Data What Is Deep Learning?

Definition, Examples, and Careers

What Is Deep Learning? Definition, Examples,

and Careers
Written by Coursera Staff • Updated on Nov 29, 2023 Share

Deep learning is a method that trains computers to process information in a way that mimics
human neural processes. Learn more about deep learning examples and applications in this
article.

The field of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) is rapidly evolving, generating
both fear and excitement. While many people have a general understanding of ML and AI, deep
learning is a special type of machine learning that can be more challenging to describe. You
can learn more about deep learning systems and how to work with them in the following
article.
What is deep learning?
Deep learning is a branch of machine learning that is made up of a neural network with three
or more layers:

Input layer: Data enters through the input layer.

Hidden layers: Hidden layers process and transport data to other layers.
Output layer: The final result or prediction is made in the output layer.

Neural networks attempt to model human learning by digesting and analyzing massive
amounts of information, also known as training data. They perform a given task with that data
repeatedly, improving in accuracy each time. It's similar to the way we study and practice to
improve skills.

Read more: Deep Learning vs. Machine Learning

Deep Learning
Specialization

Intermediate level · 5 month(s)

Skills you'll build: Recurrent Neural Network, Tensorflow, Convolutional Neural Network, Artificial

Neural Network, Transformers, Backpropagation, Python Programming, Deep Learning, Neural…

Network Architecture,
4.9 (132,447 hyperparameter tuning, Mathematical Optimization, Decision-Making,
ratings)
Machine Learning, Inductive Transfer, Multi-Task Learning, Facial Recognition System, Object

Detection and Segmentation, Gated Recurrent Unit (GRU), Natural Language Processing, Long

Short Term Memory (LSTM), Attention Models

Deep learning models

Deep learning models are files that data scientists train to perform tasks with minimal human
intervention. Deep learning models include predefined sets of steps (algorithms) that tell the
file how to treat certain data. This training method enables deep learning models to recognize
more complicated patterns in text, images, or sounds.

AI vs. machine learning vs. deep learning

AI, machine learning, and deep learning are sometimes used interchangeably,
but they are each distinct terms.
 Artificial Intelligence (AI) is an umbrella term for computer software that
mimics human cognition in order to perform complex tasks and learn from
them.
Machine learning (ML) is a subfield of AI that uses algorithms trained on data
to produce adaptable models that can perform a variety of complex tasks.
Deep learning is a subset of machine learning that uses several layers within
neural networks to do some of the most complex ML tasks without any human
intervention.

Examples of deep learning

Deep learning is a subset of machine learning that is made up of a neural network with three or
more layers. A neural network attempts to model the human brain's behavior by learning from
large data sets. Deep learning drives many AI applications that improve the way systems and
tools deliver services, such as voice-enabled technology and credit card fraud detection.

Self-driving cars

Autonomous vehicles are already on our roadways. Deep learning algorithms help determine
whether there are other cars, debris, or humans around and react accordingly.

Chatbots

Deep learning chatbots designed to mimic human intelligence (like Chat-GPT) have gained
recent popularity due to their ability to respond to natural-language questions quickly and
often accurately. The deeper the data pool from which deep learning occurs, the more rapidly
deep learning can produce the desired results.

Facial recognition

Facial recognition plays an essential role in everything from tagging people on social media to
crucial security measures. Deep learning allows algorithms to function accurately despite
cosmetic changes such as hairstyles, beards, or poor lighting.
Medical science

The human genome consists of approximately three billion DNA base pairs of chromosomes.
Machine learning is helping scientists and other medical professionals to create personalized
medicines, and diagnose tumors, and is undergoing research and utilization for other
pharmaceutical and medical purposes.

Speech recognition

Similar to facial recognition, deep learning uses millions of audio clips to learn and recognize
speech. It can then power algorithms to understand what someone said and differentiate
different tones, as well as detect a specific person's voice.

How to get involved with deep learning technology

Whether your interest in deep learning is personal or professional, you can gain more expertise
through online resources. If you're new to the field, consider taking a free online course like
Introduction to Generative AI, offered by Google. Taking a free class from an industry leader in
technology can help you build the foundational knowledge you need to start an independent
project or decide whether or not you want to pursue a career in deep learning. Once you feel
you have the basics down, you can begin experimenting with open-source deep learning
platforms such as Caffe, Theano, and TensorFlow.

