Explore machine learning applications in quantum matter through this comprehensive lecture, the first in a four-part series. Delve into classical algorithms, high-dimensional data analysis, and low-dimensionality concepts. Examine the fundamentals of machine learning, including natural language processing and its societal implications. Investigate various machine learning categories, focusing on data-driven learning, physical laws, and supervised learning techniques. Learn about neural networks, activation functions, loss functions, and gradient descent. Apply these concepts to a square lattice toy model, gaining practical insights into machine learning's role in quantum physics research.