UC Berkeley School of Information
Data Science Essentials
Harness data to scale your organization and meet your business objectives
Start date
15 September 2021
Enroll by 07 September 2021
Course duration
6 weeks
Excluding orientation
Language
English
Access resources from start date
Effort
8–10 hours per week
Self-paced learning online
Course overview
The percentage of Fortune 1000 companies investing in data initiatives.
Business Wire (Jan, 2021).
The projected global value of the big data analytics market by 2027.
Research and Markets (Jan, 2020).
Duration: 6 weeks (excluding orientation)
Big data has transformed, and continues to transform, the global business environment, with data scientists and analysts becoming prized assets within organizations. There’s now a need for managers and working professionals to understand the principles and value of data science, and use this to inform business decisions, and recruit and retain the right talent to drive change.1
With insights from the UC Berkeley School of Information (I School), the Data Science Essentials online short course aims to equip you with the fundamentals of data science and the requirements for learning from big data. You’ll learn the foundations of data science for business, allowing you to articulate the value this implementation can bring, and apply it for success.
1 Forbes (Oct, 2018).
Is this course for you?
While most data science courses focus on the technical skills of becoming a data scientist, the primary focus of this course is the non-technical skills required to understand and make informed decisions on the impact data science can have on your business.
The course is aimed at business leaders who are eager to understand how the field of data science can be harnessed to drive organizational value. Professionals leading a team of analysts or data scientists will benefit from the foundational principles. Senior managers and executives will gain the technical acumen needed to be more effective in strengthening the data science capabilities of their business. For leaders intent on driving a greater data science awareness in business and team collaborations, the iterative nature of the course material will support this application.
Course overview
Introduction
Duration: 6 weeks (excluding orientation)
Big data has transformed, and continues to transform, the global business environment, with data scientists and analysts becoming prized assets within organizations. There’s now a need for managers and working professionals to understand the principles and value of data science, and use this to inform business decisions, and recruit and retain the right talent to drive change.1
With insights from the UC Berkeley School of Information (I School), the Data Science Essentials online short course aims to equip you with the fundamentals of data science and the requirements for learning from big data. You’ll learn the foundations of data science for business, allowing you to articulate the value this implementation can bring, and apply it for success.
1 Forbes (Oct, 2018).
Is this course for you?
While most data science courses focus on the technical skills of becoming a data scientist, the primary focus of this course is the non-technical skills required to understand and make informed decisions on the impact data science can have on your business.
The course is aimed at business leaders who are eager to understand how the field of data science can be harnessed to drive organizational value. Professionals leading a team of analysts or data scientists will benefit from the foundational principles. Senior managers and executives will gain the technical acumen needed to be more effective in strengthening the data science capabilities of their business. For leaders intent on driving a greater data science awareness in business and team collaborations, the iterative nature of the course material will support this application.
What will set you apart
The knowledge to make informed decisions regarding data science and its impact on your business.
The ability to establish a team capable of delivering results through data science analytics.
An understanding of how complex data can be harnessed to grow and scale an organization, and the skills to tackle the challenges associated with leading a data science project.Course curriculum
Orientation module
Welcome to your Online Campus
Module 1
Principles of data science
Module 2
Data science processes, impact, and functions
Module 3
Modern applications of data science
Module 4
Building a data science team
Module 5
Measuring the success of data science projects
Module 6
Digital transformation strategies
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What past students
think
Arlene Lozano
Director of Monitoring and Evaluation, Orbis International
After attending a big data workshop, I spoke to my boss about wanting to become a data scientist. His response? ‘No, but you should learn how to manage data scientists.’ This course was a perfect match. The online format and content were exactly what I needed to gain the vocabulary and know-how to engage my leadership in supporting a data science pilot project, which I have developed in detail as part of my ongoing assignments for this course.
Faculty Director
Edward Fine
Lecturer, Data Scientist, and Consultant, UC Berkeley School of Information
About the certificate
Get recognized for your knowledge on the elements of data science when you earn an official certificate of completion from the UC Berkeley School of Information.
Assessment is continuous and based on a series of practical assignments completed online. In order to be issued with a certificate, you’ll need to meet the requirements outlined in the course handbook. The handbook will be made available to you as soon as you begin the course.
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Want to know more?
Why choose GetSmarter?
GetSmarter, powered by 2U, is an online learning expert with over 10 years' experience in developing premium online short courses from the world’s leading universities and institutions. We are powered by 2U to support you in unlocking your potential through life-changing learning with an immersive and high-touch experience.
We deliver market-led courses that equip working professionals with the expertise required to upskill, reskill or kickstart a completely new career. Through a data-driven approach, we analyze future skills requirements and ensure all courses address this need. We ensure that leading universities and institutions are your expert guides and our people, technology, and resources are your engine – together we power more than just education, we power your potential.
Find out more about GetSmarter’s approach to digital learning, course design, and online delivery here.
Payment options
You can pay your course fees before the course starts, or you may opt for a split payment plan on courses that are nine weeks and shorter. For courses 10 weeks and longer, there is a three-part payment plan available. To find out more about payment options please visit our Payment and Financing page, or contact an Enrollment Adviser, to find out which option you qualify for.
Manage your time
GetSmarter's learning model is designed to help you, as a working professional, improve your skills without compromising on work and family responsibilities. The course work is broken up into weekly, manageable bite-sized modules, with incremental deadlines, designed to help you pace yourself over the duration of the course and allow you the legroom to work when it suits you best.
At the beginning of each module you'll be presented with the course content and assignments necessary for completion. You also have access to your Success Adviser who will help you manage your time, and support you with any administrative or technical queries you might have.
Seek employer assistance
By improving your skills and industry knowledge, you'll have an influence on the success of your organization. Why wouldn't you ask your boss to help you fund your studies if it's going to have an impact on the way you do business?
Of our past students, 37 percent have received financial assistance from their employers. You can ask for help, too. Here is a guide to show you how to request financial assistance from your employer.
If you are a Learning & Development (L&D) manager, or involved in training and upskilling for an organization, you can request information regarding our corporate offering on our GetSmarter for business page.
How to change your start date
As part of our commitment to your professional development, GetSmarter offers you a two-week period to change your course start date or request your money back if you’re not fully satisfied.
To qualify for a deferral of your course start date, or to cancel your enrollment and receive a refund of your course fee, your request would need to reach our Success Advisers before the release of Module 2. For more information, please read our Terms and Conditions.
Discover the Online Campus
The Online Campus will be your virtual classroom for the duration of your course. Through its easy-to-use interface you'll have access to a diverse variety of course content formats including: interactive videos, module notes, practice quizzes, presentations, assignment briefs, and additional web resources.
On the Online Campus, you'll also be able to ask questions and interact with your fellow students and teaching team through the discussion forums. If you are looking for your Online Campus login, please see the list of university partner login pages here.
