Courses Taught
Courses in artificial intelligence, computational biology, machine learning, virtual environments, and more. Designed to empower students with cutting-edge knowledge and practical skills for the rapidly evolving technological landscape.
Teaching Philosophy
My teaching approach emphasizes hands-on learning, real-world applications, and the integration of cutting-edge research into the classroom. I believe in fostering an inclusive environment where students can explore complex concepts through project-based learning and collaborative problem-solving.
Teaching Recognition
Award-winning educational innovation and student engagement
Recipient of the RISE Award 2022 for Computer and Information Sciences, the Fostering Engineering Innovation in Education Award (2021-22), the Dean's Award from the College of Engineering (2024-25), and the Red Hat Academy Director's Award (2020).
Featured Courses
INFO 7375: Prompt Engineering for Generative AI
A comprehensive exploration of prompt engineering and fine-tuning for Large Language Models (LLMs). Master the art and science of crafting prompts that drive LLMs to create captivating and context-aware content across various domains.
Key Topics:
Prompt patterns, LangChain integration, vector databases, fine-tuning techniques, and advanced deployment strategies for generative AI applications.
CSYE 7270: Building Virtual Environments
Examines how to program and design interactive experiences and immersive virtual environments in real-time. Students learn to create applications in areas such as virtual/augmented reality, games, data visualization, medicine, and industrial design.
Key Topics:
3D rendering engines, animation, collision, physics, audio, trigger systems, shading, AI, Unity and Unreal Engine development, and more.
INFO 6105: Data Science Engineering Methods
Introduces core concepts of machine learning with unique emphasis on computational biology. Covers supervised and unsupervised learning methods, implementation, evaluation, and best practices.
Key Topics:
Statistical learning, regression, classification, clustering, neural networks, feature engineering, model validation, and biological applications.
CSYE 7370: Deep Reinforcement Learning Game Engineering
Explores deep learning and reinforcement learning techniques applied to game AI and simulation. Covers convolutional neural networks, recurrent neural networks, autoencoders, and various reinforcement learning algorithms.
Key Topics:
CNN, RNN, Autoencoders, VAEs, GANs, Q-learning, Deep Q-learning, policy-based methods, multi-agent reinforcement learning, and imitation learning.
INFO 7390: Advances in Data Sciences and Architecture
Explores how to assess quality at each step in a data analysis pipeline using visualization. Covers understanding statistical properties of data, fixing data issues, and demonstrating improvements visually.
Key Topics:
Data visualization, forecasting, time-series models, causal relationships, network data, and principles of visual design.
Complete Course Listing
Northeastern University
- INFO 6205: Program Structure Algorithms*
- CSYE 7270: Building Virtual Environments*
- INFO 6105: Data Sci Eng Methods
- INFO 7390: Advances Data Sci/Architecture
- CSYE 7370: Deep Reinforcement Learning Game Eng*
- DAMG 6210: Data Mgt and Database Design
- INFO 7375: ST: AI Engineering Apps* - Prompt Engineering and GenAI
- CSYE 7374: Special Topics: Computational Skepticism*
- INFO 6210: Data Mgt and Database Design
- CSYE 7245: Big Data Sys Int Analytics
Northeastern University (cont.)
- DA 5030: Intro Data Mining/Machine Lrn
- CS 3540: Game Programming
- CS 4300: Computer Graphics
- CS 4850: Building Game Engines
- CS 5850: Advanced Building Game Engines
- DS 6020: Collect/Store/Retrieve Data
- DS 6030: Intro Data Mining/Machine Lrn
- CS 4800: Algorithms Data
- ENGR-0201: AI for Personalized Learning
- INFO 7375: Branding and AI
Other Institutions
UCLA
- CS 31: Programming in C++
Santa Monica College
- CS 52: Programming in C++
Arts Institutes
- Programming in C++
- Game Programming
LA Film School
- Game Programming
Course Materials & Resources
Course materials, lecture notes, and code samples are available through the following channels:
- GitHub Repositoriesgithub.com/nikbearbrown
- YouTube Channelyoutube.com/user/nikbearbrown
- Canvas Course SitesAvailable to enrolled students
Teaching Awards & Recognition
RISE Award 2022
Computer and Information Sciences
Fostering Engineering Innovation in Education Award
Northeastern University (2021-22)
Dean's Award, College of Engineering
Northeastern University (2024-25)
Red Hat Academy Director's Award
2020