Machine learning (ML) is a branch of artificial intelligence (AI) that focuses on enabling computers to “think” for themselves. Of course, they owe this thinking to humans (data scientists and ML engineers) who continuously supervise ML algorithms and models.

So, there’s no AI takeover (for now at least), just incredible ways to propel several industries forward by automating repetitive tasks, extracting valuable insights from data, and improving decision-making processes.

But how do humans precisely communicate with computers in machine learning?

The answer is through programming languages.

One programming language stands out among the rest for its simplicity and versatility. By the title of this guide, you can already guess we’re talking about Python.

This beloved programming language is all over the machine learning field, so mastering it gives you a great head start in the industry.

With this in mind, let’s examine how you can learn Python for machine learning courses. If you already have some basic knowledge of this programming language, don’t worry. We’ll also mention a great machine learning Python course to take your knowledge to the next level.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Python for ML Course

Do a Google search for “machine learning Python course,” and you’ll be met with dozens of web pages that promise a sound understanding of this programming language. However, you’ll find the best course for your needs if you can identify those needs first.

Course Content and Curriculum

Your chosen course’s curriculum is arguably the most important factor for selecting the perfect machine learning Python course. One look at the listed topics, and you’ll know whether the course is right for you.

Let’s take your previous experience with Python as an example. If you have none, a course that jumps straight into machine learning algorithms without covering the Python basics will obviously not work for you.

Instructor’s Expertise and Experience

What bridges the gap between struggling to comprehend a complex subject and feeling that nothing can stop you in your learning journey? The answer is simple – a good instructor.

Before committing to a course, check who teaches it. Find out the instructor’s background with Python and whether they have enough expertise to guide you through this programming language’s intricacies.

If their bio checks all the boxes, watch at least one of their lectures. It doesn’t hurt to check whether their teaching style and voice suit you, as these can also make or break your learning experience.

Course Duration and Flexibility

Most online courses are self-paced, allowing you to create your own schedule. Fixed-timing courses also have their benefits, though. They’re usually instructor-led, so you can use the opportunity to ask questions and receive clarification as you learn the material.

As for duration, the course’s description typically indicates how long the course lasts and the recommended pace. Before starting, make sure you can commit to the course from beginning to end. Otherwise, you’re just wasting time and gaining incomplete knowledge.

Hands-On Projects and Real-World Applications

Programming languages are inherently practical, so ensure that your chosen course features hands-on projects and practical examples. Sticking solely to theory will do little to prepare you for what’s waiting in the real world.

Course Reviews and Ratings

You probably check reviews before going to a new restaurant, renting an Airbnb, or purchasing clothes online. So why should shopping for online courses be any different? When a course piques your interest, check how other learners have rated it. But don’t stop at glancing at the average rating. Read through some reviews to ensure they aren’t fake and to get a better picture of the course’s quality.

Pricing and Value for Money

There are plenty of free machine learning resources online. But the more advanced courses and certificates usually come with a fee. And that’s perfectly understandable. What’s not understandable or acceptable are courses that charge ridiculously high fees yet offer little value. To avoid wasting money (and probably time), check whether the course’s price is justifiable by its duration, level, type, and provided support.

Top Python for ML Courses Reviewed

Here are our favorite Python courses primarily focused on machine learning. We’re positive you’ll find the perfect machine learning Python course, whether this is the first time you use this programming language or want to master this skill.

Python for Machine Learning

The Python for Machine Learning course on Great Learning is a great place to start your Python-learning journey. This course is beginner-friendly and relatively short, so you won’t get overwhelmed from the get-go.

This course focuses on three Python libraries: NumPy, Pandas, and Matplotlib. It guides you through the basic concepts (arrays, intersection, loading, etc.) and then moves on to more complex functions. At the end of the course, you take a quiz. Pass the quiz, and you’ll get a certificate of completion.

Applying for this course is free. Not only that, but you’ll also receive free lifetime access, so you can revisit the course whenever you’d like. Although, some learners believe that there’s little to revisit. In total, this course lasts for 90 minutes. Those who are serious about Python learning will probably need more than this.

Still, you can view this course as a beginner’s guide and move to more advanced lessons afterward. To apply, you only need to create an account on the platform and send an enrollment request.

Machine Learning A-Z: AI, Python & R

If you want to start with the basics but cover the more advanced stuff within the same course, this Udemy’s gem is for you. It covers another programming language besides Python, R. However, this won’t be an issue, as you can focus solely on Python.

