AI Second Brain - Detailed Curriculum

Week 21

RAG Fundamentals

Introduction to Retrieval-Augmented Generation and vector databases

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📚 Learning Objectives

Understand RAG architecture and principles
Master vector databases and embeddings
Build semantic search systems
Create document Q&A applications

RAG Vector Databases Embeddings Semantic Search

Monday • 1.5 hours

RAG Introduction

What is Retrieval-Augmented Generation?
Why RAG vs fine-tuning?
RAG architecture components
Real-world RAG applications
RAG vs traditional search

Wednesday • 1.5 hours

Vector Databases

Understanding embeddings
Vector similarity search
Pinecone setup and basics
ChromaDB introduction
Weaviate overview

Friday • 1.5 hours

Document Processing

Document chunking strategies
Text preprocessing
Metadata extraction
Embedding generation
First RAG pipeline

Saturday • 1.5 hours

RAG System Building

Complete RAG implementation
Query processing
Context retrieval
Response generation
Testing and evaluation

📝 Assignments

Assignment 1: Document Q&A System

Build a RAG system that can answer questions from a collection of documents. Use at least 10 documents and implement proper chunking, embedding, and retrieval.

Deliverable: Working RAG system + documentation + test queries

Assignment 2: Vector Database Comparison

Implement the same RAG pipeline using Pinecone and ChromaDB. Compare performance, ease of use, and results quality.

Deliverable: Comparison report + code for both implementations

🎯 Capstone Milestone 1

Choose your AI Second Brain project scope: personal knowledge base, company documentation system, or research assistant. Create initial design document.

Week 22

Advanced RAG Techniques

Hybrid search, reranking, and multi-document synthesis

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Advanced retrieval strategies, query optimization, hybrid search combining vector and keyword search...

Hybrid Search Reranking Query Optimization

Week 23

Personal Knowledge Base

Building your AI second brain with note-taking integration

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Notion, Obsidian integration, knowledge graph construction, personal memory systems...

Knowledge Base Notion Obsidian Knowledge Graphs

Week 24

Multi-Source Knowledge Integration

Aggregating knowledge from emails, notes, documents, and web

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Cross-source data aggregation, unified knowledge interface, intelligent search...

Multi-Source Data Aggregation Unified Search

Week 25

Enterprise Knowledge Systems

Company-wide documentation and knowledge bases

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Enterprise RAG deployment, access control, security, compliance...

Enterprise Access Control Security

Week 26

Advanced Knowledge Applications

Research assistants, code documentation, legal systems

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Specialized RAG applications for different industries and use cases...

Research Assistant Code Documentation Legal AI

Week 27

RAG Optimization & Scaling

Performance tuning, cost optimization, production deployment

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Performance optimization, caching strategies, cost management, scaling...

Optimization Scaling Performance

Week 28

Level 4 Capstone & Showcase

Complete AI Second Brain deployment and presentation

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🎯 Final Capstone Submission

Due: Tuesday of Week 29

Complete AI Second Brain system with: RAG implementation, multi-source integration, intelligent search, user interface, documentation, and demonstration of real-world usage.

Capstone Portfolio Certification

Complete Week-by-Week Breakdown