Machine Learning Foundations for Product Managers (Coursera)

Offered by Duke University,
Machine Learning Foundations for Product Managers (Coursera)

In this first course of the AI Product Management Specialization offered by Duke University's Pratt School of Engineering, you will build a foundational understanding of what machine learning is, how it works and when and why it is applied. To successfully manage an AI team or product and work collaboratively with data scientists, software engineers, and customers you need to understand the basics of machine learning technology.

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

This course provides a non-coding introduction to machine learning, with focus on the process of developing models, ML model evaluation and interpretation, and the intuition behind common ML and deep learning algorithms. The course will conclude with a hands-on project in which you will have a chance to train and optimize a machine learning model on a simple real-world problem.
At the conclusion of this course, you should be able to:
1) Explain how machine learning works and the types of machine learning
2) Describe the challenges of modeling and strategies to overcome them
3) Identify the primary algorithms used for common ML tasks and their use cases
4) Explain deep learning and its strengths and challenges relative to other forms of machine learning
5) Implement best practices in evaluating and interpreting ML models

Course 1 of 3 in the AI Product Management Specialization.

Syllabus

WEEK 1
What is Machine Learning
In this module we will be introduced to what machine learning is and does. We will build the necessary vocabulary for working with data and models and develop an understanding of the different types of machine learning. We will conclude with a critical discussion of what machine learning can do well and cannot (or should not) do.

WEEK 2
The Modeling Process
In this module we will discuss the key steps in the process of building machine learning models. We will learn about the sources of model complexity and how complexity impacts a model's performance. We will wrap up with a discussion of strategies for comparing different models to select the optimal model for production.

WEEK 3
Evaluating & Interpreting Models
In this module we will learn how to define appropriate outcome and output metrics for AI projects. We will then discuss key metrics for evaluating regression and classification models and how to select one for use. We will wrap up with a discussion of common sources of error in machine learning projects and how to troubleshoot poor performance.

WEEK 4
Linear Models
In this module we will explore the use of linear models for regression and classification. We will begin with introducing linear regression and continue with a discussion on how to make linear regression work better through regularization. We will then switch to classification and introduce the logistic regression model for both binary and multi-class classification problems.

WEEK 5
Trees, Ensemble Models and Clustering
We will begin this model with a discussion of tree models and their value in modeling compex non-linear problems. We will then introduce the method of creating ensemble models and their benefits. We will wrap this module up by switching gears to unsupervised learning and discussing clustering and the popular K-Means clustering approach.

WEEK 6
Deep Learning & Course Project
Our final module in this course will focus on a hot area of machine learning called deep learning, or the use of multi-layer neural networks. We will develop an understanding of the intuition and key mathematical principles behind how neural networks work. We will then discuss common applications of deep learning in computer vision and natural language processing. We will wrap up the course with our course project, where you will have an opportunity to apply the modeling process and best practices you have learned to create your own machine learning model.

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

Related Courses

AI Materials (Coursera) Coursera
Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology - KAIST

AI Materials (Coursera)

Learn about the materials that have advanced the performance of artificial intelligence, and the machine learning models that could help accelerate the design and development of novel materials. This course defines artificial intelligence (AI) as a machine to which some or all of the functions of the human brain have been delegated. It highlights the need, and explains in an easy-to-understand way how machine learning from artificial intelligence can dramatically accelerate the development of new materials.

Sep 7th 2026
5-12 Weeks
Fundamentals of Machine Learning in Finance (Coursera) Coursera
New York University Tandon School of Engineering

Fundamentals of Machine Learning in Finance (Coursera)

The course aims at helping students to be able to solve practical ML-amenable problems that they may encounter in real life that include: (1) understanding where the problem one faces lands on a general landscape of available ML methods, (2) understanding which particular ML approach(es) would be most appropriate for resolving the problem, and (3) ability to successfully implement a solution, and assess its performance.

Sep 14th 2026
4 Weeks
Matrix Methods (Coursera) Coursera
University of Minnesota

Matrix Methods (Coursera)

Mathematical Matrix Methods lie at the root of most methods of machine learning and data analysis of tabular data. Learn the basics of Matrix Methods, including matrix-matrix multiplication, solving linear equations, orthogonality, and best least squares approximation. Discover the Singular Value Decomposition that plays a fundamental role in dimensionality reduction, Principal Component Analysis, and noise reduction.

Sep 14th 2026
5-12 Weeks
Data Augmented Technology Assisted Medical Decision Making (Coursera) Coursera
University of Michigan

Data Augmented Technology Assisted Medical Decision Making (Coursera)

Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) have the potential to increase diagnostic accuracy, decrease diagnostic errors, and improve patient outcomes. The Data Augmented, Technology Assisted Medical Decision Making (DATA-MD) course will teach you how to use AI to augment your diagnostic decision-making.

Sep 14th 2026
4 Weeks
Programming Languages, Part A (Coursera) Coursera
University of Washington

Programming Languages, Part A (Coursera)

This course is an introduction to the basic concepts of programming languages, with a strong emphasis on functional programming. The course uses the languages ML, Racket, and Ruby as vehicles for teaching the concepts, but the real intent is to teach enough about how any language “fits together” to make you more effective programming in any language -- and in learning new ones.

Sep 7th 2026
5-12 Weeks
Technologies and platforms for Artificial Intelligence (Coursera) Coursera
Politecnico di Milano

Technologies and platforms for Artificial Intelligence (Coursera)

This course will address the hardware technologies for machine and deep learning (from the units of an Internet-of-Things system to a large-scale data centers) and will explore the families of machine and deep learning platforms (libraries and frameworks) for the design and development of smart applications and systems.

Sep 14th 2026
4 Weeks
Digital Product Management: Modern Fundamentals (Coursera) Coursera
University of Virginia

Digital Product Management: Modern Fundamentals (Coursera)

Not so long ago, the job of product manager was about assessing market data, creating requirements, and managing the hand-off to sales/marketing. Maybe you’d talk to a customer somewhere in there and they’d tell you what features they wanted. But companies that manage product that way are dying. Being a product person today is a new game, and product managers are at the center of it. Today, particularly if your product is mostly digital, you might update it several times a day. Massive troves of data are available for making decisions and, at the same time, deep insights into customer motivation and experience are more important than ever.

Sep 7th 2026
4 Weeks
Mercadeo analítico (Coursera) Coursera
University of Virginia

Mercadeo analítico (Coursera)

Las organizaciones grandes y pequeñas están inundadas de datos sobre las elecciones de los consumidores. Pero esa riqueza de información no siempre se traduce en mejores decisiones. Saber cómo interpretar los datos es el desafío, y se espera que los mercadólogos en particular usen cada vez más la analítica para informar y justificar sus decisiones. El mercadeo analítico permite que los mercadólogos midan, gestionen y analicen el rendimiento de las actividades de mercadeo para maximizar su eficacia y optimizar el retorno de la inversión (Return On Investment, ROI).

Sep 14th 2026
5-12 Weeks
Introduction to Embedded Machine Learning (Coursera) Coursera
Edge Impulse

Introduction to Embedded Machine Learning (Coursera)

Machine learning allows us to teach computers to make predictions and decisions based on data and learn from experiences. In recent years, incredible optimizations have been made to machine learning algorithms, software frameworks, and embedded hardware. Thanks to this, running deep neural networks and other complex machine learning algorithms is possible on low-power devices like microcontrollers. This course will give you a broad overview of how machine learning works, how to train neural networks, and how to deploy those networks to microcontrollers.

Sep 13th 2026
3 Weeks