Master the Basics of Data Analysis During Summer Break! Why GCI Recommends Early Application for Beginners

Hello, this is the Matsuo-Iwasawa Laboratory at the University of Tokyo.

The application deadline for the currently open public course, "The University of Tokyo Global Consumer Intelligence (GCI) Endowed Chair," is approaching on July 29 (Wed) (*).

*The above is the recommended deadline to start learning from summer break. The final deadline is October 15 (Thu) at 14:00.

“Even if it’s an introductory AI course, I have no programming experience, so it seems difficult…”
“I want to learn data science, but I’m worried if I can keep up with a full-scale lecture right away.” I’m sure there are students who are interested but hesitant to apply for reasons like these.

In fact, many GCI students start with the same anxieties.

It is precisely for such beginners that applying by this early deadline is recommended! The reason is that you can secure enough time to study in advance using the preparatory learning materials, which allow you to solidify the basics from scratch before the lectures begin.

In this article, we will reveal the contents of the preparatory learning materials designed to help beginners approach the main lectures with peace of mind, as well as a schedule example for mastering the basics without stress during the long break. Please use this article to plan your GCI studies!

Revealing the contents of the GCI preparatory learning materials! Solidify the basics of data science here

GCI is an introductory AI course where you learn from the basics of data science to the introduction of machine learning by actually working with your hands through exercises. However, it is designed so that you can gain significant learning just from the "preparatory learning materials" that you work on before the main lectures begin.

The contents of the preparatory learning materials are as follows. (Preparatory learning content is subject to change.)

Point 1: A 6-15 hour intensive curriculum designed from a beginner's perspective

Among those taking GCI, there may be liberal arts students who have not taken science or mathematics subjects at university, or middle and high school students who have not yet touched programming.

The preparatory learning materials are created specifically from a beginner's perspective, and they cover the knowledge necessary for those taking GCI without basic knowledge to continue the course smoothly. The estimated study time is 6 to 15 hours (total video playback time is 4.5 hours).

Some of you may feel that it is shorter than you thought, but since the key points are tightly condensed, you can learn densely in a short time.

Point 2: Not just watching! Create a prediction model by working with your hands

The goal of this preparatory learning is not just to watch videos and memorize programming terms. You will use a tool called Google Colaboratory, which allows you to program in a web browser, and proceed with learning while actually writing code (how to use Google Colaboratory is also explained in the video).

There is no need for environment setup, which is where programming beginners often stumble, so the advantage is that you can run code immediately using your own PC.

Once you finish the 6B Exercise: Classification, you will be able to create basic prediction models (programs that can perform future predictions using data around you).

You can finish it without stress! An example schedule for pre-learning

The GCI pre-learning materials are designed to be manageable even if you are balancing them with travel, driving camps, or job hunting. Let's take a look at a concrete schedule example.

Example 1: Steady progress with 2 hours a day for 5 days during a long break

This is a schedule for those who feel that "starting programming suddenly is tough," allowing you to progress little by little and steadily.
The study time includes buffer periods so that when you encounter unfamiliar terms in the videos, you can look them up in books or on the internet, or re-watch videos you viewed on different days.

Example 2: [For busy people] Intensive input over a weekend

If your weekdays are filled with research or job hunting, one option is to make full use of your Saturday and Sunday for a short, intensive study session.

Register now to improve your understanding of the main lectures

In past GCI programs, there have been reports that there was a significant difference in subsequent understanding between those who completed pre-learning and those who did not.

Especially after the GCI starts, the second lecture immediately dives into practical analysis using Python. Therefore, we recommend that you complete at least 2. Python Basics & Practice by the second lecture.

Programming beginners should get a head start during the long break!

Once the long break ends, you tend to get busy with new class schedules and events. Especially for programming beginners, it might take time to resolve errors, which could lower your motivation to learn.

That is precisely why registering while you have free time during the long break and proceeding with pre-learning at your own pace will give you a significant advantage once the main lectures begin.

For those who want to learn more systematically, we also recommend using "GCI Basic" in parallel

If you feel that "pre-learning alone is not enough," "I want to practice writing more code," or "I can't make progress without assignments and deadlines," please consider taking GCI Basic 2026 as well.
Through more exercises, you can polish your practical Python skills.

Click here for an article about GCI Basic.

We hope your long break will be a meaningful period for you to acquire a new weapon called data science!