Python Basics for Data Science from edX

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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

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

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

Beginner python for data science

According to learners, this course is an excellent starting point for absolute beginners looking to learn Python, especially for data science applications. Students say it provides a solid foundation covering Python basics, data structures, and programming fundamentals. The hands-on labs and Jupyter Notebook environment are frequently praised for helping to solidify understanding through practice. Reviewers found the course easy to follow and appreciated its clear structure. However, some learners with prior experience noted it might be too basic, and the coverage of libraries like Pandas, Numpy, and APIs is considered very introductory, serving only as a brief exposure rather than in-depth training.

A solid first step for data science path.

"This course is a great first step if you are looking to get into data science and need Python basics."

"It provided me with the essential Python knowledge needed to start exploring data analysis."

"I feel more confident about tackling data-related tasks in Python after completing this."

"The introduction to Pandas and Numpy gives a glimpse into tools used in data science."

Labs provide essential practice and reinforcement.

"The hands-on labs provided throughout the course were extremely helpful in applying the concepts learned."

"Working directly in the Jupyter environment allowed me to practice coding right away, which is crucial for learning."

"I really enjoyed the practical exercises; they made the learning process much more engaging and effective."

"The labs helped reinforce my understanding of variables, loops, and functions through direct application."

Ideal introduction for new programmers.

"This course is really a very good starting point for python beginners, covers all the basic concepts very well."

"Perfect course for absolute beginners. It starts from scratch and covers all necessary basic concepts."

"As a complete beginner, I found this course incredibly easy to follow and understand."

"I had zero experience with Python, and this course made it accessible and engaging for me."

Covers basics well, but not advanced topics.

"It gives you a good foundation in Python, but don't expect to become an expert in Pandas or Numpy from this course alone."

"While it introduces libraries like Pandas and Numpy, the depth of coverage is minimal."

"The sections on APIs and web scraping were very brief; it's more of an overview than practical training."

"This is purely foundational; if you have some Python background, it might move too slowly or cover only what you already know."

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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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Join a Python Study Group

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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

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.

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Consultant

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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Actuary

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

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Web Developer

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

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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

Traffic lights

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Reviews summary

Beginner python for data science

Activities

Career center

Reading list

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