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61,879 ratings

Rav Ahuja +1 more instructor

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Part of the Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences degree
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IBM Skills Network

About this Course

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Do you want to know why Data Science has been labelled as the sexiest profession of the 21st century? After taking this course you will be able to answer this question, and get a thorough understanding of what is Data Science, what data scientists do, and learn about career paths in the field. 
The art of uncovering the insights and trends in data has been around since ancient times. The ancient Egyptians used census data to increase efficiency in tax collection and they accurately predicted the flooding of the Nile river every year. Since then, people using data to derive insights and predict outcomes have carved out a unique and distinct field for the work they do. This field is data science.  

In today's world, we use Data Science to find patterns in data, and make meaningful, data driven conclusions and predictions.  

This course is for everyone, and teaches concepts like Machine Learning, Deep Learning, and Neural Networks  and how companies apply data science in business.  

You will meet several data scientists, who will share their insights and experiences in Data Science. By taking this introductory course, you will begin your journey into the thriving field that is Data Science!

Flexible deadlines

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Shareable Certificate

Earn a Certificate upon completion

100% online

Start instantly and learn at your own schedule.

Coursera Labs

Includes hands on learning projects.

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Beginner Level

This self-paced course is suitable for everyone! No prior experience or degree required.

Approx. 7 hours to complete

English

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What you will learn

Define data science and its importance in today’s data-driven world.
Describe the various paths that can lead to a career in data science.
Summarize advice given by seasoned data science professionals to data scientists who are just starting out.
Explain why data science is considered the most in-demand job in the 21st century.

Skills you will gain

Data Science
Deep Learning
Machine Learning
Big Data
Data Mining

Flexible deadlines

Reset deadlines in accordance to your schedule.

Shareable Certificate

Earn a Certificate upon completion

100% online

Start instantly and learn at your own schedule.

Coursera Labs

Includes hands on learning projects.

Learn more about Coursera Labs

Beginner Level

This self-paced course is suitable for everyone! No prior experience or degree required.

Approx. 7 hours to complete

English

Could your company benefit from training employees on in-demand skills?

Try Coursera for Business

Instructors

Instructor rating

4.7/5 (16,159 Ratings)

Rav Ahuja

Global Program Director

IBM Skills Network

1,546,949 Learners

35 Courses

Alex Aklson

Ph.D., Data Scientist

806,319 Learners

22 Courses

Offered by

IBM Skills Network

IBM is the global leader in business transformation through an open hybrid cloud platform and AI, serving clients in more than 170 countries around the world. Today 47 of the Fortune 50 Companies rely on the IBM Cloud to run their business, and IBM Watson enterprise AI is hard at work in more than 30,000 engagements. IBM is also one of the world’s most vital corporate research organizations, with 28 consecutive years of patent leadership. Above all, guided by principles for trust and transparency and support for a more inclusive society, IBM is committed to being a responsible technology innovator and a force for good in the world.

Start working towards your Bachelor's degree

This course is part of the 100% online Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences from IBM Skills Network. If you are admitted to the full program, your courses count towards your degree learning.

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Syllabus - What you will learn from this course

Content Rating97%(144,240 ratings)

Week1

Week 1

2 hours to complete

Defining Data Science and What Data Scientists Do

2 hours to complete

8 videos (Total 27 min), 4 readings, 2 quizzes

8 videos

What is Data Science?2mFundamentals of Data Science2mThe Many Paths to Data Science3mAdvice for New Data Scientists2mA day in the Life of a Data Scientist3mOld problems, new problems, Data Science solutions3mData Science Topics and Algorithms3mCloud for Data Science3m

4 readings

Course Syllabus10mProfessional Certificate Career Support10mLesson Summary10mLesson Summary10m

2 practice exercises

Data Science: The Sexiest Job in the 21st Century9mWhat Makes Someone a Data Scientist?9m

Week2

Week 2

2 hours to complete

Data Science Topics

In this module, you will hear from Norman White, the Faculty Director of the Stern Centre for Research Computing at New York University, as he talks about data science and the skills required for anyone interested in pursuing a career in this field. He also advises those looking to start a career in data science. Finally, you will complete reading assignments to learn about the process of mining a given dataset and about regression analysis.

2 hours to complete

8 videos (Total 39 min), 2 readings, 2 quizzes

Week3

Week 3

4 hours to complete

Data Science in Business

In this module, you will learn about the approaches companies can take to start working with data science. You will learn about some of the qualities that differentiate data scientists from other professionals. You will also learn about analytics, story-telling, and the pivotal role data scientists play in creating an effective final deliverable. Finally, you will apply what you learned about data science by answering open-ended questions.

4 hours to complete

7 videos (Total 32 min), 4 readings, 4 quizzes

7 videos

How Data Science is saving lives4mHow Should Companies Get Started in Data Science?2mApplications of Data Science3mHow Can Someone Become a Data Scientist?5mRecruiting for Data Science7mCareers in Data Science2mHigh School Students and Data Science Careers4m

4 readings

Lesson Summary10mLesson Summary10mLesson Summary10mIBM Digital Badge2m

3 practice exercises

The Final Deliverable9mThe Report Structure9mFinal Exam36m

Reviews

4.7

11854 reviews

5 stars
75.92%
4 stars
19.17%
3 stars
3.26%
2 stars
0.79%
1 star
0.82%

TOP REVIEWS FROM WHAT IS DATA SCIENCE?

by MOJun 15, 2022

Out of the plethora information, sometines confusion, this course provided me with great appreciation of data science, skill set that needs to be built to become a data scientist and stay competitive.

by PVOct 5, 2019

The unique way the definitions of Data Science and Scientist were explained was exemplary. Hearing from experts and people who are practicing Data science is what made the course interesting thus far.

by APJan 15, 2022

I throughly enjoyed the course and the fact that everything was explained thoroughly. I always enjoyed Dr. White's personal experience with Data Science as well as other Data Scientists point of view.

by NFAug 26, 2019

This section of the course is decidedly an orientation and not so much an introduction. It leaves more to the student to wonder, which perhaps is intended to encourage students and not to hammer them.

View all reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

When will I have access to the lectures and assignments?
Access to lectures and assignments depends on your type of enrollment. If you take a course in audit mode, you will be able to see most course materials for free. To access graded assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience, during or after your audit. If you don't see the audit option:
The course may not offer an audit option. You can try a Free Trial instead, or apply for Financial Aid.
The course may offer 'Full Course, No Certificate' instead. This option lets you see all course materials, submit required assessments, and get a final grade. This also means that you will not be able to purchase a Certificate experience.
What will I get if I subscribe to this Certificate?
When you enroll in the course, you get access to all of the courses in the Certificate, and you earn a certificate when you complete the work. Your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile. If you only want to read and view the course content, you can audit the course for free.

More questions? Visit the Learner Help Center.

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What is Data Science?

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