Foundations and Core Concepts of PyTorch
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Foundations and Core Concepts of PyTorch
This course is part of PyTorch Ultimate 2024 - From Basics to Cutting-Edge Specialization
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What you'll learn
Set up and configure a PyTorch environment.
Understand fundamental AI and machine learning concepts.
Build, train, and evaluate neural networks from scratch, utilizing various optimization techniques
Apply PyTorch to real-world deep learning tasks.
Skills you'll gain
Tools you'll learn
Details to know
5 assignments
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There are 7 modules in this course
Updated in May 2025.
This course now features Coursera Coach! A smarter way to learn with interactive, real-time conversations that help you test your knowledge, challenge assumptions, and deepen your understanding as you progress through the course. In this comprehensive course, you'll embark on a journey through the foundational elements and core concepts of PyTorch, one of the most popular deep learning frameworks. Starting with a detailed overview and system setup, you'll be guided through installing and configuring your environment to ensure a smooth learning experience. The course then transitions into the basics of machine learning and artificial intelligence, laying the groundwork for more advanced topics. As you delve deeper, you'll explore the intricacies of deep learning, including model performance, activation and loss functions, and optimization techniques. Each module builds on the last, gradually increasing in complexity. You'll learn to construct neural networks from scratch, understanding every component from data preparation to the backpropagation process. This hands-on approach ensures you not only grasp theoretical concepts but also gain practical skills in building and training your models. The course culminates in a detailed look at PyTorch-specific modeling. You will work on real-world exercises, such as implementing linear regression and hyperparameter tuning, using PyTorchβs powerful features. By the end, you'll be well-equipped to tackle complex deep learning problems, confident in your ability to utilize PyTorch effectively for your AI and machine learning projects. This course is ideal for tech professionals, data scientists, and AI enthusiasts looking to master PyTorch for deep learning. Prerequisites include prior experience in Python and a basic understanding of machine learning concepts.
In this module, we will introduce you to the course structure, covering the main topics and learning objectives. You'll learn how to set up your system, including installing necessary software and creating a conda environment. We'll also guide you on accessing course materials and provide tips for navigating the course efficiently.
What's included
6 videos2 readings
6 videosβ’Total 23 minutes
- Introduction to the Specializationβ’5 minutes
- PyTorch Introductionβ’3 minutes
- System Setupβ’4 minutes
- How to Get the Course Materialβ’2 minutes
- Setting Up the conda Environmentβ’6 minutes
- How to Work with the Courseβ’3 minutes
2 readingsβ’Total 20 minutes
- Introduction to the Course 'Foundations and Core Concepts of PyTorch'β’10 minutes
- Full Specialization Resourcesβ’10 minutes
In this module, we will delve into the basics of machine learning. You will start with an introduction to artificial intelligence and its core concepts. The module will then explore the essentials of machine learning and provide an overview of different machine learning models, laying the groundwork for more advanced topics.
What's included
3 videos
3 videosβ’Total 18 minutes
- Artificial Intelligence (101)β’5 minutes
- Machine Learning (101)β’7 minutes
- Machine Learning Models (101)β’6 minutes
In this module, we will explore the foundational concepts of deep learning. You will gain insights into deep learning models, their performance evaluation, and the evolution from perceptrons to neural networks. The module also covers various types of neural network layers, activation functions, loss functions, and optimization techniques, providing a robust understanding of deep learning frameworks.
What's included
9 videos1 assignment
9 videosβ’Total 35 minutes
- Deep Learning General Overviewβ’4 minutes
- Deep Learning Modeling 101β’4 minutes
- Performanceβ’3 minutes
- From Perceptron to Neural Networkβ’4 minutes
- Layer Typesβ’4 minutes
- Activation Functionsβ’4 minutes
- Loss Functionsβ’4 minutes
- Optimizersβ’6 minutes
- Deep Learning Frameworkβ’2 minutes
1 assignmentβ’Total 15 minutes
- Assessment 1β’15 minutes
In this module, we will focus on evaluating machine learning models. You will learn about underfitting and overfitting, and how to mitigate these issues. The module will also cover the train-test split method and its importance in model evaluation, along with various resampling techniques to manage imbalanced datasets effectively.
