Python for Data Science
Get started with Python programming and build the skills needed to write code using Jupyter Notebook.
616 enrolled on this course
Duration
3 weeksWeekly study
2 hours100% online
How it works
Python for Data Science
Learn Python basics and start coding with confidence
Curious about coding or exploring a career in data science or genomics? This introductory course is the perfect first step in your programming journey.
You’ll begin by exploring what programming is and why Python is such a popular and useful language, particularly for scientific and data-driven fields.
Write and test code using Jupyter Notebook
You’ll get hands-on experience using Jupyter Notebook – a user-friendly environment that lets you write, test, and document your Python code in one place.
Build core programming skills
As you work through the course, you’ll learn how to use Python’s basic building blocks: variables, operators, and common data types like lists and dictionaries.
You’ll discover how to control how your program runs using conditionals and loops, and you’ll learn to write your own functions to make your code more efficient and reusable.
Practice with real examples
Each step includes clear explanations, useful examples, and interactive exercises to help you put your new skills into practice.
By the end of the course, you’ll have created your own Python scripts and developed your confidence to take your programming skills further.
This course is an ideal introduction if you’re considering the Online MSc Genomic Medicine with Data Science at the University of Leeds. It offers a practical taster of the programming and analytical skills you’ll develop further in the full Master’s programme.
Syllabus
Week 1
First steps with Python
Course introduction
Welcome to the course! This section provides a brief introduction to what you will cover over the next three weeks.
Introduction to Python and Jupyter Notebook
This activity will give an overview of using Python and Jupyter Notebook.
Python as a calculator
This activity will give an overview of using Python as a calculator.
Week 1: Summary and quiz
This section provides an overview of what you learned in Week 1, a discussion activity, and a quiz to check your understanding.
Week 2
Data types in Python
Basic data types in Python
Welcome to Week 2. This activity gives an overview of the basic data types in Python.
Number types in Python
This activity provides you with information on the different number types in Python and when to use them.
String types in Python
This activity gives an overview of the different string types used throughout Python.
Boolean and NoneTypes in Python
This activity gives an overview of Booleans and NoneTypes in Python.
Structured data types in Python
This activity gives an overview on structured data types in Python.
Week 2: Summary and quiz
This section provides an overview of what you learned in Week 2, the exercise solutions for the week, a discussion activity, and a quiz to check your understanding.
Week 3
Control structures and functions
Conditionals
Welcome to Week 3. This activity gives an overview of the different statements involved in Python and using nested conditionals.
Loops
This activity gives an overview on using loops in Python.
Functions
This activity gives an overview of how functions are used within Python.
Week 3: Summary and quiz
This section provides an overview of what you learned in Week 3, the exercise solutions for the week, a discussion activity, and a quiz to check your understanding.
When would you like to start?
Start straight away and join a global classroom of learners. If the course hasn’t started yet you’ll see the future date listed below.
Available now
Learning on this course
On every step of the course you can meet other learners, share your ideas and join in with active discussions in the comments.
What will you achieve?
By the end of the course, you‘ll be able to...
- Describe the advantages and disadvantages of programming with Notebooks.
- Be able to install Python and/or Anaconda and/or Jupyter Notebook on a computer.
- Assign numerical values to variables.
- Use basic mathematical operators to perform arithmetic calculations
- Distinguish between the basic data types in Python.
- Use appropriate operators with the basic data types in Python.
- Create and manipulate lists, tuples, sets and dictionaries.
- Create conditional statements and understand when to use them.
- Create for and while loops and understand when to use them.
- Create simple functions and understand when to use them.
Who is the course for?
This course is ideal for professionals or students looking to develop practical programming skills to solve real-world data challenges. It’s particularly suitable for individuals in science-related fields who want to build practical Python skills that will support data-driven work in areas such as biomedical research.
The course also provides valuable preparation for postgraduate study, such as the Online MSc Genomic Medicine with Data Science at the University of Leeds. On the MSc, Python is used to carry out core data analysis tasks, including processing genomic datasets, applying statistical methods, and building computational tools for precision medicine. Gaining confidence in Python now will help learners transition more smoothly into modules that involve high-throughput technologies (e.g. Next-Generation Sequencing), bioinformatics pipelines, and machine learning approaches used to tackle complex biomedical problems.
No prior experience with Python is required, but a basic understanding of statistics or working with data will be helpful.
Who will you learn with?
Who developed the course?
University of Leeds
As one of the UK’s largest research-based universities, the University of Leeds is a member of the prestigious Russell Group and a centre of excellence for teaching.
Ways to learn | Subscribe & save | Buy this course | Start learning today |
|---|---|---|---|
| Choose the best way to learn for you! | $349.99 for one year Automatically renews | $54/one-off payment | Free |
| Develop skills to further your career | Fulfill your current learning need | Try this course - with limits | |
| Access to this course | tick | tick | Limited to 3 weeks |
| Access to 1,000+ courses | tick | cross | cross |
| Learn at your own pace | tick | tick | cross |
| Discuss your learning in comments | tick | tick | tick |
| Certificate when you're eligible | Digital only | Printed and digital | cross |
Cancel for free anytime |
Ways to learn
Choose the best way to learn for you!
Buy this course
$54/one-off payment
Fulfill your current learning need
- Access to this course
- Learn at your own pace
- Discuss your learning in comments
- Printed and digital certificate when you’re eligible
Subscribe & save
$349.99 for one year
Automatically renews
Develop skills to further your career
- Access to this course
- Access to 1,000+ courses
- Learn at your own pace
- Discuss your learning in comments
- Digital certificate when you're eligible
Cancel for free anytime
Start learning today
Free
Try this course - with limits
- Limited to 3 weeks
Find out more about certificates, Unlimited or buying a course (Upgrades) | |||
Find out more about certificates, Unlimited or buying a course (Upgrades)
Learning on FutureLearn
Your learning, your rules
- Courses are split into weeks, activities, and steps to help you keep track of your learning
- Learn through a mix of bite-sized videos, long- and short-form articles, audio, and practical activities
- Stay motivated by using the Progress page to keep track of your step completion and assessment scores
Join a global classroom
- Experience the power of social learning, and get inspired by an international network of learners
- Share ideas with your peers and course educators on every step of the course
- Join the conversation by reading, @ing, liking, bookmarking, and replying to comments from others
Map your progress
- As you work through the course, use notifications and the Progress page to guide your learning
- Whenever you’re ready, mark each step as complete, you’re in control
- Complete 90% of course steps and all of the assessments to earn your certificate
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