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401-4944-20L 8 Credits BSC , MSC D-ITET , D-MATH , D-INFK
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Mathematics of Data Science

Lecturers & Examiners: Prof. Dr. Afonso Sousa Bandeira
VVZ CR 4.33

Last Updated: 2026-02-05 15:41:55

Abstract

Mostly self-contained, but fast-paced, introductory masters level course on various theoretical aspects of algorithms that aim to extract information from data.

Objective

Introduction to various mathematical aspects of Data Science.

Content

These topics lie in overlaps of (Applied) Mathematics with: Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Statistics, and/or Operations Research. Each lecture will feature a couple of Mathematical Open Problem(s) related to Data Science. The main mathematical tools used will be Probability and Linear Algebra, and a basic familiarity with these subjects is required. There will also be some (although knowledge of these tools is not assumed) Graph Theory, Representation Theory, Applied Harmonic Analysis, among others. The topics treated will include Dimension reduction, Manifold learning, Sparse recovery, Random Matrices, Approximation Algorithms, Community detection in graphs, and several others.

Resources

Lecture Notes

https://people.math.ethz.ch/~abandeira/TenLecturesFortyTwoProblems.pdf

General Information

Language
English
Levels
BSC , MSC
Frequency
Yearly recurring

Examination

Type
session examination
Mode
written 150 minutes
Aids
10 A4 pages summary (or 5 A4 pages on both sides).
The examination of this course is only offered in the two examination sessions directly following the course: Summer 2020 and Winter 2021.

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
lecture with exercise Mathematics of Data Science
Planned to take place again in the Autumn Semester 2021.
  • Tue 15:15-17:00 (HG F 7)
  • Thu 15:15-17:00 (HG G 3)
4 h weekly

Offered In