Essential Linear Algebra for Data Science (Coursera)

Essential Linear Algebra for Data Science (Coursera)

Are you interested in Data Science but lack the math background for it? Has math always been a tough subject that you tend to avoid? This course will teach you the most fundamental Linear Algebra that you will need for a career in Data Science without a ton of unnecessary proofs and concepts that you may never use. Consider this an expressway to Data Science with approachable methods and friendly concepts that will guide you to truly understanding the most important ideas in Linear Algebra.

Class Deals by MOOC List - Click here and see Coursera's Active Discounts, Deals, and Promo Codes.

This course is designed to prepare learners to successfully complete Statistical Modeling for Data Science Application, which is part of CU Boulder's Master of Science in Data Science (MS-DS) program.

What You Will Learn

  • Solve real-world problems using the foundational concept of matrices and explain where those problems might arise.
  • Recognize what a matrix represents in n-dimensional space and how transformations act in that space
  • Identify key properties of any system of equations, such as independence, basis, rank, and more, and what they mean for the overall system.
  • Demonstrate your understanding of projections in lower dimensions, while being able to carry out higher dimension projections for real-world problems

Syllabus

WEEK 1
Linear Systems and Gaussian Elimination
In this module we will learn what a matrix is and what it represents. We will explore how a system of linear equations can be expressed in a neat package via matrices. Lastly, we will delve into coordinate systems and provide visualizations to help you understand matrices in a more well-rounded way.

WEEK 2
Matrix Algebra
In this module we will learn how to solve a linear system of equations with matrix algebra.

WEEK 3
Properties of a Linear System
In this module we will explore concepts and properties of linear systems. This includes independence, basis, rank, row space, column space, and much more.

WEEK 4
Determinant and Eigens
In this module we will discuss projections and how they work. We will build on a foundation using 2-dimensional projections and explore the concept in higher dimensions over time.

WEEK 5
Projections and Least Squares
In this module we will learn how to compute the determinant of a matrix. Afterwards, Eigenvalues and Eigenvectors will be covered.

Go to Class
MOOC List is learner-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Related Courses

Initiation à la théorie des distributions (Coursera) Coursera
École Polytechnique

Initiation à la théorie des distributions (Coursera)

Une fonction discontinue peut-elle être solution d'une équation différentielle? Comment définir rigoureusement la masse de Dirac (une "fonction" d'intégrale un, nulle partout sauf en un point) et ses dérivées? Peut-on définir une notion de "dérivée d'ordre fractionnaire"? Cette initiation aux distributions répond à ces questions - et à bien d'autres.

Nov 2nd 2026
5-12 Weeks
Data Manipulation at Scale: Systems and Algorithms (Coursera) Coursera
University of Washington

Data Manipulation at Scale: Systems and Algorithms (Coursera)

Data analysis has replaced data acquisition as the bottleneck to evidence-based decision making --- we are drowning in it. Extracting knowledge from large, heterogeneous, and noisy datasets requires not only powerful computing resources, but the programming abstractions to use them effectively. The abstractions that emerged in the last decade blend ideas from parallel databases, distributed systems, and programming languages to create a new class of scalable data analytics platforms that form the foundation for data science at realistic scales.

Oct 26th 2026
4 Weeks
The Finite Element Method for Problems in Physics (Coursera) Coursera
University of Michigan

The Finite Element Method for Problems in Physics (Coursera)

This course is an introduction to the finite element method as applicable to a range of problems in physics and engineering sciences. The treatment is mathematical, but only for the purpose of clarifying the formulation. The emphasis is on coding up the formulations in a modern, open-source environment that can be expanded to other applications, subsequently.

Nov 2nd 2026
13-24 Weeks
Introduction to Complex Analysis (Coursera) Coursera
Wesleyan University

Introduction to Complex Analysis (Coursera)

This course provides an introduction to complex analysis which is the theory of complex functions of a complex variable. We will start by introducing the complex plane, along with the algebra and geometry of complex numbers, and then we will make our way via differentiation, integration, complex dynamics, power series representation and Laurent series into territories at the edge of what is known today.

