Suggestions for getting a head start in coursework

[pearcema]

I've been accepted to UIUC for a PhD in Computer Science focusing on Machine Learning.  I'm waiting to hear on my other applications still, but I'm really excited!  I've been out of school for a couple of years and have been working as a software developer.  My current job isn't related to ML, so I would like to start studying now to help me adjust in the fall.

 

Does anyone have suggestions/ feedback on what might help me prepare?  I'm curious to hear thoughts on:

• Recorded courses available from iTunes, such as this Stanford ML course: https://itunes.apple.com/us/itunes-u/machine-learning/id384233048?mt=10
• Any suggested ML textbooks for first year grad students?
• How about mathematics topics and courses?  I'm assuming stats, linear algebra, multivariable calc?  I have a bachelors in Computational Mathematics as well as Computer Science but I need to brush up on higher level math.
• CS theoretical topics?

Thanks so much for any advice you might have!  Anyone else doing something similar?

[D8F1F488]

You might wanna check some books about probabilistic graphical models. These are really popular and promising right now.

 

If you have a lot of free time you might want to delve into math and statistics.

[ashriv]

Tom Mitchell - the book and his lecture slides

[pearcema]

Thank you both so much - I'll definitely check out your suggestions!

 

D8F1F488: What do you think about this course in April?  Do you think I'd be better off doing this, going through a textbook on my own, or does it come down to personal preference?  https://www.coursera.org/course/pgm

 

ashriv: Good to know!  I'm not sure if you found this already, but he has additional chapters available for download on his website for free.

[ashriv]

Hey pearcema, thanks, I had missed it!

[ironmaiden]

The slides from the ML course at CMU from Alex Smola last semester are really nice: http://alex.smola.org/teaching/cmu2013-10-701x/
They also post the video lectures and assignments w/ solutions and all.

 

Good luck!

Edited February 9, 2014 by ironmaiden

[pearcema]

Thank you! I watched the first lecture this morning, and it is really good. This is a much better use of time than refreshing the results page and my inbox!