Intro to Machine Learning - First Day
August 31, 2026
Today
Welcome!
Why study machine learning?
Course info
LLM info
Who am I?
Background in statistics and computer science
Research on machine learning and time series processing
Application in industry and neuroscience
Open-source enthusiast
The reward is
A clear and adequate representation of the world
brings JOY (or empowerment, increase in ability,…)
Course info
Communication
Class website: intro2ml.doffy.net
- slides, notes, data, notebooks
Blackboard
- syllabus, test/exams
Emails
Grading
Weekly tests and assignments 30%
Midterm 30%
Final exam 30%
Attendance 10%
About the weekly tests
Multiple choice questions, theory and practice
10-15 minutes
No surprise!
Lockdown Browser on Blackboard
We’ll practice next week (not graded!)
In the classroom
Bring computers to answer in-class practice exercises!
Class materials up before each lecture
Take notes
PRACTICE. PRACTICE! PRACTICE!!
Be curious, ask questions
Outside of the classroom
Know when there’s a test!
Study in time, ask questions in time
Attendance
Course notes are nothing more than outlines and visual aids
The interesting bit (critical discussions) happens in class
Prerequisites
Simple Proba/Statistics
Linear Algebra
Programming (Python) and Data Science
Fearlessness and curiosity
Kindness
Course policies
Do assignments and class tests alone
LLMs:
- OK, except when it’s not (specified)
- No expected benefits
Office hours
Mon, Wed, Thur, by appointment
Can be short-notice
A typical week
One or two chunks
Short lecture
Simple exercises (in-class and outside too!)
Practice problem(s)
short graded test + Kahoot quiz
