CSE 40Machine Learning Basics: Data Analysis and Empirical Methods
Introduction to the basic mathematical concepts and programming abstractions required for modern machine learning, data science, and empirical science. The mathematical foundations include basic probability, linear algebra, and optimization. The programming abstractions include data manipulation and visualization. The principles of empirical analysis, evaluation, critique and reproducibility are emphasized. Mathematical and programming abstractions are grounded in empirical studies including data-driven evidential reasoning, predictive modeling, and causal analysis.
Prerequisite(s): MATH 19B or MATH 20B, and CSE 30.
- Enroll in lecture and associated discussion section.
- Enrollment restricted to proposed and declared computer science majors and Biomolecular Engineering and Bioinformatics during first pass enrollment.
Find a section and add it to your scheduleLive seat counts, time-conflict checks and the walk from your previous class.
When it runs
Winter 2027Open Winter 2027
| Section | Type | When | Where | Instructor | Seats |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Lecture | Tue Thu 1:30pm–3:05pm | ClassroomUnit 002 | H. Yue | Open 0/250 |
Fall 2026Open Fall 2026
| Section | Type | When | Where | Instructor | Seats |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Lecture | Mon Wed 5:20pm–6:55pm | Kresge Acad 3105 | R. V. Marinescu | Open 104/215 |
Spring 2026Open Spring 2026
| Section | Type | When | Where | Instructor | Seats |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Lecture | Tue Thu 11:40am–1:15pm | Earth&Marine B206 | J. M. Flanigan | Open 160/190 |
Winter 2026Open Winter 2026
| Section | Type | When | Where | Instructor | Seats |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Lecture | Tue Thu 9:50am–11:25am | Humn Lecture Hall | C. Xie | Open 44/55 |
| 02 | Lecture | Tue Thu 3:20pm–4:55pm | J Bask Aud 101 | H. Yue | Open 183/190 |
Fall 2025Open Fall 2025
| Section | Type | When | Where | Instructor | Seats |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Lecture | Mon Wed Fri 9:20am–10:25am | Media Theater M110 | A. J. Rudnick | Open 94/120 |
| 02 | Lecture | Tue Thu 11:40am–1:15pm | Media Theater M110 | H. Yue | Open 177/190 |
Who teaches it
| Instructor | Rating | Difficulty | Would take again | Reviews |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hao Yue | 4.8 / 5 | 1.9 / 5 | 100% | 39 |
| Razvan Marinescu | 2.3 / 5 | 2.7 / 5 | 50% | 3 |
| Jeffrey Flanigan | 4.1 / 5 | 3.3 / 5 | 67% | 8 |
| CiHang Xie | 2.8 / 5 | 2.6 / 5 | 45% | 11 |
From RateMyProfessors, which is student-submitted and not a survey. Small review counts move a long way on one bad quarter.
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