Python Basics for Data Science from edX

Please Note: Learners who successfully complete this IBM course can earn a skill badge —a detailed, verifiable and digital credential that profiles the knowledge and skills you’ve acquired in this course. Enroll to learn more, complete the course and claim your badge!

Kickstart your learning of Python for data science, as well as programming in general with this introduction to Python course. This beginner-friendly Python course will quickly take you from zero to programming in Python in a matter of hours and give you a taste of how to start working with data in Python. ~~~~

Upon its completion, you'll be able to write your own Python scripts and perform basic hands-on data analysis using our Jupyter-based lab environment. If you want to learn Python from scratch, this course is for you.

You can start creating your own data science projects and collaborating with other data scientists using IBM Watson Studio. When you sign up, you will receive free access to Watson Studio. Start now and take advantage of this platform and learn the basics of programming, machine learning, and data visualization with this introductory course.

What you'll learn

Learn Python - the most popular programming language and easy to learn for beginners
Develop fundamental Python skills for Data Science and Software Development
Work with commonly used Python libraries such as Pandas and Numpy
Utilize Jupyter Notebooks to develop, experiment with and execute Python code
Access and webscrape data using APIs and libraries like Beautiful Soup

What's inside

Learning objectives

Learn python - the most popular programming language and easy to learn for beginners
Develop fundamental python skills for data science and software development
Work with commonly used python libraries such as pandas and numpy

Utilize jupyter notebooks to develop, experiment with and execute python code
Access and webscrape data using apis and libraries like beautiful soup

Learn python - the most popular programming language and easy to learn for beginners
Develop fundamental python skills for data science and software development
Work with commonly used python libraries such as pandas and numpy
Utilize jupyter notebooks to develop, experiment with and execute python code
Access and webscrape data using apis and libraries like beautiful soup

Syllabus

Module 1 - Python Basics Your first program Types Expressions and Variables String Operations

Module 2 - Python Data Structures Lists and Tuples Sets Dictionaries

Module 3 - Python Programming Fundamentals Conditions and Branching Loops Functions Objects and Classes

Module 4 - Working with Data in Python Reading files with open Writing files with open Loading data with Pandas Working with and Saving data with Pandas

Module 5 - Working with Numpy Arrays Numpy 1d Arrays Numpy 2d Arrays

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Develops fundamental Python skills for data science and software development

Examines the Python programming language, which is taught beginner-friendly and easy to learn

Teaches basic hands-on data analysis using the Jupyter notebook-based lab environment

Provides access to IBM Watson Studio, allowing learners to collaborate with other data scientists

Advises students to take other courses first as prerequisites

Reviews summary

Basic python course

According to students, this basic Python course is not recommended for beginners. Students have reported that the videos are short and the exercises are insufficient to reinforce new concepts. One student reported that this course is not worth paying for, as the same content is available for free elsewhere.

Exercises are insufficient.

"I don't think the exercises are sufficient to reinforce new concepts for a beginner..."

Videos are short.

"The videos are relatively short..."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Python Basics for Data Science with these activities:

Read 'Python Crash Course' by Eric Matthes

Show steps

This book offers a concise and practical introduction to Python, covering essential concepts and providing hands-on exercises, which can reinforce your understanding of the fundamentals and prepare you for the more advanced topics in the course.

View Python Crash Course, 3rd Edition: A Hands-On,... on Amazon

Show steps

Acquire a copy of the book.
Read through the chapters and work on the exercises provided.
Take notes or summarize key concepts to enhance your retention.

Review Python Fundamentals

Show steps

By brushing up on the basics, you'll refresh your knowledge and strengthen your understanding of the fundamental concepts of Python, making it easier to follow along in the course and apply the concepts to your data science projects.

Browse courses on Python Basics

Show steps

Review the course syllabus and identify key Python concepts that will be covered.
Go through online tutorials or resources to refresh your memory on Python syntax, variables, data structures, and programming fundamentals.
Complete practice exercises or coding challenges to test your understanding.

Create a Python Resource Collection

Show steps

Creating a Python resource collection will provide you with a valuable repository of useful tools, tutorials, and references, making your future Python learning and projects more efficient and accessible.

Browse courses on Python Programming

Show steps

Search and gather high-quality Python resources, including websites, tutorials, books, and tools.
Organize and categorize the resources based on topic or purpose.
Create a central repository or document to store and share the collection.

