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Executive Data Science Capstone

Roger D. Peng, PhD, Jeff Leek, PhD, and Brian Caffo, PhD

The Executive Data Science Capstone, the specialization’s culminating project, is an opportunity for people who have completed all four EDS courses to apply what they've learned to a real-world scenario developed in collaboration with Zillow, a data-driven online real estate and rental marketplace, and DataCamp, a web-based platform for data science programming. Your task will be to lead a virtual data science team and make key decisions along the way to demonstrate that you have what it takes to shepherd a complex analysis project from start to finish. For the final project, you will prepare and submit a presentation, which will be evaluated and graded by your fellow capstone participants.

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The Executive Data Science Capstone, the specialization’s culminating project, is an opportunity for people who have completed all four EDS courses to apply what they've learned to a real-world scenario developed in collaboration with Zillow, a data-driven online real estate and rental marketplace, and DataCamp, a web-based platform for data science programming. Your task will be to lead a virtual data science team and make key decisions along the way to demonstrate that you have what it takes to shepherd a complex analysis project from start to finish. For the final project, you will prepare and submit a presentation, which will be evaluated and graded by your fellow capstone participants.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Leads a learner smoothly from one topic to the next
Taught by Roger D. Peng, PhD, Jeff Leek, PhD, Brian Caffo, PhD who are recognized for their work in data science
Examines real-world case studies and industry practices through a partnership with Zillow
Assessment includes peer evaluations which ensures objective feedback
Requires proficiency in data science fundamentals and familiarity with programming languages such as R and Python

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Reviews summary

Apply data science skills in practice

According to learners, this capstone course provides a valuable opportunity to apply the knowledge gained throughout the Executive Data Science specialization. Students appreciate the focus on a real-world scenario, navigating decisions for a simulated data science project at Zillow. The project structure encourages consolidating skills and thinking through practical challenges. The final presentation, graded through a peer review process, is a core component, although some learners have noted inconsistencies in grading fairness or the quality of feedback received from peers, suggesting it can be a mixed experience depending on your review group. Overall, it serves as a solid culmination to the specialization.
Requires navigating an open-ended problem.
"The project is quite open-ended, which can be challenging but also reflects reality."
"Figuring out the scope and making decisions with limited explicit guidance was tough."
"Navigating the ambiguity is part of the learning, simulating real executive decisions."
"It wasn't always clear exactly what was expected, requiring assumptions."
Evaluation by fellow students.
"Grading the work of others helped me see different approaches and learn."
"The peer review is a key part of the course structure and completion."
"Some peer reviews felt unfair or lacked constructive criticism..."
"Consistency in grading across peers was a bit of an issue for me."
"I found reading other submissions very insightful."
Integrates concepts from the specialization.
"This capstone successfully ties together all the concepts from the previous four courses."
"It helps solidify your understanding by requiring you to use multiple skills simultaneously."
"A good way to consolidate the knowledge gained from the entire specialization."
"You have to pull from different lectures and assignments to complete the project."
Apply skills in a practical business scenario.
"The best part is definitely applying what you learned in a real-world context using the Zillow case study."
"It forces you to think through an entire data science project lifecycle as you would in a job."
"I really enjoyed the practical nature of the capstone project. It wasn't just theoretical."
"Applying everything learned across the prior courses to a single, practical problem was invaluable."
Lack of direct instructor input on work.
"Reliance solely on peer grading means you get no direct feedback from instructors."
"I wished there was some way to get instructor input on the project approach or result."
"All evaluation comes from peers, which can be limiting."

