This course provides a brief introduction to the theory and practice of supervised machine learning, the discipline of teaching computers to make predictions from labeled data. We begin with a well-known model of linear regression, moving from fundamental principles to the advanced regularization techniques essential for building robust models. We then transition from regression to classification, exploring two major paradigms for separating data: discriminative models and generative models. The course concludes in learning how to critically evaluate and compare classifier performance using industry-standard tools such as the ROC Curve. Upon completion, you will have a strong command of the core principles that underpin modern predictive modeling.

Machine Learning Fundamentals

Machine Learning Fundamentals
This course is part of Practical Machine Learning: Foundations to Neural Networks Specialization

Instructor: Peter Chin
Access provided by EDGE Group
Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
Intermediate level
Recommended experience
3 weeks to complete
at 10 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace
What you'll learn
How to build, regularize, and evaluate supervised models, moving from linear regression to classifiers, using cross-validation and ROC/AUC.
Skills you'll gain
Tools you'll learn
Details to know

Shareable certificate
Add to your LinkedIn profile
Assessments
28 assignments
Taught in English
Recently updated!
November 2025
See how employees at top companies are mastering in-demand skills

Build your subject-matter expertise
This course is part of the Practical Machine Learning: Foundations to Neural Networks Specialization
When you enroll in this course, you'll also be enrolled in this Specialization.
- 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

There are 7 modules in this course
Earn a career certificate
Add this credential to your LinkedIn profile, resume, or CV. Share it on social media and in your performance review.
Build toward a degree
This course is part of the following degree program(s) offered by Dartmouth College. If you are admitted and enroll, your completed coursework may count toward your degree learning and your progress can transfer with you.¹
Instructor

Offered by
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."
Explore more from Computer Science

Coursera

Amazon Web Services

Whizlabs


