AI Agents and Agentic AI Architecture in Python course Syllabus

Overview: This course introduces the architecture and implementation of AI agents using Python, focusing on leveraging large language models for intelligent automation. Learners will explore agent components such as reasoning, planning, and memory, and gain hands-on experience building and integrating AI agents with external systems. The course spans approximately 6–8 weeks with a total time commitment of 30–40 hours, combining conceptual learning with practical Python programming.

Module 1: Introduction to AI Agents

Estimated time: 6 hours

• Understanding AI agents and their role in intelligent systems
• Differences between AI agents and traditional software
• How large language models power AI agents
• Real-world applications of AI agents
• Capabilities and limitations of agent-based architectures

Module 2: AI Agent Architecture

Estimated time: 10 hours

• Core components of AI agent systems: reasoning, planning, and memory
• Designing workflows for agent interactions
• Processing instructions and generating actions
• Conceptual design of agent-based automation systems

Module 3: Building AI Agents with Python

Estimated time: 14 hours

• Creating Python scripts for agent workflows
• Integrating large language models into Python applications
• Managing user inputs, outputs, and contextual data
• Developing automation systems using AI agents

Module 4: Integrating Tools & APIs

Estimated time: 10 hours

• Connecting AI agents with APIs and external services
• Retrieving data from databases and applications
• Enabling agents to perform automated tasks
• Improving reliability through structured integrations

Module 5: Final Development Exercise

Estimated time: 8 hours

• Designing a workflow for an AI-powered agent
• Implementing reasoning and automation capabilities
• Testing and refining the agent system

Module 6: Final Project

Estimated time: 12 hours

• Build a basic AI agent application using Python
• Demonstrate integration with external tools or APIs
• Submit a functional agent system showcasing architectural understanding

Prerequisites

• Basic Python programming knowledge
• Familiarity with fundamental AI concepts
• Understanding of APIs and web services (helpful but not required)

What You'll Be Able to Do After

• Design AI agent architectures using Python
• Integrate large language models into agent workflows
• Build intelligent automation systems with reasoning capabilities
• Connect AI agents to external data sources and APIs
• Develop and test functional AI agent applications