Machine learning is a set of statistical techniques and algorithms designed to find and use structure and patterns in data to make interesting predictions or provide cool insights.
As a beginner, you may be looking for a way to get a solid understanding of machine learning that’s not only rigorous and practical, but also concise and fast. So without further ado, let’s start with what you need to learn.
Machine learning is all about algorithms, So if you need to learn the basics or advanced concepts, I've got you covered in this piece about Learn Algorithms for data science and machine learning.
This post was originally published here
Learn Machine Learning with Python
First off you’ll need to learn Python. Python is widely used in Data Science, IOT, Machine Learning, Web Applications or Game Development.
Unlike other Programming languages, Python’s syntax is human readable and concise. So as a beginner, this will allow you to grasp the basics quickly, with less mental strain, and you can level up to advanced Machine Learning topics faster.
There are many wonderful free online resources to get started on machine learning but if you’re having trouble getting started, I would suggest taking any Python Course and in my personal opinion Introductory course with emphasis on Data Science is much better.
These 2 courses from DataCamp are designed for beginner and intermediate learners, and they offer tremendous support to help you intellectually bootstrap your career in the field of Information Sciences.
1. Intro Python for Data Science … – Beginners
Introduction to Python for Data Science course will provide an overview of the Python ecosystem for Data Science and get you to write your first code in Python.
Most importantly you will receive an in-depth introduction to Pandas and Numpy, powerful and efficient libraries for both Machine Learning and Data Science.
Is it right for you?
DataCamp has several great introductory courses, all taught via interactive exercises. This course is suitable for any motivated individual with burning intellect and insatiable desire learn Data Science or Machine Learning.
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Once you are able to understand other people’s Python code, i strongly recommend taking any Intermediate Python course. DataCamp also offers Intermediate Python for Data Science which will introduce you to advanced topics, helpful to gain functional knowledge for Machine Learning.
2. Machine Learning with Python … – Intermediate
In this Skill track, you’ll be introduced to the world of Machine Learning and learn the fundamental concepts for Machine Learning with Python. This learning track is divided into 5 courses;
- Supervised Learning with scikit-learn
- Unsupervised Learning with scikit-learn
- Linear Classifiers in Python
- Machine Learning with the Experts: School Budgets
- Deep Learning in Python
Don’t get intimidated with new concepts presented in this Machine Learning Skill track. It will be hard to finish but not impossible. Some concepts will be foreign or straight up weird, just take it again if you have to.
Is it right for you?
In this Machine Learning Skill Track, you can practice with real-life examples of Machine learning and understand the most exciting capabilities in diverse areas like robotics, natural language processing, image recognition and artificial intelligence by using Keras, the latest version of a cutting edge library for deep learning in Python.
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If you are interested in finding about the quick Machine Learning Courses specifically, I’ve got you covered with the this article about the Best Courses in Machine Learning on the internet.
Always Stay on Top of Learning !!!
Machine learning is difficult for beginners as well as libraries for Machine Learning in python are difficult to understand.
Over the past couple month, I have been collecting latest Python Cheat Sheets for Data Science and Machine Learning from different sources.
- 7+ Python Cheat Sheets for Beginners and Experts
- Concise Cheat Sheets of Machine Learning with Python (and Maths)
It’s possible to lose motivation while learning, so you can give any of these Python Podcasts a listen to stay current.
If you ever feel stuck, never hesitate to reach out to the fellow learners on Reddit and Stackoverflow, who are one click away to help and support you.
Also, be sure to partake in Kaggle Learning/ Challenges for Machine Learning, you will be able to stay on top of learning and grow faster.
Brush up your Math Skills !!!
Mathematics is the bedrock of any contemporary discipline of science. However, You don’t need a degree in Mathematics to succeed in Machine Learning. Yet, if you do have a math background, you’ll definitely get ahead.
You will need a structured learning approach with achievable goals to upgrade your skills required for Machine Learning. I would strongly suggest to brush up your math skills from the day one of learning Python, irrespective of your background in Mathematics.
In my personal experience, devoting at-least 30-45 minutes everyday will bear much fruit and you’ll understand and learn advanced Python topics for Maths and Statistics faster.
In coming days, I will to publish another post about the level of Mathematics you need for Machine Learning. Meanwhile, Let’s briefly dive into this last section and use the infographic below to learn about the minimum level of mathematics needed to be a Machine Learning Scientist/ Engineer.
Here are 2 best online classes from World Class faculty to help you master the vocabulary, notation, concepts, and algebra rules that all aspiring Machine Learning Scientists/ Engineers must know before moving on to a more advanced material.
1. Mathematics for Machine Learning Specialization - Highly Recommended
This Specialization is offered by Imperial College of London and is comprised of 3 courses to equip you with intuitive understanding of Mathematics and will help you apply key concepts to machine learning.
- Mathematics for Machine Learning: Linear Algebra
- Mathematics for Machine Learning: Multivariate Calculus
- Mathematics for Machine Learning: PCA
Is it right for you?
Upon the completion of this Specialization, you will have gained the prerequisite mathematical knowledge to continue your journey and take more advanced courses in machine learning.
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2. Introduction to Mathematical Thinking - High Value
This course will help you to think like a Professional mathematician to solve real problems that can arise from the everyday world, or from science, or from within mathematics itself.
This course is not about doing Mathematics but about how you can think the way mathematicians do.
Is it right for you?
You will richly benefit from this course and inculcate a powerful cognitive process for Machine Learning or Data Science.
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Thanks for Making it to the end :-)
Machine Learning is intimidating and learning without efforts is exceedingly impossible. So if you'll follow the order and keep practicing Python every day, then it will become easy after while for you to tighten your grips on it.
If you liked this article, I’ve got a practical reads for you. One about Learning Probability and Statistics for Data Science and one about Best Machine Learning Courses/ Specialization.
Top comments (3)
This is really helpful
Thank you Sakim. This is an excellent resource, as are your other posts.
You're very welcome..