Introduction to Deep Learning

Content

This course will introduce the basic concepts of Deep Learning. We will discuss the methods behind neural networks and how to use them set up non-linear models for solving e.g. classification tasks. The basic ideas involved in the process of training neural nets (backpropagation, minimization of loss functions by optimization methods) are treated. We will cover simple deep learning models (with very few fully connected layers) as well as more advanced models such as convolutional neural networks. We shall further focus on the model evaluation and how to effectively train the model. In the hands-on session participants will train their own neural network using the Keras API of TensorFlow.

Target group

The course is targeted at beginners with no or little knowledge of Deep Learning.

Basic knowledge of Python is required.

The course is free of charge and will be held in English.

Requirements

Participants are expected to have a computer at their disposal to be able to set up a a working Python environment (we suggest using the Anaconda distribution) to follow the course content.

Below you can find the instructions for setting up isolated Python environments that contain all
packages needed to work on the course material.

If you have your own environment please note that we strictly assume you to use Python >= 3.7.x <= 3.9.x and TensorFlow >= 2.

Python Anaconda distribution

For a UNIX-like operating system open a command line; for Windows open a Anaconda Prompt.

Create the environment and install packages (this may take a while):

$ conda create --name hkhlr_dl python tensorflow=2 pandas matplotlib opencv pydot progress jupyterlab graphviz
$ conda info --envs # check if environment is available

Activate the environment:
```
$ source activate hkhlr_dl
```

Python virtual environments

Follow the instructions for setting up a virtual environment for your operating system and activate your environment: https://docs.python.org/3/library/venv.html

Activate the environment:

 $ source /path/to/your/environment/bin/activate

Install packages (this may take a while):

$ pip install tensorflow pandas matplotlib opencv-python pydot progress jupyterlab graphviz

HKHLR - HPC Hessen