Machine Learning (Autumn 2023)

Abstract

This course gives a fundamental introduction to machine learning (ML) with an emphasis on statistical aspects. In the course, we focus on both the theoretical foundation for ML and the application of ML methods.

Description

The course enables students to analyse machine learning algorithms, implement abstractly specified machine learning methods in an imperative programming language, modify machine learning methods to analyse practical datasets, and convey the results.

The course gives an overview of fundamental concepts and reasoning behind machine learning methods, based especially on a probabilistic and decision-theoretic framework. Further, we discuss a broad range of classical machine learning methods such as 

• k-nearest neighbours
• Linear models for regression and classification
• Neural networks
• Support vector machines
• Decision trees
• Ensemble methods
• Clustering methods
• Dimensionality reduction

Formal prerequisites

The course is mandatory for third semester in the BSc in Data Science and assumes students to have followed the courses Applied Statistics and Linear Algebra and Optimisation, or something equivalent.

Prior experience with Python is assumed.

Intended learning outcomes

After the course, the student should be able to:

• Discuss, clearly explain, and reflect upon central machine learning concepts and algorithms.
• Choose among and make use of the most important machine learning approaches in order to apply (match) them to practical problems.
• Implement abstractly specified machine learning methods in an imperative programming language.
• Combine and modify machine learning methods to analyse practical dataset and convey the results.

Learning activities

The course will comprise around 11 weeks of lectures and exercise sessions and around 3 weeks of project work.

Course literature

The main course book is:

An Introduction to Statistical Learning by Gareth James, Daniela Witten,
Trevor Hastie, and Robert Tibshirani

Further suggested reading:

Aurélien Géron (2019). Hands-on Machine Learning with Scikit-Learn, Keras, and TensorFlow. O'Reilly.

Christopher Bishop (2006). Pattern Recognition and Machine Learning. Springer. 

Student Activity Budget

Estimated distribution of learning activities for the typical student

• Preparation for lectures and exercises: 37%
• Lectures: 11%
• Exercises: 11%
• Project work, supervision included: 16%
• Exam with preparation: 25%

Ordinary exam

Exam type:
D: Submission of written work with following oral, External (7-point scale)
Exam variation:
D2G: Submission for groups with following oral exam supplemented by the submission. Shared responsibility for the report.

Time and date

Ordinary Exam - submission Wed, 3 Jan 2024, 08:00 - 14:00
Ordinary Exam Mon, 22 Jan 2024, 09:00 - 21:00
Ordinary Exam Tue, 23 Jan 2024, 09:00 - 21:00
Ordinary Exam Wed, 24 Jan 2024, 09:00 - 21:00
Ordinary Exam Thu, 25 Jan 2024, 09:00 - 21:00