Introduction to Topological Data Analysis

online course

Persistent homology is a tool to infer the shape of potentially high-dimensional data using a classical idea from an algebraic topology called homology. On the other hand, dimension reduction techniques transform data from high to low-dimensional space while retaining the original data's geometric and/or topological properties.

Course leader

dr. Gerald Ganssen

Target group

This course is aimed at MSc students in mathematics.
The course is also open to MSc students and PhD students of other natural sciences with a high mathematical component, professionals who completed such study, as well as advanced mathematics bachelor's students with high motivation.
Linear Algebra is mandatory⁠. The students should be comfortable with writing and running elementary Python code. Mathematical analysis, topology, and algebra is helpful.

Course aim

During this course students will learn the scientific basics of Climate Change: facts, causes and consequences.

The in-depth information provided by the lectures on the following themes will allow them to be prepared for discussions within their own profession/study.

1. The Anthropocene: natural versus human-made climate change.

2. The past and the present: lessons for the future and its modelling.

3. The history of Climate Change.

4. Policy, politics and societal relevance.

5. Climate change and its trade-offs.

Soft skills that will be acquired by students:

Improving the ability to speak up, discuss and defend one's opinion and arguments in relation to the public one.
Getting used to and improving one's ability to deal with criticism.
Feeling and showing passion for relevant issues without losing professionalism.
Operating respectfully and professionally.

At the end of the course participants will probably answer with a “Yes, I can” to:

"Are you able to cope with this kind of situation when Climate Change is the subject?"

You get interviewed by a press officer or a reporter for a newspaper/magazine.
You are involved in a discussion with a climate denier.
You apply for a grant and get interviewed.
Your supervisor does not agree with your plans.
You do not agree with the reviewers of your submitted paper.

Fee info

EUR 930: Tuition fee

For 2 ECTS courses:
Students, PhD students and employees of VU Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC or an Aurora Network Partner: €580*
Students and PhD students: €680*
Professionals: €880*
Applications received before 15 October -€50 (Early Bird Discount)

For 3 ECTS courses:
Students, PhD students and employees of VU Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC or an Aurora Network Partner: €630*
Students and PhD students: €730*
Professionals: €930*
Applications received before 15 October -€50 (Early Bird Discount)

* Auditor participants receive €100 discount. Not available for all courses. Early Bird Discount is not valid on the auditor fee. Find out more under the section: Type of participation

The tuition fee includes: 
* Application and registration
* Exclusive course content for a limited number of participants
* Individual/group guidance from the course organiser
* Access to all online VU facilities such as the library and online learning environments
* A certificate of attendance after completing the course 
* A transcript of records, including the grade and the obtained ECTS
* The full support of the winter school team
* Optional social activities