Introduction to Machine Learning

Recent years have witnessed an unprecedented increase in the availability of information on social, economic and health-related phenomena. Today researchers, professionals and policy makers have access to enormous databases, containing detailed information on individuals, companies and institutions and use of mobile devices. Machine Learning, a relatively new approach to data analytics, which lies at the intersection between statistics, computer science and artificial intelligence, has involved rapidly over recent years in response to our need to analysis these so-called Big Data sets. In contrast to the more tradition approach of data analysis, which focuses on prior assumptions relating to data structure and the derivation of analytical solutions, Machine Learning techniques rely instead on a model-free philosophy development of algorithms, computational procedures, and graphical inspection of the data in order to more accurately predict outcomes. The underlying approach taken is then to “let the data speak for itself”. Computationally infeasible until very recently, Machine Learning is itself a product of the latest advancements in both Information Technology and computing power.

COURSE STRUCTURE
The online format of our introductory Machine Learning course has been divided into two distinct modules, allowing researchers already familiar with the arguments discussed in the first module to choose to participant only in the second module.

The first module offers participants an overview of Python and Stata’s Machine Learning capabilities for data management, data quality analysis; exploratory data analysis, feature engineering and Principal Component Analysis. The second module instead focuses of the following popular Machine Learning methodologies: Supervised Learning, data management for Supervised Learning, Predictive Models, Logistic Regression, Stepwise Regression, Decision Trees, Neural Networks and Hyperparameter Optimization and Model Validation.

In common with TStat’s training philosophy, each individual session is composed of both a theoretical component (in which the techniques and underlying principles behind them are explained), and an extensive applied (hands-on) segment, during which participants have the opportunity to implement the techniques using real data under the watchful eye of the course tutor. Throughout the course, theoretical sessions are reinforced by case study examples, in which the course tutor discusses and highlights potential pitfalls and the advantages of individual techniques. The intuition behind the choice and implementation of a specific technique is of the utmost importance. In this manner, the course leader is able to bridge the “often difficult” gap between abstract theoretical methodologies, and the practical issues one encounters when dealing with real data.

COURSE OUTCOMES

At the end of the course, it is expected that participants:

• have an understanding of the fundamental concepts and principles of Machine Learning;
• are able to use Stata, R, and Python for data exploration, visualization, and preprocessing data in a Machine Learning context;
• can independently implement the popular Machine Learning algorithms using Stata, R, and Python;
• have attained an understanding of “real world” data issues through this hands-on experience; and
• are able to implement solutions (with the help of the Stata and Python routine templates specifically developed for the course) to real world issues using Machine Learning techniques.

TARGET AUDIENCE
This course has been specifically developed for both professionals, researchers and Ph.D students working in advertising, business and management, biostatistics, economics, marketing, public health and social sciences, interested in applying the latest Machine Learning techniques in Stata and Python to big data.

PREREQUISITE
Participants are required to have a good working knowledge of:

• introduction to statistics;
• descriptive and exploratory data analysis;
• probability;
• random variables;
• probability distributions;
• sampling distributions;
• parametric estimation;
• hypothesis testing;
• simple and Multiple Regression;

PROGRAM

MODULE I | DATA MANAGEMENT FOR MACHINE LEARNING AND UNSUPERVISED LEARNING

• SESSION I: DATA MANAGEMENT FOR MACHINE LEARNING AND FEATURE ENGINEERING
• SESSION II: UNSUPERVISED LEARNING

MODULE II | SUPERVISED LEARNING

• SESSION I: DATA MANAGEMENT FOR MACHINE LEARNING AND FEATURE ENGINEERING
• SESSION II: UNSUPERVISED LEARNING

DATES AND LOCATIONS
The 2023 edition of this training course will be offered online. The course programme consists of 2 Modules – each divided into 2 sessions for a total of 8 hours of lessons per Module.

The first Module will be held on a part-time basis on the 8th-9th of June and the second on the 6th-7th of July both from 10 am to 2:30 pm Central European Summer Time (CEST).

MODULE I: CODE D-EF46-OL (2 online sessions)
Full-Time Students*: € 475.00
Ph.D. Students: € 605.00
Academic: € 700.00
Commercial: € 940.00

MODULE II: CODE D-EF47-OL (2 online sessions)
Full-Time Students*: € 475.00
Ph.D. Students: € 605.00
Academic: € 700.00
Commercial: € 940.00

*To be eligible for student prices, participants must provide proof of their full-time student status for the current academic year. Our standard policy is to provide all full-time students, be they Undergraduates or Masters students, access to student participation rates. Part-time master and doctoral students who are also currently employed will however, be allocated academic status.

Fees are subject to VAT (applied at the current Italian rate of 22%). Under current EU fiscal regulations, VAT will not however applied to companies, Institutions or Universities providing a valid tax registration number.

The number of participants is limited to 8. Places will be allocated on a first come, first serve basis. The course will only be confirmed when at least 5 people have enrolled.

Course fees cover: teaching materials (handouts, Stata do files and datasets to be used during the course) and a temporary licence of Stata valid for 30 days from the beginning of the course.

Individuals interested in attending these courses must return their completed registration forms by email (training@tstat.eu) to TStat by the 29th of May to register for Module I and the 28th of June 2023 to register for Module II.