Statistics for Data Science Essentials (Coursera)

Statistics for Data Science Essentials (Coursera)

Review the basics of discrete math and probability before enhancing your probability skills and learning how to interpret data with tools such as the central limit theorem, confidence intervals and more. Complete short weekly mathematical assignments.

Class Deals by MOOC List - Click here and see Coursera's Active Discounts, Deals, and Promo Codes.

This course is part of the AI and Machine Learning Essentials with Python Specialization.

Syllabus

Week 1: Getting Started with Statistics for Data Science
In the first week of the course, we’ll introduce you to a broad definition of data science and go over some of its main building blocks. To prepare, we'll spend some time reviewing discrete math fundamentals. By the end of the week, we will solve our first data science task using random sampling.

Week 2: Probability
The second week of our course is devoted to probability: since probability is the main language used by almost every data science concept, we will commit some time to deepening our understanding of it. By the end of the week, you will have far more tools in your probability toolkit, which will serve you throughout your AI and machine learning journey.

Week 3: Statistical Estimation
In this week, we will build up our general framework of statistical estimation, taking from several of the concepts we have discussed and more that we will continue to add this week. We will start by going over the sample mean, and we will analyze how good this is as an estimator. We will then explore the Central Limit Theorem, one of the most effective and widely-used tools in statistics and data science. We will also continue some probability review.

Week 4: Confidence Intervals & Point Estimation
Now that we have learned the important machinery of the Central Limit Theorem, we are ready to learn about confidence intervals this week. Confidence intervals are the main quantities to characterize error bars in almost any area of data science and machine learning. After going through confidence intervals and some examples, we will also explore a more general perspective on estimation: point estimation.

Go to Class
MOOC List is learner-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Related Courses

Inferential Statistics (Coursera) Coursera
Duke University

Inferential Statistics (Coursera)

This course covers commonly used statistical inference methods for numerical and categorical data. You will learn how to set up and perform hypothesis tests, interpret p-values, and report the results of your analysis in a way that is interpretable for clients or the public. Using numerous data examples, you will learn to report estimates of quantities in a way that expresses the uncertainty of the quantity of interest. You will be guided through installing and using R and RStudio (free statistical software), and will use this software for lab exercises and a final project. The course introduces practical tools for performing data analysis and explores the fundamental concepts necessary to interpret and report results for both categorical and numerical data.

Oct 26th 2026
5-12 Weeks
Statistics and Data Analysis with Excel, Part 1 (Coursera) Coursera
University of Colorado Boulder

Statistics and Data Analysis with Excel, Part 1 (Coursera)

Designed for students with no prior statistics knowledge, this course will provide a foundation for further study in data science, data analytics, or machine learning. Topics include descriptive statistics, probability, and discrete and continuous probability distributions. Assignments are conducted in Microsoft Excel (Windows or Mac versions). Designed to be taken with the follow-up course, “Statistics and Data Analysis with Excel, Part 2.”

Oct 26th 2026
5-12 Weeks
Making Data Science Work for Clinical Reporting (Coursera) Coursera
Genentech

Making Data Science Work for Clinical Reporting (Coursera)

This course is aimed to demonstrate how principles and methods from data science can be applied in clinical reporting. By the end of the course, learners will understand what requirements there are in reporting clinical trials, and how they impact on how data science is used. The learner will see how they can work efficiently and effectively while still ensuring that they meet the needed standards.

Nov 2nd 2026
4 Weeks
Data science perspectives on pandemic management (Coursera) Coursera
Politecnico di Milano

Data science perspectives on pandemic management (Coursera)

The COVID-19 pandemic is one of the first world-wide scenarios where data made a difference in capturing and analyzing the diffusion and impact of the disease. We offer an introductory course for decision makers, policy makers, public bodies, NGOs, and private organizations about methods, tools, and experiences on the use of data for managing current and future pandemic scenarios.

Nov 2nd 2026
5-12 Weeks
Foundations of Data Science: K-Means Clustering in Python (Coursera) Coursera
University of London,Goldsmiths, University of London

Foundations of Data Science: K-Means Clustering in Python (Coursera)

This MOOC, designed by an academic team from Goldsmiths, University of London, will quickly introduce you to the core concepts of Data Science to prepare you for intermediate and advanced Data Science courses. It focuses on the basic mathematics, statistics and programming skills that are necessary for typical data analysis tasks.

Nov 2nd 2026
5-12 Weeks
Understanding Clinical Research: Behind the Statistics (Coursera) Coursera
University of Cape Town

Understanding Clinical Research: Behind the Statistics (Coursera)

If you’ve ever skipped over`the results section of a medical paper because terms like “confidence interval” or “p-value” go over your head, then you’re in the right place. You may be a clinical practitioner reading research articles to keep up-to-date with developments in your field or a medical student wondering how to approach your own research. Greater confidence in understanding statistical analysis and the results can benefit both working professionals and those undertaking research themselves.

Oct 26th 2026
5-12 Weeks
Estadística y probabilidad (Coursera) Coursera
Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México

Estadística y probabilidad (Coursera)

En este curso podrás apoyar tu formación en temas de estadística y probabilidad I. Más allá de que encuentres aquí un apoyo para lograr una calificación, el curso busca ayudarte a que adquieras los aprendizajes que comprenden temas de estadística descriptiva, datos bivariados y probabilidad, los cuales te serán de utilidad en tu paso por la licenciatura y en tu vida profesional.

Oct 26th 2026
4 Weeks
Data Science Math Skills (Coursera) Coursera
Duke University

Data Science Math Skills (Coursera)

Data science courses contain math—no avoiding that! This course is designed to teach learners the basic math you will need in order to be successful in almost any data science math course and was created for learners who have basic math skills but may not have taken algebra or pre-calculus. Data Science Math Skills introduces the core math that data science is built upon, with no extra complexity, introducing unfamiliar ideas and math symbols one-at-a-time.

Nov 2nd 2026
4 Weeks
Improving Your Statistical Questions (Coursera) Coursera
Eindhoven University of Technology

Improving Your Statistical Questions (Coursera)

This course aims to help you to ask better statistical questions when performing empirical research. We will discuss how to design informative studies, both when your predictions are correct, as when your predictions are wrong. We will question norms, and reflect on how we can improve research practices to ask more interesting questions.

Nov 2nd 2026
5-12 Weeks
Probability and Statistics: To p or not to p? (Coursera) Coursera
University of London

Probability and Statistics: To p or not to p? (Coursera)

We live in an uncertain and complex world, yet we continually have to make decisions in the present with uncertain future outcomes. Indeed, we should be on the look-out for "black swans" - low-probability high-impact events. To study, or not to study? To invest, or not to invest? To marry, or not to marry?

Nov 2nd 2026
5-12 Weeks
Fundamentos de estadística aplicada (Coursera) Coursera
Universidad de los Andes

Fundamentos de estadística aplicada (Coursera)

El curso está orientado a profesionales de diferentes campos, que estén interesados en adquirir conceptos fundamentales de estadística aplicada. El contenido del curso será particularmente útil para profesionales que estén interesados en adelantar estudios de postgrado en ingeniería, administración o economía, entre otras profesiones, y que requieran de una adecuada fundamentación en estadística.

Oct 26th 2026
4 Weeks