In today’s increasingly data-driven world, the demand for skilled data scientists is skyrocketing. Consequently, this makes it a promising field with exciting career opportunities.
If you’re great at interpreting information into powerful insights or solving complex problems then data science might be your calling!
But, where do you start your journey? Where to learn data science for free?
Worry not, if you’re an aspiring data scientist this article is for you.
Here, we’ve curated a data science resources list to equip you with the knowledge and skills you need to succeed. This caters to both beginners and those looking to brush up on specific areas.
So, make sure to save this and it will be your go-to guide to help you on your journey.
What is Data Science?
In essence, data science is this: It is when information speaks, revealing hidden patterns and trends that unlock groundbreaking solutions. With technology rapidly evolving, it can revolutionise virtually every aspect of our lives, especially in the digital landscape.
At its core, data science is the art and science of extracting meaningful insights from vast amounts of data. It’s a potent blend of statistics, computer science, mathematics, and domain expertise, empowering you to ask, and more importantly, answer crucial questions:
- What happened?
- Why did it happen?
- What will happen?
- What can you do about it?
Why is Data Science important today?
In today’s data-flooded world, every interaction generates information, from our social media engagements to financial transactions. This mountain of data holds immense potential, waiting to be interpreted and condensed into insights by skilled data scientists.
So much so that data science is already making waves across industries, like:
- Healthcare – Analysing medical records to predict disease outbreaks, tailor treatment plans, and even assist in drug discovery.
- Finance – Detecting fraudulent activity, forecasting market trends, and developing personalised financial products.
- Retail – Predicting customer behaviour, recommending products, and optimising supply chains for smoother experiences.
- Technology – Developing intelligent systems that learn and adapt, shaping the future of artificial intelligence (AI) and automation.
The possibilities are endless! Additionally, with news like Microsoft’s AUD 5 billion investment plan, the demand for skilled data scientists in Australia is soaring.
Top 10 Data Science Resources on the Internet
But, where do you start? No worries, we’ve got you covered.
We created a list of data science resources for students and experts looking to brush up on their skills. We specifically curated this to empower your journey into this transformative field.
Of course, there are also other alternatives online like data science resources on GitHub. The point of this list is to provide you with the best ones to help you excel in your career as a data scientist.
Harvard University Data Science Certificate
This program is a great way to learn the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in the field.
While other universities offer online courses as part of their data science resources free for students, this is not one of them.
Even so, this program is taught by experienced professionals who are passionate about data science. This allows you to learn from them and network with other data science professionals — two things that can propel your career.
California Institute of Technology Learning From Data Course
This is a series of video lectures taught by Abu-Mostafa, a well-known Caltech professor.
This course is a great option if you prefer to do things at your own pace and only need access to the course materials including video lectures, problem sets, and a final exam.
As an aspiring data scientist, you can benefit from this course by learning the fundamentals of machine learning (ML) from a renowned professor. The course will allow you to practice your skills through problem sets and a final exam.
Code with Google – Applied Computing Series
This is a free course offered by the tech giant, Google. They teach you the fundamentals of ML and how to apply them to real-world problems. This includes video lectures, real-world case studies, and hands-on practice exercises.
What makes this one of the best sites to learn data science for free is that you can customise your learning experience and do it at your own pace.
100 Days of Code: The Complete Python Pro Bootcamp
If you want to learn Python and build a portfolio of projects, then this course can be a valuable resource for you. It’s important to note that this course is primarily focused on programming and web development.
While it can provide a strong foundation, it may not cover all the specific skills and knowledge needed for a career in data science. So, you will need to supplement it with the other data science resources mentioned here.
Think Stats: Probability and Statistics for Programmers (PDF)
This a comprehensive book written by Allen Downey, a well-known figure in the world of computer science and a professor at Franklin W. Olin College of Engineering.
If you already know your way around Python then this book is one of the data science resources that you need to add to your list. The book serves as a guide that teaches how you can use Python for data analysis and statistical modelling. It shares simple techniques and encourages you to work with real datasets to apply them.
Machine Learning by Andrew Ng (Video Series)
This YouTube video series is created by Andrew Ng, the founder of DeepLearning AI, chairman and co-founder of Coursera, and an adjunct professor at Stanford University.
Here, he teaches you the fundamentals of ML and how to use these techniques to build real-world AI applications. It’s a beginner-friendly program that shares key concepts and the best practices used in Silicon Valley. Since it’s free on the video-sharing platform, you can go through its supervised learning and unsupervised learning repeatedly, at your own pace.
Big Data: New Tricks for Econometrics by Hal Varian (PDF)
It’s written by Hal R. Varian, a highly accomplished economist with significant contributions to both academia and the tech industry.
The journal discusses how big data can be used in econometrics and the benefits it can have for you, an aspiring data scientist. It outlines the challenges of big data, including the size of the data, the number of potential predictors, and the need for more flexible relationships than simple linear models. It also discusses how machine learning techniques can be used to address these challenges.
Overall, this journal provides a good overview of how big data can be used in econometrics and its benefits for people like you pursuing a career in data science.
9 Best Python Natural Language Processing (NLP) Libraries
The article offers a glimpse into the world of Natural Language Processing (NLP) and how it can be used with Python.
It discusses various libraries that can be used to perform NLP tasks and highlights the benefits of using Python. While it’s not specifically geared toward aspiring data scientists, the information it contains can still be valuable for those interested in this field.
If you are looking to learn more about NLP, then the libraries mentioned in the article are some of the best sites to learn data science for free.
8 Fun Machine Learning Projects for Beginners
This article is a collection of tutorials that you can use to springboard into the exciting world of data science. Since it is tailored for aspiring data scientists, like yourself, this treasure trove of data science resources offers a hands-on approach to mastering machine learning fundamentals.
Master of Information and Data Science (MIDS) at UC Berkeley School of Information
This program offered by UC Berkley is designed for you, individuals at various stages of your career, meaning you can be starting out or already have a career in data science. It’s a rigorous course that empowers you with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in the ever-evolving field of data science.
Consider the MIDS program as an investment in your future as a data scientist since you gain the skills, knowledge, and network needed to succeed in this dynamic field.
Make the Most of Your Data Science Resources to Excel in Your Career
Now that you have a collection of data science resources at your fingertips, you are ready to propel yourself on your journey to build your data science career.
Though, this is just the beginning. The Internet is a vast ocean of online learning that is brimming with even more treasures to discover.
Just remember: Don’t get lost in the endless scroll.
The most effective learning comes from finding your unique rhythm. Experiment with different platforms, courses, and styles. Are you a visual learner who thrives on interactive tutorials? Or maybe you prefer the in-depth explanations of comprehensive textbooks? Perhaps hands-on projects ignite your passion, while others find solace in structured lectures. Embrace your individuality and tailor your learning journey to match.
With that said, here are some last-minute tips to help you in your studies.
- Determine your learning style
- Set reasonable goals
- Assess your core strengths
- Determine a schedule
- Study in a positive environment
- Take notes while you study
- Review materials on the same day
- Organise information
- Reflect on your progress
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