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Course overview
In this course, you’ll learn key concepts such as KNN Algorithms (K-Nearest Neighbors), error metrics including the Mean Squared Error and the Root Mean Squared Error and caret, a machine learning library for the R programming language. You’ll learn how to optimize machine learning algorithms for better accuracy and performance of trained models using hyperparameter optimization.
You’ll then dig into performing rigorous model testing using k-fold cross-validation. As you learn these new skills, you’ll be working with AirBnB prices data from Washington D.C. to predict the optimal price for generating profit from a Washington D.C. home rental.
Best of all, you’ll learn by doing – you’ll practice and get feedback directly in the browser. At the end of the course, you’ll complete a project to predict car prices using the K-Nearest Neighbors algorithm. This project is a chance for you to combine the skills you learned in this course and practice a machine learning workflow.
Key skills
- Understanding the key concepts of machine learning and common pitfalls
- Identifying a proper machine learning workflow
- Implementing the k-nearest neighbors algorithm
- Employing the caret library
Course outline
Introduction to Machine Learning in R [6 lessons]
Introduction to Machine Learning Concepts 1h
Lesson Objectives- Establish a machine learning workflow
- Identify how the k-nearest neighbors algorithm works
- Define the role of Euclidean distance in the k-nearest neighbors algorithm
Evaluating Model Performance 1h
Lesson Objectives- Employ the caret library to carry out the machine learning process
- Evaluate model performance using RMSE
- Compare RMSE values between different models
Multivariate K-Nearest Neighbors 1h
Lesson Objectives- Incorporate multiple features into your k-nearest neighbor model
- Perform more involved data cleaning through normalization
- Employ piping to create easy-to-digest summaries of your model performance
Cross Validation 1h
Lesson Objectives- Define holdout and k-fold cross-validation
- Analyze model performance using k-fold cross-validation
- Perform k-fold cross-validation in caret
Hyperparameter Optimization 1h
Lesson Objectives- Identify how tuning model hyperparameters can affect the model performance
- Optimize for the best hyperparameter value using grid search
- Employ caret to perform hyperparameter optimization
Guided Project: Predicting Car Prices 1h
Lesson Objectives- Implement the machine learning workflow on a new dataset
- Employ caret to carry out the entire machine learning workflow
- Explore making models
Projects in this course
Predicting Car Prices
For this project, we’ll step into the role of data scientists to predict car prices using the k-nearest neighbors algorithm and R, practicing the machine learning workflow on a real dataset.
The Dataquest guarantee
Dataquest has helped thousands of people start new careers in data. If you put in the work and follow our path, you’ll master data skills and grow your career.
We believe so strongly in our paths that we offer a full satisfaction guarantee. If you complete a career path on Dataquest and aren’t satisfied with your outcome, we’ll give you a refund.
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Go from zero to job-ready
Learn exactly what you need to achieve your goal. Don’t waste time on unrelated lessons.
Build your project portfolio
Build confidence with our in-depth projects, and show off your data skills.
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Work with real data from day one with interactive lessons and hands-on exercises.
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