The course is broken into 10 parts, with over 40 hours of on-demand videos. Each section (and even the lessons within them) is separate, so you can choose to complete the ones that will benefit you now. Start with data preprocessing, and work toward machine learning model selection.

Those seeking practical exercises in Python will love this course. However, you might need to research some notions independently, as not all lecture sections are explained in great detail.

You can purchase lifetime access to this course for $89.99 (a little over €83). The price includes a certificate of completion and several additional learning materials (articles and downloadable resources). Complete the purchase to apply for this course.

Machine Learning With Python by IBM

IBM is one of the leading companies in the machine learning field, so you should take advantage of every chance to learn from its experts. If you’re just gaining your footing in machine learning, you’ll cover all your bases with this offering.

It will take approximately 12 hours over four weeks to complete the coursework. After each lesson, you’ll get a chance to put your newly-learned knowledge to the test.

One thing to keep in mind is that this course focuses more on machine learning using Python than the programming language itself. So, if you’ve never worked with Python, an additional resource or two might come in handy.

You can use Coursera’s 7-day trial to enroll in this course. Afterward, you’ll be charged $39 (approximately €36) a month. The same fee is a must if you want to receive a certificate.

The Complete Machine Learning Course With Python

Are you a data scientist in the making looking to build a solid portfolio with Python? If yes, you’ll love this course. You can find it on Udemy, just like millions of learners before you. This number might surprise you at first. But once you see that one of the founders of this course is Andrew Ng, a thought leader in machine learning, it will make much more sense.

In 18 hours, this course covers all the basics of machine learning with Python. But there’s a catch. You’ll need at least basic Python programming knowledge to keep up.

If this isn’t an issue, create an Udemy account and pay the $59.99 (around €55.50) fee to apply. Lifetime access and a certificate of completion are included.

Programming for Everybody (Getting Started With Python)

While not focused on machine learning per se, this course is necessary for anyone who has yet to work with Python. Pair it with one of the other courses on our list, and your success is guaranteed.

As the name implies, this course covers all the basics. It is designed to allow virtually anyone to follow, regardless of their skills. The simplest math is all you need.

You’ll also need 19 hours to complete this course offered by the University of Michigan. However, the instructor snuck a couple of non-Python-related stories into those 19 hours, which some learners didn’t like.

If you don’t mind a break here and there, join this course on Coursera for free or $49 (a little over €45) if you want a certificate.

Additional Resources for Learning Python for Machine Learning

Perhaps you can’t get enough of learning about Python. Or you find Python for machine learning courses lacking information. Whatever the case, you can find additional resources (both online and offline) to help you master this programming language. Check out some of our favorites:

  • Books and e-books: “Python for Data Science, for Dummies,” “Introduction to Machine Learning with Python: A Guide for Data Scientists,” “Python Data Science Handbook: Essential Tools for Working with Data”
  • Blogs: Planet Python, Real Python
  • YouTube channels: IBM Technology, Google Career Certificates, techTFQ
  • Community forums and discussion groups: Kaggle Discussions, Reddit (r/learnpython)

The Path to Python

As you can see, there’s no shortage of Python for machine learning courses, even hosted by some of the biggest names in the industry. Take one of the listed courses or combine them; the choice is all yours. All that matters is that you ultimately master this programming language and crush any data science career you choose.

If these courses aren’t enough to quench your thirst for knowledge, a Bachelor’s in Modern Computer Science will definitely do the trick. With it, you can learn all the ins and outs of Python and machine learning in general.

Related posts

New OPIT Degrees launching (soon)!
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Riccardo Ocleppo
Nov 29, 2023 2 min read

 

Soon, we will be launching four new Degrees for AY24-25 at OPIT – Open Institute of Technology
I want to offer a behind-the-scenes look at the Product Definition process that has shaped these upcoming programs.

🚀 Phase 1: Discovery (Late May – End of July)

Our journey began with intensive brainstorming sessions with OPIT’s Academic Board (Francesco Profumo, Lorenzo Livi, Alexiei Dingli, Andrea Pescino, Rosario Maccarrone) . We also conducted 50+ interviews with tech and digital entrepreneurs (both from startups and established firms), academics and students. Finally, we deep-dived into the “Future of Jobs 2023” report by the World Economic Forum and other valuable research.

