Data Science and Big Data Analysis

About

Data science is an exciting new area that combines scientific inquiry, statistical knowledge, substantive expertise and computer programming.

One of the main challenges for businesses and policymakers when using big data is to find people with the appropriate skills.

You will be introduced to the most fundamental data analytic tools and techniques and learn how to use specialised software to analyse real-world data and answer policy-relevant questions.

Week one
Principles of research design
Probability framework and statistical inference
Linear regression models

Week two
Classification models
Resampling methods
Model selection

Week three
Non-linear models
Tree-based models
Unsupervised learning
Unstructured data analysis

Course leader

Dr Niloufar Abourashchi, Dr Thomas Honnor

Course aim

This module aims to:

- Introduce you to the data‑science approach to quantitative analysis using statistical learning, blending classical statistical methods with recent advances in computational and machine learning.
- Teach the main analytical methods in this field through hands‑on applications using example datasets so that you gain experience of, and confidence in, the methods covered.
- Cover data preparation and processing, including working with structured databases, key‑value formatted data (JSON), and unstructured textual data.

Fee info