XBUS-500 - Foundations of Data Analytics and Data Science
Course Description
The first part of this one-day course explores data science and data analytics in their historical context and examines the environmental factors that precipitated the field’s rise to prominence. Students will learn how the field differs from more traditional academic fields such as statistics or computer science and will discuss the various skills required for a successful career in data analytics.
The second part of the course is a primer on programming in Python. Students will focus on programming structure and syntax as well as complete basic exercises. The instructor will also review the technical applications students will use throughout the certificate program.
Course Objectives
Upon successful completion of the course, students will:
- Understand the genesis of the field of data science and analytics
- Have a basic understanding of programming in Python
- Know the key skills for a successful data practitioner
Notes
Enrollment in this course is restricted. Students must submit an application and be accepted into the Certificate in Data Science in order to register for this course.
Current Georgetown students must create an application using their Georgetown NetID and password. New students will be prompted to create an account.
Course Prerequisites
Course prerequisites include:
- A bachelor's degree or equivalent
- Completion of at least two college-level math courses (e.g. statistics, calculus, etc.)
- Basic familiarity with programming or a programming language
- A laptop for class meetings and coursework
Students who do not have a basic familiarity with computer programming are strongly encouraged to review Python.org's beginners guide for non-programmers for resources to start learning about the Python programming language.