BCS* Essentials Certificate in Artificial Intelligence (AI) (PLA)

Session 1 – 3 Hours

• History and development of AI Charting development of AI from its infancy to the present day and charting the key milestones
• What is AI Defining AI, how it differs from human intelligence, the types of AI and the key terminology used to describe the elements of an AI system
• AI Ethics The importance of ethics in the development and use of AI and the ethical concerns that must be addressed by the AI industry and those who utilise AI.
• Law relating to AI UK legal frameworks that apply to AI, and how these impact on the development and us of AI systems.
• Future planning and impact of AI How AI is being used in the real world, common AI tools and their applications. The impact of AI use on society now and in the future. Future developments in AI
• AI and the future of work How AI is and will change the jobs market in the UK. Job roles in the development of AI and how AI skills enhance employability. 

Session 2 – 3 Hours

• How machines learn Exploring the concepts of machine learning, what it is and what it can do. Neural networks and principles of deep learning and the process driving Machine Learning models.
• Data, information systems and AI How information systems and data relate to AI. Key terminology and data concepts we need to know, how data is used in machine learning and in the Large Language Models of generative AI systems.
• Exploring Data quality Why does the quality of data matter, the characteristics of data quality, the risks associated with information systems and data analysis?

Session 3 – 3 Hours

• AI at work Examples of AI in the workplace and how AI is being used
• AI and Robotics What is robotics and what are the different types of robotics in use. How the disciplines of AI and robotics combine. Future developments in robotics and AI
• AI in your organisation How could AI be used in your organisation to improve productivity and automate processes. An overview of the project management approaches commonly used to implement AI solutions and organisational good governance to ensure AI is used appropriately.

Self-Study and Revision – at least 23 hours

• Self-Directed Study  
  
• Review the content of your workshops, the support material you have been provided and further research AI using online tools and resources.

Session 4 Exam Prep and Examination – 3 Hours

• Exam Preparation Spend time with your tutor reviewing the course content and preparing for the examination.
• Mock Exam A chance to prepare further by completing a series of multiple-choice questions like those you may encounter in your exam.
• Exam 30 minutes to complete 20 questions under exam conditions without access to notes or internet resources.

Learners will be required to attend four half-day workshops, which can be delivered either online via Microsoft Teams or face-to-face at the ALS Training Centre in Ocean Park Way, Cardiff. In addition, learners must complete self-study and sit an exam. 
The programme includes:

• 3 × Half-day tutor-led knowledge workshops (online or face-to-face)
• 1 × Half-day exam preparation workshop, followed by the multiple-choice exam
• Approximately 23 hours of self-study/revision to prepare for the exam

Exam details*

• Length: 30 minutes
• Format: Multiple choice
• Number of questions: 20
• Pass mark: 65% (13/20 correct answers)

*For remote examinations, learners will require a laptop with a built-in camera or a separate webcam

• The College welcomes contact with parents/guardians of students who are under 18.
• Additional support is available for students with learning difficulties and disabilities.
• Cardiff and Vale College is committed to inclusion and values diversity. We are determined to promote equality of opportunity and to treat everyone fairly and with respect.
• Cardiff and Vale College reserves the right to make changes to this course without prior notice.
• Course fees are subject to change. Your fee will be confirmed prior to enrolment.
• All courses are accurate at the time of upload or print.
• Courses can only run if there are sufficient numbers.
• Please note, if you choose three or more course choices, then you may be referred for a careers appointment first. This does not apply to A Level or GCSE choices.