Learn Mathematical Foundations for Data Science. Review key concepts in algebra, calculus, linear algebra, and numerical analysis that are critical for Data Science.

4.5

stars

137 ratings

Jane Wall +1 more instructor

3,489 already enrolled

Offered By

Associated with the Master of Science in Data Science degree
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Expressway to Data Science: Essential Math SpecializationUniversity of Colorado Boulder

What you will learn

Compute simple derivatives.
Convert between linear systems and matrix notation and use matrix algebra to solve linear systems.
Factor a simple matrix using Singular Value Decomposition (SVD).
Practice working with logarithm properties and how logarithm functions behave graphically.

Skills you will gain

About this Specialization

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Data Science is growing rapidly, creating opportunities for careers across a variety of fields. This specialization is designed for learners embarking on careers in Data Science. Learners are provided with a concise overview of the foundational mathematics that are critical in Data Science. Topics include algebra, calculus, linear algebra, and some pertinent numerical analysis. Expressway to Data Science is also an excellent primer for students preparing to complete CU Boulder’s Master of Science in Data Science program. This specialization 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

Applied Learning Project

Learners will complete quizzes in each of the courses in order to test their understanding of the content as they progress. This specialization does not include any projects or final exams as it is meant to be a fast-paced content review to prepare learners for the higher-level maths required in Data Science.

Shareable Certificate

Earn a Certificate upon completion

100% online courses

Start instantly and learn at your own schedule.

Coursera Labs

Includes hands on learning projects.

Learn more about Coursera Labs

Flexible Schedule

Set and maintain flexible deadlines.

Intermediate Level

Approximately 4 months to complete

Suggested pace of 1 hour/week

English

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Shareable Certificate

Earn a Certificate upon completion

100% online courses

Start instantly and learn at your own schedule.

Coursera Labs

Includes hands on learning projects.

Learn more about Coursera Labs

Flexible Schedule

Set and maintain flexible deadlines.

Intermediate Level

Approximately 4 months to complete

Suggested pace of 1 hour/week

English

Could your company benefit from training employees on in-demand skills?

Try Coursera for Business

See how employees at top companies are mastering in-demand skills

Learn more about Coursera for Business

How the Specialization Works

Take Courses

A Coursera Specialization is a series of courses that helps you master a skill. To begin, enroll in the Specialization directly, or review its courses and choose the one you'd like to start with. When you subscribe to a course that is part of a Specialization, you’re automatically subscribed to the full Specialization. It’s okay to complete just one course — you can pause your learning or end your subscription at any time. Visit your learner dashboard to track your course enrollments and your progress.

Hands-on Project

Every Specialization includes a hands-on project. You'll need to successfully finish the project(s) to complete the Specialization and earn your certificate. If the Specialization includes a separate course for the hands-on project, you'll need to finish each of the other courses before you can start it.

Earn a Certificate

When you finish every course and complete the hands-on project, you'll earn a Certificate that you can share with prospective employers and your professional network.

There are 3 Courses in this Specialization

Course1

Course 1

Algebra and Differential Calculus for Data Science

4.4

stars

107 ratings

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.

Course2

Course 2

Essential Linear Algebra for Data Science

4.6

stars

80 ratings

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 Linear Algebra that you will need for a career in Data Science without a ton of unnecessary proofs and concepts 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 Linear Algebra.

Course3

Course 3

Integral Calculus and Numerical Analysis for Data Science

4.6

stars

47 ratings

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 provide an intuitive understanding of foundational integral calculus, including integration by parts, area under a curve, and integral computation. It will also cover root-finding methods, matrix decomposition, and partial derivatives.

Instructors

Jane Wall

Faculty Director of Data Science Programs

Data Science Programs

13,428 Learners

7 Courses

James Bird

Instructor

Data Science & Applied Mathematics

5,359 Learners

3 Courses

Offered by

University of Colorado Boulder

Start working towards your Master's degree

This specialization is related to the 100% online Master of Science in Data Science from University of Colorado Boulder. It will provide you with a preview of the topics, materials and instructors so you can decide if the full online degree program is right for you.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the refund policy?
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.
Can I just enroll in a single course?
Yes! To get started, click the course card that interests you and enroll. You can enroll and complete the course to earn a shareable certificate, or you can audit it to view the course materials for free. When you subscribe to a course that is part of a Specialization, you’re automatically subscribed to the full Specialization. Visit your learner dashboard to track your progress.
Is financial aid available?
Yes. In select learning programs, you can apply for financial aid or a scholarship if you can’t afford the enrollment fee. If fin aid or scholarship is available for your learning program selection, you’ll find a link to apply on the description page.
Can I take the course for free?
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. If you only want to read and view the course content, you can audit the course for free. If you cannot afford the fee, you can apply for financial aid.
Is this course really 100% online? Do I need to attend any classes in person?
This course is completely online, so there’s no need to show up to a classroom in person. You can access your lectures, readings and assignments anytime and anywhere via the web or your mobile device.
How long does it take to complete the Specialization?
4 Weeks
What background knowledge is necessary?
Beginning algebra and basic function graphing.
Do I need to take the courses in a specific order?
It is recommended that you take the courses in this specialization sequentially.
Will I earn university credit for completing the Specialization?
Expressway to Data Science: Essential Math cannot be taken for academic credit, however it 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.
What will I be able to do upon completing the Specialization?
You will understand the mathematical concepts needed to successfully progress through CU Boulder's Master of Science in Data Science (MS-DS) program. This course is specifically designed to provide a foundation for students who either need a refresher in mathematics or come from a non-STEM background but want to take data science courses.

More questions? Visit the Learner Help Center.

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Expressway to Data Science: Essential Math Specialization

What you will learn

Skills you will gain

About this Specialization

Applied Learning Project