🔍 Phase 2: Selection – Crafting Our Roadmap (July – August)

Our focus? Introducing new degrees addressing critical workforce shortages and upskilling/reskilling needs for the next 5-10 years, promising significant societal impact and a broad market reach.
Our decision? To channel our energies on full BScs and MScs, and steer away from shorter courses or corporate-focused offerings. This aligns perfectly with our core mission.

💡 Focus Areas Unveiled!

We’re thrilled to concentrate on pivotal fields like:

  • Cybersecurity
  • Advanced AI
  • Digital Business
  • Metaverse & Gaming
  • Cloud Computing (less “glamorous”, but market demand is undeniable).

🎓 Phase 3: Definition – Shaping the Degrees (August – November)

With an expert in each of the above fields, and with the strong collaboration of our Academic Director, Prof. Lorenzo Livi , we embarked on a rigorous “drill-down process”. Our goal? To meld modern theoretical knowledge with cutting-edge competencies and skills. This phase included interviewing over 60+ top academics, industry professionals, and students and get valuable, program-specific, insights from our Marketing department.

🌟 Phase 4: Accreditation and Launch – The Final Stretch

We’re currently in the accreditation process, gearing up for the launch. The focus is now shifting towards marketing, working closely with Greta Maiocchi and her Marketing and Admissions team. Together, we’re translating our new academic offering into a compelling value proposition for the market.

Stay tuned for more updates!

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Five Reasons to Study Online at OPIT
OPIT - Open Institute of Technology
OPIT - Open Institute of Technology
Nov 29, 2023 9 min read

Far from being a temporary educational measure that came into its own during the pandemic, online education is providing students from all over the world with new ways to learn. That’s proven by statistics from Oxford Learning College, which point out that over 100 million students are now enrolled in some form of online course.

The demand for these types of courses clearly exists.

In fact, the same organization indicates that educational facilities that introduce online learning see a 42% increase in income – on average – suggesting that the demand is there.

Enter the Open Institute of Technology (OPIT).

Delivering three online courses – a Bachelor’s degree in computer science and two Master’s degrees – with more to come, OPIT is positioning itself as a leader in the online education space. But why is that? After all, many institutions are making the jump to e-learning, so what separates OPIT from the pack?

Here, you’ll discover the answers as you delve into the five reasons why you should trust OPIT for your online education.

Reason 1 – A Practical Approach

OPIT focuses on computer science education – a field in which theory often dominates the educational landscape. The organization’s Rector, Professor Francesco Profumo, makes this clear in a press release from June 2023. He points to a misalignment between what educators are teaching computer science students and what the labor market actually needs from those students as a key problem.

“The starting point is the awareness of the misalignment,” he says when talking about how OPIT structures its online courses. “That so-called mismatch is generated by too much theory and too little practical approach.” In other words, students in many classes spend far too much time learning the “hows” and “whys” behind computerized systems without actually getting their hands dirty with real work that gives them practical experience in using those systems.

OPIT takes a different approach.

It has developed a didactic approach that focuses far more on the practical element than other courses. That approach is delivered through a combination of classroom sessions – such as live lessons and masterclasses – and practical work offered through quizzes and exercises that mimic real-world situations.

An OPIT student doesn’t simply learn how computers work. They put their skills into practice through direct programming and application, equipping them with skills that are extremely attractive to major employers in the tech field and beyond.

Reason 2 – Flexibility Combined With Support

Flexibility in how you study is one of the main benefits of any online course.

You control when you learn and how you do it, creating an environment that’s beneficial to your education rather than being forced into a classroom setting with which you may not feel comfortable. This is hardly new ground. Any online educational platform can claim that it offers “flexibility” simply because it provides courses via the web.

Where OPIT differs is that it combines that flexibility with unparalleled support bolstered by the experiences of teachers employed from all over the world. The founder and director of OPIT, Riccardo Ocleppo, sheds more light on this difference in approach when he says, “We believe that education, even if it takes place physically at a distance, must guarantee closeness on all other aspects.” That closeness starts with the support offered to students throughout their entire study period.

Tutors are accessible to students at all times. Plus, every participant benefits from weekly professor interactions, ensuring they aren’t left feeling stuck on an educational “island” and have to rely solely on themselves for their education. OPIT further counters the potential isolation that comes with online learning with a Student Support team to guide students through any difficulties they may have with their courses.

