Foundations of Model Optimization and Deep Learning
Foundations of Model Optimization and Deep Learning
This course is part of AI Engineer Professional Specialization
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What you'll learn
Learn how to apply hyperparameter tuning and optimization techniques to enhance machine learning models.
Gain hands-on experience with Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) for image classification.
Understand regularization methods and data augmentation techniques to improve model performance.
Build and optimize deep learning models using Keras, TensorFlow, and PyTorch.
Skills you'll gain
Details to know
February 2026
4 assignments
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There are 3 modules in this course
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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. This course will equip you with the foundational skills and knowledge to optimize machine learning models and implement deep learning techniques like Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs). Youβll begin by learning about the critical role of hyperparameter tuning and optimization techniques for improving model performance. The course covers a wide range of optimization strategies including grid search, random search, and advanced Bayesian optimization. You will also explore the practical application of regularization techniques like L1, L2, and dropout, as well as cross-validation strategies for robust model evaluation. The course delves into deep learning with a focus on CNNs, which are powerful tools for image processing and computer vision. You will learn the mechanics of CNN layers, such as convolutional and pooling layers, and how to reduce dimensionality while maintaining critical features. The course then transitions into hands-on experience, where you will build CNN architectures using popular frameworks like Keras, TensorFlow, and PyTorch. You'll also gain insights into advanced techniques like data augmentation and regularization to improve model generalization. As you progress, you'll apply these concepts to real-world projects. The course culminates in a practical project where you will use your deep learning skills to classify images using the Fashion MNIST or CIFAR-10 datasets. By working on this project, you will strengthen your understanding of how CNNs work in a practical setting, improving both your theoretical and practical machine learning abilities. This course is designed for learners who want to dive into machine learning optimization and deep learning, especially those interested in pursuing careers in AI and data science. A basic understanding of Python and machine learning fundamentals will help you get the most out of the course, which is suitable for intermediate learners eager to build real-world AI applications. By the end of the course, you will be able to optimize machine learning models using various tuning techniques, implement Convolutional Neural Networks for image processing, and use regularization and data augmentation to improve model accuracy and generalization.
In this module, we will introduce you to the course and provide an overview of what you will learn throughout the program. You will get to know the instructor and the key skills you will acquire as you progress toward becoming an AI Engineer. This section sets the stage for your learning journey.
What's included
1 video2 readings
1 videoβ’Total 7 minutes
- Introduction to the Specializationβ’7 minutes
2 readingsβ’Total 20 minutes
- Introduction to the Course 'Foundations of Model Optimization and Deep Learning'β’10 minutes
- Full Specialization Resourcesβ’10 minutes
In this module, we will dive into the science and art of model tuning and optimization. You'll learn essential hyperparameter tuning techniques, from basic to advanced, and explore tools like GridSearchCV for automation. The module wraps up with a hands-on project to solidify your understanding by building and optimizing a real-world model.
What's included
7 videos1 assignment
7 videosβ’Total 125 minutes
- Day 1: Introduction to Hyperparameter Tuningβ’14 minutes
- Day 2: Grid Search and Random Searchβ’16 minutes
- Day 3: Advanced Hyperparameter Tuning with Bayesian Optimizationβ’27 minutes
- Day 4: Regularization Techniques for Model Optimizationβ’13 minutes
- Day 5: Cross-Validation and Model Evaluation Techniquesβ’13 minutes
- Day 6: Automated Hyperparameter Tuning with GridSearchCV and RandomizedSearchCVβ’19 minutes
- Day 7: Optimization Project β Building and Tuning a Final Modelβ’23 minutes
1 assignmentβ’Total 15 minutes
- Model Tuning and Optimization - Assessmentβ’15 minutes
In this module, we will introduce you to the world of Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs), which are pivotal in image processing and computer vision tasks. You will explore CNN architectures, learn to build them using Keras, TensorFlow, and PyTorch, and apply regularization techniques to optimize their performance. The section concludes with an exciting hands-on project to classify images using popular datasets.
What's included
7 videos1 reading3 assignments
7 videosβ’Total 160 minutes
- Day 1: Introduction to Convolutional Neural Networksβ’26 minutes
- Day 2: Convolutional Layers and Filtersβ’24 minutes
- Day 3: Pooling Layers and Dimensionality Reductionβ’24 minutes
- Day 4: Building CNN Architectures with Keras and TensorFlowβ’18 minutes
- Day 5: Building CNN Architectures with PyTorchβ’22 minutes
- Day 6: Regularization and Data Augmentation for CNNsβ’19 minutes
- Day 7: CNN Project β Image Classification on Fashion MNIST or CIFAR-10β’28 minutes
1 readingβ’Total 10 minutes
- Conclusion to the Course 'Foundations of Model Optimization and Deep Learning'β’10 minutes
3 assignmentsβ’Total 90 minutes
- Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) - Assessmentβ’15 minutes
- Full Course Assessmentβ’60 minutes
- Full Course Practice Assessmentβ’15 minutes
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Frequently asked questions
Model optimization involves improving the performance of machine learning models by fine-tuning their parameters, using techniques such as hyperparameter tuning, regularization, and cross-validation. Deep learning, a subset of machine learning, focuses on neural networks with multiple layers, enabling systems to automatically learn from vast amounts of data. These concepts are highly relevant because they are foundational to building high-performance AI models used in applications like computer vision, natural language processing, and predictive analytics.
The "Foundations of Model Optimization and Deep Learning" course provides a comprehensive introduction to key techniques in model optimization, including hyperparameter tuning, regularization, and evaluation strategies. It also covers deep learning principles, focusing on Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) and their applications in image processing and computer vision. Through this course, learners gain hands-on experience using tools like Keras, TensorFlow, and PyTorch to build and optimize models.
After completing the course, you will be able to effectively tune machine learning models using techniques like grid search, random search, and Bayesian optimization. You will also be skilled in building and optimizing CNNs for tasks such as image classification, and you will understand how to apply regularization and data augmentation to enhance model performance. Additionally, you will have practical experience using popular deep learning frameworks like Keras, TensorFlow, and PyTorch.
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