From Scientist to AI Builder
You already think rigorously. This course teaches you how to apply that to building with AI — APIs, evals, fine-tuning, and what the job market actually wants from scientist-engineers.
About this course
The demand for people who understand both science and AI systems is enormous and mostly unmet. Companies building frontier AI need domain experts who can evaluate, build, and ship — and they're struggling to find them.
This course is for scientists who want to bridge that gap. Not by abandoning domain expertise, but by adding the technical layer that makes you rare. Built by a chemist who made the transition.
What you'll cover
- 1The scientist-to-engineer translation: what maps over and what doesn't
- 2Python for AI: the libraries and patterns that matter
- 3Working with LLM APIs: prompting, tool use, and evals
- 4Building an AI pipeline: from prototype to production
- 5Career paths: research engineering, AI safety, and applied science
Who this is for
Audience
Working scientists transitioning into AI or technical roles
Prerequisites
Scientific background (any domain). Basic Python helpful.
Your instructor
Kevin Braza
PhD Candidate, UC Davis · CBRN AI Safety Scientist
Chemical engineering PhD candidate, Quantic MBA, former boarding school faculty, and CBRN AI safety scientist at Reinforce Labs. Previously UCSB B.S. Chemistry, Harvard/Amgen, and IB + AP classroom instructor. Teaches at the intersection of chemistry, AI, and systems thinking.
Frequently asked
What kind of scientist is this for?
Any domain — chemistry, biology, physics, materials, engineering. The technical layer is the same regardless of field.
Do I need prior programming experience?
Basic Python helps. The course teaches AI-specific libraries from scratch, but assumes you can write a for loop.
What does the portfolio project look like?
You'll build and deploy a working AI tool specific to your domain — something you can show to employers or include in a PhD application.
$997
One-time · Lifetime access
Includes
- 5 modules + project-based labs
- Portfolio project (deploy your own AI tool)
- Lifetime access
- Certificate of completion