One of the most common tasks performed by data scientists and data analysts are prediction and machine learning. This course will cover the basic components of building and applying prediction functions with an emphasis on practical applications. The course will provide basic grounding in concepts such as training and tests sets, overfitting, and error rates. The course will also introduce a range of model based and algorithmic machine learning methods including regression, classification trees, Naive Bayes, and random forests. The course will cover the complete process of building prediction functions including data collection, feature creation, algorithms, and evaluation.
Practical Machine Learning
Practical Machine Learning
This course is part of multiple programs.
Instructors: Jeff Leek, PhD
153,756 already enrolled
Included with 
Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
4.5
(3,246 reviews)
8 hours to complete
3 weeks at 2 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace
89%
Most learners liked this course
What you'll learn
Use the basic components of building and applying prediction functions
Understand concepts such as training and tests sets, overfitting, and error rates
Describe machine learning methods such as regression or classification trees
Explain the complete process of building prediction functions
Details to know
Shareable certificate
Add to your LinkedIn profile
Assessments
5 assignments
Taught in English
See how employees at top companies are mastering in-demand skills
Build your subject-matter expertise
This course is available as part of
When you enroll in this course, you'll also be asked to select a specific program.
- Learn new concepts from industry experts
- Gain a foundational understanding of a subject or tool
- Develop job-relevant skills with hands-on projects
- Earn a shareable career certificate
Earn a career certificate
Add this credential to your LinkedIn profile, resume, or CV
Share it on social media and in your performance review
There are 4 modules in this course
This week will cover prediction, relative importance of steps, errors, and cross validation.
What's included
9 videos4 readings1 assignment
This week will introduce the caret package, tools for creating features and preprocessing.
What's included
9 videos1 assignment
This week we introduce a number of machine learning algorithms you can use to complete your course project.
What's included
5 videos1 assignment
This week, we will cover regularized regression and combining predictors.
What's included
4 videos2 readings2 assignments1 peer review
Instructors
Instructor ratings
4.5 (132 ratings)Offered by
Recommended if you're interested in Machine Learning
Alberta Machine Intelligence Institute
New York University
Johns Hopkins University
Why people choose Coursera for their career
Felipe M.
Learner since 2018
"To be able to take courses at my own pace and rhythm has been an amazing experience. I can learn whenever it fits my schedule and mood."
Jennifer J.
Learner since 2020
"I directly applied the concepts and skills I learned from my courses to an exciting new project at work."
Larry W.
Learner since 2021
"When I need courses on topics that my university doesn't offer, Coursera is one of the best places to go."
Chaitanya A.
"Learning isn't just about being better at your job: it's so much more than that. Coursera allows me to learn without limits."
Learner reviews
Showing 3 of 3246
4.5
3,246 reviews
- 5 stars
66.42%
- 4 stars
22.36%
- 3 stars
6.90%
- 2 stars
2.52%
- 1 star
1.78%
New to Machine Learning? Start here.
Open new doors with Coursera Plus
Unlimited access to 7,000+ world-class courses, hands-on projects, and job-ready certificate programs - all included in your subscription
Advance your career with an online degree
Earn a degree from world-class universities - 100% online
Join over 3,400 global companies that choose Coursera for Business
Upskill your employees to excel in the digital economy
Frequently asked questions
Access to lectures and assignments depends on your type of enrollment. If you take a course in audit mode, you will be able to see most course materials for free. To access graded assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience, during or after your audit. If you don't see the audit option:
The course may not offer an audit option. You can try a Free Trial instead, or apply for Financial Aid.
The course may offer 'Full Course, No Certificate' instead. This option lets you see all course materials, submit required assessments, and get a final grade. This also means that you will not be able to purchase a Certificate experience.
When you enroll in the course, you get access to all of the courses in the Specialization, and you earn a certificate when you complete the work. Your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile. If you only want to read and view the course content, you can audit the course for free.
If you subscribed, you get a 7-day free trial during which you can cancel at no penalty. After that, we don’t give refunds, but you can cancel your subscription at any time. See our full refund policy.