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Fundamentals of Big Data

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!

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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

Foundational big data concepts for beginners

According to students, 'Fundamentals of Big Data' serves as a largely positive introduction to core concepts, systems, and the lifecycle of big data. Many learners praise the course for its clear and easy-to-understand explanations, making complex ideas accessible, particularly for absolute beginners. The well-structured modules and strong theoretical base are frequently highlighted as strengths. However, a consistent point of feedback indicates a lack of practical application and hands-on exercises. Some students, especially those with prior knowledge, found the content to be too superficial and wished for more depth or specific tool mentions, suggesting it's best suited for those entirely new to the field rather than intermediate learners.

Ideal for learners with no prior big data knowledge.

"Perfect for anyone starting out in the field."

"Highly recommend for beginners looking for a strong theoretical base."

"If you have any prior experience, it might feel too superficial."

"Good for absolute novices, but not for intermediate learners."

Complex big data ideas are explained in an easy-to-understand manner.

"The explanations of volume, velocity, and variety were spot on."

"The instructor explained complex ideas in an easy-to-understand manner."

"Very clear explanations of complex topics. The modules are bite-sized and easy to digest."

Provides a clear and comprehensive introduction to big data concepts.

"This course was an excellent introduction to Big Data concepts."

"As someone new to big data, this course provided a fantastic conceptual framework."

"Excellent foundational course. It covered all the essential big data concepts without overwhelming me."

"I now feel much more comfortable with terms like data ingestion and persistence."

Course focuses heavily on theory, with minimal practical applications.

"I found the practical application somewhat lacking. It's very conceptual..."

"I would have preferred more real-world scenarios or quick demos of the tools mentioned."

"My only minor critique is the lack of hands-on components. It's purely theoretical."

"I was hoping for a bit more hands-on examples or case studies beyond just theory."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Fundamentals of Big Data with these activities:

Review Data Science for Business

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Reviewing this book will help you solidify the concepts in the course and deepen your understanding of big data.

View Data Science for Business: What You Need to... on Amazon

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Read the book
Summarize the key concepts
Create a mind map of the concepts
Discuss the concepts with a classmate
Write a short essay on how the concepts apply to your own work

Refresh your knowledge of data structures

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Reviewing data structures will help you understand how data is stored and organized in big data systems.

Browse courses on Data Structures

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Review your notes from a previous data structures course.
Take a practice quiz or exam on data structures.
Work through some coding problems that involve data structures.

Attend a Data Analytics Meetup

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Attending a meetup will allow you to network with other professionals in the field, which can help you learn about new opportunities.

Browse courses on Data Analytics

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Find a meetup in your area
Register for the meetup
Attend the meetup
Network with other professionals
Follow up with the people you met

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Join a Data Analytics Study Group

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Participating in a study group will allow you to learn from others and get help with your coursework.

Browse courses on Data Analytics

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Find a study group in your area
Join the study group
Attend the study group meetings
Participate in the discussions
Help others with their work

Attend a Data Analytics Workshop

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Attending a workshop will allow you to learn new skills and techniques that can help you in your career.

Browse courses on Data Analytics

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Find a workshop in your area
Register for the workshop
Attend the workshop
Practice the skills you learned
Apply the skills to your work

Practice Using Big Data Tools

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Practicing these tools will help you become more proficient in using them, which will make you more effective in your work.

Browse courses on Big Data

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Install the necessary software
Complete the tutorials
Practice using the tools on sample data sets
Build a small data analytics project
Share your project with others for feedback

Create a Data Visualization for a Business Problem

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Creating data visualizations will help you develop your skills in this area, which can make you more valuable in the workplace.

Browse courses on Data Visualization

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Identify a business problem that you can solve with data visualization
Collect and clean the data
Choose the appropriate visualization type
Create the visualization
Present your visualization to others

Build a Big Data Analytics Pipeline

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Building a big data analytics pipeline will help you develop your skills in this area, which can make you more competitive in the job market.

Browse courses on Big Data

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Define the business problem that you want to solve
Gather the data
Clean and prepare the data
Build the data analytics pipeline
Deploy the pipeline and monitor its performance

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Engineer

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Architect

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Big Data Analyst

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analytics Manager

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Visualization Specialist

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Machine Learning Engineer

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Intelligence Analyst

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cloud Architect

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Database Administrator

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Governance Specialist

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Information Security Analyst

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Privacy Officer

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Chief Data Officer

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

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Comprehensive guide to Hadoop and is helpful for understanding how to use Hadoop to process big data.

Fundamentals of Big Data

Here's a deal for you

What's inside

Syllabus

Traffic lights

Save this course

Reviews summary

Foundational big data concepts for beginners

Activities

Career center

Reading list

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