Introduction to Data Science

Catalog description

This course introduces students to the growing field of data science through the presentation of introductory concepts in data management, preparation, presentation, and modeling, through an introduction to the computer tools and software commonly used to perform data analytics including R, Python, and SQL, and through a general overview of the machine learning techniques commonly applied to datasets for knowledge discovery. Concepts, techniques, and tools needed to deal with various facets of data science practice, including data science ethics, data collection and integration, exploratory data analysis, descriptive analyses, principles of statistical design and inference, and effective communication are introduced. Students will gain an understanding of the varied nature of data, their acquisition and preliminary analysis, which provide the requisite skills to succeed in further study and application of the data science field.