Bayesian Machine Learning: Probabilistic Models and Inference in Python

Bayesian Machine Learning is a branch of machine learning that incorporates probability theory and Bayesian inference in its models. Bayesian Machine Learning enables the estimation of model parameters and prediction uncertainty through probabilistic models and inference techniques. Bayesian Machine Learning is useful in scenarios where uncertainty is high and where the data is limited or noisy.
Probabilistic Models and Inference in Python
Python is a popular language for machine learning, and several libraries support Bayesian Machine Learning. In this tutorial, we will use the PyMC3 library to build and fit probabilistic models and perform Bayesian inference.
Import Libraries
We will start by importing the necessary libraries, including NumPy for numerical computations, Matplotlib for visualizations, and PyMC3 for probabilistic models and inference.
import numpy as np
import matplotlib.pyplot as plt
import pymc3 as pm
Generate Data
Next, we will generate some random data to fit our probabilistic model.
# Generate random data
np.random.seed(1)
x = np.linspace(0, 10, 50)
y = 2*x + 1 + np.random.randn(50)
In this example, we generate 50 data points with a linear relationship between x and y.
Build Probabilistic Model
Next, we will build a probabilistic model to fit the data.
# Build probabilistic model
with pm.Model() as model:
# Define priors
alpha = pm.Normal('alpha', mu=0, sd=10)
beta = pm.Normal('beta', mu=0, sd=10)
sigma = pm.HalfNormal('sigma', sd=1)
# Define likelihood
y_obs = pm.Normal('y_obs', mu=alpha + beta*x, sd=sigma, observed=y)
In this example, we define the priors for the model parameters (alpha, beta, and sigma) and the likelihood for the data.
Fit Probabilistic Model
Next, we will fit the probabilistic model to the data using Bayesian inference.
# Fit probabilistic model
with model:
# Sample from posterior distribution
trace = pm.sample(1000)
# Plot posterior distributions
pm.plot_posterior(trace, var_names=['alpha', 'beta', 'sigma'])
plt.show()
In this example, we use the sample function from PyMC3 to sample from the posterior distribution of the model parameters. We then plot the posterior distributions of the parameters.
Make Predictions
Finally, we can use the fitted probabilistic model to make predictions on new data.
# Make predictions
x_new = np.linspace(0, 10, 100)
with model:
# Predict y values for new x values
y_new = pm.sample_posterior_predictive(trace, var_names=['y_obs'], samples=100, \
model=model, inputs={'x': x_new})
# Plot predictions
plt.scatter(x, y)
plt.plot(x_new, np.mean(y_new['y_obs'], axis=0), color='red')
plt.fill_between(x_new, np.percentile(y_new['y_obs'], 2.5, axis=0), \
np.percentile(y_new['y_obs'], 97.5, axis=0), color='red', alpha=0.2)
plt.show()
In this example, we use the sample_posterior_predictive function from PyMC3 to predict y values for new x values. We then plot the predictions and the associated uncertainty.
In this tutorial, we covered the basics of Bayesian Machine Learning and how to use it in Python to build and fit probabilistic models and perform Bayesian inference. Bayesian Machine Learning enables the estimation of model parameters and prediction uncertainty through probabilistic models and inference techniques. It is useful in scenarios where uncertainty is high and where the data is limited or noisy. I hope you found this tutorial useful in understanding Bayesian Machine Learning in Python.
Note
The code examples provided in this tutorial are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended for production use. The code should be adapted to specific use cases and may require additional validation and testing.
Lyron Foster is a Hawai’i based African American Author, Musician, Actor, Blogger, Philanthropist and Multinational Serial Tech Entrepreneur.