Machine Learning (ML)

Level 1 of 3

Beginner Level

Prerequisites

Python Beginner level or equivalent (variables, loops, functions, lists and dictionaries) and comfort with basic school mathematics such as averages and percentages.

Duration

4 weeks · 52 guided hours · 5 modules. Taught live by an instructor — online or in person.

By the end of this level you can

  • Explain what machine learning is, where it helps and where it does not
  • Prepare a tabular data set for modelling without leaking test information
  • Train regression and classification models with scikit-learn
  • Evaluate models with appropriate metrics and recognise overfitting
  • Present a small, responsible ML project to a non-technical audience

Modules

  1. 1Module 1 · 10 h · 3 lessons · free taster lessonMachine Learning Foundations
  2. 2Module 2 · 11 h · 3 lessons · free taster lessonPreparing Data for Machine Learning
  3. 3Module 3 · 10 h · 3 lessons · free taster lessonFirst Models: Regression and Classification
  4. 4Module 4 · 11 h · 3 lessons · free taster lessonEvaluating Machine Learning Models
  5. 5Module 5 · 10 h · 3 lessons · free taster lessonResponsible ML and a First Project
  6. Free course quizQuick Quiz — Machine Learning Basics

Beginner level project

Predicting School Dropout Risk (training data)

A complete small project on a provided, anonymised training data set: explore it, build and compare two classification models that flag students at risk of dropping out, and explain the results and their limits to a head teacher.

Deliverables

  • A notebook with data exploration, preparation, two models and their evaluation
  • A confusion matrix and precision and recall for each model, with a recommendation
  • A one-page plain-language summary including the model's limits and risks

Assessed on

  • The test set is kept separate and used only for the final evaluation
  • Metrics are chosen and interpreted in terms of the real decision (missing an at-risk student)
  • The model beats a simple baseline and the notebook runs top to bottom without errors
  • Limits, possible bias and the need for human judgement are stated honestly

All levels are taught live by an instructor — online or in person — see registration options.