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    Overview

    Introductory theory and methods for performing data-driven decision making. Measuring data quality, integration of data sources, learning algorithms, enabling behavioural change through data science, and ethical considerations.

    The importance of data science, and data analytic thinking, is becoming increasingly important in modern business environments. Businesses are relying upon data-driven decision making at an ever-increasing rate, so individuals with a mind towards data science thinking have a competitive advantage in industry. The role of data scientist has been referred to as "The Sexiest Job of the 21st Century", and there are currently many vacancies both in New Zealand and abroad seeking candidates with data science skills.

    In addition to being a core topic of Information Science, the concepts discussed in this paper would be of interest to a wide range of specialties, including: computer science, marketing, management, statistics and finance.

    About this paper

    Paper title Introduction to Data Science
    Subject Information Science
    EFTS 0.15
    Points 18 points
    Teaching period Semester 2 (On campus)
    Domestic Tuition Fees ( NZD ) $1,173.30
    International Tuition Fees Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website.
    Prerequisite
    36 points from BSNS 106, BSNS 112, COMP 101, COMP 120, COMP 150, COMP 151, COMP 160, COMP 161, COMP 162, INFO 130, STAT 110, or STAT 115
    Restriction
    INFO 213
    Schedule C
    Arts and Music, Commerce, Science
    Contact
    infoscience@otago.ac.nz
    Teaching staff

    Associate Professor Grant Dick grant.dick@otago.ac.nz 

    Paper Structure
    • Two 1-hour lectures per week
    • One 1-hour tutorial per week
    • One 2-hour lab per week
    Textbooks

    No required textbooks for this paper. A set of recommended readings and other useful resources will be provided at the start of the paper.

    Course outline
    http://www.otago.ac.nz/info-science/study/papers/INFO204.pdf
    Graduate Attributes Emphasised
    Interdisciplinary perspective, Scholarship, Critical thinking, Ethics, Communication, Information literacy.
    View more information about Otago's graduate attributes.
    Learning Outcomes

    Students who successfully complete the paper should be able to:

    1. Define data science as a field that integrates concepts from information technology and statistical/machine learning and combines with organisational context
    2. Describe the basic strengths and weaknesses of decision making based upon data science methodologies
    3. Explain the ethical and behavioural impacts and opportunities for innovation that data science methods can introduce within small and large businesses
    4. Perform basic data engineering for various data domains
    5. Apply basic data-driven modelling techniques to solve classification and regression problems
    6. Use appropriate visualisation and reporting techniques to convey knowledge acquired through data science processes.

    Timetable

    Semester 2

    Location
    Dunedin
    Teaching method
    This paper is taught On Campus
    Learning management system
    Blackboard

    Computer Lab

    Stream Days Times Weeks
    Attend one stream from
    A1 Wednesday 11:00-12:50 29-35, 37-40
    A2 Wednesday 13:00-14:50 29-35, 37-40
    A3 Thursday 10:00-11:50 29-35, 37-40
    A4 Friday 11:00-12:50 30-35, 37-41

    Lecture

    Stream Days Times Weeks
    Attend
    A1 Monday 14:00-14:50 29-35, 37-42
    Tuesday 14:00-14:50 29-35, 37-42

    Practical

    Stream Days Times Weeks
    Attend one stream from
    A1 Friday 17:00-18:50 36
    A2 Friday 19:00-20:50 36

    Tutorial

    Stream Days Times Weeks
    Attend one stream from
    A1 Thursday 12:00-12:50 29-35, 37-42
    A2 Thursday 13:00-13:50 29-35, 37-42
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