Back to Algebra and Differential Calculus for Data Science
University of Colorado Boulder

Algebra and Differential Calculus for Data Science

Are you interested in Data Science but lack the math background for it? Has math always been a tough subject that you tend to avoid? This course will teach you the most fundamental Calculus concepts that you will need for a career in Data Science without a ton of unnecessary proofs and techniques that you may never use. Consider this an expressway to Data Science with approachable methods and friendly concepts that will guide you to truly understanding the most important ideas in Differential Calculus. We will review some algebra basics, talk about what a derivative is, compute some simple derivatives and apply the basics of derivatives to graphing and maximizing functions. This course is designed to prepare learners to successfully complete Statistical Modeling for Data Science Application, which is part of CU Boulder's Master of Science in Data Science (MS-DS) program. Logo courtesy of ThisisEngineering RAEng on Unsplash.com

Status: Calculus
Status: Algebra
IntermediateCourse8 hours

Featured reviews

JR

5.0Reviewed Aug 10, 2023

Good course. Teacher had problems with keeping equations and graphs in viewing area.

JW

5.0Reviewed May 26, 2022

T​he lectures are very clear and thorough. I really appreciate the effort and thoughtfulness put into this course.

WA

5.0Reviewed Mar 9, 2023

Giving a 5 star review because of the videos that were produced, they really taught in a consise manner. However, I think that the Calculus section could have had more videos and more examples.

DG

5.0Reviewed May 18, 2022

Excellent introduction and review for those of us who took these courses some years ago! Really appreciated the clear teaching, which is so important for learrning math.

LG

4.0Reviewed Oct 29, 2025

very good course, needs a little more explanation of how to calculate some of the things (e.g. derivatives of log functions), but the AI Coach can help

LS

4.0Reviewed Mar 31, 2023

The material was presented and explained well. I wish there was more engagement in the forums or associated study material recommended.

MM

5.0Reviewed Oct 1, 2023

only problem I had was with logs. Used khan academy and started from scratch. Also graphing was an issue I had to resolve.

AL

5.0Reviewed Nov 18, 2022

This course is a little brief; however, it could serve as an excellent refresher to someone who hasn't taken Calculus 1 for a while.

VG

5.0Reviewed Nov 2, 2022

Excellent course. I never did university calculus, and this was a great way to test my understanding and prompt additional learning as I attempted the quizzes.Thank you!

DW

5.0Reviewed Nov 14, 2022

Very clear instructor, sometimes writing outside of board but technology is hard

KP

5.0Reviewed Oct 6, 2024

More a survey of material than skills development but it was covered well and clearly.

AV

5.0Reviewed Feb 8, 2025

Quick and to the point; this was a fantastic way to freshen up on my old math skills from long ago. Only small complaint was the occasional off-screen white-boarding, but was manageable.

All reviews

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