DA 101: Introduction to Data Analytics

Many of the most pressing problems in the world can be addressed with data. We are awash in data and modern citizenship demands that we become literate in how to interpret data, what assumptions and processes are necessary to analyze data, as well as how we might participate in generating our own analyses and presentations of data. Consequently, data analytics is an emerging field with skills applicable to a wide variety of disciplines. This course introduces analysis, computation, and presentation concerns through the investigation of data driven puzzles in wide array of fields – political, economic, historical, social, biological, and others. No previous experience is required.

Course Goals:

• Understand the different types of data and the value of data

• Collect, clean, store, and extract relevant data

• Create data visualizations and summary statistics

• Statistically analyze data and draw conclusions

• Create basic computer programs for analyzing data

• Communicate findings to a diverse, non-technical audience in both written and oral format

• Reflect on ethical, social, and legal issues in data collection and security

Some sample topics we work on over the course of the semester:

• Invasive garlic mustard plants

• Gathering parking data from Denison campus

• National trends in substance use and abuse

• Political polarization over time

• Basketball team performance

• Columbus rental home prices

The syllabus from fall 2018 can be seen here.