Introduction to Machine Learning Course

Artificial Intelligence

This introductory course on Machine Learning and Deep Learning provides you with an overview, context, and understanding of how these techniques actually work. Youโ€™ll learn which problems are suitable for ML and Deep Learning, which techniques are associated with them, and why simplicity is often better than complexity. No programming requiredโ€”just clear concepts and practical examples. By the end of the course, youโ€™ll be able to come up with realistic AI applications for your own field.

Course duration: 2 days

Taught by:

Merijn Koreman

Introduction to Our Machine Learning Introductory Course

Machine learning and deep learning form the foundation of many modern AI applications. They determine how systems recognize patterns, make predictions, and support decision-making based on data. At the same time, the theory behind machine learning remains unclear and fragmented for many professionals. This course provides an overview, context, and understanding of how machine learning and deep learning really work and when they areโ€”and are notโ€”useful.

Machine learning isnโ€™t about magic, but about building statistical models that learn from examples. In this course, youโ€™ll learn how data is converted into models, how those models generalize to new situations, and what assumptions come into play. No programming requiredโ€”just clear concepts, intuitive explanations, and relatable examples. This will help you get a handle on a topic thatโ€™s often presented as unnecessarily complex.

Deep learning is a specific form of machine learning thatโ€™s primarily used with complex data such as text, images, and audio. Many modern AI applications, including language models and image recognition, are based on it. In this course, youโ€™ll learn how deep learning relates to classical machine learning and why simplicity is often more effective than complexity.

The Introduction to Machine Learning course is not a technical training program, but a fundamental introduction to the thinking behind AI systems. Youโ€™ll gain a better understanding of what happens โ€œunder the hood,โ€ enabling you to realistically evaluate and apply AI applications.

Discover the World of Machine Learning

Dive into the world of machine learning and discover how data is transformed into predictive models. You wonโ€™t learn how to program models, but rather how to recognize machine learning as a potential solution to real-world problems. From predictions and classification to segmentation and pattern recognition: the applications are broad and span multiple sectors.

What makes machine learning unique is that systems arenโ€™t explicitly programmed but learn from examples. This offers many opportunities but also comes with clear limitations and risks. In this course, youโ€™ll develop a realistic and critical perspective on AI and machine learning, free from hype and buzzwords.

For professionals, this means a different way of thinking about data and decision-making. Machine learning can support analyses, predictions, and scenario planning, but it requires realistic expectations. Youโ€™ll learn when ML adds value and when other solutions are better.

Machine learning is not a distant prospect. By taking this course, youโ€™ll lay a solid foundation for contributing more effectively to discussions about AI applications within your organization or field.

The Basic Principles of Machine Learning

Machine learning is built on a number of fundamental principles. Understanding these principles is essential for evaluating applications and devising your own use cases:

Data and Examples
Machine learning learns from data. The quality, quantity, and representativeness of the data largely determine the result.

Models and Generalization
A model learns patterns from data and applies them to new situations. Good generalization is more important than performing perfectly on training data.

Recognizing Problem Types
Not every problem is suitable for machine learning. Recognizing the right type of problem is crucial for success.

Key Concepts Youโ€™ll Learn:

  • Classification, regression, and clustering
  • Overfitting and generalization
  • Shallow versus deep learning
  • Model complexity and decision boundaries

By understanding these basic principles, youโ€™ll develop a clear mental model of how machine learning works.

What will you learn in the Introduction to Machine Learning course?

Skills and Knowledge

In this course, youโ€™ll combine insight with practical application. Among other things, youโ€™ll develop the following skills:

  • Understanding what machine learning and deep learning are (and what they are not)
  • Recognizing problems that are suitable for ML applications
  • Insight into the workings and limitations of ML models
  • Applying ML concepts to your own field
  • Critically evaluating AI solutions and claims

Specific topics:

  • The machine learning process: from data to model
  • Types of machine learning problems
  • Overview of commonly used algorithms (conceptual)
  • The role of deep learning and modern AI models
  • Pitfalls, misconceptions, and ethical considerations

Practical applications

The course is strongly focused on recognition and application. Examples of applications include:

  • Predicting trends and behavior
  • Segmentation of customers, users, or processes
  • Support for decision-making and scenario analysis
  • Evaluating AI solutions from vendors
  • Contributing to AI and data projects without a technical role

Youโ€™ll learn to use machine learning as a conceptual framework, not as a black box.

