Bootcamp Overview
What is the Bootcamp?
Info
Participation in this bootcamp is not required for this course. The bootcamp provides additional instructional materials designed to help students with limited Python/programming exposure gain deeper understanding of the concepts and methods tested in the three exams.
We strongly encourage all students to complete the Bootcamp Self Assessment Notebook to evaluate whether the bootcamp might be helpful.
The bootcamp covers foundational Python, data manipulation, SQL, and NumPy - the core tools you'll use throughout the course.
When Are the Live Sessions?
All live sessions are recorded. Recordings are typically posted within 24 hours.
| Section | Where to Find Recordings |
|---|---|
| GT (OMSA) Students | Piazza Post #7 |
| EdX / VMM Students | Piazza Post #7 |
Where Are the Materials?
- Colab Notebooks - Links are in the Bootcamp Schedule. See the Colab Guide for a quick intro.
- New materials - Announced in the Bootcamp thread on Piazza.
Should I Attend?
Use the self-assessment notebook to decide.
Bootcamp Self Assessment Notebook
Self Assessment Notebook | With Solutions
There is a suggested time limit, but you can take as long as you need. Consider how long it took you - the actual exams are timed.
| If you... | Then... |
|---|---|
| ✅ Complete it within the allotted time | You're likely in good shape to skip the bootcamp. |
| ⏱️ Complete it but exceed the time limit | You may benefit from targeted bootcamp sessions on topics you struggled with. |
| ❌ Unable to complete it | We strongly recommend attending (or watching recordings of) all bootcamp sessions. |
Foundational Knowledge (Required for All Students)
These 12 videos were originally recorded as the first 3 live sessions in Spring 2025. All students should have a full understanding of this material to be successful in the class.
Tip
If you have questions on any of these videos, ask on Piazza.
| # | Topic | Duration | Colab Notebook |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Python Functions | 12 min | Notebook |
| 2 | Mutable & Immutable Data Types | 1 min | Notebook |
| 3 | Scalar Data Types | 7 min | Notebook |
| 4 | Strings & String Processing | 19 min | Notebook |
| 5 | Code Readability & Variable Naming | 23 min | Notebook |
| 6 | Two Types of Coding Errors | 5 min | Notebook |
| 7 | Python Errors & Error Handling | 21 min | Notebook |
| 8 | Tuples | 19 min | Notebook |
| 9 | Lists | 39 min | Notebook |
| 10 | Loops | 24 min | Notebook |
| 11 | Range Objects | 17 min | Notebook |
| 12 | Sets | 27 min | Notebook |
Practice Resources
- Vocareum - More Python Exercises (Module 0, Topic 1, Problems 1, 2, and 4)
- Codewars - Find Nth Longest String | Process Waterfowl Results
- w3resource - Python Exercises (Note: many exercises require you to create your own data structures)
Tips for Success
- Be realistic. Create a study plan and stick to it. Ask TAs for advice on Piazza - they've all been through this.
- Engage actively. Skim the notebook before each session. Watching the video alone is less effective than working through the material yourself.
- Front-load your work. Review materials before each topic so you can "de-risk" - identify hard topics early and adjust your plan accordingly.