Coursera

Introduction to Python Functions (Coursera)

Offered by University of Colorado Boulder,
Introduction to Python Functions (Coursera)

How many times have you decided to learn a programming language but got stuck somewhere along the way, grew frustrated, and gave up? This specialization is designed for learners who have little or no programming experience but want to use Python as a tool to play with data. In the second course, Introduction to Python Functions, you are going to learn and use functions predefined in Python and Python packages, you also are able to define functions as well. You will create and use functions to make your programs reusable and adaptive.

Class Deals by MOOC List - Click here and see Coursera's Active Discounts, Deals, and Promo Codes.

Are you ready? Let's go!

What You Will Learn
By successfully completing this course, you will be able to use functions predefined in Python and in Python packages.
You will also be able to define Python functions.

Course 2 of 3 in the Expressway to Data Science: Python Programming Specialization.

Syllabus

WEEK 1
Hello, functions!
Welcome on board! This first module shows the reasons why we need functions and introduces basic function definitions. You are going to recall some functions we have learned before, and you are going to define some simple functions of your own! Are you ready? Let's go!

WEEK 2
Functions with Parameters
Now you should be comfortable with simple functions. This module introduces you more about functions with parameters, which are the majority ones you are going to call when you do your data science projects. Are you ready? Let's go!

WEEK 3
Functions with Return Values
For data science projects, not only we need to execute some functions, but also we expect some results from the execution so we can use the results for next step. This module introduces you the functions with return values. Are you ready? Let's go!

WEEK 4
Functions in Functions
With the knowledge you have learned about simple functions, functions with parameters, and functions with return values, you should be able to learn nested functions. This module introduces you the general idea of nested functions, as well as two specific categories of them: hierarchical functions and recursive functions. Are you ready? Let's go!

Go to Class
MOOC List is learner-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Related Courses

Problem Solving, Python Programming, and Video Games (Coursera) Coursera
University of Alberta

Problem Solving, Python Programming, and Video Games (Coursera)

CS: Programming

This course is an introduction to computer science and programming in Python. Important computer science concepts such as problem solving (computational thinking), problem decomposition, algorithms, abstraction, and software quality are emphasized throughout. The Python programming language and video games are used to demonstrate computer science concepts in a concrete and fun manner. However, a learner can take the knowledge and skills from this course and apply them to non-game problems, other programming languages, and other computer science courses.

Nov 16th 2026
5-12 Weeks
Programming Python Algorithms
Details
Build a Data Warehouse Using BigQuery (Coursera) Coursera
Starweaver

Build a Data Warehouse Using BigQuery (Coursera)

Statistics & Data Analysis Data Science

Unlock the power of Google BigQuery as you embark on a journey to become proficient in data warehouse building and advanced querying. In this comprehensive course, you'll learn to harness the capabilities of BigQuery, from setting up and accessing the platform to creating data warehouses using both the user interface and Python. Through hands-on lessons and practical applications, you'll develop the fundamental skills needed to manage, query, and optimize your data in this powerful cloud-based platform.

Nov 23rd 2026
1 Week
SQL Data Warehousing Data Warehouse
Details
Data Science Ethics (Coursera) Coursera
University of Michigan

Data Science Ethics (Coursera)

Data Science

What are the ethical considerations regarding the privacy and control of consumer information and big data, especially in the aftermath of recent large-scale data breaches? This course provides a framework to analyze these concerns as you examine the ethical and privacy implications of collecting and managing big data. Explore the broader impact of the data science field on modern society and the principles of fairness, accountability and transparency as you gain a deeper understanding of the importance of a shared set of ethical values.

Nov 16th 2026
4 Weeks
History Ethics Data Analysis
Details
Developing AI Applications on Azure (Coursera) Coursera
LearnQuest

Developing AI Applications on Azure (Coursera)

Data Science

This course introduces the concepts of Artificial Intelligence and Machine learning. We'll discuss machine learning types and tasks, and machine learning algorithms. You'll explore Python as a popular programming language for machine learning solutions, including using some scientific ecosystem packages which will help you implement machine learning.

