Since the first edition of “Data Science and Analytics with Python” we have witnessed an unprecedented explosion in the interest and development within the fields of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning. This surge has led to the widespread adoption of the book, not just among business practitioners, but also by universities as a key textbook. In response to this growth, this new edition builds upon the success of its predecessor, expanding several sections, updating the code to reflect the latest advancements in Python libraries and modules, and addressing the ever-evolving landscape of generative AI (GenAI).

This updated edition ensures that the examples and exercises remain relevant by incorporating the latest features of popular libraries such as Scikit-learn, pandas, and Numpy. Additionally, new sections delve into cutting-edge topics like generative AI, reflecting the advancements and the expanding role these technologies play. This edition also addresses crucial issues of explainability, transparency, and fairness in AI. These topics have rightly gained significant attention in recent years. As AI integrates more deeply into various aspects of our lives, understanding and mitigating biases, ensuring fairness, and maintaining transparency become paramount. This book provides comprehensive coverage of these topics, offering practical insights and guidance for data scientists and analysts.

Designed as a practical companion for data analysts and budding data scientists, this book assumes a working knowledge of programming and statistical modelling but aims to guide readers deeper into the wonders of data analytics and machine learning. Maintaining the book's structure, each chapter stands alone as much as possible, allowing readers to use it as a reference as well as a textbook. Whether revisiting fundamental concepts or diving into new, advanced topics, this book offers something valuable for every reader.

Dr Jesús Rogel-Salazar is a Lead Data Scientist with experience in the field working for companies such as The Ortus Group, TympaHealth, Barclays Bank, AKQA, IBM Data Science Studio, Dow Jones and others. He is a visiting researcher at the Department of Physics, and the Business School at Imperial College London, UK and a a member of the School of Physics, Astronomy and Mathematics at the University of Hertfordshire, UK. He obtained his doctorate in Physics at Imperial College London for work on quantum atom optics and ultra-cold matter.

He has held a position as senior lecturer in mathematics as well as a consultant and data scientist in the financial industry since 2006. He is the author of the book Essential Matlab and Octave and the companion book to this volume Advanced Data Science and Analytics with Python and Statistics and Data Visualisation with Python, also published with CRC Press. His interests include mathematical modelling, data science and optimisation in a wide range of applications including optics, quantum mechanics, data journalism, telematics, fintech and healthtech.