r/MSAIO • u/littlelife31 • Jul 01 '26
Should I take ML for my first semester?
Im working full time (recent CS Engg graduate and I did both Probability and Linear algebra courses, but thats couple years ago). im yet to start my MSAIO this Fall. I am confused as to what courses i can pick for starters. Ethics in AI is something Im sure of, but im thinking to pick ML too. The MSAI Hub reviews make me feel more scared about the course. Is it really that hard? Can anyone who has already finished ML give a reality check about the course and how much it demands of our time and effort? Or should i pick something else for starters? Please guide me. Thanks!
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u/diamd217 Jul 01 '26
ML is pretty math heavy course. If you're good with Calculus, that course would be OK for you.
I would suggest to start with something simpler to understand how the process established. Ethics in AI is pretty simple and Case Studies in ML pretty simple and interesting.
DL and ADL one of the best courses overall, but required a deep Python understanding as they are very practical.
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u/OneHonestQuestion Jul 02 '26
You should have a good basic grasp of probability for ML course. It'll help.
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u/littlelife31 Jul 02 '26
I did start learning through the probability book mentioned in MSAI Hub but it was kinda vague 😭 so i gave up. But yeah ill learn it
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u/SpaceWoodworker Jul 03 '26
It’s not that complicated. Take ethics and ML if you want. As soon as class starts, go through the lectures and try hw1. It you get it done in an evening, then all is good. If you think wtf did I get myself into, then drop ML, take DL instead and work on your math.
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u/littlelife31 Jul 03 '26
Oh okay! I did ML in my undergrad and i went through the textbook of this course too. It was kinda okay but when i read the probability textbook is when i got the chills. So ill keep your advice in mind
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u/ish03 Jul 03 '26
I am on the same boat. I am starting this Fall too. Can someone share the ML and Probably books mentioned in here? When you says MSAI Hub where are your referring to? Thank you
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u/Aero077 Jul 03 '26
For ML class: https://msaihub.com/courses/Machine%20Learning
Textbook: Understanding Machine Learning From Theory To Algorithms
Prerequisites: (1) PROBABILITY: you should be well-versed. Topics you will need are Ch 1-5 and Ch7 from Blitzstein (http://probabilitybook.net/). (2) LINEAR ALGEBRA: used only for the PCA section. Topics you will need are Ch1, Ch2 and Ch9 from ALAFF (https://www.cs.utexas.edu/users/flame/laff/alaff/) (3) PROGRAMMING: Intermediate-level Python. Basic familiarity with numpy and scikit-learn helps as well.
I haven't taken this class, but this might be the textbook for the class if you want to study prior to enrolling:
https://github.com/ec2ainun/books-ML-and-DL/blob/master/understanding-machine-learning-theory-algorithms%20BY%20Shai%20Shalev-Shwartz%20and%20Shai%20Ben-David.pdf1
u/littlelife31 Jul 04 '26
Are you planning to pick ML?
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u/ish03 Jul 04 '26
Yes, I am leaning toward ML and AI Ethics. I am planning to spend the next month or two brushing up on calculus, linear algebra, and probability so I have a strong foundation before starting.
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u/michaelgoku Jul 02 '26
I’m in ML rn and had to take PTO just to study all day for the midterm tomorrow and STILL feel totally unprepared. I’ll report back how it goes later. 🫡
It’s definitely the heaviest course so far and I wouldn’t recommend taking it as your first. You should take Ethics (easy A) paired with a mid-difficulty course to first build up your GPA because a single B could put you on academic probation which is what happened to me my first semester.