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University of Michigan

Python Data Structures

University of Michigan via Coursera

Overview

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This course will introduce the core data structures of the Python programming language. We will move past the basics of procedural programming and explore how we can use the Python built-in data structures such as lists, dictionaries, and tuples to perform increasingly complex data analysis. This course will cover Chapters 6-10 of the textbook “Python for Everybody”. This course covers Python 3.

Syllabus

  • Chapter Six: Strings
    • In this class, we pick up where we left off in the previous class, starting in Chapter 6 of the textbook and covering Strings and moving into data structures. The second week of this class is dedicated to getting Python installed if you want to actually run the applications on your desktop or laptop. If you choose not to install Python, you can just skip to the third week and get a head start.
  • Unit: Installing and Using Python
    • In this module you will set things up so you can write Python programs. We do not require installation of Python for this class. You can write and test Python programs in the browser using the "Python Code Playground" in this lesson. Please read the "Using Python in this Class" material for details.
  • Chapter Seven: Files
    • Up to now, we have been working with data that is read from the user or data in constants. But real programs process much larger amounts of data by reading and writing files on the secondary storage on your computer. In this chapter we start to write our first programs that read, scan, and process real data.
  • Chapter Eight: Lists
    • As we want to solve more complex problems in Python, we need more powerful variables. Up to now we have been using simple variables to store numbers or strings where we have a single value in a variable. Starting with lists we will store many values in a single variable using an indexing scheme to store, organize, and retrieve different values from within a single variable. We call these multi-valued variables "collections" or "data structures".
  • Chapter Nine: Dictionaries
    • The Python dictionary is one of its most powerful data structures. Instead of representing values in a linear list, dictionaries store data as key / value pairs. Using key / value pairs gives us a simple in-memory "database" in a single Python variable.
  • Chapter Ten: Tuples
    • Tuples are our third and final basic Python data structure. Tuples are a simple version of lists. We often use tuples in conjunction with dictionaries to accomplish multi-step tasks like sorting or looping through all of the data in a dictionary.
  • Graduation
    • To celebrate your making it to the halfway point in our Python for Everybody Specialization, we welcome you to attend our online graduation ceremony. It is not very long, and it features a Commencement speaker and very short commencement speech.

