Introduction to Data Science Programming

FOUNDATION COURSE
3 units

SKILL SETS
Object oriented programming  /  Data analysis using scientific programming packages  /  Module, class, and function development  /  Best practices and coding hygiene 

DESIGNED BY
Paul Laskowski

A fast-paced introduction to the Python programming language. The course introduces a range of python objects and control structures, then builds on these with classes and object-oriented programming. The last component of the course is devoted to Python’s system of packages for data analysis. Students will gain experience in different styles of programming, including scripting, object-oriented design, test- driven development, and functional programming. Weekly programming exercises are designed to reinforce each programming concept, while two larger projects give students experience in developing a larger program and in manipulating a dataset. Aside from Python, the course also spends time on several other technologies that are fundamental to the modern practice of data science, including use of the command line, coding and presentation with Jupyter notebooks, and source control with Git and GitHub.

Students who pass the Introduction to Data Science Programming waiver exam will be waived from this course. Contact your admissions counselor for more information.