Five other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all eight activities

Join a Python Study Group

Show steps

Joining a Python study group will provide you with a supportive environment to practice Python, collaborate with peers, and challenge your understanding, leading to a deeper comprehension of the subject matter.

Browse courses on Python Programming

Show steps

Find or create a Python study group in your community or online.
Set regular meeting times and stick to them.
Work together to solve problems, discuss concepts, and share resources.

Explore Python Libraries and Resources

Show steps

Exploring Python libraries and resources will expand your knowledge of available tools and techniques, enabling you to apply them effectively in your data science projects, making you a more versatile programmer.

Browse courses on Python Libraries

Show steps

Research and identify Python libraries relevant to your interests or career goals.
Follow online tutorials or documentation to learn how to use these libraries.
Experiment with different libraries and explore their features.

Build a Simple Data Analysis Script

Show steps

Creating a data analysis script will provide hands-on practice in applying your Python skills to a practical problem, helping you solidify your understanding of data handling and manipulation techniques.

Browse courses on Data Analysis

Show steps

Choose a small dataset that interests you.
Use Python libraries like Pandas and NumPy to load, clean, and analyze the data.
Generate visualizations to present your findings.
Write a brief report summarizing your analysis.

Attend a Python Workshop or Meetup

Show steps

Attending a Python workshop or meetup will provide you with an opportunity to connect with other Python enthusiasts, learn from experts, and gain exposure to industry trends, broadening your knowledge and network in the field.

Browse courses on Python Programming

Show steps

Search for Python workshops or meetups in your area or online.
Register for and attend the event.
Actively participate in discussions and networking opportunities.

Write a Python Blog Post or Tutorial

Show steps

Creating a Python blog post or tutorial will not only reinforce your learning but also share your knowledge with others, enhancing your understanding and communication skills.

Browse courses on Python Programming

Show steps

Choose a specific Python topic that you want to write about.
Research the topic thoroughly and gather relevant information.
Write a clear and engaging blog post or tutorial, explaining the concepts and providing examples.
Publish your content on a blog or platform.

Career center

Learners who complete Python Basics for Data Science will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Data Scientist

This course includes an introduction to Python along with its use in performing data analysis. It may be of considerable help for Data Scientists.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist

Data Analyst

This course introduces Python and its use in applications such as data science. An individual looking to be a Data Analyst may find it useful.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst

Statistician

This course teaches Python and it's applications in data science. Those who want to become a Statistician may find it useful.

See salaries and explore the career path for Statistician

Machine Learning Engineer

For those looking to become a Machine Learning Engineer, understanding Python is a must. This course introduces Python and its use in data science.

See salaries and explore the career path for Machine Learning Engineer

Data Engineer

This course teaches Python and it's applications in data science. Those who want to become a Data Engineer may find it useful.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Engineer

Quantitative Analyst

This course teaches Python and it's applications in data science. Those who want to become a Quantitative Analyst may find it useful.

See salaries and explore the career path for Quantitative Analyst

Python Developer

This course teaches Python and it's applications in data science. Those who want to become a Python Developer may find it useful.

See salaries and explore the career path for Python Developer

Business Analyst

This course teaches Python and it's applications in data science. Those who want to become a Business Analyst may find it useful.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst

Software Engineer

As a foundation for programming, this course teaches Python. It may be helpful for an individual seeking a role as a Software Engineer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer

Financial Analyst

This course teaches Python and it's applications in data science. Those who want to become a Financial Analyst may find it useful.

See salaries and explore the career path for Financial Analyst

Consultant

This course teaches Python and it's applications in data science. Those who want to become a Consultant may find it useful.

See salaries and explore the career path for Consultant

Actuary

This course teaches Python and it's applications in data science. Those who want to become an Actuary may find it useful.

See salaries and explore the career path for Actuary

Web Developer

This course teaches Python. Individuals looking to be a Web Developer may find it useful.

See salaries and explore the career path for Web Developer

Auditor

This course teaches Python and it's applications in data science. Those who want to become an Auditor may find it useful.

See salaries and explore the career path for Auditor

Cloud Engineer

This course teaches Python. Individuals looking to be a Cloud Engineer may find it useful.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cloud Engineer

Python Basics for Data Science

What you'll learn

What's inside

Learning objectives

Syllabus

Good to know

Save this course

Reviews summary

Basic python course

Activities

Career center

Reading list

Share

Similar courses