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 Executive Data Science Capstone with these activities:
Review foundational statistics and linear algebra concepts
Refresh your understanding of these fundamental mathematical concepts to strengthen your foundation for data science
Browse courses on Statistics
Show steps
  • Review notes and textbooks from previous courses
  • Solve practice problems and exercises
Complete online tutorials on data science tools and techniques
Enhance your practical skills by following structured tutorials on various data science technologies and methodologies
Browse courses on Data Science Tools
Show steps
  • Identify relevant tutorials on platforms like Coursera, edX, or Udemy
  • Go through the tutorials and complete the hands-on exercises
Participate in study groups or online forums
Engage with fellow learners to discuss course concepts, share insights, and clarify doubts, fostering a collaborative learning environment
Browse courses on Collaboration
Show steps
  • Join online forums or study groups dedicated to data science
  • Actively participate in discussions, ask questions, and provide responses
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Solve practice problems and data science challenges
Solidify your understanding of data science concepts and techniques by applying them to practical problems and challenges
Browse courses on Problem Solving
Show steps
  • Find practice problems on websites like LeetCode or Kaggle
  • Attempt to solve the problems using the knowledge and skills gained from the course
Develop a portfolio of data science projects
Showcase your data science capabilities by creating a portfolio of projects that demonstrate your skills in data analysis, visualization, and modeling
Browse courses on Project Development
Show steps
  • Identify a real-world data set or problem
  • Apply data science techniques to analyze the data and develop insights
  • Build data visualizations and models to present your findings
Mentor or tutor other students
Reinforce your own understanding of data science concepts by explaining them to others and providing guidance
Browse courses on Mentoring
Show steps
  • Identify opportunities to mentor or tutor other students in introductory data science courses or workshops
  • Prepare lesson plans and materials to effectively convey the concepts
Seek mentorship from experienced data scientists
Accelerate your learning by connecting with experienced data scientists who can provide valuable insights and advice on your career path
Browse courses on Mentorship
Show steps
  • Attend industry events and conferences
  • Reach out to professionals on LinkedIn or other networking platforms

