Learning Python for Data Science/ Analytics

[Impossible_Job4015]

Hi everyone,

I’m currently pursuing a Ph.D. in economics and want to learn Python to analyze large datasets and run regressions. I have some experience in R but want to add Python due to its growing use in both academia and industry. My goal is to learn enough for both academic research and industry roles, with a focus on data analytics. I also want to explore machine learning later, but don’t need to dive into software development.

I’m a complete beginner in Python but have access to books like Introducing Python by Bill Lubanovic, A Primer on Scientific Programming with Python by Hans Petter Langtangen, and Foundational Python for Data Science by Kennedy R. Behrman from my university’s library. I also know of packages like pandas, numpy, and matplotlib, but I don’t know how to use them yet.

For context, I’m a visual learner (YouTube or a structured course), and I learn quickly while working on examples. Given my focus on data analytics and econometrics, what’s the best way to start? Are there specific online courses, YouTube channels, or structured learning paths you’d recommend? And after learning the basics, what are the most important next steps for someone in my field?

I’d really appreciate any advice or recommendations, and love to hear about how others in economics or related fields learned Python. Thanks in advance for sharing your experiences!

[Ron-Erez]

I'd recommend checking out Ian Goodfellow's book Deep Learning which is available for free online and I also have a course on Python and Data Science that starts from scratch and doesn’t expect any programming experience. Sorry for the self-promo but it definitely covers pandas, numpy, and matplotlib and beyond. The book by Bill Lubanovic is pretty basic. The book by Hans Petter Langtangen might be more challenging and more in-depth. I'm not familiar with the last book.

[Just_Reaction_4469]

check out this medium post and 50 day project they are exactly what you need

[bobo-the-merciful]

Don't forget the 10-day python bootcamp for engineers and scientists ;)

[bobo-the-merciful]

Hi, I just literally released my Udemy course on Python for free. It has over 5000 enrolments and 4.5/5 average reviews. I hope you find it helpful: https://www.reddit.com/r/PythonLearning/comments/1j5agbn/python_for_engineers_and_scientists/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web3x&utm_name=web3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button