Next Level: An Introduction to Agentic AI

Discover how agentic AI goes beyond chatbots to become your intelligent digital teammate at this beginner-friendly workshop hosted by the Leeds University Artificial Intelligence Society. Taking place at the Sir William Henry Bragg Building, this introductory session demystifies AI systems that don't just respond—they plan, execute, and learn from their actions. ## What Makes Agentic AI Different While traditional chatbots simply reply to prompts, agentic AI systems transform goals into tangible outcomes. These intelligent agents break down complex tasks into manageable steps, select and use appropriate tools—from search engines and code editors to spreadsheets, email clients, and calendars—then execute actions autonomously. What sets them apart is their ability to reflect on results, verify their work, and retry when needed. This fundamental shift from passive response to active execution represents a paradigm change in how we interact with AI. ## What You'll Learn This hands-on workshop covers the essential building blocks of agentic systems without requiring any coding experience. You'll explore how these agents leverage large language models (LLMs), integrate external tools, maintain memory across interactions, and employ sophisticated planning algorithms. The session breaks down the core feedback loop that enables agents to continuously improve their performance and adapt to changing requirements. You'll examine real-world student use cases that demonstrate practical applications, from automating research workflows to managing complex project timelines. The workshop also addresses crucial topics around safety considerations and evaluation frameworks, helping you understand both the capabilities and limitations of current agentic systems. ## Why Attend As the first workshop in the society's comprehensive Agentic AI series, this session provides the foundational knowledge you'll need for more advanced topics ahead. You'll leave with a clear mental model for understanding how agents operate, realistic expectations about their current capabilities, and insights into where this technology is heading. The society emphasises accessibility—no technical prerequisites are required, making this perfect for anyone curious about the next evolution of AI systems. Spots are limited for this popular workshop, ensuring an intimate learning environment where you can ask questions and engage directly with the material.