- International Fees
International fees are typically 3.25 times the domestic tuition. Exact cost will be calculated upon completion of registration.
Course Overview
This hands-on course has replaced COMP 2454 as of September 2024. Following on from COMP 1630, students who understand data modelling and Structured Query Language (SQL) programming are introduced to Python as a tool for data analytics. Starting with an installation and overview of the Python IDE; students will explore Python programming and are introduced foundational programming concepts: Variables, Conditions, Operators, Loops, Functions, Arrays, Dictionaries and DataFrames. Exercises and labs explore data analysis using simple statistics with Python. There is an introduction to string manipulation, Regression, Aggregation, and object-oriented structures with Python used in data analysis. Participants are shown how to use Python for basic graphing. COMP 2853 is a required course in the Applied Data Analytics Certificate (ADAC) from BCIT Computing. Upon completion successful students will be able to use Python to perform exploratory data analysis and as preparation for data modeling/data cleaning in the follow-on ADAC courses.
Prerequisite(s)
- 60% in COMP 1630
Credits
3.0
Domestic fees
$586.54
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Install and set-up Python IDEs.
- Write a program that uses primitive data types, variables, strings, and expressions.
- Write a program that uses conditional structures, functions, and parameter passing.
- Write a program that uses the following data structures: tuple, list, and dictionary.
- Implement fundamental code structures and logic for data analysis using Python.
- Use Python to load, manipulate and prepare structured and unstructured data for modeling.
- Use SQLAlchemy to connect database for data storage and retrieval.
- Perform exploratory data analysis using Python.
- Use python techniques to clean and transform data in preparation for modeling and data analysis.
- Create predictive models using appropriate statistical and data mining techniques.
- Report on data using text based and visual statistical summaries using Python.
Effective as of Spring/Summer 2024
Related Programs
Introduction to Python for Data Analysis (COMP 2853) is offered as a part of the following programs:
- Indicates programs accepting international students.
- Indicates programs eligible for students to apply for Post-graduation Work Permit (PGWP).
School of Computing and Academic Studies
- Applied Data Analytics
Certificate Part-time
Course Offerings
Fall 2025
Below are two offerings of COMP 2853 for the Fall 2025 term.
CRN 51302
Dates
Sep 12 - Nov 28 Loading
- CRN 51302
- $586.54 Domestic fees
Class meeting times
Duration
12 weeks
Instructor
Johnny Zhang
Course outline
Important information
- Departmental approval needed
- Important course information will be sent to you prior to your course start date. Check your myBCIT email account to access this information.
- International fees are typically 3.25 times the domestic tuition. Exact cost will be calculated upon completion of registration.
- Please email cstflex@bcit.ca for Departmental approval. Include your Student number (A0#) and COMP__ and preferred CRN __ and Program Declaration____. Course is 36 hours synchronous online classes. MIDTERM: October 17, 1800 - 2100, at the Downtown campus in Room 410; FINAL EXAM: November 28, 1800 - 2100, at the Downtown campus in Room 410. Please Note: Attendance, participation in class and the BCIT Learning Hub are mandatory. You should prepare to spend 2-3 hours on homework for every 1 hour of class time. This course may require an average total time commitment of 9-12+ hours per week. 3 hours of synchronous class time and 6-9+ hours per week for homework. Late registration is not permitted. BCIT Computing is primarily a Microsoft Windows environment. Students must provide their own current model Windows-compatible PC with microphone and video camera. i5 or higher equivalent processor, with 8 GB of RAM minimum, and 256 GB minimum storage. Highspeed internet access is needed for online sections and for homework. Mac users must have the ability to manage and support their iOS computer. They may need to create a virtual Windows environment using Parallels or VMWare Fusion. COMP instructors may not be able to assist Mac users with software compatibility issues. BCIT does not provide access to Parallels or support for students to use a Mac to run Windows.
Status
CRN 51301
Dates
Sep 13 - Nov 29 Loading
- CRN 51301
- $586.54 Domestic fees
Class meeting times
| Dates | Days | Times | Locations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 13 - Nov 29 | Sat | 09:00 - 12:00 | Downtown DTC Rm. 410 |
Duration
12 weeks
Instructor
Johnny Zhang
Course outline
Important information
- Departmental approval needed
- International fees are typically 3.25 times the domestic tuition. Exact cost will be calculated upon completion of registration.
