This program is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills to successfully apply data analytics concepts in various contexts and prepares candidates to obtain two coding industry credentials: Python Institute PCEP™ – Certified Entry-Level Python Programmer and PCED™ – Certified Entry-Level Data Analyst with Python. Through the duration of this course, students will gain an understanding of the entire data analytics lifecycle – from problem definition and data collection to the application of various concepts to extract actionable insights from data with confidence, taking into account the capabilities and limitations of various data analysis approaches and common tools.
Course content will also include significant preparation for utilizing AI in data analysis and code generation with the latest available tools.
All lectures will follow the following format:
- Exposure to various Python Integrated Development Environments (IDE) by alternating use during class (e.g., Anaconda Prompt, Jupyter Notebook, Jupyter Lab, Google Collab, Visual Studio Code).
- Integrate use of Generative AI assisted coding across lectures using Gen-AI tools like Bing/GitHub Copilot, OpenAI ChatGPT/Codex, Google Gemini, Grok, Replit, and others.
- Lab exercise and assessments at the end of most lectures.
- Two Multiple choice assessment tests throughout the class in line with PCEP and PCED Python Institute Certifications.
- 42 Lectures (3 hours per lecture and 126 total contact hours) UMBC Training Centers Career Foundations: Python Software Development and Data Analytics
Who Should Take This Course:
Audience:
This program is suitable for individuals seeking to enter the fields of data analytics and data science. This program prepares students for employment as IT and data analysis professionals with government agencies, government contractors, and commercial enterprises in the Mid-Atlantic region. This Certificate program is offered in response to the Information Technology industry’s need for qualified employees with the right skills and certifications and problem-solving skills to be effective in system support and information security. This program will prepare students for various roles in AI and data analysis including AI product manager, AI evangelist, data scientist, and data analyst. Our training also provides many of the skills needed to become an AI engineer.
Prerequisites:
Although no programming experience is required, students will need to complete and pass an aptitude assessment on programming concepts (i.e., general math and statistics, control flow, loops, conditional statements, variables, data types, and plotting) before taking the course. This assessment assumes zero current knowledge of these topics. The assessment provides instruction on these concepts and assesses candidates’ ability to rapidly apply newly gained knowledge on these topics, thus determining aptitude to learn Python programming and data analysis.
Required Software:
- Anaconda Distribution and/or Google Collab (e.g., Google Account)
- MS Excel
- Generative AI Tools
- Low Code Platform (e.g., MS PowerBI Desktop)
Optional Software:
- Visual Studio Code
- Github
