Students from any major can learn valuable career skills in data science course

Students in any major can learn the basics of data collection and analysis in a fall 2022 course designed to enable them to ask questions and explore 21st century problems using data.

“There are many careers that require a basic knowledge of data — how to collect it, how to analyze it, and how to present it in a visual format for various audiences,” said Martin Mohlenkamp, Ph.D., professor and chair of Mathematics in the College of Arts and Sciences. “For example, you might be working in a social services agency, an arts center, or an advertising firm where you need to create reports that illustrate the results of your work.

"Understanding how data is used, and being able to use it yourself, is a valuable skill for your life and for your career in many professions," Mohlenkamp added. "In this course we also delve into social and legal issues surrounding data analysis, including issues of privacy and data ownership.”

Students in this course will get hands-on experience working with real economic, geographic, social, and other types of data.

“You will learn powerful computational tools and ways of thinking. With the knowledge you gain in this course, you'll be able to explore problems in any field you're interested in," Mohlenkamp said.

MATH 2530 Introductory Data Science is designed for entry-level students from any major. No programming experience is needed. MATH placement level 2 is sufficient prerequisite. The course will meet Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 3:05 pm., plus a computer lab on Tuesdays at 2 p.m. For details, take a look at the syllabus.