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.

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By Stephanie Mullins

Many people love to read the stories of successful business school graduates to see what they’ve achieved using the lessons, insights and connections from the programmes they’ve studied. We speak to one alumnus, Riccardo Ocleppo, who studied at top business schools including London Business School (LBS) and INSEAD, about the education institution called OPIT which he created after business school.

Please introduce yourself and your career to date. 

I am the founder of OPIT — Open Institute of Technology, a fully accredited Higher Education Institution (HEI) under the European Qualification Framework (EQF) by the MFHEA Authority. OPIT also partners with WES (World Education Services), a trusted non-profit providing verified education credential assessments (ECA) in the US and Canada for foreign degrees and certificates.  

Prior to founding OPIT, I established Docsity, a global community boasting 15 million registered university students worldwide and partnerships with over 250 Universities and Business Schools. My academic background includes an MSc in Electronics from Politecnico di Torino and an MSc in Management from London Business School. 

Why did you decide to create OPIT Open Institute of Technology? 

Higher education has a profound impact on people’s futures. Through quality higher education, people can aspire to a better and more fulfilling future.  

The mission behind OPIT is to democratise access to high-quality higher education in the fields that will be in high demand in the coming decades: Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Cybersecurity, and Digital Innovation. 

Since launching my first company in the education field, I’ve engaged with countless students, partnered with hundreds of universities, and collaborated with professors and companies. Through these interactions, I’ve observed a gap between traditional university curricula and the skills demanded by today’s job market, particularly in Computer Science and Technology. 

I founded OPIT to bridge this gap by modernising education, making it affordable, and enhancing the digital learning experience. By collaborating with international professors and forging solid relationships with global companies, we are creating a dynamic online community and developing high-quality digital learning content. This approach ensures our students benefit from a flexible, cutting-edge, and stress-free learning environment. 

Why do you think an education in tech is relevant in today’s business landscape?

As depicted by the World Economic Forum’s “Future of Jobs 2023” report, the demand for skilled tech professionals remains (and will remain) robust across industries, driven by the critical role of advanced technologies in business success. 

Today’s companies require individuals who can innovate and execute complex solutions. A degree in fields like computer science, cybersecurity, data science, digital business or AI equips graduates with essential skills to thrive in this dynamic industry. 

According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the global tech talent shortage will exceed 85 million workers by 2030. The Korn Ferry Institute warns that this gap could result in hundreds of billions in lost revenue across the US, Europe, and Asia.  

To address this challenge, OPIT aims to democratise access to technology education. Our competency-based and applied approach, coupled with a flexible online learning experience, empowers students to progress at their own pace, demonstrating their skills as they advance.  

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The European: Balancing AI’s Market Research Potential
OPIT - Open Institute of Technology
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Jul 17, 2024 3 min read

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With careful planning, ethical considerations, and ensuring human oversight is maintained, AI can have huge market research benefits, says Lorenzo Livi of the Open Institute of Technology.

By Lorenzo Livi

To market well, you need to get something interesting in front of those who are interested. That takes a lot of thinking, a lot of work, and a whole bunch of research. But what if the bulk of that thinking, work and research could be done for you? What would that mean for marketing as an industry, and market research specifically?

With the recent explosion of AI onto the world stage, big changes are coming in the marketing industry. But will AI be able to do market research as successfully? Simply, the answer is yes. A big, fat, resounding yes. In fact, AI has the potential to revolutionise market research.

Ensuring that people have a clear understanding of what exactly AI is is crucial, given its seismic effect on our world. Common questions that even occur amongst people at the forefront of marketing, such as, “Who invented AI?” or, “Where is the main AI system located?” highlight a widespread misunderstanding about the nature of AI.

As for the notion of a central “main thing” running AI, it’s essential to clarify that AI systems exist in various forms and locations. AI algorithms and models can run on individual computers, servers, or even specialized hardware designed for AI processing, commonly referred to as AI chips. These systems can be distributed across multiple locations, including data centres, cloud platforms, and edge devices. They can also be used anywhere, so long as you have a compatible device and an internet connection.

While the concept of AI may seem abstract or mysterious to some, it’s important to approach it with a clear understanding of its principles and applications. By promoting education and awareness about AI, we can dispel misconceptions and facilitate meaningful conversations about its role in society.

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