{"id":26525,"date":"2021-02-22T17:03:47","date_gmt":"2021-02-22T17:03:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/stonebridge-blog.positive-dedicated.net\/?p=26525"},"modified":"2021-02-23T11:51:07","modified_gmt":"2021-02-23T11:51:07","slug":"how-to-learn-mathematics-for-machine-learning","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/blog\/access-to-higher-education-diplomas\/computer-science\/how-to-learn-mathematics-for-machine-learning\/","title":{"rendered":"How to learn Mathematics for Machine Learning?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Machine learning is a deep and complex topic that encompasses statistical, probabilistic, computer science and algorithmic concepts. By understanding machine learning, engineers are able to identify hidden insights within data and build more intelligent software.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But for aspiring machine learning professionals, it can be hard to know where to start. Especially with the level of mathematical understanding required.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You need to know what\u2019s going on under the hood of your systems to ensure you get good results. And for that, you need to be able to select the right algorithm, choose parameter settings and validation strategies. Not to mention calculating confidence interval and uncertainties, among other things.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There are different levels of maths required for each of these techniques. And there are many arguments as to how much math you actually need in the industry. But to be able to study machine learning theory in an academic setting, you\u2019ll need high level math.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Luckily, there are plenty of exceptional resources you can explore to get the knowledge you need. And since each persons learning preference is different, we\u2019ve included a mixture of resources below. All of which can help you effectively learn mathematics for machine learning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"619\" height=\"250\" src=\"https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/How-to-learn-Mathematics-for-Machine-Learning-2.png\" alt=\"Stonebridge - Mathematics for Machine Learning\" class=\"wp-image-26531\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/How-to-learn-Mathematics-for-Machine-Learning-2.png 619w, https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/How-to-learn-Mathematics-for-Machine-Learning-2-300x121.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 619px) 100vw, 619px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Read Books and Papers on Mathematics for Machine Learning<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>To get to grips with the advanced math required for machine learning concepts, you\u2019ll need to find specialised resources. The detailed knowledge you need won\u2019t be covered in your typical math book. So it\u2019s best to locate a number of books and papers that will help cover the areas required. Some are great as a starting point, and others are ideal for the more advanced topics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A few that have been rated highly by machine learning professionals and enthusiasts online are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a href=\"https:\/\/mml-book.github.io\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Mathematics for Machine Learning<\/a><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>A great starting point as the two halves of the book take you from mathematical foundations through to advanced topics. In the first half you\u2019ll cover key linear algebra and calculus concepts. Then the second half narrows the focus to machine learning mathematics where you\u2019ll explore regression, dimensionality reduction and support vector machines. The authors wrote this with the intention of it equipping you with the skills to read more advanced books.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.microsoft.com\/en-us\/research\/publication\/pattern-recognition-machine-learning\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Pattern Recognition and Machine Learning<\/a><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Another great choice for familiarisation with machine learning math-related concepts, that\u2019s also heavily referenced in academia. It assumes no prior knowledge of pattern recognition or machine learning concepts. Plus, it covers recent developments in detail such as probabilistic graphical models and deterministic inference methods.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"619\" height=\"250\" src=\"https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/How-to-learn-Mathematics-for-Machine-Learning-3.png\" alt=\"Stonebridge - Pattern recognition\" class=\"wp-image-26533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/How-to-learn-Mathematics-for-Machine-Learning-3.png 619w, https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/How-to-learn-Mathematics-for-Machine-Learning-3-300x121.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 619px) 100vw, 619px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a href=\"https:\/\/web.stanford.edu\/~hastie\/Papers\/ESLII.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">The Elements of Statistical Learning<\/a><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s estimated that around <a href=\"https:\/\/www.r-bloggers.com\/2016\/05\/the-real-prerequisite-for-machine-learning-isnt-math-its-data-analysis\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\"><strong>80% of your time as a machine learning data scientist<\/strong><\/a> is spent on data preparation. So this book focuses on data and uncertainty while emphasising mathematical methods and their conceptual underpinnings. As opposed to their theoretical properties. After reading, you\u2019ll be more comfortable with topics like estimators and statistical significance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a href=\"https:\/\/bayes.wustl.edu\/etj\/prob\/book.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Probability Theory: The Logic of Science<\/a><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>In your machine learning career you need to build probabilistic models. This requires you to be confident with probability theory concepts such as conditional probability and different probability distributions. This book focuses on probability theory and its conventional mathematics. However, it is viewed in a wider context than that of standard textbooks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a href=\"https:\/\/arxiv.org\/abs\/1802.01528\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">The Matrix Calculus You Need for Deep Learning<\/a><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>This paper aims to explain the entire matrix calculus required to understand the training of deep neural networks. Which is important since in deep learning you must be knowledgeable of many fundamental matrix operations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.packtpub.com\/product\/hands-on-mathematics-for-deep-learning\/9781838647292\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Hands-on Mathematics for Deep Learning<\/a><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>This book is favoured for its progressively advanced take on deep learning. In it you will explore the mathematics of multilayer perceptrons, convolutional neural networks (CNN), and recurrent neural networks (RNN). It also introduces you to other essential concepts like regularisation (L1 and L2 norm) and dropout layers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"619\" height=\"250\" src=\"https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/How-to-learn-Mathematics-for-Machine-Learning-4.png\" alt=\"Stonebridge - Machine Learning Mathematics\" class=\"wp-image-26535\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/How-to-learn-Mathematics-for-Machine-Learning-4.png 619w, https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/How-to-learn-Mathematics-for-Machine-Learning-4-300x121.