Everything related to technology and computing has many job opportunities today. In this article we are going to focus on what is known as Machine Learning. We are going to explain what it is, why it is important and we will talk about some interesting courses that you can take. The objective is that you acquire the appropriate knowledge to be able to dedicate yourself to it and work in this sector.
What is Machine Learning
Machine Learning, Automatic Learning or Automated Learning is directly related to Artificial Intelligence . It basically consists of developing different techniques to make computer equipment “learn”. A way to automate tasks. This will allow a machine to recognize our voice, for example, and carry out things that we tell it.
It is based on patterns that are perfected with continuous use. For example, when you enter YTube and you see videos that may interest you, it is based on Automatic Learning based on searches that you have previously carried out, channels that you follow according to the theme, etc. This will offer you content that is more tailored to what may interest you.
But we can apply this to many fields of computing . It can even be used for cybersecurity, since they can detect fraud. It can learn the different patterns that users perform and detect any anomalies to identify a potential cyberattack attempt before it happens.
We see all this already very present in our day to day life, but it will be even more so in the coming years. Devices like Alexa, platforms like Net-flix or YTube, are some examples of where we can apply what is known as Machine Learning.
Essential agenda
Whenever you consider studying something, training in a specific profession, you need to see what syllabus is essential . For this reason, we are going to talk about the main thing to study about Machine Learning and thus be able to make the most of the different courses that you will find available.
The syllabus will depend on the level of the course you are going to take. We will see basic, intermediate and advanced level courses. But we can say that a key point is that it teaches how to apply data processing techniques, understand and analyze that data, develop projects and be able to understand the different mechanisms and techniques.
However, it will depend on whether it is a more specific or a more general course. In the latter case, within the agenda you should find a general introduction to Machine Learning, as well as different sections for data processing, treatment and analysis, something that is going to be essential.
Therefore, we can say that this is the general syllabus that should be part of the Automated Learning courses:
- What is Machine Learning
- Analysis of data
- Data processing
- Data treatment
- Carry out Machine Learning projects
Necessary previous studies
Another factor to take into account is what previous studies may be necessary to take Machine Learning courses. This will depend on the level of the courses, since a more generic basic level is not the same as a more advanced one where you have to touch on certain aspects that make it essential to have experience in the subject.
We can say that in general terms the necessary studies are related to programming . It can come in handy to have studied university degrees such as computer engineering, software, hardware, telecommunications and the like. In all of them you will acquire a good base that will come in handy for these courses.
You can also achieve certain knowledge through training cycles , as long as they are related to computing. In them you will learn to program. For example, the Python language is widely used in Machine Learning, so it will be very useful to learn it.
Regardless of the studies you may have, it is important to have knowledge in topics related to computers and technology in general. This will be of great help to you in taking these courses. In addition, the fact of having taken previous level courses may also be necessary if you are going to choose intermediate or advanced level courses.
adequate duration
The duration of a course will depend on different factors . The most important is the type of course. A more general one, where you have to touch on many different topics, is not the same as a more specific one that focuses on something more specific and, therefore, the duration may be shorter.
Courses will be measured in hours. A more general one should last 20-30 hours at least. You will find another more specific one from just 4 hours and it will be more than enough. Therefore, you will mainly have to look at how that course is structured and if it really corresponds to the number of hours or should have more.
However, the actual duration of a course will depend on each student. In other words, a person who is unemployed is not the same as another who works or studies and has to find free time to be able to take classes. Depending on the case, it may take from a few days to several months to complete it.
The good thing about these courses is that they are on demand . In other words, you will be able to watch the videos at any time, no matter where you are. You can find free time to advance material whenever you want.
Job opportunities
We are facing an area with a lot of development, which is currently very present but will be even more so in a few years. Therefore, it is an issue that will allow many job opportunities. It is necessary to have a large number of workers who have the knowledge to program intelligent systems.
A highly demanded job opportunity is that of a Machine Learning engineer. Also others such as data analyst, designer of Machine Learning systems, etc. You will be able to focus on tasks such as carrying out voice recognition projects or knowing how to interpret data systems.
You will be able to work for large organizations, on projects with teams that have a large number of workers. Also for smaller companies or even set up your own business and dedicate yourself to developing projects and selling products to other companies.
Recommended online courses
We are going to show some courses to learn about Machine Learning . You will see that there are different levels. You will find some from the basic level, but also intermediate level or, the most complex, advanced level. Each of these levels will adapt or not depending on what you need or the experience you already have.
Basic level courses
First of all we are going to start by naming some basic level Machine Learning courses. With them you will be able to acquire the essential knowledge on this matter, with a few strokes. They are a starting point to be able to learn a basic and, later, take a higher level course.
Machine Learning with Knima for non-programmers
| Schedule | Price | Guy | Evaluation | Certified Diploma | Practices | Web |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| On demand, any time | €34.99 per month. | 7 and a half hours of video on demand and 11 downloadable resources | No, but it has practical exercises as if it were an exam. | Yes, certificate of completion. | He does not have work practices, but he does to learn. | www.udemy.com |
The first course is based on teaching everything related to artificial intelligence and knowing how to make decisions with graphic tools that you can configure without the need to know how to program. Therefore, it is ideal for those users who do not have previous knowledge in programming. It is designed for data analysts and anyone interested in this topic.
Why we like it
It is interesting, since it is a basic course where you will not have to know how to program. It is very useful for those who want to learn about Machine Learning, but have not studied anything related to programming before and are not looking for something advanced to develop.
