Introduction to Python for Data Science

Course Description

This course is part of the Microsoft Professional Program Certificate in Data Science and Microsoft Professional Program in Artificial Intelligence.

Python is a very powerful programming language used for many different applications. Over time, the huge community around this open source language has created quite a few tools to efficiently work with Python. In recent years, a number of tools have been built specifically for data science. As a result, analyzing data with Python has never been easier.

In this practical course, you will start from the very beginning, with basic arithmetic and variables, and learn how to handle data structures, such as Python lists, Numpy arrays, and Pandas DataFrames. Along the way, you’ll learn about Python functions and control flow. Plus, you’ll look at the world of data visualizations with Python and create your own stunning visualizations based on real data.

edX offers financial assistance for learners who want to earn Verified Certificates but who may not be able to pay the fee. To apply for financial assistance, enroll in the course, then follow this link to complete an application for assistance.

What you will learn

• Explore Python language fundamentals, including basic syntax, variables, and types


• Create and manipulate regular Python lists


• Use functions and import packages


• Build Numpy arrays, and perform interesting calculations


• Create and customize plots on real data


• Supercharge your scripts with control flow, and get to know the Pandas DataFrame

Pre-Requesities

Some experience in working with data from Excel, databases, or text files.

Syllabus

Section 1: Python Basics
Take your first steps in the world of Python. Discover the different data types and create your first variable.

Section 2: Python Lists
Get the know the first way to store many different data points under a single name. Create, subset and manipulate Lists in all sorts of ways.

Section 3: Functions and Packages
Learn how to get the most out of other people's efforts by importing Python packages and calling functions.

Section 4: Numpy
Write superfast code with Numerical Python, a package to efficiently store and do calculations with huge amounts of data.

Section 5: Matplotlib
Create different types of visualizations depending on the message you want to convey. Learn how to build complex and customized plots based on real data.

Section 6: Control flow and Pandas
Write conditional constructs to tweak the execution of your scripts and get to know the Pandas DataFrame: the key data structure for Data Science in Python.