Let’s make it work for you
Overview
Artificial intelligence is reshaping how software is designed, developed, tested, and maintained. This course explores how generative AI can be used as a practical development partner across the software engineering lifecycle.
Learners will gain hands-on experience using AI tools to support coding, debugging, documentation, and problem solving. The course places a strong emphasis on prompt engineering, helping participants produce structured, relevant, and reliable outputs from AI systems.
Through guided demonstrations, collaborative exercises, and real-world scenarios, learners will practise writing and refining prompts for common engineering tasks. They will also develop the critical thinking skills needed to evaluate AI-generated outputs and improve them through structured iteration.
By the end of the course, participants will be able to confidently integrate AI assistants into their daily workflows and use advanced prompting techniques to enhance productivity and software quality.
Prerequisites
Participants should have:
- Basic software engineering experience, including programming concepts
- Familiarity with an integrated development environment such as Visual Studio Code
- Understanding of software development practices such as debugging, testing, and documentation
- An interest in applying AI tools to improve development efficiency
Target audience
This course is designed for:
- Software engineers and developers looking to integrate AI tools into their workflows
- Engineering teams aiming to improve productivity using generative AI
- Technical leads and architects exploring AI-assisted development capabilities
- DevOps engineers and technical professionals working closely with development teams
Delegates will learn how to
By the end of this course, learners will be able to:
- Identify high-impact use cases for generative AI in software engineering
- Explain the importance of human oversight when working with AI systems
- Configure and use an AI coding assistant within a development environment
- Write effective prompts for coding, debugging, and documentation tasks
- Critically evaluate and refine AI-generated outputs
- Integrate AI tools into day-to-day engineering workflows with confidence
Outline
Introduction to AI in software engineering
- Overview of generative AI and its role in modern development
- Key capabilities and limitations of AI coding assistants
- Understanding AI as a development partner
- Identifying suitable use cases across the software lifecycle
Setting up AI-assisted development environments
- Overview of AI coding tools and integrations
- Configuring AI assistants in development environments
- Working with extensions and plugins
- Security and privacy considerations when using AI tools
Prompt engineering fundamentals
- Principles of effective prompt design
- Structuring prompts for clarity and precision
- Techniques for improving output quality
- Common prompting mistakes and how to avoid them
Using AI for coding and development
- Generating code snippets and functions
- Refactoring and optimising existing code
- Exploring alternative implementations
- Supporting multiple programming languages and frameworks
Debugging and problem solving with AI
- Using AI to identify and fix errors
- Analysing logs and error messages
- Step-by-step debugging with AI assistance
- Validating and testing AI-suggested fixes
Documentation and knowledge generation
- Generating technical documentation
- Creating code comments and explanations
- Producing user guides and knowledge base content
- Maintaining consistency and accuracy in documentation
Evaluating and refining AI outputs
- Assessing relevance and correctness of AI responses
- Identifying hallucinations and inaccuracies
- Iterative prompt refinement techniques
- Establishing validation workflows
Collaborative workflows with AI
- Integrating AI into team development practices
- Using AI in code reviews and collaboration
- Balancing automation with human expertise
- Ethical considerations and responsible AI use
Applying AI in real-world scenarios
- End-to-end development scenarios
- Case studies of AI-assisted engineering
- Measuring productivity and efficiency gains
- Adapting workflows for continuous improvement
Exams and assessments
This course does not include a formal exam.
Hands-on learning
Learners will complete knowledge checks, instructor-led discussions, and practical lab exercises throughout the course to reinforce key concepts and validate their understanding.
Frequently asked questions
How can I create an account on myQA.com?
There are a number of ways to create an account. If you are a self-funder, simply select the "Create account" option on the login page.
If you have been booked onto a course by your company, you will receive a confirmation email. From this email, select "Sign into myQA" and you will be taken to the "Create account" page. Complete all of the details and select "Create account".
If you have the booking number you can also go here and select the "I have a booking number" option. Enter the booking reference and your surname. If the details match, you will be taken to the "Create account" page from where you can enter your details and confirm your account.
Find more answers to frequently asked questions in our FAQs: Bookings & Cancellations page.
How do QA’s virtual classroom courses work?
Our virtual classroom courses allow you to access award-winning classroom training, without leaving your home or office. Our learning professionals are specially trained on how to interact with remote attendees and our remote labs ensure all participants can take part in hands-on exercises wherever they are.
We use the WebEx video conferencing platform by Cisco. Before you book, check that you meet the WebEx system requirements and run a test meeting to ensure the software is compatible with your firewall settings. If it doesn’t work, try adjusting your settings or contact your IT department about permitting the website.
How do QA’s online courses work?
QA online courses, also commonly known as distance learning courses or elearning courses, take the form of interactive software designed for individual learning, but you will also have access to full support from our subject-matter experts for the duration of your course.
Once you have purchased the Online course and have completed your registration, you will receive the necessary details to enable you to immediately access it through our e-learning platform and you can start to learn straight away, from any compatible device. Access to the online learning platform is valid for one year from the booking date.
All courses are built around case studies and presented in an engaging format, which includes storytelling elements, video, audio and humour. Every case study is supported by sample documents and a collection of Knowledge Nuggets that provide more in-depth detail on the wider processes.
When will I receive my joining instructions?
Joining instructions for QA courses are sent two weeks prior to the course start date, or immediately if the booking is confirmed within this timeframe. For course bookings made via QA but delivered by a third-party supplier, joining instructions are sent to attendees prior to the training course, but timescales vary depending on each supplier’s terms. Read more FAQs.
When will I receive my certificate?
Certificates of Achievement are issued at the end the course, either as a hard copy or via email. Read more here.