Online Course
Linear Algebra and Feature Selection

Build the fundamental and practical linear algebra skills needed to become a data scientist and work on machine learning models and AI

4.8

863 reviews on
6,857 students already enrolled
  • Institute of Analytics
  • The Association of Data Scientists
  • E-Learning Quality Network
  • European Agency for Higher Education and Accreditation
  • Global Association of Online Trainers and Examiners

Skill level:

Intermediate

Duration:

3 hours
  • Lessons (3 hours)
  • Projects (3 hours)

CPE credits:

5.5
CPE stands for Continuing Professional Education and represents the mandatory credits a wide range of professionals must earn to maintain their licenses and stay current with regulations and best practices. One CPE credit typically equals 50 minutes of learning. For more details, visit NASBA's official website: www.nasbaregistry.org

Accredited

certificate

What you learn

  • Understand the math behind machine learning and AI models.
  • Master key linear algebra concepts for advanced applications.
  • Perform PCA and dimensionality reduction in Python.
  • Operate with eigenvalues and eigenvectors confidently.
  • Apply math knowledge to solve real-world quantitative problems.

Topics & tools

PythonData AnalysisMachine LearningMathematicsPrincipal Component Analysis (PCA)Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA)Dimensionality ReductionArtificial IntelligenceMath & StatisticsData PreprocessingMachine and Deep LearningTheory

Your instructor

Course OVERVIEW

Description

CPE Credits: 5.5 Field of Study: Information Technology
Delivery Method: QAS Self Study
Linear Algebra and Feature Selection is the course that provides you with the knowledge you need to grasp the math processes behind the machine learning algorithms for dimensionality reduction. Mastering the fundamentals of linear algebra will help you develop in-demand practical skills, such as building your own algorithms or choosing the most appropriate existing ones for a specific task you need to solve. The techniques you will learn - feature extraction and feature selection will enable you to handle high-dimensional data efficiently. In addition, you will get familiar with the mathematical concepts behind PCA and LDA, and practice applying these types of analysis using the corresponding Python libraries.

Prerequisites

  • Python (version 3.8 or later), Streamlit library, OpenAI API key, and a code editor or IDE (e.g., VS Code or Jupyter Notebook)
  • Intermediate Python skills are required.
  • Familiarity with basic statistics and linear algebra is helpful but not mandatory.

