CYMC 851 - Data Preparation with Python
Course Description
Your organization has been collecting data for decades. But some of it is old, incorrect, or inappropriately structured. How do you move from messy data to clean insights?
In this Curv Microcredential, you will demonstrate your ability to use the Python programming language to make data useful in your context. You will discover how to prepare data, allowing you to interpret trends and routinely trace your outputs to adjust your analysis.
What to Expect
This Curv Microcredential shows that you can explore, clean, and transform data analytically using Python libraries. When you sign up, we provide refresher resources and exercises that you can do on your own to practice your skills. Then, you will be asked to complete an assessment to demonstrate your competency. Your work will be reviewed by an expert and you will receive a personalized result. If you meet our standard for expertise, you will receive a Toronto Metropolitan University Curv Microcredential from The Chang School that proves you can:
- Design a maintainable resolution using Python code that includes either standard or third-party libraries to explore, clean, and transform data statistically
- Conduct exploratory uni-variate and bi-variate analyses, and apply data visualization techniques to draw insights that support decision-making
- Interpret the findings in an accurate, consistent, and complete form
- Explain how a visualization helps provide insights about the data
Meet the Industry Expert
Meet Tamer. This microcredentials was created by Dr. Tamer Abdou, expert in software engineering, data mining, artificial intelligence, and statistical analysis. His work has been implemented by leading firms such as Mozilla Corporation and IBM CAS Canada. Dr. Abdou is a widely respected Data Analytics professor and mentor in the field.
Who Should Take This Program?
This program is suitable for anyone who is:
- A practicing data analyst or other professional with prior knowledge and skills in data preparation looking for an opportunity to prove their capability in this essential skill area
- A new grad looking to boost their resume with validation of a specific skill
This credential demonstrates your commitment to mastering the building blocks of data analysis to better yourself, your workplace, and your community.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the requirements for this microcredential?
You should have foundational knowledge and skills using Python to explore, clean, and transform data analytically before enrolling. If you can answer ‘yes’ to the following questions, then you may be ready to enrol:
- I can manipulate and transform quantitative variables to improve the quality and interpretability of my data
- I can encode quantitative variables using normalization, standardization, log transformation, and power transformation techniques
- I can identify and account for seasonality and trends in time series data
- I can assess and enhance the quality of my data through various techniques, including handling missing values
- I can effectively visualize data using charts and plots to gain insights and communicate my findings
- I can create representative data samples using stratified sampling techniques
- I can create unbiased data samples using random sampling techniques
What do I need to do for the assessment?
At the start of the assessment you will be provided with a dataset, a report, and an iPython Notebook (IPYNB) file with questions. You will respond to each question provided and record a two to three minute screen-capture video to explain your findings. Once you complete the assessment, you will receive your result from an expert assessor.
What are the technological requirements for the assessment?
You will need a:
- Stable Internet connection to download third-party libraries, access cloud resources, or upload files during your assessment
- Modern, up-to-date web browser (e.g. Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge, Apple Safari, or Opera)
- Compatible and up-to-date operating system, such as Windows, macOS, or Linux, to support the tools and libraries you’ll be using
- Dual-core CPU or better for smooth performance, at least 8 GB RAM for medium-scale data processing, adequate space on an SSD or HDD for the operating system, and integrated graphics or basic GPU
- Mobile phone* capable of receiving an SMS text message
*Why do I need a mobile phone? To log in to the my.torontomu.ca portal and access the microcredential environment (D2L Brightspace), you will need a mobile device for two-factor authentication.
How much time do I have to complete the assessment after enrolling?
Your microcredential will last two weeks. In the first week, you will have access to the microcredential environment (D2L Brightspace) to explore the supporting materials and practice activities that prepare you for the assessment. The supporting materials are self-paced and can take approximately two to seven hours to complete, depending on your prior knowledge and experience.
In the second week, you will gain access to the assessment. You will be able to open the assessment window at any time within that second week. Depending on the microcredential, the assessment window may be time limited (for example, three hours).
What are my support options?
Upon enrolling, you will have access to refresher resources and exercises. Your expert assessor will be available through the D2L Support Forum for any questions prior to the assessment. If you have any questions or experience any technical issues, you may contact Toronto Metropolitan University’s Computing and Communications Services (CCS) by email or phone.
What happens once I complete the assessment?
A week after you complete the assessment, you will receive your result from an expert assessor.
If you are able to meet the criteria and pass the assessment, you will receive a shareable Toronto Metropolitan University digital credential. This credential can be shared on your LinkedIn profile, personal website, or anywhere you want to display your achievements.
If you are not able to meet the criteria and do not pass the assessment, you can re-enrol and try again when the next offering of this microcredential is available. Be sure to review your feedback and ensure that you have filled any gaps in knowledge or skill before registering for a future offering of this microcredential.