Python Programming II: Exploratory Statistics

COM SCI X 418.105

Get an introduction to core concepts in probability and statistics that will be useful throughout your data science career. This course also introduces students to important Python tools used by data scientists.

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What you can learn.

Understand probability and statistics through computer experimentation, as opposed to learning
through the axiomatic, deductive process
Distill results from experiments, building intuition into key concepts
Become familiar with Python tools used by data scientists
Determine when to terminate a process and draw a conclusion
Grasp the philosophy of conceptual understanding through concrete example
Understand how to apply the conceptual material to regression modeling

About this course:

As probability and statistics are fundamental to machine learning algorithms, practitioners in data science must be familiar with basic statistical concepts. This course introduces practitioners to material from probability and statistics that will be useful throughout their career. There are four areas where this course differs from a standard probability and statistics course. First, as opposed to learning through the axiomatic, deductive process, students learn through computer experimentation where they distill results from experiments, building intuition into key concepts. Second, students become familiar with Python tools used by data scientists. Third, the course introduces fundamental concepts, but the emphasis is on material that is of greatest value to practitioners and gives practical guidance for issues that the practitioner confronts. Finally, the course ends by applying the conceptual material to regression modeling.

Prerequisites

Programming: The student is expected to have basic programming skills that one would obtain from experience with a high-level language. Knowledge of Python would be helpful but is not required. Students without Python experience are welcome and must be prepared to learn the basics on their own. Mathematics: Precalculus is the only prerequisite. Students with a stronger background will have the opportunity to investigate topics in more depth and will find some material more accessible.