Carnegie Mellon University

Human hand and robot hand reaching toward each other

December 11, 2025

ADDED COURSE: 5863: Artificial Intelligence: Understand It; Use It (Randal Bryant)

In the past decade, artificial intelligence (AI) has become an integral part of our daily lives. From responding to voice commands and guiding drivers around traffic delays to composing our music playlists, AI technology powers tools we use routinely. It also continues to spark debate, with experts and nonexperts expressing both enthusiasm and caution about its future. This course provides a comprehensive overview of AI—its capabilities, limitations, and implications. Participants will engage in lectures and hands-on exploration of AI tools. No prior technical background is required. The course aims to equip participants with a practical understanding of how AI works, how it can be applied in everyday contexts, and the ability to engage in meaningful discussions about the impact of AI on society. 

Randal E. Bryant is a Founders University Professor of Computer Science Emeritus at Carnegie Mellon University. He has served on the CMU faculty for over 40 years, including five as department head and 10 as Dean of the School of Computer Science. In that role, he oversaw CMU’s world-leading efforts in artificial intelligence, robotics, computer science, and human-computer interaction.