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Enhancing Generative AI with Retrieval Augmented Generation
Build retrieval-augmented generation systems that ground GenAI in organization-specific data. RAG foundations cover embeddings, the indexing-retrieval-generation phases, and the canonical pipeline....
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$2,000USD
Duration
2 days
Course Code
GAI-2101
Available Formats
Classroom
Overview
Course Description
Build retrieval-augmented generation systems that ground GenAI in organization-specific data. RAG foundations cover embeddings, the indexing-retrieval-generation phases, and the canonical pipeline. Vector stores and indexing cover store selection by data and access pattern, preparing structured and unstructured documents, chunking large documents, chunk enrichment and augmentation, and embedding-model selection. Retrieval covers vector, text, and hybrid search, multi-query and augmentation, decomposition and rewriting, HyDE, filtering and reranking, and retrieval loops. Generation, evaluation, and security cover augmenting prompts with retrieved data, citation and information extraction, RAGAS evaluation, dataset construction, ROI analysis, the CIA triad applied to RAG, inversion attacks, data leakage, access-control mismatches, and indirect prompt-injection with spotlighting as a defense. Hands-on labs produce an indexed corpus, a HyDE-augmented retrieval pipeline, a RAGAS evaluation harness, and a set of CIA-triad security mitigations applied to a real RAG system. The course is designed for software developers and data scientists with Python and introductory generative-AI experience.
Skills Gained
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
- Integrate RAG to deliver accurate context-aware AI responses
- Select the data store with the best ROI for a given RAG system
- Compose effective retrieval algorithms with reranking and feedback loops
- Apply security controls that keep data safe inside RAG systems
- Continuously evaluate RAG systems through metrics and dataset construction
Who Can Benefit
This course is designed for:
- Software Developers
- Data Scientists
Prerequisites
Participants should enter this course with:
- Practical Python experience
- GAI-1101 or equivalent
Organizational Objectives
This course assists organizations to:
- Reduce hallucination risk by grounding generative output in retrieval-augmented organization data
- Lower vector-store cost through informed selection and chunking strategies
- Establish a continuous-evaluation discipline that catches RAG regressions before deploy
- Lower attack surface through CIA-triad-grounded RAG security controls
Software
All attendees must have a modern web browser and an Internet connection.
Course Details
Course Details
Module 1 - Basics of Retrieval Augmented Generation
By the end of this module, you will be able to build a RAG pipeline end-to-end — preparing and chunking documents, generating embeddings, retrieving with vector and full-text search, applying filtering and reranking, and providing context to the LLM at generation time.
- Embeddings and the RAG phases: indexing, retrieval, generation
- Indexing — preparation, chunking, enrichment, and embeddings
- Working with structured and unstructured documents
- Retrieval — vector, full-text, and fusion
- Filtering, reranking, and looping to improve retrieval
- Generation — providing context to the LLM
- Hands-on Lab: Implement a RAG pipeline with LangChain that enriches documents before indexing and reranks retrieval results.
Module 2 - Vector Stores and Indexing
By the end of this module, you will be able to choose a vector store appropriate to your data and access patterns, prepare structured and unstructured documents for indexing, apply chunking and enrichment strategies, and select an embedding model.
- Vector Stores vs Other Data Stores
- Selecting the Right Vector Store
- Preparing Structured & Unstructured Data
- Chunking Techniques for Large Documents
- Enrichment and Augmentation
- Selecting an Embedding Model
- Hands-on Lab: Index a corpus of structured and unstructured documents using chunking, enrichment, and an appropriate embedding model.
Module 3 - Retrieving Data
By the end of this module, you will be able to apply vector, text, and hybrid retrieval strategies, augment queries through multi-query, decomposition, and rewriting, use HyDE for embedding-friendly synthetic queries, and apply filtering, reranking, and retrieval loops.
- Vector Search Algorithms & Similarity Metrics
- Vector, Text, and Hybrid Retrieval
- Multi-Query, Augmentation, Decomposition, and Rewriting
- The HyDE Technique
- Filtering and Reranking
- Retrieval Loops
- Hands-on Lab: Implement HyDE-augmented retrieval with reranking and a feedback loop on a benchmark RAG corpus.
Module 4 - Generation based on Context
By the end of this module, you will be able to augment generation with retrieved context, prompt with positive and negative instructions, extract and summarize information accurately, and generate cited multi-step responses.
- Augmenting Generation with Retrieval Results
- Prompting with Positive and Negative Instructions
- Information Extraction and Summarization
- Citing and Quoting Retrieved Information
- Prompting Chaining & Multi-Step Generation
- Hands-on Lab: Build a multi-step generation pipeline that produces cited, extraction-grounded answers from RAG context.
