AI for Design and Optimization

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AI for Design and Optimization

This course is part of AI for Mechanical Engineers Specialization

Instructor: Wei Lu

9,820 already enrolled

Included with

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3 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

69 reviews

Intermediate level

Recommended experience

1 week to complete

at 10 hours a week

Flexible schedule

Learn at your own pace

3 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

69 reviews

Intermediate level

Recommended experience

1 week to complete

at 10 hours a week

Flexible schedule

Learn at your own pace

What you'll learn

Learn the fundamentals of artificial intelligence (AI) relevant to engineering design and optimization processes
Enhance engineering design creativity and optimize strategies by applying AI techniques
Learn to discern appropriate applications of AI to ensure effective integration into workflows
Learn to interpret outputs generated by AI models accurately

Skills you'll gain

Tools you'll learn

Generative AI

Details to know

Shareable certificate

Add to your LinkedIn profile

Assessments

3 assignments

Taught in English

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This course is part of the AI for Mechanical Engineers Specialization

When you enroll in this course, you'll also be enrolled in this Specialization.

Learn new concepts from industry experts
Gain a foundational understanding of a subject or tool
Develop job-relevant skills with hands-on projects
Earn a shareable career certificate

There are 3 modules in this course

Artificial intelligence and machine learning are revolutionizing design processes, optimizing strategies, and fostering innovation across industries. "AI for Design and Optimization” offers you the knowledge to harness the power of AI to enhance your own design and optimization capabilities. Mastering key skills such as discerning appropriate AI applications, interpreting model outputs, staying abreast of AI advancements, and effectively communicating the role of AI in projects is essential to effectively leverage these technologies in your practices. You will delve into the fundamentals of AI and their practical application in design and optimization, exploring advanced techniques like generative design, evolutionary algorithms, and topology optimization. This unique curriculum provides a comprehensive introduction to utilizing AI to enhance design creativity and streamline processes.

In module 1, you will be introduced to artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), along with the essential vocabulary necessary to effectively communicate with relevant stakeholders. You will explore various applications of AI/ML in design and optimization, and understand the challenges associated with implementing these technologies in these fields.

What's included

4 videos6 readings1 assignment2 ungraded labs

4 videos Total 34 minutes

Introduction to Key Concepts 7 minutes
Machine Learning Algorithms 6 minutes
Deep Learning and Neural Network 10 minutes
Introduction of AI/ML in Design and Optimization 12 minutes

6 readings Total 60 minutes

Course Syllabus 10 minutes
Help Us Learn About You! 10 minutes
Introduction to Jupyter Labs on Coursera 10 minutes
K-Nearest Neighbors Implementation 10 minutes
DNN Implementation 10 minutes
Overfitting and Underfitting of ML 10 minutes

1 assignment Total 30 minutes

Module 1 Assignment 30 minutes

2 ungraded labs Total 120 minutes

K-Nearest Neighbor - Programming Exercise 60 minutes
Neural Networks - Programming Exercise 60 minutes

In module 2, you will delve into the principles, tools, and applications of generative design across various industries. You will learn to unlock the power of generative design to revolutionize your approach to creativity and problem-solving. Generative design is a cutting-edge approach that harnesses the capabilities of AI and computational algorithms to explore design solutions.

What's included

3 videos1 reading1 assignment1 ungraded lab

3 videos Total 19 minutes

Generative Design Principles 8 minutes
Introduction to Algorithms and Techniques 4 minutes
Generative Adversarial Networks 6 minutes

1 reading Total 10 minutes

GAN in Pytorch Implementation 10 minutes

1 assignment Total 30 minutes

Module 2 Assignment 30 minutes

1 ungraded lab Total 60 minutes

Generative Adversarial Networks- Programming Exercise 60 minutes

In module 3, you will explore a range of AI-driven optimization algorithms and their applications across diverse industries. You will learn how to apply AI in optimizing complex systems and processes. Optimization lies at the heart of many decision-making processes, and AI technologies offer powerful tools to enhance efficiency, effectiveness, and innovation.

What's included

5 videos6 readings1 assignment2 ungraded labs

5 videos Total 41 minutes

Overview of Optimization Problems 6 minutes
Introduction to Optimization Algorithms 12 minutes
Introduction of Topology Optimization 6 minutes
ML for Topology Optimization 8 minutes
Case Studies 9 minutes

6 readings Total 60 minutes

Case Studies: Thermal Insulation Optimization 10 minutes
Thermal Insulation Optimization 10 minutes
Case Studies: Battery Fast-Charging Optimization 10 minutes
Battery Fast-Charging Optimization Implementation 10 minutes
End of Course Survey 10 minutes
References 10 minutes

1 assignment Total 30 minutes

Module 3 Assignment 30 minutes

2 ungraded labs Total 120 minutes

Thermal Insulation Optimization - Programming Exercise 60 minutes
Battery Charging Optimization - Programming Exercise 60 minutes

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Instructor

Instructor ratings

(11 ratings)

Wei Lu

University of Michigan

3 Courses 14,154 learners

Offered by

University of Michigan

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Showing 3 of 69

Reviewed on Oct 1, 2025

Nice overview of AI application for design engineers

Reviewed on Sep 18, 2025

The course was perfect. It would be better to add practice labs to improve learning through hands-on application and confidence building.

Reviewed on Nov 11, 2025

An amazing course, I got to learn a lot about optimisation than what I knew.

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