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Fundamentals of Big Data

Erik Herman

Welcome to Fundamentals of Big Data, the fourth course of the Key Technologies of Data Analytics specialization. By enrolling in this course, you are taking the next step in your career in data analytics. This course is the fourth of a series that aims to prepare you for a role working in data analytics. In this course, you will be introduced to many of the core concepts of big data. You will learn about the primary systems used in big data. We’ll go through phases of a common big data life cycle. This course covers a wide variety of topics that are critical for understanding big data and are designed to give you an introduction and overview as you begin to build relevant knowledge and skills.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Big Data Concepts

In the first module of the course, we'll learn about core concepts of big data, including working with large data sets, big data strategies, and big data technologies. By the end of this module, you will know how to identify these aspects of big data and their use cases. So let's get started!

Big Data Systems

In the second module of this course, we'll learn about the primary characteristics of a big data system, including volume, velocity, and variety.

Big Data Life Cycles

In the third module of this course, we'll learn about the phases of a big data project, including data ingestion, data persistence, computing and analysis, and data visualization.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Builds a strong foundation for beginners who aspire to work with big data

Introduces a wide variety of big data topics, including concepts, systems, and lifecycles

Taught by Erik Herman, an experienced instructor in big data

Covers phases of a common big data life cycle, providing practical insights

Part of a specialization in Data Analytics, indicating a broader learning pathway

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Reviews summary

Big data fundamentals: positive reviews

Learners say this course on Big Data fundamentals is a good overview that dives into core concepts in depth. They find the materials engaging, and the instructor is described as excellent at engaging students. Overall, this course is well-received by students.

Course provides a good overview of Big Data systems.

"good overview of bigdata system overall"

Instructor is excellent at engaging students.

"prof. Erik Herman has excellent capabillies to involve studnets in E-Learning."

Course dives deep into core concepts of Big Data.

"learn the core concepts of Big Data in a deep way"

Activities

Coming soon We're preparing activities for Fundamentals of Big Data. These are activities you can do either before, during, or after a course.

Career center

Learners who complete Fundamentals of Big Data will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Data Engineer

Building a foundation in big data is crucial for a successful Data Engineer. This course covers the core concepts of big data, enabling learners to develop skills in data ingestion, data persistence, computing, and analysis. The course also delves into big data systems and the life cycle of big data projects. With this knowledge, learners can excel in data engineering roles that require expertise in big data management and processing.

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Data Architect

For aspiring Data Architects, this course lays the groundwork for understanding the complexities of big data. By gaining insights into big data concepts, systems, and life cycles, learners can build a solid foundation for designing and managing big data architectures. The course empowers learners to handle large data sets effectively and develop scalable data solutions, enhancing their ability to succeed as Data Architects.

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Data Scientist

This course is highly recommended for aspiring Data Scientists who wish to specialize in big data. By mastering the fundamentals of big data, learners gain a competitive edge in handling and analyzing large data sets. The course covers techniques for data ingestion, persistence, computing, and analysis, providing a comprehensive foundation for successful data science projects involving big data.

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Big Data Analyst

Professionals seeking to become Big Data Analysts will find this course invaluable. It provides a thorough understanding of big data concepts, systems, and life cycles. Learners develop skills in managing large data volumes, utilizing big data technologies, and extracting valuable insights from data. This course empowers learners to excel in their roles as Big Data Analysts, enabling them to make data-driven decisions and contribute to business outcomes.

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Data Analytics Manager

For individuals aspiring to become Data Analytics Managers, this course offers a solid foundation in big data. By understanding the core concepts, systems, and life cycles of big data, learners gain the ability to lead and manage teams in big data projects. The course equips learners with the knowledge and skills to oversee data ingestion, storage, analysis, and visualization, enabling them to drive data-driven decision-making and achieve business objectives.

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Data Visualization Specialist

This course may be beneficial for Data Visualization Specialists who wish to enhance their skills in big data. By gaining insights into managing large data sets and utilizing big data tools, learners can develop effective data visualization techniques for big data. The course covers data ingestion, persistence, computing, and analysis, empowering learners to handle complex data and create meaningful visualizations that drive data-informed decision-making.

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Machine Learning Engineer

For Machine Learning Engineers who want to specialize in big data, this course provides a solid foundation. Learners gain an understanding of big data concepts and technologies, enabling them to build and deploy machine learning models that handle large data volumes. The course covers data ingestion, persistence, computing, and analysis, empowering learners to develop scalable and efficient machine learning solutions for big data applications.

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Business Intelligence Analyst

This course may be helpful for Business Intelligence Analysts who wish to specialize in big data. By gaining insights into managing large data sets and utilizing big data tools, learners can enhance their ability to extract valuable insights from data. The course covers data ingestion, persistence, computing, and analysis, empowering learners to handle complex data and develop comprehensive business intelligence solutions that drive decision-making.

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Cloud Architect

For Cloud Architects who want to specialize in big data, this course provides a solid foundation. Learners gain an understanding of big data concepts and technologies, enabling them to design and manage cloud-based big data solutions. The course covers data ingestion, persistence, computing, and analysis, empowering learners to develop scalable and cost-effective big data architectures on cloud platforms.

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Software Engineer

This course may be beneficial for Software Engineers who wish to specialize in big data. By gaining insights into managing large data sets and utilizing big data tools, learners can enhance their ability to develop software solutions that handle complex data. The course covers data ingestion, persistence, computing, and analysis, empowering learners to build scalable and efficient software systems for big data applications.

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Database Administrator

This course may be helpful for Database Administrators who wish to specialize in big data. By gaining insights into managing large data sets and utilizing big data tools, learners can enhance their ability to design and manage big data databases. The course covers data ingestion, persistence, computing, and analysis, empowering learners to handle complex data and develop scalable and reliable database solutions for big data applications.

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Data Governance Specialist

For aspiring Data Governance Specialists, this course provides a solid foundation in big data. By understanding the core concepts, systems, and life cycles of big data, learners can effectively manage and govern data assets in big data environments. The course covers data ingestion, storage, security, and compliance, empowering learners to establish data governance frameworks and ensure data quality and integrity.

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Information Security Analyst

This course may be helpful for Information Security Analysts who wish to specialize in big data security. By gaining insights into managing large data sets and utilizing big data tools, learners can enhance their ability to protect big data from security threats. The course covers data security, encryption, and access control, empowering learners to develop and implement effective big data security measures.

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Data Privacy Officer

For aspiring Data Privacy Officers, this course provides a solid foundation in big data. By understanding the core concepts, systems, and life cycles of big data, learners can effectively manage and protect personal data in big data environments. The course covers data privacy regulations, compliance, and best practices, empowering learners to develop and implement data privacy programs that safeguard sensitive information.

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Chief Data Officer

This course may be helpful for aspiring Chief Data Officers who wish to specialize in big data. By gaining insights into managing large data sets and utilizing big data tools, learners can enhance their ability to lead and manage big data initiatives within organizations. The course covers data strategy, governance, and analytics, empowering learners to develop and implement data-driven strategies that drive business outcomes.

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Reading list

We've selected 13 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Fundamentals of Big Data.

Hadoop: The Definitive Guide