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There are 9 modules in this course
Machine learning models rarely perform well without careful design, evaluation, and optimization. In this course, you'll learn how to build machine learning models and systematically improve their performance using proven engineering practices.
You’ll start by learning how to map business problems to appropriate machine learning tasks and train multiple model types using common ML libraries. You’ll explore how different algorithms behave under varying data conditions and learn how to justify model choices based on performance and bias-variance trade-offs.
Next, you’ll optimize models through systematic hyperparameter tuning and evaluate the computational cost of different algorithms to choose efficient solutions. You’ll also learn validation techniques such as cross-validation and stratified sampling to estimate model performance reliably.
The course concludes by showing how to automate machine learning workflows. You’ll build end-to-end pipelines that streamline feature engineering, model training, and optimization so experiments can be reproduced and improved efficiently.
By the end of this course, you’ll understand how to design, optimize, and validate machine learning models that are ready for integration into larger ML systems.
You will analyze business requirements and translate them into appropriate machine learning task types, ensuring correct problem framing before modeling begins.
What's included
3 videos2 readings1 assignment
Show info about module content
3 videos•Total 12 minutes
Welcome and Introduction•3 minutes
How to Read a Product Spec Through an ML Lens•4 minutes
ML Task Families Explained Simply•4 minutes
2 readings•Total 12 minutes
From Business Problem to ML Task: A Framing Guide•6 minutes
Why Machine Learning Projects Fail — and How to Make Sure They Don’t•6 minutes
1 assignment•Total 20 minutes
Hands-On Activity: Frame the ML Task for a Factory Productivity Monitoring Feature•20 minutes
ML: Build, Train, Justify Models: Train Multiple Models Using ML APIs on Tabular Data
Module 2•1 hour to complete
Module details
You will use ML APIs to train and compare multiple algorithms on structured datasets using reproducible workflows.
What's included
2 videos1 reading2 assignments
Show info about module content
2 videos•Total 14 minutes
Training Models Using Consistent APIs•5 minutes
Demo: Train Logistic Regression, Random Forest, and Linear SVM•10 minutes
1 reading•Total 6 minutes
Data Leakage•6 minutes
2 assignments•Total 27 minutes
Hands-On Activity: Exploring Multiple ML Models for Worker Productivity with a Consistent Workflow •20 minutes
Practice Quiz: Model Training Patterns and Evaluation•7 minutes
ML: Build, Train, Justify Models: Justify Model Selection Using Bias–Variance Trade-Off
Module 3•2 hours to complete
Module details
You will evaluate model behavior across algorithm families and justify selection decisions using bias–variance reasoning and performance evidence.
What's included
2 videos1 reading1 assignment1 ungraded lab
Show info about module content
2 videos•Total 8 minutes
Understanding the Bias–Variance Trade-Off•5 minutes
Demo: Compare Random Forest vs. Gradient Boosting Across Splits•3 minutes
1 reading•Total 7 minutes
Single estimator versus bagging: bias-variance decomposition•7 minutes
Graded Assessment: Validate and Explain ML Models Mastery check•20 minutes
Automate ML Pipelines for Peak Performance: Build, Optimize, and Publish an Automated ML Pipeline
Module 9•2 hours to complete
Module details
You will construct, tune, and package an automated machine learning pipeline that integrates preprocessing, model training, and optimization into a reusable workflow.
What's included
3 videos2 readings2 assignments1 ungraded lab
Show info about module content
3 videos•Total 30 minutes
Why Automation Improves ML Performance•4 minutes
Pipeline Fundamentals: Scaling, Encoding, and Workflow Structure•15 minutes
Automating Model Optimization with GridSearchCV•12 minutes
2 readings•Total 20 minutes
Building a Strong Foundation: Preprocessing, Logistic Regression, and Workflow Setup•10 minutes
Publishing Pipelines as Reusable Modules: A Practical Guide•10 minutes
2 assignments•Total 45 minutes
Hands-On Activity: Build, Tune, and Finalize Your Automated Pipeline•25 minutes
Graded Quiz: Automate ML Pipelines for Peak Performance•20 minutes
1 ungraded lab•Total 45 minutes
Build and Publish a Complete Automated Pipeline Module•45 minutes
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Is Building, Optimizing, and Validating Machine Learning Models suitable for beginners?
This course is designed for learners who already have programming experience and some familiarity with machine learning concepts. It focuses on practical techniques used to improve and validate models in real applications.
What tools will I use in Building, Optimizing, and Validating Machine Learning Models?
You’ll work with common machine learning tools and libraries such as scikit-learn and ML pipeline frameworks used to train, evaluate, and optimize models.
Why is model validation important in machine learning?
Validation techniques help ensure that a model performs reliably on new data. In this course, you’ll learn methods such as cross-validation and feature importance analysis to assess model behavior and avoid overfitting.
When will I have access to the lectures and assignments?
To access the course materials, assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience when you enroll in a course. You can try a Free Trial instead, or apply for Financial Aid. The course may offer 'Full Course, No Certificate' instead. This option lets you see all course materials, submit required assessments, and get a final grade. This also means that you will not be able to purchase a Certificate experience.
What will I get if I subscribe to this Specialization?
When you enroll in the course, you get access to all of the courses in the Specialization, and you earn a certificate when you complete the work. Your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile.
Is financial aid available?
Yes. In select learning programs, you can apply for financial aid or a scholarship if you can’t afford the enrollment fee. If fin aid or scholarship is available for your learning program selection, you’ll find a link to apply on the description page.