[Type here] Course Outline

Python Beginner

Python
Beginner Level

Duration: 1 Day (9am – 4pm)

Course Pre-Requisites: None

Course Overview
Python is a popular computer programming language often used to build websites and
software, automate tasks, and analyse data. Python is a general-purpose language, not
specialized for any specific problems, and used to create various programmes. This
beginner level, introduction course will help you start your journey in to the world of Python.

1. Introduction (15 Mins)

Students will begin their exploration into the world of Python programming with an
"Introduction to Python," where they will grasp the foundational concepts and principles of
the language. The journey continues with an "Introduction to Anaconda and JupyterLab,"
familiarising them with the Anaconda distribution and the JupyterLab environment, both
pivotal tools in the modern Python ecosystem. The section concludes with a deep dive into
"The Python Standard Library," equipping students with knowledge about the built-in
modules and functions available in Python, which serve as the building blocks for more
complex programming tasks.

2. Anaconda and JupyterLab (30 Mins)

Students will dive into Anaconda's package management and work with its environments.
The focus then shifts to JupyterLab, covering its launch and core features. Learners will
master Jupyter Notebooks, accessing help, using autocomplete, running code, and
employing Markdown. The segment concludes with guidelines on closing kernels and the
Jupyter Server.

3. Python as a Calculator (30 Mins)

In this segment, students will harness Python's capabilities for mathematical computations.
They'll explore arithmetic operators for basic math, relational operators to compare values,
and logical operators for Boolean operations. Emphasis will also be placed on understanding
the correct order of operations to ensure accurate calculations.

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[Type here] Course Outline
Python Beginner

4. The Python Standard Library (15 Mins)

Students will delve into the rich offerings of the Python Standard Library. They'll familiarise
themselves with built-in functions, essential tools available directly in the Python
environment. Additionally, they will explore a variety of other functions within the standard
library, broadening their toolkit for versatile Python programming.

5. Working with Objects (30 Mins)

This section introduces students to the object-oriented nature of Python. They'll first
understand what objects are, followed by learning the process of creating them. The course
will cover the rules and conventions for naming objects and explain how names act as
references in Python. They'll also delve into the concept of namespaces, which dictate the
visibility and scope of an object. Finally, the dir() function will be highlighted, teaching
students how to list an object's attributes and methods, further enhancing their object
manipulation skills.

6. Data Types and Structures in Python (1.5 Hrs)

In this module, students will explore the diverse data types available in Python and learn
techniques for converting between them. The course delves into built-in data structures,
such as tuples, lists, ranges, and dictionaries, equipping learners with a robust
understanding of Python's fundamental storage mechanisms. An introduction to Pandas will
be provided, focusing on Series and DataFrames, which are pivotal for data manipulation
and analysis. The section culminates with insights into converting between different data
structures and guidance on selecting the most appropriate data structure for specific tasks.

7. Pandas DataFrames (30 Mins)

This segment is dedicated to one of the most powerful tools in the pandas library:
DataFrames. Students will be guided through the process of creating DataFrames from
various sources. They'll also learn how to import data into a DataFrame, ensuring smooth
data analysis workflows. Additionally, the course will cover the procedure for uploading data
directly within the JupyterLab environment, streamlining the data integration process.

8. Accessing Data within Data Structures (45 Mins)

In this module, students will master the techniques to access and retrieve data from Python's
data structures. They'll learn how to refer to data based on its position, delve into the
concept of slicing for precise data extraction, and explore the intricacies of working with
strings. The course will also introduce methods to refer to data by its name, particularly in
Series and DataFrames from the pandas library. A key focus will be on querying data that
meets specific conditions, ensuring students can filter and select data efficiently.

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[Type here] Course Outline
Python Beginner

9. Manipulating Objects & Data Frames (30 Mins)

This section equips students with the skills to modify and manage Python objects effectively.
They'll learn to replace specific parts of an object, add new data, and remove existing data.
The module then zeroes in on pandas DataFrames, teaching students how to make direct
modifications or "changes in place." Furthermore, they'll grasp techniques for renaming
columns and rows, enhancing the clarity and structure of their datasets.

10. Vectorized Computation with pandas and NumPy (15 Mins)

In this segment, students will dive into the efficient world of vectorized computation,
leveraging the capabilities of both pandas and NumPy. They’ll explore vectorized arithmetic,
enabling faster data processing without explicit loops. The course introduces NumPy, a
foundational library for numerical computing in Python, and delves into its array-centric
operations. Learners will also get acquainted with vectorized methods and functions,
enhancing their data manipulation prowess. The concept of broadcasting, a mechanism that
allows NumPy to work with arrays of different shapes, will be elucidated, ensuring a
comprehensive understanding of array operations.

11. Functions Vs Methods (10 Mins)

In this module, students will distinguish between functions and methods in Python. They'll be
introduced to the basic syntax for creating and invoking functions, as well as the syntax for
defining methods within classes. Additionally, the course will delve into the concept of
arguments, teaching students how to pass data to functions and methods, facilitating
dynamic operations and enhancing code reusability.

12. Working with Data in DataFrames (15 Mins)

This section focuses on the practical aspects of handling data using pandas DataFrames.
Students will learn how to calculate summary statistics, providing them with a quick and
comprehensive overview of their datasets. This knowledge is essential for preliminary data
analysis and understanding the underlying patterns in the data.

13. Plotting Data (30 Mins)

In this segment, students will delve into data visualisation using Matplotlib, a foundational
plotting library in Python. They'll learn how to craft scatterplots and line charts, two
fundamental types of visual representations that elucidate data patterns and trends.
Additionally, the course will guide them in enhancing these plots by adding textual elements
and legends, ensuring clarity and context for the viewers. The module culminates with
instructions on exporting plots, allowing students to integrate their visualisations into reports
and presentations seamlessly.

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[Type here] Course Outline
Python Beginner

14. Exporting Data (10 Mins)

In this section, students will acquire the skills to effectively export their processed data. The
primary focus will be on guiding them to export data to CSV files, a commonly used format
that ensures compatibility across various platforms and tools.

15. Notebook Markdown (10 Mins)

Finally, this segment introduces learners to the seamless conversion of Jupyter Notebooks
into rendered Markdown files. They'll understand the process and benefits of viewing their
notebooks as Markdown, enhancing documentation readability, and facilitating easy sharing.

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