Career center

Learners who complete Executive Data Science Capstone will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Data Scientist
The Executive Data Science Capstone is the perfect course for those who want to enter or advance their career as a Data Scientist. This course will provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to lead a data science team and make key decisions throughout the project lifecycle. You will learn how to manage a team of data scientists, how to interpret data, and how to communicate your findings to stakeholders. This course will help you build a strong foundation in data science and will prepare you for a successful career in this field.
See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist
Data Analyst
The Executive Data Science Capstone is a valuable course for those who want to enter or advance their career as a Data Analyst. This course will provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to collect, clean, and analyze data. You will learn how to identify trends and patterns in data, and how to communicate your findings to stakeholders. This course will help you build a strong foundation in data analysis and will prepare you for a successful career in this field.
See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst
Data Engineer
The Executive Data Science Capstone is a good choice for those who want to enter or advance their career as a Data Engineer. This course will provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to design and build data pipelines. You will learn how to store, manage, and process data. This course will help you build a strong foundation in data engineering and will prepare you for a successful career in this field.
See salaries and explore the career path for Data Engineer
Machine Learning Engineer
The Executive Data Science Capstone may be useful for those who want to enter or advance their career as a Machine Learning Engineer. This course will provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to develop and deploy machine learning models. You will learn how to train, evaluate, and deploy machine learning models. This course will help you build a foundation in machine learning engineering and will prepare you for a successful career in this field.
See salaries and explore the career path for Machine Learning Engineer
Business Analyst
The Executive Data Science Capstone may be helpful for those who want to enter or advance their career as a Business Analyst. This course will provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to analyze business data and make recommendations. You will learn how to identify business problems, collect and analyze data, and communicate your findings to stakeholders. This course will help you build a foundation in business analysis and will prepare you for a successful career in this field.
See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst
Statistician
The Executive Data Science Capstone may be useful for those who want to enter or advance their career as a Statistician. This course will provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to collect, analyze, and interpret data. You will learn how to design experiments, analyze data, and communicate your findings to stakeholders. This course will help you build a foundation in statistics and will prepare you for a successful career in this field.
See salaries and explore the career path for Statistician
Financial Analyst
The Executive Data Science Capstone may be useful for those who want to enter or advance their career as a Financial Analyst. This course will provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to analyze financial data and make recommendations. You will learn how to identify financial trends, analyze financial data, and communicate your findings to stakeholders. This course will help you build a foundation in financial analysis and will prepare you for a successful career in this field.
See salaries and explore the career path for Financial Analyst
Market Researcher
The Executive Data Science Capstone may be useful for those who want to enter or advance their career as a Market Researcher. This course will provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to collect, analyze, and interpret market data. You will learn how to design market research studies, analyze data, and communicate your findings to stakeholders. This course will help you build a foundation in market research and will prepare you for a successful career in this field.
See salaries and explore the career path for Market Researcher
Operations Research Analyst
The Executive Data Science Capstone may be useful for those who want to enter or advance their career as an Operations Research Analyst. This course will provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to analyze business data and make recommendations. You will learn how to identify business problems, collect and analyze data, and communicate your findings to stakeholders. This course will help you build a foundation in operations research and will prepare you for a successful career in this field.
See salaries and explore the career path for Operations Research Analyst
Product Manager
The Executive Data Science Capstone may be useful for those who want to enter or advance their career as a Product Manager. This course will provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to analyze user data and make product decisions. You will learn how to identify user needs, collect and analyze data, and communicate your findings to stakeholders. This course will help you build a foundation in product management and will prepare you for a successful career in this field.
See salaries and explore the career path for Product Manager
Software Engineer
The Executive Data Science Capstone may be useful for those who want to enter or advance their career as a Software Engineer. This course will provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to develop and deploy machine learning models. You will learn how to design, develop, and test software applications. This course will help you build a foundation in software engineering and will prepare you for a successful career in this field.
See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer
Data Visualization Specialist
The Executive Data Science Capstone is a valuable course for those who want to enter or advance their career as a Data Visualization Specialist. This course will provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to create and communicate data visualizations. You will learn how to design and develop data visualizations, and how to use data visualization tools. This course will help you build a strong foundation in data visualization and will prepare you for a successful career in this field.
See salaries and explore the career path for Data Visualization Specialist
UX Researcher
The Executive Data Science Capstone is a valuable course for those who want to enter or advance their career as a UX Researcher. This course will provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to conduct user research and evaluate user experience. You will learn how to design and conduct user research studies, and how to analyze and interpret user feedback. This course will help you build a strong foundation in UX research and will prepare you for a successful career in this field.
See salaries and explore the career path for UX Researcher
Information Architect
The Executive Data Science Capstone is a valuable course for those who want to enter or advance their career as an Information Architect. This course will provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to design and develop information architectures. You will learn how to identify user needs, organize and structure information, and create information architectures. This course will help you build a strong foundation in information architecture and will prepare you for a successful career in this field.
See salaries and explore the career path for Information Architect
Technical Writer
The Executive Data Science Capstone is a good choice for those who want to enter or advance their career as a Technical Writer. This course will provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to write and edit technical documentation. You will learn how to write clear and concise technical documentation, and how to use technical writing tools. This course will help you build a strong foundation in technical writing and will prepare you for a successful career in this field.
See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Writer