Curriculum

40 lessons 49 exercises 1 project 1 exam
  • 1. Linear Algebra Essentials
    100 min
    Here, we’ll cover the linear algebra concepts behind the machine learning algorithms for dimensionality reduction. We'll learn about vectors and matrices, linear equations, eigenvalues and eigenvectors, and more.
    100 min
    Here, we’ll cover the linear algebra concepts behind the machine learning algorithms for dimensionality reduction. We'll learn about vectors and matrices, linear equations, eigenvalues and eigenvectors, and more.
    What Does the Course Cover Free
    Why Linear Algebra? Free
    The case of mysterious model failure
    Solving quadratic equations Free
    Why quadratic equations are more than just a formula
    Vectors Free
    Vector addition: Geometric view
    Matrices Free
    Matrix transformation: Geometric view
    Vectors and matrices: What are they in AI and ML
    Exercise
    The Transpose of Vectors and Matrices, the Identity Matrix Free
    Why the Identity matrix matters in AI
    Linear Independence and Linear Span of Vectors Free
    Smart features, smarter models: How linear independence fuels AI
    Basis of a Vector Space, Determinant of a Matrix, Inverse of a Matrix Free
    Basis, Determinant, and inverse — the backbone of machine learning math
    Exercise
    Solving Equations of the Form A*x=b Free
    The Gauss Method Free
    Exercise
    Other Solutions to the Equation A*x=b Free
    Determining Linear Independence of a Random Set of Vectors
    Exercise
    Eigenvalues and Eigenvectors
    Calculating Eigenvalues
    Calculating Eigenvectors
    Exercise
    Exercise
  • 2. Dimensionality Reduction Motivation
    7 min
    This section explains the intricacies of the dimensionality reduction process and clarifies why this technique is essential when working with large datasets.
    7 min
    This section explains the intricacies of the dimensionality reduction process and clarifies why this technique is essential when working with large datasets.
    Feature Selection, Feature Extraction, and Dimensionality Reduction
    The Curse of Dimensionality
    Exercise
    Exercise
  • 3. Principal Component Analysis (PCA)
    31 min
    In this part of the course, we explore the Principal Component Analysis (PCA) - one of the most widely used algorithms for dimensionality reduction. We'll demonstrate a practical example combining both feature extraction and feature selection techniques to achieve the desired goal - reducing the number of dimensions in our dataset.
    31 min
    In this part of the course, we explore the Principal Component Analysis (PCA) - one of the most widely used algorithms for dimensionality reduction. We'll demonstrate a practical example combining both feature extraction and feature selection techniques to achieve the desired goal - reducing the number of dimensions in our dataset.
    Principal Component Analysis – Overview
    A Step-by-Step Explanation of PCA on California Estates – Example
    Exercise
    Coding exercise
    The Theory Behind PCA
    PCA Covariance Matrix in Jupyter – Analysis and Interpretation
    Exercise
    Coding exercise
    Exercise
  • 4. Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA)
    36 min
    In this section, we'll cover another dimensionality reduction technique called Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA). Here, we'll go through another practical example, showing the methodology behind LDA and its efficiency. We'll also make a comparison between this algorithm and PCA, introducing the advantages of both approaches.
    36 min
    In this section, we'll cover another dimensionality reduction technique called Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA). Here, we'll go through another practical example, showing the methodology behind LDA and its efficiency. We'll also make a comparison between this algorithm and PCA, introducing the advantages of both approaches.
    Overall Mean and Class Means
    Linear Discriminant Analysis – Overview
    LDA: Calculating Within- and Between-Class Scatter Matrices
    A Step-by-Step Еxplanation of LDA on a Wine Quality Dataset – Example
    Exercise
    Coding exercise
    Calculating the Within- and Between-Class Scatter Matrices
    Exercise
    Coding exercise
    Coding exercise
    Calculating Eigenvectors and Eigenvalues for the LDA
    Coding exercise
    Analysis of LDA
    Coding exercise
  • 5. LDA vs PCA
    24 min
    24 min
    LDA vs. PCA
    Exercise
    Setting Up the Classifier to Compare LDA and PCA
    Coding the Classifier for LDA and PCA
    Analysis of the Training and Testing Times for the Classifier and Its Accuracy
    Exercise
    Exercise
  • 6. Course project and exam
    245 min
    245 min
    Music Genre Classification Project with PCA and Logistic Regression
    Course exam

Free lessons

What Does the Course Cover

1.1 What Does the Course Cover

4 min

Why Linear Algebra?

1.2 Why Linear Algebra?

3 min

Solving quadratic equations

1.4 Solving quadratic equations

4 min

Vectors

1.6 Vectors

5 min

Matrices

1.8 Matrices

4 min

The Transpose of Vectors and Matrices, the Identity Matrix

1.12 The Transpose of Vectors and Matrices, the Identity Matrix

4 min

Start for free

9 in 10

people walk away career-ready

with practical data and AI skills.

96%

of our students recommend

365 Data Science.

94%

of AI and data science graduates

successfully change

or advance their careers.

ACCREDITED certificates

Craft a resume and LinkedIn profile you’re proud of—featuring certificates recognized by leading global institutions.

Earn CPE-accredited credentials that showcase your dedication, growth, and essential skills—the qualities employers value most.

  • Institute of Analytics
  • The Association of Data Scientists
  • E-Learning Quality Network
  • European Agency for Higher Education and Accreditation
  • Global Association of Online Trainers and Examiners

Certificates are included with the Self-study learning plan.

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How it WORKS

  • Lessons
  • Exercises
  • Projects
  • Practice exams
  • AI mock interviews

Lessons

Learn through short, simple lessons—no prior experience in AI or data science needed.

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Exercises

Reinforce your learning with mini recaps, hands-on coding, flashcards, fill-in-the-blank activities, and other engaging exercises.

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Projects

Tackle real-world AI and data science projects—just like those faced by industry professionals every day.

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Practice exams

Track your progress and solidify your knowledge with regular practice exams.

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AI mock interviews

Prep for interviews with real-world tasks, popular questions, and real-time feedback.

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