On February 25, the second day of the spring semester, HDU launched its most popular course—AI in Practice: From Zero to DeepSeek Mastery. This general elective course, conducted across 12 universities, attracted over 1,700 participants both online and offline, marking a groundbreaking moment in AI education.
Opening Ceremony
At the opening ceremony, Professor Chen Jiming, President of HDU, delivered a keynote speech titled "Problem-Solving Thinking in the AI Era". He underscored that "learning AI transcends mere technical proficiency; it is about nurturing a forward-thinking mindset. At its heart, AI is driven by innovation and the ability to solve complex problems. I hope this course will enable you to stay attuned to the pulse of technological advancements and the spirit of our times, equipping you to emerge as future AI leaders who address real-world challenges and create meaningful impact."
Course Design: Theory Meets Application
As the first course in Zhejiang province to focus on the domestic AI model DeepSeek, the program was designed by Professor Yu Zhou, Vice Dean of the School of Computer Science and a recipient of the National Excellent Young Scientists Fund. The course brings together academic and industry experts, with eight instructors guiding students through DeepSeek’s core technologies from the ground up.
Key Highlights of the Course:
- Technical Insights: In-depth exploration of DeepSeek’s core architecture and optimization strategies for large models.
- Practical Applications: Hands-on experience in text generation, code generation, and intelligent agent development.
- Ethical Considerations: Discussions on data privacy, content credibility, and the social responsibilities of AI technology.
- Industry Collaboration: Real-world case studies from companies like Huawei, creating an immersive learning experience.
Upon completion, students will not only earn academic credits but also receive an official HDU DeepSeek training certificate, adding a valuable credential to their professional portfolios.
First Lecture: From DeepSeek to AI’s Evolution
The inaugural lecture, delivered by Professor Yu Zhou, was titled AI and DeepSeek: A Journey Through 70 Years of Artificial Intelligence. Professor Yu traced the major milestones in AI development, using vivid case studies and technical analyses to guide students through the evolution of AI from theoretical beginnings to technological breakthroughs.
Professor Yu reconstructed the cognitive framework of AI through three dimensions:
1. The Path to Intelligence: The rise and fall of AI development.
2. Entering the Intelligent Era: The technological explosion driven by large models.
3. Scaling the Summit of Intelligence: DeepSeek’s system innovation through software-hardware collaboration.
He emphasized that the course aims to help students master cutting-edge technologies, foster innovative thinking, and cultivate a sense of national responsibility by exploring domestic breakthroughs in AI to serve strategic national needs.
Student Reactions: Enthusiasm and Inspiration
The first lecture saw classrooms filled beyond capacity, with many students standing throughout the session. Synchronous classes across 12 universities, including Xinjiang Institute of Technology, Zhejiang University of Media and Communications, and Lishui University, were equally packed, reflecting the high enthusiasm for AI learning.
Student Feedback:
- Li Ming, a junior in Computer Science: This course made me realize that AI is not just about code and algorithms; it’s a driving force for societal transformation.
- A student from Zhejiang University of Media and Communications: The lecture was eye-opening. It systematically traced AI’s evolution and demystified the core principles of large language models like ChatGPT.
- A student who stood through the entire lecture: The ‘technology explosion curve’ was particularly striking. It showed how the synergy of computing power, data, and algorithms has redefined the boundaries of cognitive science.
Industry and Academic Collaboration: A Model for the Future
The course also attracted over 600 alumni who joined online, reconnecting with their alma mater to engage with cutting-edge AI knowledge. Alumni praised the course for its innovative content and practical relevance.
Teacher Feedback:
- He Jiaoyu, Zhejiang University of Science and Technology: The course is rich in content and highly timely. We plan to leverage HDU’s resources to expand AI education through blended learning models.
- Xuan Jiaoyu, Xinjiang Institute of Technology: As a teaching assistant, I was amazed by the students’ enthusiasm and engagement. Professor Yu’s lecture sparked their curiosity and anticipation for AI applications.
Looking Ahead: The Journey Has Just Begun
The AI in Practice: From Zero to DeepSeek Mastery course will continue to explore themes such as AI ethics, development practices, and enterprise applications. Future sessions will feature guest lectures by industry experts like Kuang Zhenzhong and Gu Xiaoling, further equipping students to become innovators in the AI era.
By the spring semester of 2025, HDU plans to launch three advanced AI elective courses: DeepSeek Intelligent Engine: Large Models and Applications in Electronics, DeepSeek and Intelligent Decision-Making, and AI Advanced: DeepSeek Technology Principles and Deployment. These courses aim to accelerate the integration of AI literacy into the university’s curriculum, ensuring comprehensive AI education for all students.
Conclusion:
HDU’s AI in Practice: From Zero to DeepSeek Mastery is more than just a course—it’s a movement shaping the future of AI education. By bridging academia and industry, it empowers students to lead the charge in solving real-world problems and driving technological innovation. The journey has just begun, and the possibilities are limitless.
