A Concise Introduction to Machine Learning uses mathematics as the common language to explain a variety of machine learning concepts from basic principles and illustrates every concept using examples in both Python and Matlab (R) which are available on GitHub and can be run from there in Binder in a web browser. Each chapter concludes with exercises to explore the content.

The emphasis of the book is on the question of Why - only if why an algorithm is successful is understood, can it be properly applied, and the results trusted. Standard techniques are treated rigorously, including an introduction to the necessary probability theory. This book addresses the commonalities and aims to give a thorough and in-depth treatment and develop intuition, while remaining concise.

This useful reference should be an essential on the bookshelves of anyone employing machine learning techniques, since it is born out of strong experience in university teaching and research on algorithms, while remaining approachable and readable.

About the Author

A.C. Faul is a passionate educator believing that only with deep understanding of the underlying connecting principles of algorithms progress can be made. She obtained an MASt and PhD in Mathematics at the University of Cambridge. She has worked a variety of algorithms both in industry and academic setting.

Reviews

"Artificial intelligence technologies will be transformational for our society, but not in the manner that the confident proclaimers of utopia and dystopia suggest. The changes we expect are sociotechnical; they require careful understanding from both the societal and technical perspectives. This is where Anita Faul's A Concise Introduction to Machine Learning comes in. With comprehensive coverage of the mathematical principles of machine learning, Anita's book provides the foundation of principled choices that students need to make good decisions when separating the noise from the signal. This foundation is critical to ensuring that we develop the beneficial aspects of the technology while curtailing the damaging outcomes. This can only occur through comprehensive understanding of the capabilities and limitations of these techniques.

Welcome to Anita's world: a concise introduction to machine learning that builds on solid foundations, practical real-world experience and a long experience of sharing these principles with students."

- Neil Lawrence, The DeepMind Professor of Machine Learning, University of Cambridge. Senior AI Fellow, The Alan Turing Institute. Visiting Professor of Machine Learning, University of Sheffield

Book Information
ISBN 9781032878171
Author A.C. Faul
Format Hardback
Page Count 334
Imprint Chapman & Hall/CRC
Publisher Taylor & Francis Ltd