Process Data from Dirty to Clean (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 be able to do the following:

- Learn how to check for data integrity.

- Discover data cleaning techniques using spreadsheets.

- Develop basic SQL queries for use on databases.

- Apply basic SQL functions for cleaning and transforming data.

- Gain an understanding of how to verify the results of cleaning data.

- Explore the elements and importance of data cleaning reports.

Course 4 of 8 in the Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate.
What You Will Learn

- Define data integrity with reference to types of integrity and risk to data integrity

- Apply basic SQL functions for use in cleaning string variables in a database

- Develop basic SQL queries for use on databases

- Describe the process involved in verifying the results of cleaning data

Syllabus

WEEK 1

Before you clean, check for integrity

As you start thinking about how to prepare your data for exploration, this part of the course will highlight why data integrity is so essential to successful decision-making. You’ll learn about how data is generated and the techniques analysts use to decide what data to collect for analysis. And you'll discover structured and unstructured data, data types, and data formats.

WEEK 2

All about clean data

Every data analyst wants clean data to work with when performing an analysis. In this part of the course, you’ll learn the difference between clean and dirty data. You’ll also explore data cleaning techniques using spreadsheets and other tools.

WEEK 3

Cleaning data in SQL

Knowing a variety of ways to clean data can make an analyst’s job much easier. In this part of the course, you’ll check out how to clean your data using SQL. You’ll explore queries and functions that you can use in SQL to clean and transform your data to get it ready for analysis.

WEEK 4

Verify and report your cleaning results

Cleaning your data is an important step in the data analysis process. Verifying and reporting your cleaning is a way to show that your data is ready for the next step. In this part of the course, you'll find out the processes involved with verifying and reporting data cleaning as well as their benefits.

WEEK 5

Optional: Adding data to your resume

Creating an effective resume will help you on your data analytics career path. In this part of the course, you’ll learn all about the job application process with a focus on crafting a resume that highlights your strengths and applicable experience. Even if you aren't applying to jobs yet, it's still a good time to improve your resume. It's like spring training for a first season in a major league–you don't want to miss it!

WEEK 6

Course challenge

Prepare for the course challenge by reviewing terms and definitions in the glossary. Then, demonstrate your knowledge of the importance of sample size, data integrity, and the connection of data to business objectives during the quiz. You will also have an opportunity to apply your skill with data cleaning techniques in both spreadsheets and SQL. Finally, document, report on, and verify your data-cleaning process and results.