Vanderbilt University

Claude Code: Software Engineering with Generative AI Agents

Vanderbilt University

Claude Code: Software Engineering with Generative AI Agents

Dr. Jules White

Instructor: Dr. Jules White

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31,288 already enrolled

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

123 reviews

Beginner level

Recommended experience

5 hours to complete
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace
Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

123 reviews

Beginner level

Recommended experience

5 hours to complete
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace

What you'll learn

  • Master AI-Powered Software Development at Scale - Learn to orchestrate Claude Code like a tech lead managing multiple senior developers

  • Build Production Systems with AI Labor Economics - Understand how to leverage Claude Code's speed and cost advantages to prototype rapidly

  • Architect for AI-First Development - Design codebases, workflows, and processes that maximize AI productivity

Details to know

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Assessments

2 assignments

Taught in English

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There are 6 modules in this course

In this module, you’ll explore how to use Claude Code as “AI labor” to accelerate software development. You’ll learn how to overcome common concerns, apply patterns like Best-of-N, and experiment with generating multiple solutions to identify the strongest approach. Tip: Don’t aim for a single “perfect” solution—use AI to explore multiple options and compare them.

What's included

5 videos4 readings1 assignment

In this module, you’ll learn how to use generative AI to evaluate code quality, explore design options, and shape better implementations before coding begins. You’ll practice using rubrics, context, rapid prototyping, and prompt constraints to guide Claude Code toward higher-quality results. Tip: The quality of AI-generated code depends heavily on the quality of the context, evaluation criteria, and constraints you provide.

What's included

6 videos1 reading

In this module, you’ll learn how to guide Claude Code with the right context, process, and reusable commands. You’ll explore how to structure context (like CLAUDE.md), provide feedback effectively, and build repeatable workflows that improve consistency and scalability. Tip: Think of Claude Code as a new team member—what context and processes would they need to consistently produce high-quality work?

What's included

3 videos4 readings

In this module, you’ll learn how to use version control to make AI-assisted development safer, more organized, and easier to scale. You’ll explore how Claude Code can work in feature branches, use clear commit and branch workflows, and support parallel development with work trees, subtasks, and subagents.

What's included

1 video3 readings

In this module, you’ll learn how to help Claude Code work more effectively by improving feedback loops, planning, and project structure. You’ll explore when to step in as Claude Code’s “hands, eyes, and ears,” how to ensure it checks its own work, and how software design, file structure, and naming conventions affect scalability under token limits.

What's included

4 videos1 reading

In this module, you’ll learn how to use images, sketches, and other visual inputs to communicate ideas more clearly to Claude Code. You’ll also explore how to improve results by refining process and context—so instead of repeatedly fixing code by hand, you build a more reliable and scalable workflow. Tip: When Claude Code misses the mark, start by improving the prompt, context, or process before editing the code yourself.

What's included

1 video1 reading1 assignment

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Instructor

Instructor ratings
(44 ratings)
Dr. Jules White

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Vanderbilt University
51 Courses1,137,102 learners

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