Semester 0 · Bridge

Bridge: Python & Data Structures for AI

A short, self-paced bridge: Python for data work, NumPy essentials, and the data structures and algorithms every later subject assumes.

No graded labs; in-browser exercises check every step.

Semester 1 assumes you can load data into NumPy arrays, write small, clear functions and say how long an algorithm takes. This bridge makes that fluent. It starts with Python for data work and NumPy essentials, then works through linear data structures, hashing and trees, searching and sorting, and graphs. You implement stacks, queues, linked lists and hash tables yourself, and compare merge sort with quicksort by reasoning about their cost rather than by memorising it. If you already write idiomatic Python and know why a hash lookup is fast, go straight to Semester 1.

No credits · 20 h · 6 chapters

Semester
0
Kind
Bridge
Credits
No credits
Hours
20
Chapters
6
Prerequisites
None

What you’ll be able to do

  1. LO1Write clear Python using functions, collections, comprehensions and NumPy arrays.
  2. LO2Choose and implement stacks, queues, linked lists, trees and hash tables, and reason about their cost.
  3. LO3Implement and analyse searching, sorting (including merge sort and quicksort) and basic graph algorithms.
Searching a binary treeA binary search tree of seven numbers with 8 at the root. The search for 10 goes right at 8, because 10 is larger, then left at 12, and stops at 10, which is filled.2468101214find 1010 > 810 < 12
Fig. 1Searching a binary tree. Illustration.

Chapters

6 chapters · each section ends with a short check

  1. 01Python for data work
  2. 02NumPy essentials
  3. 03Linear data structures
  4. 04Hashing and trees
  5. 05Searching and sorting
  6. 06Graphs

Graded labs

No graded labs. In-browser exercises check every step.

Before you start

No prerequisites. This is a good place to start.

Where it leads

How it’s taught

You read short sections written for the page. Each ends with a check, and in-browser exercises let you practise. There are no graded labs in the bridge.

No videos. No live classes. No AI tutor.

How it works

Bridge: Python & Data Structures for AI, in Semester 0

Enrolment isn't open yet. Pricing will be announced before it opens.

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