- Please email cstflex@bcit.ca for Departmental approval. Include your Student number (A0#) and COMP__ and preferred CRN __ and Program Declaration____. Course is 36 hours on campus. This is a BYOD (bring your own device) course. Please Note: Attendance, participation in class and the BCIT Learning Hub are mandatory. You should prepare to spend 2-3 hours on homework for every 1 hour of class time. This course may require an average total time commitment of 9-12+ hours per week. 3 hours of synchronous class time and 6-9+ hours per week for homework. Late registration is not permitted. BCIT Computing is primarily a Microsoft Windows environment. Students must provide their own current model Windows-compatible PC with microphone and video camera. i5 or higher equivalent processor, with 8 GB of RAM minimum, and 256 GB minimum storage. Highspeed internet access is needed for online sections and for homework. Mac users must have the ability to manage and support their iOS computer. They may need to create a virtual Windows environment using Parallels or VMWare Fusion. COMP instructors may not be able to assist Mac users with software compatibility issues. BCIT does not provide access to Parallels or support for students to use a Mac to run Windows. Class in session October 11 (Thanksgiving).
Status
Winter 2026
Below are two offerings of COMP 2853 for the Winter 2026 term.
CRN 92514
Dates
Jan 09 - Mar 27 Loading
- CRN 92514
- $586.54 Domestic fees
Class meeting times
Duration
12 weeks
Instructor
Johnny Zhang
Course outline
Course outline TBD — see Learning Outcomes in the interim.
Important information
- Departmental approval needed
- Important course information will be sent to you prior to your course start date. Check your myBCIT email account to access this information.
- International fees are typically 3.25 times the domestic tuition. Exact cost will be calculated upon completion of registration.
- Please email cstflex@bcit.ca for Departmental approval. Include your Student number (A0#) and COMP__ and preferred CRN __ and Program Declaration____. Course is 36 hours synchronous online classes. MIDTERM: February 13, 1800 - 2100, at the Downtown campus in Room 410; FINAL EXAM: March 27, 1800 - 2100, at the Downtown campus in Room 410. Please Note: Attendance, participation in class and the BCIT Learning Hub are mandatory. You should prepare to spend 2-3 hours on homework for every 1 hour of class time. This course may require an average total time commitment of 9-12+ hours per week. 3 hours of synchronous class time and 6-9+ hours per week for homework. Late registration is not permitted. BCIT Computing is primarily a Microsoft Windows environment. Students must provide their own current model Windows-compatible PC with microphone and video camera. i5 or higher equivalent processor, with 8 GB of RAM minimum, and 256 GB minimum storage. Highspeed internet access is needed for online sections and for homework. Mac users must have the ability to manage and support their iOS computer. They may need to create a virtual Windows environment using Parallels or VMWare Fusion. COMP instructors may not be able to assist Mac users with software compatibility issues. BCIT does not provide access to Parallels or support for students to use a Mac to run Windows.
Status
CRN 92513
Dates
Jan 10 - Mar 28 Loading
- CRN 92513
- $586.54 Domestic fees
Class meeting times
| Dates | Days | Times | Locations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 10 - Mar 28 | Sat | 09:00 - 12:00 | Downtown DTC Rm. 410 |
Duration
12 weeks
Instructor
Johnny Zhang
Course outline
Course outline TBD — see Learning Outcomes in the interim.
Important information
- Departmental approval needed
- International fees are typically 3.25 times the domestic tuition. Exact cost will be calculated upon completion of registration.
- Please email cstflex@bcit.ca for Departmental approval. Include your Student number (A0#) and COMP__ and preferred CRN __ and Program Declaration____. Course is 36 hours on campus. This is a BYOD (bring your own device) course. Please Note: Attendance, participation in class and the BCIT Learning Hub are mandatory. You should prepare to spend 2-3 hours on homework for every 1 hour of class time. This course may require an average total time commitment of 9-12+ hours per week. 3 hours of synchronous class time and 6-9+ hours per week for homework. Late registration is not permitted. BCIT Computing is primarily a Microsoft Windows environment. Students must provide their own current model Windows-compatible PC with microphone and video camera. i5 or higher equivalent processor, with 8 GB of RAM minimum, and 256 GB minimum storage. Highspeed internet access is needed for online sections and for homework. Mac users must have the ability to manage and support their iOS computer. They may need to create a virtual Windows environment using Parallels or VMWare Fusion. COMP instructors may not be able to assist Mac users with software compatibility issues. BCIT does not provide access to Parallels or support for students to use a Mac to run Windows. Class in session February 14 (Family Day).
Status
Programs and courses are subject to change without notice.