FIT5145 · Foundations of data science

Overview

This unit looks at processes, case studies and simple tools to understand the many facets of working with data, and the significant effort in Data Science over and above the core task of Data Analysis. Working with data as part of a business model and the lifecycle in an organisation is considered, as well as business processes and case studies. Data and its handling is also introduced: characteristic kinds of data and its collection, data storage and basic kinds of data preparation, data cleaning and data stream processing. Styles of data analysis and outcomes of successful data exploration and analysis are reviewed. Standards, tools and resources are also reviewed. Basic curation and management are reviewed: archival and architectural practice, policy, legal and ethical issues.

Offerings

Assessment

The Handbook does not list a final examination among the assessment items. That is not a guarantee there is none.

Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.

Requisites

Learning outcomes

1. Analyse the role of data in organisations, including curation and management issues;
2. Apply basic tools for performing exploratory data analysis and visualisation;
3. Apply basic predictive modelling methods and integrate data analysis results to guide real-world decision making;
4. Apply basic tools for managing and processing big data;
5. Identify data resources, data storage, processing requirements, and recognised standards for a data science project;
6. Recognise and analyse ethical and security challenges inherent to data science.

Workload

Applied sessions are scheduled from week 2 to week 12. Minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of scheduled online and face to face learning activities and independent study. Independent study may include associated reading and preparation for scheduled teaching activities.

Student experience, not official rules. Nothing here changes what the Handbook says.