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What is Data and Data Science?

The aim of this course is to explain what is meant by data, big data and data science.

The course also provides a contemporary introduction to data science, explaining its origins from datalogy, computer science and statistics, to its establishment as a stand-alone field and the emergence of the data science profession in the early 2000s.

 

Course Details Enquire

Course
Level

1 day of learning

Face-to-face training

Course aims


The aim of this course is to explain what is meant by data, big data and data science.

The course explains how data has evolved over millennia from simple marks on bones (43000 BCE) into today’s (big) data, discussing the challenges, successes and failures of data, including a particularly (in)famous big data failure by one of the world’s leading data-led firms.

The course also provides a contemporary introduction to data science, explaining its origins from datalogy, computer science and statistics, to its establishment as a stand-alone field and the emergence of the data science profession in the early 2000s. The course then explores the work of data scientists and considers the skills a good data scientist should have.

The course concludes by considering three data science applications: graph networks and how they can can be used to detect financial fraud; how synthetic data is created and its applications; and Natural Language Processing and the challenges involved understanding human language.

Learning Outcomes


1.   Understand the core issues of data and big data.
1.1 Explain what is meant by the terms data and big data.
1.2 Explain the Vs of big data.
1.3 Understand the challenges and criticisms of big data.

2.   Understand the core issues of data science.
2.1 Understand what is meant by the terms data science and data scientist.
2.2 Understand how data science is related to other academic fields.
2.3 Understand the skills of a good data scientist.
2.4 Understand the challenges and applications of data science.

Our learning materials


All of our learning materials are written by expert data scientists reflecting their extensive academic and real-world data science experience.

Our materials are then thoroughly reviewed by our Curriculum Director, and by our internal quality assurance team before being peer reviewed by luminaries in the field of data science.  For example, elements of our "What is Data and Data Science" course were peer reviewed by leading academics from the University of Copenhagen – the very birthplace of data science.  In addition our learning materials are extensively peer reviewed by the CPD Certification Service.

Each delegate that attends this course will receive:

  • The slides used in the training session.
  • A PDF of our core learning materials.
  • A multiple-choice knowledge quiz (with fully worked solutions) on the course materials.
  • A selection of academic papers, articles, blogs and other relevant materials to give delegates a wider understanding of the course.

Our tutors


We only recruit highly qualified and experienced data scientists as tutors.  Our tutors must have an MSc (or higher) from a top-tier UK university, and have or must be working towards a relevant teaching qualification such as a Level 4 Diploma in Education and Training (RQF).

 

 

 

 

Who is it for?


Our courses range in technical difficulty from beginner to advanced, with a number of our courses specifically designed for senior executives, board members and professionals who do not need the finer technical detail but do need to understand what is happening in the data world.

All our corporate training courses are CPD accredited, and are ideal for:

  • Board members and senior executives who need to understand the latest trends in AI when executing their fiduciary duties.
  • Professionals (e.g. lawyers, doctors, bankers, accountants, auditors etc) that do not directly work with data or in the field of data science, but increasingly need to know high-level issues related to artificial intelligence, machine learning or deep learning.
  • Project managers or scrum masters who are leading technical teams.
  • Trainee or junior data analysts or data scientists.

What is Continuing Professional Development (CPD)?


Continuing Professional Development (CPD) is a commitment to ongoing lifelong learning.

CPD encourages looking forward and identifying opportunities to learn something new, refresh existing knowledge, improve skills, or simply keep up to date with the latest developments within a particular profession or industry.  CPD enables learning to become conscious and proactive, rather than passive and reactive.

CPD is a holistic approach towards the enhancement of personal skills and proficiency throughout a professional’s career.

cpduk.co.uk

 

CPD hours


All delegates that attend and participate in this course will receive a CPD certificate confirming the course, date attended and the number of CPD hours of training and development.

 

 

To deliver our courses, we use a number of training venues throughout the UK, including at Ashorne Hill in Warwickshire.

However, if you prefer, we can provide training at your offices or at a suitable alternative venue.  Please contact us to discuss your needs in detail.

 

Ashorne Hill


Ashorne Hill is a learning and development centre set in 35 acres of stunning grounds in the Warwickshire countryside.  As a dedicated learning and development centre, Ashorne Hill has exceptional facilities including:

  • Over 40 meeting and training spaces, with meeting rooms ranging in capacity from 8 to 150 people.
  • Complimentary tea, coffee, and water throughout the day.
  • Free, secure car parking for 300 cars with access to 8 EV charging stations.
  • A dining room that serves breakfasts, hot and cold lunches, and snacks.  Private dining options are also available.
  • 35 acres of grounds, including various outdoor spaces and a secret garden which delegates are free to explore during breaks.  In the summer months, the outdoor area and terrace can be used for a BBQ, paella or tapas.

 

Ashorne Hill Outside

Ashorne Hill Inside