What is feature engineering?

Feature engineering is a process within machine learning that transforms raw data into features that a machine can recognize as part of the problem to be solved. It's a way of manually improving the observations and variables that a machine is learning based upon the data that you have. Features are tables that consist of the variables and observations that are meaningful to the problem you're trying to solve. Feature engineering consists of determining which features work best with the problem you're solving, creating the features, checking how the features work, and improving them.

Why is it important to learn feature engineering?

It's important to learn about the process of feature engineering because it can influence the result of solving a problem better than relying on algorithms alone, which means you can better solve problems based on the data that you have. When you use feature engineering properly, you can exert a positive influence on the results you achieve from the data that you're working with. To put it simply, the better features you put into the machine, the better problem solutions you'll see as a result. That's where a thorough knowledge of feature engineering comes in. The better you are at inputting features, the better you'll be at making the most of your data.

What are careers that rely on knowledge of feature engineering?

Data analysts and engineers call upon their knowledge of feature engineering in their careers. Engineers in a host of disciplines analyze, clean, and improve the data that they work with every day, and you'll find data specialists who work with feature engineering in fields as vast as healthcare, aerospace, and defense. The growing fields of mobile gaming and e-commerce also hire feature engineers to better analyze the data that they depend on.

How can online courses on Coursera help me learn feature engineering?

Whether you're looking to learn the basics of feature engineering or acquire more advanced knowledge, taking online courses on Coursera and partners like IBM and Google can help you learn the concepts and practical applications of feature engineering. You can learn about how feature engineering works in certain applications like Google Cloud or MATLAB or aim for a specialized certificate. No matter which of the feature engineering courses you choose to take, you'll have the opportunity to learn new skills that may be beneficial to your career.

What are the benefits of taking an online Feature Engineering course?

Online Feature Engineering courses offer a convenient and flexible way to enhance your knowledge or learn new Feature Engineering skills. Choose from a wide range of Feature Engineering courses offered by top universities and industry leaders tailored to various skill levels.

What Feature Engineering courses are best for training and upskilling employees or the workforce?

When looking to enhance your workforce's skills in Feature Engineering, it's crucial to select a course that aligns with their current abilities and learning objectives. Our Skills Dashboard is an invaluable tool for identifying skill gaps and choosing the most appropriate course for effective upskilling. For a comprehensive understanding of how our courses can benefit your employees, explore the enterprise solutions we offer. Discover more about our tailored programs at Coursera for Business here .

