Machine Learning with Python - [Course from CognitiveClass]

---

Previously known as Big Data University, Cognitive Class, an IBM community initiative, provides about 30 courses on data science, machine learning, and all things big data.

The first course I completed here was on machine learning. More specifically, it was Machine Learning with Python. It took about a month to go through the lessons, quizzes and the final exam. And I got my completion certificate at the end of March earlier this year.

The course is broken down into 5 modules and some of the concepts that are taught include:

• machine learning vs. statistical modeling
• supervised learning: KNN, decision trees, random forests, regression, model evaluation
• unsupervised learning: K means, hierarchical clustering, single linkage clustering, density based clustering
• dimensionality reduction and collaborative filtering

What I particularly enjoyed while going through the course were the interactive labs (on the website), where you get hands-on practice with respect to the concepts you were being taught in the module. This helps a lot as it prepares you for the weekly quizze and for the final exam.

A very strong point of the platform:

"Our content is free, access to tool sets used within the courses is free, and we have designed our courses to be accessed at your pace based on your priorities." [source]

Even though they don't offer accreditation, I applaud their initiative:

"At Cognitive Class, we award IBM recognized IBM Open Digital Badges that can be displayed on your LinkedIn profile, your site, other social media sites, or even in your email signature." [source]

I'm currently working through a tensorflow course (very slowly). To explore the list of courses, go here. To take the course on machine learning with Python, go here.

Never stop learning and practicing!

---

To stay in touch with me, follow @cristi

---

Cristi Vlad, Self-Experimenter and Author