Learning systems inspired by the brain’s neural structure exhibit intelligent behavior and can learn by example through highly interconnected computer processing elements—a key feature of the artificial intelligence (A.I.) paradigm. This lecture provides an introduction and timely perspective on the fundamental and technological aspects of A.I. along with real-world applications in fields as diverse as biology, chemistry, mathematics, medicine, and environmental science. Grady Hanrahan is a Professor of Chemistry at California Lutheran University (CLU). He received his Ph.D. in Environmental Analytical Chemistry from the University of Plymouth, England. With experience in directing undergraduate and graduate research, he has taught at California State University, Los Angeles, and CLU. His research interests span instrumentation, design and development, chemometrics, computational neural networks, environmental analysis, and the use of swarm intelligence metaheuristics to model complex chemical and biological systems. He has written or co-written numerous peer-reviewed technical papers and is the author or editor of five books detailing the use of chemical separation methods and computational modeling techniques. The Fifty and Better program was designed to offer university-level courses (no tests, no homework) taught by experts in the field, and to host social engagement activities for individuals age 50 and older.