Top Feature Engineering Courses - Learn Feature Engineering Online

Explore the Feature Engineering Course Catalog

Status: Free Trial
Duke University
Java Programming and Software Engineering Fundamentals
Skills you'll gain: Object Oriented Programming (OOP), Java, Hypertext Markup Language (HTML), Software Design, Software Design Patterns, Data Structures, HTML and CSS, Debugging, Software Engineering, Cascading Style Sheets (CSS), Web Development, Computer Programming, Programming Principles, Javascript, Encryption, Algorithms, AI Personalization, Web Design, Data Processing, Statistical Analysis
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
22K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
Vanderbilt University
Generative AI Leadership & Strategy
Skills you'll gain: Prompt Engineering, ChatGPT, Ideation, Verification And Validation, Data Validation, Succession Planning, Productivity, Business Writing, Generative AI, Leadership, Meeting Facilitation, Organizational Leadership, Artificial Intelligence, Large Language Modeling, Business Leadership, Proposal Writing, Communication, Risk Management Framework, Creative Thinking, Human Resource Strategy
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
6.6K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free Trial
University of Colorado Boulder
Embedding Sensors and Motors
Skills you'll gain: Control Systems, Process Control, Machine Controls, Embedded Systems, Electronic Systems, Engineering, Scientific, and Technical Instruments, Embedded Software, Electronics, Automation Engineering, Hardware Design, Laboratory Experience, Statistical Process Controls, Electrical Engineering, Three-Phase, Manufacturing Processes, Power Electronics, Electronic Hardware, Electrical Equipment, Electronic Components, Electrical Systems
Build toward a degree
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
2.8K reviews
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
University of Colorado Boulder
Optical Engineering
Skills you'll gain: Electrical Engineering, Equipment Design, Performance Tuning, Engineering Calculations, Simulation and Simulation Software, Hardware Design, System Design and Implementation, Engineering Analysis, Display Devices, Engineering, Scientific, and Technical Instruments, Image Analysis, Computer-Aided Design, Engineering Design Process, Systems Design, Computer Displays, Applied Mathematics, Human Factors, Medical Imaging, System Configuration, Technical Design
Build toward a degree
4.3
Rating, 4.3 out of 5 stars
364 reviews
Advanced · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
Google Cloud
Data Engineering, Big Data, and Machine Learning on GCP
Skills you'll gain: Data Pipelines, Dataflow, Google Cloud Platform, Real Time Data, Data Lakes, MLOps (Machine Learning Operations), Dashboard, Data Warehousing, Extract, Transform, Load, Cloud Engineering, Data Infrastructure, Cloud Infrastructure, Cloud Storage, Big Data, Tensorflow, Unstructured Data, Data Integration, Data Migration, Data Processing, Data Visualization Software
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
18K reviews
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
IBM
Python Project for Data Engineering
Skills you'll gain: Web Scraping, Data Transformation, Extract, Transform, Load, Data Manipulation, SQL, Integrated Development Environments, Data Processing, Databases, Application Programming Interface (API), Code Review, Restful API, Python Programming, Unit Testing, Style Guides
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
774 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free Trial
Google Cloud
Preparing for Google Cloud Certification: Cloud Data Engineer
Skills you'll gain: Data Pipelines, Dataflow, Google Cloud Platform, Real Time Data, Data Maintenance, Data Lakes, Data Storage, MLOps (Machine Learning Operations), Data Analysis, Dashboard, Data Warehousing, Data Processing, Extract, Transform, Load, Cloud Engineering, Data Infrastructure, Cloud Infrastructure, Cloud Storage, Big Data, Tensorflow, Unstructured Data
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
19K reviews
Intermediate · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
IBM
Data Engineering Foundations
Skills you'll gain: SQL, Web Scraping, Database Design, MySQL, Data Transformation, Data Store, Extract, Transform, Load, IBM DB2, Relational Databases, Jupyter, Data Architecture, Data Pipelines, Big Data, Data Warehousing, Data Governance, Databases, Stored Procedure, Data Manipulation, Python Programming, Data Structures
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
56K reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free Trial
Dartmouth College
The Engineering of Structures Around Us
Skills you'll gain: Structural Analysis, Structural Engineering, Building Design, Civil Engineering, Vibrations, Architectural Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Construction, SketchUp (3D Modeling Software), Mechanics, Engineering Analysis, Engineering Calculations, Mathematical Modeling, Prototyping, Engineering Design Process, 3D Modeling, Simulation and Simulation Software, Applied Mathematics
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
147 reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
National Taiwan University
BIM Application for Engineers
Skills you'll gain: Autodesk Revit, Building Information Modeling, Autodesk, Construction Estimating, Simulation and Simulation Software, 3D Modeling, Construction Management, Data Integration
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
502 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
University of Leeds
Fundamental Skills in Engineering Design
Skills you'll gain: Engineering Design Process, Engineering Management, Product Lifecycle Management, Product Design, Product Development, Engineering Practices, New Product Development, Product Requirements, Conceptual Design, Safety Assurance, Communication
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
180 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Georgia Institute of Technology
Machine Design Part I
Skills you'll gain: Failure Analysis, Mechanical Design, Mechanical Engineering, Structural Analysis, Engineering Analysis, Engineering Design Process, Engineering Practices, Engineering Calculations, Verification And Validation
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
2.2K reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months