What's included
3 videos
3 videosβ’Total 19 minutes
- Underfitting Overfitting (101)β’11 minutes
- Train Test Split (101)β’3 minutes
- Resampling Techniques (101)β’5 minutes
In this module, we will guide you through the process of constructing a neural network from scratch. You will start with data preparation and model initialization and proceed to implement essential functions such as forward and backward propagation. The module also covers training and evaluation techniques to help you build and assess your neural network model effectively.
What's included
12 videos1 assignment
12 videosβ’Total 48 minutes
- Section Overviewβ’1 minute
- Neural Network from Scratch (101)β’12 minutes
- Calculating the dot-product (Coding)β’3 minutes
- Neural Network from Scratch (Data Prep)β’4 minutes
- Neural Network from Scratch Modeling __init__ Functionβ’3 minutes
- Neural Network from Scratch Modeling Helper Functionsβ’2 minutes
- Neural Network from Scratch Modeling Forward Functionβ’1 minute
- Neural Network from Scratch Modeling Backward Functionβ’4 minutes
- Neural Network from Scratch Modeling Optimizer Functionβ’1 minute
- Neural Network from Scratch Modeling Train Functionβ’6 minutes
- Neural Network from Scratch Model Trainingβ’2 minutes
- Neural Network from Scratch Model Evaluationβ’8 minutes
1 assignmentβ’Total 15 minutes
- Assessment 2β’15 minutes
In this module, we will explore the concept of tensors and their significance in PyTorch. You will learn about the relationship between tensors and computational graphs and gain hands-on experience with tensor operations through coding exercises. This module aims to equip you with the skills to apply tensors in real-world machine learning scenarios.
What's included
3 videos
3 videosβ’Total 23 minutes
- Section Overviewβ’1 minute
- From Tensors to Computational Graphs (101)β’8 minutes
- Tensor (Coding)β’13 minutes
In this module, we will introduce you to PyTorch modeling. You will learn to build and train models from scratch, including linear regression. The module covers batch processing, datasets, and dataloaders to manage data effectively. You will also explore techniques for saving, loading, and optimizing models, including hyperparameter tuning, to enhance your machine learning workflow.
What's included
15 videos1 reading3 assignments
15 videosβ’Total 94 minutes
- Section Overviewβ’3 minutes
- Linear Regression from Scratch (Coding, Model Training)β’10 minutes
- Linear Regression from Scratch (Coding, Model Evaluation)β’7 minutes
- Model Class (Coding)β’14 minutes
- Exercise: Learning Rate and Number of Epochsβ’1 minute
- Solution: Learning Rate and Number of Epochsβ’5 minutes
- Batches (101)β’3 minutes
- Batches (Coding)β’5 minutes
- Datasets and Dataloaders (101)β’4 minutes
- Datasets and Dataloaders (Coding)β’11 minutes
- Saving and Loading Models (101)β’3 minutes
- Saving and Loading Models (Coding)β’4 minutes
- Model Training (101)β’7 minutes
- Hyperparameter Tuning (101)β’9 minutes
- Hyperparameter Tuning (Coding)β’8 minutes
1 readingβ’Total 10 minutes
- Conclusion to the Course 'Foundations and Core Concepts of PyTorch'β’10 minutes
3 assignmentsβ’Total 90 minutes
- Assessment 3β’15 minutes
- Full Course Assessmentβ’60 minutes
- Full Course Practice Assessmentβ’15 minutes
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Reviewed on Oct 13, 2025
Very well designed. I like the dialogue concept very much. In every attempt, new questions are also beneficial.
Reviewed on Aug 22, 2025
Excellent hands on course. Just enough theory to get good understanding. The instructor was great.
Reviewed on Nov 3, 2024
Love the approach and explanation. This is a really high quality course!
Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can preview the first video and view the syllabus before you enroll. You must purchase the course to access content not included in the preview.
If you decide to enroll in the course before the session start date, you will have access to all of the lecture videos and readings for the course. Youβll be able to submit assignments once the session starts.
Once you enroll and your session begins, you will have access to all videos and other resources, including reading items and the course discussion forum. Youβll be able to view and submit practice assessments, and complete required graded assignments to earn a grade and a Course Certificate.
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