Introduction to Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning using HCC

This workshop will give participants a hands-on introduction to using HCC resources for running Artificial intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) workflows. Participants will learn how to access and utilize GPU resources on HCC's Swan and utilize PyTorch to create and train a simple model. The participants will be introduced to the National Research Platform (NRP), a free research resource for running GPU-based AI and ML workflows. Participants will also receive training on utilizing HCC's new National Science Foundation-funded GPU resource named PLUMAGE (Promoting Learning Using Mixed Advanced GPU Environments).

When: Wednesday, November 5th (UNLincoln), 10am to 4:30pm

Where:

  • November 5th: UNL City Campus, Teachers College Room 205

    • Cost: FREE!!! Space is limited.

  • NOTE: Registration is binding!

    • Workshop Level: Intermediate.

    Required Prerequisites:

  • Familiarity with Linux and the command-line
  • Experience with Python
  • Active HCC account with DUO setup


    • Learning Objectives:

    • GPU access on HCC resources
    • Accessing GPU resources on Swan
    • Accessing JupyterLab on Swan
    • Running AI and ML workflows on Swan
    • Using PyTorch
    • GPU access on other National resources


    Registration:

    Attendees will need an HCC account as this workshop will feature hands-on practice.

    A free HCC account is required to register for and attend this workshop.

    November 5th at UNLincoln, Register Now!



    Schedule:

    (please note schedule is still being finalized and subject to change)

    10am - 10:15am

    Setup and Support

    Time available for setting up accounts or troubleshooting issues prior to the day's events.

    10:15am - 10:30am

    Introduction to PLUMAGE

    Introduction to HCC's new National Science Foundation-funded GPU resource named PLUMAGE (Promoting Learning Using Mixed Advanced GPU Environments).

    10:30am - 10:45am

    Break

    10:45am - 11:30am

    Introduction to GPU resources on HCC

    General introduction to GPU resources Swan offers and its usage.

    11:30am - 12:30pm

    Lunch Break

    12:30pm - 1:15pm

    AI and ML workflows

    Learn about how to run AI and ML workflows on Swan.

    1:15pm - 2pm

    Introduction to PyTorch

    Learn how to run GPU PyTorch code on Swan.

    2pm - 2:10pm

    Break

    2:10pm - 3pm

    Introduction to PyTorch (cont.)

    Learn how to run GPU PyTorch code on Swan.

    3pm - 3:10pm

    Break

    3:10pm - 4:20pm

    Introduction to National Research Platform (NRP)

    Learn about different GPU provider.

    4:20pm - 4:30pm

    Open Questions

    Time available for questions about today's events.


    Setup for Hands-On

    Setup Instructions for OOD: https://hcc.unl.edu/docs/Events/2025/mlai_nov_2025/#exercise-setup



    Useful links and commands for the workshop:


    Workshop Notebooks Repository

    Logistics Page: https://hcc.unl.edu/docs/Events/2025/mlai_nov_2025/ \/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/FEEDBACK\/\/\/\/\/\/\/

    Workshop Feedback

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    Bash Cheatsheet (External)

    HCC info sheet

    HCC SLURM scheduler cheat sheet

    Please contact us at hcc-support@unl.edu if you have questions or concerns and we will be happy to help!