Name: Python for Data Science
Rating: 5.0 (5 reviews)

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 – Numbers and string types
- Welcome to Week 2
  Welcome to Week 2. This week, you will cover data types in Python, specifically, numbers and string types.
- 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.
- Week 2: Summary and quiz
  This section provides an overview of what you learned in Week 2.
Week 3
Data types in Python – Booleans, NoneTypes and structured data
- Welcome to Week 3
  Welcome to Week 3 of the course. This week, you will continue to explore data types in 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 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?

Aysha Divan

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.

What's included?

University of Leeds are offering everyone who joins this course a free digital upgrade, so that you can experience the full benefits of studying online for free. This means that you get:

Unlimited access to this course

Includes any articles, videos, peer reviews and quizzes

A PDF Certificate of Achievement to prove your success when you’re eligible

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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