Nov 16th 2026
5-12 Weeks
ML Artificial Intelligence Machine Learning
Details
Advanced Linear Models for Data Science 1: Least Squares (Coursera) Coursera
Johns Hopkins University

Advanced Linear Models for Data Science 1: Least Squares (Coursera)

Statistics & Data Analysis Data Science

Welcome to the Advanced Linear Models for Data Science Class 1: Least Squares. This class is an introduction to least squares from a linear algebraic and mathematical perspective. Before beginning the class make sure that you have the following: a basic understanding of linear algebra and multivariate calculus; a basic understanding of statistics and regression models; at least a little familiarity with proof based mathematics; basic knowledge of the R programming language.

Nov 16th 2026
5-12 Weeks
Linear Algebra Linear Regression Data Science
Details
Precision Medicine (Coursera) Coursera
University of Geneva

Precision Medicine (Coursera)

Sci: Biology & Life Sciences Health & Society

This course will provide you with the key knowledge and tools to understand the fundamentals and practical implications of precision medicine, its opportunities and challenges. It will address precision-medicine era diagnostics, treatment selection, genetic counseling, public health interventions, and biomedical research. It will also deal with data science and ethical issues. From genomic analysis and genetic counseling to cancer biomarkers, from risk assessment of chronic diseases to the understanding of gene-environment interactions, from pharmacogenomics to multi-omics data integration, experts will walk you through the many aspects of precision medicine, from the bench to the bedside and to population health.

Nov 16th 2026
5-12 Weeks
Medicine Health Cancer
Details
Understanding China, 1700-2000: A Data Analytic Approach, Part 1 (Coursera) Coursera
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology - HKUST

Understanding China, 1700-2000: A Data Analytic Approach, Part 1 (Coursera)

Statistics & Data Analysis Data Science

The purpose of this course is to summarize new directions in Chinese history and social science produced by the creation and analysis of big historical datasets based on newly opened Chinese archival holdings, and to organize this knowledge in a framework that encourages learning about China in comparative perspective. Our course demonstrates how a new scholarship of discovery is redefining what is singular about modern China and modern Chinese history.

Nov 23rd 2026
5-12 Weeks
History Education China
Details
Getting Started with CyberGIS (Coursera) Coursera
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Getting Started with CyberGIS (Coursera)

Statistics & Data Analysis Data Science

This course is intended to introduce students to CyberGIS—Geospatial Information Science and Systems (GIS)—based on advanced cyberinfrastructure as well as the state of the art in high-performance computing, big data, and cloud computing in the context of geospatial data science. Emphasis is placed on learning the cutting-edge advances of cyberGIS and its underlying geospatial data science principles.

Nov 23rd 2026
4 Weeks
Big Data Geospatial Hadoop
Details
Ethical Issues in Data Science (Coursera) Coursera
University of Colorado Boulder

Ethical Issues in Data Science (Coursera)

Statistics & Data Analysis Data Science

Computing applications involving large amounts of data – the domain of data science – impact the lives of most people in the U.S. and the world. These impacts include recommendations made to us by internet-based systems, information that is available about us online, techniques that are used for security and surveillance, data that is used in health care, and many more. In many cases, they are affected by techniques in artificial intelligence and machine learning.

Nov 23rd 2026
5-12 Weeks
Philosophy Artificial Intelligence Security
Details
Applied Social Network Analysis in Python (Coursera) Coursera
University of Michigan

Applied Social Network Analysis in Python (Coursera)

Statistics & Data Analysis Data Science

This course will introduce the learner to network analysis through the NetworkX library. The course begins with an understanding of what network analysis is and motivations for why we might model phenomena as networks. The second week introduces the concept of connectivity and network robustness.. The third week will explore ways of measuring the importance or centrality of a node in a network. The final week will explore the evolution of networks over time and cover models of network generation and the link prediction problem.

Nov 23rd 2026
4 Weeks
Python Networks Social Networks
Details