DS 7140: Python for Data Science

3 Credit Hours
Prerequisite: Admission to the Data Science and Analytics, MS program.
This course introduces students to Python, including data preparation, feature engineering and general use of Python libraries with a focus on applications within the realm of Data Science. The core focus is the development of Python skills to enable the preparation of data and custom functions, to support Data Science model development activities. Students will learn fundamental data structures, key algorithms and their application in applying analytic/machine learning methodologies.

Course Learning Outcomes
Students who successfully complete this course will be able to:

1. Configure and manage Python environment for various analytics tasks.
2. Install and update Python and associated add-on packages on each environment.
3. Perform basic object-oriented computing using list, dictionary, matrices, arrays, and Dataframes.
4. Import and export data into and from Python using various data file protocols.
5. Perform basic data management tasks including recoding variables, converting data types, merging data, etc.
6. Perform intermediate computing tasks such as using conditional processing statements, loops, the apply family of functions, and writing one’s own functions.
7. Perform basic and advanced graphing of data.
8. Use statistical functions in Python.
9. Perform basic predictive and descriptive modeling of data.
10. Generate pseudo-random data.
11. Write customized simulation programs.