University of Cape Town
Data Science with Python
Gain meaningful insights from data to inform your decision-making.
Start date
01 February 2021
Enroll by 26 January 2021
Course duration
8 weeks
Excluding orientation
Language
English
Access resources from start date
Effort
7–10 hours per week
Self-paced learning online
Course overview
Duration: 8 weeks (excluding orientation)
In a world that’s increasingly data-driven, organisations need professionals who can extract meaningful insights from data to make better business decisions.
On the Data Science with Python online short course from the University of Cape Town (UCT), you’ll have the opportunity to develop practical data science and analysis skills for use in everyday business scenarios. Over the course of eight weeks, you’ll cover widely applicable Python libraries and learn how these methods can be, and are, used in day-to-day business situations.
Gain an introduction into statistical learning, which will provide a foundation on the mechanics of machine learning. You’ll explore supervised learning using tree-based models and neural networks, as well as unsupervised learning using K-means and hierarchical clustering. You’ll also learn about the process of revealing more robust patterns to ensure models are useful.
Is this course for you?
This course is aimed at professionals who want to close any gaps they may have in their data science skills and knowledge. IT professionals who need to rapidly enhance their data science toolkit with demonstrable and practical skills would benefit from the technical nature of the content. Professionals working in a variety of industries will learn how to increase efficiencies and identify new opportunities for their organisation with key data and programming skills.
This course is technical in nature. It is strongly recommended that you have a basic understanding of mathematics, statistics, and at least one programming language if you wish to reap the full benefits of the course.
Readiness test
Assess your knowledge of Python in preparation for this course with our readiness test. The test will gauge your competencies in mathematics and statistics, as well as your understanding of relevant programming languages.
Course overview
Introduction
Duration: 8 weeks (excluding orientation)
In a world that’s increasingly data-driven, organisations need professionals who can extract meaningful insights from data to make better business decisions.
On the Data Science with Python online short course from the University of Cape Town (UCT), you’ll have the opportunity to develop practical data science and analysis skills for use in everyday business scenarios. Over the course of eight weeks, you’ll cover widely applicable Python libraries and learn how these methods can be, and are, used in day-to-day business situations.
Gain an introduction into statistical learning, which will provide a foundation on the mechanics of machine learning. You’ll explore supervised learning using tree-based models and neural networks, as well as unsupervised learning using K-means and hierarchical clustering. You’ll also learn about the process of revealing more robust patterns to ensure models are useful.
Is this course for you?
This course is aimed at professionals who want to close any gaps they may have in their data science skills and knowledge. IT professionals who need to rapidly enhance their data science toolkit with demonstrable and practical skills would benefit from the technical nature of the content. Professionals working in a variety of industries will learn how to increase efficiencies and identify new opportunities for their organisation with key data and programming skills.
This course is technical in nature. It is strongly recommended that you have a basic understanding of mathematics, statistics, and at least one programming language if you wish to reap the full benefits of the course.
Readiness test
Assess your knowledge of Python in preparation for this course with our readiness test. The test will gauge your competencies in mathematics and statistics, as well as your understanding of relevant programming languages.
What will set you apart
The ability to apply data science and analysis techniques to inform decision-making.
The tools to build and modify robust models in order to help solve business problems.
A practical grounding in the widely used Jupyter Notebook.
A certificate of completion from UCT as validation of your new data science skill set.
The ability to fit data to a model using Python in order to gain insight into business problems.Course curriculum
Orientation module
Welcome to your Online Campus
Module 1
Data science and statistical learning
Module 2
Tree-based methods
Module 3
Managing the complexity of tree-based methods
Module 4
Neural networks
Module 5
Managing the complexity of neural networks
Module 6
K-means clustering
Module 7
Hierarchical clustering
Module 8
Data science in the real world
Get course prospectus
Course Convenors
Etienne Pienaar
Lecturer, Department of Statistical Sciences, UCT
Jean-Paul Van Belle
Professor of Information Systems and Director of the Centre for Information Technology and National Development in Africa, UCT
About the certificate
Explore the technical side of data science and earn an official certificate of completion from the University of Cape Town.
Assessment is continuous and based on a series of practical assignments completed online. In order to be issued with a certificate, you’ll need to meet the requirements outlined in the course handbook. The handbook will be made available to you as soon as you begin the course.
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Why choose GetSmarter?
GetSmarter, a 2U, Inc. brand, is an online learning expert with over 10 years' experience in developing high-quality online short courses from the world’s leading universities. We deliver market-led courses that equip working professionals with the expertise required for the workplace of the future. Through a data-driven approach, we analyze future skills requirements and ensure all courses address this need.
Students are supported at every stage of the learning journey, enabling them to thrive professionally through increased relevance, competence, and confidence. Find out more about GetSmarter’s approach to digital learning, course design, and online delivery here.
Payment options
You can pay your course fees before the course starts, or you may opt for a split payment plan on courses that are nine weeks and shorter. For courses 10 weeks and longer, there is a three-part payment plan available. To find out more about payment options please visit our Payment and Financing FAQ, or contact an Enrollment Adviser, to find out which option you qualify for.
Manage your time
GetSmarter's learning model is designed to help you, as a working professional, improve your skills without compromising on work and family responsibilities. The course work is broken up into weekly, manageable bite-sized modules, with incremental deadlines, designed to help you pace yourself over the duration of the course and allow you the legroom to work when it suits you best.
At the beginning of each module you'll be presented with the course content and assignments necessary for completion. You also have access to your Success Adviser who will help you manage your time, and support you with any administrative or technical queries you might have.
Seek employer assistance
By improving your skills and industry knowledge, you'll have an influence on the success of your organization. Why wouldn't you ask your boss to help you fund your studies if it's going to have an impact on the way you do business?
Of our past students, 37 percent have received financial assistance from their employers. You can ask for help, too. Here is a guide to show you how to request financial assistance from your employer.
If you are a Learning & Development (L&D) manager, or involved in training and upskilling for an organization, you can request information regarding our corporate offering on our GetSmarter for business page.
How to change your start date
As part of our commitment to your professional development, GetSmarter offers you a two-week period to change your course start date or request your money back if you’re not fully satisfied.
To qualify for a deferral of your course start date, or to cancel your enrollment and receive a refund of your course fee, your request would need to reach our Success Advisers before the release of Module 2. For more information, please read our Terms and Conditions.
Discover the Online Campus
The Online Campus will be your virtual classroom for the duration of your course. Through its easy-to-use interface you'll have access to a diverse variety of course content formats including: interactive videos, module notes, practice quizzes, presentations, assignment briefs, and additional web resources.
On the Online Campus, you'll also be able to ask questions and interact with your fellow students and teaching team through the discussion forums. If you are looking for your Online Campus login, please see the list of university partner login pages here.
Financing options
We've recently partnered with financial services firm, FeverTree, to offer you another convenient way to finance your short course education. Find out how you can apply for a short-term loan below.
How do I apply?
- You have the option of applying for a full course-cost loan agreement with FeverTree (South African citizens and short courses only)
- FeverTree works with GetSmarter to ensure your studies are financed right away, giving you the chance to join the soonest presentation
- You can find out if you pre-qualify in seconds. Send an SMS with your “Name*Surname*ID Number*Gross Salary” to 30082
- FeverTree’s application process is simple and quick – expect a 15-minute turnaround to find out if you’ve been successful with your loan application
- Even if you aren’t successful in your FeverTree application, you’ll still be eligible for the payment plan options with GetSmarter