Reading list

We've selected 12 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 Executive Data Science Capstone.
Cover image
An Introduction to Statistical Learning
Save
A classic textbook that provides a rigorous treatment of statistical learning methods. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about the theoretical foundations of data science.
An Introduction to Statistical Learning
Paperback
Check
An Introduction to Statistical Learning
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
An Introduction to Statistical Learning
Save
A widely used textbook that provides a comprehensive overview of statistical learning methods. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about the statistical foundations of data science.
An Introduction to Statistical Learning: with...
Hardcover
$$$
Cover image
Data Science for Business
Save
Focuses on the business applications of data science, which core element of this course. It provides practical guidance on how to use data science techniques to solve real-world business problems.
Data Science for Business: What You Need to Know...
Paperback
$$
Data Science for Business: What You Need to Know...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Secrets Of Machine Learning: How It Works And What...
Save
A classic textbook that provides a comprehensive overview of machine learning concepts. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about the theoretical foundations of data science.
Secrets Of Machine Learning: How It Works And What...
Paperback
$$
Secrets of Machine Learning: How It Works and What...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Deep Learning
Save
A comprehensive guide to deep learning, a powerful machine learning technique. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about the latest advances in data science.
Deep Learning
Paperback
$$$
Deep Learning (Adaptive Computation and Machine...
Hardcover
$$$
Deep Learning (Adaptive Computation and Machine...
Kindle Edition
$$$
Cover image
Big Data, Big Analytics
Save
A comprehensive guide to big data analytics, a rapidly growing field. It provides practical guidance on how to use big data to solve real-world problems.
Big Data, Big Analytics: Emerging Business...
Hardcover
$$
Big Data, Big Analytics: Emerging Business...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Hands-On Machine Learning with R
Save
A practical guide to machine learning using the R programming language. It covers a wide range of topics, from data preparation to model evaluation.
Hands-On Machine Learning with R (Chapman &...
Hardcover
$$$
Hands-On Machine Learning with R (Chapman &...
Kindle Edition
$$$
Cover image
Reinforcement Learning, second edition
Save
A classic textbook that provides a comprehensive overview of reinforcement learning, a powerful machine learning technique. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about the latest advances in data science.
Reinforcement Learning, second edition: An...
Hardcover
$$$
Reinforcement Learning, second edition: An...
Kindle Edition
$$$
Cover image
Data Visualisation
Save
A comprehensive guide to data visualization, an essential skill for data scientists. It covers a wide range of topics, from data preparation to chart creation.
Data Visualisation: A Handbook for Data Driven...
Paperback
$$
Data Visualisation: A Handbook for Data Driven...
Paperback
$$$
Data Visualisation: A Handbook for Data Driven...
Kindle Edition
$$$
Cover image
Artificial Intelligence For Dummies
Save
A comprehensive guide to data science for beginners. It covers the basics of data science, including data collection, analysis, and visualization.
Artificial Intelligence For Dummies (For Dummies...
Paperback
$$
Artificial Intelligence For Dummies (For Dummies...
Paperback
$$
L'Intelligence artificielle Pour les Nuls, NE
Paperback
$$
Artificial Intelligence For Dummies
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
SQL for Data Scientists
Save
A practical guide to using SQL, a powerful programming language for data analysis. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn how to use SQL to manage and analyze data.
SQL for Data Scientists: A Beginner's Guide for...
Paperback
$$
SQL for Data Scientists: A Beginner's Guide for...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Deep Learning with TensorFlow
Save
A practical guide to using TensorFlow, a powerful deep learning library. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn how to use TensorFlow to build and train deep learning models.
Deep Learning with TensorFlow - Second Edition:...
Paperback
$$
Deep Learning with TensorFlow: Explore neural...
Paperback
$$
Predictive Analytics with TensorFlow: Implement...
Paperback
$$
Deep Learning with TensorFlow: Explore neural...
Kindle Edition
$$
Deep Learning with TensorFlow: Explore neural...
Kindle Edition
$$

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Course image
Effort
1 week of study, 4-6 hours
Via
Coursera
Institution
Johns Hopkins University
Instructors
Roger D. Peng, PhD
Jeff Leek, PhD
Brian Caffo, PhD
Language
English
Transcripts
Español Français Português Deutsch Italiano 中文 العربية 한국어 日本語 हिंदी Nederlands Svenska Pусский Türkçe Polski Ελληνικά українська мова magyar nyelv Bahasa Indonesia ไทย қазақша اُردُو, فارسی বাংলা tiếng Việt پښتو آذربایجان دیلی
This course belongs to a collection called Executive Data Science. It's comprised of five courses:
  1. Managing Data Analysis
  2. Executive Data Science Capstone (viewing)
  3. Data Science in Real Life
  4. Building a Data Science Team
  5. A Crash Course in Data Science
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Leads a learner smoothly from one topic to the next
Taught by Roger D. Peng, PhD, Jeff Leek, PhD, Brian Caffo, PhD who are recognized for their work in data science
Examines real-world case studies and industry practices through a partnership with Zillow
Assessment includes peer evaluations which ensures objective feedback
Requires proficiency in data science fundamentals and familiarity with programming languages such as R and Python
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