KCA University

Nairobi, Kenya

BDS 3203 PROGRAMMING FOR DATA SCIENCE

Prepared By:
Dr. Linus Aloo, PhD
E-mail: linusaloo88@[Link]
Phone: 0754188380
Course Text

1. Peter Morgan, “Data Analysis from Scratch with Python: Step by Step Guide,” AI Sciences LLC, 1st Edition, 2016.

2. Roger D. Peng, “R Programming for Data Science,” Lean Publishing, 2015.

3. Vijay Kotu and Bala Deshpande, “Data Science: Concepts and Practice,” Elsevier, Second Edition, 2019.
4. Sinan Ozdemir, “Principles of Data Science,” Packt Publishing,1st Ed. 2016.
References

1. Introduction to Data Science a Python approach to concepts, Techniques and Applications, Igual, L; Seghi’, S. Springer,
ISBN:978-3-319-50016-4

2. Jesús Rogel-Salazar, “DATA SCIENCE AND ANALYTICS WITH PYTHON” CRC Press Taylor & Francis Group, 1st Ed. 2017.

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Course Outline

BSD 3203 Programming for Data Science

Contact 52 hrs
Hours
Pre-requisite  Principles of Data science
Purpose/Aim The main aim of this course are to learn how to use tools like python and R for
acquiring, cleaning, analyzing, exploring, and visualizing data; making data-
driven inferences and decisions; and effectively communicating results.
Course 1. To identify and use available R packages and associated Open Source
Objectives software to meet given scientific objectives
2. To design and write efficient programs using R and Python to perform
routine and specialized data Manipulation /management and analysis
tasks
3. To write python and R programs that can perform data visualizations

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Course Outline
Course  Introduction: Introduction to R for data science, introduction to Python for
Content data science
 Installation and configuration of R and Python programming environment
 Applied Machine learning
 Best-practice software engineering techniques
 Programming with R for data science:
 Explore R language fundamentals, including basic syntax, variables, and
types
 How to create functions and use control flow.
 Details on reading and writing data in R
 Work with data in R
 Create and customize visualizations using ggplot2
 Perform predictive analytics using R
 Programming with Python for data science
 The NumPy package for scientific computing
 The pandas data analysis library, including reading and writing of CSV
files
 The Jupyter and PyDev development environments
 The Matplotlib 2D plotting library
 Understanding the shell
 Using Git and GitHub
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Course Outline
Learning & Teaching Lectures, tutorials and computer laboratory exercises
Methods
Instructional Tools Classroom with audio visual aids, Computer laboratory and Internet access

Course Assessment Type Weighting(%)

Examination 50
Continuous Assessment 50
Total 100
Recommended Reading Author Title Publisher
Joel Grus(2015) Data Science from Scratch: O’Reilly Media
First Principles with Python

Additional Reading Matt Harrison(2016) Learning the Pandas Library: CreateSpace Independent
Python Tools for Data Publishing Platform
Munging, Analysis, and
Visualization

Wickham, H. (2009) Ggplot2. Springer. [Link]

cord=b7232787~S39a

Peng, R.D. (2015) Exploratory Data Analysis [Link]

with R.

Other Support Material variety of A multimedia systems and electronic information

Resources as prescribed by the lecturer. Various application
manuals, URL search and journals.

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Course Outline
Learning & Teaching Methodologies
Lectures, tutorials and planning exercises
Instructional Materials/Equipment
Classroom with audio visual aids
Computer laboratory
Course Assessment
BSD3203 EXPLORATORY DATA ANALYSIS

Course Assessment Type Weighting (%)

Lab Ass I 5%

Lab Ass II 5%

Lab Ass II 10 %

CATs-CAT 1&2 30 %

END SEM EXAMS 50%

TOTALS 100%
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 CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION TO R AND
PYTHON FOR DATA SCIENCE
1.0. Objectives

•Understand the role of R and Python in data science.

•Learn key features and benefits of each language.
•Explore basic syntax and functionality.
•Understand when to choose R or Python for a data science
project.

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1.1. What is Data Science?
•Definition: Data science is the discipline of extracting
knowledge and insights from structured and unstructured data.
•Key Components:
• Data Collection
• Data Cleaning
• Exploratory Data Analysis (EDA)
• Statistical Modeling and Machine Learning
• Data Visualization
• Communication of Results
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1.1. What is Data Science?

Fig.1.1: Steps for performing EDA. Source [[Link]

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1.2. Why Learn R and Python?
•R:
• Tailored for statistical analysis and visualization.
• Extensive packages for data manipulation and modeling (e.g., ggplot2,
dplyr).
• Strong community support for statistical methodologies.
•Python:
• General-purpose programming language.
• Wide variety of libraries for data science (e.g., pandas, NumPy, scikit-
learn).
• Excellent for integration with web apps and production environments.
•Both are open-source and widely used in industry and academia.
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1.3. Introduction to R
•Overview:
• Developed for statistical computing.
• Interactive environment ideal for exploratory data analysis.
•Key Features:
• Built-in statistical functions.
• Flexible and high-quality visualization tools.
• Extensive CRAN repository.
•Use Cases:
• Hypothesis testing, linear and nonlinear modeling, time-series
analysis.
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1.4. Basic R Syntax

Example Code:

 Data Structures in R:
•Vectors, Matrices, Data Frames, Lists.
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1.5. Introduction to Python
•Overview:
• General-purpose language with a focus on simplicity and readability.
• Excellent for scripting, automation, and data analysis.
•Key Features:
• Extensive libraries for data science (e.g., pandas, Matplotlib,
seaborn).
• Integration with machine learning and deep learning frameworks (e.g.,
TensorFlow, PyTorch).
• Broad support for file formats and databases.
•Use Cases:
• Data manipulation, machine learning, web scraping, and deployment.
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1.6. Basic Python Syntax
 Example Code:

