Harvard’s Free Computer Science Courses in 2024

2. Data Science: CS109

Learning data science is a highly valuable skill in today’s world. Harvard’s “Data Science” course covers statistical concepts, data manipulation, and machine learning comprehensively.

The course focuses on using Python and libraries such as Pandas and Scikit-learn to equip students with the necessary skills to extract valuable insights from large datasets. This makes it an excellent option for anyone interested in pursuing a career as a data scientist.

What You’ll Learn:

Every minute, computers worldwide gather millions of gigabytes of data. But how do we make sense of this vast amount of data? How do data scientists use it to create the applications that power our modern world? Data science is a constantly evolving field that uses algorithms and scientific methods to analyze complex data sets.

Data scientists use programming languages like Python and R to analyze and harness data. This course focuses on using Python in data science and provides a fundamental understanding of machine learning models and basic concepts around Machine Learning (ML) and Artificial Intelligence (AI).

The course covers regression models (Linear, Multilinear, and Polynomial) and classification models (kNN, Logistic) using popular libraries such as sklearn, Pandas, matplotlib, and numPy. Learners will also learn key concepts of machine learning such as picking the right complexity, preventing overfitting, regularization, assessing uncertainty, weighing trade-offs, and model evaluation.

Completing this course will build learners’ confidence in using Python and prepare them for more advanced study in Machine Learning (ML) and Artificial Intelligence (AI), thereby advancing their careers.

To be successful in this course, learners must have a minimum baseline of programming knowledge (preferably in Python) and statistics. Introduction to Programming with Python offered through CS50 and Fat Chance or Stat110 offered through HarvardX can meet the prerequisites. The course will be delivered via edX and will connect learners worldwide. Course link

By the end of the course, participants will learn:

• Gain hands-on experience and practice using Python to solve real data science challenges
• Practice Python coding for modeling, statistics, and storytelling
• Utilize popular libraries such as matplotlib, Pandas, numPy, and SKLearn
• Run basic machine learning models using Python, evaluate how those models are performing, and apply those models to real-world problems
• Build a foundation for the use of Python in machine learning and artificial intelligence, preparing you for future Python study