Algebra and Differential Calculus for Data Science (Coursera)

Algebra and Differential Calculus for Data Science (Coursera)

Are you interested in Data Science but lack the math background for it? Has math always been a tough subject that you tend to avoid? This course will teach you the most fundamental Calculus concepts that you will need for a career in Data Science without a ton of unnecessary proofs and techniques that you may never use.

Class Deals by MOOC List - Click here and see Coursera's Active Discounts, Deals, and Promo Codes.

Consider this an expressway to Data Science with approachable methods and friendly concepts that will guide you to truly understanding the most important ideas in Differential Calculus. We will review some algebra basics, talk about what a derivative is, compute some simple derivatives and apply the basics of derivatives to graphing and maximizing functions.
This course is designed to prepare learners to successfully complete Statistical Modeling for Data Science Application, which is part of CU Boulder's Master of Science in Data Science (MS-DS) program.

What You Will Learn

  • Practice working with logarithm properties and how logarithm functions behave graphically.
  • Identify the difference between a continuous and non-continuous function.
  • Solidify an understanding of what a derivative is calculating.
  • Understand how to use derivatives to create graphs of functions.

Syllabus

WEEK 1
Functions and Algebra Review
Review of algebra concepts including functions and logarithms

WEEK 2
Induction Proofs, Limits and Continuity
Simple induction proofs and limits at infinity for functions

WEEK 3
Definition of a Derivative
What is a derivative? Calculate simple derivatives from the definition of a derivative.

WEEK 4
Product and Chain Rule
Use the product and chain rules to calculate the derivatives of more complicated functions.

WEEK 5
Using Derivatives to Graph Functions
Use where derivatives are positive and negative to help graph a function.

WEEK 6
Finding Maximums and Minimums
Use derivatives to find the maximum and minimum values of functions.

Go to Class
MOOC List is learner-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Related Courses

Jugar y Aprender Matemática en aulas heterogéneas (Coursera) Coursera
Universidad Austral

Jugar y Aprender Matemática en aulas heterogéneas (Coursera)

Cuando se asume la enseñanza de la matemática con el compromiso de la participación de todos los alumnos en una comunidad de producción, en la que se resuelven problemas con distintos procedimientos, se comparan producciones, se analiza la validez de las afirmaciones que se hacen, la tarea resulta todo un desafío. En el caso del plurigrado, el desafío parece aún mayor. ¿Cómo presentar problemas que involucren en este trabajo reflexivo a niños y niñas de distintas edades y con distintos conocimientos?

Sep 28th 2026
4 Weeks
Differential Equations Part III Systems of Equations (Coursera) Coursera
Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology - KAIST

Differential Equations Part III Systems of Equations (Coursera)

This introductory courses on (Ordinary) Differential Equations are mainly for the people, who need differential equations mostly for the practical use in their own fields. So we try to provide basic terminologies, concepts, and methods of solving various types of differential equations as well as a rudimentary but indispensable knowledge of the underlying theory and some related applications.

Oct 5th 2026
5-12 Weeks
Pricing Options with Mathematical Models (Coursera) Coursera
Caltech

Pricing Options with Mathematical Models (Coursera)

This is an introductory course on options and other financial derivatives, and their applications to risk management. We will start with defining derivatives and options, continue with discrete-time, binomial tree models, and then develop continuous-time, Brownian Motion models. A basic introduction to Stochastic, Ito Calculus will be given. The benchmark model will be the Black-Scholes-Merton pricing model, but we will also discuss more general models, such as stochastic volatility models.

Oct 12th 2026
5-12 Weeks
Estadística y probabilidad (Coursera) Coursera
Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México

Estadística y probabilidad (Coursera)

En este curso podrás apoyar tu formación en temas de estadística y probabilidad I. Más allá de que encuentres aquí un apoyo para lograr una calificación, el curso busca ayudarte a que adquieras los aprendizajes que comprenden temas de estadística descriptiva, datos bivariados y probabilidad, los cuales te serán de utilidad en tu paso por la licenciatura y en tu vida profesional.

Sep 28th 2026
4 Weeks
Calculus: Single Variable Part 4 - Applications (Coursera) Coursera
University of Pennsylvania

Calculus: Single Variable Part 4 - Applications (Coursera)

Calculus is one of the grandest achievements of human thought, explaining everything from planetary orbits to the optimal size of a city to the periodicity of a heartbeat. This brisk course covers the core ideas of single-variable Calculus with emphases on conceptual understanding and applications. The course is ideal for students beginning in the engineering, physical, and social sciences.

Sep 28th 2026
5-12 Weeks
Analytic Combinatorics (Coursera) Coursera
Princeton University

Analytic Combinatorics (Coursera)

Analytic Combinatorics teaches a calculus that enables precise quantitative predictions of large combinatorial structures. This course introduces the symbolic method to derive functional relations among ordinary, exponential, and multivariate generating functions, and methods in complex analysis for deriving accurate asymptotics from the GF equations. All the features of this course are available for free. It does not offer a certificate upon completion.

Oct 5th 2026
5-12 Weeks
Fundamentals of Engineering Exam Review (Coursera) Coursera
Georgia Institute of Technology

Fundamentals of Engineering Exam Review (Coursera)

The purpose of this course is to review the material covered in the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam to enable the student to pass it. It will be presented in modules corresponding to the FE topics, particularly those in Civil and Mechanical Engineering. Each module will review main concepts, illustrate them with examples, and provide extensive practice problems.

Oct 5th 2026
5-12 Weeks
Aléatoire : une introduction aux probabilités - Partie 1 (Coursera) Coursera
École Polytechnique

Aléatoire : une introduction aux probabilités - Partie 1 (Coursera)

Ce cours d'introduction aux probabilités a la même contenu que le cours de tronc commun de première année de l'École polytechnique donné par Sylvie Méléard. Le cours introduit graduellement la notion de variable aléatoire et culmine avec la loi des grands nombres et le théorème de la limite centrale. Les notions mathématiques nécessaires sont introduites au fil du cours et de nombreux exercices corrigés sont proposés.

Oct 5th 2026
5-12 Weeks
Introduction to Logic (Coursera) Coursera
Stanford University

Introduction to Logic (Coursera)

This course is an introduction to Logic from a computational perspective. It shows how to encode information in the form of logical sentences; it shows how to reason with information in this form; and it provides an overview of logic technology and its applications - in mathematics, science, engineering, business, law, and so forth.

Sep 24th 2026
5-12 Weeks