From Raw to Ready: Data Preparation in Python

In this course, you'll develop essential skills for transforming raw data into analysis-ready formats - a critical foundation for any data science workflow. You'll master techniques for importing data from diverse sources, manipulating complex datasets, and optimizing data structures for analysis. Working with real-world datasets from our EngageMetrics and MediTrack case studies, you'll build practical experience in data preparation that directly translates to professional scenarios. Upon completion, you'll be able to: • Import data into Python from CSV files, Excel spreadsheets, and APIs. • Create, manage, and manipulate DataFrames. • Filter, sort, merge, and group data to prepare it for analysis. • Manage and transform categorical and date/time data using Pandas. • Create and manipulate NumPy arrays, perform mathematical operations, and use vectorized functions. • Apply data import and manipulation skills to build a multi‑source data integration pipeline in a graded challenge.