In this focus on support, OPIT showcases one of its main differences from other online platforms.

You don’t simply receive course material before being told to “get on with it.” You have the flexibility to learn at your own pace while also having a support structure that serves as a foundation for that learning.




Reason 3 – OPIT Can Adapt to Change Quickly

The field of computer science is constantly evolving.

In the 2020s alone, we’ve seen the rise of generative AI – spurred on by the explosive success of services like ChatGPT – and how those new technologies have changed the way that people use computers.

Riccardo Ocleppo has seen the impact that these constant evolutions have had on students. Before founding OPIT, he was an entrepreneur who received first-hand experience of the fact that many traditional educational institutions struggle to adapt to change.

“Traditional educational institutions are very slow to adapt to this wave of new technologies and trends within the educational sector,” he says. He points to computer science as a particular issue, highlighting the example of a board in Italy of which he is a member. That board – packed with some of the country’s most prestigious tech universities – spent three years eventually deciding to add just two modules on new and emerging technologies to their study programs.

That left Ocleppo feeling frustrated.

When he founded OPIT, he did so intending to make it an adaptable institution in which courses were informed by what the industry needs. Every member of its faculty is not only a superb teacher but also somebody with experience working in industry. Speaking of industry, OPIT collaborates with major companies in the tech field to ensure its courses deliver the skills that those organizations expect from new candidates.

This confronts frustration on both sides. For companies, an OPIT graduate is one for which they don’t need to bridge a “skill gap” between what they’ve learned and what the company needs. For you, as a student, it means that you’re developing skills that make you a more desirable prospect once you have your degree.

Reason 4 – OPIT Delivers Tier One Education

Despite their popularity, online courses can still carry a stigma of not being “legitimate” in the face of more traditional degrees. Ocleppo is acutely aware of this fact, which is why he’s quick to point out that OPIT always aims to deliver a Tier One education in the computer science field.

“That means putting together the best professors who create superb learning material, all brought together with a teaching methodology that leverages the advancements made in online teaching,” he says.

OPIT’s degrees are all accredited by the European Union to support this approach, ensuring they carry as much weight as any other European degree. It’s accredited by both the European Qualification Framework (EQF) and the Malta Qualification Framework (MQF), with all of its courses having full legal value throughout Europe.

It’s also here where we see OPIT’s approach to practicality come into play via its course structuring.

Take its Bachelor’s degree in computer science as an example.

Yes, that course starts with a focus on theoretical and foundational knowledge. Building a computer and understanding how the device processes instructions is vital information from a programming perspective. But once those foundations are in place, OPIT delivers on its promises of covering the most current topics in the field.

Machine learning, cloud computing, data science, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity – all valuable to employers – are taught at the undergraduate level. Students benefit from a broader approach to computer science than most institutions are capable of, rather than bogging them down in theory that serves little practical purpose.

Reason 5 – The Learning Experience

Let’s wrap up by honing in on what it’s actually like for students to learn with OPIT.

After all, as Ocleppo points out, one of the main challenges with online education is that students rarely have defined checkpoints to follow. They can start feeling lost in the process, confronted with a metaphorical ocean of information they need to learn, all in service of one big exam at the end.

Alternatively, some students may feel the temptation to not work through the materials thoroughly, focusing instead on passing a final exam. The result is that those students may pass, but they do so without a full grasp of what they’ve learned – a nightmare for employers who already have skill gaps to handle.

OPIT confronts both challenges by focusing on a continuous learning methodology. Assessments – primarily practical – take place throughout the course, serving as much-needed checkpoints for evaluating progress. When combined with the previously mentioned support that OPIT offers, this approach has led to courses that are created from scratch in service of the student’s actual needs.

Choose OPIT for Your Computer Science Education

At OPIT, the focus lies as much on helping students to achieve their dream careers as it does on teaching them. All courses are built collaboratively. With a dedicated faculty combined with major industry players, such as Google and Microsoft, it delivers materials that bridge the skill gap seen in the computer science field today.

There’s also more to come.

Beyond the three degrees OPIT offers, the institution plans to add more. Game development, data science, and cloud computing, to name a few, will receive dedicated degrees in the coming months, accentuating OPIT’s dedication to adapting to the continuous evolution of the computer science industry. Discover OPIT today – your journey into computing starts with the best online education institution available.




                            
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