Why choose the Introduction to Machine Learning course?

  • Clear explanations without coding
  • Focus on understanding, overview, and practical application
  • Suitable for non-technical professionals
  • Directly relevant to working with AI and data

Choosing this course means youโ€™ll learn how machine learning and deep learning really work, so you can better contribute to discussions, make decisions, and apply these concepts in a world where AI is becoming increasingly central.

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Enroll

โ‚ฌ1095,-
  • Workload: 2 Course days from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
  • Location: Apeldoorn or Online. On-site is also possible. Please get in touch for a quotation.
  • Date: Multiple start dates are available; please see the registration page.
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Daily Schedule: Introduction to Machine Learning

Day 1 โ€” Understanding What Machine Learning Really Is

Participants will gain a solid mental model of machine learning and deep learning. They will understand what happens under the hood, what kinds of problems ML solves, and where its limitations lie.

Morning: Fundamentals & Context

  • What Is AI, Machine Learning, and Deep Learning (and What They Are Not)
  • Why โ€œmachines donโ€™t really learnโ€
  • From data to model: the machine learning process
  • The difference between rules, statistics, and ML
  • Why models fail (bias, noise, incorrect assumptions)

Participants will be able to explain in their own words what ML is and why it isnโ€™t magic.

Afternoon: Types of ML Problems & Models

  • Classification, regression, clustering, and anomaly detection
  • Decision boundaries: how models make decisions
  • Overfitting vs. generalization
  • Shallow learning vs. deep learning
  • When simple models are better than complex ones

Hands-on exercises:

  • Identifying ML problems using case studies
  • Examples: โ€œIs this ML, statistics, or something else?โ€

Participants will be able to identify which types of problems areโ€”or are notโ€”suitable for machine learning.

Day 2 โ€“ From Concept to Application

Participants will learn to apply machine learning as a framework for thinking. They will be able to devise, evaluate, and discuss realistic use cases within their own field.

Morning: Algorithms Without the Technical Details

  • Overview of commonly used ML algorithms
  • Linear models
  • Decision trees and ensembles
  • Neural networks
  • What Makes Deep Learning Different
  • The Relationship Between ML and Modern AI Tools (Such as LLMs)
  • What to Expectโ€”and Not to Expectโ€”from AI Solutions

Participants will understand why certain techniques are suitable for specific problems.

Afternoon: Use Cases, Choices & Pitfalls

  • From Problem to ML Use Case
  • Is this an ML-worthy problem?
  • What data is needed?
  • What constitutes โ€œsuccessโ€?
  • Typical pitfalls in ML projects
  • Limitations, ethics, and responsible use
  • ML in Organizations: Roles, Expectations, and Decision-Making

Practical exercises:

  • Developing use cases based on your own work context
  • Critically evaluating existing AI solutions
  • Group discussion: opportunities vs. reality
Course duration: 2 dagen
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Learning Objectives for the Introduction to Machine Learning Course

The participant:

  • Understands what machine learning and deep learning are and can explain the difference between them, including what these techniques can and cannot do.
  • Can identify different types of machine learning problems, such as classification, regression, and clustering, and assess whether a problem is suitable for ML.
  • Understands how machine learning models are developed, including the role of data, models, generalization, and overfitting.
  • Can explain in general terms why certain ML techniques are suitable for specific problems, without requiring knowledge of programming or mathematics.
  • Can devise and critically evaluate realistic machine learning use cases within their own field, including opportunities, limitations, and risks.

Want to know more?

Do you have questions about the course content? Or are you unsure whether the course aligns with your learning goals or preferences? Would you prefer an in-house or private course? Weโ€™d be happy to help.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Introduction to Machine Learning Course

No. The course focuses on understanding and providing an overview, not on code or formulas. Youโ€™ll learn how machine learning works and how to apply it, without any prior technical knowledge.

After completing the course, you will be able to identify which problems are suitable for machine learning and how AI applications can add value within your field. You will be better equipped to contribute to discussions, evaluate options, and support your decisions.

Youโ€™ll learn how models are developed conceptually, but not how to program them. The focus is on understanding what happens โ€œunder the hoodโ€ so that you can realistically assess applications.

Yes. Especially if you use AI tools, this course will help you better understand what they can and cannot do. This makes it easier to use them more effectively and to maintain a critical perspective on the results.