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There are 4 modules in this course
The Optimizing Models for Production course is designed for developers, engineers, and technical product builders who are new to Generative AI but already have intermediate machine learning knowledge, basic Python proficiency, and familiarity with development environments such as VS Code, and who want to engineer, customize, and deploy open generative AI solutions while avoiding vendor lock-in.
The course prepares learners to make generative AI models more efficient, scalable, and cost-effective for real-world deployment. Learners begin with quantization, applying INT8 and INT4 precision reduction using tools like bitsandbytes while balancing accuracy and efficiency. Next, they explore inference optimization strategies, including batching, KV-cache management, and token-level computation scheduling to reduce latency in interactive applications.
The course also covers memory footprint reduction and adaptive batch sizing for dynamic workloads. In the final module, learners apply practical hardware optimization techniques such as GPU memory tuning, mixed precision inference, and profiling tools like nvidia-smi and PyTorch Profiler to identify bottlenecks. By the end, learners will be able to deliver optimized models across diverse hardware environments, supported by performance benchmarks and reproducible deployment pipelines.
Learn how quantization makes large models faster and easier to run without requiring high-end hardware. You’ll apply INT8 and INT4 methods, compare post-training vs. quantization-aware training, and measure how accuracy is affected. You’ll also use calibration techniques to minimize trade-offs, giving you the skills to balance efficiency with performance in real-world scenarios.
What's included
3 videos2 readings1 assignment1 ungraded lab
Show info about module content
3 videos•Total 16 minutes
Podcast: Why We Shrink Big Models: The Power of Quantization•4 minutes
Efficient Inference: Baseline FP16 vs. INT8 Quantization•7 minutes
Extreme Compression: Pushing Limits with INT4 & NF4•6 minutes
2 readings•Total 19 minutes
Code Demonstration Transcripts•4 minutes
The Must-Know Basics of Quantization•15 minutes
1 assignment•Total 30 minutes
Model Quantization Techniques Quiz•30 minutes
1 ungraded lab•Total 60 minutes
Shrink a Model with Quantization•60 minutes
Inference Optimization Strategies
Module 2•2 hours to complete
Module details
Discover how to streamline inference so models respond faster and run more efficiently in production. You’ll practice advanced batching, KV-cache management, and token scheduling to cut latency while improving throughput. You’ll also explore memory-saving techniques beyond quantization, ensuring your models remain reliable and cost-effective under real-world system loads.
What's included
3 videos1 reading1 assignment1 ungraded lab
Show info about module content
3 videos•Total 21 minutes
Podcast: The Everyday Value of Optimizing Inference•3 minutes
How to Make Inference Run Faster in Practice•9 minutes
Other Memory-Saving Strategies Beyond Quantization •9 minutes
1 reading•Total 20 minutes
How to Optimize Inference Without Breaking Your Workflow•20 minutes
1 assignment•Total 30 minutes
Inference Optimization in Action•30 minutes
1 ungraded lab•Total 60 minutes
Optimize Inference for Real Workflows•60 minutes
Practical Hardware Optimization
Module 3•2 hours to complete
Module details
Learn how to make the most of available hardware by tuning GPU performance. You’ll use tools like nvidia-smi and PyTorch profiler to spot bottlenecks, and apply strategies such as mixed precision, gradient checkpointing, and memory mapping. These practices help you adapt models to limited resources while maintaining stability and quality in training or inference.
What's included
2 videos1 reading1 assignment1 ungraded lab
Show info about module content
2 videos•Total 16 minutes
Podcast: Turning Hardware Limits into Opportunities•5 minutes
GPU Optimization in Action•10 minutes
1 reading•Total 20 minutes
The Essentials of GPU Optimization•20 minutes
1 assignment•Total 30 minutes
Making the Most of Your GPU•30 minutes
1 ungraded lab•Total 60 minutes
Test and Tune GPU Efficiency•60 minutes
Deployment & Benchmarking
Module 4•2 hours to complete
Module details
Prepare models for deployment across platforms and measure how well they perform once optimized. You’ll convert models into formats like ONNX for cross-platform use and benchmark them to evaluate speed, memory, and throughput. By practicing these workflows, you’ll gain the ability to deliver models that are portable, production-ready, and backed by clear performance data.
What's included
4 videos1 assignment1 ungraded lab
Show info about module content
4 videos•Total 19 minutes
Podcast: Why Portability Makes Models Production-Ready•5 minutes
From Conversion to Benchmarking with ONNX•5 minutes
Benchmarking ONNX Inference: CPU vs. GPU•6 minutes
Podcast: From Research to Production-Ready Models•3 minutes
1 assignment•Total 60 minutes
End-to-End Production Optimization Check•60 minutes
1 ungraded lab•Total 60 minutes
Convert and Benchmark Your Model•60 minutes
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