Introduction to Data Science

Overview

We live in a data rich society. Data is everywhere and in quantities we have never experienced. It is critically important for policy leaders, analysts, and program managers to gain an understanding of how data science can be used to positively support the decision-making process. A knowledge and skill base in data science is becoming an increasing desirable for individuals in all levels of government, non-profit, and business. Whatever the objective, a strong understanding of data science enables us to forecast emerging trends, identify potential future behaviour, discover patterns, inform policy, and generate meaning from the vast amount of data that streams in and through our work environments.

This course aims to provide participants with a strong understanding of the basic concepts of data science, how to apply them to their daily work, and how to adopt a data-oriented mindset.

Notes:

Overview course – programming and statistical skills are not essential.

Exercises will be completed with the help of free online software (no installation required).

Topics

• Data Insight Fundamentals
• Data Collection and Data Management
• Data Exploration and Visualization
• Data Processing and Data Preparation
• Basic Data Analysis
• Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence

Audience

• This course is suitable for anyone needing an introduction to data science and anyone who requires a baseline of understanding for how data science is linked to their daily work. It is appropriate for participants who are relatively new to the work world, as well as seasoned staff who wish to improve or refresh their data science skills.

Duration

Cost

• $1095 (plus tax)

Featured Instructor

Patrick Boily is a professor in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics at the University of Ottawa and a founding member of the Data Action Lab. Since 1999, he has taught more than 50 courses at universities in the Ottawa area and conducted more than 200 days of workshops for federal government employees on data science, data visualization and statistical analysis. His interests include the use of mathematics and statistics for decision support, and he has managed and participated in over 35 consulting projects throughout his career.

Sessions