Module 5 - Evaluating RAG Systems
By the end of this module, you will be able to apply RAGAS and piecewise evaluation to RAG pipelines, build evaluation datasets, and reason about cost-effectiveness and ROI of RAG choices.
- Generative AI Evaluation vs. Predictive AI Evaluation
- Generative AI Evaluation Metrics and Techniques
- RAGAS and Holistic RAG Evaluation
- Piecewise Evaluation of RAG Systems
- Building and Selecting Evaluation Datasets
- Cost-Effectiveness and ROI of RAG
- Hands-on Lab: Evaluate one RAG system end-to-end with RAGAS and quantify the tradeoffs of alternative retrieval strategies.
Module 6 - Security of RAG Systems
By the end of this module, you will be able to apply the CIA triad to RAG systems, recognize inversion attacks, data leakage, and access-control mismatches, and defend against indirect prompt-injection through spotlighting.
- What differentiates GenAI security from traditional cybersecurity?
- Applying the CIA Triad to Retrieval Augmented Generation
- Inversion Attacks, Data Leakage, and Access-Control Mismatches
- Easing Data Discovery, Poisoning, and Misinformation
- Indirect Prompt-Injection Attacks
- Hands-on Lab: Apply the CIA triad to one RAG system and use spotlighting to reduce indirect prompt-injection exposure.
Schedule
FAQ
Does the course schedule include a Lunchbreak?
Classes typically include a 1-hour lunch break around midday. However, the exact break times and duration can vary depending on the specific class. Your instructor will provide detailed information at the start of the course.
What languages are used to deliver training?
Most courses are conducted in English, unless otherwise specified. Some courses will have the word "FRENCH" marked in red beside the scheduled date(s) indicating the language of instruction.
What does GTR stand for?
GTR stands for Guaranteed to Run; if you see a course with this status, it means this event is confirmed to run. View our GTR page to see our full list of Guaranteed to Run courses.
How do I find an Ascendient Learning training location?
We have training locations across the United States and Canada - View a complete list of classroom training locations.
Which delivery formats are available?
At Ascendient Learning, we offer training that is Instructor-Led, Online, Virtual, and Self-Paced.
Does Ascendient Learning deliver group training?
Yes, we provide training for groups, individuals and private on sites. View our group training page for more information.
What does vendor-authorized training mean?
As a vendor-authorized training partner, we offer a curriculum that our partners have vetted. We use the same course materials and facilitate the same labs as our vendor-delivered training. These courses are considered the gold standard and, as such, are priced accordingly.
Is the training too basic, or will you go deep into technology?
It depends on your requirements, your role in your company, and your depth of knowledge. The good news about many of our learning paths, you can start from the fundamentals to highly specialized training.
How up-to-date are your courses and support materials?
We continuously work with our vendors to evaluate and refresh course material to reflect the latest training courses and best practices.
Are your instructors seasoned trainers who have deep knowledge of the training topic?
Ascendient Learning instructors have an average of 27 years of practical IT experience and have also served as consultants for an average of 15 years. To stay current, instructors spend at least 25 percent of their time learning new, emerging technologies and courses.
Do you provide hands-on training and exercises in an actual lab environment?
Lab access is dependent on the vendor and the type of training you sign up for. However, many of our top vendors will provide lab access to students to test and practice. The course description will specify lab access.
Will you customize the training for our company’s specific needs and goals?
We will work with you to identify training needs and areas of growth. We offer a variety of training methods, such as private group training, on-site of your choice, and virtually. We provide courses and certifications that are aligned with your business goals.
How do I get started with certification?
Getting started on a certification pathway depends on your goals and the vendor you choose to get certified in. Many vendors offer entry-level IT certification to advanced IT certification that can boost your career. To get access to certification vouchers and discounts, please contact info@ascendientlearning.com.
Will I get access to content after I complete a course?
You will get access to the PDF of course books and guides, but access to the recording and slides will depend on the vendor and type of training you receive.
How do I request a W9 for Ascendient Learning?
View our filing status and how to request a W9.
Reviews
Instructor was great, course was mostly very good except for too much focus on pricing
ExitCertified gave a great course on AWS that covered all of the basics in depth with good lab materials.
It is very good and very simple instructions. almost to much hand holding.
The instructor really took his time and made sure I was able to understand the concepts.
very good and spcecific course and above all a very good instructor. In few days I have learned a lot.