Introduction to Generative AI
Course
Beginner level 0

4.6 (2,662 ratings)

Core deep learning skills and technologies

Becoming proficient in deep learning involves extensive technical expertise. The list below
outlines some specific skills and systems you'll need to learn if you want to get into deep
learning professionally.
 TensorFlow, Apache Kafka
Machine learning and AI programming languages
Physics
Calculus
Dynamic programming and coding
Applied mathematics
Natural language processing
Neural network architecture

Careers in deep learning

Just like in machine learning and artificial intelligence, jobs in deep learning are experiencing
rapid growth. Deep learning helps organizations and enterprises develop ways to automate
tasks and do things better, faster, and cheaper.

There are a wide variety of career opportunities that utilize deep learning knowledge and
skills. In addition to data, machine, and deep learning engineers, these include:

Software engineers
Data analysts
Data scientists
Software developers
Research scientists
Natural language processing engineers

Education requirements

Deep learning is a subset of machine learning, so understanding the basics of machine

learning is a good foundation to build on. Many deep learning engineers have Ph.D.s, but it is
possible to enter the field with a bachelor's degree and relevant experience. Proficiency in
coding and problem-solving are the base skills necessary to explore deep learning.

Read more: How Long Does It Take to Get a PhD?

Career Certificates

If you already have some of the skills mentioned above or you want to switch to a career in
deep learning from a related field, you might consider a certificate program to improve your
resume and focus your studies on job-ready skills. Here are a couple of career-focused
certificate programs to get you started:

IBM AI Engineering Professional Certificate

IBM AI Engineering
Professional Certificate

Intermediate level · 9 month(s)

Skills you'll build: Machine Learning, regression, Hierarchical Clustering, classification, SciPy and
scikit-learn, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Artificial Neural Network, Deep Learning, keras, Image…

Processing, Opencv,
4.5 (5,896 ratings)Computer Vision

DeepLearning.AI TensorFlow Developer Professional Certificate

DeepLearning.AI TensorFlow Developer

Professional Certificate

Intermediate level · 4 month(s)

Skills you'll build: Computer Vision, Convolutional Neural Network, Machine Learning, Natural
Language Processing, Tensorflow, Dropouts, Inductive Transfer, Augmentation, RNNs,…

Tokenization,
4.7 (21,029prediction,
ratings) Forecasting, Time Series

Gaining deep learning experience

After you've mastered some of the skills like those listed above, you might be ready to apply for
jobs in data science and machine learning. Even an entry-level job as a developer or data
analyst can provide exposure to machine learning algorithms and models, as well as those that
involve deep learning.
If you have experience on the development side of computer science, you may be well-
positioned to enter the field of deep learning. Experience in the intricacies of common
languages such as Python is essential for a career in deep learning.

Honing software engineering skills such as data structures, Github, sorting, searching,
optimizing algorithms, and a deep understanding of the software development life cycle is
crucial to developing the sophisticated skills needed for a career in deep learning.

Learn about deep learning with expert-level guidance

on Coursera
Led by AI expert Andrew Ng, this 100-percent self-paced, online Deep Learning Specialization
includes the following courses for a strong overview of deep learning techniques and
fundamentals:

Neural Networks and Deep Learning

Improving Deep Neural Networks: Hyperparameter Tuning, Regularization and
Optimization
Structuring Machine Learning Projects
Convolutional Neural Networks
Sequence Models

Deep Learning
Specialization
Intermediate level · 5 month(s)

Skills you'll build: Recurrent Neural Network, Tensorflow, Convolutional Neural Network, Artificial
Neural Network, Transformers, Backpropagation, Python Programming, Deep Learning, Neural…
Network Architecture,
4.9 (132,447 hyperparameter tuning, Mathematical Optimization, Decision-Making,
ratings)
Machine Learning, Inductive Transfer, Multi-Task Learning, Facial Recognition System, Object
Detection and Segmentation, Gated Recurrent Unit (GRU), Natural Language Processing, Long
Short Term Memory (LSTM), Attention Models

Keep reading

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 December 14, 2023 December 14, 2023

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November 29, 2023 7 min read · November 29, 2023

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Definition and Examples Networks Explained
January 9, 2024 December 14, 2023

Updated on Nov 29, 2023 Share

Written by:
Coursera Staff
Editorial Team
Coursera’s editorial team is comprised of highly experienced professional editor...

This content has been made available for informational purposes only. Learners are advised to conduct additional
research to ensure that courses and other credentials pursued meet their personal, professional, and financial goals.

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