Course goals
In the first course module, we aim to ensure that all students master the basic mathematical tools (statistical framework, optimization, concentration) that constitute the foundations of the theory of Machine Learning.
The second course module applies the tools introduced in the first module to recent solutions for supervised and unsupervised learning problems (SVM, Kernel methods, Deep learning, as well as clustering and cluster validation).
The third course module contains an exhaustive introduction of theoretical and practical aspects of reinforcement learning (MDP, dynamic programming, Q-learning, policy-gradient, learning with function approximation, and recent Deep RL algorithms).
Course module #1: Mathematical Foundations of ML
Prerequisites: Anyone admitted to WASP-AI should be able to attend this module. Basic background in probability and optimization is required.
Course module #2: Supervised and Unsupervised Learning
Prerequisites: The same prerequisites as for the first module hold. In addition, basic notions and results in linear algebra would be helpful. The second module builds upon the first.
Course module #3: Reinforcement Learning
Prerequisites: The same prerequisites as for the first two modules hold. In addition, basic understanding of computational complexity, convergence of sequences, variance and bias of Monte Carlo estimators, and Markov chains would be helpful. The third module is complementary to modules one and two and their content is assumed to be known and understood.
Examination
To pass the course all modules have to be completed.