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

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.

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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

Market researchers collect and analyze data about consumers and markets. They use this data to help businesses make decisions about products, services, and marketing campaigns. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be a successful market researcher, 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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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

Information technology managers plan, implement, and manage information technology systems. They work in a variety of industries, including healthcare, finance, and education. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be a successful information technology 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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Database Administrator

Database administrators design, implement, and maintain databases. 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 database administrator, 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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