Harvard University · on edX

Data Science: Building Machine Learning Models

4.4(131) on edX·725K enrolled
Beginner 24 hours English University CertificateFREE
Our recommendation
Part of HarvardX's well-regarded Data Science series, this course introduces building machine-learning models in R. It is rigorous and statistics-led, teaching the ideas behind the models rather than just the code. Best if you are comfortable learning in R.

Good for: Learners who want a statistically grounded introduction to machine learning in R.

Less suitable if: You prefer Python, or you want a fast, applied, code-first course.

Skills you'll gain

Machine learningRModel buildingCross-validationStatistical learningData science

Is this course right for you?

A good fit if you…

You are comfortable learning in R
You want the statistics behind the models
You have some data-science basics

Consider something else if you…

You prefer Python
You want a quick applied tutorial
You are completely new to programming

Requirements: Some R and data-science basics help; part of a wider series.

Realistic time: About 24 hours; a few weeks part-time.

About this course

Data Science: Building Machine Learning Models is part of HarvardX's renowned Professional Certificate in Data Science. Over about eight self-paced weeks you learn the fundamentals of machine learning — popular algorithms, training and test data, cross-validation to avoid overtraining, regularization, and principal component analysis — by building a working movie recommendation system from scratch.

What you'll learn

Understand the basics of machine learning
Apply popular ML algorithms
Use cross-validation to avoid overtraining
Apply regularization techniques
Use principal component analysis
Build a movie recommendation system in R

This course includes

24h
On-demand video
Yes
Certificate
Yes
Mobile access
English
Language

What it costs

Free to audit on edX; a verified certificate is optional and paid. Financial aid options may be available.

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Prices & availability can change — confirm on the provider's site. We're not affiliated with any single provider.

Is the certificate recognised?

The certificate is issued through HarvardX on edX, as part of the Data Science series. It is a recognised name; the projects and understanding you build matter most to employers.

Instructor

RI
Rafael Irizarry
edX instructor

Taught by Rafael Irizarry, Professor of Biostatistics at Harvard University and author of the widely used HarvardX Data Science series and its companion textbook.

About this provider

ED
edX
Non-profit online learning platform founded by Harvard and MIT. 45M+ learners worldwide.
Visit edX

Frequently asked questions

Yes. It is one course in HarvardX's Data Science series, which builds up statistics, R and machine learning across several courses.
R. The whole HarvardX Data Science series is taught in R.
Yes, you can audit it free on edX. The verified certificate is optional and paid.
Some R and data-science basics help, since it sits within a wider series.
Yes if you want the statistical thinking behind machine learning and are happy in R.
Free
to audit
Enroll now