Nov 9th 2026
5-12 Weeks
Single Variable Calculus (Coursera) Coursera
University of Pennsylvania

Single Variable Calculus (Coursera)

Calculus is one of the grandest achievements of human thought, explaining everything from planetary orbits to the optimal size of a city to the periodicity of a heartbeat. This brisk course covers the core ideas of single-variable Calculus with emphases on conceptual understanding and applications. The course is ideal for students beginning in the engineering, physical, and social sciences. Distinguishing features of the course include: 1) the introduction and use of Taylor series and approximations from the beginning; 2) a novel synthesis of discrete and continuous forms of Calculus; 3) an emphasis on the conceptual over the computational; and 4) a clear, dynamic, unified approach.

Oct 26th 2026
5-12 Weeks
Constructivism and Mathematics, Science, and Technology Education (Coursera) Coursera
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Constructivism and Mathematics, Science, and Technology Education (Coursera)

This course is designed to help participants examine the implications of constructivism for learning and teaching in science, mathematics, and technology focused areas. Course readings, discussions, and assignments will examine constructivist views of learning, research on students' ideas and idea-based interactions, research on instructional approaches taking student ideas into account, and challenges in implementing constructivist perspectives in instruction.

Nov 9th 2026
5-12 Weeks
Analytic Combinatorics (Coursera) Coursera
Princeton University

Analytic Combinatorics (Coursera)

Analytic Combinatorics teaches a calculus that enables precise quantitative predictions of large combinatorial structures. This course introduces the symbolic method to derive functional relations among ordinary, exponential, and multivariate generating functions, and methods in complex analysis for deriving accurate asymptotics from the GF equations. All the features of this course are available for free. It does not offer a certificate upon completion.

Nov 2nd 2026
5-12 Weeks
Calculus: Single Variable Part 4 - Applications (Coursera) Coursera
University of Pennsylvania

Calculus: Single Variable Part 4 - Applications (Coursera)

Calculus is one of the grandest achievements of human thought, explaining everything from planetary orbits to the optimal size of a city to the periodicity of a heartbeat. This brisk course covers the core ideas of single-variable Calculus with emphases on conceptual understanding and applications. The course is ideal for students beginning in the engineering, physical, and social sciences.

Oct 26th 2026
5-12 Weeks
Linear Regression and Modeling (Coursera) Coursera
Duke University

Linear Regression and Modeling (Coursera)

This course introduces simple and multiple linear regression models. These models allow you to assess the relationship between variables in a data set and a continuous response variable. Is there a relationship between the physical attractiveness of a professor and their student evaluation scores? Can we predict the test score for a child based on certain characteristics of his or her mother? In this course, you will learn the fundamental theory behind linear regression and, through data examples, learn to fit, examine, and utilize regression models to examine relationships between multiple variables, using the free statistical software R and RStudio.

Oct 26th 2026
4 Weeks
Introduction to Calculus (Coursera) Coursera
The University of Sydney

Introduction to Calculus (Coursera)

The focus and themes of the Introduction to Calculus course address the most important foundations for applications of mathematics in science, engineering and commerce. The course emphasises the key ideas and historical motivation for calculus, while at the same time striking a balance between theory and application, leading to a mastery of key threshold concepts in foundational mathematics.

Nov 2nd 2026
5-12 Weeks
Analysis of Algorithms (Coursera) Coursera
Princeton University

Analysis of Algorithms (Coursera)

This course teaches a calculus that enables precise quantitative predictions of large combinatorial structures. In addition, this course covers generating functions and real asymptotics and then introduces the symbolic method in the context of applications in the analysis of algorithms and basic structures such as permutations, trees, strings, words, and mappings.

Oct 26th 2026
5-12 Weeks