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 619px) 100vw, 619px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Take a course dedicated to gaining math skills<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Specialised books and papers do an excellent job of providing you with extensive detailed knowledge of machine learning math. But if you want to make your introduction to learning a little easier, there are some excellent online courses available.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A particular favourite of those researching machine learning math are those from the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.khanacademy.org\/math\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\"><strong>Khan Academy<\/strong><\/a>. Where a comprehensive collection of free online videos are provided to explain numerous math topics. The courses are not aimed at machine learning, but many of the topics discussed are highly relevant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Their&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.khanacademy.org\/math\/linear-algebra\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\"><strong>linear algebra<\/strong><\/a>&nbsp;course, for example, teaches you essential knowledge about coordinate systems, linear transformations, matrix transformations and vector spaces. The examples of 2D and 3D graphic systems are easily visualised compared to the multidimensional spaces of machine learning problems. Plus, there are topics covered that are important in machine learning like square calculations and eigenvectors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As the prerequisite for machine learning in industry is data analysis, there are also courses to help you with statistics. These short courses in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/course\/descriptive-statistics\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\"><strong>Descriptive Statistics<\/strong><\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/course\/inferential-statistics\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\"><strong>Inferential Statistics<\/strong><\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/course\/data-science\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow\"><strong>Data <\/strong><\/a><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/course\/data-science\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">S<\/a><\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/course\/data-science\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow\"><strong>cience<\/strong><\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/course\/mastering-data-analysis\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\"><strong>Mastering Data Analysis<\/strong><\/a> would all be helpful. As they cover some of the key concepts required for data science and machine learning like random variables and distributions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You could also find online courses dedicated to calculus. The Khan Academy provides ones on precalculus, differential calculus and integral calculus. Plus, a&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.khanacademy.org\/math\/multivariable-calculus\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\"><strong>multivariable calculus course<\/strong><\/a>&nbsp;which covers topics like gradient descent and partial derivatives, which are central to deep learning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>These courses and many more available online will help you get comfortable with these mathematical concepts. Allowing you to find your feet before diving into the more intense and focused resources on mathematics for machine learning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"619\" height=\"250\" src=\"https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/How-to-learn-Mathematics-for-Machine-Learning-5.png\" alt=\"Stonebridge - Online courses in data and statistics\" class=\"wp-image-26537\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/How-to-learn-Mathematics-for-Machine-Learning-5.png 619w, https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/How-to-learn-Mathematics-for-Machine-Learning-5-300x121.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 619px) 100vw, 619px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Getting Started<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The best way to become good at math is to practice using it regularly. Once you\u2019re ready to take the next step in your machine learning journey, we can help. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\"><strong>Stonebridge Associated Colleges<\/strong><\/a> provides an online <a href=\"https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/course\/access-to-higher-education-diploma-computer-science-and-maths\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\"><strong>Access to Higher Education Diploma (Computer Science and Maths)<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As machine learning is a specialised field in computer science, this course teaches you essential knowledge of machine learning principles. &nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It will also help you develop your skills in mathematics. Allowing you to explore advanced topics like calculus, algebraic methods and trigonometry. Which underpin many computing and programming concepts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Modules such as statistics will also be highly valuable to you, better preparing you for your degree.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Access to HE Diplomas are a Level 3 qualification. So are an excellent alternative to A Level study. You can gain the subject specific knowledge you need to study computer science and machine learning at university.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re ready, take the next step to become a machine learning professional by clicking the link below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/course\/access-to-higher-education-diploma-computer-science-and-maths\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"541\" height=\"218\" src=\"https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Study-Computer-Science-to-become-a-Machine-Learning-Engineer-CTA.png\" alt=\"Stonebridge - Become a Machine Learning Professional\" class=\"wp-image-26539\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Study-Computer-Science-to-become-a-Machine-Learning-Engineer-CTA.png 541w, https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Study-Computer-Science-to-become-a-Machine-Learning-Engineer-CTA-300x121.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 541px) 100vw, 541px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Machine learning is a deep and complex topic that encompasses statistical, probabilistic, computer science and algorithmic concepts. By understanding machine learning, engineers are able to identify hidden insights within data and build more intelligent software. But for aspiring machine learning professionals, it can be hard to know where to start. Especially with the level of [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":33,"featured_media":26529,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1019,1115],"tags":[1197,1195],"class_list":["post-26525","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-computer-science","category-machine-learning","tag-advanced-mathemeatics","tag-machine-learning-maths"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/26525","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/33"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=26525"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/26525\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":26545,"href":"https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/26525\/revisions\/26545"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/26529"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=26525"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=26525"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.stonebridge.uk.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=26525"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}