What to consider
You must bear in mind that it is something basic, where you are not going to go too deep. If what you are looking for is a general learning, it is a good option.
Introduction to Big Data
| Schedule | Price | Guy | Evaluation | Certified Diploma | Practices | Web |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| On demand, any time | €24.99 per month. | 2 hours of video on demand. | No, but it has practical exercises as if it were an exam. | Yes, certificate of completion. | He does not have work practices, but he does to learn. | www.udemy.com |
Another very useful basic level course that you can take is this Introduction to Big Data. It is a short course where you will learn the concepts and terminology of Big Data that you can apply in Machine Learning. With this course you will learn all the mechanisms and technologies that are used. A good starting point if you want to strengthen your basic knowledge and be able, in the future, to expand it with other more advanced courses.
Why we like it
It is a short course, but very well structured. You will find multiple classes of short duration, but where you can learn about Big Data terminology, data types, types of analysis or data mining. You will be able to achieve a good base that will come in handy in this theme.
What to consider
It is basic level and is only based on something specific such as Big Data. You will not acquire very extensive knowledge of Machine Learning, so you will have to opt for another complementary course if you need to.
Intermediate level courses
We are also going to show some intermediate level courses that you can find online. If you have done some basic level and want to increase your level and go up a step, these that we are going to show can be useful. Of course, in this case you will need to have some experience, since they are somewhat more complex.
Machine Learning with Arduino and Tensorflow 2.0 Keras
| Schedule | Price | Guy | Evaluation | Certified Diploma | Practices | Web |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| On demand, any time | €94.99 per month. | 11 and a half hours of video on demand, 2 articles and 66 downloadable resources. | No, but it has practical exercises as if it were an exam. | Yes, certificate of completion. | He does not have work practices, but he does to learn. | www.udemy.com |
This is a mid-level course where you will learn how to implement a neural network with Arduino from scratch. You will be able to develop different real applications and implement different architectures of a neural network. You can also learn how to generate your own data set. It is a fairly complete course, where you will touch on multiple topics.
Why we like it
He touches on different topics and brings diverse knowledge. It is very useful to implement a neural network with Arduino and you will find very well segmented classes, so it will be a bearable course where you will have an order at all times.
What to consider
It is an intermediate level course, where you will need some previous experience. You must have knowledge in Arduino and also know the essentials of programming with Python.
Google Cloud Big Data and Machine Learning
| Schedule | Price | Guy | Evaluation | Certified Diploma | Practices | Web |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| On demand, any time | €69.99 per month. | 5 and a half hours of video on demand, 12 articles and 5 downloadable resources. | No, but it has practical exercises as if it were an exam. | Yes, certificate of completion. | He does not have work practices, but he does to learn. | www.udemy.com |
With this course you will learn how to use BigQuery and Cloud Datalab to perform data analysis. You can also learn to process data with Google Cloud Platform. It is very well structured, with multiple articles and a practical exam where you will have to test what you have learned.
Why we like it
In this course you will learn to use widely used tools related to Machine Learning. You are going to learn how to use a neural network with TensorFlow.
What to consider
Although not essential, it is advisable to have basic knowledge of virtualization. Other requirements are knowing how to handle everything related to operating systems and Internet resources very well.
Advanced level courses
Finally, we are going to see some interesting advanced level courses that you will be able to take to acquire more knowledge about Machine Learning. If you have done any of the previous levels, they are very useful to expand your knowledge and be able to perfect everything you have previously learned.
Advanced Course in Multivariate Statistics with R and Python
| Schedule | Price | Guy | Evaluation | Certified Diploma | Practices | Web |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| On demand, any time | €99.99 per month. | 16 and a half hours of video on demand, 18 articles. | No, but it has practical exercises as if it were an exam. | Yes, certificate of completion. | He does not have work practices, but he does to learn. | www.udemy.com |
This is an advanced level course where you will learn to perform multivariate techniques and be able to perform data analysis. You will learn practical skills with R and Python to apply to real data. They are two of the most popular programming languages, so it can come in handy if you want to acquire knowledge to dedicate yourself to Machine Learning.
Why we like it
It is based on two of the main programming languages, it is a course that is very well structured and allows you to acquire essential knowledge for Machine Learning and data analysis.
What to consider
You need to have the R and RStudio program and also have some knowledge of statistics. However, extensive knowledge is not required despite being an advanced level course, although any previous experience will come in handy.
Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence
| Schedule | Price | Guy | Evaluation | Certified Diploma | Practices | Web |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| On demand, any time | €29.99 per month. | 9 hours of video on demand. | No, but it has practical exercises as if it were an exam. | Yes, certificate of completion. | He does not have work practices, but he does to learn. | www.udemy.com |
This is another advanced level course where you will acquire knowledge of Automated Learning and Artificial Intelligence. It is especially applied to practical cases. You will learn to develop and apply neural networks. It is very well structured, with different classes where you will learn little by little.
Why we like it
This course touches on important topics in Machine Learning and is very well structured, despite being at an advanced level. If you want to enhance your knowledge
What to consider
You need to have knowledge of calculus, geometry and probability, at least at a basic level. It is also important to know Python, since it will be used extensively in this course.
All in all, these are some interesting courses you can take on Machine Learning. As you have seen, there are different levels. With them you will be able to learn the essential knowledge and train yourself in this subject to be able to apply for a job where they request it.