What is Deep Learning: Definition, Scope & Career Opportunities

Ever wonder how Amazon comes up with suggestions of what you should buy next? Or how Netflix recommends movies that you’re most likely to watch? Moreover, how do Siri, Alexa, or Cortana respond to your queries? Behind all these technologies we deal with daily are deep learning algorithms at work. A type of machine learning, deep learning and neural networks attempt to mimic the human brain and make accurate predictions.

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This article will dive deep into the concept of deep learning and neural networks and walk you through the scope of deep learning as a career.

What is Deep Learning?

Deep learning is a machine learning technique that trains computers to learn by example, which instinctively comes to humans. It essentially involves a multi-layered artificial neural network (ANN) that simulates the neuron connections in the human brain. The multiple layers help refine and optimize the accuracy with which the ANNs make predictions.

One of the fastest-growing fields in machine learning, deep learning-driven digital technologies, in a way, has enabled the automation of predictive analytics. Computers learn to perform classifications directly from texts, images, or sound in deep learning through large labeled datasets and neural network architectures. Thus, deep learning and neural networks simplify the task of data scientists who need to collect, analyze, and interpret massive amounts of data for predictive modeling.

How Does Deep Learning Work?

Deep learning neural networks or ANNs imitate the human brain to accurately identify, classify, and define objects within the input dataset. Like the human brain is made of neurons, deep learning neural networks comprise layers of nodes, and nodes within each layer connect to adjacent layers. 

While a human brain neuron receives impulses from thousands of other neurons, signals in ANNs travel between nodes of interconnected layers, assigning weights and biases to the input. In machine learning, a weight (w) controls the strength of the connection between two neurons and dictate’s the influence of the input on the output. On the other hand, a bias (b) serves as an additional input to the next layer and has the value 1. The bias ensures that the neuron activates even when all the inputs are zeros.

A heavier weighted node exerts more effect on the subsequent layer of nodes, with the final layer collating the weighted inputs to give an output. The input and output layers of an ANN are called visible layers. While the input layer is where the model takes in data for processing, the output layer is where the deep learning model makes the final prediction. Deep learning models typically contain as many as 150 hidden layers in their neural network. 

Real-Life Examples of Deep Learning

Below are a few examples of deep learning and neural networks translating into practical, everyday applications and services:

1. Language translations
2. Chatbots and service bots
3. Virtual assistants 
4. Facial recognitions
5. Recommendation engines
6. Image colorization
7. Vision for driverless vehicles and drones
8. Industrial automation
9. Text generation
10. Personalized medicine

Deep Learning Skills

Deep learning is a powerful machine learning technique. Therefore, building deep learning models requires advanced machine learning skills. Let’s look at some of the key skills you will need to master deep learning:

Applied Mathematics

Mathematical skills, including statistics, are essential to understanding how deep learning algorithms work. These mathematical skills include linear algebra, probability theory, statistics, calculus, algorithms, and optimization.

Data Engineering

Since deep learning involves a considerable amount of data, having fundamental data engineering skills is fundamental. Data engineering skills mainly include data pre-processing, data extraction, transformation, and loading (ETL), and knowledge of Oracle, MySQL, and NoSQL databases.

Programming

While many programming languages can be used in machine learning, some of the most popular ones include Python, Java, C++, R, and JavaScript. What’s more, these high-level programming languages come with libraries and packages that simplify your work further. 

Machine Learning Algorithms

Knowledge of machine learning algorithms is a must if you want to master deep learning. Machine learning algorithms that come in handy include Naive Bayes, K-nearest Neighbor, Support Vector Machine, Linear Regression, Logistic regression, Random Forest, Decision Tree, K-means Clustering, and Hierarchical Clustering.

Deep Learning Algorithms

A crucial part of your deep learning skillset is deep learning algorithms. Some popular deep learning algorithms include Artificial Neural Network (ANN), Convolutional Neural Network (CNN), Recurrent Neural Network (RNN), Deep Belief Network (DBN), and Generative Adversarial Network (GAN).

Deep Learning Frameworks

Lastly, you need to learn various deep learning frameworks that help design, train, and validate deep neural networks. The most widely used deep learning frameworks are TensorFlow, PyTorch, Keras, ScikitLearn, Theano, DL4J, Sonnet, Gluon, and MXNet.

Natural Language Processing

NLTK, Gensim, Word2vec, Sentiment Analysis, and Summarization are some of the top natural language processing libraries and techniques used in machine learning.

Soft Skills

Apart from the technical skills discussed above, machine learning professionals must have relevant soft skills and behavioral skills, including:

• Domain knowledge
• Reasoning and problem-solving skills
• Communication skills
• Rapid prototyping

Scope of Deep Learning

The field of artificial intelligence and machine learning offers lucrative career avenues with life-long learning opportunities. According to Payscale, the average yearly salary of a machine learning engineer with deep learning skills is US$ 110,491. Moreover, with almost every industry and sector adopting AI-driven technologies to improve business processes and products, there is a concomitant rise in demand for skilled AI professionals.

Moreover, the global AI software market is forecasted to witness a staggering growth in the coming years, reaching about US$ 126 billion by 2025. The market includes many AI applications, including robotic process automation, machine learning, and natural language processing. Needless to say, deep learning skills will be highly valued among recruiters looking for the best talents in the AI field. Thus, the scope of machine learning and deep learning is pretty broad and promising, both in terms of opportunities and salary.

Conclusion

Artificial intelligence (AI) and its subsets such as machine learning and deep learning have proved that computers can perform tasks that typically require human intelligence. From virtual assistants and chatbots to autonomous vehicles, AI-driven technologies have permeated almost every aspect of our lives. As algorithms evolve and learn, the list of real-world applications and use cases of machine learning and deep learning will continue to grow. 

If you’re looking to enhance your machine learning skills and earn a certification, check out the Master of Science in Machine Learning & AI offered by upGrad. The 20-month online course will help you acquire the relevant skills to become a data scientist or AI professional.