Exploratory Data Analysis for the Public Sector with ggplot from Coursera

Learn about the core pillars of the public sector and the core functions of public administration through statistical Exploratory Data Analysis (EDA). Learn analytical and technical skills using the R programming language to explore, visualize, and present data, with a focus on equity and the administrative functions of planning and reporting. Technical skills in this course will focus on the ggplot2 library of the tidyverse, and include developing bar, line, and scatter charts, generating trend lines, and understanding histograms, kernel density estimations, violin plots, and ridgeplots. These skills are enhanced with lessons on best practices for good information visualization design. Upon completing this course, you will understand the layered grammar of graphics and its implementation in ggplot2, all while exploring a diverse set of authentic public datasets.

All coursework is completed in RStudio in Coursera without the need to install additional software.

This is the second of four courses within the Data Analytics in the Public Sector with R Specialization. The series is ideal for current or early-career professionals working in the public sector looking to gain skills in analyzing public data effectively. It is also ideal for current data analytics professionals or students looking to enter the public sector.

What's inside

Syllabus

Week 1 | Introduction to Visualization with ggplot2

Welcome to the second course in the Data Analytics in the Public Sector with R—Exploratory Data Analysis for Public Administration with ggplot. This week, you will begin to develop the skills of exploratory data analysis through constructing ggplot plots and line plots in RStudio. You will also get to recognize the importance of data visualization for public administration and how powerful data visualization skills are in the profession of a data analyst.

Week 2 | Fundamentals of Exploratory Data Analysis (EDA)

Welcome to Week 2! This week you will learn about the importance of Exploratory Data Analysis (EDA) for the core principle of equity. Building on the previous week, you will also continue to develop skills of exploratory data analysis through understanding frequencies and distributions and how to construct trendlines and histograms using RStudio.

Week 3 | Visualizing Populations and Trends with R

Welcome to Week 3! You will start this week exploring distributions and develop the skills of visualizing different distributions, such as boxplots, violin plots, and ridgeplots. You will also learn how to develop scale, coord, faceats across layers in ggplot, using RStudio.

Week 4 | Best Practices for Data Visualization

Welcome to Week 4, the last week in this course! This week you will learn the best practices for data visualization through communication principles and skills. You will also learn about information visualization theory and how to apply that in developing data visualization in RStudio.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Develops core administering skills in the public arena, such as planning and reporting

Taught by recognized instructors Christopher Brooks and Paula Lantz

Emphasizes the core principle of equity

Covers diverse set of public sector datasets

Builds on previous skills with ggplot2 and R statistical software

Introduces students to ggplot2 library of tidyverse for statistical data visualization

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 Exploratory Data Analysis for the Public Sector with ggplot with these activities:

Practice R programming basics

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Ensure your proficiency in R programming, a crucial skill for data analysis in this course.

Browse courses on R

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Install R and RStudio.
Review basic R syntax.
Complete beginner-level R tutorials.

Review 'Data Analysis for the Social Sciences with R'

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Gain a better understanding of data analysis techniques commonly used in social science research, specifically with the R programming language.

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Read Chapters 1-3.
Complete the exercises at the end of each chapter.

Solve EDA practice problems on DataCamp

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Gain practical experience in applying EDA techniques through interactive practice problems.

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Create a DataCamp account.
Complete the 'Exploratory Data Analysis in R' course.

Four other activities

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Follow tutorials on ggplot2 library

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Enhance your understanding of the ggplot2 library for data visualization, which is a core component of this course.

Browse courses on Ggplot2

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Visit the ggplot2 website.
Follow the 'Getting Started' tutorial.
Complete the 'Tutorials' section.

Join a study group

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Collaborate with peers, exchange ideas, and reinforce learning through discussions and problem-solving.

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Find a study group or create your own.
Meet regularly to discuss course materials.
Work together on assignments and projects.

Create a data visualization dashboard

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Develop a practical understanding of data visualization principles and techniques by creating a dashboard using ggplot2.

Browse courses on Data Visualization

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Identify a dataset to use.
Clean and prepare the data.
Create visualizations using ggplot2.
Design the dashboard layout.
Deploy the dashboard.

Develop a data analysis plan

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Translate your understanding of data analysis principles into a practical plan for a specific public administration project.

Browse courses on Data Analysis

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Identify a specific public administration issue.
Determine the research questions.
Develop a data collection strategy.
Outline the methods for data analysis.
Create a timeline for project completion.

Career center

Learners who complete Exploratory Data Analysis for the Public Sector with ggplot will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Statistician

Statisticians use mathematical and statistical techniques to collect, analyze, interpret, and present data. They work in a variety of industries, including healthcare, finance, government, and academia. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be a successful statistician, including data visualization, statistical analysis, and communication. It can also help you build a strong foundation in the principles of public administration.

See salaries and explore the career path for Statistician

Public Policy Analyst

Public policy analysts use data to inform public policy decisions. They work for a variety of organizations, including government agencies, think tanks, and advocacy groups. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be a successful public policy analyst, including data visualization, data analysis, and communication. It can also help you build a strong foundation in the principles of public administration.

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Program Manager

Program managers plan, implement, and evaluate programs. They work in a variety of industries, including healthcare, education, and social services. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be a successful program manager, including data visualization, data analysis, and communication. It can also help you build a strong foundation in the principles of public administration.

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Data Analyst

Data analysts use data to solve problems and make decisions. They work in a variety of industries, including healthcare, finance, government, and retail. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be a successful data analyst, including data visualization, data analysis, and communication. It can also help you build a strong foundation in the principles of public administration.

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Project Manager

Project managers plan, implement, and evaluate projects. They work in a variety of industries, including construction, manufacturing, and software development. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be a successful project manager, including data visualization, data analysis, and communication. It can also help you build a strong foundation in the principles of public administration.

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Market Researcher

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Financial Analyst

Financial analysts use data to make investment recommendations. They work for a variety of organizations, including banks, investment firms, and insurance companies. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be a successful financial analyst, including data visualization, data analysis, and communication. It can also help you build a strong foundation in the principles of public administration.

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Business Analyst

Business analysts use data to identify and solve problems in businesses. They work in a variety of industries, including healthcare, finance, and retail. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be a successful business analyst, including data visualization, data analysis, and communication. It can also help you build a strong foundation in the principles of public administration.

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Operations Research Analyst

Operations research analysts use mathematical and statistical techniques to solve problems in a variety of industries, including healthcare, transportation, and manufacturing. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be a successful operations research analyst, including data visualization, data analysis, and communication. It can also help you build a strong foundation in the principles of public administration.

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Consultant

Consultants provide advice and guidance to businesses and organizations. They work in a variety of industries, including healthcare, finance, and technology. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be a successful consultant, including data visualization, data analysis, and communication. It can also help you build a strong foundation in the principles of public administration.

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Data Scientist

Data scientists use data to develop new products and services. They work in a variety of industries, including healthcare, finance, and retail. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be a successful data scientist, including data visualization, data analysis, and communication. It can also help you build a strong foundation in the principles of public administration.

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Software Engineer

Software engineers design, develop, and maintain software systems. They work in a variety of industries, including healthcare, finance, and manufacturing. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be a successful software engineer, including data visualization, data analysis, and communication. It can also help you build a strong foundation in the principles of public administration.

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Computer Scientist

Computer scientists conduct research in the field of computer science. They work in a variety of industries, including academia, government, and industry. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be a successful computer scientist, including data visualization, data analysis, and communication. It can also help you build a strong foundation in the principles of public administration.

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Information Technology Manager

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Database Administrator

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