Try It: Intro to Python from edX

Python is one of the most popular and in-demand programming languages in the world — largely because of how readable and versatile it is. If you’re interested in learning Python, this free, introductory course will demonstrate how learning to code in Python could benefit your career. No previous programming experience is required.

From analyzing large datasets to building web applications, Python can be used for a variety of projects including:

- Writing scripts for automating tasks

-Web development

-Collecting data from websites (also known as “web scraping”)

-Scientific and numeric computing

-Data analysis

-Data visualization

-Machine learning

Python is also a useful skill applicable to roles across a wide range of industries, including:

-Energy

-Finance

-Healthcare

-Marketing

-IT

-Retail

This course is an introduction to our Boot Camps, which combine data analysis and machine learning to prepare learners for careers such as data analysts, financial analysts, data scientists, and more.

This Try It is offered in support of the Coding Boot Camp, Fintech Boot Camp and Data Analytics Boot Camp with Monash University. If you enroll in this Try It, your learner data will not be shared with Monash University unless you enroll in the Coding Boot Camp, Fintech Boot Camp or Data Analytics Boot Camp.

What's inside

Learning objectives

-what python is and where it’s used.
-functions, the bits of code that tell python what to do.
-how to create and name variables.
-how to build conditional logic to automate dual-alternative decision-making.

-how to use python for advanced decision making with nested if/else statements.
-how python interacts with a console.
-how to code simple programs and use conditional statements to automate decision-making.

-what python is and where it’s used.
-functions, the bits of code that tell python what to do.
-how to create and name variables.
-how to build conditional logic to automate dual-alternative decision-making.
-how to use python for advanced decision making with nested if/else statements.
-how python interacts with a console.
-how to code simple programs and use conditional statements to automate decision-making.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Teaches coding in Python, which is widely used and versatile, making it beneficial for career growth

Explores various applications of Python, including data analysis, web development, data visualization, and even machine learning

Suitable for beginners with no prior programming experience, providing a solid foundation in Python

Industry-relevant skills are taught, making it valuable for those seeking to advance their careers

Introduces learners to topics covered in the provider's Boot Camps, offering a pathway for further development

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 Try It: Intro to Python with these activities:

Create a Python learning repository

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Organize your Python resources for easy reference and future learning.

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Gather and organize your Python notes, assignments, and resources
Create a digital or physical repository for your materials

Read "Python Crash Course, 2nd Edition"

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Reading this book will provide a solid foundation in Python programming.

View Python Crash Course, 2nd Edition: A Hands-On,... on Amazon

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Read and understand the chapters thoroughly
Complete the exercises and projects in the book

Learn basics of Python

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Python is a versatile language with a shallow learning curve. This activity will refresh your programming skills in preparation for the course.

Browse courses on Python Basics

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Review data types and structures
Refresh concepts of variables, expressions, and statements
Practice using loops and conditional statements

Four other activities

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Show all seven activities

Write a Python program

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Build your confidence in writing Python by practicing for the course.

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Decide on a problem to solve or a task to automate
Design a solution using Python
Write and test your Python program

Coding exercises

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Regular practice will enhance your understanding of Python concepts and prepare you for the course.

Browse courses on Python

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Solve coding problems from online platforms
Participate in coding challenges

Join a Python study group

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Engage with other learners to discuss Python concepts and enhance your understanding.

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Identify or create a study group with fellow Python learners
Set regular meeting times and discuss Python topics

Mentor a beginner in Python

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Teaching others can reinforce your understanding and help you identify areas for improvement.

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Identify opportunities to mentor beginner Python learners
Provide guidance and support to your mentee

Career center

Learners who complete Try It: Intro to Python will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Machine Learning Engineer

Machine Learning Engineers design and develop machine learning algorithms and models to solve real-world problems. They work with data scientists to gather and prepare data, and then use their knowledge of machine learning to build models that can make predictions or decisions. This course can help you develop the skills you need to become a Machine Learning Engineer by teaching you the basics of Python, a programming language that is widely used in machine learning. You will also learn how to use Python to build simple programs and use conditional statements to automate decision-making.

See salaries and explore the career path for Machine Learning Engineer

Data Analyst

Data Analysts collect, analyze, and interpret data to help businesses make better decisions. They use their skills in data analysis and visualization to identify trends and patterns in data, and then communicate their findings to stakeholders. This course can help you develop the skills you need to become a Data Analyst by teaching you the basics of Python, a programming language that is widely used in data analysis. You will also learn how to use Python to build simple programs and use conditional statements to automate decision-making.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst

Data Scientist

Data Scientists use their knowledge of data analysis, machine learning, and statistics to solve complex business problems. They work with data to build models and algorithms that can make predictions and decisions. This course can help you develop the skills you need to become a Data Scientist by teaching you the basics of Python, a programming language that is widely used in data science. You will also learn how to use Python to build simple programs and use conditional statements to automate decision-making.

