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Individual Course

Introduction to Data Science with Python

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Course Length

8 weeks

3-4 hours a week

Featuring faculty from:

Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences LogoHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences

Enroll as Individual

Certificate Price:

$ 299

Enroll as Individual

Certificate Price:

$ 299

Join Harvard University Instructor Pavlos Protopapas in this online course to learn how to use Python to harness and analyze data.

Every single minute, computers across the world collect millions of gigabytes of data. What can you do to make sense of this mountain of data? How do data scientists use this data for the applications that power our modern world?

Data science is an ever-evolving field, using algorithms and scientific methods to parse complex data sets. Data scientists use a range of programming languages, such as Python and R, to harness and analyze data. This course focuses on using Python in data science. By the end of the course, you’ll have a fundamental understanding of machine learning models and basic concepts around Machine Learning (ML) and Artificial Intelligence (AI).

Using Python, learners will study regression models (Linear, Multilinear, and Polynomial) and classification models (kNN, Logistic), utilizing popular libraries such as sklearn, Pandas, matplotlib, and numPy. The course will cover key concepts of machine learning such as: picking the right complexity, preventing overfitting, regularization, assessing uncertainty, weighing trade-offs, and model evaluation. Participation in this course will build your confidence in using Python, preparing you for more advanced study in Machine Learning (ML) and Artificial Intelligence (AI), and advancement in your career. CS50’s Introduction to Programming with Python , and statistics prerequisites can be met via Fat Chance or with Stat110 offered through HarvardX.

Self-Guided

EDX

Learning Outcome

Gain hands-on experience and practice using Python to solve real data science challenges

Learning Outcome

Utilize popular libraries such as Pandas, numPy, matplotlib, and SKLearn

Learning Outcome

Build a foundation for the use of Python in machine learning and artificial intelligence, preparing you for future Python study

  • Learn from Harvard faculty
  • Do it on your own time
  • Get a certificate, add it to your resume
  • Be part of the Harvard Community
Data Science for Business values

Faculty

Your Instructor

Pavlos Protopapas

Scientific Program Director at Harvard

Pavlos Protopapas is the Scientific Program Director of the Institute for Applied Computational Science(IACS) at the Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences. He has had a long and distinguished career as a scientist and data science educator, and currently teaches the CS109 course series for basic and advanced data science at Harvard University, as well as the capstone course (industry-sponsored data science projects) for the IACS master’s program at Harvard. Pavlos has a Ph.D in theoretical physics from the University of Pennsylvania and has focused recently on the use of machine learning and AI in astronomy, and computer science. He was Deputy Director of the National Expandable Clusters Program (NSCP) at the University of Pennsylvania, and was instrumental in creating the Initiative in Innovative Computing (IIC) at Harvard. Pavlos has taught multiple courses on machine learning and computational science at Harvard, and at summer schools, and at programs internationally.

Professional Certificate Series

Complete your journey with a Professional Certificate Series

Professional Certificate in Learning Python for Data Science
Join Harvard Online in this series of online courses taught by renowned faculty to put your Python skills into practice for applied data science.

Professional Certificate in Python for Data Science and Machine Learning
Join Harvard Online in this series of Python courses around Machine Learning.

Professional Certificate in Data Science and Machine Learning
This comprehensive certificate program is designed to provide learners with the practical knowledge in machine learning and its applications to launch a successful career path or transition into data science and machine learning using Python.

An example HarvardX certificate

Ways to take this course

Audit or Pursue a Verified Certificate

A Verified Certificate costs $299 and provides unlimited access to full course materials, activities, tests, and forums. At the end of the course, learners who earn a passing grade can receive a certificate.

⁠Alternatively, learners can Audit the course for free and have access to select course material, activities, tests, and forums. Please note that this track does not offer a certificate for learners who earn a passing grade.

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