Introduction to Data Science from edX

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The art of uncovering the insights and trends in data has been around for centuries. The ancient Egyptians applied census data to increase efficiency in tax collection and they accurately predicted the flooding of the Nile river every year. Since then, people working in data science have carved out a unique and distinct field for the work they do. This field is data science and in this course, you will meet some big data science practitioners and we will get an overview of what data science is today.

What you'll learn

Define data science and what data scientists do
List the tools and algorithms used on a daily basis within the field
Identify the skills needed to be a successful data scientist
Describe the role of data science within a business
Describe how an effective data science team can be formed

What's inside

Learning objectives

Define data science and what data scientists do
List the tools and algorithms used on a daily basis within the field
Identify the skills needed to be a successful data scientist

Describe the role of data science within a business
Describe how an effective data science team can be formed

Define data science and what data scientists do
List the tools and algorithms used on a daily basis within the field
Identify the skills needed to be a successful data scientist
Describe the role of data science within a business
Describe how an effective data science team can be formed

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Explores data science, which is standard in industry applications

Taught by recognized data science practitioners

Introduces core concepts and tools used in data science

Provides insights into the role of data science in business decision-making

Highlights the importance of effective data science team collaboration

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 Introduction to Data Science with these activities:

Gather resources on data science

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Organize and expand your knowledge base by compiling resources on data science

Browse courses on Data Science

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Create a list of topics you want to learn more about
Search for and gather resources on those topics
Organize the resources into a central location

Review Data Science for Business

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Establish a foundation in the field of data science and the related business applications

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

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Read the introduction and the first chapter
Summarize the key concepts of data science
Identify the different types of data science projects

Work through data science tutorials

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Gain hands-on experience in applying data science techniques to real-world data

Browse courses on Data Science

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Find a tutorial that covers a topic you're interested in
Follow the tutorial step-by-step
Experiment with the code and try to understand how it works

Five other activities

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Join a data science study group

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Connect with other learners and collaborate on data science projects

Browse courses on Data Science

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Find a study group that meets your interests and skill level
Attend study group meetings regularly
Collaborate with other members on projects and assignments

Build a data science portfolio

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Showcase your skills and knowledge by creating a portfolio of data science projects

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Choose a project that you are passionate about
Collect and clean the data
Analyze the data and draw insights
Present your findings in a clear and concise way

Participate in data science competitions

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Challenge yourself and test your skills against other data scientists

Browse courses on Data Science

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Find a competition that interests you
Read the competition rules and requirements
Build a model and submit your results

Mentor junior data scientists

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Share your knowledge and experience with others to reinforce your own understanding

Browse courses on Data Science

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Find a junior data scientist to mentor
Provide guidance and support on data science projects
Share your knowledge and experience

Contribute to open-source data science projects

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Gain experience in working on real-world data science projects and contribute to the community

Browse courses on Data Science

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Find an open-source data science project that you are interested in
Read the project documentation and contribute code or documentation
Submit a pull request with your changes

Career center

Learners who complete Introduction to Data Science will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Data Scientist

Data Scientists participate in every phase of the data analysis process, from beginning to end. These professionals use their knowledge to gather, clean, analyze, and interpret data to provide insights to organizations. This course is a good starting point for anyone wishing to enter the field of Data Science. This course can help students build a foundation for data science by providing an introduction to its concepts and tools.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist

Data Analyst

Data Analysts can work alongside Data Scientists on certain projects or their role may be to maintain and manage the databases and other sources of information that are used by Data Scientists and other roles within the field. This course can help Data Analysts work more effectively with Data Scientists. It provides a good introduction to the field and the tools that Data Scientists use in their work.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst

Data Engineer

A Data Engineer will typically work with both Data Analysts and Data Scientists to prepare data and build and maintain the infrastructure used to store data. This course may help provide the context Data Engineers need to work alongside other team members. The course can help Data Engineers understand the goals and processes of Data Scientists and Data Analysts.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Engineer

Business Analyst

Business Analysts use data and analytics to help organizations make better decisions. Data Scientists are often part of a strategy team that informs the Business Analyst's work. This course may be helpful for Business Analysts to understand the context of data analytics and how Data Scientists contribute to the business decision-making process.

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Product Manager

Product Managers use data to understand the needs of customers and stakeholders. This course can provide the context Product Managers need to work with Data Scientists to build better products.

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Quantitative Analyst

Quantitative Analysts use data to assess risk and make investment decisions. This course may help provide the foundational knowledge of data science techniques needed to use data more effectively.

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Machine Learning Engineer

Machine Learning Engineers build and maintain the machine learning models that are used in various applications. This course may be helpful in understanding the context and applications of machine learning, which is a critical aspect of Data Science.

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Database Administrator

Database Administrators are responsible for maintaining the databases and other systems that store and manage data. This course can provide context on data management that may be helpful for Database Administrators.

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Software Engineer

Software Engineers build and maintain the software applications that are used to collect, process, and analyze data. This course can provide context on data science techniques and how they are used in software applications.

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Statistician

Statisticians use data to design and conduct statistical studies. This course may be helpful for developing a foundation in statistical analysis, which is an important aspect of Data Science.

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Data Architect

Data Architects design and manage the data architectures that are used to store and manage data. This course may provide context on the role of Data Science in data architecture.

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Market Researcher

Market Researchers use data to understand the needs and behaviors of customers and stakeholders. This course may be helpful for providing context on the role of Data Science in market research.

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Financial Analyst

Financial Analysts use data to analyze financial data and make investment decisions. This course may be helpful for understanding the basics of data analysis and how it is used in the financial industry.

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Operations Research Analyst

Operations Research Analysts use data to analyze and optimize operations and processes. This course may be helpful for understanding the basics of data analysis and how it is used in operations research.

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Actuary

Actuaries use data to assess risk and make insurance decisions. This course may be helpful for understanding the basics of data analysis and how it is used in the insurance industry.

See salaries and explore the career path for Actuary