Taught by

Charles Severance

Reviews

4.9 rating, based on 16,306 Class Central reviews

4.9 rating at Coursera based on 94471 ratings

Start your review of Python Data Structures

  • Anonymous
    Dr. Chuck is great and I really wanted to give this course four stars but I felt that with the content's importance (lists, dictionaries, tuples, et al) as part of the fundamental foundations of programming going forward (along with algorithms via t…
  • Anonymous
    So, nobody likes to read negative reviews on things that have a generally "high opinion" of. Certainly I am not the most educated either and as such I do take that in to consideration while writing this (I have no formal degrees). But I did want to…
  • Anonymous
    Let's be realistic with yourself in finding and completing a MOOC. There are probably less than 10 courses on this subject that are worth taking because it has all the material you are looking to use in your job. However, there are fewer still that…
  • Brandt Pence
    This is the second course in the Python for Everybody specialization, and corresponds to the second half of the previous course of the same name. As with the first course (Getting Started with Python), I found Dr. Chuck's thorough approach to the m…
  • Anonymous
    So, nobody likes to read negative reviews on things that have a generally "high opinion" of. Certainly I am not the most educated either and as such I do take that in to consideration while writing this (I have no formal degrees). But I did want to…
  • Gregory Cooper
    This was a fantastic class. The only programming course I have ever taken was a C++ course in high school nearly 30 years ago -- needless to say, I remember none of it. Then, in 2 decades as an educator teaching high school government, law, and h…
  • I recently completed the Python Data Structures course offered by the University of Michigan via Coursera, taught by Dr. Chuck. I must say that it was an exceptional learning experience that exceeded my expectations in many ways. 1. Dr. Chuck's tea…
  • Anonymous
    Let me start off by saying I'm grading Dr. Chuck on a pedagogical level, not on him as a person. As a person on camera, he's charming, speaks a great pace that isn't too fast, and repeats himself often to try to drive the points home. He makes great…
  • Anonymous
    Anonymous completed this course. So, nobody likes to read negative reviews on things that have a generally "high opinion" of. Certainly I am not the most educated either and as such I do take that in to consideration while writing this (I have no f…
  • This is the second course I took with Dr. Chuck. The best word to describe both the course and the instructor is "fantastic".
    As a begginer in this programming world I can say this course have tauhgt me not only thecnical aspects about python data structures and programming logic but also has encouraged me to keep learning.
    Im very happy with my progress throught the course.
    The only suggestion I would make is to have more hands-on and practice exercices, that would be really great to master the skills you learn.
  • Anonymous
    So, nobody likes to read negative reviews on things that have a generally "high opinion" of. Certainly I am not the most educated either and as such I do take that in to consideration while writing this (I have no formal degrees). But I did want to…
  • Anonymous
    I recently completed the Python Data Structures course offered by the University of Michigan via Coursera, taught by Dr. Chuck. I must say that it was an exceptional learning experience that exceeded my expectations in many ways. First and foremost…
  • Profile image for Ruslan Shanin
    Ruslan Shanin
    This is the second course in the Python specialization, encompassing essential theoretical concepts and practical exercises. It aims to reinforce your understanding through hands-on tasks and provide an opportunity to apply Python skills to solve straightforward problems.
    This course is suitable for beginners who are starting their journey with Python, as well as for individuals looking to refresh their knowledge and skills. It provides comprehensive material that can be helpful in both scenarios.
  • "Python Data Structures" by Dr. Charles Russell Severance at the University of Michigan was an enriching and accessible experience. Despite my limited knowledge of data structures, the course was engaging and fast-paced. Dr. Severance's teaching style simplified complex concepts, allowing beginners like me to easily grasp the material. The well-organized course structure, coupled with hands-on exercises and coding assignments, solidified my understanding. Supplementary resources such as readings and quizzes provided valuable practice opportunities. Overall, I highly recommend this course for those seeking a captivating journey into Python data structures and a strong foundation for further exploration.
  • Quite understandable, as things gets more complicated, Chuck gets to show off a bit more of his actual expertise, and one can see that he's enjoying himself more than in the first very basic lessons.
    I think the course is good, but the Python Playground is not. Instead of just rejecting my code, it should at least hint as to where the problem is, and perhaps also provide some clues, and not just make red remarks on improperly formatted or missing outputs.
  • Anonymous
    I recently completed the Python Data Structures course offered by Dr. Chuck (Professor Charles Severance), and I am thrilled to share my experience and appreciation for this outstanding learning journey. From the outset, Dr. Chuck's passion for tea…
  • Great course and great instructor. This is 2nd course in the Python for Everyone specialization and probably the 6th one under Dr Charles Severance. I think this is a great introductory course for anyone starting in Python. Allthough I do not actively Program , I do get to interact with Programmers all the time and I'm developing these skills to be more credible when talking to some of these Senior Developers. The teacher explains complex concepts using relatable analogies and simple examples. All in all highly recommended for beginners!
  • Anonymous
    So, nobody likes to read negative reviews on things that have a generally "high opinion" of. Certainly I am not the most educated either and as such I do take that in to consideration while writing this (I have no formal degrees). But I did want to…
  • Dr. Chuck's Python Data Structures course was exceptional. His teaching style is engaging, he's incredibly responsive to students' questions, and he makes complex concepts easy to grasp. The course content is well-structured with relevant real-world examples. Dr. Chuck's expertise and passion for Python and data structures shine through. I highly recommend this course for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of Python and data structures. Thank you, Dr. Chuck, for an enriching learning experience.
  • Really enjoyed this class with Dr. Chuck. He made learning Python fun and interesting. I will not say it was easy because I had no programming skills at all prior to taking any of the Python courses. I now have some general knowledge that I can use…

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