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

Matrix Methods (Coursera) Coursera
University of Minnesota

Matrix Methods (Coursera)

Mathematical Matrix Methods lie at the root of most methods of machine learning and data analysis of tabular data. Learn the basics of Matrix Methods, including matrix-matrix multiplication, solving linear equations, orthogonality, and best least squares approximation. Discover the Singular Value Decomposition that plays a fundamental role in dimensionality reduction, Principal Component Analysis, and noise reduction.

Nov 9th 2026
5-12 Weeks
Fibonacci Numbers and the Golden Ratio (Coursera) Coursera
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology - HKUST

Fibonacci Numbers and the Golden Ratio (Coursera)

Learn the mathematics behind the Fibonacci numbers, the golden ratio, and how they are related. These topics are not usually taught in a typical math curriculum, yet contain many fascinating results that are still accessible to an advanced high school student. The course culminates in an explanation of why the Fibonacci numbers appear unexpectedly in nature, such as the number of spirals in the head of a sunflower.

Nov 23rd 2026
3 Weeks
Matrix Algebra for Engineers (Coursera) Coursera
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology - HKUST

Matrix Algebra for Engineers (Coursera)

This course is all about matrices, and concisely covers the linear algebra that an engineer should know. The mathematics in this course is presented at the level of an advanced high school student, but typically students should take this course after completing a university-level single variable calculus course. There are no derivatives or integrals in this course, but students are expected to have attained a sufficient level of mathematical maturity. Nevertheless, anyone who wants to learn the basics of matrix algebra is welcome to join.

Nov 9th 2026
4 Weeks
Single Variable Calculus (Coursera) Coursera
University of Pennsylvania

Single Variable Calculus (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. Distinguishing features of the course include: 1) the introduction and use of Taylor series and approximations from the beginning; 2) a novel synthesis of discrete and continuous forms of Calculus; 3) an emphasis on the conceptual over the computational; and 4) a clear, dynamic, unified approach.

Nov 23rd 2026
5-12 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.

Nov 23rd 2026
5-12 Weeks
Conceptos y Herramientas para la Física Universitaria (Coursera) Coursera
Tecnológico de Monterrey

Conceptos y Herramientas para la Física Universitaria (Coursera)

Este curso provee al estudiante con conceptos y herramientas matemáticas para modelar problemas en física, que al aplicar podrá enfrentar con éxito los cursos de física universitarios. Así pues, la filosofía de este curso consiste en cubrir temas conceptuales relativos a la Física y desarrollar tu capacidad de aprender y aplicarlos en tu vida profesional.

Nov 9th 2026
5-12 Weeks
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?

Nov 23rd 2026
4 Weeks