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Software Engineer

Software Engineers design, develop, and maintain software applications. They work with a variety of programming languages and technologies to create software that meets the needs of users. This course can help you develop the skills you need to become a Software Engineer by teaching you the basics of Python, a programming language that is widely used in software development. You will also learn how to use Python to build simple programs and use conditional statements to automate decision-making.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer

Web Developer

Web Developers design and develop websites and web applications. They work with a variety of programming languages and technologies to create websites that are both visually appealing and functional. This course can help you develop the skills you need to become a Web Developer by teaching you the basics of Python, a programming language that is widely used in web development. You will also learn how to use Python to build simple programs and use conditional statements to automate decision-making.

See salaries and explore the career path for Web Developer

Financial Analyst

Financial Analysts use their knowledge of finance and economics to analyze financial data and make recommendations to investors. They work with a variety of data analysis and visualization tools to identify trends and patterns in financial data. This course can help you develop the skills you need to become a Financial Analyst by teaching you the basics of Python, a programming language that is widely used in financial analysis. You will also learn how to use Python to build simple programs and use conditional statements to automate decision-making.

See salaries and explore the career path for Financial Analyst

Business Analyst

Business Analysts use their knowledge of business and technology to analyze business processes and identify areas for improvement. They work with stakeholders to gather and analyze data, and then develop recommendations to improve business performance. This course can help you develop the skills you need to become a Business Analyst by teaching you the basics of Python, a programming language that is widely used in business analysis. You will also learn how to use Python to build simple programs and use conditional statements to automate decision-making.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst

Marketing Analyst

Marketing Analysts use their knowledge of marketing and data analysis to measure the effectiveness of marketing campaigns and identify opportunities for improvement. They work with a variety of data analysis and visualization tools to track and analyze marketing data. This course can help you develop the skills you need to become a Marketing Analyst by teaching you the basics of Python, a programming language that is widely used in marketing analysis. You will also learn how to use Python to build simple programs and use conditional statements to automate decision-making.

See salaries and explore the career path for Marketing Analyst

Operations Research Analyst

Operations Research Analysts use their knowledge of mathematics and statistics to analyze business processes and identify areas for improvement. They work with a variety of data analysis and visualization tools to develop models and algorithms that can help businesses make better decisions. This course can help you develop the skills you need to become an Operations Research Analyst by teaching you the basics of Python, a programming language that is widely used in operations research. You will also learn how to use Python to build simple programs and use conditional statements to automate decision-making.

See salaries and explore the career path for Operations Research Analyst

Statistician

Statisticians use their knowledge of statistics and data analysis to collect, analyze, and interpret data. They work with a variety of data analysis and visualization tools to identify trends and patterns in data. This course can help you develop the skills you need to become a Statistician by teaching you the basics of Python, a programming language that is widely used in statistics. You will also learn how to use Python to build simple programs and use conditional statements to automate decision-making.

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Actuary

Actuaries use their knowledge of mathematics and statistics to assess risk and uncertainty. They work with a variety of data analysis and visualization tools to develop models that can help businesses make better decisions. This course can help you develop the skills you need to become an Actuary by teaching you the basics of Python, a programming language that is widely used in actuarial science. You will also learn how to use Python to build simple programs and use conditional statements to automate decision-making.

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Risk Analyst

Risk Analysts use their knowledge of risk management and data analysis to identify and assess risks. They work with a variety of data analysis and visualization tools to develop models that can help businesses make better decisions. This course can help you develop the skills you need to become a Risk Analyst by teaching you the basics of Python, a programming language that is widely used in risk management. You will also learn how to use Python to build simple programs and use conditional statements to automate decision-making.

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Compliance Analyst

Compliance Analysts use their knowledge of regulations and data analysis to ensure that businesses comply with all applicable laws and regulations. They work with a variety of data analysis and visualization tools to identify and assess risks. This course can help you develop the skills you need to become a Compliance Analyst by teaching you the basics of Python, a programming language that is widely used in compliance analysis. You will also learn how to use Python to build simple programs and use conditional statements to automate decision-making.

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Fraud Analyst

Fraud Analysts use their knowledge of fraud detection and data analysis to identify and investigate fraudulent activities. They work with a variety of data analysis and visualization tools to identify and assess risks. This course can help you develop the skills you need to become a Fraud Analyst by teaching you the basics of Python, a programming language that is widely used in fraud analysis. You will also learn how to use Python to build simple programs and use conditional statements to automate decision-making.

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Data Engineer

Data Engineers design and build the infrastructure that stores and processes data. They work with a variety of data analysis and visualization tools to develop and maintain data pipelines. This course may be helpful for you if you are interested in becoming a Data Engineer, as it will teach you the basics of Python, a programming language that is widely used in data engineering. You will also learn how to use Python to build simple programs and use conditional statements to automate decision-making.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Engineer