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401-4944-20L 8 Credits MSC D-INFK , D-MATH , D-ITET

Mathematics of Data Science

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

Last Updated: 2026-06-03 00:07:36

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 Mathematics with: Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Statistics, and/or Operations Research. Most lectures will feature Mathematical Open Problems. 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/BandeiraSingerStrohmer-MDS-draft.pdf(seehttps://people.math.ethz.ch/~abandeira//TenLecturesFortyTwoProblems.pdffor some Open Problems)

General Information

Language
English
Levels
MSC
Frequency
Yearly recurring

Examination

Type
session examination
Mode
written 180 minutes
Aids
None
The examination of this course is only offered in the two examination sessions directly following the course.A bonus of up to 0.25 grade points can be achieved by a combination of participation (such as a short presentation at the last lecture, a short report on a paper or open problem) and homework solutions (more details to be announced in the course). (This is non-mandatory, and the maximum grade of 6 in the course unit can still be achieved by simply taking the final examination.)

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
lecture Mathematics of Data Science No time listed 3 h weekly
exercise Mathematics of Data Science
Mon 14-16 or Thu 12-14
No time listed 2 h weekly

Offered In