Machine Learning Prerequisites

Machine learning (ML) is one of today’s most exciting tech fields. A subset of artificial intelligence, machine learning can be a core segment of your education if you plan to be a Data Scientist or Data Engineer. You might worry that machine learning will be too hard to learn. This guide will help you understand the best methods for learning machine learning and what you should study first to make the learning process easier. This way, you’ll be successful however you choose to apply your new skills. 

What is Machine Learning?

Machine learning (ML) is one of the best-known subcategories of artificial intelligence (AI). This complex and multidisciplinary field can require training in programming languages like Python, databases like MySQL, and natural language processing (NLP). Common careers that require machine learning skills include Machine Learning Engineers, Data Scientists, and Business Intelligence (BI) Analysts.

Machine learning is often associated with Python programming and data science. Supervised, unsupervised, and reinforcement learning are the top three models of ML algorithms. Popular uses of ML in daily activities include voice recognition tools like Siri, recommendation lists from Amazon or Netflix, and user engagement icons on platforms like Instagram and TikTok. 

Read more about what machine learning is and why you should learn it. 

What Can You Do with Machine Learning?

Machine learning algorithms dominate today’s internet. Websites gather information based on everything you do online, from your search patterns to previous purchases, social media posts, and whether or not you abandon a product in a cart. As ML algorithms continue to influence our personal and professional lives, more and more businesses use them to streamline processes and determine customer and client journeys. The following are a few of the most popular machine learning applications.

• Social media - Meta Platforms (formerly Facebook) was one of the first well-known companies to use ML to measure user activities. Examples of how they analyze statistical activity include their user engagement, chatbots, and content filtering features. Other top social media platforms using ML extensively include Twitter, Pinterest, and TikTok.

• Product Recommendations - If you’ve ever bought a product from Amazon or subscribed to a streaming service, you’ve probably seen the You May Like feature. Companies ranging from Apple to Netflix use machine learning algorithms to customize your experience.

• Natural Language Processing (NLP) involves text analytics and functions combined with machine learning. Analyzing text includes basic steps like identifying the language and more complex steps like syntax parsing and sentiment analysis. ML is essential to text analytics and NLP solutions.

Is Machine Learning Easy to Learn?

Artificial intelligence, particularly machine learning, is no easy subject. ML combines elements of computer science, math, and coding. While you might want to study it independently, many students quickly realize they need formal training to enter this multidisciplinary field. Most people consider guided learning easier than self-teaching.

Fortunately, you can easily find training in-person or online, whether you’re a novice or have some data science experience. Noble Desktop offers an intensive Python Machine Learning Bootcamp, which includes training in essential ML topics like regression analysis and decision trees. Participants should have Python for data science experience before enrolling.

Are you completely new to the study of machine learning? Noble’s Python Data Science & Machine Learning Bootcamp gives you Python programming fundamentals in combination with their ML training. You’ll work with NumPy, Pandas, and Matplotlib in this immersive program that prepares graduates for entry-level data science or Python engineering roles.

What to Know Before Learning Machine Learning

Before you take on a complex subject like machine learning, it can help you to have basic computer skills, a solid mathematics foundation, and the desire to learn in depth. You can get a comprehensive ML education through a bootcamp or certificate program, but consider the following areas as potential prerequisites.

Probability & Statistics

Machine learning professionals typically come from data science or mathematics backgrounds. You might also have strong language skills, such as natural language processing (NLP). But if you did well in school in classes like statistics, calculus, or algebra, you might find ML a natural fit for you. 

Computer Programming Fundamentals

While not strictly a prerequisite for learning about ML, technical proficiency in a programming language like Python can be helpful before you dive into the study of machine learning. Many students coming to machine learning already have experience with Python libraries and frameworks like Matplotlib and Django, which provides an advantage.

You can get training in Python fundamentals alongside your ML education through an in-depth program like Noble Desktop’s Python Data Science & Machine Learning Bootcamp. If you’re familiar with Python, consider their Python Machine Learning Bootcamp. Students can save by taking the course as part of Noble’s Data Science Certificate program.

Communication Skills

Much of ML’s popularity in the business community comes from its use in improving communication. Email, worker preferences, and even sales all fall into this category. Machine learning algorithms can save companies valuable time by filtering out spam emails. Data gathered from video and voice conferencing can improve decision-making processes in the C-suite. And companies can also use ML algorithms to maximize worker productivity.

Of course, it helps if you come to the field with strong communication skills. Data analysis is only as good as the quality of the data itself, and your ability to communicate effectively in the workplace is as important as your technical skillset.

Learn Machine Learning with Hands-on Training at Noble Desktop

Noble Desktop offers a variety of bootcamps and certificates that feature machine learning, both in-person and live online via teleconferencing. Some include Python as a focus, others include machine learning as part of a broader data science curriculum, and others cover ML in a FinTech curriculum. All bootcamps and certificate programs feature small class sizes to maximize personal attention from expert instructors.

• Data Science Certificate - Noble’s Data Science Certificate program teaches participants data science fundamentals before advancing through machine learning, Python for automation, and Structured Query Language (SQL). This immersive certificate is open to beginners; you can retake it for up to one year at no additional charge.

• Python Machine Learning Bootcamp - Programmers already comfortable with Python and its data science libraries can get their machine learning training as part of the Python Machine Learning Bootcamp. Attendees can save by taking this shorter course as part of the Data Science Certificate program.

• Python Data Science & Machine Learning Bootcamp - This comprehensive bootcamp combines the same ML and Python training modules as the Data Science Certificate but does not include the Structured Query Language (SQL) bootcamp. It’s open to beginners and designed to prepare students for entry-level Python engineering or data science positions. 

For more information on Noble Desktop’s data science classes, including machine learning, check out all their full-time and part-time data science programs.

Key Insights

• Machine learning (ML) is a subset of artificial intelligence (AI).
• ML training can include:
• Programming languages like Python
• Databases like MySQL
• Natural language processing (NLP)
• Regression analysis
• Decision trees
• Top uses of ML include:

• Voice recognition assistants (Siri, Alexa)
• Recommendation lists (Amazon, Netflix)
• User engagement icons (“Like,” “Unfollow”)

• Prerequisites for machine learning training can include:
• Probability and statistics
• Computer programming fundamentals
• Communication skills
• You can get comprehensive machine learning training through an in-person or live online course with Noble Desktop.