 Data Structures in Python:

•Lists, Tuples, Dictionaries, Sets.
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1.7. Comparing R and Python

Feature R Python
General-purpose
Strength Statistical analysis
programming
Advanced (ggplot2, Flexible (Matplotlib,
Visualization
lattice) seaborn)
Moderate (domain-
Ease of Learning Easy (general-purpose)
specific)
Excellent (scikit-learn,
Machine Learning Moderate (caret, mlr)
TensorFlow)
Strong (statistical Strong (general-
Community Support
focus) purpose)

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1.8. Choosing the Right Tool
•Use R when:
• The focus is on statistical modeling.
• Advanced visualization is required.
•Use Python when:
• A broader programming application is needed.
• Integration with web apps or production systems is essential.
•Use Both:
• Leverage the strengths of each language via interoperability tools
(e.g., reticulate in R or rpy2 in Python).

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1.9. Interoperability Between R and Python

•Why Combine R and Python?

•Leverage R’s statistical and visualization capabilities with
Python’s machine learning and integration strengths.
•Tools for Interoperability:
•reticulate package in R.
•rpy2 library in Python.
•Example Workflow:
•Use R for data visualization and Python for model deployment.

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1.20. Advanced Features and Libraries

•R Advanced Features:
• Shiny for interactive dashboards.
• R Markdown for reproducible reports.
•Python Advanced Features:
• Streamlit for interactive web apps.
• FastAPI for building APIs.
•Libraries to Explore:
• R: tidyr, lubridate, caret.
• Python: PyTorch, Flask, BeautifulSoup.
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1.21. Getting Started with R and Python

•Install R:
•Download from R Project.
•IDE: RStudio for enhanced functionality.
•Install Python:
•Download from [Link].
•IDEs: Jupyter Notebook, PyCharm, or VS Code.
•Recommended Resources:
•Online tutorials, MOOCs, and documentation.

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1.21. Installation and Configuration of R and Python
Programming Environment

•Objective:
• Understand how to set up R and Python on your system.
• Learn the key tools and configurations needed for
programming.
•Agenda:
• Installation of R
• Installation of Python
• IDEs and Tools Setup
• Configurations and Best Practices

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1.21. Installation and Configuration of R and Python
Programming Environment

Installing R
•Steps:
[Link] the R installer:
•Go to CRAN.
•Select your operating system (Windows/Mac/Linux).
[Link] R:
•Run the downloaded installer.
•Follow the on-screen instructions.
•Choose default settings unless specific configurations are needed.
[Link] Installation:
•Open the R console.
•Type version to check the R version.
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1.21. Installation and Configuration of R and Python
Programming Environment
Installing Python
•Steps:
[Link] the Python installer:
•Go to [Link].
•Select your operating system.
[Link] Python:
•Run the downloaded installer.
•Enable "Add Python to PATH".
•Choose default or customize installation as needed.
[Link] Installation:
•Open a terminal or command prompt.
•Type python --version or python3 --version.
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1.21. Installation and Configuration of R and Python
Programming Environment
IDEs and Tools for R and Python
•R IDEs:
• RStudio (Highly recommended)
• Download from RStudio.
• Install and configure with R.
•Python IDEs:
• PyCharm
• Visual Studio Code (VS Code)
• Jupyter Notebook/ JupyterLab
•Tips:
• Ensure compatibility with installed R/Python versions.
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1.21. Installation and Configuration of R and Python
Programming Environment
Configuring R and Python Environments
•For R:
•Set up libraries using [Link]("package_name").
•Configure RStudio settings (e.g., themes, fonts).
•For Python:
•Use virtual environments for package management:
•Create: python -m venv env_name
•Activate: source env_name/bin/activate (Mac/Linux) or
env_name\Scripts\activate (Windows)
•Install libraries with pip: pip install package_name.

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1.21. Installation and Configuration of R and Python
Programming Environment
Best Practices
•R:
•Regularly update R and packages: [Link]().
•Organize projects using RStudio projects.
•Python:
•Use [Link] for dependencies:

• Follow PEP 8 coding guidelines (use linters like flake8).

•General:
• Backup your work regularly.
• Keep software up to date.
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1.21. Installation and Configuration of R and Python
Programming Environment
Troubleshooting Tips
•Common Issues:
• R or Python not recognized in PATH.
• Library/package installation errors.
•Solutions:
• Check installation paths.
• Reinstall problematic libraries.
• Refer to official documentation or community forums.

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1.21. Installation and Configuration of R and Python
Programming Environment
Resources
•R:
• CRAN Documentation: [Link]
• RStudio Support: [Link]
•Python:
• Official Python Docs: [Link]/doc/
• PyPI Packages: [Link]
•General:
• Stack Overflow: [Link]

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1.22. Hands-on Exercise
•Task: Perform basic data analysis using R and Python.
•R Exercise:
•Load a dataset using [Link]().
•Perform summary statistics with summary().
•Create a basic plot with plot().
•Python Exercise:
•Load a dataset using pandas.
•Perform summary statistics with [Link]().
•Create a basic plot with Matplotlib.

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1.23. Summary

•R and Python are powerful tools for data science.

•Each has unique strengths and applications.
•Learning both can maximize your data analysis
capabilities.
•Practice with real-world datasets to deepen your
understanding.

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