Foundations: Data, Data, Everywhere (Coursera)

Learners who complete this certificate program will be equipped to apply for introductory-level jobs as data analysts. No previous experience is necessary.

By the end of this course, you will:

- Gain an understanding of the practices and processes used by a junior or associate data analyst in their day-to-day job.

- Learn about key analytical skills (data cleaning, data analysis, data visualization) and tools (spreadsheets, SQL, R programming, Tableau) that you can add to your professional toolbox.

- Discover a wide variety of terms and concepts relevant to the role of a junior data analyst, such as the data life cycle and the data analysis process.

- Evaluate the role of analytics in the data ecosystem.

- Conduct an analytical thinking self-assessment.

- Explore job opportunities available to you upon program completion, and learn about best practices in the job search.

What You Will Learn

- Define and explain key concepts involved in data analytics including data, data analysis, and data ecosystem

- Conduct an analytical thinking self assessment giving specific examples of the application of analytical thinking

- Discuss the role of spreadsheets, query languages, and data visualization tools in data analytics

- Describe the role of a data analyst with specific reference to jobs/positions

Course 1 of 8 in the Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate.

Syllabus

WEEK 1

Introducing data analytics

Data helps us make decisions in everyday life and in business. In this first part of the course, you’ll learn how data analysts use data analytics and the tools of their trade to inform those decisions. You’ll also discover more about this course and the overall program expectations.

WEEK 2

Thinking analytically

Data analysts balance many different roles in their work. In this part of the course, you’ll learn about some of these roles and the key skills used by analysts. You’ll also explore analytical thinking and how it relates to data-driven decision-making.

WEEK 3

Exploring the wonderful world of data

Data has its own life cycle, and the work of data analysts often intersects with that cycle. In this part of the course, you’ll learn how the data life cycle and data analysts' work both relate to your progress through this program. You’ll also be introduced to applications used in the data analysis process.

WEEK 4

Setting up a data toolbox

Spreadsheets, query languages, and data visualization tools are all a big part of a data analyst’s job. In this part of the course, you’ll learn the basic concepts involved and explore some examples of how these tools work.

WEEK 5

Discovering data career possibilities

Businesses of all kinds value the work done by data analysts. In this part of the course, you’ll find out about these businesses and the specific jobs and tasks that analysts perform for them. You’ll also learn how your data analyst certificate will help you meet many of the requirements for a position with these businesses.