners to multi-provider AI workstations — and
now we're sharing everything we know. These courses are
written from real production experience, not theory.
6AI Apps Built
4Courses
POPIACompliant Builds
Frequently Asked Questions
helpDo I really need no coding experience?expand_more
Absolutely none. This course is designed specifically for
non-technical people. You'll use AI tools through their
chat interfaces — no code, no terminal, no installation.
If you can send an email, you can do this course.
helpHow long do I have access?expand_more
Lifetime access. Once you purchase, the course is yours
forever — including all future updates. AI moves fast and
we update courses when the tools change significantly.
You'll get those updates at no extra cost.
helpIs this course relevant to South African businesses specifically?expand_more
Yes — deliberately. We cover POPIA compliance, local AI
tool pricing in ZAR, South African AI use cases, and
examples from local industries like retail, financial
services, and professional services. This isn't a course
written for a US audience and rebranded.
helpWhat if I get stuck?expand_more
Email support is included. For bootcamp students,
community access gives you peer support and direct access
to our team. Questions are answered by the same people who
wrote the course — not outsourced support staff.
helpCan I do this course before the Full Stack Bootcamp?expand_more
This course is the recommended starting point for
everyone, including developers. Understanding how AI
thinks conceptually makes the technical courses much more
intuitive. That said, if you already have a strong
technical background and AI knowledge, you can start with
the Tech Stack course.
Continue Your Learning
After AI Foundations, the natural next steps: